#[ when she's boarded the train and needs to jump off. that moment is /the/ moment where she makes a huge decision. ]

[srgntjamesbuckybarnes]

The List (5)

Summary: When a hit list spreads around New York, Bucky’s ex-wife is the only one with any information.

Rating: Mature

Pairing: Mafia Bucky Barnes x Ex-Wife Reader

Warnings: None

Word Count: 3.5k

A/N: Not Beta’d. Thank you for all of the comments. I read them all! Let me know if I missed you in the taglist!

Series Masterlist

Previous Chapter

Chapter 5

Nothing ages the soul faster than pain. Y/N had spent the entirety of her marriage to Bucky nestled under his wing. Warm. Safe. Hidden. He had always been her protector. The second her life was threatened she fell back into familiar habits. No matter how far she jumped, gravity always dragged her back down to Bucky Barnes. A sick joke from the universe or fate? Y/N would never know. She wasn’t the same person Bucky previously married, but neither was he. When they had first wed, neither could imagine a life without one another but if the divorce proved them wrong, why were they back where they started?

Like a snake shedding its skin, the pair was forced to grow. Each new scale bound together like the armor of a knight. The protective layer of thick skin was worn with honor, displayed like a war trophy. Neither one of them had made it out of the divorce unscathed, but they had both survived it. Bucky never doubted Y/N was the one for him, their timing had just been off. Right person, wrong time. Life is like a string. The ending and beginning are always the same, people are born and then they die. It’s all the knots in between that mold people and their relationships. Y/N and Bucky hit a knot in their string. Their perfect marriage became messy and tangled but if they could unravel the knot the string could resume its course. Y/N hoped all of their time spent apart had allowed them to grow together, not apart like they had thought.

Bucky had always held the power in their relationship, but now he was a king in check, trapped behind bars. Y/N was free, free to make moves. Steve had been right. The queen held all of the power. She had been playing the game wrong all along. It wasn’t her who needed protection, it was Bucky. He had just handed her access to the board, to his men. Y/N filed her nails and sharpened her teeth. The prey had become the predator and Y/N was ready to hunt.

Dancing her way into the kitchen with a newfound confidence, Y/N skidded to a halt at the sight of Steve. A coffee mug pressed against his lips as he occupied a stool at the end of the island. He barely spared her a glance, his focus trained on the newspaper in front of him. Y/N would have found it offensive had she not known the man. He had always been more of a brother to Bucky, and she had come to see him as a brother-in-law. She respected him. That was the reason she halted. He wouldn’t approve of her decision.

Clearing her throat, Y/N held her head high as her bare feet padded across the kitchen.

“Morning,” Steve’s deep voice rumbled.

With her back turned to him, Y/N poured herself a cup of coffee mumbling her own greeting. She needed a firm hand to guide her in Bucky’s world, but she hadn’t forgotten the way Steve toyed with her. Maybe he was disappointed Bucky hadn’t left him in charge. It didn’t matter now. Bucky appointed her. At least that’s what Steve told her.

She could hear the crinkle of the newspaper turning before he spoke, “Did you give my advice some thought?”

It was now or never. Y/N clasped her mug between her palms and sauntered across from Steve. Again, he didn’t acknowledge her standing across from him, his head buried in the paper. The sound of her mug connecting with the marble finally caught his attention. The blonde’s head snapped up to face her.

“I did,” Y/N said slowly, dragging the words out.

Steve raised an eyebrow folding the newspaper in front of him. “And?” He pressed; his hands folded on top of the printed paper.

Y/N eyed him for a moment, her tongue pressed against the roof of her mouth. “I’ve decided to take another direction.” Steve shook his head, his pink lips parted. Y/N could taste the argument on his lips so she beat him to it. “You’re demoted, Steve.” The bewildered look on his face almost made her take it back, almost.

“You’re not serious, Y/N.”

The way he said it made her jaw tick. It was a statement rather than a question. As if she wasn’t capable of being serious. As if he didn’t take her seriously. He was the child, not her. Pressing her palms into the marble countertop, she leaned forward. “You may have been right yesterday but what you did was childish. You may have Bucky’s best interest at heart and be Bucky’s best right-hand man, but you are not mine.” Steve opened his mouth again, but Y/N held up a hand. “I get it, Steve, really, I do. Bucky is your friend. It was you picking up the pieces when I moved out but that doesn’t excuse your methods with me. I love you Stevie, but I need someone who is going to be upfront with me and not play these games you and Bucky orchestrated. I need my best right-hand man, not Bucky’s.”

The stool screeched against the tile floor as Steve stood. “You’re making a mistake, Y/N. Bucky will be out soon and when he is, he will undo everything you change.”

Sipping her coffee mug, Y/N smiled. “Then it is my mistake to make. If I fail, you win. Enjoy this demotion. Take a break, go on vacation.”

“Lives are at risk Y/N, it is not the time to experiment,” Steve growled.

“Then Bucky wouldn’t have appointed me.” Y/N picked up her mug ready to exit the kitchen. “Effective immediately, Bucky will report to me.” Exiting the kitchen, the conversation was dismissed.

A nagging feeling in the back of her mind warned her she was making a mistake. That she should listen to Steve. He was in the business longer, he knew better. Y/N shook the feeling away, her feet carrying her across the house in search of her right-hand man. Bucky trusted her. She knew the enemy better than any of Bucky’s men. She hadn’t made her decision on a whim; Loki knew where Bucky was and was expecting Steve to take over. It was the logical thing to do.

“Hey Y/N, where are you off to in such a hurry?”

Y/N smiled at the familiar voice. Exactly who she was looking for. “Hey, Sam. I was going to head to the prison, but I wanted to get your opinion on something first.”

Sam crossed his arms across his chest. “Shoot.”

“How would you feel about a promotion?”

Strumming her nails against the cold metal table, Y/N counted down the seconds the inmates would stroll through the door. Bucky was finally able to receive in-person visits. Her chest tightened at the thought of finally feeling his hand in hers, his arms wrapped around her, his lips against her own. Being so close yet so far was torture but she wasn’t here for Bucky. At least not yet.

Sam sat at a separate table a few feet beside her. He was just as eager to see his boss, his friend, but he had mastered controlling his emotions. Sam had been in the business for years. Prison wasn’t anything new to him. He visited plenty of people, even he mentored some of them before he joined Bucky. Sam was no stranger to visiting friends in prison, but visiting Bucky in prison was new. Steve had been Bucky’s primary contact since his arrest. How would he take Y/N cutting Steve off of him? Sam’s mind swirled with a million possibilities of the kind of man that would walk through the door. Would he still be the boss he knew or worse? The answer was neither.

A buzz rang out alerting the visitors of the arrival of the inmates before the door opened. Each visitor rose from their chair in unison fighting to make their presence known in the same way one would when picking up an individual from an airport. A sea of orange piled into the room followed by the rattle of handcuffs. Despite the matching uniforms, one person stood out amongst the rest. Bucky. His 6-foot frame towered over the other men. The white sling across his chest stuck out like a sore thumb.

Sam couldn’t help but scoff at Bucky’s appearance. Steve had told him Bucky was doing well but Sam had expected him to look rougher. A wolf in sheep's clothing; a true chameleon. Bucky was able to blend in anywhere, prison was no exception.

Bucky shuffled into the gray room one foot in front of the other. His shoulders squared as much as he could with his injury. The entire prison was dull, including the visitor room. It made sense considering the prisoners were dressed in one of the loudest colors imaginable. It made it easy for the guards to keep track of everyone. Bucky was shocked to have received a request for a visit from Sam. Steve would have at least mentioned it to Bucky the last time they spoke.

Bucky came to a standstill as the men in front of him stopped. Waiting for his turn to be guided to a table, Bucky held his head high, scanning the room for Sam. Given his height, he was able to see over everyone, easily spotting Sam. Feeling another set of eyes on him, Bucky’s eyes drifted around the room. It was possible Loki had sent someone reckless to take him out with guards around. He wouldn’t put it past him. Bucky would rather overestimate the man and be prepared rather than underestimate him and be dead.

During his scan, Bucky did a double take, his eyes landing on Y/N. Curiosity ate away at Bucky between Sam’s visit and Y/N being here. He wasn’t expecting her; she hadn’t requested a visit with him.

Y/N held Bucky’s intense gaze. She could tell he was confused, his eyes pleading for answers, but she would let Sam handle that. She had a more important task at hand. She saw Bucky’s jaw clench before a shadow towered over her.

“Y/N Y/L/N,” a cheerful voice called out, pulling her eyes from Bucky.

Y/N turned to the man beside her, uncuffed with his arms outstretched for a hug. His soft green eyes stared at her like a lost puppy, and she couldn’t help chuckle as she embraced him. “Scott Lang. It’s been a while.”

The brunette’s chest rumbled beneath the orange fabric as he pulled away. Motioning to the steel chair Y/N had been previously sitting in, Scott invited her to join him at the table which Y/N gladly accepted.

“So, what brings you to my neck of the woods? Sorry, I didn’t know you were coming sooner, I would have spruced the place up a bit,” Scott joked.

Y/N had met Scott on a trip to California after her split from Bucky. He too had been recently divorced. Unlike Y/N and Bucky, Scott and his ex-wife had a daughter, Cassandra, so they were in frequent contact. Y/N had wondered if she and Bucky had a child would they have been as civil as Scott and his ex-wife? Maybe they would have worked it out and wouldn’t have divorced at all. Maybe they never would have lost contact.

Y/N laughed, ignoring Bucky’s glare as he passed her. She forgot how goofy Scott was. He always made his daughter laugh. He was a good dad. Unfortunately, his career choice kept him from her. A regret he kicked himself over time and time again; however, no matter how illegal, it did support her. That was all he wanted to do, provide for his daughter. Y/N’s heart went out to the troubled little family. She couldn’t imagine having a child with Bucky while he was in and out of prison.

“You’re a long way from San Diego. Had I known you were here I would have come to visit sooner,” Y/N smiled softly.

Scott shrugged, “Judge thought a change of scenery would do me good. Little does he know; he just gave me access to more connections.”

Y/N hummed. That was the exact reason she came to visit him. Scott was an extremely personable guy, and he knew everyone in the wrong business. “Actually Scott, that is what I came to talk to you about.”

Scott clasped his hands together on the metal table, leaning forward. “I’m all ears.”

Clearing her throat, Y/N whispered, “I need to track someone down by the name of Thor and I need it to be done as discreetly as possible.”

Scott slammed his hand on top of the table, the bang ringing around the room. Everyone’s eyes shot to the pair. Realizing his mistake, Scott held his hands up at the guards who began to approach the table. Scott began to fumble over his words explaining he wasn’t being violent, but Y/N tuned him out. Staring at Bucky who kept his murderous glare locked on Scott, Y/N turned to Sam who looked equally as furious.

“Ma’am,” a guard called, snapping his fingers in her face.

Y/N jumped, tilting her head back to face the guard.

“Are you okay?”

Swallowing the lump in her throat, Y/N nodded. “We’re fine.”

“Keep it down over here.” The guard eyed the two of them for a moment before turning on his heel.

Once the guard disappeared, Y/N waved a hand at Sam dismissing him. Then she reached across the table and flicked Scott in the forearm.

“Ouch,” he began rubbing his arm, “What was that for.”

“For causing a scene. What part of discrete did you not understand? Isn’t discretion part of your job?”

Scott gestured around the room. “I never said I was good at it.” Clearly or he wouldn’t have been caught several times. “Anyway, you’re looking for Odinson?”

Y/N nodded leaning back in her chair.

A dopey grin graced his face, “Well, you’re hot.”

Y/N’s eyebrows raised, “Excuse me?”

“The hot and cold game. Me and Cassie play it all the time.” When Y/N didn’t respond, Scott waved his hand. “Forget it.” He leaned closer, “Thor is here.”

Eyes widening, Y/N pressed her palms against the edge of the table steadying herself. “In the prison?!”

Scott nodded, “Apparently royalty isn’t above the law. At least not overseas anyway. Boozie one he is.” He began to mimic a drunken man passed out.

“Well, can I meet with him?”

The man tilted his head pursing his lips. “Thor is in solitary confinement for fighting the guards.” Y/N frowned. Her plan had been a dead end. Steve was right. She should have listened to him. “But I know a guy who can get a message to him when he gets out.” Scott offered. Y/N perked up nodding enthusiastically. Scott jerked his head to his left. “They frequent the same circle. He could get the message to Odinson.” Y/N followed the direction his head pointed and snorted. Bucky.

“He’s a cool guy. I think you’d like ‘em.”

Y/N held back a laugh at the irony as she glanced down at her ring. “Thanks, Scott. Can I give Cassie a message?”

“Actually, just send her one of those creepy dolls she likes so much. She’ll know it’s from me.”

Y/N rolled her eyes before squeezing his hand. “Will do. Thanks, Lang.”

Scott raised his hand signaling the end of their conversation. In a matter of seconds, he was escorted out of the room leaving Y/N alone at the table with her thoughts. In chess, the king wasn’t useless, he could still take pieces out and make moves. He was just limited, like Bucky. It was his turn to make a move.

Y/N stood, approaching Sam and Bucky. Without a word, Sam rose from his seat sending Bucky a nod before moving to stand to talk with one of the guards. Y/N was grateful that he chatted with the guards to avoid them making a fuss over her and Bucky not having an appointment.

Bucky would have stood and waited for her to sit if it wouldn’t draw attention to them. He yearned to hold her in his arms but that wasn’t going to happen, at least not now. Instead, he let his eyes shamelessly roam her face and body. Y/N blushed under his gaze and didn’t hesitate to grasp his open palm, outstretched on the table. Bucky squeezed her hand, his eyes admiring the ring on her finger.

“You got the ring,” he observed. Y/N hummed in response. Bringing her hand up to his mouth, his lips grazed the back of her hand. “I can’t wait to get out of here so I can fuck you wearing only this,” he growled, pressing his lips against her knuckle.

“Bucky,” Y/N gasped.

He sent her a sly grin adjusting the ring on her finger. He knew just what to say to make her squirm. “Sam told me you’ve been making some big changes. Good to know you haven’t changed that much.”

Y/N narrowed her eyes, “Why didn’t you tell me what you had planned?” 

Bucky didn’t need her to elaborate on what she meant. He knew she was talking about putting her in charge. For a long moment, he said nothing, his chest rising and falling with each breath he took. Y/N tightened her grip on his hand, reminding him of the question he had yet to answer.

Bucky exhaled, thumbing the ring on her finger. “I told you the conversations on the phone were recorded.”

Y/N bobbed her head, “We’re not on the phone now Buck. You promised to be honest with me, to let me in.”

His left shoulder slumped. “Steve and I speak in code sometimes. Makes situations like this and speaking in front of enemies easier. We’ve known each other so long that some things don’t need to be said out loud. Sometimes a look is enough.”

Y/N felt a pang of jealousy strike her heart like lightning. Bucky had always been close with Steve. They shared a bond that not even Bucky and Y/N had. Her ex-husband never let her fully in and it was the downfall of their marriage.

“You asked for my protection. Steve and I agreed that wouldn’t change no matter what, but I had to make sure you were all in before I handed you the keys to the castle.” His thumb stilled on the diamond. “Steve is mean sweetheart because I asked him to be. Not with words but I know he understood. He knows it would kill me if something happened to you. Hell,” he huffed, “it nearly killed me the first time. I already lost you once, I can’t do it again.”

Y/N frowned, “That doesn’t excuse the childish games you two play. This is why I demoted Steve. He’s not loyal to the mob, he's loyal to you.”

Bucky removed his hand from hers to brush a strand of hair behind her ear. “Oh, pretty girl, you don’t get how truly important you are.”

“Steve suggested we use the wedding as bait.”

Bucky leaned back in his seat. “What do you think?”

Y/N shook her head. “I met with Scott to discuss an alternative route.” Buck nodded, glad to have some light shown on why Y/N had been talking to Lang. “He said you run with the same crowd as Thor. He’s Loki’s stepbrother.” Bucky’s eyes widened. “I need you to talk to him. Tell him I sent you. Tell him the whole story if you have to. We need him on our side.”

Bucky stared at her as if she was crazy. “The guy isn’t stable Y/N. He lost his eye in a fight. He’s in solitary confinement. The guy could snap if he learns that his brother has a hit list on us. He could kill me.”

Y/N chuckled. “Don’t tell me New York’s big bad mob boss is afraid of a big oaf. Thor is nothing like Loki. He’s a good guy. He wants to help Loki.”

Ignoring her comment, Bucky pressed, “And what do I tell him when he asks how we're going to help him? I don’t think he’ll take well to us planning to kill his brother.”

Glancing around the room for anyone listening, Y/N leaned forward hissing, “We are not killing him.”

Bucky winked, “Got it.”

“I’m serious, Bucky. If we can get Thor to help us, we can lure Loki out and Thor can take Loki home to get help.”

“And if he refuses? If he gets away?”

“I need you to trust me. I know this family better than anyone else on our side.”

Bucky signed. “Should I be worried about the number of men you know that are sitting in prison?”

“You’re in prison,” Y/N pointed out.

The brunette nodded, running his fingers through his beard. “I trust you.”

“Good, because you report to me now. Not Steve, not Sam, not Peter. Me.”

Bucky groaned, “Careful darling, keep talking like that and I might not be able to wait until I get out of here.”

Next Chapter

Taglist: @vicmc624 @winterslove1917 @unaxv @hangmanscoming @globetrotter28 @athenabarnes @shara-ne @mal-adaptive-dreams @jvanilly @d3m0n8ch1ld @ppbhquinn @alysianc @firstcashheroathlete @malum-forev @missvelvetsstuff @animegirlgeeky @blue786sworld @blackwood-bodecker-housewife @alessandraavengers @ozwriterchick @nerdgirljen @emily-roberts @pandabearrrrrrr @venting402 @barewithme02 @introverbatim @buckybarnessimpp @mega-kittyglitter-1 @a-poor-gryffindork @toriluvsfics @samahenoyrhye @motivation-idontknowher @pics-and-fanfics @po55um @devil1112 @keeperofsecrets6411 @natasha-died-4-our-sins @marvel-marauder16 @sugamilkteaxkookiesxcream @mcu21lover19 @imgaybutimstraight @buckysbarne @playboystark @sarge-and-caps-princess @eviltinkerbell14 @quethekillerqueen @barewithme02 @buuuuuuucky @reader-without-a-story @5lutty5arah

#mafia bucky x ex wife reader #mafia!bucky x reader #mafia bucky x you #mafia bucky x reader #bucky x female reader #bucky x ex wife reader #bucky x y/n #mob!bucky x reader #mob bucky x reader #mob bucky barnes #mob bucky au #mob!bucky #mafia bucky barnes #mafia!bucky #james buchanan barnes #james bucky barnes #bucky barnes #bucky x you #bucky barnes fanfic #bucky fanfic #bucky fic #marvel #mob bucky x ex wife reader

[patheticallyinfatuatedwithu]

can u do one where reader and hanni are in a ldr and reader decides to surprise hanni one day HAHAHAHA im in a hanni drought i miss her sm

my dumbass, pham hanni

here u are anon! thanks for requesting, u've saved urself and others from the angst i was supposed to post ^^

eyebrows knitted together, another sigh escape your lips, ears catching the clattering sound of your friend's pen dropping on the wooden table. "can you seriously like, shut up?" you looked at her annoyed state, letting out a little laugh which absolutely ticked her off more.

she rose from where she sat and made her way towards you, her eyes lit with fire that could kill millions. "shit," you raised your hands up in defence, your own pair of eyes widening and washed over with fear. "i'm so sorry it's just that i miss her so much! her schedule's been so full nowadays that it's hard for her to make time for us, and i'm here busy studying for the upcoming exams that i sometimes fall asleep while we're on facetime."

the lit fire in her eyes were extinguished and transformed into empathy's, your lips pressing into a thin line. "i'm so-" "nope! i don't need empathy! go back to your studies." she nodded and complied, taking her seat on the floor and looked at you with regard. "i'm here if you need anyone to talk to, you know?"

you nod and took your seat on the chair adjacent to where she sat on the floor, turning your phone on and greeting the bright light when a great (dumb) idea popped in your head. your friend watched the moment unfurl, the light bulb shining brightly above your head.

"you know, whatever it is you're planning on doing, just know i don't approve." you shrug, "i'm sure you'll approve soon enough." as she want back to her studies, your eyes trained on your phone, immediately searching up 'qantas'.

after a few more prodding and tapping, you jumped in your seat and handed your phone to your friend, who's expression contorted to shock. she scoffed before handing you back your phone, "you're out of your goddamn mind."

you grinned, and all she wanted to do was snatch it off your face. "you're just jealous because i'm leaving school for 3 weeks." your friend huffed.

you boarded the earliest plane to korea the next day, threatening your friend concerning your stuff and the exasperated looks your school gave you after approaching them with the paper and the receipt.

you smiled as you reached the airport the next day after boarding the plane, texting hanni and inquiring about her whereabouts and where her dorms are. of course, she couldn't help but be suspicious of the sudden barrage of questions, playing it cool and saying "oh i'm sending you something :)"

she seemed to believe your little lie, humming to herself with a smile on her face as she carried on with the practice while you, on the other hand, exits the airport. you rung your friend who lives in korea, asking her to bring the biggest box she could and for her address too.

"you sure you don't need a hole for oxygen? you'll die in there." you smiled idiotically as she started to tape the box up, "at least i'll die doing something for my girlfriend." she groaned, "then your girlfriend will be in grief."

"fine! a small hole." she stabs a hole close to your face and you shriek, falling over with a thump. "i hate you." "thanks for the 10,000 won by the way." as she loaded you up and struggled to push you in her car, you turned on your phone and chatted hanni, informing her that the "delivery" will be coming soon.

she replied with a "what?" as soon as your friend slapped the box, pulling the box with a grunt and dragging it on the front door. she rung the doorbell and sped away, pattering of footsteps and door opening followed after. "unnie, there's a box!"

"that's mine!" "oh, alright. what did you buy?" "i didn't buy anything." "then what is it?" you felt someone grabbed the sides of the box, presumably hanni because who else would touch an unknown box that's not theirs?

"why is this so heavy?" she groaned, "what the hell did she order for me?" after she finally managed to place you inside her room, she started to pierce the tape open, touching the pillow you've placed on top of yourself.

she unfolded the piece of cardboard and opened it, "a pillow?" taking that as your cue, you rose from box and screamed, eliciting one from hanni too, a high pitched one instead. "what the fuck!"

"surprise, honey." she looked at you like you were insane, nonetheless, running to your arms and enveloping herself with the warmth you provided. "that was fucking terrifying."

"i know." you grinned, pecking her cheek as the two of you pulled away. "say, help me get out of the box?" footsteps came pattering, but you and hanni didn't mind it, the only thing in your minds was that the two of you were back together in each other's company.

"when did you leave?" she asked as you patted yourself and fixed your clothes, taking a seat on her bed. "yesterday." she quirked an eyebrow, "how much exactly did you spend?"

"we don't need to talk about that. for now, what we need to talk about is," you pull her onto your lap, looking up at her with a cheeky smile as she looked down at you with flushed cheeks. "how you've been doing."

after booping her nose, she scrunches it and you place your hands on her waist, hanni leaning on your forehead. "you're a dumbass." you hummed in agreement, "yeah, your dumbass."

"yeah, my dumbass." she whispers, leaning in for a kiss when the two of you heard an "ew." followed by an "ow!"

broken records i kinda rushed this one😭 i'm sorry😭 i'll make it up to you someday anon🥰

#kpop #kpop gg #kpop x reader #kpop gg oneshots #kpop gg x reader #wlw #gxg fluff #newjeans x reader #newjeans #pham hanni x reader #pham hanni #hanni x reader #kpop oneshots #gxg

[mrssabinecallas]

Gekko as your Boyfriend |H.C.|

Pairing: Mateo “Gekko” De La Fuente/ GN! Reader

In which we take a dive into what Gekko would be like as your Boyfriend!

CW: Fluff, The Critters (❤️), Reader is assumed to be a part of VP

note: I LOVE GEKKO SO MUCH AND DIZZY AND WINGMAN AND MOSH AND THRASH HAVE MY HEART AND OMG IM GONNA DEDICATE MY WHOLE ACCOUNT TO THEM NOW

Ok starting off, you cannot tell me his creatures wouldn’t love you. If Gekko likes you, they like you.

(snuggles with dizzy, playing games with wingman, etc)

His love language is quality time, with physical touch as a close second.

He just wants to be around you 24/7, with you in his arms and just loving each other.

He doesn’t care what dates are like. As long as he gets to be with you and see you smile, hes the happiest man in the world.

Would def let you dye his hair, or ask you to help if he needs to dye it. He thinks it looks better when you do it (and he totally doesn’t just want to spend time with you)

Matching tattoos?

yes. matching tattoos.

Imagine he had a little heart of your favorite color on his wrist, and you had a matching one of his favorite color on yours (i’m melting)

Boba dates are a must

If you have never had boba, he is just so excited to introduce you to the world of flavors you can explore

If you do like boba, expect to have it a lot, he likes to come home and surprise you with it a lot.

Since your on the Protocol with him, you both like to train together

One time, Brimstone caught you both kissing in the commons area, he almost had a stroke.

(He had to go find Sage to tell you to both knock it off because he thought it would be awkward if he did it)

((it would be))

You’re both best friends with Neon, but you do get jealous of her sometimes.

Gekko and Neon just had this chemistry that can be mistaken for romantic, but they both assure you it’s totally platonic.

If you ever got hurt out on a mission, he would be right there to take care of you in any way he could, and vice versa.

He absolutely hated seeing you get hurt, so much so that he would jump in front of you to protect you

It was cute

Sometimes.

Once he threw himself in front of the line of fire and took a bullet to the shoulder, yet refused to get out of the way.

It was sweet, but you hated seeing him hurt as much as he hated seeing you hurt.

Sage was not happy that he was being so reckless.

In which Mateo would tell her it was his knight in shining armor moment.

I feel like he would brag about you a lot.

Like “I have the best parter in the world, they’re so caring and… ugh I miss them so much, Im going to call them.”

He wouldn’t talk to Reyna about you at first though, he was scared of her

When he did start to open up about your relationship to her, she started to like you more.

You always thought Reyna was constantly judging you, but when she came around, she protected you and Mateo like you were her younger siblings.

She secretly holds so much love for you both in that small heart of hers.

Did i mention skating dates?

They’re a must.

If you don’t know how to skate, Mateo wants to teach you so bad he literally drags you out to do it.

(It’s totally not an excuse to hold your waist as he keeps you balanced)

If you do know how to skate, y’all are constantly competing. Races, Tricks, anything you can think of, you’ll challenge each other.

You really do bring out the best in each other

Except for that one time that Mateo broke his board because he was angry you beat him…

He’s been super gentle with his gear since that day.

You also learned to let him win most of the time

welcome to my gekko arc.

I will write for other valorant agents, juuuust mostly gekko :>

My inbox is open! ask away people!!

#gekko x reader #gekko x you #valorant #gekko valorant #x reader #reyna valorant #sage valorant #brimstone #neon valorant #jett valorant #fade valorant #cypher valorant #kayo valorant #omen valorant #fanfic #gekko fanfic

[bwabys-scenarios]

Fixer Upper

Part 16

Perv!Kurapika x Fem!Reader

part 15

part 17

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(Name) opened her door, a smile on her face. “Poks, Poni! Welcome!”

The two walked in, looking around her less than impressive apartment. “Oh, wow… it’s certainly an apartment.”

Pokkle elbowed the blue haired girl, who coughed before speaking up. “What I mean is, this place is lovely.”

“Thanks Poni, but I know it… average? I mean at East there’s no pests. My last apartment had a bad rat problem.”

They both grimaced.

“Yeah, they were like the size of my arm. Thought of keeping one as a pet. I mean, they were dog sized.”

“Dog s- never mind. We brought some gifts.”

(Name) gasped when they pulled out a gift basket and pot of flowers. “Guys, you shouldn’t have!”

She placed the basket on her counter, before looking at the pot of flowers. “What are these?”

Ponzu smiled, her bees flying around the small red flowers. “They’re poppies, Poppy!”

“Poppy?”

The two smiled at her. “Yeah, it’s your nickname. You call us Poks and Poni, so we’re gonna call you poppy!”

(Name) laughed. “Oh really? Is there a reason for that name specifically?”

———————

(Name) packed her suitcase yet again after seeing off her two friends. ‘I’m going to miss them…’

She pulled her suitcase towards the airport, where she’d be meeting Gon and Killua.

It was early July, and the two had asked her to join them on whale island to catch up and train.

“(Name)!”

She gasped when she felt someone jump onto her back. “G-Gon?”

He laughed, hugging her from behind as she tried not to fall over. “Hey, did you miss me?”

The weight on her back disappeared as she heard yelling from behind her. “Gon, you idiot you can’t just jump on people!”

“Killua!”

She turned around and pulled the two boys into a hug. “I missed you both so much. My sweet boys!”

Gon laughed, Killua halfheartedly swatting her away. “Let’s get boarded, and we can talk then!”

(Name) nodded slowly as they explained what happened in Heavens Arena. “You fought Hisoka? Gon…”

She patted his cheek, the boy leaning into her touch. “I’m okay, (Name). It was a… learning experience.”

(Name) sighed before leaning back in her seat. “I understand you want to get stronger, Gon, but please be careful.”

Gon nodded. “I promise I’ll be careful!”

They arrived on whale island after around 2-4 days of travel.

“Wow, it’s been such a long time since I’ve stood on my home ground! Ahh, the air smells so good!”

The two sniffed the air as (Name) pulled her suitcase behind them. “So, where’s your house?”

“We gotta take a bus to your house, right?”

“There aren’t any buses!”

(Name) hummed as she walked around, stopping by a market stall. She bought some bread and cheese, walking back to the two boys as they continued talking.

“It’ll take all night to get there? What are we going to eat?”

Gon held up his apple, and (Name) laughed. “Well good thing I grabbed extra.”

The three walked along the river, eating the food (Name) got along with the apples the captain gave them.

Early the next morning, the three spotted Gon’s house. (Name) trailed behind them, Gon pulling her suitcase.

“Aunt Mito, I’m back!”

Aunt Mito waved at them from the porch, (Name) sighing in relief. ‘Oh thank god.’

Killua and (Name) blinked when Gon sprinted off to hug Aunt Mito. They watched as they chatted for a moment, then Aunt Mito looked up.

“Oh, are these two friends of yours?”

“Yeah, we met during the Hunter Exam! She’s (Name), and he’s Killua!”

Aunt Mito smiled at the two. “Oh right, the ones your wrote about in your letter!”

(Name) gave them a polite greeting. “Hello, thank you so much for allowing us to stay.” she elbowed killua to get him to give a greeting as well.

“Hello…”

“Gon this is the first time you’ve ever brought home some friends to visit! (Name), Killua, right? I’m Gon’s Aunt Mito, I hope you two feel right at home!”

They followed her inside, (Name) setting her suitcase by the door. The two peeked inside it, both having places their extra clothes in as well.

“I really wish you would have let me know before hand you were coming home, I could of prepared something.” Aunt Mito said with a sigh, taking out ingredients.

(Name) hovered around the kitchen, feeling a bit useless.

“Whatever you’ve got is fine!” Gon said, grabbing (Name)’s hand and pulling her towards the living room.

“Well you knows it’s not every day we have guests in the house!”

“No, really, it’s fine.” Killua replied to Aunt Mito.

“I could help if you need it, I promise!” (Name) said, peeking into the kitchen again. Aunt Mito waves her off.

“You’re a guest dear, you just relax, I’m sure the journey here was tough on you.”

(Name) twiddled her thumbs, the two boys standing on either side of her.

“Now that you mention it we are kind of hungry. We’ve been walking since last night, so yeah!” Gon said, leaning his head against (Name)’s arm.

“Well I guess that explains why you three are so dirty. (Name) why don’t you go take a bath in my room? Gon, Killua, you two can use the big bathroom down the hall.”

“Wait right now?”

“Yes, just leave me your clothes. I’ll wash them later.”

(Name) gave her a polite nod before walking towards the room she pointed to.

After a nice shower, she walked back to the kitchen, sitting at the table. “Miss Mito, are you sure there’s nothing I can do to help?”

“Just Mito is fine, and it’s almost ready. You could help set the table, though!”

(Name) jumped up at this. “On it!”

Killua and Gon walked into the room, both now clean and wearing different clothes. The girl couldn’t help but squeeze their cheeks. “Aww, I think this is the first time I’ve seen you both all nice and clean.”

She gave them a hug before continuing her work. Killua followed behind her like a lost puppy, occasionally jumping back when she’d turn around.

‘Haha, he doesn’t want her to know he’s following her!’ Gon thought, snickering.

(Name) helped Mito set the table, patting Killua’s head as she took her seat. “Hungry?”

He nodded slowly, (Name) giggling at his excited face.

“This tastes great!” Killua said, happily munching on an omelette. (Name) nodded in agreement.

“You think so?”

“I told you Aunt Mito’s cooking is the best in the world!”

“Mito, you’ve got to show me how you got these omelettes to be so fluffy!”

The red haired woman laughed, basking in the compliments. “Of course!”

As they ate, Mito passed out more food,

“Here, try these.”

Killua stared at the red peppers, picking them off his plate and placing them on another.

“Killua! You really shouldn’t pick at your food like that. Don’t you know red peppers are good for you? You should at least try it.”

“Ahaha, actually I’m not really a big fan of these. Sorry.”

“Oh good, at least you’re not allergic to them! They’re delicious. Go ahead and take a bite, you’ll know what I mean.”

“She’s right Killua. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“Ahh! Mom, quick, get a towel!”

———————

The two left to go play in the forest nearby, leaving (Name) with Aunt Mito.

“So, how was your experience with the Hunter Exam?”

(Name) sighed, sitting down in front of her. “Exhausting, but…”

She glanced down at her phone’s Home Screen, smiling to herself. “I met a lot of important people there. Gon and Killua included. You raised a really sweet boy, Mito.”

Mito laughed, handing her a cup of tea. “I would hope so. Tell me, what was he like during the exam? He wouldn’t tell me everything, and I would like to know more.”

(Name) told her as much information as she could without potentially getting her younger friend in trouble. Mito nodded along, giggling when she saw how hot (Name)’s face got when she talked about Kurapika.

“So, this Kurapika… you like him, don’t you?”

(Name) sighed, hiding her flushed face. “Is it that easy to tell?”

Mito laughed. “Yes, it is. He must be quite special to have caught the attention of a sweet girl like you.”

They talked into the evening, and this time Mito allowed (Name) in the kitchen to help her cook. She taught her several tips and tricks, (Name) writing each one down.

The two boys got back all dirty again, being scolded and told to go take another bath. After that, they all ate dinner together.

“Time for bed, you two. I’ll be up in a moment, okay?”

Mito blinked when the two immediately listened to (Name)’s words. After the two were out of sight, (Name) realized what she’d done. “Oh, sorry Mito! I’ve just gotten used to taking care of them.”

“No, please don’t be sorry for that. I can’t tell you how thankful I am knowing Gon had someone like you by his side during the Hunter Exam.”

They shared a smile, before (Name) got up and stretched. “I should be getting to bed too. First I need to go say goodnight to both of them.”

She waved to Mito before walking to their shared room.

“(Name)!”

Gon was about to leap out of bed to greet her, but stopped when she shook her head. “Wait there, I’m coming.”

(Name) sat down beside him and leaned down to kiss his forehead. “Goodnight, Gon. Sweet dreams.”

“Goodnight, (Name)!”

She move on to Killua, who was impatiently waiting for her. She gave him a peck on the forehead. “Goodnight, Killua. Sweet dreams…”

She gave him another forehead kiss when he pouted at her. “And one more for good luck!”

The white haired boy swatted her away halfheartedly again, (Name) laughing. “Oh, I get it, you want me to go, huh?”

She stood up, about to leave before Killua grabbed her arm. She glanced back at him inquisitively, the boy unsure why he’d done that himself.

“… could you stay a little longer? Just until we fall asleep?”

(Name) took a second to register this request. ‘Where did this come from?’

Nevertheless, she sat back down, the boy snuggling up onto her lap. She hummed quietly as she ran her fingers through his hair.

Unbeknownst to them, Mito watched the scene from outside the door. ‘How cute…’

———————

(Name) woke up when she felt someone kick her. “Ow…”

She blinked her eyes open to see killua snuggled up against her, having kicked her in his sleep. ‘Did I fall asleep in the boys room?’

She attempted to get up, but the boy clinging to her grumbled at that. She glanced at the window to see it was still night time, maybe early morning. (Name) settled back into bed, making herself comfortable before going back to sleep.

“Alright boys, (Name), it’s time to get up!”

“Yes, Aunt Mito!”

Killua and (Name) groaned when the boy shook them. “Wake up!”

The sun peaked in through the window, shining down on the pair. Night was over, and (Name) had to use the bathroom.

“Okay, Killua, you gotta let go of me now.”

The boy didn’t answer, only cuddling into her closer. “Gon, can I get some help here?”

Gon ran over and grabbed Killua, pulling him away so (Name) could escape. She watched in amusement as the boy searched for her in his sleep, handing him a pillow to be her substitute.

After using the bathroom, she returned to the boys room to make sure Killua was up. He was, but barely. (Name) opened up her suitcase and laid out a pair of clothes for him to change into before going to her own room to unpack.

She unlocked her phone, scrolling to Kurapika’s contact and attempting to call him.

‘Oh, no service…’

For some reason, this made her… nervous. She would be alright going a few days without speaking to him because she knew it was because she didn’t have any service.

But he wouldn’t know.

Kurapika paced, his nen master raising an eyebrow an eyebrow at his unusual behavior. “What’s up with you, Kurapika? You’re acting strange.”

The blonde huffed, pulling his phone out and glancing at the time. On whale island, it should be around 10 am, and they usually called at 8 am her time every morning.

“Nothing. Nothing at all.”

His pacing continued. “Are you thinking of that girl again?”

Kurapika paused, shooting his master a look. “Tansy none of your business.”

“It is when it’s affecting your training.”

He sighed, sitting down in front of his master. ‘Is she really affecting my training?’

(Name) sighed. The day had passed by quickly, Gon and Killua watching a movie she downloaded on her phone as she folded laundry before bed.

“We’re gonna get the internet set up in two days, then you’ll be able to contact Kurapika again.”

Gon was trying to reassure her, but she could only continue holding to keep her mind off of it.

Kurapika tossed and turned again that night. He struggled to sleep without the sound of her sleeping on the phone. He slid open his phone and listened to a voice message she sent.

‘Hey, Pika, I just found the cutest dress! I’ll send you a picture in a minute. But before that, let me tell you about the crazy day I had!’

He chuckled as the message continued, eyes getting heavy as she explained her day. Kurapika clutched his blanket, chest feeling heavy.

‘Have I gotten so used to her that sleeping without her is impossible?’

Kurapika was able to drift off, but not peacefully. The weight of this knowledge weighed heavy on his heart.

‘Can’t… can’t keep going on like this.’

———————

“Once you got that cable hooked up, we should be able to access the internet!” Killua said, directing Gon.

(Name) eat near them, occasionally handing Gon tools.

“Gon?”

The boy leaped up to peer over the roof at Mito. “Yes?”

“I’m going out for a little while, could you watch the place?”

“Yeah, okay!”

“Thanks, I appreciate it!”

Gon glanced at (Name) and Killua, giggling to himself. The two ended up watching Mito’s bar.

Killua sat behind the counter, looking sleepy as (Name) swept the floors. When she heard him yawn, she made sure to finish up so she could carry him home to nap.

Unfortunately, he fell asleep before she was finished. (Name) shook her head at the boy, picking him up carrying him to his room so he could sleep peacefully.

When she tried to untangle the boy and lay him down, he grumbled again and refused to let go. ‘Oh, Killua…’ she thought, lying down with him. ‘Good thing Mito’s mother saw us leave…’

She attempted to keep herself awake, humming to the boy as he slept, but couldn’t help dozing off with him.

(Name) rubbed her eyes as she woke up, glancing out the window to see Mito cutting Gon’s hair.

“Oh, you two are awake! You both fell asleep on the job.” Gon said, Mito moving his head to trim the other side.

“Gon! Are you getting your hair cut?” Killua asked, climbing off of the bed.

“Yeah, it was getting kind of long.”

“Okay, now how about you? Do you want a haircut? Looks like you can use a trim.” Mito asked.

Killua glanced between the scissors and Mito, (Name) picking up on his anxieties.

“I can cut your hair, Killua.”

This made him sigh in relief. “Yes, that sounds good.”

(Name) sat him down in a chair outside, wrapping a towel around the white haired boy. “Wow, Killua, your hair is so soft…”

She ruffled his hair, causing Killua to huff. “Hey, I said you could cut it, not play with it.”

(Name) laughed, beginning to trim it. “Sorry, sorry. It’s just…”

She ran her fingers through his hair, humming. “You’re kind of like a dandelion. Hmm…”

She closed her eyes, then blew on his hair. The boy laughed, swatting at her half heartedly. “Hey, what was that for?”

“I just made a wish! They say if you blow on a dandelion and make a wish, it comes true!”

Gon nodded, sitting on the ground next to them. “Oh, I heard of that too! Aunt Mito said you gotta close your eyes and wish with all of your heart!”

Killua tilted his head. “Really? I never heard of that… so, (Name), what did you wish for?”

She giggled, continuing with his haircut. “Can’t tell you that, silly, then it won’t come true!”

Killua closed his eyes, enjoying the feeling of his hair being cut. ‘Hmm… this is nice.’

———————

Kurapika jumped when he heard his phone ring. He scrambled over to it, heart soaring when he saw (Name)’s contact.

“(Name)!”

He melted when he heard her giggle on the other end of the line. “Pika! Sorry for the wait, whale island has like no signal! Gon and Killua just got the Wi-Fi set up here, so I can at least call.”

“Oh…”

Several situations of why she hadn’t called had gone through his mind. They ranged from her forgetting, to purposefully not calling him, to her being injured or even dead. Not once did he stop to think there may be a simpler explanation like not having service.

“I’m having so much fun though! Toady Mito, or well Gon’s Aunt Mito taught me how to make the fluffiest omelettes! I can’t wait to make one for you, Pika!”

Although his tummy filled with butterflies at the thought of making something specifically for him, he couldn’t let those fuzzy feelings linger. “(Name), I need to… ask something of you.”

She went quiet, before nodding. “Go ahead, Pika.”

He inhaled, hand shaking as he looked down at her contact photo. It was the picture of her kissing his cheek, something he would never be able to forget.

“… never mind, it’s nothing. Please, tell me more about your time on Whale Island so far.”

Although she could tell he wanted to say something, she didn’t want to push him. After all, if it was something important, he’d tell her when he was ready.

After a few hours of mindless chatting, Kurapika ended the call. He bit his lip, swiping through the pictures (Name) had sent him.

He stared down at the pair of earrings she’d sent him for his birthday, holding them up to the light. They were rubies that dangled on silver chains, and he had been meaning to wear them.

Kurapika took the first one out of the box, eyes softening. They were beautiful, and he didn’t want to think about how much she spent on them. He put the first one on, using a stream as a mirror.

‘Pretty…’

Kurapika might not look like it, but he was a fan of jewelry. He tried to hide this little interest of his, not wanting to come across as greedy. After all, Kurapika was after people that collected disgusting things, he didn’t want to be associated with them in the slightest.

But right now, he allowed himself to stare at the dangling jewel, turning his head in different directions to watch it glitter in the setting sun.

He put the other one in before standing up. With a final look at himself in the stream, he knew what he had to do.

When the awful thought of (Name) possibly being hurt or kidnapped because of her ties to him crossed his mind, his immediate reaction was to do anything to get her back. And that… scared him. How had he let himself grow so attached to a person, let himself get so… soft?

Was he really willing to not only put her in danger, but jeopardize his mission because of her? If it came down between her and defeating the Phantom Troupe or collecting the scarlet eyes, what would he choose?

Kurapika scrolled to her contact, sliding to the left and pressing mute. ‘I can’t… I can’t allow myself to grow soft. She’s… she’s becoming a liability.’

He opened up his satchel, pulling out the small postcard she had sent along with the earrings.

“Though they dull in comparison to your scarlet eyes, I thought rubies would be the closest to complimenting them. Happy 18th birthday Pika, I hope I can celebrate it with you next year!”

-Love, (Name)

He felt tears well up in his eyes. Kurapika was really about to go through with it.

‘I’m such a coward, couldn’t even tell her that I could never see her again…’

He stuffed the note back into his satchel, throwing it over his shoulder.

“Master, I’m ready.”

———————

(Name) hummed to herself, taking a picture of her new pajamas and sending it to Kurapika and Leorio before leaving the bathroom.

Like usual, Leorio was quick to respond.

Oreo: looks great, sunshine!

She giggled, sending him a quick text back.

(Name): thanks, Leorio! Can’t wait to see you this September!!

(Name) waited for Kurapika to respond, eyebrows furrowing when five minutes passed without a response. ‘Hmm, he must be busy…’

“(Name), help!”

The girl looked up to see the boys rushing into the bathroom past her, Gon carrying something in his arms.

“(Name) knows medical stuff, she should be able to help!”

Gon pulled her into the bathroom, showing her some type of small cub. “Oh, Gon…”

The poor thing was panting, barely hanging on to life. They moved out of her way, allowing her to badge its wounds and place it on a towel.

“Gon, sweetheart…”

She was trying to think of how to deliver the new that the little cub wouldn’t make it when they began fighting.

“No way, I’m not gonna let you do that!” Gon exclaimed, pushing his friend away.

“Get out of the way, it’s too late! Listen to his breathing, he can’t be saved so I’m putting him out of his misery!” Killua said.

“No, you can’t kill him!”

“He’s not going to survive!”

“No, he will okay, because (Name) and I are gonna help him!”

“Ugh! That’s it, out of my way!”

(Name) stepped forward, pushing the two apart. “Hey, this isn’t a time to be fighting!”

“That cub is dying, so I just want to put an end to its suffering! Isn’t that obvious? It’s not going to survive, so it’s stupid to try and save it.”

“Killua…”

She grunted when she felt his sharpened nails pierce her skin. “I know you just want to end its suffering, but right now it’s alive, and I won’t let you be responsible for another living beings death!”

He stepped back a little, retracting his claws as his eyes bore into his hands. Blood, HER blood was coating his fingertips.

“Killua, let me shoulder this burden, okay? You’re a child, you shouldn’t be responsible for this.”

He sat down, bringing his knees to his chest. “But… killing is all I know.”

The room was silent for a moment, only the sound of the small animal panting able to be heard.

“Wait, we do know a way Killua! Our nen, we can use our nen to save the cub! Like when Wing transmitted his aura into us! Remember? He taught us that every living thing has its own aura!”

(Name) watched at the white haired boy perked up. ‘Nen?’

“You’re right… if we can enhance the aura of that cub, he could make it. It’s worth a try!”

The two approached the cub, their hands hovering over it. The air felt strange, like there was static surrounding her.

“Watch this, (Name). It’s something we learned in Heavens Arena.” Gon said, beckoning her forward.

“Let’s take it slow at first, we don’t want to risk hurting it.” Killua replied, glancing at (Name)’s bleeding arm.

For the next hour, the two kept their hands over the cub. (Name) gasped when she noticed it’s condition stabling, laughing. “It’s working, oh my god!”

The next morning, the three watched as the cub joined its father by the lake. (Name) stood behind the two, smiling.

“That was a very important thing you did, Killua.”

He turned, lip quivering. “Uh, thanks… ya know…”

His fingers ghosted over the bandage on her arm, eyes beading with tears. “I’m sorry.”

She waved her hand dismissively. “Don’t be. It was an accident.”

Gon ran over to them. “Okay, they’re gone! Let’s go home.”

“Alright then, it’s best we do before Mito gets worried.”

She kneeled down and brought to two into a hug, giving each a kiss on the forehead. “I’m so proud of you two.”

Killua closed his eyes contentedly, holding onto the back of her shirt and Gon giggled.

————————

(Name) waved to the two boys from the boat as she left whale island. “I’ll see you two in August! Be safe, boys!”

“We’ll miss you, (Name)!” Gon yelled as Killua waved to her shyly by his side.

The three made plans for them to stay at (Name)’s apartment to save money while they were in York New. It was a good idea, considering how expensive the housing could be there.

After their night of saving the cub, the two taught her about nen, though she still didn’t understand it. Apparently a teacher was supposed to come and train her soon.

(Name) began planning for their arrival as soon as she got home. She had two Hunter missions she needed to go on before September 1st, both simple body guarding jobs. After that, she’d have enough money to put a good amount into savings, and the rest could be used for rent and groceries.

Every day until September 1st, (Name) called Kurapika. He didn’t answer her calls, her texts, nothing. She was always left on delivered.

(Name) knew it was probably because he was busy with work, but she couldn’t help but worry for her dear friend.

‘I miss him…’

She held a hand over her heart, feeling it thump against her chest painfully. Her heart was aching, yearning for him. All (Name) wanted was to hear his voice again, to know he still thought about her.

That he still cared.

She set down her phone after calling him again, sighing. ‘It’s only one more week, then I’ll see him again. I’m sure he’s just been too busy with training and his new job…’

Ever the optimistic woman, (Name) continued working on getting her apartment ready for guests.

——————

(Name) yawned, waiting at the airport on an early August morning.

“(Name)!”

Yes again, Gon jumped onto (Name), this time she was waiting with open arms. He laughed as she spun him around, squeezing him out. “Hey, Gon!”

Killua walked up, scolding his friend for being so tough with her. “Killua!”

She pulled him into a hug, the boy relaxing. “It’s nice to see you again, (Name).”

She their hair before leading them to her van. “Let’s get going, we’ll drop your bags off at my place and then you two can explore to your hearts content.”

The two grabbed a snack from her fridge before leaving to do some research. “Be back before dinner time, okay? I promised your Aunt Mito that I’d take care of you, and that means not letting you two only eat junk food!”

“Yes, (Name)!”

They waved as they raced out of her apartment.

‘With those two’s appetites, I’ll have to go grocery shopping to have enough for dinner…’

(Name) pulled on her shoes on, leaving her key under the rug. She sent Killua a quick text before leaving.

(Name): Headed into town, if you two come back before I get home, my keys are under the rug! There’s snacks and drinks in the fridge!

Dandelion: thanks, (Name). Gon says be safe

She giggled to herself, placing her phone in her pocket.

Later that night, the two returned home grumpy, butting heads with each other as they entered the door.

“What happened with you two?” (Name) asked as she pulled off her apron. They relaxed slightly when the scent of dinner hit their noses.

“Killua lost all our money!”

“Hey, you gotta lose money to make money!”

(Name) sighed. “Boys, sit down. We can talk about it after dinner.”

They were quiet as they ate, (Name) smiling as they inhaled their food. It was obvious they were starving after running around the city all day.

“Okay, you two start talking and I’ll get the table cleaned up.”

They began explaining what happened, (Name) nodding along as she cleared the plates and started washing dishes. “Hmm, well I see both of your points. Killua did take a big risk and lost a lot of money, but Gon’s method was too slow and wouldn’t have made enough money by the time the auction started.”

She place a piece of cake in front of both of them. “You can think about what to do in the morning, rest and have some cake.”

Gon sighed, giving her a smile. “Sorry for troubling you, (Name).”

She shook her head. “Don’t be sorry. You’re my friends, I’ll do everything I can to help you accomplish your goals, Gon.”

After dessert, (Name) tucked the two into bed, glad she had a spare bedroom. “Goodnight, boys. My room is right down the hall if you need me.”

She smiled before closing the door behind her.

———————

A week passed by, September 1st finally arriving. (Name) woke up early, making a big breakfast and calling Kurapika yet again.

‘Still no answer…’

Now that was strange. They were supposed to be meeting September 1st, so it didn’t make sense for him not answer. ‘He… he’s probably still busy with his job.’

That excuse was getting harder to believe, but she shook the frown from her face and smiled. “Boys, breakfast is ready!”

The two came racing into the kitchen, making their plates before sitting at the table to eat. “Thanks, (Name)!”

As they finished their food, Gon looked up. “Are you coming with us today? Leorio supposed to be meeting us in the market.”

(Name) nodded, taking their cleared plates. “Yeah, give me 15 minutes to get dressed.”

She threw on a pair of jeans and a warm cardigan and followed the Gon and Killua to the market.

(Name) trailed behind the two as they walked, occasionally stopping at stalls to browse their wares. She wanted to get everyone a little gift to give them when they all met up. So far she had something for Gon and Leorio, only needing to shop for Kurapika and Killua.

She considered getting Kurapika more jewelry, after all he’d been incredibly happy with the earrings she’d gifted him, but decided against it. She didn’t want to give him a similar gift twice in a row, so it would have to be something else.

“A cellphone?”

“Yeah! Kurapika was planning on getting here yesterday, and Leorio will be meeting us here, so a cellphone will come in handy.”

(Name) perked up at Gon’s words, the girl drifting closer to listen.

“Kurapika said he has an assignment, so he might not have time to see us…”

She blinked. ‘He told Gon that but not… me?’

“An assignment?”

“Mhm. He said if he has free time he’ll call, and who knows when that could be. So that’s why I want a cellphone.”

Her heart sank at the thought of not being able to see Kurapika. She’d been so excited, and the thought of seeing him again had been the only reason she kept going at times. Gon sensed this, quickly waving his hands. “Oh, but I’m sure he’ll at least want to see you, (Name)! You know he has a soft spot for you!”

She sighed, ruffling the boys hair. “Yeah…”

She pushed her worry away, rubbing her arm as the salesman spoke.

“You want a deal? Here you go! This phone is the latest thing. It’s small, thin, and light and it comes with a GPS system to help you find your way around.”

“What do you think?” Killua asked Gon as he absentmindedly patted (Name)’s arm in an attempt to comfort her.

“Well, the price is right and it would fit in my pocket… yeah I think I’ll take it.”

“You don’t want that one.”

The three started to slowly turn around, (Name)’s eyes brimming with tears.

“You can’t roam with it and it’s not even waterproof. I’d go with this one over here if I were you.”

“Leorio!”

“Yo!”

(Name) jumped into his arms, the man spinning her around as they both laughed. “Leoriooo! I missed you!”

“Right back at you, sunshine.”

He kissed her forehead, causing her to break out into giggles. The two boys glanced at each other.

“Is it just me, or do they seem a lot closer now?” Killua whispered to Gon.

“Well, living together for nearly four months will do that.”

Leorio got them their phones, and began walking back to (Name)’s apartment. “Are you staying with me too, Leorio?”

“Nah, I got my own hotel. Don’t wanna make your apartment too crowded.”

“Aww, but I slept in your bed with you for months! I promise I don’t mind.”

Leorio blushed at that, the two boys laughing at his reaction. "Hey, don't say that in front of them."

"Why? It's not like we did anything."

She giggled, the taller man's face going red. "Hey!Quiet down.”

They say in (Name's apartment, using her computer to look up information as she prepared some snacks.

"Hey, sunshine, can you grab me a beer?"

"Coming up!”

Killua scoffed, flicking the man on the back of head.

"Why are you acting like she's your little housewife? You can get it yourself.”

"Hey! (Name), Killua is picking on me!"

'What is he, a kid?'

(Name) came back carrying a tray of snacks in her hands and a beer under her arm. "Here, Leorio." She set down the tray before kissing his cheek. "Find anything yet?"

He sighed, cheeks turning pink. "A few things."

‘What the hell is their relationship!?' Killua thought, eyebrow twitching.

Before the three left to start a conditional auctioning, (Name) stopped Leorio.

“Has…”

She held onto his sleeve, staring down at the floor. “Has Pika talked to you recently?”

Leorio raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, a few days ago he informed me he had a new job. Has he not been in contact with you?”

(Name) seemed to deflate slightly. “He… hasn’t talked to me in a month…”

This seemed to genuinely surprise Leorio, the man taking a step back. “What?! A month? But the two of you were calling every day, even falling asleep on the phone together!”

She groaned. “I know! It’s so weird. I’ve been telling myself it’s because he’s just busy but…”

Now it was hard to hang onto that excuse. “Hey, I’m sure there’s some reason he hasn’t called. To be fair, he’s only texted me a handful of times this month.”

She nodded slowly, looking up. “Yeah…”

Gon held her hand. “I’m sure he wouldn’t ignore you on purpose. Kurapika cares about you a whole lot! There has to be a reason! I bet his new job has been suuuper time consuming!”

“Yeah!”

(Name) smiled, the boy grinning back. “There we are! I love your smile, (Name)!”

She giggled, ruffling his hair. “You little charmer. You boys go on, I’ll have dinner ready when you all get back.”

She waved them off and closed the door behind them.

“Oh, Pika…”

She sank to the floor, holding her phone in her hand. Her finger hovered over the call button, but before she could call him again, she stopped.

‘He won’t answer, anyway.’ she thought bitterly, picking herself up.

(Name) brushed her pants off before lightly smacking her cheeks. ‘I can’t think like that. I gotta trust him. He said he’d always be there for me! I just have to… I just have to believe in him!’

She grabbed her purse, throwing it over her shoulder before running out the front door. ‘I’ll get some grocery shopping done. Maybe I’ll even find presents for them!’

——————

(Name) finished her shopping, having secured a gift for both Kurapika and Killua. She hummed to herself, glancing down at her grocery list.

“Need more celery, milk, eggs… ouch!”

(Name) tumbled to the ground, quickly gathering her things. “Watch it, girl.”

(Name) looked up to see a man glaring daggers at her. This didn’t bother her, though. No, (Name) jumped up and began frantically checking over the stranger. “Oh my gosh, I’m so sorry! Are you okay? I wasn’t paying attention. Did you get hurt? I have bandaids in my ba-“

The man stepped out of her way before he continued walking. “Tch, annoying.”

She blinked, crouching back down to pick up the rest of her things when she spotted it.

A wallet. There was nothing to identify the man with inside of it, only a few unmarked bills and a picture of a group of children. She tilted her head. “Sir, sir you dropped your-“

But he was gone. (Name) smacked a hand over her forehead. ‘Maybe I’ll bump into him again. Can’t leave it here…’

She stuffed the wallet into her backpack, sighing. (Name) pouted at her scraped elbow, taking out a bandaid and slapping it onto her wound before walking away.

As the sun began to set, (Name) started cooking dinner. The boys would be out late, meaning she could really take her time.

After hours of arm wrestling, Gon walked into her apartment, the other two trailing behind him.

“Just in time, dinner is ready!”

Leorio nodded sleepily, sitting down at the kitchen table to eat dinner. “Leorio, why don’t you stay here tonight? York New is dangerous during the day, it’s suicide to be walking around at night.”

Leorio munched on his dinner as he thought this over. “Alright. Hope your bed is big enough for the both us of.”

“Probably!”

——————

(Name) attempted to untangle herself from her tall friend the next morning, whining. “Leorio, gotta pee!”

“Five more minutes…”

He turned over, pulling her along with him. ‘Now I remember why I moved.’

“KILLUA! GON!”

The two came rushing in, Gon slipping and falling on Leorio’s pants he’d thrown off in the middle of the night. “You pervert, I should have known!”

Killua bonked him on the head, pulling him off the bed and throwing him at the hall. “Woah- MY BACK!”

(Name) was too busy wobbling to the bathroom to notice the two laying into the taller man, rubbing her sleepy eyes.

When she got back, she had to separate the three as they rolled on the floor. “Okay, okay, let him go.”

The four ate breakfast in silence, poor Leorio having a swollen cheek and several bruises. “Sorry, Leorio. You kind of have a reputation…”

Leorio sighed. “It’s alright. You two coming to protect (Name) like that is what you should do.”

But Leorio still tripped Killua when they walked out the door that morning, muttering something about payback. “Don’t wait up on us, sunshine. We’ll be out until the early morning.”

(Name) lingered by the door. “Are you sure you don’t want me to pack you some lunches, then? I-“

He silenced her with a peck on the forehead. “You’re too sweet. You just sit nice and pretty, and I’ll bring you home something nice, alright?”

(Name) felt her face heat up at his words, and to get him back, she fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Leorio, baby, not in front of the kids…”

He attempted to stutter out a response, only for his tongue to be tied. (Name) laughed and pushed him out of the door. “Byee! Don’t get into too much trouble!”

The entire day was spent doing chores, cleaning the house, making premade meals, and standing around waiting for Kurapika to call.

“Hmm…”

She stared at her phone that sat on the table, tilting her head one way then the other. “Hmmmmm…… okay I’m going to call him again.”

Ring…

Ring…

Ring…

“You gonna answer that?”

Kurapika didn’t answer the brute in front of him, only glancing at his phone to see (Name)’s smiling contact photo lighting up the screen. His heart thumped against his chest for just a moment before he steadied himself.

“Where do you want to die?”

“Some place where we won’t cause a disturbance, because you’ll be making a lot of noise when I kill you.”

Uvogin allowed the blonde to leave and grab something.

A shovel, but not just any shovel.

Kurapika stood in front of the storing shed in the back of (Name)’s apartment building. He glanced up to her window, a faint smile on his face when he spotted her silhouette twirling around in what he assumed was her kitchen.

‘That’s how it should be. Her unaware and happy while I carry this heavy burden.’

He put in the combination to the lock around the shed, remembering she told him it was her birthday 2 months ago.

‘Still the same combination? That’s not safe…’

He scolded himself for thinking this. ‘I shouldn’t care, I have more important things to worry about.’

Kurapika searched the shed until he spotted what he was after. ‘There it is…’

It wasn’t perfect, but would do in this situation. It was a large snow shovel, one she’d bought when she moved to York New and found out the snow was heavy in the winter. He didn’t have the heart to tell her at the time that the snow was shoveled by volunteers, meaning it would be useless to her.

But now it would be useful to him.

Kurapika closed the shed and carefully clicked the lock closed, attempting to make it seem like it hadn’t been open in the first.

——————

Kurapika shoveled dirt onto Uvogin’s corpse, eye blank. He glanced down at his dear friends snow shovel, only feeling slightly guilty as the evident dents in the metal.

‘She would forgive me. She always does.’

He made the long journey back to York New, slipping into the back of (Name)’s apartment building. Gone was the careful Kurapika who had been there a few hours before, now he shoved the dirty, bloody shovel into the shed, kicking the door when it caught on the ground.

He didn’t even both to make it seem like it hadn’t been tampered with, he was much too tired, much too emotionally and physically spent to care.

Kurapika lingered near (Name)’s apartment, feeling his legs nearly buckle as he attempted to walk away.

‘Have to… have to go. Can’t stay or…’

He’d subconsciously arrived at her doorstep, hand already reaching out to knock. Before he could stop himself, he knocked on the door twice.

“Be there in a second!”

His lip trembled at the sound of her voice. More than anything, he wanted to be with her right now. Kurapika had just gone through so much, he’d taken his first life.

The door opened slowly, and he pushed himself in, collapsing in her arms. “P-Pika?”

(Name) wasn’t sure how to feel in the moment. Her Pika had returned to her, but not in the way she had expected.

He was covered in blood, face pale and dirty. His clothes were torn, and she wasn’t sure what he’d been through.

“Pika? Are you hurt anywhere?”

Kurapika shook his head slowly, his grip on her tightening when she attempted to set him down. “Okay, okay… let’s try breathing in and out, okay?”

She sat down on the floor, allowing him to bury his head into her shoulder as he caught his breath. It was like standing on his own was impossible then, and he needed her support.

“Alright… there you go.”

She brushed his hair back to get a good look at his face. His eyes were a faint red, face covered in dirt and dried blood. She cupped his cheek, not caring a single bit about the mess collecting on her hand.

“Pika… what can I do? Do you want to talk about it?”

He shook his head, leaning into her touch. “Okay… let’s try some yes or no questions. Shake your head for no, nod for yes.”

He patiently waited for her to continue, eyes fluttering closed. “Do you want to take a bath?”

He nodded, head leaning forward to nuzzle against her shoulder. Although the circumstances weren’t perfect, it still felt nice to have her Pika with her again, especially when he was pulling her closer to him. It reminded her of the Hunter Exam, when they never went long without another.

“Okay, let’s get to the bathroom sweetheart.”

She struggled under his weight as she guided him to the bathroom. He didn’t talk the entire time, silent as she set him on the edge of the tub.

(Name) drew him a bath, occasionally having to struggle out of his grip. He kept a hand on her shirt the entire time, and when she strayed too far he pulled her into his arms, whimpering against her hair. “Pika, I’m not leaving, I’m just grabbing a towel…”

After his bath was ready, she attempted to walk out of the bathroom to give him some privacy.

“Pikaa…”

He was stopping her from leaving again, pulling her back by her hips. “Pika, what do you want?”

He gave her no answer, only pawing at her form like a sad puppy. Thinking he just wanted her near, she turned her head so he could get undressed. After five minutes, she turned to see he hadn’t made any moves to undress at all.

She shook her head in exasperation. “Okay, lift up your arms.”

He did so without question, (Name) pulling his shirt and undershirt off of him. When she moved to hook her thumbs under his pants, it was like he snapped awake from a dream.

Kuraoika shooed her hands away, face a light pink. She raised an eyebrow, then turned around so he could get undressed and sink into the warm water.

She turned back around and sighed. He was just sitting, knees pulled to his chest. “Pika…”

She sat at the edge of the tub, using a cup to wet his hair. Again, he leaned against her, soaking her shirt. “Aww, Pika…”

(Name) didn’t mind that much, though. She knew he wasn’t in the best headspace right now, and wanted to do whatever she could to help.

She washed his hair, giggling when he smiled at the feeling of her fingers massaging soap into his scalp. “That feel nice, Pika?”

He nodded against her, attempting to nuzzle into her soft tummy against but she pushed him back a little. “Hey, mister, you’re still wet. Wait until after your bath!”

He grumbled at that, but listened. She washed his upper half as much as possible, looking away as she washed his chest.

“Okay, Pika. I’m not going any further than that, you’ll have to take over sweetheart.”

She grabbed his hand and placed the rag in it. He stared at the rag, unmoving.

“Pika.”

“…”

“Pika you’ve gotta wash yourself.”

“…”

She took in a deep breath, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I love you, so much. So much.”

She grabbed the rag and turned her head as she washed his legs, the blonde lifting his leg slightly. (Name) wanted to laugh. Usually Kurapika was very independent and easily embarrassed, but now he was completely naked, allowing her to see him at his most vulnerable and leaning into her touch.

But she didn’t laugh. That wouldn’t be right in her mind. Her friend had been through something traumatizing enough to the point he had gone nonverbal. And she couldn’t laugh at that.

“Okay, Pika, you’re all clean.”

She drained the tub, wrapping a fluffy towel around his form and helping him out of the tub. “Come on, let’s get you to bed.”

She sat him down, the blonde yet again attempting to pull her into his embrace again. “Pika, no! I’ve gotta get you some clothes, okay?”

The blonde tugged at her sleeve, looking up at her with watery eyes. “Pika…”

She cupped his cheeks, leaning down to peck his lips. “It’s just for a second, Pika. I’ll be right back.”

He seemed to melt under her touch, eyes fluttering shut as she planted kisses all over his face. “That better?”

He nodded, nuzzling against her palm. “Okay. I’ll give you more kisses in just a minute, just let me go.”

Kurapika considered this, glancing between her and the door before letting her go. (Name) made true on her word, returning only a minute later carrying a pair of pajama pants and a tshirt. “Sorry, it’s Leorio’s clothes, b-“

Kurapika seemed visibly disgusted when she attempted to dress him. He pushed the shirt away, shaking his head. “What… what’s wrong? These are the only clothes that’ll fit you, sweetheart.”

He kept pushing and shaking his head until (Name) sighed. “Well, I guess you can wear my clothes…”

He went still at this, relaxing when she walked over to her closet and pulled out some pajamas again. It was the ugliest t-shirt she owned. It had a screaming possum on the front, the text saying ‘LETS EAT TRASH AND GET HIT BY A CAR” in bright red comic sans font, along with a pair of hello kitty pajama pants.

This time he offered no resistance when she asked him to raise his arms. She slipped the shirt onto him, wincing at the sight of his thin frame. ‘He lost weight…’

He was able to put his pants on himself, following behind her like a lost puppy when she walked into the kitchen. She sat him down and took out one of the premade meals she made that day. ‘I’m so glad I made these…’

She heated it up, watching as Kurapika swayed at the table. He was exhausted, she needed to hurry so he didn’t pass out at her dinner table.

“Here, Pika, it’s hot.”

She set the plate of food in front of him, scolding herself. ‘Of course he can’t feed himself.’

“I’ve got it, sweetheart.”

She blew on a spoonful of food before bringing it to his lips. He took a bite, perking up a little. She continued, but apparently was too slow, because the blonde snatched the spoon from her hand and began to shovel his meal into his mouth.

“Woah, slow down, you’re gonna choke.”

He didn’t listen. Kurapika had trouble eating recently. Nothing tasted good, everything bland after he decided to cut his beloved (Name) out of his life, but right now the food in front of him tasted like heaven.

He finished his plate, sipping on the drink she’d offered him moments before. After that, he rubbed at his eyes, swaying again.

“Sleepy?”

He nodded slowly, allowing her to guide him to her bedroom. “Let’s get you tucked in.”

She tucked him into one side of her bed, making sure he was comfortable before climbing into the other side. “Goodnight, Pika.”

He said nothing as he scooted closer to her, burying his face in her chest. She sighed, running her fingers through his pretty blonde hair.

“Thank you…”

It was so quiet that (Name) wasn’t sure she’d heard anything at all, but he continued to mutter thanks and apologies against her shirt. “Sorry… so sorry, (Name).”

“What are you sorry for, Pika? You didn’t do anything wrong?”

He didn’t answer her, and when she felt her shirt grow wet with tears, she could only sigh. “I love you, Pika. You’re not a burden to me at all, so don’t apologize for this.”

If only she knew that he was apologizing for who he’s become in the future, what he’d do to her to further his cause. Maybe she would have been less forgiving.

Just maybe.

(Name) kissed the top of his head, beginning to him as he clung to her. His body wracked with sobs, his hands clawing at her back as he broke down. “Please… please… don’t hate me, (Name). Please…”

She was quiet, not knowing how to respond. (Name) could never hate him. In the morning, she could attempt to ease his fears, let him know just how much he meant to her.

“Shh, shh…” she cooed, giving him kisses all over his face. He accepted those kisses, sighing in contentment. Kurapika peered up at her with those pretty brown eyes, leaning into her touch.

“Lets rest, okay?”

He didn’t want to rest. In the morning, he would become a stranger to her, but his heavy eyelids wouldn’t allow him to stay awake. “… okay…”

She pulled him into her embrace, the feeling of her warm hands on his back allowing him to relax and sleep.

——————

Kurapika pulled on his clothes, glancing at the sleeping girl with half lidded eyes.

He bent down, brushing her hair out of her face so he could take a good look at her sleeping face. ‘So pretty…’

Kurapika stared at her for a while, feeling himself being drawn towards her. He shook his head, pressing a lingering kiss to her forehand before standing up.

“Goodbye, (Name). I wish you the best, truly.”

He lingered in the doorway, glancing down to the shirt he discarded on the floor, the one she dressed him in the night before.

‘She won’t miss this…’

He picked it up, placing it in his satchel before pulling on his tabard. He looked over himself in the mirror. Thanks to her help, he looked… passable. Clean, but nothing would help in hiding the dark circles under his eyes and slight hollowness in his cheeks.

Kurapika spared her one last glance before leaving her apartment.

‘I’ll miss you, angel.’

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[gumnut-logic]

It started off as a mild annoyance.

Scott had fallen asleep at his father’s desk. Too much paperwork, most of which he was learning on the fly. Board members doubting his ability to take over from his father and juggle International Rescue. Virgil would kick his ass if he found out. John probably already knew. 

Both elder brothers were doing their best to help. Virgil was taking on as much International Rescue as was humanly possible. John was juggling Tracy Industries almost as much as Scott while handling day-to-day IR.

His father’s shoes were massive to fill.

And he left a gaping hole in Scott’s heart.

Waking up with an imprint of his own knuckles on the side of his face and a massive crick in his neck wasn’t the best. Staring at the glow of the twelve reports still awaiting review did nothing to improve his mood.

Briefly wondering how he had managed to sleep what appeared to be at least an hour with no disturbance, he remembered that Virgil was still on the other side of the planet, John was likely busy with that same situation and the two youngest were in bed. Grandma had returned to Kansas to finalise some of Dad’s personal matters.

Scott groaned and let his head fall onto his arms again.

He was so tired.

Something tickled his neck.

Absently, he swiped at it and ended up hitting himself in the head.

A few things between his ears rattled loose.

The tickle climbed down his spine and found his ribcage.

Scott’s eyes widened and he jumped out of the chair, sending it spinning across the floor.

What the-?

It was under his shirt.

There followed a most undignified, full-bodied dance across the comms room as he attempted to get whatever it was out of his shirt.

It didn’t hurt, but it tickled like crazy. He was caught between screaming and uncontrolled giggling.

In the end, he resorted to ripping his shirt off and flinging it across the room.

The tickling stopped.

And was replaced with goose pimples as the pre-dawn breeze wafted across his skin. Scott found himself bare chested and breathing heavily.

He wasn’t afraid of bugs, but that was…strange. He eyed his shirt as if it was going to jump up and bite him.

Of course, that was the moment Gordon wandered through on his way to his morning training. The fish stood at the top of the stairs for a full ten seconds staring at his topless eldest brother standing in the middle of the room, lit only by the blue light of holo-projector on the desk.

“Interesting look there, Scott.”

Scott spared him a glare before grabbing the shirt off the floor. “Lights.”

The comms room lit up. Scott drew some satisfaction as Gordon cringed from the sudden brightness. Fortunately, the little fish scuttled off to his pool and left Scott alone without another annoying word.

There was no bug in or on his shirt. After examining it, he had no choice but to throw it back on, or continue to invite comments from the waking peanut gallery.

The sudden appearance of John on the central projector and the distant roar of the return of Thunderbird Two flicked all thoughts of bugs from his mind as the new day started even before the sun made an appearance.

-o-o-o-

Virgil was exhausted but he didn’t have time to sleep. He did give himself a few moments to sit in the kitchen, worship his bucket of coffee and stare out at Mateo as the sun rose over it. It was only blinding if he focussed on it and he didn’t have the energy to do that.

Two needed repair and she needed it now.

His last rescue had involved a volcano and she had far too many particulates in her filters. They would all need replacing before he felt comfortable taking her out again. 

After that he needed to see to Alan and help him set up for the morning’s classes. He quite enjoyed helping his littlest brother, but he enjoyed it much more when he hadn’t been up all night.

But first coffee.

So warm. So inviting.

He closed his eyes as sipped the blessed liquid that was going to give him the energy to get through the rest of the day.

He nearly dropped the mug as something tickled him under his upraised arm.

He saved the mug, but didn’t manage to stifle the high-pitched squawk.

The coffee was deposited carefully, but Virgil was out of his seat and grabbing at his clothing in an energetic frenzy.

There may have been one or two more high pitched squeaks as red flannel was rubbed and scrubbed at frantically. 

Out of desperation, Virgil tore off both his shirt and his grey undershirt and threw them on the floor. He resisted the urge to stamp on them.

It was his favourite shirt.

“Virg?”

He looked up to find Gordon, fresh from the pool, standing in the doorway staring at him.

“You okay?”

If Virgil flushed red, he wasn’t going to acknowledge it. “Bug in my shirt.”

“Really.”

“Really.” Frowning his grabbed his shirt from off the floor, eyeing it suspiciously. Screw it, he sat down shirtless in front of his coffee and resumed staring out the window.

Gordon walked past him to the stairs, frowning and shooting him the oddest looks.

Virgil ignored him.

-o-o-o-

Scott made it through to lunch and finally dug up the answers the factory manager in Oklahoma had been begging him for. He had also managed to answer the lawyers, read and sign a pile of holographic documents and have a long-delayed meeting with the Japanese CEO. At least John had been able to help with translation. To be honest, it had just been a relief to have a brother to talk to.

Surrounded by family.

Too damned busy.

The last task for the morning was a parent-teacher conversation with Gordon’s curriculum manager. Scott had suspicions that there was a little too much Olympic training happening versus school work. It was a fine balance that had to be maintained. Gordon was a good student, if a little out of the ordinary…but then what Tracy wasn’t? At least two were diagnosed geniuses, and the other three focussed on their goals to the point of blindness, himself included.

His short Air Force career flickered through his mind and he shunted it away.

He was where he needed to be. Fate saw to that.

Scott stepped into the sunken lounge and briefly wondered if he was going to be allowed to leave this room today at any point. 

A resigned sigh and he his comms. “Gordon, time for the meeting.”

“FAB. Be there in two.”

Gordon was true to his word and appeared almost immediately, loud shirt and shorts as eye blasting as usual.

Scott reached out dropped a hand on his little brother’s shoulder. At sixteen, already Gordon’s accomplishments required a cabinet to hold all the trophies. With the loss of their father, Gordon had stumbled with the rest of them, but he was regaining his feet fast. He had to. This was his chance. The 2056 Olympics waited for no excuses.

This time it started on his wrist.

The faintest of tickles.

It was a tickle, not an itch. It played with nerve endings just like someone had their finger gently brushing across the surface of his skin.

It travelled up his arm as he snatched his hand away from his brother.

It was in his shirt again.

There were words as he once again found himself grabbing at his shirt.

“Scott, what?”

He was vaguely aware of the concerned expression on his brother’s face, but he was too busy trying not to giggle or scream.

His shirt ended up on the floor again.

Gordon stared at him a full five seconds, his face caught between incredulity, worry and hysterical laughter. Being Gordon, the laughter won out.

Scott ignored him and poked his shirt with his foot.

Of course, that was the moment John flickered in to advise that the curriculum manager was ready for the meeting. Scott had to admit that somewhere in the back of his wasted brain, there was something quite funny about the expression on the space monitor’s face.

Gordon, of course, had tears running down his face and was useless.

Scott had a lot of experience keeping his composure. He needed it all at the moment. “John, could you please ask Ms Smithson to hold for a moment, I need to grab a shirt.”

John bit his lip, obviously holding something back. But, ever the professional, he didn’t say anything but, “FAB,” before blinking out.

Scott picked up his shirt with two fingers and made a beeline for his bedroom.

At least he got a moment outside of the comms room.

-o-o-o-

A new shirt found, Scott made it through the interview. Turned out Gordon had been really working hard and with a small adjustment to his curriculum, he should be able to manage both his training and his graduation with only a small delay. Scott was satisfied that it would be the best for the athlete at this time.

The grin on Gordon’s face made it extra worthwhile.

Scott turned back to the desk after the meeting, but the list of messages awaiting his attention just hurt to look at.

Screw it. He deserved food, another room and maybe even some brotherly conversation. A quick check on Virgil’s location placed him, as expected, in the hangars. The engineer had not been happy that his ‘bird had suffered during last night’s rescue. Virgil was as bad as he was. His brother hadn’t slept, International Rescue his highest priority.

Scott sighed. How could they be expected to go ahead like this?

Lunch. Food. He struggled to focus his mind. Had he had breakfast? He couldn’t remember.

An elevator ride and he walked out into the cool underground caverns that housed the great green behemoth that was the love of his brother’s life.

It wasn’t hard to locate that brother. The profanity was extreme for Virgil and it had Scott quickening his step around the great plane. He found him harnessed and hanging in front of Two’s starboard intake. The swearing was moving into European languages, never a good sign.

Scott shouted up at the dangling engineer. “Virgil?!”

“What?!” A spanner fell and hit the concrete two metres in front of Scott. Despite himself, he jumped.

Virgil stared down at him owlishly for a whole handful of seconds. “Sorry.” It was muttered, honest, but grudging.

“Can you come down?”

“Why?”

“It’s lunch time.”

“I’m not hungry. I’ve got to get this done. I’ve got to replace part of the filter housing.”

“Well, I am hungry and you haven’t slept. Come down.”

“I’m fine! This can’t wait!”

“Damnit, Virgil, get down here now!”

The glare that hit him from above was dark and fuelled from the bottom of a desperate coffee pot. Scott had no doubt of that.

But one more muttered expletive and his brother rappelled down to the concrete floor. Dressed in flannel with his maintenance harness secured over ratty jeans, Virgil was covered in dust and grime.

Didn’t dull his fury though.

The fact he was so angry, so out of character for the generally calm and quiet engineer was more than enough proof that his brother needed rest.

“What do you want, Scott. I have to fix my ‘bird otherwise she can’t fly and we can’t answer the next call.”

“I’m having some serious doubts we can answer the next call anyway. Look at yourself, Virgil. You’re exhausted.”

“Kettle, pot, Scott.”

“Exactly! Eat lunch with me.”

Those dark brows wrinkled even further, brown eyes making that subtle switch between engineer and concerned brother.

Scott supposed he should have expected this. Maybe he was asking for it, hiding from a decision he knew he was going have to make. 

Offering himself up as a sacrifice in order for Virgil to make the decision for him.

He was so goddamned tired.

This time the tickle started on his calf, just above his right sock.

He wriggled, frowning, shifting his feet.

It climbed up his leg and he let out a squawk somewhere between a giggle and a profane word that would have had Grandma washing his mouth out with soap.

“Scott?”

It was running around and around his thigh. Scott cracked and grabbed at his leg, spinning on the spot as Virgil reached for him.

Whatever it was, it was fast. Up and down his leg as if anticipated his attempts to grab it through his jeans.

“Scott, what is…oh, shit!”

The eldest Tracy spun to find Virgil hanging upside down in his harness grabbing at his shirt.

The tickle in Scott’s leg took the opportunity to breach his waist band and play with his navel.

Buttons flew across the hangar as Scott tore the shirt from his body. 

There was nothing on his belly.

Virgil squawked and writhed, still upside down.

The tickle appeared back in Scott’s pants, this time behind his left knee. He didn’t hesitate, shedding his shoes, he shucked his pants and tossed them aside.

Finally, finally the ticklish feeling stopped. But Scott was left in his black short briefs and socks.

And damn it was cold in the hangars.

Virgil was still writhing upside down, unable to shed clothing due to his harness. “Goddamnit, Scott, help.” There was the sound of ripping flannel as heavy lifting muscles resorted to force.

Scott grabbed at his brother’s harness and wrapping an arm around those broad shoulders, released the safety line. Virgil weight was considerable, but Scott stabilised him enough for the engineer to get his feet beneath him. A fumble with the harness buckles and the support fell to the concrete with a clink of its metal links.

Torn flannel followed.

Two layers of shirt stripped, Virgil suddenly took a deep breath and dropped his hands to his knees, letting his head drop. “It’s stopped.”

Both brothers heaved in air for a moment.

“What the hell was that?” Virgil looked up at Scott.

“I have no idea. Third time this morning.”

“Second.” Virgil’s voice was all breath.

“Happened before?”

Virgil nodded. “Over coffee.” A frown. “Gordon came in afterwards. This isn’t a new prank is it?”

Scott stared at his brother for a moment. “Gordon was there both times this morning.”

Virgil’s shoulders dropped. “I’m going to kill him.”

“He’s not here now.” Scott looked around before hesitantly poking his shirt enough to activate his comms. “Thunderbird Five, could you give me a location on Gordon?”

“Scott? You okay?”

“I will be once I find Gordon.”

“He’s on the pool deck, apparently studying. The meeting went well?”

Scott frowned. “Yes, a few small changes will make room for his training. Gordon was very happy with the plan.” Could explain the studying.

“That’s great news.”

“Yes, it is.” He wondered how happy John would be if he could see him standing in his underwear next to a shirtless Virgil.

“Are you sure you are okay?”

Perhaps his brother didn’t need to see. “I’ll let you know after I’ve spoken to Gordon.”

“Okay. Remember fratricide is not an option.”

“Don’t spoil it for me.”

-o-o-o-

A clean pair of pants and two shirts later they found Gordon exactly where John said he would be. The sixteen-year-old was camped out on a pool lounger with a portable holoprojector, his tablet and even a print book open beside him.

“Gordon?” The strawberry blond head remained focussed on the tablet. 

“Gordon!”

Scott jumped. Hell, Virgil could yell when he needed to.

Gordon looked up calmly. “Virg? Something wrong?” Scott watched his little brother take in their state of undress. Neither of them had shoes on or had done up their shirts, just in case. “What are you guys doing?”

“What do you think?” He stepped down onto the pool deck, gesturing to his open shirt. “This is on you, and you know it.”

A blink. “Know what?”

Beside Scott, Virgil lost it. God, a tired Virgil was a cranky Virgil. “What did you put in our clothes?”

“Er, nothing?” Gordon appeared to realise he was tackling the family bear in a fury, a rare, but never good thing. He put down his tablet and stood up, backing away a little. “Now, Virg, I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“You’re kidding me.”

Another step back. “Uh, no. I really have no idea what you are talking about.” Pleading eyes darted to Scott.

If Scott wasn’t so tired, he might have found the whole reversal of roles between himself and Virgil somewhat ironic. As things were, he reached out and gently wrapped his hand around Virgil’s arm.

His hand only made it part way around one bulging bicep. When the hell had that happened? He tugged gently. “Virg…”

That resulted in a pair of furious brown targeting him. “What?! He could have caused a serious accident. What if it happened while I was up in the intakes? Whatever the hell he did, it was dangerous.”

Okay, so Virgil had a point.

Gordon held up his hands. “Honest, guys, I have no idea what you are talking about.”

“So, you know nothing about an…irritant in our clothing?” Scott stared him down.

“Uh, no?”

He held his little brother’s expression a moment longer. It would likely have been even longer, but Gordon suddenly frowned.

And grabbed at his pants. “What the hell?”

Both Scott and Virgil stared as Gordon started dancing around the pool deck tearing at his clothes. His squawk turned into a giggle as he squirmed. “Omigod, stop!” The giggle became a laugh and Scott found himself holding back from joining in. Beside him Virgil snorted before running in to help their struggling little brother.

He needn’t have bothered. Gordon gave out an exaggerated laugh before throwing himself in the pool.

The sudden silence was almost shocking.

“Gordon!” Virgil stood on the side of the pool staring down at his brother under the water. Two strides and Scott was beside him as Gordon resurfaced, hair in his face, gasping and shirtless.

“Oh my god, that was hilarious!” He coughed out another laugh and threw his shirt onto the deck. “I want to know how you did that.” Gordon grinned up at them.

“We didn’t do it.” Virgil’s voice was sharp.

“Wha-? You’re kidding?” 

Scott shook his head as Gordon levered himself out of the pool.

“Then who? And how?” The swimmer shook the water out of his hair and coated his brothers in the process. At Virgil’s snarl, Gordon’s grin was unrepentant. 

Well, when he looked at it that way, there were only two possible choices and this was not a Brains concept in the slightest.

It was Gordon who said it first. “Alan? Where are you? That was so cool! You gotta show me how you did it!”

Scott didn’t expect an answer. He expected to have to hunt his little brother down like he had Gordon, oh, so many times. So, he was surprised when Alan slunk out of the kitchen with some kind of remote in his hands.

“Alan?” Virgil’s voice spoke of the shock Scott was attempting to process in his head. Alan was a good student. Precocious and bright, but far from the prankster his brother was.

Gordon bounced over to his little brother. “That was so cool! How did you do it?”

“Nanobots.”

“Nanobots.” The word fell from Virgil’s mouth. “You used medical technology for a prank?” 

Scott reached out and grabbed Virgil’s arm again. “Alan, explain yourself.”

The boy’s shoulders dropped. “Failed experiment for school.”

Scott blinked. “What?” None of this was making sense.

And suddenly he was shot with a pair of anguished eyes. “I only wanted to make you laugh!”

Scott stared.

The bicep under his hand wilted.

“Allie?” Gordon’s voice was curious, but soft.

Those blue eyes shifted to the fish. “They don’t smile anymore, much less laugh. So, I thought a little medical intervention might help.” And those hurting eyes flickered to Virgil.

The sound that issued from the engineer was heartbreaking.

While Scott’s brain was uncharacteristically caught in freefall, Gordon presented a parachute. “You made ticklebots?!” His amber eyes were wide with amazement.

As always, Gordon’s joy was infectious and Alan relaxed just a little, a small smile curving his lips. “Yeah, kinda.”

Gordon bounded over and grabbed his brother in a massive hug. “I am so proud!”

Scott let go of Virgil and took several of the steps between himself and his little eleven-year-old brother.

Gordon continued to gush, asking a range of technical questions with such enthusiasm that the small corner of Scott’s mind that was still functioning alerted him that this could be a bad thing for his future sanity.

But right now, he was fixated by those blue eyes, so reflective of his own that were staring up at him.

“Alan?”

Gordon stopped his babbling, but took up a defensive position beside his little brother. Something inside Scott bent and broke just a little.

But his focus was on Alan.

Those blue eyes looked down, breaking contact. “I’m sorry. I just wanted to see you laugh.”

“So, you tried to tickle us?”

Defiance shot those eyes back up. “Well, I wasn’t going to drug you, was I? Nothing else was working! You and Virgil are just so sad and busy and John is never here anymore and…and…no one laughs anymore!” A frown. Those eyes flickered past Scott and crumpled. “And you’re crying again.”

Scott turned and found Virgil struggling with his emotions, a tear running down his face. Aw, shit.

Alan turned away and took a retreating step, but a blur of red flannel and the youngest was swept up in desperate hug. “I’m sorry, Allie.”

A muffled “’s’not your fault.” But Alan was clinging to his brother like a life raft.

Scott blinked several times. The thought that his genius little brother had to resort to technology out of desperation to see a smile hurt somewhere deep down where he had buried his own tears.

An amber gaze saved him from drowning. Gordon stood on the other side of Virgil and Alan, his shoulders straightening. “So, Allie, can I borrow your bots?”

With that single sentence, the moment snapped with a chorused “No!” from the both eldest. Virgil tumbled backwards in his haste to stand up.

Gordon feigned innocence. “Why not? I have my own experiment to perform. You know, for mental health reasons.”

“No, Gordon.” Scott’s tone was full commander, but the fish just grinned up at him. Hell, he was caught wondering if Gordon would ever obey him.

“Gordon.” Virgil’s voice had that deep grumble of warning.

The fish shrugged and relented. “Eh, your loss. It was going to be brilliant.”

“Sure.” Scott’s tone dripped sarcasm.

“But!” Gordon grinned. “Allie wins the trophy for the concept and invention!” He wrapped an arm around his little brother’s shoulders. “I am so proud.”

Alan smiled up at the fish with appreciation.

Scott held out his hand and those shoulders dropped, the smile disappearing.

“Alan.”

More the reluctant and pouting tween he was, his little brother handed over the remote. Scott glanced at it before handing it off immediately to Virgil. The engineer would be able to make more sense of it than he ever would.

Scott held out an arm and blue eyes stared up at him for just a split second before dashing into the hug the eldest was desperate to give him. Both arms wrapped around Alan and he buried his face in blond hair. “I’m sorry, Allie.”

“’S not your fault.”

“Doesn’t matter. I will try to do better.”

“’S not your fault.”

A glance in Virgil’s direction only to find the big man fighting back tears again. Even Gordon’s expression was a little broken…until he realised Scott was looking at him, then the goofiest of grins split his face and he crossed his eyes.

The laugh that fell from Scott’s lips was almost strangled by a sob.

The devilry that suddenly appeared on that face overrode every other thought with mild fear.

Gordon didn’t disappoint. Sliding up behind a teary Virgil, he darted in and tickled their bear of a brother.

Virgil squawked and wriggle danced out of reach.

Scott couldn’t help it. 

He laughed again.

“C’mere, Virgie, I wanna ticklebot you!” Gordon exaggerated tickling fingers at his brother before jumping into what became a hilarious chase around the pool.

Scott couldn’t help but grin even more.

Alan outright laughed.

And something lifted just a little from Scott’s chest.

“Thank you, Allie.”

Surprised blue shot up at him.

“You’re right. We need to laugh more.”

Virgil ended up in the pool.

Gordon jumped in after him.

And Scott hugged his littlest brother so much closer.

-o-o-o-

The afternoon relaxed into together time. Phones rang but were ignored. John was dragged down from orbit. The barbecue was lugged out, food found and cooked for dinner and a comfortable feeling that had been absent since their father had been lost, found its way onto the Island.

Gordon cherished it.

Virgil continued to be a touch emotional during the entire time, grabbing random brothers and attempting to smother them with his arms. Scott was quieter, but even Gordon noticed he was far from Alan at any point that entire afternoon and evening. John was quietly puzzled about the whole thing until he suddenly grabbed at his shirt and jumped and jiggled about.

“Oh, so that’s how it works.” Virgil was staring down at the remote control in his hand, poking at it.

John let out a squawk and fell onto the couch writhing.

His shirt was thrown off moments later.

“Hey, Alan, how do you turn them off?”

Therein followed some discussion on Alan and Virgil’s part, followed by Scott and his two cents when he felt it appropriate.

John started yelling at them after a very short period of time, still writhing on the sofa.

Gordon thought it was absolutely hilarious and had trouble keeping his feet while laughing.

All in all, it was a fantastic afternoon and evening.

Scott fell asleep on the couch with his arm wrapped around a snoozing Alan five minutes into the movie Gordon had chosen. Virgil lasted another five minutes before caving into a faceplant on one of the cushions. His snores made it difficult to hear the movie, but the remaining three brothers cared not a whit. By the time John joined them in the land of the exhausted, the movie was little more than soundscape.

But Gordon wouldn’t have it any other way.

This was something that they had been missing for so long. Gordon sat there fake watching the movie and honestly holding back a few tears at the thought. Alan was right. They needed more laughter. His big brothers, John included, were shouldering so much now their father was no longer with them, and yes, his thoughts stumbled on that acknowledgement. God, he missed his dad. But they all had to do their part.

If there was something Gordon wanted to do, it was bring back the laughter. If it took itching powder and dye, if it took silly hats and fake tattoos, if it took everything he had, he would see his brothers happy.

They all had to do their part.

And he would make this his.

-o-o-o-

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #scott tracy #virgil tracy #gordon tracy #alan tracy #nuttyfic reblog #younger tracys

[sfb123]

Hands Down

Chapter 3: "True"

Catch up here!

Pairing: Liam x Riley

All characters belong to Pixelberry

Summary: Can Liam and Riley still find their way to each other despite Riley turning down Maxwell's invitation to Cordonia?

Rating: G

Word Count: 3,714

Song Inspiration: True - Ryan Cabrera

A/N: Thank you @charlotteg234 for helping me with the opening part of this.

Other than that, it hasn't been pre-read, so please excuse any errors. I'm really terrible at grammar. 😬

Tags are below the cut/in the comments. If you'd like to be added or removed, please let me know!

In the days following his coronation, Liam worked tirelessly to assure the people of his country that, despite his unconventional decision, Cordonia would be stronger and more prosperous than ever under his leadership. The council had rebranded what was supposed to have been his engagement tour into an introduction tour, which would not only serve as a chance to begin solidifying alliances and good-will with other world leaders and political taste-makers, but a chance for him to show everyone just what King Liam’s Cordonia could be.

However, even with the nonstop calls, meetings and interviews, his mind couldn’t help but drift to Drake’s words. 

I’m pretty sure it was obvious to everyone but you that she was into you.

You mean to tell me that you’re not even going to try?

He hadn’t planned on trying. He assumed that by turning down Maxwell’s invitation she wasn’t interested. But once again, he thought about what Drake said and considered Riley’s point of view. If he had been put in her place, he would have made the same choice. Maybe there was still hope. 

Liam decided that before he began his tour, he needed to fly to New York and find her. He had spent months thinking about her, even if she wasn’t the one, perhaps it would give him some closure and allow him to move on. When his final meeting of the week was finished, he boarded the royal jet and made his way to the states. 

When they landed, Liam requested that they go straight to the bar. He couldn’t wait any longer. As his SUV traveled the streets, his mind and heart were racing, thinking of all of the things he wanted to say, and reminding himself not to come on too strong, or get his hopes up too high. 

The car slowed to a stop in front of the bar, and Liam’s head guard, Bastien, walked around the vehicle to open Liam’s door. The young king paused for a moment, taking  a deep breath to prepare himself. He was ready for a life full of deals and negotiations, he had been trained for it since childhood; but having to be open, and speak his heart was something completely foreign to him. 

“Sir?” Bastien’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. 

Liam nodded in acknowledgement and stepped out of the vehicle, moving toward the door. As soon as he stepped over the threshold, he was hit with the nostalgia of the last time he was there. 

“Just a second.”

His breath caught in his throat at the voice calling from the kitchen. 

She’s here. 

His heart began racing as he neared the stools surrounding the bar. Just as he approached, Riley emerged from the kitchen, eyes trained on her notepad as she jotted something down. 

She looked even more beautiful than he remembered. She kept her focus on the task in front of her as she walked past him and straight to a table, slipping the customer the receipt she had been writing on. 

As soon as she turned around, Riley locked eyes with Liam and she froze in her spot. She wasn’t expecting to ever see him again. 

“Hello, Riley.” 

She stood in silence for another moment, trying to process the fact that Liam, the man she couldn’t seem to get out of her mind, was standing in front of him. “Hi Liam.” She managed to choke out. 

Shaking off her surprise, she jumped right back into waitress mode. “Can I get you a table? Are your friends here with you again?” She paused for a moment, suddenly remembering what he had been doing in their time apart. “If you’re here with your fiancée, I can give you a quiet table in the back.” 

“No, it’s just me this time.” He smiled at her. She didn’t know, she hadn’t been following the social season. He wasn’t sure whether or not that was a good sign. “I was actually hoping to speak with you, if you have a moment?” 

“Oh, um…” She took a look around the bar. It wasn’t very busy, but there were customers that were going to need her attention. “Yeah, let me just check on a couple of tables. You can sit if you want.” She motioned to the bar. He nodded and took a seat on a stool. 

After visiting each of her tables, and refilling a couple of glasses for the patrons at the bar, she stepped up to the spot where Liam was sitting. “Sorry,” she apologized. “Can I get you a drink?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you.” He took a deep breath and searched her eyes, hoping for some kind of sign that she had missed him, or even thought about him once since he had left, but she had a wall up, he wasn’t even sure if she was happy to see him. 

“So, how was your social season?” Riley asked, unsure what else to say. 

“It was… eventful.” He mused. “My father officially stepped down from the throne.”

“Oh, wow. So you’re an actual king now?” Liam nodded. “Congratulations.” She noticed that Liam seemed uneasy about his sudden title change. 

“I suppose. It was unexpected, and there was a lot behind it that made it a bit… bittersweet. But I knew I would end up here eventually.” He rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

“So how does your fiancée feel about the sudden fast track to queen?” She asked tentatively. She really didn’t want to hear about the woman he chose. She was probably smart, well spoken and gorgeous. Everything Riley felt she could never be. 

Liam let out a breath, grateful that she brought it up first. “I don’t have a fiancée. I didn’t pick anyone.” 

“But I thought you…”

“I was supposed to,” he took one of her hands in his, feeling emboldened by the moment and deciding to just dive in. “Riley, my whole life I’ve known I needed to put my duty to Cordonia above everything else. That included any ideas about romance, or marrying for love. As I went through my social season, I would try to weigh out my options, but my mind kept going back to our night together. I couldn’t pick any of those women because none of them were you.” 

Riley stood in stunned silence, overwhelmed by Liams words, and the familiar, calming feeling of her hand in his. She felt him squeeze gently and she cleared her throat to compose herself. “I don’t understand.” 

“I want to be with you, Riley.” It was a bolder statement than he intended to make, but he didn’t regret saying it.  

She felt as though her heart was going to leap out of her chest, she still didn’t understand. How could this man, this king, this handsome, kind king have spent the last few months with women throwing themselves at him, and he’s standing here telling him he wants her. It didn’t add up. 

“Riley?” His voice brought her out of her thoughts. She studied his expression, and noticed a vulnerability in his eyes. 

“But… how would that even work?” She pulled her hand out of his and stepped back. “You’re on the other side of the world, the time difference must be insane.” 

“It’s six hours,” He responded. “And I’m here now.” 

“But not for long. You’re going to have to go home and rule a whole ass country. You honestly think you’re going to have time for me?” 

Liam smirked, she was getting flustered, he took that as a sign that his feelings were returned. “The logistics can be figured out. And I will make time for you, no matter where I am, or what time zone I am in. You’re worth it.” 

Riley’s brow furrowed in confusion. “How do you know?”

“Because I can feel it.” He replied, his eyes intently locked on hers. “Riley, there’s something between us. I felt it that night, it’s practically all I’ve thought about since we said goodbye, and I felt it again the second I walked through the door and heard your voice.” 

“But…”

“Please,” he pleaded. “Just let me take you on one date. If after that, you can tell me that you truly don’t feel the connection, I will walk away and never bother you again.” 

Riley didn’t need a date to know there was a connection, she was feeling everything he was. But she still had so many questions and doubts about the whole thing. The smart thing to do would be to say no, realistically, this would never work. All of the concerns that ran through her mind when Maxwell invited her to Cordonia came flooding back.

But did she want to do the smart thing? That’s what she thought she had done last time, and she’d been regretting it ever since. Riley had always played it safe and done the smart thing. She never took risks, and she was right where she had always planned to be. For the most part. 

The hopeless romantic inside of her, the side she had silenced once before, was screaming at her to say yes. Love wasn’t logical, it wasn’t smart, it was a risk. Some of her favorite love stories included a visit to the seawich, trusting a fairy godmother, or taking a chance on seven strangers in the woods. 

“Okay.” She answered softly, still unsure about where this would lead. 

“Okay?” He repeated her hopefully. She nodded in response. “Wonderful!”

Riley smiled coyly at Liam’s excitement. “I’m actually free tomorrow night if that works for you?” 

“Absolutely. I’ll pick you up at your apartment at seven?”

“Sure.” 

Liam breathed a sigh of relief and stood from his barstool. “Perfect. You’re at the same address I walked you home to?” 

“You remember?”

“Of course I do, I remember everything about that night.” He noticed a blush come over Riley at his response. “Maybe I could get your number though, just in case?” 

Riley smiled, her eyes flitting to the floor. “Sure.” He handed her his phone, and she put her number into the contacts. 

When she handed the phone back to him, his fingers lingered on hers for a moment before he pulled away, placing it in his pocket. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”  

Riley watched Liam exit the bar, her eyes watching on the door until one of her customers called for her attention. She took a few orders and began mixing drinks, her mind drifting back to Liam and their conversation. She was nervous, terrified really, about going out with him. She couldn’t help but get ahead of herself, trying to figure out how a relationship with that much distance would work. Or why he would even want it to.

She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn’t notice Daniel enter the bar and come up behind her. “Holy shit,” Riley startled at his voice, nearly spilling the martini she had in her hand. “Sorry,” he smiled apologetically at his friend. “But it was important. You should have seen the smoke show I just passed on my way in here.” 

Riley smirked to herself as she placed the drink in front of her customer and moved back across the room. She had a feeling she knew exactly who he was talking about. “Blonde hair, blue eyes, a little over six feet?” 

“Yes, he was in here?!”

“That’s uh…” She picked up a rag and began wiping down the bar, avoiding eye contact with Daniel. “That’s Liam, the guy from the bachelor party.” 

His jaw dropped. “Prince Charming?” She nodded with a small chuckle. “What was he doing here?” 

Riley recapped the conversation for a stunned Daniel. She had given him a full rundown of their time together when she had returned to the apartment that night, but hadn't mentioned anything about him since. However, Daniel knew better than to think it was just a fleeting moment to her. He’d never seen her light up about anything, or anyone the way she did when she was recalling every last detail of Liam and their evening together.

“But you said yes, right?” Daniel asked hopefully. 

“I mean yeah, how could I say no to all of that?” Riley shrugged. “But I don’t know.” 

Daniel rolled his eyes. “Come on Ri, I get it, you’ve got this whole don’t see how great you are thing, and that’s your vibe. But seriously,” he placed his hands on her shoulders and looked her in the eye. “This man has already done more for you after knowing you for a couple of hours than your last boyfriend did all that time you were together. Take the hint. He wants you.” 

“How does a relationship like that even work?” She continued to protest. 

“First of all, it’s a date, not a relationship.” Daniel corrected her. “Second of all, if it gets to that, you figure it out. And then you invite me to your lavish royal wedding, because technically this is all thanks to me.” He winked. 

“Alright, alright, I’ll go.” Riley chuckled. “What are you even doing here? It’s your night off.” 

“I wanted to be your last customer.” He smiled, taking a seat at the bar. “I’ll have my usual, barkeep.” 

***

The next day, Riley spent most of the morning rifling through her closet, trying to assemble the perfect outfit for her date with Liam. 

“Daniel, help!” 

Daniel rushed into Riley’s room to find clothes scattered over every inch of the space. “Holy shit Ri, what happened here?” 

Riley looked up at Daniel from her seat on the floor, gripping onto two shirts. “What do grown ups wear on dates?” 

“Oh Riley,” he dropped down on his knees by his friend’s side, wrapping his arm around her. “Just relax.” 

“I can’t relax. I haven’t gone on an actual date in almost four years. I was just a kid. And this isn’t just a grown up date, it’s a grown up date with a king. Fuck,” her eyes went wide and she turned to face Daniel. “Am I supposed to wear a ballgown?” 

He didn’t want to make her feel worse, but Daniel couldn’t help but chuckle at her panic. “I don’t think he’s expecting that.” He pried the shirts out of her grip. “Listen, he asked you out because he likes you, you don’t have to get all fancy. That’s what he turned down to come here to find you. Just be yourself, cute and comfortable.” 

“But what if he’s taking me somewhere fancy? Guys like him don’t go to hole in the wall pizza places, or burger joints.”

“Or dive bars?” Daniel retorted with an arched brow. “You’re overthinking this. Here,” he reached behind her, picking up a green high low dress. “This is perfect. Wear it with that leather jacket you have. Classy and cool, you’ll be ready for anything.” 

“Daniel, it’s perfect!” She wrapped her arms around him and brought him into a hug. “Thank you.”

“Of course, but listen,” he pulled back, looking at her with concern in his eyes. “You need to relax, you’ve got this. He asked you out, he flew halfway across the world for this date, safe to say he wants it.” 

“That’s the problem,” she huffed, standing up and laying her dress on the bed. “He was supposed to pick a fiancée in his own county. He didn’t and then he came here, because of me. Do you have any idea how much pressure that is? He barely knows me.” 

Daniel followed her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder. “That’s what first dates are for.” 

Over the next few hours, as Riley got ready for her date, Daniel made sure to be there to guide her back when she fell too deep down the rabbit hole of worry and self-doubt about how the evening would go. 

She was putting the finishing touches on her look when her phone chimed. It was a number she didn’t have saved, but the second she saw the message she knew who it was. The butterflies in her stomach kicked into high gear, Liam had arrived. He didn’t have her apartment number, so he couldn’t ring them to be buzzed up. She gave him the number and called down the hall for Daniel to buzz him in. 

Riley slid on her shoes and made her way down the hall, where Daniel was waiting in the living room. She gave him a nervous smile. “Do I look alright?” 

“Like a princess.” Daniel grinned. She rolled her eyes, making Daniel laugh. “You’ve got this Ri, trust me.” 

As the elevator made its ascent to the fourth floor, Liam’s fingers tapped nervously against his thigh. He had spent all day preparing for this, it needed to go perfectly. The doors opened, and he stepped into the hallway stopping in front of the door marked ‘11D’. He took a deep breath before lifting his fist and wrapping gently. The door opened, and Liam’s breath caught in his throat when he laid his eyes on her. 

“Riley you look,” he paused, taking another moment to admire her from head to toe. “Stunning.” 

“Thank you,” he caught the blush in her cheeks just before her gaze dropped. 

They stood in silence, not believing that they were actually here. They had both imagined this moment, but neither thought it would ever be more than that. 

“I brought you these.” Liam broke the silence, holding up a bouquet of roses. “I wasn’t sure what your favorite flower was, I hope roses are okay?” 

Riley smiled, taking the bouquet from Liam and lifting them to her nose. “They’re perfect.” Liam let out a sigh of relief. “Let me just go put them in some water, I’ll be right back.” 

While Riley was in the other room, Liam took the opportunity to look around the apartment to try to learn a bit more about her. The decor wasn’t exactly what he had pictured for her, and she didn’t appear to be in many of the photos. He found it curious. 

“Ready?” Riley pulled him from his thoughts. 

Liam smiled and offered his arm to her. “Absolutely.” 

He led her out of the apartment and to the elevator. As the cab made its descent, the pair stood in silence, Liam noticed that Riley seemed nervous. He could understand that, he was nervous too, but there was also an uneasiness about her that concerned him.

“Is everything alright?” Liam asked tentatively, hoping the evening was not about to end before even getting started.  

“Yeah,” she smiled up at him softly. He felt his heart flutter at the sight. “I’m just a little nervous is all.” 

Liam grinned as the doors opened. “Understandable,” he raised his arm, signaling for her to exit the elevator. Once she stepped over the threshold, he followed behind her. “I’m pretty nervous too.” 

“You are?” 

“Definitely,” he assured her as they moved outside. He walked her to the SUV that was waiting in front of her building, opening the door for her. He slid in behind her and closed the door before continuing. “If we’re being candid, this is actually my first real date.” 

Riley contorted her face into a look of disbelief. “Yeah, okay,” she replied, her tone dripping with sarcasm.

“I’m serious!” He chuckled. “Growing up as part of the royal family, things were different. I was introduced to women, but our time would be spent at courtly functions. It was nothing like dating as you know it.” 

Riley nodded in understanding, a brief silence coming over them. “As a matter of fact,” he continued. “I wanted everything to be perfect tonight, so I did some research on first dates.” 

“You did?” She smiled. ‘That’s actually really cute.” 

“I’m very glad you think so.” 

“Well, since we’re having truth time,” Riley took a deep breath, and looked down at her hands, which sat in her lap. “I guess I’m just a little worried that after all this time, and after everything you did to come here and ask me out, I’m not going to be worth it.” 

Liam’s heart sank at her confession. The last thing he wanted was to put any pressure on her, and he especially hated that she was worried she wasn’t enough. He realized in that moment that he may have come off a bit stronger than he anticipated when he had seen her the night before.   

“Riley,” he said, gently placing his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. “I’m so sorry for putting that pressure on you. I assure you, while my feelings for you did have a part in the decision I made at my coronation, it wasn’t the only reason.”

He went on to explain his conversation with Leo, and how it had inspired him to forge his own path. He also told her about the conversation he had with Drake later in the night; leaving out the part about how obvious it was to everyone how she felt about him. She was already feeling insecure, he thought that would only make things worse. Instead, he told her that Drake suggested the best way to find his happiness was to go back to the last place where he felt truly happy.

“And you picked the night we met?” Riley asked.

“I did,” he smiled softly at her. “Riley, I can’t predict the future. I don’t know where this is going to go, if it goes anywhere at all. But what I do know is that when I was with you that night, I felt comfortable, free. It was something I hadn’t felt for a long time, and it meant a lot to me.” 

Riley felt her cheeks get warm as she dropped her gaze to her lap. “It was a pretty great night, wasn’t it?”

“Absolutely, and that’s the only expectation I have for tonight. To have a pretty great night, with a pretty great girl.” He placed his index finger under her chin, tilting it so their eyes were locked.

Riley looked into his eyes and was met with a sincerity that gave her butterflies. At that moment, all of her questions and worries were gone; replaced by anticipation and excitement of what the evening, and the future, held. 

Permatag:

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#the royal romance #trr #choices #choices trr #choices the royal romace #play choices #choices stories you play #cfwc #cfwc fics of the week #king liam #liam rys #king liam rys #liam x mc #liam x riley #trr liam #trr king liam #trr riley #trr riley brooks #trr au #trr au fanfic #the royal romance au #trr fandom #trr fanfic #trr fan fic #trr fan fiction #trr fanfiction

[milqueandsugar]

I desperately need headcanons for a reader with astraphobia(the phobia of lightning and thunder) and getting comforted!

🏵 Your Tea Is Ready 🏵

Genre: hurt comfort

Warnings: None

| Philza |

He hadn't a clue of your fear before this day, he would never have been able to guess

He's seen you tear beasts limb from limb , slay armies on your own

To say he was dumbfounded at first was an understatement

He had never seen you scared before, worried, shocked, startled yes but never, ever scared

He hardly recognized you

It didn't take long for him to put two and two together and he was by your side in moments

He wraps his big, used to be fluffy, wings around you and covers your ears.

You don't say anything, neither one of you have anything to say anyways

But you sit I each other's company until the down pour becomes a shower, then a drizzle and soon only the run off from the roof could be heard outside

He didn't ask about it, he didn't need to

But from then on, he payed a little closer attention to the skies.

| Foolish |

Foolish liked to fuss with his powers every now and then

It had gotten into a habit when he was young, when training and adapting to his God hood

He never grew out of training however, and he always kept the crackle of lightening in one hand

It was a slow day, the two of you lounging around and patching up the roof, he was really the only one doing the work you were simply enjoying the view

He had hardly registered the rattle of bones before an arrow flew past his head

You had jumped for your sword, having spotted the skeleton stowing away in the waters of your well (gross)

Foolish was faster though, and the sound of a rolling thunder made your hands tremble, even through closed eyes you could see the strike of lightening, feel it shake you like a rag dill as you stumble

Foolish, on a roll this evening had caught you before your knees truly buckled, he cursed and cursed as he brought you too his chest

How could he have forgotten? A moment of instinct made his heart shatter for you, he had ways promised to warn you, how could he be so..so idiotic?

When you had recovered from your fright you'd better give him some reassurance, in his eyes he might as have stabbed you

It takes some time but eventually you both calm, and decide to get back to work, and you too your view, even if he stopped every few minutes to make absolute sure that you were alright

| Niki |

When she heard the thunder her feet started moving before her mind did

Her groceries were long forgotten and you were placed in the forefront of her mind, and her worries

The sight of her bursting through the door was far more frightening then the distant thunder had been so far, but you were happy to have her home none the less

She brings you straight to the basement, out of sight out of mind right?

Niki keeps you busy with everything from board games, baking, reorganizing and sparring to keep you mind from the growing storm outside

If she's good at anything, it's being a distraction, and despite the Goose bumps and the hair on your neck beginning to rise you enjoy your time with her, and of course she with you as well

Together you leave the basement and pick up after the storm, fixing the roof, windows if need be, mopping up from a window you two always seem to forget about and joking all the while

When things begin to come to an end, and exhaustion has claimed you both do you finally remember what had been nagging you all day

"Niki?"

"Mmhmm, sugar?

"What happened to the groceries?"

#dsmp x reader #mcyt x reader #mcyt x y/n #dsmp imagine #mcyt x you #dsmp x you #philza x reader #philza x y/n #philza x you #foolish x reader #foolish x you #foolish x y/n #nihachu x you #nihachu x y/n #nihachu x reader

[athanza]

"Shell" (Part 3)

Eric Coulter x fem reader

Tags: Enemies to lovers (sort of??), hurt/comfort, angst, slow burn, a sprinkle of fluff.

TW: Canon violence (blood, fighting, knives, guns etc), angst, abusive past, self-destructive behaviour, crying.

Part 1 Part 2

You didn't sleep that night. You didn't even notice Eric staring at you occasionally from across the dining hall at dinner, almost absent mindedly as he replayed your fear landscape in his mind. You had been so quiet and kept so to yourself throughout your entire training, he hadn't known a thing about you until now, other than your sheer determination and resilience, which he came to admire in you as you pushed through the rounds of training.

You got up early that morning, far earlier than anyone else and climbed to the top of the building where the jump point was. The sun was just starting to come up and you sat and watched it rise above the city, the brisk morning air not doing much for keeping you awake after your sleepless night.

Your fear landscape proved something to you that you didn't know needed proving. You knew now why you chose Dauntless, to learn what you were never taught, to stand up for and defend yourself, no one else was going to. You had to learn what you had in you and now you had, a new part of you had been unlocked and you didn't quite know how to process it yet.

The 7:00 alarm went off on your watch and you took the fall down to the net as a shortcut back to Dauntless HQ.

You were the first initiate at the scoring board waiting for the results but the others arrived not long after. You got a nod of acknowledgement from Four and, unusually, one from Eric as well.

Whispers rippled through the crowd as everyone waited for the results, you noticed a few were as silent as you were, they were at the bottom at the end of the last round. You'd be surprised if any of them made it. You felt a ping of guilt, knowing you were at the top.

Suddenly the board lit up and the names were displayed in their places, you quickly saw your name in second place and a sense of relief and calm came over you so much that you walked away and sat on the first chair you could find, resting your elbows on your knees and your head in your hands.

"Congratulations initiate." Came Four's voice a few moments later. It sounded proud almost, it grounded you.

"Thank you." You smiled.

"Go get yourself some rest. You've earned it."

He walked off, leaving the crowd of passing initiates to cheer and celebrate, while you noticed Eric usher the three quiet initiates away amidst the celebration.

Your heart sank a little. It was a bitter-sweet moment but you couldn't let that get in the way of all that you had accomplished these last few months, especially yesterday. You were proud of yourself.

~~~

That night the celebration continued in the pit with music blaring and drinks being passed around. It wasn't really your scene but you did want to do something to commemorate the day, something for yourself.

You let your hair down, put on a little makeup and went down to the tattoo parlor.

"Hey! Congrats initiate!" Said one of the tattoo artists who you had seen around before.

"Thank you." You replied with a smile.

"You here to get a tat?" She asked.

You nodded.

"You know roughly what you want? If none of the ones on the wall suit your fancy I can draw one up for you?"

"I think I know what I want." You said, a vague idea in your mind but it was enough for the artist to draw one up and you loved it.

It only took a few minutes to apply but when she was done you stood up and walked over to the mirror to have a look and you instantly teared up.

It was a moth. It's detailed wings stretched across your back from shoulder blade to shoulder blade, signifying your transformation from when you arrived to where you are today.

"Welcome to Dauntless." The woman smiled and you smiled in return.

"Nice tat." Came Eric's voice from behind you.

You quickly wiped the tears from your eyes, hoping he didn't see and clasped your bra back up and pulled your tank top down.

"Thank you sir." You said.

"You're not an initiate anymore, you can call me Eric." He said, chuckling slightly as he walked over to one of the tattoo chairs and began pulling up his sleeve. "Relax."

"Thank you Eric." You replied, less stiff than before.

Hearing you say his name for the first time gave him another ping of warmth towards you and he smirked and started going over some tattoos with the artist.

You walked back out into the chaos of celebration that roared through the pit. A mosh pit in the center of the crowd getting wild and you weaved your way to the food court to get yourself a bite to eat before heading to the safety of the railing that looked down on the crowd. You wanted to be involved but didn't want to lock yourself in your room just yet, so you sat, chewing on your bread roll while you watched the chaos unfold beneath you, wishing you had bothered to make some friends during initiation.

Just then a bottle of beer appeared in your peripheral vision and you turned to see who was holding it. It was Lexa, one of your fellow initiates, 4th on the final ranking. You remembered you had sparred with her a few times.

"Beer?" She said with an inviting smile.

"Sure, thanks." You replied.

Lexa took a seat next to you, legs hanging over the ledge. "We haven't really spoken much. I'm Lexa. Transfer from Amity."

She reached out her hand and you shook it. "I'm Y/N, transfer from Candor."

"Oh my god, Candor!?" She said. Clearly she was a bit tipsy. "I never would have guessed. You're so quiet!"

You chuckled, Candor were known for their big mouths. "Yeah, I get that a lot."

#Divergent #eric coulter #eric x reader #divergent x reader #x reader #fanfic #fanfiction #fic

[againstacecilia]

Zena Thamne

Pairing: Din Djarin x Fem!Reader

Word Count: 4.6k

Rating: 18+ minors DNI

Warnings: Canon-typical violence, brush with death, bounty brought in cold, weapon use, feelings????

A/N: I couldn't for the life of me figure out how to trim this down sooooooo the chapter's a little longer than normal. I think the rest from here on out might be a little heftier too, lol. This chapter (and all of them, tbh) dedicated to the wonderful @creatively-analytical for being the best beta-reader, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH. 💖 Asks are always open!!

You eventually join Mando in the cockpit after giving up on your book. The blur of hyperspace paints the boards and durasteel in whites and blues that you’ll never get tired of. Sitting in your chair, you quietly watch the streaks blaze past and let yourself get lost in the trance when Mando breaks the silence.

“Everything alright?”

“Mhmm,” you nod in confirmation, “Hyperspace is gorgeous.”

“I guess I don’t really notice anymore.” Mando looks up and around at the stars streaming by, “But you’re right, it does look nice.”

A question pops into your mind and it leaves your lips before you give it much thought, “What do you see in that helmet?”

“I can see everything you see,” his chair swivels to face you.

“Yeah, but, can you see it the way I see it? Like, I’m guessing there are fancy gadgets that helped you track Shoan back there?”

“I can see things mostly the same way. Maybe not as brightly as you do, but the tech inside makes up for whatever I’m missing by looking through the helmet.”

“So that sunset on Batuu, what did it look like to you?”

He shrugs, “A sunset? I’ve seen my share, I know what they look like.”

You shake your head, feeling flabbergasted. “But the colors, the way the sky looked like it was on fire, it was so beautiful!” 

He laughs, melodic and full, and puts his hands up in mock defeat. “Okay okay, it was beautiful.” 

“Good,” you laugh along with him. “Now that that’s settled, tell me about our next target.”

His demeanor turns serious, like a switch flipped; suddenly he’s all business. “Zena Thamne. I’m thinking she’ll be a little more work than Shoan was.”

You nod, anticipation bubbling up in your gut. “How long until we reach her?”

“She’s more slippery than Shoan was; we’re heading to a Guild contact closer to her last known location to get the most up-to-date info. It’ll take a couple of days, so we’ll have some more time to train on the way.”

“Sounds good to me,” you turn your face back to the widows in front of you, “Ready whenever you are.”

You feel his gaze on you for another moment before he turns back to the control panel. “We’ll stay for a day on Yavin 4 before most likely heading to Dantooine, unless she’s jumped further towards the Unknown Regions.” 

You try and focus on what he’s saying, but the hum of the ship and beauty of hyperspace begins to lull you to sleep. Eventually you give in to the draw of your cosmic lullaby and drift off. 

- - - - - - - -

The trip to Yavin 4 lasts a couple more days, and in the time it takes to get there you train a little more with Mando. A couple of new forms, nothing too difficult, but it meant that you were ready to really start sparring with him. You weren’t nervous about the idea necessarily, but being this physically close did make you feel… Something. You push the emotion to the back of your mind as Mando steps in front of you.

The only armor he wears is his helmet, having doffed the pieces protecting his body. You both settle into your positions and wait for the other to strike. While the seconds tick away in silence, the two of you study each other with unwavering focus. You knew he would be the first to strike; all you needed to do was wait.

He is the first to make a move, ducking and trying to sweep your legs out from under you. But you knew that trick; he’d taken you down that way in your first lesson. You wouldn’t let it happen again.

Jumping over his leg, you bounce away as far as the small space will allow. He jumps back up and rushes you. Spinning away again, you look around for something near you to use to gain the upper hand. A small wrench catches your attention. With as much stealth as possible, you pick up the tool and throw it at his head. It bounces harmlessly off the beskar but does throw his attention off for long enough to charge him yourself. 

Using one of the forms he showed you earlier, you feign a punch to his side before stepping between his legs and using your ankle to cause him to stumble. For a fleeting moment, you think you’ll actually win this one before his hand shoots out and grabs your hand. Kneeling on the ground, he pulls you backwards over his propped knee and you crash onto the floor, wind flying from your lungs. 

You both stay where you are; his breathing is heavy and you’re coughing from the impact. Before you know it, your coughing turns to ragged laughter. 

Mando’s helmet turns to look at your prone form, laughter curling your body. “What is so funny?”

“That was,” another wave of laughter takes over, “so much fun.” Tears start falling from your eyes. 

Mando is still staring at you, head tilted in confusion. You sit up, stomach cramping with the joy bubbling through your body. Seeing his bafflement only made the situation funnier, and you double over again in a fresh wave of giggles. 

Through the sound of your laughter, another sound emerges. The dark, melodious sound you heard slip through his helmet days before is once again filling the cargo hold and mingling with yours. He collapses next to you and you laugh together for a while longer before getting a grip on yourselves. 

“Phew, I’m sorry.” You gulp down air and wipe the tears from your eyes. “I’m not sure what happened there. But that was the most fun I’ve ever had in my life.” 

Heavy breathing rustles through the modulator of Mando’s helmet as he regains control. The dark visor turns to look at you. “You really should get out more.” Another round of giggles hits you both as you punch him in the arm. 

“That’s the plan, Mandalorian.” You stand and offer him your hand. Not that you’d actually be able to lift him (damn, he is all muscle), but he accepts the offer and rises from the metal floor. 

The rest of the flight is spent bringing you up to speed on Zena Thamne, accused murderer of a nobleman from Coruscant. A low-level criminal for most of her life, Zena had finally gotten too deep and had found herself with the job to kill the nobleman. 

“As far as we know, no one expected her to actually be able to do it. The gang she was involved with gives these big hit jobs to newbies as death sentences; no support, not a lot of intel, just a name and a rifle. Somehow, Zena managed not only to finish the job but also managed to get away.”

“That’s horrible…” You sit on your cot, curling your legs under yourself and pouring over the holopad with Zena’s information on it. “It says here she’s nineteen?”

“The Galaxy is a rough place,” Mando shrugs, pulling a crate over to sit across from you, “I’ve brought in bounties younger than her.”

You shake your head but stay quiet. You grew up in relative safety and security; it was going to take some time to reform your view of life with the reality you were being introduced to. But you wanted to see it and experience what life was like for other people. You weren’t going to be able to help anyone if all you knew was the confines of Randon. 

“They want her to stand trial so the goal is to bring her in alive. The nobleman’s family, on the other hand, doesn’t care how she’s brought in.”

You look up from the holopad and meet the gaze of his visor, “Meaning, we might have to kill her if she doesn’t cooperate?”

“We’ll try and avoid that but, yes, if she won’t come and we can’t subdue her we’ll bring her in cold.”

You swallow but nod, turning back to the information glowing in front of you. “So what’s the plan, then? If she’s still on Yavin 4, how do we find her?”

Mando pulls a small, blinking device from his pocket, “This is a tracking fob. It’ll show us how close we are to her using her chain code.”

“So we just try to sneak up on her?”

“Each bounty is a little different. Once we get a chance to talk to my Guild contact we can plan from there.”

Turning off the holopad and tossing it to the end of the cot, you stand up and stretch. “I’m glad we’re close. It’ll be nice to get off the Crest for a little bit.”

Mando quirks his head to the side in a silent question. What’s wrong with the Crest?

“Oh no, I didn’t mean like that,” you fumble. “I just mean it’ll be nice to see another new planet and…”

“I know what you meant,” he chuckles, shaking his head, “I’m just giving you a hard time.”

You want to be frustrated, but you find yourself smiling instead. In just a couple months, you and Mando had built a good rapport and you felt yourself more and more comfortable around the man that had initially filled you with fear. He was your first real friend of this new life and, if you were honest with yourself, you knew you could do a lot worse. 

- - - - - - - -

Yavin 4 is a moon, forest-covered and beautiful even from space. The more you experience of the Galaxy, the more you appreciate the more verdant and flora-filled worlds. Not that the deserts of Jakku and Pasaana weren’t beautiful; but the lush groves and dense jungles you see as you step off the Razor Crest spark excitement in your chest that the sands just don’t. 

After hours of reading up on Zena, you had a basic idea of what to look for. Yes, you still had to go to Mando’s guild contact and see if she was even here, but you still keep an eye out for signs of shadows or quickly moving figures out of the corner of your eye. Mando leads you to a small building on the edge of a nondescript town and knocks on the door.

A small Twi’lek opens the door just enough to peek through and surveys both of you. “How can I help you?”

“I’m with the Guild, I need information on a bounty I’m searching for.” Mando’s voice is low but non-threatening.

“Come in,” the Twi’lek opens the door all the way and allows you and Mando to enter. They shut the door behind you and motion for you to follow them into the sitting room.

A well-worn couch sits against the far wall, with a large chair facing opposite and a low table in between. Shades of green and brown fabrics drape over the windows and cover the floor, and a tray with a steaming mug and teapot sit in the center fo the table. 

“You have a lovely home,” you comment. The Twi’lek gives you a nod of appreciation before offering you and Mando a seat. 

You both sit on the couch while the Twi’lek takes the chair opposite. “Let’s get down to business. Who are you searching for?”

“Zena Thamne. I was told she was here but I wanted to be sure before wasting time looking for her. Have you had any news about her?”

The Twi’lek shakes their head. “Last I heard she was still here. None of the local bounty hunters have been able to find her though. Just glimpses before they lose her in the jungle North of here.”

“That’s a start,” you say, rubbing the back of your neck. “Anything else?”

“You aren’t a Guild member, are you?” The Twi’lek asks. You shake your head.

“I’m training her.” Their eyes flick to Mando, surprise written lightly on their face. 

“Whatever you say, Mandalorian.”

“I’m sorry,” you interrupt, “but I didn’t catch your name?”

“You can just call me ‘The Contact’”, the Twi’lek responds, “Don’t really like giving too much information about myself if I don’t have to.”

“Fair enough.” You lean back and ask again, “Anything else?”

They shake their head, “That’s all I have, I’m afraid.”

Mando stands, “Thank you. We’ll go check out the jungle.”

“Be careful,” The Contact says, standing as well. “She’s slippery, but she’s also extremely dangerous. Those who have almost gotten her haven’t come back.” 

You and Mando leave The Contact’s small home and face the jungle beyond. Looking into it, you notice with trepidation how the trees seem to swallow any light. There’s no telling what kind of creatures and dangers inhabit this new world in front of you. 

“Mando?” You ask quietly. He looks at you. “How are we going to find her in all this?”

The fear had been slowly creeping up on you through your conversation with The Contact, the unease roiling in your gut finally reaching a boiling point. Finding and catching Shoan seemed like child’s play now. But this…

Mando reaches up and squeezes your shoulder. “We’ll find her. It won’t be easy, but that’s the point.” Letting go, he turns and begins walking back in the direction of the Crest. “Come on. We should rest tonight and check the jungle out in the morning.”

Back on the ship, you settle into the cot with your book. Mando was sitting nearby cleaning his rifle when an alarm started going off in the cockpit. He jumps up and scales the ladder in a flash. 

When he comes down, he’s latching the rifle to his back. “Let’s go, Zena was spotted by the jungle again.”

“We’re going now?” you ask, jumping from the cot and fumbling to put your boots back on. “I thought we were waiting until tomorrow?”

“We have a lead, we need to take it,” he responds, opening the ramp. You manage to get your boots laced and snugly on your feet before he makes it too far away, his pace brisk. 

Keeping up with Mando is tough, but you make it to the edge of the jungle in record time. You both stop to adjust your weapons. 

“Follow my lead, stay close, and stay as quiet as you can,” he instructs. You nod your agreement before both of you step into the treeline.

- - - - - - - -

The search for Zena is hot. The air in the jungle is dense and you’re sweating through your clothes within minutes. You want to ask Mando how the hell he manages under the weight of all that beskar, but you conserve your breath for walking through the vines and grabbing roots underfoot. After an hour, Mando gestures for you to stop. 

Dropping onto a stump, you massage a cramp out of your calf as Mando scans the area. He presses a couple of buttons on his vambrace and slowly turns, helmet tracking through the trunks around you. When his visor meets your gaze, you raise your eyebrows in a silent question. Anything?

He begins to shake his head but stops, helmet snapping to his right. In a blink he’s off; you stand and race after him. Through the jungle you crash, hopefully hot on the tail of your target, until Mando suddenly stops. You crash into his back, stifling a yelp. 

“Damn,” he curses under his breath, “Lost her.”

Before you can catch your breath, the whoosh of someone dropping from a branch behind you hits your ears. A hand covers your mouth and yanks you away from Mando. Another hand brings a knife to your throat. 

“Turn around slowly, Mandalorian, or your little friend gets it.” Her voice is velvet soft, but you shiver from it’s icy coldness. Mando turns to see you held by the bounty. 

“Let her go, Zena,” he growls.

Zena laughs, “Oh I don’t think so. I know you’re after me, so I think I’ll only let her go once you smash that tracking fob and head back the way you came.” Her hand leaves your mouth and rests on your shoulder. Yanking you closer to her, the tip of the dagger pricks your skin and you inhale sharply. 

“I’m not negotiating. Let. Her. Go.” Mando’s hand starts to drift toward his blaster.

“Ah, ah ah.” Zena cautions, adjusting the dagger against your throat, “I wouldn’t do that.”

His hand drops limply to his side. You begin to feel desperate; the stalemate the three of you are in won’t last for long before Zena decides to try and get away. Calming your breathing, you go over your training with Mando in your mind. You sift through the various forms and attacks you’ve been memorizing over the last few weeks. Finding one that might work, you look at Din and give him an almost unnoticeable nod. 

Lifting your right arm, you feign an attack to Zena’s face while taking your left hand and gripping onto the hand with the knife. You pull the knife down and away from your neck, keeping it pinned close to your chest, the tip of the blade gleaming in the soft twilight of the jungle. You begin to pull your head from under her arm, but you’ve underestimated Zena’s strength. She lets you go for a moment before ripping the blade over your head and into your side. 

Searing pain shoots through you as the blade tears through muscle. You crumple to the ground and try to roll away, only to be met by Zena’s boot as she kicks you in the stomach. Stars spark across your vision. 

“No!” Mando yells, footfalls racing in your direction. He tackles Zena to the ground next to you, but your vision blurs and darkens and you miss the rest of the struggle as you slip in and out of consciousness. 

It feels like days have passed when you feel Mando shaking you awake. “What… What happened?” you groan, pain still spreading through your body. You start to fade away again when Mando’s voice reaches into the fog.

“Don’t fall back asleep, you’ve lost a lot of blood, you gotta stay awake.” Your eyes snap open at the fear in his voice.

“Zena. Did she get away?” You try and sit up only to be pushed back down by Mando. 

“Don’t worry about that, we need to get you back to the Crest.”

Your head swims and spots dot your eyes. The blood loss must be really bad if you’re having this much trouble just staying awake. Your hand drifts down to the cut on your side and you pull it away covered in the warm, sticky liquid. 

“Mando,” you whisper, eyes snapping to his visor. Your reflection doesn’t even look like you; skin pallid from your injury, eyes wide and lined with silver from fear. 

He scoops you up in his arms and starts running. Every step jolts through you and your heart pounds in your head as the fear engulfs you. You’ve never considered your own death but now, you were standing at its doorstep. Your grip on him begins to loosen as you fade once again into the darkness. 

“Stay with me, cuyan,” he begs, picking up speed. “Come on, stay with me. Don’t go back to sleep.”

Stay with him. You drag your eyes open again and stare up at the gleaming helmet above you. Having never been at this angle before, you notice the small bit of chin that peeks over the cowl of his base layer. Tan skin covered in stubble. You want to reach up and touch it but, through your haze, you realize this may not be a sight you’re allowed to see. You focus on keeping your breathing normal as you ask, “What did you call me?”

“Shhh, save your breath, we’re almost to the ship.” He throws everything he has into running, crashing through the final trees and into the road. The moon shines brightly over the small town, casting everything in a soft blue glow. 

Try as you might, your eyes slide close and you drift through the haze. You don’t notice you’ve stopped moving until you’re laying face down on your cot. Fresh pain washes over you and your eyes fly open. “Fuck, that hurts.”

“I’m sorry,” Mando puts a hand on your shoulder to keep you from moving. “I need you to stay still so I can clean it.”

You clench your teeth and weather the pain as Mando pokes and prods the gash in your side, finally wiping a gel along and sealing it with a patch. As soon as the adhesive seals the wound, relief soaks through you. 

You sigh, relaxing into the cot. “Thank you,” you whisper, hand reaching out to find his. His gloves are gone and you're met with warm skin where leather usually is. Strong fingers wrap around yours. 

“You almost died,” he whispers, voice barely registering through the modulator. “I pushed you too fast.”

You slowly open your eyes and groggily focus on his visor. Mando hasn’t let go of your hand and your confusion is clear in your reflection. He shakes his head and clears his throat. “I’m sorry. I should’ve been more careful.”

“Mando,” you start, trying to pull yourself into a sitting position. He lets go of your hand and gently helps you up, leaning you against the wall and slipping a pillow behind you. “You told me this was going to be dangerous. I knew what I was getting myself into.”

He’s still kneeling on the ground, staring up at your face. He manages a nod before asking, “Do you need anything? You should eat…”

He leaves quick enough to make your head spin, so you close your eyes and lean your head back against the metal hull. While he’s gone, you assess your wounds. Whatever Mando did to the gash in your side has taken away the pain, but the small cut on your neck from Zena’s dagger stings as you reach up and touch it. 

“Hey Mando, got any more of that gel? My neck…” He comes back into view with a canteen of water and a tin of rations. Placing them on the cot next to you, he opens up the first aid kit sitting on the ground. 

“May I?” he asks, gesturing to your neck. You lift your chin in consent and he brings a sharp smelling pad to the cut. After a moment of stinging, the cool liquid dries. “You won’t need any bacta for this one, just make sure to keep it clean.” “Is bacta what you put on my side?”

He nods, “It’ll speed up your healing. She didn’t hit any organs but still did a number on the muscle. You’ll have to take it easy for a while.”

“Zena!” You grab his hand again, “Where is she?”

Mando looks away from you, “She’s still in the jungle. I’ll go get her as soon as you’re settled.”

“She got away?”

“No. I had to kill her.”

The weight of his words settles over you and you nod solemnly. You wanted to feel bad about the situation, to know you might have been able to help her, but the wound in your side made it difficult to dredge up any sympathy. “I’m fine now, let’s go get her so we can get both of them back to Tonis.”

“No, Cuyan, you’re staying here. Taking it easy, remember?” Mando gestures to the food and water next to you. “Eat and drink all of that, I’ll be back in a bit.”

You raise an eyebrow at the nickname but he’s already opening the ramp and heading out into the dark. You watch him leave as the ramp begins to lift again, blocking your view and sealing you into the semi-darkness of the Crest. 

- - - - - - - -

The trip back to Randon is blissfully uneventful as you heal from your fight with Zena. The Razor Crest stays fairly quiet as you sleep and Mando stays in the cockpit. You continue to eat together every once in a while and those moments become the highlight of your day. Listening to him talk without the interference of the helmet is like listening to your favorite song and you find yourself memorizing the way he pronounces certain words, the way he chuckles when you say something witty. Arlon had stopped laughing at your jokes long before he left and had stopped joking with you even longer before that. It was nice to have someone to laugh with.

Dropping into the atmosphere of Randon felt almost peaceful this time. You weren’t worried about facing the ghosts of your past now; those ghosts had moved on. The only thing on your mind now was making sure Mando got paid for the bounties and getting the next batch. It wasn’t a difficult choice to stay on the Crest while Mando got the quarries offloaded. 

“You sure?” he asks, strapping his rifle to his back. 

“I’m sure,” you nod, settling in with your book. “Tell Tonis I say hi.”

Mando leaves you to your own devices while he walks into town. It takes him less than an hour to talk to Tonis, get paid, and get the carbonite slabs that hold your bounties out of the Crest. When everything is done, he comes back with a bag of food and something wrapped in brown paper.

“What’s this?” you ask, holding the wrapped package. It’s a medium size, but thick with multiple layers.

“Open it,” Mando says, putting the food away. You’ll eat whatever fresh food you can tonight and tomorrow before having to dip into the rations again. 

You tear the edge of the paper and unwrap a stack of thin canvases. Wrapped over small frames, the material is stretched taut and is light in your hands. Underneath is a tin box containing a few small tubes of paint and a handful of paintbrushes.

“Mando…” You turn the box over in your hand. It’s so simple, this gift, but something sparks in you at the sight. 

“You like painting, right?” He shrugs, “I thought you might like to have some supplies for downtime.”

Without thinking, you cross the small space and wrap him in a hug. His arms stay frozen to his side for a moment before he slowly envelops you in his large embrace. Seconds tick by, but you make no move to end the hug. Neither does he. 

“Thank you,” you say into his chest, breath clouding the shining metal. You want to say more because this isn’t just expressing appreciation for a gift; this is so much more. You had only mentioned one time you liked painting and he bought you a paint kit the first chance he had. Arlon never paid attention to the small things and you always had to specifically point out the things you wanted or enjoyed. Mando on the other hand, he pays attention. You wonder what else he sees as he finally breaks the hug and pulls away. 

“You’re welcome, Cuyan.” 

“You’re going to have to eventually tell me what that means, Mando.” You nudge his shoulder, “I only speak Basic, what if you’re calling me a bitch or something?”

He laughs, “It’s nothing like that. I’ll tell you when you earn it.”

“And when might that be?”

“Patience, Cuyan,” he hooks a finger under your chin, “You’ll find out soon enough.”

He walks away, completely oblivious to how the small contact made you feel. Your hand drifts to touch your chin, the ghost of him still sending electricity through your body. Shaking it off, you climb the ladder to the cockpit where Mando is prepping for takeoff and strap into your chair. As Randon slips away, your mind drifts to the cot where your supplies are safely tucked away. 

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[just-prime]

7 down, 1 to go

We are almost in the home stretch people. One more week, and then this literal shit show will be over

This week we had Thrawn throwing shade, our heroes are reunited, and yet another dumb half hour of chasing our tails...followed by 8 minutes of credits.

First off, these actors clearly, desperately need any sort of combat training. Because everything feels so hollow and slowed down. Ahsoka was never this slow, and yes I know this isn't animation, but if nearly 60 year old Keanu Reeves can make action believable and smooth, so can 44 year old Rosario Dawson. Or 29 year old Natasha Liu Bordizzo. Or 26 year old Eman Esfandi. No hate to these actors (on this specifically) they clearly where just not given any of the proper training to pull of any of this combat believably.

Also, why is this show obsessed with making Ahsoka a FUCKING BAD PILOT. Anakin was the one (I'm assuming) who taught her to fly...so why isn't she good at it??? Every time she gets into the cockpit things immediately go badly.

Speaking of the combat, why is every shot in that chase sequence one of the same 4 angles nevers deviating from the simple tracking shot? Why is it so BORING? They could have had fun with these little bumper cars that the little hermit crab people have. Also, I struggle to believe that a species that lives on the homeworld of the Dathomiri witches are 'peaceful' and 'unarmed' and yet haven't been wiped out eons ago. Like, it's the ewoks again, but worse, because the ewoks at least had a believable amount of weapons and traps for their carnivorous teddy bear lifestyle!

Jumping back a moment to the cold open, once again this show is making me actively route against the New Republic. Remember when the New Republic was something that was to be celebrated? A representation of how good triumphs over evil, that love wins out in the end? That a father could see the error of his ways, and give everything he has to ensure that his children get to see a world better than the one he built?

3PO showing up is just one more in the long line of lazy cameos meant to engage the children and pacify the sceptics. I think we all know that if they could get away with it, Disney would have rolled out a plastic CGI soulless version of Leia. Hopefully that will never happen. Still don't understand why they didn't just have Zeb accompany 3PO to make Leia throwing around her weight more official.

Once again, I voice my complaint at this show's refusal to acknowledge Kallus. Sabine told Ezra about Zeb and Hera, why'd Alexsandr get left out? :(

Anyway, like I said, not a ton happens.

Baylan sits back and send Shin to do his dirty work. Unclear if he is still totally on board with everything that is happening.

Ahsoka swoops in at the last minute to save Ezra and Sabine.

Thrawn says "Anakin Skywalker" and doesn't immediately ask who that was, so I am taking that as a itty-bitty win for the Thrawn Alliances fans.

Oh, and the makeup still looks like absolute dog shit.

And it is very obvious that this is all going to end on a big old fucking cliffhanger to set up the Heir to the Empire movie.

So yeah, I hate everything about this, including the fact that we now have confirmation that Sabine is at least a little force sensitive.

#ahsoka critical #dave filoni critical #ahsoka spoilers #ahsoka series #rambles #thrawn #nightsisters #ezra bridger #sabine wren #star wars #where the fuck is everbody? #anti filoni

[101flavoursofweird]

Layton & Katia: Kindred Spirits

This moment where Layton firsts sees Katia and they have a stare-off always felt odd to me. And not just because Layton’s eyes are HUGE For the player, Katia is being introduced as a main character here, much like how Flora and Clive are in their games. But Layton’s fascination towards those two feels more understandable; Flora is disguised as a ‘mysterious girl’, different from the other villagers, and Clive is disguised as ‘Future Luke’. Both of them either seek Layton out, or call upon his help.

But what connection could Katia Anderson have to Hershel Layton? 

When they’re investigating Dropstone, Layton and Luke learn of the Andersons— a beloved founding family of the village. They hear about how Mr Anderson has fallen out with his daughter, Katia, since Sophia died. The family’s servants are very fond of Katia, so much that they all come to see her off on the train, behind her father’s back. Layton muses that Katia must be beautiful and refined. 

Moments before they board the train, Mr Anderson begs for Layton to pass on a message to Katia: Her father wishes she’d come home. Katia is his only child and she means everything to him. He’d be forever in Layton’s debt if Layton could help.

So, here, Layton could be looking at Katia with Mr Anderson’s plea in mind… But what if it’s more than that? 

I think Katia reminds Layton of his younger self.

Layton’s Miracle Mask profile describes how, as a 17-year-old, he was ‘pampered and adored by the people of Stansbury’. This changed, however, after Hershel returned from Akbadain without Randall. 

While I’m sure the residents of Stansbury didn’t all believe Layton murdered Randall,  Layton was still consumed with guilt over Randall’s death. He agreed to accompany Randall to the ruins, after all, and he couldn’t save Randall from falling in the end. When Layton returned home, his parents ‘gave him the hardest scolding of his life’ and then ‘the warmest hug’. 

Dalston notes how Angela ‘drove Layton out of town’ (though, Layton wrote in his journal about how Angela ‘never left the house’)… Whatever the case, Hershel felt so guilty that he decided to leave Stansbury to attend university in London. In the years following Randall’s ‘death’, Stansbury became a ghost town as the residents moved away…

I wonder if Layton thinks of Stansbury— over eighteen years later— when Mr Anderson confides in him about Sophia and fears for the fate of Dropstone? ‘Dropstone must never be allowed to die and wither like so many other villages…’

A rift has formed between the Anderson family, since Sophia’s death. Perhaps Mr Anderson fears this rift will affect Dropstone… (Much like how Randall’s death devastated Stanbsury…)

With Katia suddenly setting out on an adventure, against her father’s interests, it’s easy to see how Layton would be concerned too. Layton and his parents are very close, but his mother constantly worries over him— much like Mr Anderson with Katia. Layton suffered a loss as a teenager and he chose to leave his hometown— much like Katia. If you want a more recent ‘death’, Layton thought Dr Scharder had died and jumped on a train a few days later to find out why.

Both Layton and Katia are well-liked, but they’re quiet, solitary characters who keep their intentions close to the chest. When Inspector Chelmey comes to investigate Dr. Scharder’s death, Layton decides conduct ‘his own investigation’ behind Chelmey’s back. At the hotel in Folsense, Katia implores Layton to give her the Elysian Box, but Katia refuses to tell him why. Both Layton and Katia struggle to accept the help of others…

But, that doesn’t mean they will ignore other people in need! Layton’s always helping random people with mysteries or puzzles. On the road to Herzen Castle, it’s implied that Katia leaves lanterns for Layton and Luke to light the forest path. Plus, Katia is willing to guide Luke and Layton out of Herzen Castle. 

Katia is frightened when they encounter Anton and he mistakes her for Sophia. She trusts Layton enough to hide behind him.

(Huh, Layton also must have had an identity-crisis when he took on Randall’s legacy as an archaeologist, or when he learned he’d inherited his name from his older brother…)

It always bugged me how Layton interrupted Katia when she was trying to explain everything to Anton… but it is kind of understandable, if he’s worried Anton might lash out at Katia. It’s even kind of sweet, when you remember Layton is watching out for Katia, as Mr Anderson asked. Katia is missing her father and Layton is missing Flora, his adopted daughter.

When the gang escape from the castle and Anton is revealed to be an old man, he finally acknowledges Katia as his grandfather. 

The look on Katia’s face here… my heart… reminds me of THIS:

Hershel was able to find out the truth about what happened to Randall, and the truth about his birth family— just as Katia found out about her family’s history.

They’ve reunited with lost loved ones and their respective journeys are over, for now. 

#Professor Layton #Hershel Layton #Katia Anderson #parallels #diabolical box #pandora’s box #(The US version wins this round for the best title!) #Character analysis #Mr Anderson #Long post #I know I’ve complained about the pacing issues and plot holes in PL2 and how some characters were just left behind (like FLORA AND ANDERSON #But if you look just below the surface it’s such an amazing game #I can’t say it’s my favourite in the series but it’s definitely up there

[spectrs]

hiraeth

obi-wan kenobi x f!reader

despite being on coruscant with everyone you considered to be a family, a sense of longing stuck when obi-wan left for a mission two weeks ago. him coming back finally made you figure out the confusing feelings of yours and, surprisingly, his. 

WARNINGS - none

WORD COUNT - 2.4k

i’m extremely stressed out atm and i feel like writing is starting to become a venting process for me. this is gonna be pure fluff, but please let me know if the title makes sense because all my friends said it doesn't. hope you enjoy :))

It had been two weeks since he left.

That maddening yet persistent feeling that appeared the moment his ship jumped into hyperspace stuck with you the whole time, getting to be so overwhelming and irritating even Anakin Skywalker could tell something was wrong.

A long sigh left your mouth as you slowly walked through the Temple, unable to keep your body, or mind for that matter, still. A thousand thoughts were forcing themselves into your head and your body couldn't keep itself calm for Maker knows why. So, doing the only thing you knew you could do, you took a few laps around the building. You never learned of your planet of origin, so you had always considered Coruscant your home, which you did with pride.

The building was quiet, your footsteps echoing around the grand area you were in. It was a relatively hot day, so everyone was most likely doing their own thing. Younglings and Padawans shielding themselves from the sun, Jedi Knights and Masters probably doing some kind of training.

You had shrugged off your robes a while ago, discarding them in your room and leaving only with your simple tunic and pants on. The only important thing you kept with you was your lightsaber, the cold metal handle carefully strapped to your hip. 

As you strolled through the sunlit hallways, your thoughts started to wander back to a specific memory from fifteen days ago, a memory where the man who’d been plaguing your thoughts left for a mission located in the Outer Rim.

You knew it would be coming. You helped with the plans, for crying out loud. You knew he would leave and be gone for a while like every other mission, but you still couldn’t figure out why this specific departure stuck with you. Maybe it was the way you were the last person he saw before boarding the ship, the way the heat radiating from his body engulfed yours as you hugged each other, the way he spared you a last glance before the doors shut with a loud slam. 

You’d have been out of your mind if you brought it up with another Jedi Master, so the first person who was made aware of the conflicting situation was a good friend, otherwise known as Senator Amidala.

She sat you down as soon as you told her, and she forced out everything she could’ve. You had to admit Padmé's extraction techniques were impressive, albeit slightly terrifying. The only thing she was disappointed with is the fact you were so clueless, about what she didn’t tell you. That’s what Anakin and even Ahsoka told you. They all told you how clueless you were acting without ever even revealing what it was you were being clueless about in the first place. After that, you made a mental note to not ask them for advice again.

A hand quickly landing on your shoulder snapped you out of your thoughts, and you instantly reached for your lightsaber.

“It’s just me!”

You whipped around to see Ahsoka with her hands up in defeat and a small smirk on her face. 

"My God, Ahsoka," you angrily huffed, placing your lightsaber back in its place at your hip. "You fucking scared me!"

"That was the point." You rolled your eyes at that. Noticing the odd look in her eyes, you turned to fully face her.

"Is there something you need from me?"

"Well, it doesn't involve me, but there's something in your room I believe you need to see."

Her grin grew wider at the slightly distressed look on your face.

"Ahsoka, what did you do?"

Her arms lifted in defense again as she said, "I didn't do anything! And I don't know why you're even worrying, it's not bad."

"It better not be," you said, stalking past her in the direction of your room.

Her shout was the last thing you heard before rounding the corner. "You better thank me later!"

You didn't realize how far you walked from your room until you started to count how long it took to get back. It was ridiculous, almost. Had you really been that caught up in your thoughts? God, if one of the other Jedi Masters knew, you'd be completely ashamed.

"You have to keep your mind clear..." you whispered to yourself. "You're a Jedi. You can't be distracted by something so small."

You looked to the side, stopping when you saw the sky full of oranges, pinks, and blues. Your eyes widened slightly. You knew you left your room when the high afternoon sun was still beating down on the city below. It truly couldn't have been that long, could it?

You turned away and continued, picking up speed when you saw the familiar door. The handle of the saber clinked against the metal decorations on your belt, that along with your breathing and quick footsteps filling your ears.

You reached for the door handle and swung it open, completely pausing in your tracks.

"Obi-Wan?"

He stood in the middle of the room, looking as perfect as ever. He didn't seem to have a single scratch on him, nor was there any imperfection in his uniform. A small smile spread across his face at the sight of you, and you felt tears start to form.

Not bothering to speak another word, you ran up to him and hugged him as if he was going to disappear if you let him go, burying your face in his shoulder. His body vibrated with laughter and he wrapped his arms around your waist, tightly holding onto you.

"I missed you."

The whisper, you thought, almost went unnoticed. His thumbs rubbed small, comforting circles into your skin and he placed a gentle kiss to the top of your head.

"I missed you as well."

You lifted your head and looked up with blurry eyes, attempting to further inspect his current state. He smiled a bit, then removed a hand from your waist to wipe away the tears stuck to your face.

"Don't cry, my dear. I'm here now."

A laugh escaped your throat as his calloused thumb caressed your cheek, wiping all remnants of tears.

The way he looked at you made your face heat up. His eyes held such an intense admiration, despite the state you were in.

One hand held onto his broad shoulder, and you used the other to rub your eyes, clearing up your vision. You studied him, still checking for any sign of bodily torture. He didn't seem starved, dehydrated, or physically injured. Everything seemed normal.

"What are you looking for?"

His velvety voice floated through your ears and into your brain, making you melt on the spot. You looked up at him, a smile still evident on his face.

"Any sign that you're not okay." Three years ago, it would've embarrassed you to say something like this, but now it's like a routine when he returns from a mission. It never felt weird or unusual, but this time it did.

"I'm perfectly fine. The mission went well and there were no casualties."

You sighed in relief, then smiled. "It's not possible for you to ever have a bad mission, is it?"

A smirk grew on his face. "No, my darling, it isn't."

He was bound to notice the way your face grew hot the moment those words left his mouth. Those goddamn nicknames of his, you thought.

"We both know you enjoy them," he said. You rolled your eyes with a smile and playfully shoved his shoulder.

"You seem much more relaxed," he noted. "Was something bothering you?"

"Oh, you know, it was just that plaguing feeling that you had your legs chopped off or something." A playful tone had worked its way into your voice, and you felt your body loosen up.

"As you so graciously mentioned before, it's impossible for me to have a bad mission. There's no need to worry anymore."

His voice conveyed the same tone as yours, and you both had a smile on your face. It all felt so normal. The only thing that bothered you was those thoughts from the past two weeks.

Maybe it was something in your eyes or a shift in your body language, but his smile dropped a little as he cupped your face and asked, "Is there something else wrong?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

Shockingly, that question irritated you. It was most likely because of the fact you couldn't figure out why these thoughts were so persistent on taking over your brain. An annoyed expression took over your face and you gently pushed him away.

"I said there's nothing else bothering me."

He nodded, and you knew he didn't believe you but you didn't exactly care. Your eyes widened when a thought occurred.

"Shouldn't you be in a meeting with the Council?"

"It's already happened."

The only thing you could do was stare at him. You knew how long mission debriefings were. They were at least an hour and a half, three at the most. That meant he landed a while ago. He had been back for that long and he never said anything?

"Why didn't you tell me?"

A small shrug. "I wanted to surprise you."

A scoff left your mouth. "You wanted to surprise me? That's possibly the dumbest fucking thing you've done, Obi-Wan."

"What do you mean?"

"You know what happens when you leave for a mission. I go out of my mind with worry and paranoia and it gets to be so bad I can't even sleep. I genuinely thought something bad had happened to you because of your inability to respond to my transmissions, like you were being held hostage or you were hurt. But no, you decided to surprise me. I was completely fine until you made me realize I was worrying for no reason."

You stopped talking, the only visible sign of your anger being the glare directed towards Obi-Wan. You walked past him and sat down on your bed, propping your arms on your thighs and holding your head in your hands.

You didn't know he moved until you felt the mattress sink as he sat down. You knew he was looking at you, but you refused to move.

"My darling, I never realized what I was doing to you."

"It's fine." The sentence was muffled by your hands, but he suddenly grabbed them with one of his own and used the other to hold your chin, making you look at him.

"No, it's not fine. I should have realized, and that's my fault. I'm sorry for making you worry like that."

His voice was filled with sincerity, but as your eyes locked onto his, you saw they held something else. What that was, you couldn't tell. You felt his thumb start rubbing circles into you skin again, and you craved to lean into his touch. Although you knew he could easily find out what you were thinking of, you couldn’t help but imagine his arms wrapped around your body, hearing his heartbeat and feeling his chest rise up and down as you rested your head on it, his voice whispering loving things into your ear. 

The more these thoughts pounded themselves into your head, the more you started to realize whatever it was you had with Obi-Wan wasn’t a friendship, not even a close one. You were fucking in love with him.

Of course you were. Everything made sense now. You couldn’t believe it had taken you this long to realize it, even with all the signs in front of you. The longing, the penetrative thoughts, the intense and nerve-wracking feeling of even being in the same room as him. 

You looked at him, every nerve in your body suddenly feeling as if they were on fire. Your face started heating up and you looked away from him, inevitable situations filling your head. 

This is wrong. It’s against the Jedi Code to feel this way. Besides, what if he doesn’t feel the same? He probably doesn’t. He’s such a stickler for following the Code no matter what, he’s probably never thought of feeling like this for another person. 

“You’re in love with me?”

The sentence immediately snapped you out of your thoughts and you looked at him, a slightly shocked look on his face. 

“What do you mean?” you asked, your voice cracking slightly. “I’m not in love with you. That’s against the Jedi Code.”

He tilted his head and his eyes started darting up and down your body. “Then why are you acting so nervous?”

“I’m not nervous.”

“Yes, you are. Your hands are shaking and your face is red.”

You scoffed and started to stand up, but Obi-Wan grabbed your arm and pulled you back down. 

"I'm not letting you avoid this like everything else."

"Just leave me alone."

“Besides, your thoughts betray you.”

“I said leave me alone.”

"Not until you answer my question."

You looked at him in disbelief, expecting to see some kind of betraying emotion in his eyes, but there was nothing. As far as you could tell, he was completely serious. In a way, it embarrassed the hell out of you. You had no way of knowing what he thought. You couldn't tell if he was scared, excited, nervous, or upset about this whole thing, yet he could read you like an open book.

"What was your question, exactly?"

"You know what it was. Now answer it."

"Just repeat it, please."

"Are you in love with me?"

You looked away from him, but he stood up, gaining the upper ground, and used his thumb and pointer fingers to position your head.

"Look at me."

You shook your head slightly, refusing to let him see your eyes, which you knew would betray you.

"Are you in love with me?"

You felt your hands start to shake and your lips start quivering. He must've noticed because his only response was to lean down and gently kiss you. His hands moved to hold your face and his fingers slowly rubbed your skin. Your eyes immediately snapped to his face and he leaned away, refusing to look away.

"Why did you-"

"I know how you feel, my love," he softly started, his eyes never leaving yours. "And I feel the same. I just wasn't sure how to..."

"Understand it." you finished. He smiled and nodded.

"Yes. Understand it."

"You really feel the same?"

"My dear, if I didn't, I wouldn't have kissed you."

A mix of a scoff and a laugh left your mouth as a smile crept up onto your face.

"Well, can you do it again?"

He smirked, sitting down next to you and placing his lips on yours once again. This time, his hands slid down to your waist as yours wrapped around his neck, both actions pulling the two of you closer. His mouth treated yours with such delicacy and kindness you swore you were going to melt.

You leaned away to catch your breath, and you laughed a bit seeing Obi-Wan's slightly disheveled appearance. He looked at you with a mix of a confused and happy look, asking, "What's so funny?"

"It's nothing," you said while laughing.

He looked at you the exact way he did before, with a fondness and an admiration you knew no one could replicate. If you were being honest with yourself, you’d wished for this for as long as you’d known him. It truly made you happy to know it had finally come true.

TAGS - @low-keylover @logans-soulmate

#obi wan kenobi #obi wan kenobi fluff #obi wan kenobi x reader #star wars

[anxiouspineapple99]

Of Healing and Breaking Again

Chapter 4 Or the One in Which We Escape

Summary: On a mission for Cid The Batch encounters an unexpected ally. Together they uncover a sinister plan being concocted by the Empire that could prove catastrophic for the galaxy. Together they try to save their lost brother, stop the Empire, and come to terms with feelings they never thought would be possible.

Pairing: Tech x FemJedi!OC

Word Count: 3.5k

Warnings: implied sexual encounters, implied child abuse, medical terminology, injuries, mutual pining, violence

A/N: I am whumpin’ my girl hard. Will I let up soon? Eh unlikely because i love caretaker Tech 🤭 reblogs and comments are always loved and appreciated! Let me know if you want to be added to the tag list. And to the beautiful lovelies on my tag list already: I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!

What’s Happened So Far: Chapter 1 , Chapter 2 , Chapter 3

“Tech get us in the air!” Hunter couldn’t mask the dread in his voice. 

Avery was right, they had not been trained in fighting force sensitives. They’d always been on the same side, until now. The Force always made him uncomfortable and in this moment he understood why. It was a weapon he could not see and could not fight. 

“Working on it, Hunter!” Tech barked back impatiently. Echo marched in and took the copilot seat and prepared to assist Tech with the precariously rushed departure they were making. Meanwhile, Wrecker was still attempting to wrangle the flailing and distraught Omega as she fought to rush back down the boarding ramp. The air hung heavy, Hunter gripped Tech’s headrest until his knuckles were white as he tried to ground himself and plot their next move which would ensure his squad’s safety.

Hunter was broken from his thoughts by Omega’s blood curdling scream of Avery’s name. He rushed from the cockpit to Wrecker’s side. He stood frozen, still clutching Omega, tears and horror on both their faces as they stood at the top of the boarding ramp. Hunter could see Avery’s instinctive and reflexive grasping at her throat at the invisible hands, eyes wide and mouth agape as she collapsed to her knees, the Inquisitor watched with a sinister smile scrawled from his jaw all the way to his eyes. He was proud, no, excited to be watching the light in her eyes fading. Hunter also realized that Crosshair had looked away, his jaw clenched and his brow drawn into a  scowl. 

It bothers him. Even with the chip, seeing someone who defended him being tortured bothers him. He just can’t do anything. But we can.

“Wreck, get Omega out of sight! She doesn’t need to watch this! Tech! Get us as close to Avery as you can, we’re gonna try to get her back!”

Hunter grabbed his deece and crouched down. He knew shooting to kill was out of the question, but shooting to distract the Inquisitor enough that he lets Avery go so she can make a run for it? Might work.

“Alright Tech! Close enough!” He called, never taking his eyes off the target.

Inhale, exhale, pull the trigger. He dropped to the floor of the Marauder and waited. Luckily his distraction worked. The unexpected blaster bolt hitting the ground by his feet had distracted the Inquisitor enough that he’d, momentarily, released his hold on Avery.

She hit the ground gasping and desperately trying to shake the stars that clouded her vision. She could see the Marauder, Tech was hovering just low enough. She could probably land a Force jump to the boarding ramp. She seized her opportunity, snatched her lightsaber from the ground next to her, and made a run for it. Still dazed from nearly being choked to unconsciousness, she miscalculated her leap and instead of the graceful landing she’d hoped for, she barely made the edge of the ramp and immediately slipped. She yelped in shock and pain as her torso collided with the cold durasteel knocking the wind out of her yet again but she held on, precariously dangling and gasping for air. Hunter crawled halfway down the ramp, reaching his hand out when the tk troopers started firing.

“Dank farrik!” She screamed, taking a bolt to the shoulder.

She was down an arm for now so she started trying to swing her leg up to compensate. Meanwhile Hunter edged closer still reaching, as soon as he felt her fingertips brush his he grabbed and yanked as hard as he could. Before she could process what had happened, she was laying on the floor of the Marauder in blinding pain. She was surrounded by a cacophony of yelling and couldn’t decipher who was saying what in the chaos, then it all went dark and she was engulfed in silence.

“We’re losing her! Tech we need you over here!”

“Echo, take over. I am coming Hunter!” Tech made his way to Hunter’s side.

He knelt next to Avery as Hunter gingerly cradled her, assessing the potential injuries she’d sustained and just how critical she was.

“Avery, stay with us. Tell me more about Nuna. Or about being a Jedi, I have always found your culture to be particularly fascinating. Come on, eyes open. Talk to us, you need to stay conscious right now,” Tech encouraged her, cupping her cheek as her head lulled and her eyes fluttered open and shut, unfocused and glassy.

He let a stream of curses loose under his breath when Avery went limp. He could see her slipping far more quickly than was desirable in the current situation. Without warning, Tech reached over and unsheathed Hunter’s vibroblade.

“What the kriff, Tech?!” Hunter hissed, jerking his arm back in shock.

“I need access to the injury. I’m cutting the kriffing shirt open and I need a blade to do it, Hunter!”

Tech bit back sharply as he made quick work of the fabric inhibiting his access to Avery’s injury. Another stream of swears left his lips, in some other language that Hunter couldn’t understand, when Tech had a full view of the damage inflicted.

“Wrecker!” Tech ordered sharply, “get me her medkit. She was a field medic, she’ll have most of what I need in that bag.” Wrecker nodded and grabbed the bag and tossed it to Tech who nimbly caught it. Without hesitation he immediately went to work stabilizing her as quickly as possible. 

“Avery? Avery wake up please…” the first words she heard when coming to were the soft hiccuped pleas of Omega.

As awareness slowly returned she realized she was laying in someone’s rack, covered with a blanket. Her eyes slowly fluttered open, grimacing at the wretched throbbing in her shoulder and her miserable sore throat. Omega was perched on the edge of the rack, holding her hand and watching with red rimmed eyes.

“She’s waking up! Hunter! Echo! Tech! Wrecker! She’s waking up!” 

She huffed a pained chuckle out as all four men quickly crowded behind Omega. Avery felt like an exhibit in a zoo. Sitting up proved to be a task that was beyond her current physical capabilities as a violent hot pain shot down her arm, back and up her neck when she tried.

“Son of a mudscuffer,” she hissed through clenched teeth as she fell back onto the bed.

“You took a bolt from a DC15-A rifle to the left shoulder, through and through. That is the pain you’re experiencing,” Tech explained matter-of-factly. 

“Yep, that’ll do it alright,” she uttered barely above a whisper while clenching her eyes shut trying to fight the tears welling up.

“When we land on Ord Mantell we will find a medical droid or physician that will be able to fix you up,” Hunter offered up, “Tech got you stabilizing though.”

“Not necessary. A couple of bacta patches, some pain meds, and some heavy duty meditation will have me right as rain in no time. And it seems Tech already managed the patches so we’re a third of the way there.”

“I fail to see how meditating is a suitable treatment option for such an injury,” Tech huffed as he furrowed his brow incredulously. 

“I’m a healer, I use the Force to heal others and, right now, myself. Kind of was my job for a good while. I fixed nearly identical injuries on others when I was a field medic. I just need some help getting upright again.”

She released a shaky breath as Tech wrapped an arm around her, helping her sit up. Through bleary eyes she glanced at Tech’s face. His jaw was tightly set and his brow was twisted with concern. He sat a moment before releasing his hold from her to ensure she didn’t fall. The extended contact with his hand on the small of her back had her yearning for more of his touch. She squeezed her eyes shut again and pushed the thoughts aside, trying to focus on remaining upright. 

“Can I sit with you? While you meditate?” Omega asked in a small voice.

“Sure sweetheart. You can be my nurse. Which reminds me, Echo, did you grab my medic bag?”

“I did. What do you need from it?”

“There is a medium drawstring bag inside. It has the Force healing crystals I use for trickier injuries.”

Echo nodded and when he returned he had both Nuna and the bag in his hand, “Seems we had a stowaway.”

“Nuna!” Omega cried and opened her arms.

The little loth cat leaped right into them. A huge grin crossed Wrecker’s face and he reached out and gave Nuna a scratch behind the ear as the collective energy of the Marauder relaxed.

“Okay nurse Omega, I need you to scan my shoulder using the medical sensor.”

Omega nodded intently as she grabbed the sensor. She remembered Lama Su teaching her to use one on Kamino. That day was burned into her memory, a moment punctuated by a sharp reprimand by the Kaminoan reverberated in her mind causing her to tremble.

“Hey, Omega. Talk to me kiddo. You’re scared right now and I’m not sure why.” Avery gently pressed.

“I,” Omega paused and inhaled a shaky breath, “I just remembered using one of these on Kamino. I made a mistake and Lama Su….he…”

Omega’s voice broke as she stared at the sensor in her hands. As if she needed another reason to dislike the Kaminoans, Omega’s intense emotional reaction confirmed one of many fears she’d had about the treatment of the clones in Tipoca City. The revelation elicited the very un-Jedi like emotion of rage in her and she clenched her jaw in an effort to lock the rather unkind words she had for the clones’ creators within her.

Avery reached her good hand across her chest and beckoned Omega to stand in front of her. Omega slid off the rack and shuffled to stand in front of Avery who held out her hand to the distraught girl.

Small trembling fingers grasped her own and Avery gave them a gentle squeeze, “I’m so sorry sweetheart. You don’t have to do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. One of your brothers can do it if it’s too much.” Omega squeezed Avery’s hand back as tears rolled down her cheeks.

Then she inhaled deeply, “No, I can do it.” She was determined, Avery had to hand it to her.

“Atta girl,” Avery grinned, “I love your resolve. Alright you’re looking for a potential comminuted fracture of the scapula, as well as looking at the extent of damage done to the neural, vascular, osseus, and muscular structures. I also need to know how severe the damage to the soft tissue is. All of those factors will significantly impact healing time.” Omega nodded firmly and climbed back on to the rack to perform the scan. 

She hummed, nose scrunched as she handed the scanner back to Avery, “It looks bad. Is it bad?”

Avery poured over the results, her brow pulling into a frown, “It’s not fantastic, I’ll say that much. But not irreparable.”

Wrecker, Echo, and Hunter stepped out of the cockpit, overhearing the conversation.

“Ya gonna be okay, doc?” Wrecker asked, his voice filled with concern.

“I’ll be fine, Wrecker. I sustained some damage to my proximal brachial arteries and distal axillary arteries and some damage to my pectoralis minor and infraspinatus tendons however the scapular fracture is clean, not comminuted and my clavicle only sustained a hairline.”

The three men stared at her, faces all exhibiting varying levels of confusion before Hunter said, “Could you translate that?”

Tech’s voice immediately rang out from the cockpit, “She has sustained damage to arteries and tendons surrounding the scapula which typically requires surgical intervention. The scapular fracture is clean as the bone did not shatter and her clavicle’s fracture is mild.”

“What he said,” she chuckled, waving idly toward the cockpit. “However, I believe I should manage fine on my own. I can’t guarantee it will be expedient but it should suffice well enough that I don’t have to worry about finding someone willing and able to perform the surgery. Also I’ll get a pretty scar out of it too.”

“Haha! Alright!” Wrecker joyously whooped.

Hunter smiled. “Well take it easy, Cid contacted us with another mission. We’re en route now. We will be tucking in for a rest until we arrive.”

Avery nodded and settled into as comfortable a meditation position she could with crystals in hand.  Before Omega made her way to her room carrying Nuna, she wrapped her arms around Avery’s waist in an enthusiastic hug. It wasn’t long before the Marauder was engulfed in peaceful silence, occasionally punctuated with Wrecker’s snoring or someone shifting positions on their rack. Avery sat quietly, continuing the meditation utilizing the crystals as best she could with one functional arm. 

 She’d long lost track of the time when she felt the rack sinking a bit next to her as someone sat down. She opened her eyes to Tech staring at the wall with an unreadable expression.

“I am pleased you are okay, you were touch and go for a while there. Admittedly I was unsure of your prognosis,” he spoke softly, a touch of emotion underlying his words.

She absentmindedly ran her hand over her shoulder wincing slightly when she pressed just slightly too hard. Fortunately the roaring hot pain from before had finally subsided into a dull throb likely due to a combination of the Force, pain meds, and a whole lot of bacta.

“May I?” He motioned to the bandage and she nodded in consent.

He was quiet for a moment as he gently unwrapped and peeled back the gauze.

Finally he abruptly broke the silence, “Apologies for your shirt by the way. I did not feel right disrobing you entirely and the only other option was cutting the sleeve off.”

Avery smiled, “Nothing to apologize for, cutting articles of clothing to access an injury is fairly standard procedure. I can get a new shirt. You did an excellent job of stabilizing me. Thank you.”

He made eye contact for a moment before returning his gaze to his task and nodding. She couldn’t help but notice how softly he was touching her, like she was made of glass, like she’d shatter into a million pieces if he wasn’t careful. However, he was also precise, efficient, and clinical in his methodology. The brushing of his gloved fingertips against her skin felt electric in spite of the persistent pain still hammering beneath her skin. She secretly hoped he’d take his time because she really didn’t want him to stop. Every touch left her feeling more relief than any pain medication.

He finally reached the bacta patches and peeled each one back carefully, inspecting the wound, “I am impressed. You are healing at an exceptional  rate. You very well may be completely healed by the time we reach Ord Mantell. I was skeptical that your meditation would be effective against such extensive injuries.” He applied fresh bacta patches and proceeded to rewrap her with gauze.

“Honestly, surgery would have been faster than Force healing this time. While I can heal the most grave of injuries and illness, there are times when technology is just more efficient and expeditious. But I’m working with what I have so slow and steady will do this time,” she murmured. He glanced up and gave her a half smile before returning his attention to tending to her. She continued,“If I am remembering correctly from the tour Omega insisted on earlier, this is your rack, correct?”

Tech nodded, not looking up, “Yes. It is.” 

“I’m doing much better now. I can find somewhere else to finish meditating so you can get some rest.”

“That will not be necessary. I sleep in the cockpit more than my rack anyway. Stay here,” he paused for a moment, eyes remaining fixed on her shoulder, “I insist.”

She nodded, the gentleness of his last sentence sent her heart racing. They sat in silence as he concluded the wrapping of her shoulder. Her heart sank when he’d finished tending her and his fingertips brushed her skin for the last time. In those fleeting moments she found that she had to stop herself from begging him to not stop. She observed his eyes tracing the features of her face before he gently stroked her chin with his index finger and swiveled on his heel to walk back to the cockpit. Her gaze followed him until he was no longer in her field of vision.

What is happening to me? I know the Council used to say no attachments but am I that desperately touch starved that wound care has me falling to pieces?

She leaned her head back against the cold durasteel and closed her eyes, recentering herself before diving back into the healing process.

Tech settled into the pilot’s seat again after checking on Avery’s progress. He knew he didn’t have to. She was a physician and a Jedi. She could handle herself just fine. But he was compelled to check on her. He wanted to be close to her even in the smallest of increments of time. When he’d watched her fading it felt like his heart was being crushed in a vice. When he’d seen how extensive her injury was as she crashed before his eyes, his heart thundered against his ribs like the waves of Kamino in a storm, the rhythm matching his escalating panic. And panic wasn’t who he was. Tech rarely panicked and even more rare was a panic of that intensity. This was very unusual.

Avery was attractive, more so than any of his past purely physical escapades. He had functioning eyes after all, and far be it from him to not appreciate beauty in the galaxy around him. In fact, had she been like any other woman he’d been with prior, he would have considered propositioning her with one of those no strings attached encounters. Much like he did when his natural urges began to distract him from his work or when he simply found a woman attractive. Perhaps this was due to a combination of physical attraction and the extensive amount of time that had since passed since he’d last been intimate with a woman.

 Besides, sexual attraction and arousal were a part of every clone’s biological function, much to the Kaminoans dismay. He had read the research on it. They’d tried to create human clones before the creation of the clone army that were sterile and impotent. It had ended terribly and decided that human clones were incapable of withstanding such alterations to their genome. Factor H was what they called it. When they couldn’t eliminate Factor H, the Kaminoans tried to embrace it. They tried to redirect that repression turned frustration from Factor H into battle aggression and brotherly bonding. It wasn’t usually successful long term. Eventually every clone succumbed to those primal urges, and he and his brothers were no exception. They were defective but not that defective. But what he was feeling was starkly different from his past encounters with attractive women. It was a deep, burning ache that he felt couldn’t be satiated unless he knew she was safe with him. He wanted to know everything about her; to delve deep into her mind as well as explore every inch of her body. She was a riddle, a mystery, and Maker knew how much he loved unraveling a mystery.

Was it because she was a Jedi? Was it something to do with the Force? They hadn’t worked with many female Jedi generals and the few times they had were short lived. They completed those missions so effectively, and thus quickly, he hadn’t even bothered learning the names of the generals they’d helped. Maybe the Force had the ability to act as an aphrodisiac but only with extended contact? He would research further. He needed answers. She was beginning to consume his thoughts and it was getting frustratingly difficult to focus when she was nearby. He lifted his goggles and rubbed his eyes in exasperation as his leg began bouncing in agitation. That research was going to have to wait. They had a mission to complete.

She wasn’t sure when she fell asleep. Her meditation had at some point turned into her leaning slumped against the wall snoring lightly. She was jostled awake by a gentle hand on her knee. She opened her eyes feeling groggy and substantially more sore with Echo kneeling in front of her.

“We’re here. You joining us?”

She shook her head. “I’m not in fighting shape yet. I’d slow you down. I’ll stay here.”

He nodded and placed his hand on her good shoulder and gave a comforting squeeze before walking to the boarding ramp.

Omega plopped Nuna in Avery’s lap, “I’ll be back, Nuna!”

She bumped noses with the loth-cat, waved to Avery and chased after her brothers.

Alone in the silence, she managed to clear her mind. She’d not felt this connected to the Force in a long time, since before everything collapsed. Nuna climbed into her lap, and purred contentedly as Avery continued to reconnect and deepen her connection with the Force. Slowly but surely she began working past her anger, fear, and guilt allowing herself to feel and then let go. No longer allowing herself to be consumed by her emotions but retaking control of them. Most of them, at least

Tagged lovelies 💕: @msmeredithrose @808tsuika

#star wars #star wars the clone wars #star wars fanfiction #the bad batch #star wars the bad batch #clone force 99 #tbb tech #anxiouspineapple99 writes #the bad batch fic #the bad batch fanfiction #tech x jedi #tech x oc #tech tbb #tech the bad batch #the bad batch tech

[raphmybeloved]

A Nice Day

A little oneshot for @idiot-mushroom 's where we belong au.

Snapper is used to being looked at.

It’s an occupational hazard as a Nexus fighter but even outside of the arena there are very few places he can go without drawing the eyes of others. The giant distinctive helmet and the two body guards that usually flank him don't help.

(Sometimes he thinks big mama wants it that way. That a simple collar wouldn’t be enough and that she needed something big, something impossible to miss so that everyone knows he is hers.)

He tries to ignore the eyes most of the time but it can be hard. Draxum taught them hypervigilance and it's one of those lessons that are impossible to forget.

It’s because of this that he knows he and his brothers are being watched. Not glanced at or ogled like many do when they see a Nexus champion on the streets but truly watched. 

His brothers can tell they are being watched too. He can tell by the small defensive hunch of Orange’s shoulders and the way Red-Eyes keeps rolling his neck to stretch as a cover for him making a sweep of their surroundings. 

They are all ignoring it though because today is such a rare type of day and they don’t want to ruin it. 

Three of them. Soft-shell couldn’t get the time off but the rest of them are free of responsibilities. Free of expectations and due to some sweet talking and bribery they are even free of Snapper's bodyguards for just a few hours to do whatever dumb stupid thing they want.

Currently that thing is trying to see if any of them can clear a fountain in a jump with a skateboard Red-Eyes stole from the surface and an impromptu ramp made from a broken bench. It’s genuine harmless fun and even though Snapper is dripping wet from failing and tumbling into the fountain he can’t stop himself from smiling and laughing.

It would be a perfect day if it wasn’t for the eyes Snapper feels trained on them. 

Still, it's easy enough to ignore until Orange misjudges his landing and although he clears the fountain the board shoots out from under him and is propelled up and through the glass window of a nearby home.

All four brothers wince at the sound of shattered glass and quickly a four eyed yokai woman with the face of a bat exits and angrily storms toward them.

Automatically Red-Eyes slips between everyone else and the angry yokai arms out in a pacifying gesture.

“Ma’am I am so sorry we ca-”

“You hooligans need to leave before I call the police.” The woman says cutting Red-Eye off. 

“It was an accident. We can pay to have your window fixed. Really we are so sorry,” Red-Eyes says. He’s always been the best at interacting with normal people and Snapper is more than willing to step back and let him speak. 

“No,” the woman says walking closer to them. “I don’t want anything from one of Draxum’s lackeys,” she spits and Snapper watches Red-Eye fliches ever so slightly and he feels the anger he’s constantly trying to tamp down start to rise.

“Hey,” he says, stepping between the bat-faced woman and Red-Eyes. “That’s uncalled for, he was just apologizing.”

The woman if anything just looks more riled up.

“Oh I suppose you just expect me to bow down to you then. The champion of the Nexus. Ha! I’ve seen how you fight, you’re little more than a monster,” she sneers. “If there was any justice in the world you would be put down as the beast you are.”

Her words make Snapper physically stumble back. He’s not stupid, he knows what people think of him. He knows that to most yokai he is The Barbaric Kappa. Big Mama’s champion and nothing else. It still hurts a little to have it thrown in his face.

In his moment of hurt Orange steps up. 

“Hey Lady, back off. I don’t know what your problem is but everything was an accident. Someone will come fix your window.” Orange says, anger evident in his tone as he stands on his tip-toes to try to meet the woman face to face. 

For a moment the woman and Orange just stare at each other, then the woman lets out a huff. Orange takes that as a sign of an interaction completed.

Snapper can feel the tension in his body leaving but then Orange turns his back to the woman and both Snapper and Red-Eyes are a second too late as the woman rakes sharp nails across the back of Orange’s skull and everything is happening so fast and someone is screaming and there is blood. Orange’s blood.

(Years ago Draxum and Big Mama both learned to never have any of Snapper’s brother's punished where Snapper can see it happen.)

All Snapper can feel is that anger. The all encompassing rage that both terrifies and protects him. 

At the sight of his brother's blood Snapper loses himself.

He comes too in a jail cell barely aware of anything except Red-Eyes’ voice calm and steady rambling about something. A comic maybe?

“So then Jupiter Jim attacks the thing with an honest to god hairdryer. Like I have no idea how it works but something about the heat throws the creature off enough to- Oh,” Red-Eyes stops suddenly. “You back with us big guy?”

Snapper blinks and takes in the sight of his brother. Red-Eyes plastron and face are splattered with blood, not a lot but not an insignificant amount either. As memory of what happened returns, Snapper whips his head around looking for Orange.

He finds him quickly at the other side of the cell similarly splattered with blood. He remembers sharp claws to the back of his head.

“Orange,” he chokes out. And his brother quickly rushes over.

“Hey hey hey. I’m here. I’m okay, you’re okay,” Orange tells him in a calm soothing voice. 

“Your head-” he starts to ask but Red-Eyes cuts him off.

“His head is fine. Scratches already healed.”

“The blood?”

There’s a beat before anyone answers.

“Not any of ours.”

The cell falls quiet and in the quiet Snapper can’t help but think. He take’s in the amount of blood splattered onto his brothers and then the volume of blood on his hands. An average Yokai can’t lose that much blood. Snapper tries not to think about what that means.

Silence lingers for maybe half an hour before there’s footsteps and a jingle of keys and Big Mama accompanied by a guard enters.

“Oh my sweetest-darling dear,” Big Mama exclaims running straight up to Snapper bypassing his brothers without so much as a glance. She embraces him and despite himself he melts into the hug.

“My poor darling,” she says, still holding him tight. “What a terrible fizzy-wizzle you found yourself in. Don’t worry. Mama will take care of everything.”

He hates the feeling of comfort her words bring. She steps back and takes his hand, pulls him up and starts to lead him out of the cell, Orange following close behind. Right as she leaves the cell Big Mama turns to look back at Red-Eyes.

“Draxum is on his way to collect you.” She says. Red-Eyes isn’t quick enough to mask the expression of panic before Snapper can clock it.

“Don’t worry yourself sweetie-pie,” Big Mama says as she leads him through the police station. He can feel accusing looks from the officers but he tries to pay them no mind as he keeps up with big mama’s personal stride. “It will be like this whole unpleasantness never happened.”

Snapper glances down at his hands, coated with blood and thinks for a second about the Yokai woman.

As he walks out of the station a step behind the most powerful woman in the hidden city facing no consequences for actions he can’t even remember he wonders if the woman who called him a monster was all that wrong.

#rottmnt fanfiction #where we belong au #rottmnt #we finally have a raph pov for this series #just a donnie pov left #wrote this tipsy it’s entirely unedited

[ikeromantic]

Entwined Ch. 7

Part 7 of a multipart series. Mai has been reborn in the modern age after a full life in the Sengoku. The warlords as spirit animals find her again after 500 years of searching for her soul. Approx. 2800 words.

Part 1

Previous: Chapter 6

Mai hurried to her appointment. She was fitting a particularly demanding bride today and the last thing she wanted was to be late. The last few weeks since her date with Hideyoshi had been packed with new commissions and she was doing everything she could to keep up.

Her seamstress bag knocked against her side as she threw herself toward the train she needed to catch. A hand shot out of the cabin just as the doors were about to close, holding them for her. 

“Oh, my gosh, thank you,” she panted as she wedged herself on board. The guy had the most vibrant pink hair, half hidden under a stylish cap, his face was mostly covered by sunglasses and a mask. 

“Sure! It’s always nice to help a fellow artist out.” The guy nodded to her. 

For a moment she was surprised by his comment, and it must have shown as he added, “Your bag. It’s for sewing, right?”

“Yes! Yes it is! I’m surprised you noticed.” Mai smiled. “So, if I can ask, what kind of artist are you?”

The guy laughed. “What if I give you three guesses?” 

“Alright. Ummm . . . are you a tv star?” She figured that was a safe guess, given how carefully he disguised himself. 

“Close.”

“Ok, do you sing?”

“Hm. Sometimes. But that’s not exactly it. Still close.”

Mai sighed. “What about movies? You have to be some kind of actor.”

“I have to be? Why do you say that?” He leaned close and tilted his sunglasses down. He had the prettiest eyes, playful and mischievous. 

“Ranmaru, stop teasing the girl.” A deep voice took Mai by surprise. It was a low purr, mature and commanding. The kind of voice Mai could imagine on a successful radio show or audio book. She nearly jumped though, and looked for the source.

She didn’t have to look far. An older man stood a little behind Ranmaru. His face was cruelly scarred but he wore a kind smile, and the robes of a Buddhist. He nodded to her when he caught her gaze.

“You always spoil my fun, but . . . you’re right. Sorry.” He sighed. “As he said, my name is Ranmaru - and I am an actor. I’ve done tv and music so none of your guesses were exactly wrong.” He laughed again. “So what gave me away?”

“Well . . . you are covered head to toe, including your face. And you seemed too nice to be some kind of masked robber, since you held the door. So I figured you didn’t want to be recognized. And if you’re afraid of that -”

“I must be someone recognizable. Nice.” Ranmaru tilted his head. “So, now that you know my name, may I know yours?”

“Sure. I’m Mai. It’s nice to meet you.” She grinned. “I think this is the first time I made a friend on the train.”

“Same.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “Oh! I didn’t introduce my advisor and teacher. This is Kennyo.” He pointed toward the Buddhist.

“It’s nice to meet you as well.” Mai gave a respectful nod to him. 

Kennyo’s smile deepened, giving him the nicest dimples. “I am honored to meet you as well.”

“So. Now we’re all friends. Want to come to lunch with me? I’m trying to take a little break today and you seem like a fun person to spend time with.”

Mai almost agreed. There was just something so appealing and charismatic about him that made her want to go along. But work. Always work. “I’d love to, but I’m actually on my way to see a client.”

“Aww man! Really? Well . . . what if I give you my number? Then we can hang out another day, when you have time.”

“Yeah, if you’re sure that’s alright.” Generally Mai did not accept numbers from randos she met on the train, but Ranmaru was so nice.  

He laughed. “It’s definitely alright. I trust you not to share it.”

Her eyes widened. “Wow, really? But we just met. I might be, like, some crazy stalker fangirl. Or I could be really greedy and auction your number off to someone who is.”

“Mai, I know you would never do that. You’re not the kind of person who would betray a friend. And we’re friends, right?” There was something in his voice now, a heaviness beneath the playful tone. As if he had some deep regret or trauma in his past. 

She nodded. “We are friends. And you’re right. You must be really good at reading people.”

“Nah, you’re just really easy to read.” He handed her a business card. On one side, there was a single star orchid embossed into the heavy paper, white on white, and on the other, his number. 

Mai sighed. “I keep hearing that.” She tucked the card away in her purse just as the train pulled up to her stop. “Well, it was really nice to meet you today. I’ll see you around.”

“I hope so. I really missed you.” He waved goodbye as she stepped onto the platform, leaving her with that curious statement. They’d only met, so he was probably just teasing. Still, what a weird thing to say!

It gave her the strangest sense of deja vu. As if she’d said goodbye to them before, only that was silly. She’d definitely remember meeting Ranmaru. And Kennyo! Her last sight of the two was Kennyo bending down to say something to Ranmaru as the doors to the car slid shut.

She put the encounter out of her mind as she practically ran through the station and up the sidewalk. There was no time to think about cute actors and kind priests. Mai stopped at the front of the building and pushed the intercom, trying to catch her breath before anyone picked up.

The bride, Ms. Higurashi, told her she would be down to open the door in a moment. Mai took the opportunity to put herself back in order. The whole morning felt rushed and she wanted to make sure it didn’t show.

“Hello little mouse.” A low voice, close to her ear.

“Waah!” Mai spun around with a little hop. “Mitsuhide! What? What are you doing here?”

He gave her an amused smile. Before he could answer, the door opened.

“It’s good to meet you in person, Mai,” Ms. Higurashi said in greeting. “And who is this?”

“I’m her assistant, Mitsu. I help measure and fit when there is more than one client. Today, I’ll be working with your fiancé.” Mitsuhide’s expression was pure professionalism. Polite and steady, as if he did this all the time. 

The bride smiled brightly. “Oh! That’s wonderful! I didn’t know you had an assistant.” Her smile turned sour a heartbeat later. “There isn’t some additional fee for this, correct?”

“No, of course not, Ms. Higurashi. All costs are as agreed in the design contract.” Mai held in a sigh. She wanted to know how the hell Mitsuhide just happened to be here. And why he’d said he was her assistant! If he messed this up . . . she threw him a wicked side-eyed glare. 

Mitsuhide just kept smiling that bloody crescent moon grin, a twinkle in his golden gaze. 

“Good. You wouldn’t believe all the extra fees that caterer is trying to sneak past me!” The bride chattered on as she led them up to her flat. It was a huge space, taking up half the floor it was on. Ms. Higurashi barely glanced at the view from the huge window in the living room, but Mai couldn’t help herself. The city spread out below them, glittering in the morning sunshine. 

She didn’t have long to appreciate it as Ms. Higurashi introduced her groom. After introductions, Mai explained the process to them. They needed to be wearing the underclothes they planned to have on at their ceremony.

She and Mitsuhide would pin the linen mock-ups on to check the fit of the garment. If everything looked good, she would be using the linen mockups as her guide when cutting the expensive silks for the actual kimono. 

Mai hoped that Mitsuhide was paying attention. She made sure to be extra explicit in the instructions so that he would look like he knew what to do. 

When the groom and bride hurried off to their separate rooms to don their underclothes, Mitsuhide gave her a wink. “Don’t worry, little mouse. I’ve assisted with fittings many times.”

She gave him a skeptical look, one eyebrow raised. “If you mess this up . . .”

He took a step toward her and tapped her nose lightly. “You’ll just have to trust me. You do, don’t you?”

“I . . . I mean, yes? But -”

Mitsuhide smiled even more widely, something warm and sweet in the expression that had not been there a moment before. “Good.” Then he glanced away as if suddenly shy, his eyelashes almost touching his cheek. “I do wonder though.”

“About what?” Mai watched him, feeling suddenly nervous. A fluttery sensation in her belly that she couldn’t ignore. 

When he looked up again, there was still warmth in his gaze, if warmth was the right word for the sultry heat of his golden eyes. He reached for the bag in her hand, his fingertips grazing her forearm and sending a pleasant jolt racing up her arm. “Nothing much, just . . .” Mitsuhide leaned close as he bent to reach into Mai’s sewing case. His lips nearly brushed her cheek as he spoke again. “I wonder what kinds of punishment you would wield, little mouse. Would you tie me? Whip me? Or something altogether more creative?”

Mai felt her whole face heat up. She almost fell back from him, her words stumbling out in a tangled jumble. “What? I - no - whip? Are? Crazy! I - you -” Her heart was beating so hard she thought it might show. What he said - the way he said it - sent her imagination into naughty overdrive. Immediately conjuring images of Mitsuhide tied up with sheets, his body splayed and naked and vulnerable. Not that she had ever done anything like that, or even considered it! 

Mitsuhide laughed, a rich, low sound of genuine amusement. “The shock in your expression. You look splendid when you’re flustered, my dear.” He paused, studying her expression. “Ah. I am sorry. I couldn’t resist.” He wiped at his eyes. “You are so much fun. I can’t tell you how I’ve missed y- the opportunity to tease you.” 

“You -” She cleared her throat, trying to settle herself down. “You are so mean. And you know I’m working!” 

“Sorry,” he grinned, looking completely unrepentant. “I’ll have to make it up to you.” Mitsuhide fished the linen and pins for the montsuki. He bundled the items and took off for the groom’s room. 

Mai took an extra moment to pull herself back together. She really wasn’t sure why he could get under her skin so easily, but she was determined to handle his next taunt better. All sorts of clever, witty come-backs and ways to turn it around came to mind as she took what she needed to go fit the bride. “I’ll get him next time,” she told herself. 

The next hour, she didn’t have much time to consider how she would get Mitsuhide back. She was too busy dancing around a needle-skittish bride. It was hard to pin when your subject kept stepping back or bouncing from foot to foot. “Ms. Higurashi,” Mai sighed, feeling exhausted by the woman, “if you keep moving, it just makes it more likely that I will poke you. Please hold still.”

“Sorry. It’s just, they’re very sharp! Are you sure this is necessary?”

From the sounds across the hall, Mitsuhide was having no trouble at all with the groom. Were they . . . laughing? Mai paused and set her pins down. “I’ll be right back. I need to check on my assistant.” She gave the bride a hard look. “Do not move.”

She peeked into the room across the hall, trying to get a look before either of them realized she was there. The groom was dressed in nothing but his underwear and the linen mockup. Mitsuhide had an array of pins between his lips. 

The groom was posed with his arms out, an open question in his expression. “All jokes aside though, how do you know?”

“Getting cold feet are we?” Mitsuhide chuckled.

“Not - not exactly. It’s just such a big step. Formalizing everything. And thinking about kids . . . I just don’t want to make the wrong decision. Every married person I know is bitter or bored and if that happens to us . . .”

Mitsuhide nodded, his smile fading to a serious expression. “I can understand that. Being in love is as terrifying as it is wonderful. You can’t predict where that road will lead.”

The groom sighed. “Yes. That. It’s just, I don’t know. Have you ever been in love?”

Mai couldn’t help but lean forward, listening intently.

“As it happens, yes. There is a girl I am very much in love with.”

“So what happened with her? Did you marry?”

Mitsuhide shook his head. “No. I’m afraid I wasted the time we had together. Working. Always busy. We promised each other we would get married once things settled down, but they never did. And then one day, she was gone.”

The groom looked at him with a certain sympathy. “But you still love her?”

“More than anything. I hope one day she will let me make it up to her. There is no goal more precious to me than to be at her side again.”

“Sounds like true love,” the groom chuckled. “Good luck.”

Mai stumbled back from the door, feeling a sudden tightness in her chest. Mitsuhide had someone else. Someone from his past that he was still in love with. Her eyes ached and she felt the beginnings of a headache behind them. She rubbed a hand over her face. No, no, no, she thought to herself. I am working. I am a professional. I am not going to let this actor needle me with his teasing. Who cares if Mitsuhide Akechi has some old flame? Not me! No.

She marched back to the bride’s room, a woman on a mission. Mai managed to cram all her feelings into her chest and seal them up until she felt calm and collected. The rest of the fitting went smoothly. The bride’s mockup went into the bag, marked up and ready to be used as a template.

Then she went for the second time to check on the groom. She gave Mitsuhide a chilly look as she stepped past him to check his work. “Let’s see if my assistant did a good job, hm?” Mai checked over the pins and marks, her fabric pen at the ready. She had a specific notation she’d developed for herself to remember tucks and folds and where the fabric sat, and she expected to need to add them here. But they were already in place. Exactly the way she always marked them. 

“I hope I did well?” Mitsuhide stood at her shoulder, pretending to be worried about her judgement. 

Mai turned her head. “Where did you learn these marks?”

He shrugged. “I told you, not my first time assisting.”

She wanted to explain that was impossible. Even if he had done a thousand fittings with other seamstresses or tailors, these marks were hers. Unique and specific. She’d made them up in design school, a way to protect her work from being copied. He couldn’t know them unless they - unless he - a sharp pain exploded in her head. Hot and white and so bright she closed her eyes against it as if she could block out something on the inside. 

There were voices inside her head competing with the ones outside. 

“Go with Mitsuhide. You are to stay by his side at all times.” 

“Is she ok? She’s still breathing,” Ms. Higurashi said.

“Call off your troops and I will let the girl live. Do it, and I may even forgive you for turning against me.”

“I think she just passed out. Probably overworked.” The groom’s voice.

“There’s no reason to run, little mouse. Azuchi isn’t going anywhere.”

“She is fine. A little overtired. You have our apologies. We have what we need for the fitting. I’ll see to her. And I promise, this won’t affect our work for you.” Mitsuhide reassured the two.

“I appreciate that, but please make sure she’s ok.” Ms. Higurashi said at the same time the groom said, “Don’t worry about that. Just make sure she’s alright.” 

Mai wanted to open her eyes and sit up. To reassure them she was fine and make her apologies, but her body felt as heavy as lead. Weighed down and sinking into a place filled with voices she almost recognized. Though she fought against it, the velvet soft darkness took her.

Next: Chapter 8

#ikemen sengoku au #ikesen mitsuhide #mitsuhide akechi #ikesen ranmaru #ikesen kennyo #otome #otome guys #fluff #fanfic #fanfiction

[lady-wallace]

Whumptober Day 5 - "Misjudged" (Hellsing)

I have a Hellsing fic for today's @whumptober Technically not the first one I've written, but the first one you're seeing :) Hope you enjoy, I have a couple more coming this month.

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Prompts Used: Debris, Pinned Down, 'It's broken' Fandom: Hellsing/Hellsing Ultimate Character: Integra

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Read on Ao3

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Integra had trained countless hours to be more than efficient with the sword and with firearms. Working on her skills until she could best all of her instructors. It was needed in her line of work, was demanded, in fact, by her father to make sure that she would be able to look after herself. There was rarely a day gone by that she was not grateful for how her instructors had pushed her, and how she had pushed herself.

But still, all the skill in the world with a sword, and all the marksmanship of a sharp-shooter could not save her from accidents. And when it came down to it, missions in old houses could turn deadly very quickly, and not just because of their occupants.

Integra was on the precarious second story of the old Tudor, facing off against a mob of ghouls. More of her men were further down the hallway and Alucard was somewhere outside, prowling around the perimeter, chasing down the vampire responsible for turning all the ghouls.

"How many more on your end, Harrington?!" Integra shouted to her closest captain as she took out the last ghoul coming at her with a well-aimed headshot.

"Sir, about ten!" he replied.

"I take it you're good up here then," she said.

"We are, Sir Integra!" the soldier shouted, followed by more gunshots.

Integra hurried toward the stairs, planning on aiding the men below with the stragglers.

She only got about halfway down, before a ghoul appeared at the railing above, snarling, getting ready to jump on her.

Integra snarled back and shot upward, hitting the ghoul right in the head.

It slumped, collapsing over the railing and plummeting.

Integra dodged, but as it hit the stairs, the sudden weight broke through the rotting wood and Integra let out a sharp cry of surprise as she collapsed with it, tumbling down with a rending crash into darkness.

XXX

Integra came to in the dark, coughing and blinking dust from her eyes.

"Dammit," she snarled, trying to move, but she was pinned firmly under several heavy boards. She could barely see any light through the cracks.

Integra had never been afraid of the dark, she held control over the scariest monster that resided within it. But this suffocating closeness was different. Especially with a board pinning one arm against her chest, making it hard to get a deep breath.

"Sir Integra! Did she fall?"

"Sir Integra!"

She could hear the men from above.

"I—I'm down here," she called with a cough, furious at how weak her voice sounded in that moment. She didn't think they could hear her.

"We need to find another way down," one of them said. "We can't risk causing anything else to fall down there…"

Integra!

Her eyes opened again as she heard Alucard's voice in her head.

Are you all right, Master?

She coughed again, one side aching. She really hoped her ribs were just bruised and not broken. "I'm alive," she managed.

I'm coming to you.

"Finish your mission first," she snapped.

It is already done. And my Master's safety should take priority.

She couldn't deny the relief she felt as she tried to breathe shallowly.

The men started to shout as Alucard presumably came into the house.

"Alucard—Sir Integra fell down into the basement. We're having trouble getting to her."

"Don't worry, I'll handle this," the vampire's voice came from above.

"You can't just jump down there, you might crush her!"

"I know exactly where she is," Alucard assured and Integra felt him land lightly among the rubble, nothing shifting to sit more heavily atop her. "Integra…"

"Here," she croaked, trying to keep from coughing again.

Debris was swiftly cast aside, and finally the light broke through, leaving Integra staring up at the vampire as he heaved a large board away. A small smile on his face.

"Quite the scrape you've gotten into, Master," he said.

"Shut up and get me out of here," Integra snapped, shifting with a wince. "Something's pinning my leg."

Alucard returned to work and heaved a heavy beam away from Integra's lower limbs. The shifting of the debris also revealed the body of the ghoul which had been rather unfortunately skewered on a piece of rebar. Integra swallowed hard, seeing how close she had come to that being her fate, but she could no longer feel any weight pinning her down so she started to shift upright as Alucard put out a hand to help her.

She pulled herself to her feet before agony tore up her leg and she gasped, instantly collapsing again.

"Integra," Alucard said with a frown, crouching down as Integra turned to stare at her offending ankle, gritting her teeth.

"Dammit," she snarled.

"I believe it's broken," the vampire stated.

"Yes of course it's bloody broken!" Integra snarled. "Now help me up."

Alucard dutifully helped her to her feet again and Integra tried to limp across the uneven debris, but the toe of her boot caught and sent a new wave of agony crashing through her, leaving her biting her lip, letting out a pained growl.

"Sir Integra, if I may…" Alucard said before simply lifting her into his arms in a bridal carry.

"What the hell are you doing?" she demanded.

"You obviously cannot walk right now, so I will carry you," he said with something of a smirk. "Or would you rather I simply sling you over my shoulder."

"Enough, just get me out of here," she growled, trying to keep her face from flaming in embarrassment as Alucard easily leapt up through the opening and carried her outside. She knew it was unavoidable, given her current state, but it was still mortifying having to pass the worried faces of her men like this.

"Now put me down, I'm not a child," she snapped as he got her outside and he set her down on the front stairs.

"No, but you are injured," the vampire said. "And humans are incredibly fragile—even those with a will of iron, Integra." He smiled. He leaned in and Integra was about to snap at him before he said. "Take my advice, and use your convalescence as a reason to escape those meetings you have coming up. I'm sure a broken ankle is a good enough excuse."

Integra exhaled slowly, and a small smile found its way to her lips as she rummaged in her pocket for her cigarettes and a lighter. "You know, that is actually one of your better ideas."

Alucard grinned and bowed. "Always happy to oblige, Master."

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Check out my Whumptober Masterpost HERE for more stories!

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#whumptober2023 #no.5 #debris #pinned down #it's broken #hellsing #fanfiction #broken bones #alucard #integra hellsing #hurt integra #hellsing fanfic #alucard and integra