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ayamari-no-goshi · 2 years

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Chasing Shadows (2)

AO3 -> chapter 1

Fandoms: Danny Phantom (DP) / DC universe

Summary: THIS IS A CROSSOVER. As Bruce Wayne begins to slowly recover from the loss of his son, two separate mysteries open up old wounds. Who is the unknown leaving clues hinting at a return to Gotham, and who is the phantom pretending to be his lost son? Is it just a coincidence they’re active in Gotham at the same time? Or are they connected?

Warnings: rated T for violence, mentions of death, and questionable mental health

Parings: none

Notes: originally uploaded to AO3. Cross-posted to tumblr

The unknown meta appeared two days later while Bruce was on patrol. However, unlike the previous times when there were criminals nearby, this time, he was leaning against a gargoyle. For a brief moment, the memory of his son standing in the same position briefly overlayed the meta, and with a jolt, he realized the gargoyle was Jason’s favorite one.

Shaking his head as he pushed the painful ache aside, he took the moment to examine the meta, who seemingly hadn’t noticed him. His gaze was skyward making him seem pensive as he absently fiddled with two entwined flowers in his right hand – one white, one red. It was the first time he could confirm the unknown physically touched something.

Even though the unknown hadn’t been hostile, the implications he kept suggesting sent waves of anger through his body. How dare he pretend to be his lost son? What could this unknown possibly get from the charade? Who was he working for? Or who coerced him into this mockery? He needed answers.

The unknown still hadn’t noticed him, making it a perfect time to attempt a capture. Seeing as the unknown could disappear at will, he would have to incapacitate him. Even if a gas capsule couldn’t physically affect the unknown, it would obscure Bruce further while he attempted to get close enough to use his taser to either knock him out or weaken him enough to be able to use the inhibitor cuffs he carried.

Unfortunately, as he reached for his equipment, the unknown seemed to sense the movement. As he spun around, his eyes seemed to widen beneath the mask and his mouth fell open as he dropped the flowers. “B?” There was uncertainty and fear in his voice as he focused on the taser. Realizing what it was, he tensed as he took a step backwards towards the ledge.

Ignoring the hurt from the familiar way the teen addressed him, Bruce reassessed the scene. Who or whatever this unknown was, he had never been hostile to him, Nightwing, or Robin. Right now, he seemed scared, particularly of the taser. Bruce filed way that information as he put the device back in his belt.

Perhaps he was premature on his attempt at capture. “Who are you?” he questioned instead, trying to keep his voice neutral.

The meta, who appeared to be around Tim’s age, seemed to narrow his eyes. “So now you want to talk.” He crossed his arms as some of the bravado returned to his voice. “And here I thought you were getting ready to try to capture me like a common criminal.”

Electing not to respond to that, he focused on the fact there was a child in front of him, one who was playing a dangerous game. “I’m not overly fond of metas interfering in my city. Even members of the Justice League ask for permission before they come here.”

“You think I’m a meta?” Some of the tenson left his shoulders as surprise colored his tone.

“Do you not consider yourself one? Or are you suggesting you’re an alien?”

The teen gave an incredulous laugh. “I can’t believe you think I might be an alien. As cool as that would be, I’m not. Was born and raised on Earth.”

“Then humor me. What are you?”

A mischievous grin, much like the ones his sons had given him on multiple occasions, answered him. “What fun is it if I do that? You’re the World’s greatest detective for a reason, aren��t you? You figure it out. Anyways, you should take those flowers.”

“For what reason?”

The teen seemed to roll his eyes as his form flickered for a moment before beginning to fade. “Someone knows your patrol route. They were here before I arrived.”

“Wait!” Internally cursing as he switched to his cowl’s thermal vision when he was no longer visible, he glanced around for any signs of the meta’s unusual heat signature. It was nowhere to be found. He should have tased the meta while he had the chance.

Moving towards the flowers, he realized they were anemones tied with a single bronze colored ribbon. A memory trickled at the back of his mind of one of his many teachers mentioning white anemones symbolized bad luck and death. Red ones often represented the death of a loved one.

When he returned to the Cave, he examined the flowers for any sign of fingerprints or residue either from the meta or whoever left them. The stems did appear to be damaged as if something cold touched them which could have been a result of the meta. Other than that, he couldn’t gain anything else from the flowers themselves.

So, he turned his attention to the ribbon. There were four words written on it: Boreas, Zephryos, Notos, and Euros. They were the names of the directional winds in ancient Greece. Now that he thought about it, anemone could be translated to “flower of the wind.” Was it possible they referenced Aeolia, the isle of the winds, in “The Odyssey”? If that was the case, then they were likely left by the same unknown as the one who left the chestnut.

Interesting. If his theory was correct about the meaning was correct, then this would represent the fourth stop on Odyssey’s journey. The lotus was the second, and the chestnut was the third. What would have been the first stop? Could the Orpheus flowers that were shipped to Scarecrow be the first clue? It was possible. They did grow in a region that was also home to ancient Thracians, and the town of Ismara which was Odysseus’ first stop belonged to the Cicones, one of the Thracian tribes.

But there was also something else about the clues: each of the plants the “famous nobody” chose also had other meanings. The Orpheus and lotus flowers symbolized resurrection while the anemones represented death. The chestnut, which had been discovered to be a horse chestnut, was poisonous and could arguably also represent death.

Something told Bruce that symbolism also meant something to his unknown. Was it possible this person was presumed dead and returned to Gotham? It was a potential lead he would investigate.

As he set his work down for the night, he glanced at the memorial case. It was times like this that he desperately missed his son. Jason would have enjoyed working this case. He loved the classics and had a vast knowledge of literary symbolism and myth. Perhaps, he would have noticed that Bruce missed.

…

The meta, who Tim and had given the code name of Phantom, seemed to keep his distance over the next couple weeks. Although he still made appearances, his form seemed faded and sometimes seemed to flicker strangely much like he had when he first appeared. He also never seemed to appear for more than a few seconds at a time, and when he did, he specifically seemed to appear as a distraction when one of them was at risk for injury. He also wasn’t making quips like he’d previously been doing.

Bruce believed it was a direct response to the confrontation near the gargoyle. The threat of the taser spooked Phantom and possibly broke whatever trust the meta had of Batman. But the question became if that was the case, why was still helping them? Did he feel compelled to help? Or did it have something to do with whomever he was working for?

That silence ended when Bruce stumbled across the building Poison Ivy decided to use as her most recent hideout. He had been expecting to find her waiting for him as he snuck into the rafters, but instead, her focus was on what appeared to be a dying root. Through his scope, he could see an arrow sticking out of it. While he wasn’t entirely sure who’s it was, a cursory look suggested it wasn’t from any of the archers he knew.

A chill ran up his spine as Phantom materialized at his side. The teen seemed mostly solid this time.

“You aren’t acting as a distraction,” he stated as he continued to examine the scene.

“And risk getting affected by her pheromones? No, thank you.” Even with the domino mask, Bruce caught the hint of the boy’s eyebrows raising. “You don’t need a brainwashed dead teen to deal with on top of her.”

“Hn.” He found it interesting that the boy specifically mentioned the pheromones instead of his abnormal temperature. With how cold his body was, he could do damage to plants simply by touching them which could easily alert Ivy to his presence. However, if used correctly, the strange quirk could help subdue her. Though Bruce was glad to hear the boy had some form of self-preservation.

Wait a moment, did he just refer to himself as dead? That wasn’t usually an adjective a person used to describe themselves. Did he actually consider himself dead? Or was he just playing into his role as Jason’s double? That line of thought would have to be put aside until he had more data.

“Did you see what happened?” he questioned instead.

Phantom gestured to another part of the rafters. “Something shot out from that direction. Only saw a shadow of movement.”

“Did you get a sense for the size of the individual?”

There was no answer. Phantom had disappeared just as suddenly as he appeared, and just like the previous times, he left no indication he was ever there. Bruce needed to do something to track the meta, but the planning for that would have to wait until after he finished handling Ivy.

Due to the damage caused by the arrow, Ivy was more protective and temperamental than usual. It took him longer than expected to stop her, but he did complete his task and capture her. Once it was safe, he removed the arrow and examined it. As he suspected, it wasn’t one that any of his known allies or foes used, and there was a strange reddish liquid seeping from it.

Knowing he wouldn’t get more information until he examined it back in the cave, he moved to investigate the area Phantom suggested the archer had been situated. While there was some evidence of movement, judging by the swept dust, there were no distinguishable foot or hand prints. Still, he took samples from the area just in case the archer wasn’t as careful as he appeared.

Back in the Cave, Bruce was surprised to discover the arrow was made of yew. While it was traditionally made to make bows, it wasn’t a good wood to use for arrows. It was also notoriously toxic. However, what caused it to do damage to Ivy’s plant was the herbicide that coated it. It also had a carving – bárbaros. It was a Greek word referencing barbarians.

If he wasn’t mistaken, it was another clue from the ‘famous nobody.’ It had to reference to the next stop in “The Odyssey,” the outskirts of the city of Telepylos which belonged to the man-eating Laestrygonians. The Greeks referred to several groups as barbarians as it reflected how they heard the languages, but the most famous groups that held that title came from the north. And if he wasn’t mistaken, the Laestrygonias were depicted as being from the far north in the epic.

That might explain why yew was chosen. It was more commonly associated with bows in northern Europe and the UK which would be a nod towards the location. Yew also held associations with death as it was commonly planted in graveyards to protect those who were interred there. It was yet another clue suggesting the ‘famous nobody’ was believed to be dead.

He also had to wonder what Phantom’s role in this specific incident was. He stated he saw at least the movements of the unknown, but it was strange he was there before Bruce. Or perhaps he had always appeared before Bruce or the others did and elected not to show himself unless he felt it was necessary. He didn’t seem to be lying when he reported what he saw to Bruce, but there was always a chance it was a selective truth. Was it possible Phantom had planted all of the clues thus far?

Something about that line of thought didn’t seem right. If Phantom was connected to the ‘famous nobody’, he was more likely working for or with him. But there was the brief slip when the meta referred to himself as dead. Why did he refer to himself like that? It just gave Bruce more questions than answers.

…

Word had gotten back to Bruce about a potential break in at Langstrom’s lab, but the night had been too quiet for his tastes. Evidence of criminal activity should have been seen by now. While it was possible the robbery was called off, he had a feeling wrongness which kept growing stronger.

“B,” Tim whispered from his right. “Phantom’s here.”

Bruce looked to where the teen was pointing. The meta was perched on the roof of a nearby building looking in the direction of the lab. After double checking to make sure there had been no change, Bruce grappled to where he was. Tim followed.

As they landed, Phantom turned and greeted with a nod of the head. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“What are you doing?” Bruce had to remind himself to keep his tone even. Making the meta think he was at risk for being captured wouldn’t help them gain any further information. For now, at least, they had to treat Phantom like an ally until they either willing got the information out of him or were able to capture and interrogate him.

There was a roll of the eyes. He’d seen his sons do it enough times to be able to recognize it through the mask. Phantom gestured towards the lab. “Same as you. You aren’t the only ones who catch wind of things. Or do you think I’ve been stalking you?” His mischievous grin suggested that despite what he said, he may have been tracking them.

“Phantom, have you seen anything?” Tim questioned as he stepped forward. His posture was open and his tone friendly as he approached.

The meta’s grin fell as he watched him carefully. “Phantom? You’re calling me Phantom?”

Tim made a placating motion with his hands. “We don’t know your name. It didn’t seem right to keep calling you an unknown or the meta, and we wanted to make a distinction…”

“You’re referring to this?” Phantom gestured to a mark, a logo, on his suit. Bruce never had a chance to get a good look at it before. It… that was Jason’s specific Robin logo. Another smile flickered across the teen’s face. “If you forgot, you stole yours. I was gifted mine.”

An icy chill climbed Bruce’s spine. Was he just being antagonistic on purpose? It was the first time Phantom ever directly spoke to Tim after all. Or did he know Tim originally stole the Robin suit? If he did, how? No one outside of their family should know. He and Oracle hadn’t found any evidence their databases were hacked.

Tim recovered from the shock first. “If you know that then you should know why I did that! Batman needs a Robin!”

Phantom crossed his arms and set his shoulders as he stared at Tim. If Bruce gaged the boy correctly, he seemed unimpressed. But seeing as there was a fight brewing between two teens, he stepped in to present a distraction for the both of them. “You didn’t answer Robin’s question. Did you see anything?”

“No.” There was a huff as the meta turned back towards the lab. “If the break in was going to happen, there should be signs someone other than Langstrom was in the building. Unless they’re coming through the sewers, there should be people moving inside or unusual vehicles outsides. Or signs the electrical equipment isn’t working properly. Something. But there’s nothing.”

He mulled over the information. “Is Langstrom still in the building?”

“He was, but I don’t think I ever saw him leave.” Phantom turned to look at Robin, but something pulled his attention to a spot behind them. “Ah, crud.”

Spinning around, Bruce found the hulking figure of Man-Bat staring down at them from the roof access of the building. When had Langstrom transformed? Had this entire night been a plan to have him face off against Man-Bat? Was it a distraction to allow someone to get his research without detection?

“Robin, I need you to get to that lab. Find the serum. Check if there are signs of anyone else being there.”

“On it!”

“Phantom!” The meta had disappeared again. Internally cursing, Bruce launched one of his exploding batarangs at Man-Bat to give Tim enough of a distraction to safely grapple to the other building. Unfortunately, Langstrom still went after the teen.

“Hey, ugly!” Phantom taunted as he reappeared in front of Tim. Langstrom acknowledged by way of snarling before lunging. The meta just smirked as Man-Bat harmlessly passed through him before he vanished again.

Something about the sensation must have unsettled the bat creature as he scuttled backwards as if scared. It was a strange response, but Man-Bat relied more on instinct than reason, so it was possible Phantom registered as a threat in an imperceptible way to a normal human. As Man-Bat glanced around in an attempt to locate Phantom, Bruce decided it might be his chance to use a tranquilizer.

…

Tim knew he needed to hurry. Man-Bat could do an exceptional amount of damage, and on top of that, anyone who attempted to steal his work could do more. But, as he raced through the halls, he didn’t see evidence of anyone else being in the building.

The more the situation play out, the more it felt like they had been set up. Was it Phantom? Maybe, but that didn’t seem right. He’d paused like he hadn’t expected Man-Bat to appear behind them, but it could just be good acting. There was also the fact the meat purposely distracted Man-Bat from attacking him. Someone trying to harm him or Bruce wouldn’t do such a thing.

When he reached Langstrom’s lab, he found it locked. Weird. Had he left the lab of his on volition, or did whoever broke in lock it afterwards? As he pulled out his lockpicking tools, he felt a chill run down his back.

“There’s an easier way.” Phantom materialized beside him. Even with the strange distortion of his voice, he sounded somewhat subdued.

Tim eyed the meta carefully. His remark from earlier still rang in his ears. “How so?”

“Did you forget I’m a ghost? Oh wait, you and Batman hadn’t gotten to that theory yet.” Some of the playfulness had returned to his voice as he walked through the door as if it didn’t exist. The lock clicked from the inside, and the door swung open. Phantom smiled as bowed with a flourish. “You’re welcome.”

Frowning at the meta, he moved forward to check the lab. There was something about Phantom’s ability which seemed so different and unnatural. He’d watched Speedsters and Martians pass through objects before, but there were slight differences between their abilities and Phantom’s. While he couldn’t place the difference, something about it made his skin crawl. Maybe it was the comment about being a ghost.

If Phantom really was a ghost, was it possible he was really…? No, he shouldn’t think that way. Besides, it had been years since Jason died. If he would have come back as a ghost, he would have appeared long before then. And while he didn’t want to admit it out loud, he didn’t like the idea of one of his heroes haunting him. He needed to put those thoughts away and focus on finding Langstrom’s serum.

The lab itself was relatively clean, save for the desk. Papers were scattered both on it, and there were some which had made their way to the floor suggesting Langstrom left in a hurry. Was it because something happened outside the lab? Or was he forced from it?

Moving to examine more of the room, he found a strange substance on one of the vent grates. Once a sample was taken, he quickly removed the grate to discover what appeared to be a smoke bomb.

Whoever put it there had some forethought. Other than possibly setting off the smoke detectors, which this one apparently did not, it was a relatively effective and low risk way of getting someone to vacate a room. Taking it before someone else could, he put the grate back in its spot and returned to his take.

Phantom, who Tim last saw examining the empty cages of the lab, was not visible when he turned around. Leery, he switched to the thermal vision in his mask in an attempt to find the meta, but there was no sign of his heat signature, or lack thereof. How did he keep doing that? Could he really be a ghost?

He could worry about it later. Right now, he had a job to do, and he wasn’t going to let Bruce down. And he’d prove to Phantom, to Jason, that even though he wormed his way into the position, he earned his right to be called Robin.

By the time he found the serum and reached the roof of the building, he found Bruce still on the same roof with Man-Bat. Judging by how sluggish the creature’s movements were, he must have been hit by a tranquilizer. And even though Bruce had radioed to stay put for safety reasons, Tim prepped to grapple to Bruce. It would just be faster for him to deliver it.

Before he had the chance to do so, a shot rang out and Man-Bat shrieked. Spinning around in an attempt to spot the shooter before taking cover, he didn’t see anything other than a glint of red.

“Robin, do you have a visual?” Bruce called through their communicator.

“Not anymore, but I’m pretty sure of the general area.”

“Understood. Follow at a safe distance.”

“But the serum…”

“No longer needed. Our shooter has it. Langstrom is beginning to change back. I’ll join you shortly.”

Well, at least it was confirmed someone broke in to steal the serum. And it was in the hands of someone who could attack at a distance without risk for himself. He needed to move quickly if he wanted to take him down.

==============

End of chapter notes:

So, regarding our Odyssey clues:

Stop 4 was the Island of the Winds, Aeolia. The floating island was said to be surrounded by bronze walls, hence the ribbon. The name Anemone basically means "wind flower." Also, white anemones are often associated with death and bad luck. In Greek mythology, red anemones were created when Adonis was killed and his blood touched the ground and are associated with the death of a loved one.

Stop 5 was the city of Telepylus where the Laestrygonians lived. The Laestrygonians were a race of cannibalistic giants. While some historians believe tales of them might have been from sightings of stone carvings on Sardinia, the Odyssey describes them as living in the far north. This made me think of the Germanic and Gaelic tribes further north which made me think of archery. Makes sense in my mind. In northern Europe, the best bows are made from Yew which is an extremely poisonous tree/bush. It can be both. The tree was commonly placed in graveyards to protect the death, but they've also developed chemotherapy from its toxins. Yew was also sacred to The Erinyes also called the Furies. They were goddess of revenge and retribution.

bárbaros and similar words for barbarians/foreigners actually come from how other languages sounded to the Greeks, and later the Romans. It's why we have words like babble.

The clue for stop 6 will be revealed next chapter. Anyone want to take a guess?

#Danny Phantom #dp #dp x dc #danny phantom crossover #danny phantom au #Chasing Shadows #continues to wonder about my state of mind for creating this

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brightgnosis · 1 year

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Hagging Out 👻 It's All About Spirits For Me This Season, Apparently

I probably sound like a broken record at this point, because every time Hagging Out does a "traditional theme" related to the Wheel of the Year or something adjacent ... I say I don't celebrate. Because I don't. My calendar is a mess, but it's so far away from what anyone else practices.

Still, when I'm invited to participate, I never say no. Especially when the person inviting me is an old Covenmate from High School that I've been reconnecting with since last year. and doubly especially when they've offered to lend me any supplies and space I need for a ritual, because they understand the agreement I have with my In Laws and the fact I can't practice much where I'm at right now.

Getting to eat Stew and fresh homemade bread around a fire pit with a friend is all the incentive I needed to say yes. But having the deal sweetened with ritual access is a pretty sweet bonus, I won't lie.

I had no idea what I'd even want to do for a ritual, however. But then I had an interesting idea to ask an Ancestor to step forward and act as a Household Spirit in a similar vein to a Domovoi / Domovik. I even picked out a gorgeous candle holder that could act as a moveable Hearth, and devised a daily honoring ritual for them. Unfortunately the candle holder was out of my price range after the car had to be put in the shop, and so I quickly abandoned the plan.

This was all before the Ancestral Lecture with Dr. Daniel Foor earlier in the month when I asked Ancestors to step forward into my Spirit Court and act as personal Guides and Guardians.

I knew I still wanted to do something with my Ancestral Spirits and some kind of inhabitation, however. Which led me to a candle that I'd had for ages; a Gargoyle I picked up when my Husband and I were first together, from a Metaphysical store in Sand Springs.

I carried it around like a baby for weeks, empowering it to be a Household Protector and Guardian- but eventually let the magic fizzle out and the image go "dead", so to speak. This seemed like the perfect time to re-empower it, and do so properly this time ... And so that's exactly what I did.

It took me a bit to come up with a ritual; I had to modify Circle Castings to work with the new spiritual stipulations. And for the Gargoyle, I used a Tradcraft understanding of Animating Images, combined with the Kemetic 'Opening of the Mouth' ceremony, to come up with something that suited what I was doing. Then it was a matter of finding the right Oil and Incense recipes, and so on; I was surprised by how smoothly things actually came together.

My old Covenmate and I took a trip together to Enid to check out a Metaphysical Shop that opened there after the old one we visited as teenagers had closed down, and picked up a few supplies. I also ordered a few online; getting Hyssop, Vervain, and Sandalwood actually proved to be the hardest despite the fact that these ingredients used to be some of the most common when I was originally practicing this form of magic.

Eventually I tracked down all of them, however- and all but the Sandalwood arrived on time; the Sandalwood never shipped, and the sellers were uncommunicative. So I had to borrow Sandalwood Oil from my old Covenmate. But that wound up working out better for the Oil and Incense blends in the end, anyways.

And with that, everything was done; I made my stuff the day before, then packed it all up. Made the bread the day of, and waited for her to pick me up since we'd unfortunately had to put the car back in the shop.

We spent some time hanging out around the fire before finally doing our rituals separately in different parts of the yard.

Ritually, everything went off without a hitch (kind of)- though I never did get a name from whatever Spirit stepped up; maybe I'll get one eventually. But for now, it's time to build a relationship with one another. And I'm very excited to see where that relationship goes.

When we were both done, we ate stew and bread while we talked and watched the old The Haunting movie in black and white; it was a lovely time both in regards to the ritual, and in regards to spending time with the only in person friend I actually have, if I'm being honest.

I hope everyone who actually celebrates had a great time too! And a huge thank you to @pagan-stitches / @goadthings for hosting Hagging Out this month so that @graveyarddirt / @msgraveyarddirt could have a break 💜

#Hagging Out #Personal #2022 #Religion & Magic #Ancestral Connections #A Direct Look At My Practice #Original Content #Original Community Content

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twisted-fanboy · 2 years

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First Dates

|Hello anyone who sees this post. My first set of writing for this side blog. It was written for with a friend in mind. Please enjoy and have a wonderful day or night.

Jack, Malleus, and Trey (Separate) x a gender neutral reader

The scenario: After both you confessed and found out he requited your love, he wants the perfect first date. They are his prefect now and this date is what he was dreaming of for awhile. At least what he hopes to be the perfect fist date.

Warnings: None. |

Jack:

Jack would never admit how excited he was for this date. His tail however couldn't stop wagging. Being the model student he is there was no way he was going in this unprepared. He spent at least an hour researching for the perfect date.

His plan went out the window when a few troublesome people found out. Ace wouldn't stop teasing him. How could he think that taking them on a run would be the perfect date. While Deuce was trying to piece together how Jack ended up with them.

Jack started rethinking his plan entirely Ace's fault. He decided running together was more of third date idea or after he helped build up the prefect's stamina up. He came up empty handed. He was heading back to the dorm tail and ears down.

Jack was almost to his dorm when he felt his phone buzz. He opened it and saw a message from his prefect. 'Hey Jack are you free after classes tomorrow? I have an idea for a date and would like it to be tomorrow.' He definitely felt his heart skip a beat. Jack forgot that they could also come up with ideas. He put his phone away and put a scowl on his face. He crossed his arms. Once again his tail was wagging non-stop. He had to endure teasing from Leona and Ruggie as he refused to explain what got him so excited.

When he met up with his prefect they gave a smile. With a flushed face he looked away and greeted them. The date ended up being a short hike and a picnic. He couldn't contain the amount of joy he had being with them. It wasn't the date he had in mind but he did enjoy himself.

Malleus:

Malleus had no clue how a first date with a child of man would go. He spent hours looking up proper procedures and plans. Of course he got help from Silver and Sebek. He also inquired some of Lilia's vast knowledge.

After all of his research he started wondering if he should make plans for the first date or let his bold child of man do it. His history of missing out on events. He frowned as he contemplated. He wondered if he should discuss things with them. Would he know if one of their late night walks became a date or not?

He went to Lilia to get some more insight. He would definitely chat with you after, or at least try. Malleus would walk away once he sees them with crowd of their friends. He wouldn't wish to cause you any trouble.

He decided to instead go to Sam's shop and get his child of man a bouquet and their favorite treat. Sliver and Sebek said that it was good to bring them these things as gifts. He may not understand the tradition as just spending time with him was enough for his heart to be filled.

When he met up with the Ramshackle Prefect he was amused by their shocked expression. Their flushed face made his heart skip happily. The amused expression still there as they gave him a hug. They thanked him and ran inside their dorm to put the flowers away. "Malleus would you mind taking me around school to the gargoyles tomorrow? Of course after classes. I want our first date to be learning more about your hobby. While taking a walk with you." They said with the brightest smile. He could have never guessed that a child of man would have him wrapped around their finger. Looked like he had nothing to worry about. He was a bit disappointed all of his research would go to waste. It seems like he needs to surprise them with a mortal date later.

Trey:

Trey wasn't that worried about what his first date would be like. He has a plan in mind. If you have an idea he will be open to seeing it through on their next date. However he wished to show his adorable prefect the love and admiration they give him back.

He was trying to keep the date on the down low. He had no clue how his first years, dorm leader, and fellow third year would react. Frankly he didn't want to find out. He made some bake goods and went to get them. He wished to have a nice stroll through the rose garden. It was going to be perfect with everything planned out.

Trey did everything that he needed. He got authorization from Riddle to use the rose garden for this date. He even requested time off of his duties to make sure he wasn't breaking any rule.

On the day of the date his plans to keep it on the down low fell short. Cater had found out about the date. Of course Trey wasn't told his friend knew. He would've rescheduled if he had found out. While he was making some baked goods for you both to enjoy his dorm members were making plans.

As you walked through the rose garden the prefect and Trey heard some familiar voices coming from behind on of the rose bushes. He put a hand to his head when he heard Ace, Deuce, and Grim start arguing to be quiet. Cater whined about how those three were ruining everything. "They didn't even get to the surprise!" was heard throughout the garden. Which Riddle's iconic "off with your head" came shortly after. This date was going so perfectly as well. The prefect sighed before they seemed to get an idea. They grabbed Trey's hand and started running. "Let's ditch those five and go to my dorm to lock them out. That way we don't have to worry about prying eyes." They said with a wide smile before dragging Trey with. He ran with a smile. He supposed this wasn't that bad of a first date.

#twst x reader #twisted wonderland x reader #jack howl x reader #malleus draconia x reader #trey clover x reader #twisted wonderland x gn reader #twst x gn reader

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twinkforleon · 2 years

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Lord Ethan Winters x Reader

Y/N works for the BSAA, they work outside Castle Dimitrescu along with Chris. But they feel as if they need to go inside the heart of the Castle to uncover the secrets they need.

Gender neutral Y/N

Rose is just not here 💀

I will pontentially do another part if tumblr loves me

thank you @albertweskershusband for helping me and just like idk inspiring this?

2.5k Wordcount 😈😈

Thursday 14:02 PM

I noticed him subtly glimpsing at me from the corner of my eye, he seemed to be marking something down in that book of his. He would repetitively gaze at me, patiently sketching down finer details. Every afternoon, he’d approach the ledge of the castle walls, attempting to get the very best observation of me. He tried to seem adroit when he drew, but secretly I admired it. Castle Dimitrescu hasn’t been the same since the mutations, but this stranger seemed to light up the mood. He didn’t seem like the others; he was different, in a good way of course.

I’ve worked for the BSAA for a long time now, I haven’t collected all the pieces of what exact business is happening here to benefit Wesker, but I’ll let it slide until I finally get a chance to meet this guy. I’ve been sent here to observe any obscure behaviour here, and to make sure any of the mutants don’t attempt any curation or escape. I’ve been here long enough, yet still I don’t feel satisfied with my research. There’s something telling me I need to go deeper, into the heart of the castle to know what’s really happening. It feels pointless going on this patrol without having much intel on the project happening here. That stranger, the observer? He might just help me with that.

Friday. 8:34 AM

Every morning tastes the same. Cold and bitter like the blanket of snow that traces across the horizon, a frozen cage. I made up my mind, I was going to attempt to talk to him; No pressure. There was no use mentioning this to Redfield, he had no interest in the Mutants as far as I knew, he constantly kept me in the dark. He’s kept his distance from me, it’s not very noticeable to most, but it’s clear to me he has no interest in being a friendly co-worker.

I took a few vials of different substances that may come in handy with any hostile mutants. I wasn’t planning on staying there long, perhaps a day or two, depending on my debatable social skills and if this guy ‘Ethan’ seems genuinely interested in helping me. I mean, he jots down things about me for sure, it may be purely from boredom but maybe he has developed an interest in me, it’s questionable but from the way he subtly smiles, there’s no doubt.

The snow was troubling to navigate through, I’m used to tracing through the same path everyday on patrol around the castle and deserted village. My uniform has been run down, however it still does it’s job well. I never has the chance to admire the architecture that painted the castle’s walls and towers, each gargoyle hand sculpted with it’s own unique design and pattern. The carved marble seemed to curve perfectly around the bricks and stone. Such a perfect display, put to decay from what lies inside these cold walls. I decided to use one of the back exits, the one closest to the tower Ethan supposedly uses the most, whenever I faintly discern him from the corner of my eye that is. The lock has rusted from the snowdrift; with enough force, I managed to heave it open. The rattle of the door opening sent the clamour echoing through the vast halls.

Shit.

So much for a silent break-in. I fled inside rapidly, trying to avoid anymore noise. If the tall vampire lady heard me I’m dead meat, literally. I don’t plan on dying anytime soon. During training at the BSAA, we were told specifically to memorise the architecture of Castle Dimitrescu for emergencies for when we had to preform any tasks inside incase one of the lords decided to start acting ‘irrationally’. Each hallway felt like a winding maze, I felt as if there was no real point in trying to find the exit again. I admired all the oil paintings sat along the walls, I lightly traced my hands against the small bumps and curves from the paint and pigments. It’s hard to believe this place was once so lively and filled with people. I pity all the lords, despite their flaws and murderous instinct, they are all the same. They used to be human. My stomach dropped.

I heard footsteps lurk closer and closed. I jolted out of the open and frantically searched for an open window. I grasped a door handle, ran inside and shut the door. The person felt close, like an unerring presence of a spirit. The room was filled with vintage furniture that didn’t look used, yet was capped with a thin veil of dust. I duck down and shuffled under the bed, luckily enough it had enough space for me.

The door opened.

I held my breath, afraid. I clenched my eyelids shut and hoped for the best.

“I didn’t mean to startle you,”

His voice was warn, yet it felt so empty.

“Listen, I’m not going to hurt you, I promise,”

I focused out of the gap, it was him wasn’t it? I felt his gentle gaze on me, accompanied by his tender smile. Ethan reached out his hand to help me out. I was resilient at first, but I gave in. His hands were brittle and tough, probably from some sort of scars; but they were warm. My hands and feet were numb with cold, I felt myself shivering.

“I’m sorry, I don’t think I’ve introduced myself, I’m Ethan, Ethan Winters,”

I nodded and responded quietly.

“Y/N,”

He shuffled around his pockets, desperately searching for something. He looked at me nervously and finally got ahold of something. He handed me a book.

“I don’t know if you even notice me, but I tend to draw in my free time, and-“

He paused.

“-It’s self explanatory I believe,”

I started to flick through the pages, each sketch filled with such detail and precision, I started to take notice to all the sketches of me; you can tell the amount of time this man has on his hands, I started to feel pity for him, poor guy probably hasn’t talked to anyone else in ages.

“It’s fine if you don’t like them! I personally think I could have done better, but I couldn’t seem to get any closer to you, so I had to make do with what I could see from all the way he-,”

“I love them,”

He froze for a second, bewildered.

“Seriously? You don’t find it weird?”

I handed the sketchbook back to him, he struggled to hide his emotion.

“We all get lonely at some point,”

He seemed flustered.

“I’m just used to sketching Heisenberg and Lady Dimitrescu, I needed some change and since you’ve been staying on the outskirts, I just thought you wouldn’t mind,”

He was struggling to find his words, I don’t blame him really, he seemed genuinely human. Now that I mention it, he looks strangely normal. His height made him look slightly abnormal, from what I could see, he was atleast 6’I assume. From the files Redfield had, it documented all the mutants, Ethan was recorded to be 5’11 from what I remember.

“You must be cold, come with me,”

He eagerly left the room and awaited me to come with him. I stuck by his side and decided to trust his word. I can’t go back from this now.

We wandered through the seemingly endless corridors, he’s been here for too long, it shows. He seemed truly happy to have someone to talk to. I examined his figure, the mold undoubtedly changed him, you could tell from the small fungus growing subtlety from his body, and patches that were filled with his scars were covered with a thin bandage. I’m guessing he makes-do with whatever supplies he has here. Ethan is constantly isolated from the outside world, all he sees is this glacier prison he has to live in.

“…Ethan?”

He peers over his shoulder down at me.

“Yeah? Is something wrong?”

His face appeared more serious and concerned now.

“Why did you choose to stay here? I mean you had the option to go back with the BSAA and Chris home.”

He looks troubled.

“I have nothing back home, no one special, no job. I’d go back to being a nobody,”

He looks forward again, focusing on the doors.

“But here, I have the chance to change the lords, they’re not all horrible monsters once you get to know them,”

He looks back at me.

“Just, misunderstood ,”

I nodded and decided to keep quiet for the rest of the walk.

After many winding corridors and staircases, Ethan found the room. He opened the door and moved to the side.

“After you, Y/N,”

I smirked at him and entered the room. It was a giant master bedroom, filled with books, empty bottles, papers scattered all over the floor and small clay pots filled with lots of different herbs and plants.

“I’m not used to having anyone here, I apologise for the mess I just, can’t seem to put myself together to sort it out,”

His desk was filled with all sorts of different notes and sketches, different sorts of metal screws, nails worn down radios.

“Before the mold, I used to be an engineer. But the castle is so deprived of modernity, I try make myself busy with whatever I can find,”

He runs to the wardrobes and pulls out a leather trench coat.

“Karl had a spare and handed it to me, he felt slightly guilty for his first impression towards me, he knew I wasn’t leaving anytime soon, so he just gave it up,”

Ethan slipped the coat on me, trying his best not to alarm me at all. It was far too big for me, but I didn’t mind it. It smelt terribly of sweat and cigars, but it didn’t bother me, it was far too cold to worry about.

“I would light the fireplace for you but I can’t find any kindling, it’s rough to find anything fresh really with having all this snow here,”

I sat myself on the bed at looked over at him. He fiddled with his ring before whispering something into it and placing it on the desk along with the screws and scrap metal. He tapped the desk receptively, as if something was bothering him immensely.

He sprung alert.

“Shit, I forgot about that.”

He mumbled under his breathe.

“I’ll be right back! I have a surprise, just stay here please and be patient, it’s worth it trust me,”

He rushes out the room. He definitely seemed panicked, but not exactly in a bad way I suppose. The exaggerated footsteps gradually faded. I could feel the tips of my fingers again. I drastically stood up, relieved. I decided to wander in his room, he’s been here so long, surely he’s gotten up to trying to grow some cure perhaps?

I looked over at the plant pots by the window, each had some label written on, but the handwriting didn’t seem eligible enough to me, it’s either that, or Ethan has started to use the language in the old books he has stacked in an almost symmetrical pattern by his desk, the tower of books had different runes and characters carved into the spines. Each plant pot seemed to be different, one of them made of fine china and established with beautiful patterns, while a few others seemed like average garden plant pots. He probably found them in the abandoned village, though I don’t have a clue how he managed to get them, probably before I was sent here. The radio has a faint static emitting from it.In all likelihood, I assume he’s trying to fix it or try to remember the basics of his engineering. It’s nice to know he’s surviving. I wouldn’t say he’s exactly living, he’s struggling to comprehend how to talk to someone. Has he really been left so isolated from everyone? Why are the other Lords so quiet? After him getting rid of Mother Miranda, Chris himself hasn’t heard of the Lords in hiding. Surely it wasn’t that hard for Ethan? Mother Miranda was definitely like a Goddess to the past villagers, she was a leader to the Lords. Something doesn’t seem exactly right here. Ethan seems to be acting surprisingly normal, but perhaps the mold spoiled something in him.

The door opened quite lightly, and Ethan came in with a bowl and spoon.

“I reckoned you’d be hungry,”

My eyes lit up, but then I remembered I can’t exactly get my hopes up, this is Castle Dimitrescu after all, there hasn’t been fresh food here in centuries, unless Ethan has taken up gardening too.

“It’s not much, I can’t cook but I try my best to keep myself well-fed,”

He handed me a bowl of what looked like mushroom soup.

“The kitchen had some questionable spices in the cupboards but I tried to think like Mia did and ended up adding a bit of everything,”

I was heavily concerned now, but I still at least tried the broth. If I’m honest, the rations BSAA gave us definitely were more…fulfilling. I felt like gagging, but I swallowed it and instead ended up just telling him I’m not hungry. He knew that I didn’t like it, but I tried my best to reassure him I didn’t hate it. Maybe it’s a good idea not to leave cooking to him.

We ended up catching up with each other for the whole evening, he’s no doubt been deserted for a long while now, but whenever I mention the others, he changes the topic. Maybe I should leave it to another day, and hopefully tomorrow I will end up finding out more useful information for Chris, maybe then he’ll finally see me as good enough for any task he puts me up against.

I laid flat on the bed, observing the sky outside the window, I no longer felt so lost and scared. Maybe I should trust him. Ethan needs somebody right now, and so do I.

My eyelids felt heavy and I could feel myself slowly starting to doze off. Ethan sat himself on the bed next to me. His warm presence made me realise no harm will come to me here, hopefully not anytime soon. I felt him slowly grasp my hand and mildly started rubbing his thumb against my hand. He reassured me I’d be fine. He laid on the bed with me, but he still gave me space. He didn’t let go off my hand, he decided to intertwine his fingers in between mine and held on. Making sure that I was really there.

Saturday 7:23 AM

His arms were around me, completely hugging me while he slept. I didn’t bother to move him away, and he seemed to caught up in some dream of his. I felt his breathe on my neck, slowly pacing. I decided to hold onto his arms and go back to sleep. After all, we both needed it.

Taglist

@albertweskershusband (ur getting tagged again be happy)

#resident evil #ethan winters #resident evil ethan winters #ethan winters x reader #resident evil x reader

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squidwen · 3 years

Text

⚡️Goodnight to a Brute Knight⚡️

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Summary: Sebek Zigvolt has been the bane of your existence ever since you rocked up in Twisted Wonderland. With his prejudiced views of humans, you avoid him like the plague.

But fate decided the two of you can’t stay apart forever. Alone at a tea party in Diasomnia, the two of you have a serious tete-a-tete.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Sebek Zigvolt’s disdain for humans was no secret. Whenever you were in his presence you were often shouted at for the slightest mishap. Were you even breathing correctly, by his standards? His criticisms eventually became so relentless that you started actively avoiding him.

You memorised his timetable; you knew what time he left which classrooms; you took different routes to prevent bumping into him; and, if you ever did cross his peripheral vision, you stared at the walls or floor until he was out of sight.

So why did he keep popping up in places you weren’t expecting?

Twice now, you had been in the library, trying to get a book down, only for him to suddenly appear and reach up to get it for you. When you had looked at him, he had merely stared back coldly. Did he want something? Or did he just wish to show off how much more capable he was than you? And yesterday, whilst you were weeding the Ramshackle garden, he had ridden his horse with the Equestrian club right in front of your dorm and chucked a small bag of seeds at you, hitting you in the head. Furious, you snatched it up and hurled it back, but he was already gone.

Strange, you had thought. Aren’t the club members given strict routes to ride their horses on?

Regardless of the reason of his unforeseen appearances, you were determined to not give him a reason to seek you out, and thus continued to avoid and ignore him as much as possible. This half-fae brute, who dared call himself a knight, was not going to be someone you missed once you finally went home.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Malleus, on the other hand, was someone who was beginning to make a place for himself in your heart. Your relationship hadn’t grown much past nightly walks and gargoyle sight-seeing, so when he had invited you over to Diasomnia for some evening studying and tea, you couldn’t say no.

Sebek was supposed to be sparring with Silver at the same time. Perfect.

You arrived at the common room promptly after your last lesson and saw Malleus sitting at one of the tables, a saucer balanced delicately on his knee. You couldn’t wait to tell him about your day, but as you drew closer, you noticed that he was not alone.

“Ensuring the young master is served his tea is of utmost importance,” said Sebek, pouring piping hot water into a cup. He did it with such finesse, lifting the teapot up above his head, that you couldn’t help but roll your eyes.

Was it too late to leave? You didn’t want to be anywhere near Sebek, however, rejecting an invitation from Malleus likely would have angered the young retainer beyond all comparison. Best to grin and bear it, you thought as you sat down. Surely Sebek wouldn’t berate his young master’s guests. Especially in front of him.

“Would you please excuse me momentarily?” asked Malleus, rising gracefully from his seat. His magic ensured the saucer was returned to the table. “I left a textbook regarding gargoyle stone-masonry in my chambers.”

“Please, my Lord,” Sebek said quickly. “It would be an honour to retrieve it for you myself-“

“Ensure (Y/N) is served instead,” Malleus commanded. “I won’t be long.” And with that, the prince swept himself off down a sombre hallway, his heels clacking against the stone being the only sound to disturb the silence.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Alone with your enemy, your shoulders hunched defensively. Sebek didn’t seem too pleased to be near you either. You noticed how he poured your tea far less impressively, resting the spout on the rim of the teacup as if the pot was now too heavy for him. Watching the scalding liquid flow made you twice as anxious. The slightest jolt from Sebek and it would go spilling into your lap.

Just then, a rattling noise tore you from your paranoia. The spout had begun clattering against the cup. You chanced a glance at Sebek. His face was as stoic as ever, perhaps even bitter, yet his hands were shaking. That was odd. He usually was so steady and bold. What had brought about this sudden change?

“You’re shaking,” you commented, not knowing what else to say. “You aren’t burning yourself, are you?”

“Of course not,” Sebek retorted gruffly. “I’m merely paying attention to what I’m doing. If I spilled so much as a drop I would have failed in my duty. I’ll admit, it doesn’t bring me pleasure to wait on a human-“

You bolted up. “Hand me the teapot, then.” You lunged for it. “I’ll do it myself.”

With catlike reflexes, Sebek planted his hand on the teapot lid and stepped back. Shocked and affronted, you both stared each other down, wickedly. All that moved was the steam curling out of the teacups.

“Don’t give me orders,” Sebek said darkly, his glare intensifying. You mirrored it.

“Li-ke-wise. In fact, now that we’re alone together, there are a few things I’d like to say. Avoiding you clearly isn’t getting my message across.”

“Human-“

“It’s (Y/N). And you will listen to me.”

The sudden sternness in your tone made Sebek clench his jaw. He’d never heard you raise your voice before. It commanded a degree of authority.

“I’m sick and tired of you treating me as a second-class citizen based on my species,” you seethed. “It’s always ‘human’ this and ‘human’ that. Why is it so hard for you to be courteous? To call me by my name? You claim to be a knight, someone who is supposed to be chivalrous and righteous, yet all I get from you is abuse and prejudice.”

Sebek made no indication to confirm he had understood you. As though in battle, he held his stance, but there was something in his eyes - a faint glimmer - that suggested you had the upper hand. Had you been too harsh? No. You weren’t going to ease up. If you had him on the ropes, now was the time to turn up the heat.

“And why do you think Malleus invited me here tonight? It’s because, unlike you, he judges me based on who I am, not what I am. And I do the same towards him.”

“Humans have a long history of disagreement with the fae. I’m naturally wary of you.”

You sighed. Were your words falling upon deaf ears? “I understand that fairies and humans went to war with each other. But surely my friendship with Malleus is therefore a good thing. It’s a sign that society has progressed-”

Sebek suddenly let out an aggravated cry. “And that’s what infuriates me!”

Quick as lightning, he stalked over to you, slammed the teapot on the table – making the cups dance on their saucers – and gripped your shoulders. Fuelled by sheer adrenaline and fear, you jabbed him in the stomach. He barely flinched. Panic set in. What was he going to do? He was so much stronger than you. A trained fighter. All it would take was one move to finish you off. As you stared into his golden eyes you desperately wanted to know what was going through his mind. Had you triggered something within him? Was he about to take revenge for the war out on you? His strong hands pinned you in place no matter how much you shook and writhed.

“Master Draconia,” he began, digging his fingers into you to punctuate his words, “is a visionary. It’s almost as though living through so much of the past can make him see the future. He has decided to befriend you. Why? He must have a plan.”

“Or maybe he just wants a friend?” you squeaked.

Sebek grit his teeth. “Regardless of the motive, he is fond of you. A fae prince and a magicless human. I just can’t understand why. I thought that by being nice to you in turn I might come to understand him better-“

“Rubbish! You threw a bag of seeds at my head.”

“I thought the roses would look pleasant in your newly-weeded garden.” All of a sudden Sebek’s brow relaxed and he gazed at you neutrally. Utterly neutrally. It felt strange to be on the receiving end of a face like that, especially from Sebek. “I didn’t intend to strike you with it.”

“So, you had good intentions?”

He nodded.

By now Sebek’s grip on you had gotten so strong that, despite not wanting to move, in case you provoked him, you had to peel his fingers away. To your surprise, he complied with your touch.

“Listen,” you said, massaging your tender arms. “I won’t pretend to like you. But if you have any respect for Malleus, and even for yourself, you will learn to see me as a person rather than a human. The way you come across is thuggish at best. It’s not good for your reputation and that of the Valley of Thorns.”

Sebek was stunned. “Why would you care about my reputation when I’ve done so much to harm your own?”

You didn’t get to reply. The familiar sound of heels echoed through the common room. Malleus had returned. He had a large leatherbound book tucked under his arm. A sheet of dust had fallen off of it with each footstep he had taken, leaving a peppery trail behind him.

You politely returned to your seat and slipped your serviette across your lap. Sebek resumed pouring tea. It was as if nothing had happened. Yet, like a primordial instinct, you could feel Sebek’s eyes on you. His gaze didn’t feel harsh or cruel, more fascinated. Once Malleus had sat down, Sebek bowed and left the table. But before he could get too far, you grasped hold of his wrist. He, sideways-on, raised an eyebrow at you sceptically.

You gestured to the spare chair beside you.

“Would you care to join us?” you asked, a small smile on your face. You supposed that if you wanted Sebek to treat you with respect, you’d need to show it to him first. “Malleus and I were just about to discuss stone masonry, perhaps even sculpting.”

Sebek seemed intrigued. “I often would sculpt the likeness of the young master in materials located around my room when I was younger.” He turned to Malleus. “If you require a second opinion, my lord, I will happily supply it.”

Malleus gave his retainer a gentle nod and indicated that he could sit.

You had to pinch yourself to keep from laughing at how red Sebek’s face had gotten. This was probably a massive honour for him. In a way, you felt proud of yourself. You didn’t think you had done anything big by asking Sebek to join you, but it clearly meant a lot to the man. The little smile he gave you made your chest swell with even more pride.

If Sebek hated humans as much as he let on, it would be your job to prove that they weren’t all bad. So, with a flourish, you reached over for a fresh cup and saucer and took up the teapot.

“Tea, Sebek?” you asked cheerily.

“If you please, huma- (Y/N).”

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Author Note: thank you for reading! Do feel free to send me writing requests if you enjoyed this. Comments and reblogs are always appreciated!

- Squidwen x

#disney twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland x mc #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #twisted wonderland #twst #sebek zigvolt #twst sebek #sebek zigvolt x reader #twisted wonderland sebek #reader x twisted wonderland #twisted wonderland malleus draconia

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minzart · 3 years

Note

wait, who started the “our dear little host~” trend? (I'm betting it was Ace, Azul, or Vil, they seem like they would accidentally start it.) (I also imagine Kalim saying it to Yuu in such a innocent way after watching/hearing Jamil doing it on NRC radio----not realizing the implications or why Yuu was so flustered by it)

I have no idea! I imagined a random person started it first, by an anonymous letter Yuu used to get before they adapted to chat, Yuu thought it was such a cute nickname then.... then Vil used it in that voice and-chatisgoingwildagain and Yuu is dieing

Ace is gonna bully Yuu with that nick name till they graduate!

I'd love if Azul started it, but that requires him being smooth as fine butter and HE IS NOT EVEN AFTER YEARS- even if it was an accident there's no way he wouldn't be in shock after and now both are going to be bullied by chat and he can't afford that however he probably did it second, after all he's used to be a guest at NRC radio, and since he did "watched" Yuu's reaction and how well their viewers responded he was capable to mentally prepare and give the his most dramatic persona to deliver that line wich made Yuu blush hard and laugh at how absurd that one frase scaled

OHHH YOU COULD HEAR JAMIL SMIRK FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE PHONE ALRIGHT, HE KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING, it was when Yuu was finaly getting used to it at that point AND THIS BOY JUST HAD TO SAY IT LIKE TAHT AND ALL THEIR PROGRESS IS OVER-

Kalim saying it and Yuu just face planting in the desk: Kalim you beautiful sunshine child even YOU-?!

Crowley used "my dear little host" and chat is convinced dearest host is Crowley's adoptive child, if only they could find one photo of them BUT THAT BIRD ONLY HAS NRC RELATED STUFF IN ALL HIS SOCIAL ACCOUNTS DAMNIT-

Whoever.... that night Malleus was listening in, so you can only imagine how things went downhill the next time Malleus Draconia, or "that one gargoyle guy with sexy voice/Tsunotaro", as viewers call him bc sometimes Yuu prefers to not revel their guests name and uses a nickname instead, came for a simple chitchat and refers to Yuu as "my dear little host"

RIP Yuu's progression they were so far! But nobody prepared them for THAT

Now each guess call Yuu my dear little host and when Yuu finally got over the embarrassment IT WAS OVER. ENDEARING NICKNAMES TO EVERYSINGLE ONE OF YOU GUYS AND THEY WILL FLIRT IN THE MOST PERFECTS OF WAYS THAT ELIZA WILL MANIFEST AND ASKS THEIR HAND IN MARRIAGE YOU LITTLE SHITS- REVENGE TASTES SWEET WHEN COLD-

#NRC radio

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transformers-fan-continuities · 3 years

Text

Spotlight: Ties That Bind

This one’s a doozy folks! If you missed the last spotlight you can go read it here, but strap in for The Ties That Bind, an absolutely brilliant take on humanformers. It’s hosted here at @tiesthatbind-tf created by @artsy-hobbitses!

Q) Give us a run down of your cont! What's it about, what's it called, what's it like?

Ties That Bind is a humanformers-based original continuity which is part Science Fiction and part Alternate History where the invasion of Quintessons and introduction of their technology to Earth in 1920 sets the world and humankind on a completely different trajectory. The active narrative spans a period from 1920 to 2070, covering the First and Second Quintesson Wars, the interplanetary Antillan War (leading to the creation of Unicron on Mars) and the Great War which involves the Autobots, Decepticons and Functionist stalwarts, and how it affects the characters.

The cast is pretty sprawling and the narrative is mostly centred around human drama with bits of humor interspaced and a dash of horror (mostly centred around how the previous government often chose to utilize the technology left behind from the Quintesson Wars to create new systems of oppression, which affected many of the characters, in the name of worldwide rebuilding efforts).

Q) What characters take the lead here? Any personal favorites?

I will admit to this continuity being very much heavy on the relationship between Old Bastards Optimus Prime and Megatron, which is given considerable weight as they were best friends who had known each other since childhood and were deeply intrinsic to each other’s growths as individuals, which makes it all the worse when guilt and betrayal enter the party. Despite being captains in two corners of this battle, there’s a part of them that just cannot let go of their pasts together and they need to reconcile with how this will affect their agenda (Megatron) and how they lead their team (Optimus) who don’t necessarily share their history.

Other characters with significant development include:

Starscream, a Cold Construct in a toxic working relationship with Megatron with whom he is hiding a dark secret, who struggles to balance the underhanded viciousness he believes he needs to gain power and his innate desire from his Senate days to make the world a better place.

Windblade, a Camien native who fights her government’s apathy concerning the situation on Earth which they see as unsalvageable compared to their more Utopian society.

Prowl, a Cold Construct raised from childhood to be a cop in a police state, who finds out that he was brainwashed several times to ensure his obedience and efficacy as a government asset and is now working to reclaim some semblance of the humanity he was never allowed to feel and figure out how much of him is who he really is and how much is programming.

Hound, a sheltered Beastman who joined the fight to ensure that Beastmen the world over would have the same rights he did in his homeland of Shetland Isle, but is forcefully stripped of his humanity and faced with his animal side during the war and has to relearn what personhood means amid his trauma.

Q) Is there a bigger point to this, like a theme or some catharsis? Or is it just fluffy fun?

God with the amount of time I spent sleepless trying to figure out how the logistics of this or the semantics of that were supposed to work in universe, I cannot for the life of me say it’s fluffy fun, but I can’t exactly say it hasn’t been pretty engaging either!

There’s elements of war being messy for everyone involved where there doesn’t seem to be a clear line between friend and foe at times, but I think for most part it prescribes to Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s belief that people are inherently good, but are corrupted by the evils of society. Despite its dark themes (Including but not limited to child abuse, torture, illegal experimenation and brainwashing), love and friendships do prevail, kindness does beget kindness, found families are made, even the smallest actions matter, and things do get better because there are people on both sides who genuinely want to, and strive to make it better.

With Cold Constructs and Beastmen, it also delves heavily into what it means to be human; to have agency and personhood.

There’s also a strong undercurrent of taking responsibility for one’s actions, even if they were made with the best of intentions (Avoidance of this is what eats up Starscream and Megatron from the inside, and what Starscream eventually embraces).

Q) How long have you been working on it?

There’s two answers to this!

I’ve had a Humanformers-related universe going all the way back to 2007 around the time the first Bayformers came out---basically I had a choice between learning to draw cars or draw people (I was an anthro artist back then) and I immediately chose people.

The 2007 draft however had no worldbuilding or connective storylines and was mostly a fun little venture into character design and practice which were actually instrumental to me experimenting and learning how to draw humans properly.

I left the fandom for about a decade and when I came back to it in late 2020 around September via the War for Cybertron series on Netflix, I immediately got hooked on the 2005 IDW comics I missed out on and wanted to get around to updating my old designs as well find a way to translate several of the concepts I wanted to explore in a human sense, so the 2020 update became its own full-fledged original continuity with detailed worldbuilding and history.

You can see the artistic evolution of several characters from their original incarnation below!

Q) It’s incredible to see your artistic improvement too! Give us a behind-the-scenes look! Show us a secret ;))

Say hello to my workspace! I’ve been working exclusively on the Ipad Pro since late 2016, which is fantastic because I can basically whip up concepts and sketches on the go anywhere. Nowhere is too out of bounds to work on TTB!

Also, do enjoy this sneak peek at true!form Rung, whose synthezoid human body took years to perfect.

Q) YESSSSS alright I must admit this is one of my favorite Rungs, and certainly my fave within TTB. Amazing. Phew, anyway. Where did you draw inspiration from? What canons, what other fiction, what parts of real life?

TTB was initially conceived as a faithful retelling of the IDW 2005 narrative before it was transformed into its own continuity and as such, it borrows heavily from concepts and mirrored plot lines introduced in that run! I chose to have the series inspired off it specifically for the amount of history and worldbuilding it introduced to the franchise.

Anime like Gunslinger Girl and Beastars inspired the depictions of Cold Constructs, especially the more harrowing aspects of their upbringing as government assets instead of children, and Beastmen (Beastformers) in TTB.

I haven’t depicted the world itself in my art all too much, but the architecture from Tiger and Bunny, which has sort of a futuristic Art Deco feel to it, is what you’d usually see in major cities. There is an in-universe reason for that---with a Point Of Divergence set in 1920 followed by 25 years (an entire generation) of progress basically being kicked to the curb due to the Quintesson wars, mankind was basically in a time-locked bubble until the end of the wars, and by then their heroes were 1920s-style rebellion leaders, which lead to 1920s fashion (especially among the Manual Working Class---Megatron, Jazz and Optimus all rock 1920s fashion at some point of their lives) and architecture being celebrated and retained as sort of a reminder of how things were before The Invasion. This anime’s background design is also where I adopted the tiered system TTB’s major metropolises are often built on (with each tier being designated to a different working class) from.

The main artistic style itself is a love letter to 90s cartoons, in particular Gargoyles’ deep and drama-driven character narratives and designs as well as The Centurions’ take on body armor logistics.

I also take inspiration, especially armor-wise, from the characters’ given heritage and background. As an example, Hotrod who is depicted as Irish has the flames on his armor done up with Celtic knots. Welsh aristocrat Mirage’s armor bears olden knight-style filigree and has his Autobot logo designed as a coat of arms. Indonesian Soundwave’s armor and Decepticon logo takes cues from Batik and Wayang Kulit while their mask is based off the Barong.

Q) They are absolutely gorgeous! Show off something you're really proud of, a particular favorite part of your cont.

The worldbuilding in general! Most Humanformers I’ve seen tend to treat it like a fun exercise which it is and is definitely valid, but I found myself wanting a full-fledged world to lose myself in and I sought to try and make that world myself by drafting a detailed history and timeline of events which would affect ongoing narratives, having indepth worldbuilding to include almost all societal aspects of the universe and expanding on the concept of Beastmen and Cold Constructs existing in a human setting.

I’m not so secretly proud of the research and diversity included to make the cast look like the multicultural, globally-based team that they were meant to be instead of being locked to a single region! My original draft from 2007 was, to put it simply, quite culturally monolithic and I wanted to improve on that aspect with TTB.

I’m also proud that I’ve kept to it this far! I’m a notoriously flaky person jumping from one idea/fandom to another and to have kept at this continuity for the better part of ten months is honestly a personal feat.

Art-wise, this scene depicting a young Megatron working alongside Terminus and Impactor (cameo by @weapon-up-wallflower‘s OC Missit!) is definitely one of my favorites since it helps build up the world they live in and plays to familial bonds and comfort found in one another despite their less than ideal circumstances.

Q) Everything has come together so beautifully, you absolutely should be proud. What other fan canons do you love and why? Would you like to see them interviewed?

I am dying to hear more from @iscaredspider’s Sparkpulse continuity! Her designs are MIND-BLOWINGLY GORGEOUS and I want to hear more about what inspired her to work on it!

Also YOU. Yes YOU BLURRITO. LET ME HEAR MORE ABOUT SNAP.

Q) [wails and squirms away in the mortifying ordeal of being known but in a very flattered way] I WILL SOMEDAY I PROMISE aflghsdjg thank you QwQ

Well that was fantastic, Oni, thank you muchly! A magnificent continuity with so much to look forward to! Coming up next is another personal fave of mine, the first inspiration for SNAP, so stick around...

#long post #gore #ties that bind #spotlight #transformers #HUMANFORMERS #transformers au #tf original continuity #transformers fan continuity #transformers redesign #maccadam #i said id post this on sunday but i realize thats a holiday for lots of folks on this site :/

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lepusrufus · 3 years

Text

Double edged scalpel ch.5

Ch.1 Ch.2 Ch.3 Ch.4

Summary: someone please give Nicole a break for the love of Miranda. And there be smut y'all

---

Seeing Cassandra's softer side made something flutter within Nicole's chest. The brunette was a sadist through and through. Witness to that fact was the array of torture devices that littered the dungeons. Not to mention the prisoners she frequently killed, only to haul them on the autopsy tables in her study to be examined, chopped and sectioned by the both of them.

But there was an uncharacteristic sort of gentleness in the way their lips slid against each other, sharp teeth occasionally biting down on Nicole's lower lip but never enough to draw blood. In the way Cassandra would drag sharp nails against flushed skin, but not go beyond the pleasurable amount of pain. Even the glint in golden eyes when Nicole went over some old notes of hers on more tricky anatomy concepts. Having an exclusive look at this side of Cassandra felt beyond intimate and the thought almost made her miss when the brunette spoke from where she was leaning over a notebook.

"Okay let's just wrap this up, I have plans."

Nicole hummed, dropping the liver she was holding in a freezer bag. Most body parts were already bagged and ready to be picked up by Cynthia and her undercooks, they were just putting into practice some things the brunette was curious about. She dropped the now blood soaked leather gloves in the sink and went to sit by Cassandra, who was scribbling some final notes.

"In that case I'll go enjoy a cup of tea," she sighed. "Tea that I had to skip because someone was eager to start on this early."

Cassandra raised an eyebrow at her, accompanied by her usual smirk. "I meant plans with you."

Oh? That was new. The brunette laughed at Nicole's wide eyed expression and snapped her notebook shut. She took her sweet time putting it on the shelf with the others and checking the time, pretending not to notice the redhead's inquisitive expression. Then, she lifted Nicole’s chin with a thankfully not covered in blood finger.

"Don't get me wrong I love it here but," she grimaced, "it gets stuffy sometimes. Especially in summer."

Well, that much was true. The undergrounds of the castle were oddly warm, although not downright hot, compared to what one would expect from a castle. Pair that with the annoyingly humid atmosphere and having to wear a leather apron and gloves so as to not completely ruin your outfit and you got the perfect recipe for discomfort. She really ought to ask Cassandra about installing some kind of better ventilation down here.

"Meet me in the attic in about… an hour." She leaned down and their mouths were so close that Nicole could feel icy breath on her lips.

The attic? She's never been to the attic, it was not only off limits for most staff but also dangerous if rumors were to be believed. Not that she had the clarity of mind to voice any concerns when Cassandra finally leaned in to kiss her, complete with a nip on her lower lip that made Nicole’s breath hitch.

---

The fact that Nicole had no idea how to get to the attic could be a slight problem. She had asked Anita, but not only did she not know, she also seemed mortified by the idea. Another maid just gave her vague directions to look for a ladder on the top floor. As if that wasn't like trying to find the needle in a haystack. Or the needle in a giant castle.

She was just wandering around the top floor, praying not to stumble upon anyone who would be less than thrilled to see her there. A sigh of relief escaped past her lips when she heard familiar buzzing and steps coming towards her.

"Oh Cas-" she swallowed her words when she noticed red hair spilling from underneath a black hood.

"Nicole! What are you doing here hmm?" Her inquisitive hum was way too exaggerated the same way her fangs seemed too sharp when she grinned.

"I was just looking for Ca- lady Cassandra. She asked me to meet her in the attic."

Daniela's mouth fell open, almost forming an O shape. Then back to her characteristic giggle, almost as if laughing at a joke only she knew.

"What, you don't know how to get there?"

"...Not really," she sheepishly admitted.

And that was a mistake. Nicole would've preferred to wander the hallways until Cassandra eventually got bored enough of waiting and decided to come see where her glorified lab partner was. But her plan was ruined by Daniela wordlessly grabbing her arm and pulling her in the opposite direction she was going in. She even went the extra mile to partially turn into a swarm, which made Nicole's panic skyrocket. She didn't mind bugs. But having hundreds of them fly all around you, accompanied by manic giggling was a whole other thing.

Before she knew it though, Daniela let go of her arm, laughing a little at Nicole's stumbling. She gestured dramatically towards a ladder and said:

"There you go. Say hi to Cassie for me."

"Th- thank you my lady." And with a small bow of the head she grabbed the ladder and started ascending on shaky legs.

"And enjoy your date," she called out, once Nicole was at the top of the stairs.

Blushing, she decided to ignore the comment and start looking for the sister less likely to turn her into fly food.

The attic looked… old. It was obvious that people didn't come here often, although someone probably did clean it regularly as there were no cobwebs nor dirt on any surfaces, aside from some dust. It was full of neatly arranged boxes and crates, their contents as mysterious as the castle's inhabitants. Tentative steps took her across ancient floorboards, navigating old rooms.

"Rah!"

Nicole damn near jumped out of her skin, a string of curses spilling past her lips. "Jesus fucking christ Cassandra!"

The brunette only laughed, hands on her knees and pretending to wipe a tear from her eye.

"That's what you get for making me wait for so long."

"I didn't even know where the attic entrance was! Good thing one of your sisters came to my rescue." Nicole rolled her eyes at the last word.

Cassandra stopped laughing, eyes narrowing slightly. "Which one?"

"Uh- Danie-"

"Did she hurt you?" Cassandra grabbed her arms, golden eyes looking for any visible injuries.

Nicole just laughed softly, taken off guard by the display of concern. "No, no. Just gave me a bit of a fright, that's all."

With an eye roll, Cassandra guided her further into the attic, through more dusty rooms, until they reached a short corridor, light spilling from its other end. The room they entered was relatively small, almost half of it occupied by stacked boxes as if it used to be a storage room like the rest of the attic and nobody bothered to completely clear it out. A few pieces of furniture were also present: a couch with a coffee table in front of it and paintings leaning against a wall to collect dust. This room however had a window, left slightly ajar, that allowed you to see the mountains stretching on the horizon, crowned by the beautiful orange hues of dusk.

Nicole moved to the glass to take in the view, mouth almost hanging open, when an ungodly screech from outside made her backpedal straight into Cassandra.

"What the fuck was that?" She asked, eyes widening at the sight of flying creatures circling the towers.

"Mother's flying guard dogs."

"They sound the same way I'd imagine the souls of the damned do." Nicole didn’t take her eyes off the ghoulish creatures, almost as if keeping eye contact would dissuade them from attacking.

Cassandra just shrugged. "Wouldn't be too far off. Also here." She sat on the couch, gesturing towards a cup.

Nicole went to sit by her side, grabbing the mystery cup. She frowned slightly when the steam reached her nose, bringing with it a pleasant minty and honey aroma.

"Tea?"

"Since you were so disheartened about having to skip it earlier," Cassandra averted her eyes, seemingly finding the curtains very interesting.

After a long sip, she let out a content sigh. The warmth was more than welcomed, despite the weather. She set the cup back on the table and turned her attention on the brunette, now fidgeting with the corner of a pillow.

"Thank you," Nicole said, leaving a small kiss on her cheek.

Cassandra smiled and turned around, locking their lips in a kiss that at first mimicked her gentleness, but soon turned hungry when dainty hands made their way to the brunette's nape, pulling her closer. She shifted them both, pushing Nicole down on the pillows littering the couch, until she was laying on top of her, legs on each side of her waist. Her focus was on leaving a trail of nips and kisses down Nicole's neck when the redhead jumped and barely stifled a yelp at another screech from outside.

"Ugh what the fuck is today, scare me out of my mind day?"

"How are you scared of these but countless dead bodies don't phase you?" Cassandra laughed, sound muffled by her position with her mouth against Nicole's neck.

"I used to work on corpses, not on ugly gargoyles that could chew my face off!" She gestured wildly at the window and the few creatures visible outside.

"You what?"

"You...didn't know?" Nicole couldn't help a giggle at Cassandra's confused expression.

"How was I supposed to know?"

"I thought your mother told you already. Or your sisters," Nicole shrugged.

"They knew?!" And, after something seemed to dawn on her, "Oh I'm gonna kick both their asses."

Nicole couldn’t help letting out a small laugh, placing her hands on Cassandra's cheeks and, with a pout for dramatic effect, "Right now?"

As much as the sight was both funny and endearing, the warmth starting to pool at her core was making her beyond impatient.

The indignation in golden eyes was replaced by an all too familiar glint and black painted lips went back to their work on Nicole's neck. Sharp fangs pierced the skin there, just enough to draw a few drops of blood and a whine. After licking every last bit of it, Cassandra's lips moved to the collarbones and lower, hands slowly starting to undo the buttons of Nicole's pesky uniform that was in the way.

When both the button up and the skirt were discarded on the floor Nicole tangled her fingers through black hair and pulled Cassandra in for a kiss. Her free hand went to the back of the dress, pulling down the zipper and guiding it off of the brunette's shoulders. Once both of them were left only in undergarments, Nicole pulled back to look up at the brunette.

"If I knew I was supposed to dress up I would've asked the chambermaid if there's anything fancy in the uniform stash," she said, taking in the beautifully intricate lace of Cassandra's matching bra and underwear, complete with a giggle at her awful joking.

The brunette only raised an eyebrow. "Mhm I can take care of that. Not like you'll need these for long though." Her hands reached under Nicole's back to unclasp her bra and in mere moments that too was on top of the pile of clothes on the floor.

Then Cassandra bent down to crash their lips together, tongue slipping past Nicole's lips when a wandering hand elicited a gasp from her.

Cassandra was by no means a patient person. Quite the opposite actually. But teasingly dragging her nails across sensitive skin only to feel the girl under her squirm and whine when her hand just won't go where she needed it made waiting all the more sweet. Slender fingers started to toy with the edges of Nicole's underwear. After a groan against her lips and an impatient tug of hair, Cassandra finally gave in, slipping two fingers inside her. She felt Nicole arch into her, a broken moan escaping past her lips when she broke the kiss to let her head fall back into the cushions. Cassandra took that as an opportunity to kiss the length of her neck, occasionally stopping to suck or bite at a spot, enjoying every gasp and moan she drew out of the redhead.

With Cassandra's rough pace it didn't take long before Nicole was clenching her thighs around her hand. Cassandra kissed her, swallowing her moan as she came.

The small room in the attic, Cassandra's drawing room she would later find out, was the perfect secluded spot. They spent the rest of the evening enjoying each other. First evening of many.

#double edged scalpel #cassandra dimitrescu x maiden #unhinged maiden™ my beloved #daniela dimitrescu #fanfic #idk how to smut yall

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charliedawn · 3 years

Text

Remus x Reader

"Second chances"

(Warning : sadness ahead.)

You look at the piece of paper in your hand and smile as you see the famous Hogwarts train..the same train you took a few years back as a student. And now ? You would be returning as a teacher. You get on the train and look for a place to seat. You see that all of them are full but one, with only three students and a man inside. You open the door and sit down with a wide smile.

" Hi ! I'm Y/N L/N. The new potion assistant."

They all politely shake your hand while telling you their names as well. Your eyes widen when you hear that Harry Potter is among them. You are about to tell him that you were an old friend of Lily when the red-head next to you interrupts you, his face as white as a sheet.

" Wait..Potion's assistant ?! As in, assistant of the donjon bat ?!"

Hermione gives him a warning look, but you only laugh lightly.

" Donjon bat ? Is that what kids are calling him those days ?"

They all seem surprised as you don't seem offended, only mildly amused.

" Wait..You know professor Rogue ?!"

It's Hermione's turn to be surprised and you only nod in response.

" Of course I know Severus. We were friends.."

" Were ?"

Harry picks on and your smile turns downward as you remember that Severus and you hadn't talked to each other since..Lily's death. However, you don't have to answer the boy that the train abruptly stops. You frown before looking outside and freeze when you feel thee familiar cold air entering the wagon.

" Dementors.."

You whisper as the temperature lowers more and more. You then see the darkness making its way towards your door and then, the door open ajar, letting the monster inside. He inspects all of the passengers before finally landing his attention on Harry. The boy is paralysed by fear and the dementor takes it as an opportunity to get a taste..However, the sleeping man and you get up at the same time and yell.

" Expecto Patronum !"

The flying nightmare gets ejected out of your wagon and leaves you all try to get your breath back. You automatically crouch beside Harry to make sure he is fine and the stranger kneels beside him as well.

" Are you okay, Harry ?"

You ask and he nods silently.

" Yeah..What was that thing ?!"

Before you could answer, the stranger does it for you.

" Dementors from Azkaban, they're searching for Sirius Black."

At the name, you close your eyes and feel nauseous..To think that Sirius could be the one behind Lily's and James' death..It just didn't make any sense to you. Sirius was the best friend of James, and a good soul..But no matter how much you fought to prove he had nothing to do with it, nothing could be done. This is why you had gone. The pain was too much..The only guilt you had was to have left Severus and Remus behind. You wonder, are they the same now ? Where is Remus even ? Is he alright ? However, the stranger gets you out of your thoughts by standing up and extending a hand towards you.

" I should probably go see if any of the other students need help, while you can stay with Miss..?"

You smile and accept his hand for him to get you up.

" L/N. Y/N."

Suddenly, his grip seems to tighten and his eyes to darken as he looks straight at you with what you can only imagine to be sadness and he takes a step back, as if your touch had suddenly shifted to burning lava. He doesn't tell you his name, even though you feel as if you had already seen him somewhere and walks out. However, he turns one last time to give a piece of chocolate to Harry.

" Here. Eat. You'll feel better."

You want to follow him, ask him for his name and why he seemed shocked by the mention of your name. But, you have to stay with Harry, as he was the perfect victim for the dementors. You decide to do as you were told and stay with the Golden trio until arrival. As soon as you are out, you search for the mysterious man, but cannot find him anywhere. The trio enters a carriage and you climb up with them, sharing it with a strawberry blond girl with clear blue eyes. A ravenclaw, no doubt. Her cleverness shows behind her eyes as she looks at each one of you until she speaks. She talks about thestrals and your eyes brighten. You always thought that those creatures were amazing and the reflection of past mistakes..However, you wonder, what past mistakes did you commit this time ? You enter in the surroundings of the castle and shiver at the sensation..You were home. Home again. You get out of the carriage and see that McGonagall is waiting for you. She smiles when she sees you and takes you to the Great Hall.

" It's been so long, Y/N. To think that two of my most brilliant students are going to be reunited this year.."

You frown and want to ask what she is referring to, but your eyes land on the man who had saved Harry in the wagon. You sit down next to him and see Severus that addresses you only a dismissive sideway glance. You smile at him, but he doesn't reciprocate. You sigh loudly before listening to the headmaster's welcome speech. It brings back memories, of James dancing on the table, of Sirius singing so high to cover his speech with a modification spell..and Remus. Remus smiling and laughing at his friends idiotic acts, but still defending them. But then, the murder happened..And you had to leave. The headmaster calls your name and you stand up with a small smile, but then, he calls another name..

" We also have a new teacher of defense against the dark arts: professor Remus Lupin."

The man stands up and bows slightly forward, but you are too shocked to do the same..Even after he sits back down, it take you a few seconds to sit back down. You decide to look over to Severus that is staring right at you. However, he doesn't linger and only looks at the students, knowing that among them is the son of Lily..Harry Potter. However, as soon as dinner is over, you want to talk to Severus, but he walks out quickly, followed by the waves of new slytherin students. You sigh before turning around and falling face to face with Remus that seems as surprised as you.

" Y/N ? It has been a while.."

He smiles sadly with his eyes translating a sort of melancholy. You smile back and nod.

" Indeed Remus..It has been a while. Didn't think we would bump into each other here. Of all places."

He chuckles while looking up at the ceiling, as if trying to find his words from the gargoyles..

"..This is where Sirius took the old quidditch teacher's broom and broke it in half..I remember the earful we had gotten from McGonagall.."

You smile fondly at the memory of Sirius whistling while riding said broom. You look at each other and stay in comfortable silence, until a familiar low and deep voice makes itself heard behind you.

" Well, if it isn't the beauty and the beast..Reunited again. How charming.."

You turn around to face Severus that seems highly unimpressed, an eyebrow raised and arms crossed over his torso. His hair is longer and he is dressed in darker clothes than you remembered him..but besides that, he hadn't changed much. His eyes still hold a sadness and hatred that the loss of Lily had only worsen. You are about to talk when Remus does it for you. He takes a step forwards to stare directly in Severus' eyes.

" Happy to see you as well, Severus. Glad to hear that your long-lasting sarcasm hasn't faded over the years..I take it that you weren't aware that miss L/N would be coming back as well..?"

Severus doesn't falter his gaze, not even taking the time to give you a side glance.

" Obviously."

It is only then that he looks at you with a flicker of hurt in his eyes, but quickly gets back his composure to look back at Remus.

" You both have class tomorrow. I would advise you both to get back to your private quarters.."

And with that, he walks down the corridor without giving you a second glance. You want to go after him, but Remus stops you at the last minute.

" I wouldn't do that if I were you. Severus hasn't been quite himself since you left and seeing you again may be..painful to him ?"

You look between Remus and the way Severus had gone and finally agree.

" You're right. I shouldn't intervene too much.."

He smiles for a second before turning around to walk towards his own quarters. You can only stare at him until the light of his wand disappears completely. You smile sadly, knowing that your return wasn't painful only for Severus..Remus waits until he is in his room before letting go of his emotions. He soundproofs the room with his wand and takes a shaky breath before screaming so loud that it hurts. He doubled in pain and slides down to sit and bury his face in his hands to hide his tears. He had Sirius to save and now, another ghost from his past had come back to haunt him..He sits on his bed as images of the past swirl in his mind.

Flashback :

Your younger self is running through the woods, looking for someone. She finally finds a quivering Remus covered in blood and a dead deer by his side. Young Remus looks up at her and starts sobbing as he extends his hand towards her.

" Please..Don't go. I'm sorry. I know I'm a monster but, I don't want to be alone.."

She only smiles compassionately before kneeling in front of him and taking his hand.

" You're not alone Remus, and you're not a monster either."

He seems stunned for a moment, but smiles hopefully before taking you in his arms, crying in your shoulder.

" You..You don't think I'm a monster ?"

You hold on to him even tighter and answer confidently.

" Never..I would never think that."

He backs away a bit to ask, his voice filled with hope and desperate need.

" You'll stay with me then ?"

You smile and nod.

" Forever.."

End of flashback.

Remus lies down on his bed and closes his eyes, listening to the different sounds he can hear from the outside. After a while, he falls asleep, his head filled with memories of you..and how you betrayed your promise.

Next day :

You wake up just in time for your first lesson with Severus. You dress rapidly before running outside and barging in the great hall. Multiple head shot up to look at you, and one of them is Severus that looks at you with barely hidden disdain and the same unimpressed expression as last night. You also quickly notice Remus' empty seat and sigh before taking your place. You just have the time to grab a toast that the food disappears and the headmaster stands up to announce the beginning of classes. Severus doesn't wait for you and walks out of the great hall in a hurry as soon as Dumbledore is done talking. You have to hurry to catch up with him and are relieved when he waits for you in front of the class.

" You didn't need to go so fast..I nearly fell three times following you !"

You complain, but he only snorts.

" Incompetent and lazy..That's a good start."

You can't believe his words and humph loudly before following him inside. But he doesn't acknowledge your disapproval and only starts looking through his papers, preparing the class as the students would soon arrive. A few minutes later, the students sit down and you wait for Severus to make the introduction..which he doesn't.

" Amortentia. You have 40 minutes. Be quick."

You frown as he sits back down at his desk and leaves the students to do the potion on their own. You see many struggling and decide to go help them.

" Here, you have to be more gentle with the Ashwinder eggs. Come on, let me show you.."

You take the knife and gently cut the eggs to add them to the mixture. But, suddenly, Severus slams his hands flat on the desk, making you and the nearby students jump in surprise.

" Miss L/N! Do I have to remind you that you are not to interfere with my class unless I tell you so?"

He surely thinks that you'll back down and apologize, but you only stand up to face him. You don't step back and stare right back at him before answering straightforwardly.

" Your students should have been more prepared. They barely know which ingredient is which and you want them to learn how to bottle love ?! Dear Merlin, this is insane."

You can see his eyes darken and he menacingly says.

" If you don't like how I teach, miss L/N..Maybe it is best for you to leave !"

Your next words stay stuck in your throat at his forbidden expression and you grit your teeths before getting out and slamming the door behind you. Of course, you get a visit from Dumbledore a few hours later, insisting that you make peace with Severus. You take a big breath before knocking at his door. You hear a few muffled curses on the other side before the door opens, showing Severus with his hair disheveled and covered in ink stains.

" What do you want ?"

He harshly asks while eyeing you up and down in distaste.

" Can we talk ?"

You reply, doing your best to hide your thoughts from him and anything that would betray you. You need to talk to him, and he would listen, that he wants to or not..With another glare, he finally gives in and opens the door ajar for you to enter. You walk inside and look around. Not a lot of personal items or anything other than practical. Your eyes then land on him, looking at you impatiently with his arms crossed and tapping his foot on the ground.

" So ? What did you want to talk about ? How you interrupted my class ? Made a fool out of me ? If so, there is no need. I do not care that the headmaster appointed you as my assistant. Disrespect me again ? And I won't hesitate before throwing you out of my class and this school. You may have thought that our..past..would bring you some kind of special treatment, but I can assure you that that is not the case and I.."

" Are you finished ?"

You cut him off and he seems surprised, but you don't let him speak again before he hears what you have to say. You move forward until your noses nearly touch and thrust your finger on his torso multiple times, as to make yourself clear.

" I don't know what I've ever done to deserve such wrath from you, but those students have done nothing to deserve this. As for our "past", Severus. Consider it erased. I don't know what you thought I was there to do, but I have a job now. Unlike you, I am not stuck in the past. I may be your assistant, but I am not your student and you have no right to speak to me this way. Professor Snape, I am as qualified as you and this will be the last time I will ever let you embarrass me this way. We used to be friends, I thought that maybe we could get along as colleagues, but I was obviously wrong. I am not here to apologize, because you are the one who should be apologizing."

He snorts at that before looking down at you and you can feel the tension rising as he stares down at you with a sneer.

" Really, Y/N ? Are you sure about that ? Your memory must be hazy, let me clear it up for you.."

You don't understand until he looks straight at you and uses his legilimens on you. You see yourself, Lily and Severus playing together. You see multiple memories of your life at Hogwarts together and then, the fall. Severus knocking at your door in the middle of the night and begging you to let him enter. You then see yourself opening the door to a sobbing Severus, carrying Lily's body in his arms. The last memory he shows you is the day that you left, a few days after James' and Lily's funeral.

You come back to see the eyes full of pain and sorrow of Severus that his gripping your shirt tightly. He is keeping himself from breaking up in tears in front of you. You feel bad and try to gently stroke his cheek, but he grabs your arm before you could go through your action.

" Get out.."

The order is so low that you don't pick up on it until his eyes stare right at you and he yells.

" I said get out !"

This time, he drags you out and locks the door behind you. You stay still for a few seconds before clenching your jaw and turning away to leave. You thought you could make peace, but Severus doesn't want peace, he wants to be left alone and hated by all. You tried to talk to him, but he doesn't want to listen. You try to talk to him some more in the weeks that follow, but he ignores and when you're in his class, any step closer to him and he glares at you or yells at the students. As if just by being near you, he would burn to ashes. Before you know it, the Yule Ball approaches and even though you know that Severus is probably not among the crowd, another one is. You see Remus smiling at you and making his way to you.

" Well, glad to see you. I was starting to think that you were ignoring me ?"

You laugh and shake your head.

" No, Remus. I wasn't ignoring you, I was searching to get back a friend that I lost."

He seems to understand and nods.

" I see. Well, maybe you should apologize ?"

You snort, as if you hadn't tried for the last few months..

" I tried, but failed. I only have one year here, and if I don't make it up to all those I've wronged..I may never find peace."

He sighs and guides you away from the crowd of students, on one of the bridges of the school. You then stay next to each other, looking at the night sky and it's you that decide to break the silence.

" I'm sorry, Remus. I should have at least say goodbye but, I couldn't. I was afraid of his reaction. I couldn't even say goodbye to you after what happened to Pettigrew.."

Remus nods before looking at the sky again with a a small dreamy smile dancing on his lips.

" You remember when we used to watch the stars together ? It was on one of those nights that I asked you to the Yule Ball. I was so nervous..I can't believe the years that have passed. The people we lost along the way. And even though, we're still here. The beauty, the beast and the donjon bat..You never wish that Lily or James were still here ? Instead of Severus and I ?"

You frown and shake your head vividly before taking his hand to squeeze it lightly.

" Of course not, Remus. Nobody should have died. What happened..It was unfortunate and cruel. None of us deserved it. And between us ? I always wondered if you weren't the beauty in this story of ours."

He looks at you with widened eyes and you only chuckle at his surprise before looking at your hands. Once he understands that you weren't joking, he laughs as well before adding.

" Why ? Because you were my princess in shining armor ?"

You smile up at him and gently caress his scarred cheek. He instantly closes his eyes and melts into the soft gesture before pressing his own hand against yours.

" Always, Remus. No matter if you are a werewolf, a man or a beast..It doesn't mean that my heart stopped belonging to you. Leaving was the most painful decision I ever took."

Remus opens his glassy eyes and tears start rolling down his cheeks.

" Then, why did you leave me ?"

You feel your heart tighten in your chest and take a step back, digging the tip your fingernails in the palms of your hands to prevent you from telling him the true reason.

" I'm sorry, Remus. I think it is better that I don't stay close to you..It may be dangerous."

He frowns in incomprehension before asking, his voice trembling with sorrow.

" For you ?"

You would have laughed at the question if it wasn't for the emotional is which he asked it. You turn around and shake your head again.

" No. For you, Remus. There are things I had to sacrifice to be here today. Things that I may never get back. Become attach to me, and you'll suffer.."

He frowns in confusion, but before he could take your hand, you walk away. As soon as you are in your room, you sigh loudly and start sobbing. You knew it would be painful, but still..Suddenly, hands wrap themselves around you and you lean in, knowing perfectly who it is.

" Are you sure that it was a good idea to come ?"

Severus asks and you can only wipe your tears and try to breathe better as he holds you even tighter.

" No..But it was necessary. We both have someone we want to protect. I saw Lily's child, he looks like her."

He nods, but prevents you from turning around to face him. When you finally succeed in turning around, you see that he was crying, and an empty bottle of firewhisky was on the carpet.

" Oh Severus.."

You moan in sadness at the sight of him in such a state. He is drunk and can barely look at you in the eye.

" It isn't fair. I know why you left..but it is still not fair."

You bat your eyes heavily, as to not cry in front of him and agree.

" I know, it wasn't fair..But, it's what had to be done. I couldn't stay, Sev'. I had to do something."

He sits down on a nearby chair, not having enough force to stay up and supports his head with his hand to look at you.

" And ? Did you ?"

You smile and nod.

" I did. It won't bring back Lily or James..But it will save others."

You decide to finally show him and take out the thing you had been searching for all these years: the time turner. His eyes widen significantly and he looks at the object for several minutes before standing up again and observing it more closely.

" Incredible. I thought that there was only one in the World.."

" Two. This one is a prototype, and it would break if even one alteration to the time-line was to happen."

His breath quickens as he touches the object and weighs it in his hand, as if to check that it is real. Once he is completely convinced, he frowns and asks in a trembling voice.

" W..Why didn't you use it to rescue her ?"

You don't need the name to understand who he is referring to and you shake your head.

" I'm sorry, Severus..But, Lily is too important. She is the mother of Harry and without her death, the Dark Lord will never be defeated."

He groans in pain as his dizzy mind starts spinning around and he has to seat again in order not to fall. You sigh and take a blanket to cover him.

" You can sleep here tonight..Just, sober up."

Once his eyes close, you take a shaky breath before looking at the time turner in your hand..If he only knew what you know, he would understand that you had no choice. Too many deaths haven't occurred yet. Deaths that you could prevent. You lay on your bed and sleep quickly takes over you. When you wake up, Severus us gone and replaced by a neatly folded blanket. You sigh before standing up. However, you can see that it is still dark outside and have a sudden strange feeling that something isn't right. You grab your wand and get out to see Severus' cape disappearing at a corner. You decide to follow him and get outside, near the Whomping Willow. You eyes widen as you understand in which moment in time you were..Pettigrew. It doesn't take you long to know what you are supposed to do. You dive under it and succeed in entering the secret passage which leads to the most important episode of Harry's life. You enter the room just in time to see Sirius about to denounce the treachery of your long lost friend: Peter Pettigrew. You also see Severus with his wand withdrawn, about to attack Sirius. You quickly get out your own and disarm him. He looks at you with surprise and betrayal.

" Why ?!"

He shouts and you answer with a sad smile.

" Because I believe in second chances.."

He grits his teeths and shakes his head in disapproval.

" There are no second chances.."

Severus is about to grab his wand again when Remus uses his wand to throw him away. You look at Remus that seems caught up in the situation but then, you see him look up and stare at the full moon..You know what is to come. You could stop Pettigrew now, or try to save the love of your life. You walk towards Remus confidently while Sirius is trying to calm him down the best he can. You put a hand on his face and force him to look you in the eye.

" Remus, I know you can hear me. I'm here. And I'm not giving up on you. So, don't you dare give up on yourself..You are a teacher at Hogwarts. The best teacher. You taught me to never give up, to always see the bright side and now, I need you to find that bright side in yourself and keep holding on to it. Do not look at the moon. Look at me."

He seems to hesitate for a moment, but finally, his eyes get back to their usual color and you take him in your arms, not wanting him to fall on the floor. Pettigrew is long gone by now, but you are glad to have at least helped Remus control himself. At least, he will remain a teacher..You smile and then, Sirius puts something in your hand, the marauders map. You look up at him with confusion, but he doesn't explain. He takes your place and carries him towards the castle while you tell Hermione and Harry to go in the forest, follow their destiny. They don't seem to understand, but you trust them enough to know that they'll do the right thing..You leave them go ahead and use the Time Turner, knowing exactly where you are supposed to go now. It is time..

You appear at the battle of Hogwarts and look around for Greyback that you see following Remus in the castle. You only have a few seconds to think about what to do and finally decide to follow them. Greyback has Remus cornered and you put yourself in front of him defensively. You yell a protection spell while pointing your hand out towards him.

" Protego Totalum !"

You then run towards Greyback at full speed and make him fall headfirst against the wall that collapses with both of your weight. But just as you are about to fall to your death, Remus, that had been fast enough to get out of the way, grabs your arm and shouts.

" Hold on !"

You look up and smile at him before taking the Time Turner in your hand.

" Don't worry..I've got it covered.."

You then look up again with tears in your eyes. The Time Turner is broken, but he doesn't know that..You had altered greatly the time-line, it wouldn't work.

" Remus ! Before I go, I want you to promise something to me !"

He nods, his eyes looking down at you for a moment and you smile with tears in your eyes.

" Promise me that, no matter what, you and Tonks will live ! I want you to be happy, Remus..Enjoy the second chance I have given you. I love you, Remus."

He frowns at that last part but, before he could answer, you let go of his hand and fall, the broken Time Turner clutched in your hand. You know that it was meant to work only once, that any shift in the time-line would break it..A life for a life. You think of Ted, his child that would see him again. You think of Tonks, she would die without him. And finally, you think of Remus..You look up at him one last time and smile genuinely at him.

" Nooooo !"

He cries out when you let go of his hand and fall to your demise. However, someone stops you from falling to your death. You open your eyes and see Severus with his wand withdrawn. You smile gratefully at him and he smiles back. But, you don't have the time to warn him as you see Nagini crawling behind him. He grimaces in pain as the giant snake bites his ankle.

" Severus! No!"

You run towards and catch him as he collapses. You cradle his face in your arms and gently remove the hair from his face to look him in the eye.

" You fool! Why did you do it?!"

He takes your hand in his and smiles while giving you his reason.

" I couldn't lose you..like I lost Lily. At least, this time, I wasn't too late.."

You can't help but smile tenderly at him and kiss his forehead.

" No..You weren't."

You then see Harry running towards you and you feel your heart sink, knowing that he needs a tear from Severus..his last tear. You start sobbing while tightening your hold on his body, even after his last breath left his body. Remus is by your side and puts his hand on your shoulder.

" He's gone..Come on."

You look up at him and, to your surprise, see that he was crying too.

" T..Tonks ?"

You ask and he shakes his head negatively, adding to your pain as you look back at Severus.

" I..I thought things would be different."

Remus kneels down beside you and closes Severus' eyes significantly, a sign of respect and sorrow.

" He was a great man..Better than many of us."

You nod in agreement before replying sincerely.

" So was Tonks. I'm sorry for your loss."

You look at each other and instinctively throw yourselves in each other's arms. There are so many things left unsaid, but for now, you would comfort each other the best you can.

A few weeks after :

You are about to get on the train, ready to leave this damned school and all of its miseries behind when you hear someone running after you. You turn around to see a panting Remus.

" Is it true ? You love me ?"

He asks and you wait for him to get his breath back before answering truthfully.

" I do."

He stares at you for a second before straightening himself and looking at everything but you. He rubs the back of his neck nervously before asking you.

" I..I was actually going back to the muggle world to take care of Ted. I have no experience whatsoever at being a parent but, I guess that if I had someone with me..It would be easier. I mean..If you want to ?"

You freeze for a moment, wondering if you had heard him right. But, once you are sure you didn't imagine him asking you to stay with him, you smile and take his hand.

" I guess that there are worst ends than this. Very well. Lead the way, Remus."

He only chuckles before going inside with you. However, just when the train start, he leans in and kisses you. Before you can reciprocate, he takes a step back, blaming it on the abrupt movement of the train. But, the small smile he gives you while walking ahead makes you think otherwise. You finally smile too before taking your suitcase and following him.

" Looks like you were wrong Sev', everyone can have a second chance.."

This was a request from @remusbabyvampire. Hope you like it. 😁

#remus x you #remus x reader #remus lupin #severus snape #imagine #fanfic #fandoms #harry potter and the prisioner of azkaban

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dailyadventureprompts · 3 years

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Ally: Sokovir Kaolin, Quickscluptor

“However... Active my creations may be, it is important to remember that they are not alive. True life is something only the gods can grant, and whatever animation my gift bestows is only a culmination of the divine act worked by the artists and architects that came before me. A flourish applied to their already blessed labor.”

Setup: While many artistic prodigies are said to have “The Touch”, it is seldom so literal as in the case of the architect of young master Kaolin, a structural sculptor blessed by Erathis, goddess of cities, with the power to make stone move. Kaolin discovered his powers when he was only a journeyman come to the city to work on a grand new cathedral, animating a dove he was tasked with detailing in a much larger relief and falling off the scaffolding in surprise when it began to flap about.

After recovering from the shock and the several broken bones he sustained during the incident, Sokovir was recruited by the temple of the lawbearer, who’ve begun exploring his gifts and using the charismatic young artist as a new posterboy for the faith. Temple Scholars debate whether his gifts are indeed miraculous, or a simple fluke of sorcerous talents, as his creations seem less like divine messengers wrought from stone, and more simpleminded beasts compelled to follow any orders that their animator gives them.

Still, the journeyman Kaolin has earned himself quite the reputation, becoming the temple’s voice in city politics, a shining star in its artistic set, and earning himself more than a pretty penny in faith-sanctions commissions of his work, transforming sculptures made by other sculptors into living works of art, things now prized by the city elites for their grace and novelty.

Adventure Hooks:

Sokovir never dreamt of a life in service to the faith, and often feels constrained by the sanctimony and ritual that has come to occupy much of his time. Taking any excuse to slip off the vestments and loosen his collar, the party can encounter him drinking incognito in taverns favorited by artisans and students, sneaking into grand buildings to admire the architecture, or simply wandering the local parks and gardens looking to get some space. The Quicksculptor may also literally drop out of the sky should danger be present, riding in on the back of his screeching gargoyle mount to lend a hand in case of an armed street brawl, a rampaging monster, or some other disaster.

Strange disturbances in the crypts beneath the grand cathedral have resulted in the rise of numerous unquiet spirits, some of which have discovered that the animate-statues brought to life by Sokovir’s touch make for perfect vessels. The Sculptor ventured in to see if he could quell these graven images, but has since disappeared. Few have the bravery to go after him, as in addition to the manifold saints and grotesques that now prowl the grounds of the grand cathedral, the spirits have gotten ahold of the massive sentinel the faith commissioned as a guardian. It would take a siege engine to take down this walking pillar of armor and sanctified granite, so the party best keep their infiltration and exorcism quiet.

The statues animated by the Quicksculptor’s touch are a capable pantomime of life, but fail at several marks. Marble Birds fly despite the weight of their stone bodies but do not lay eggs, stone trees bend and sway in the breeze but their flowers produce no smell and their fruit is inedible. Most obvious are the statues of people, which pantomime actions befitting a person garbed as they may be, but are capable of only doglike cleverness, no original thought, and spend their time in static vapidness unless Sokovir has instructed them otherwise. The Glaring exception to this is the statue of Saint Agreisa, which after given the command “ Never act in a manner unbefitting a saint of Erathis” nodded, walked forward, and ripped the head off a high-ranking bishop who was in attendance for the animation ceremony. Sokovir hasn’t animated anything since that incident, some months ago, and wants the party to investigate the dead bishop and why his creation was driven to murder him in the goddess’s name.

In addition to just being an excellent random encounter for urban adventures, Kaolin is a great addition to campaigns focused on courtly intrigue within the halls of power. As a common man given undue authority with the church, he can provide a great outsider perspective, compared to all the plotters and moralist that would usually fill the role.

If using my intrigue setup, the following are his Powerbase:

Moral (major): The Quicksculptor is a defacto saint of Erathus to the city’s faithful, able to personally call upon the authority of the temple and (even though he dosen’t like to do so) speak with the power of one who can perform miracles. This bond goes both ways, as he is able to make the temple authorities bend the rules on his behalf, in exchange for being their mouthpiece.

Personal (minor): Sokovir is a bit of a celebrity, well loved by artists and the aristocracy that commissions him to bring their favorite statuary to life. He is able to call in favors among these patrons, as well as connect his allies to potential benefactors though making introductions. He’s a must have at all the city’s best parties.

Martial (minor): When all else fails, the sculptor can always animate a few statues to throw some punches for him. Though the exact limits of his gift are unknown, few want to take the risk of Sokovir turning the city’s stoneworks into his own personal legion.

#D&D #D&D adventure #Homebrew Adventure #Adventure #DnD #Cleric #artifice #city #ally #mystery #dungeon #tomb #temple #mid level #intrigue #construct #random encounter

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fallingfor-fics · 3 years

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Teachers Pet-chapter 3: black dress shoes

All chapters

chapter 2

It was definitely a lie, I don't think I could ever be ready to start a new life all alone, but I had Dumbledore so I guess I wasn't completely alone. But it didn't change from the fact I still felt alone. Part of me was still upset about my father. He didn't even look at me, and I know he blamed me partially for everything that's happened. But he was out of my life now and I had bigger things to worry about. Like walking into this school without dying. Dumbledore headed in and I followed closely behind my luggage levitating behind me. I took deep breaths and looked in awe all around me. "Now since it's late I won't be giving you a tour as of right now, I'll just get you situated in your temporary room until tomorrow." Dumbledore said softly, looking down at me gawking at the gorgeous building. I told myself to look away and just focus on my actions. I didn't want to grow to like this place. I missed Beauxbatons that would always be my home. I wasn't gonna let this school's extravagance trick me, Beauxbatons was gorgeous and elegant, but Hogwarts was a different kind of elegance. Somehow it felt more, comforting and warm.

I shook the thoughts away and smiled up at Dumbledore, playing it cool. "Sounds great!" I responded. "Wonderful follow me then." he said walking down the hall. "Tonight you will just be sleeping in my quarters. I hope you don't mind but don't worry I have a guest room attached so you will have your own room and privacy." he said cheerily. "Wow thank you Dumbledore that's very kind I would have been okay with just crashing on the couch haha." I said lightly laughing. "Oh merlin no, I would not have my goddaughter sleeping on my couch, it's very uncomfortable." he said with a joking tone. I smiled and followed him to his quarters. We approached a gargoyle that was perched in front of us. I kept my eye on it worried it may move or be alive or something. He whispered a phrase that I couldn't understand and it moved aside to reveal this very odd almost circular staircase that was moving it seemed. He walked up it with ease and looked back at me, visibly confused as to how I was supposed to walk on it without being thrown back down. "Don't overthink it my dear, just walk" he said kindly. I did as he said and just kept my eyes forward and walked up on it. Hmm how peculiar. "What did you whisper to make the gargoyle move?" I asked, curious. He just looked at me and smiled. I took that as, "it's a secret and I am not going to tell you hehe". I followed him into what I assumed was his office.

I stood in awe looking all around at the most extravagant headmaster office I had ever seen. "Holy crap" I said, amazed. "Yes it is quite nice" he said with a small smile. "Quite? More like I could live here." I joked looking back at him noticing he had walked across the room and behind his desk. "Come," he said and I followed walking around his desk and chair. "Now back here" he said, opening a door to reveal a small but comfortable living quarters, "is where I sleep and if you come over here" he walked past his bed and to a bookshelf. He removed a rather large book and it revealed a small doorknob. He opened it up and it revealed a very cute guest room which looked to have been done up just for me. "This is your room for tonight." he said cheerily. My luggage flew past me and landed softly on the bed. "Now since it's late I won't waste anymore time and let you get your rest" he smiled. "Thank you so much this is perfect. Thank you for...everything" I said with a genuine tone. I walked over and gave him a hug, it was more than just a thank you hug. I was so glad to see him and not be alone. Someone to watch over me and make sure I was ok. It felt nice to have a parental figure here with me in this new strange place. He let out a light chuckle and patted my back. "Now I will be right in the next room if you need me, that door right there is a bathroom if you need to shower or anything of that sort. He said kindly while walking to the door. "Ok great thank you, goodnight" I said walking over to my bed to put my shoulder bag down. "Oh and y/n" he said and I turned to face him again. "I'm here" he said softly and walked out shutting the door behind him. It was almost enough to make me cry. It was so nice to hear those words. They comforted me so much to know I would be able to do this on my own but have someone for guidance. I smiled to myself and opened my suitcase getting out my pajamas and toothbrush. I got changed and put my day clothes back into my suitcase, hanging my coat and bag on the bedpost and putting my shoes at the door. I went into the bathroom shutting the door behind me. As I turned the faucet on I looked into the mirror. Brushing my h/c from my face and putting a headband in. I washed my face with the warm water and dried it off with the soft hand towel that was hung next to the mirror. I wet my toothbrush and brushed my teeth. Rinsing my mouth and wiping off the excess toothpaste and left my toothbrush there to dry. I exited the bathroom and went and sat on the bed. I sat there and admired the room. There was a small window above the headboard that was too dirty to see out of. I used my sleeve to wipe a small circle and I looked out.

I couldn't see much since it was dark but I could make out a few trees here and there. Hmm. I layed down and got under the covers. I closed my eyes and layed there trying to fall asleep. I looked over at the clock on the wall and it read 10:45. I looked back at the ceiling and then turned on my side, closing my eyes once more trying to clear my thoughts and fall asleep. After what seemed like forever I had no luck. I mean I did sleep nine hours on the train so of course I wasn't going to be able to fall asleep. I looked back at the clock and it now read 11:20. I sat up reaching over into my bag and pulling out my wand. I whispered a quiet "Lumos" and my wand lit up lighting up the whole room. I sat and stared at it not knowing what else to do. I held it up and began making shadow puppets on the wall. After a rabbit I began to feel silly, but I excused the childlike behavior because I didn't know what else to do. All of the sudden I started to hear a door. But it wasn't mine and it sounded farther away than Dumbledores. Then I heard muffled voices sounding like they came from his office. I whispered a "Nox" and my wand went out. I slowly and quietly got up and walked over to my door, pressing my ear to it but not having any luck in hearing better. I contemplated it for a moment and turned away back to my bed, I shouldn't, that would be an invasion of privacy. One of the voices grew louder and I then heard Dumbledore say to quiet down. I looked at the door. Well we all know im gonna do it. I have no respect for my morals. I tiptoed to the door and quietly and slowly turned the doorknob. As quiet as I could , I opened the door and peeked into his quarters, not seeing him but seeing the light from his office casted from under his door. I tiptoed over to that door making sure to not hit anything and breathing through my mouth to be as quiet as possible. Last thing I would want is to be caught eavesdropping on my first night in the castle. I gingerly pressed my ear to the door and stopped breathing to try and listen. "I think she will excel wonderfully here! You don't doubt my beliefs do you?" I heard Dumbledore say, surely he wasn't referring to me. "Of course not Albus, I just don't know if it's the best idea for her to be my student!" I heard a strange deep velvety voice say. Who does this guy think he is? Why wouldn't he want me in his class? "And why is that?" I heard Dumbledore respond calmly. The man paused and cleared his throat. "You know why." he retorted. The fuck does that mean I thought. My heart picked up speed as I began to grow very concerned and confused. "I think you are overreacting, she will be just fine." Dumbledore assured the man. I stepped back and laid on the floor trying to look under it. I laid my head on the cold stone floor and peaked through the small crack. All I could see was two pairs of shoes. Ones that were obviously Dumbledore's that were blue and had some light floral pattern and another pair of just black leather dress shoes. They continued talking but I zoned out staring at the pair of shoes. Hmm I took a mental note and got up off the floor. However when I was pushing up off the floor the rug my feet were on moved slightly and caused a small table to move and hit the wall with a thump. My eyes grew wide as their conversation came to a halt. "I thought you said she was asleep" the deep voice snarled. I didn't take any chances and sprinted back into my room closing the bookshelf door behind me as quietly as possible and jumping to the bed pulling the covers up over me and facing away from the door. My heart was beating so fast I could hear it in my head and feel it in my chest. My breath was ragged trying to catch up to itself. I heard his bedroom door open and heard him walk in and around it. I could hear him pause for a moment outside my door and then exit his room closing his door behind him. I heard them exchange a few more muffled words and then heard what I was assuming the black shoed man leaving his office and Dumbledore returning to his bedroom. I closed my eyes trying to be still just in case he came to check on me. I continued to fake sleep until it eventually caused me to drift off and finally fall asleep.

#severusimagine #severus x reader #severus snape x reader #severusnape #snape x reader #snape imagine #professor snape #snape #hogwarts #slytherin

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wonderland-in-bloom · 4 years

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riddle, ace, deuce, and malleus watching a meteor shower w/ the reader

anon asked: hi! may i request hcs for a reader who's a super nerd for everything related to space and stars (as in. they'd talk about it for literal Hours if u'd let them) dragging out their friend (who maaybe has a crush on them lol) ace, deuce, riddle and malleus to stargaze after hearing there's gonna be a meteor shower that night, perhaps from astronomy class? how would they react, would they enjoy such an activity + how would they deal with such an excitable and odd person such as the reader? tysm!! 💖

im bacccccccc from deeeeeeeed,, hey guys how are y’all doing? i think this will be the last request i’ll do before i focus my attention on the summer beach bash writing collab event held by the amazing, the lovely @nonsensical-twistedriddles anyways i hope you all are doing alright and enjoy these headcanons ❤️

for a better visual/image of what the meteor shower is like, refer to kimi no na wa or episode 6 of violet evergarden “somewhere, under a starry sky”

headcanons under the cut :))

riddle rosehearts

being the dorm leader of heartslabyul means that he’s always busy and he has tons of things to do, so when you first approached him he was a little hesitant

“i....i don’t know (y/n)...” “pleaseeeeeeee”

you gave him your signature ‘cute puppy dog eyes’ and that was when he knew he couldn’t resist, so he agreed

that night he was surprised to find himself in a hill at the back of the school. you had laid out a blanket and brought a couple of pillows and a telescope just in case. a couple books about the whole meteor shower, and books about stars and space in general were sprawled across the grass as well

“ah riddle! you’re on time!” “of course. those who are late have to be taught a lesson”

you patted the empty space next to you and he sat down beside you

“i’ve actually read about tonight’s meteor shower in one of my books. it happens once every 300 years! i’m just getting super duper excited just thinking about it! the fact that i get to see a comet that happens once in 300 years! aaaah! it’s amazing!”

personally, riddle didn’t know too much about comets or meteors or just astronomy. he just knew what he needed to learn for the subject. but seeing you being so happy and hyped about the meteor shower made him want to learn more

as you continued to ramble, riddle let out a small chuckle, causing you to focus your attention on him

“sorry, sorry. it’s just...you’re so cute rambling about these things. please tell me more.”

riddle saw a light in your eyes as they seemed to sparkle and you continued

he didn’t really understand half of the things you were saying but he enjoyed it

“and...and then it said that-” your sentence got cut off as the meteor shower started. an array of colors filled the sky as the sight before your eyes was the most beautiful thing you’ve seen

you stood up and just gazed at the whole thing in amazement, riddle followed but half of the time, he was looking at you. he was amazed at how passionate you were in this and how he wants to see you smile like this all the time

“(y/n). thank you for inviting me.” “it’s no problem, really!” “they say that when two people who are truly in love are together gazing at a meteor shower...their love for each other will be known to both and it will continue to grow.”

riddle blushed and so did you. were you saying...?

“well it’s just an old legend, though. we should head back.”

the next day in class, riddle approached you out of nowhere and handed you something. it was a crystal necklace in the shape of a star

“i really hope there’s another meteor shower soon. and i want you to come along with me.” he smiled before quickly running to his own class.

and as the legend went, after spending time with riddle during that meteor shower, your love for each other grew and grew

ace trappola

“haaah? a meteor shower? what’s so interesting about that?” “oh come on ace! you owe me one anyways! remember that one time-” “okay! okay! i’ll go.”

truth be told, ace really doesn’t mind doing anything and going anywhere as long as you were there. but his big ego doesn’t allow him to agree that easily.

you were both snuck into the astronomy classroom and went out the window to the balcony. a perfect view of the meteor shower

“what’s so cool about this meteor shower, anyways?” “a lot of things actually!” you continued to ramble on about it

ace could care less about space, stars, meteors, all that jazz, but since you were the one talking about it, he really doesn’t mind. there was one sentence which grabbed his attention though

“tonight’s meteor shower is called ‘the falling stars’” “what? so like...stars come falling from space? or is it just one big ass star?” “no! it’s called ‘the falling stars’ because they say if you make a wish while gazing at the meteors, it’ll come true.”

“what the-that’s all-” “ace! it’s starting!”

he glanced up at the sky, and truth be told, he never saw a scene as beautiful as that. it was really as if the stars from the sky were falling down.

“it lasts only for three minutes! hurry up and make your wish!” he turned his head to face you and saw your eyes closed and face scrunched up. some wish. “alright then~”

once the meteor shower ended you giddily asked ace what his wish was

“hmm...maybe i’ll tell you someday.” “what?! why not tell me now?!” “my wish is something you should figure out on your own.” “what?! hey! that’s not fair! ace! wait for me!”

the next day, ace was delighted to find you skipping through the hallways with a bright smile on your face

“good morning guys!” you smiled to your two best friends. “what’s with the smile, (y/n)?” deuce asked you. “nothing! just feeling happy.” “so my wish did come true.” ace whispered to himself.

“what did you say?” “nothing. now let’s get to class.” “ow! ace that hurt!” “it was just a playful slap, you big baby.”

now what was ace’s wish, you may ask?

i wish for (y/n) to always be happy, and to let me see her beautiful smile on her face each day

deuce spade

“what!? it’s tonight?!” “jeez you never keep your eyes open in astronomy class, do you? but yes! it’s tonight. so we should go together, okay?”

you and deuce were known to be the chaotic, nerd-like duo over these things. you were much more invested than deuce however, but he just likes to listen to you talk about it.

he helped you up the roof of the ramshackle dorm where you both could get a good view of the sky

truth be told, you were trembling a bit. heights weren’t your thing and now here you were sitting on top of a roof which could’ve collapsed any second.

you clung onto deuce’s arm, causing him to blush slightly but he assured you that you both were going to be fine

the sky changed from a dull dark blue to a bright, glowing purple and light blue, and you both knew that the meteor shower started

“it’s...beautiful.” the both of you whispered in amazement. you and deuce just stayed up talking about astronomy and how the both of you got interested in it as the meteor shower continued.

“you know something about this meteor shower?” deuce shook his head. “...no? what?”

“it says that you’re granted good luck if you’re under the sky of this meteor shower.” “that means everyone in night raven college gets good luck huh?”

“i don’t know. it’s not specific! they didn’t even say how long the luck lasts or...yeah. it’s just not specific. it’s just an old saying anyways.” you and deuce laughed.

you both felt something slip under your feet. “uh oh.” it was a roof tile.

this caused you both to slide from your position and started tumbling down the roof.

“deuce! do something! summon something soft so we don’t fall!” “u-uhhh, okay!”

it was his and your safety in his hands so he prayed that he was able to come up with something appropriate

“i summon...a big fluffy pillow!” you and deuce managed to fall off the roof without any harm and landed on the pillow, slightly bouncing even

you both laughed in relief as the both of you were okay. “hey, you managed to summon something good!” “well..maybe it’s the good luck from the meteor shower.”

“and you know, i’m feeling pretty lucky. so...i can do this.” he leaned in and pecked your cheek. your cheeks instantly burned up as you buried your face in your arms.

“deuce you idiot! you should consider being lucky that i don’t slap the heck out of you!” he just laughed at your cute behavior and attacked you with a big hug

you two ended up accidentally falling asleep on that big, fluffy pillow and you both woke up to find yourselves in each other’s arms

malleus draconia

“(y/n).” he called out to you. “yes?” “i heard there’s going to be a meteor shower tonight.”

“ah! yeah...about that. i was thinking...if you would want to come see it with me?” you fiddled with your fingers. “me? i’m...invited?” “yes! i wouldn’t want to invite anyone else in the whole world.”

malleus felt delighted and was just looking forward to that night. he didn’t really matter what else happened during the day.

“but i don’t really know where we can watch it from. the other students are planning on watching it too...” “we can see it from the diasomnia observatory.” “WAIT, YOU HAVE THAT?!” you shrieked a little too loudly

“i mean....if you don’t mind.” “of course. it’s alright.”

you were shocked to find yourself in a neat and organized observatory. bookshelves surrounded the whole room and a big telescope was in the middle of it. “this is amazing...”

“you could always come here if you want.” “WHAT?! WAIT, REALLY?” you beamed as you followed malleus. “i know your love for space, (y/n).”

you mentally slapped yourself, was it always that obvious? am i just too loud about it? ugh damn it.

“you shouldn’t worry about it. it’s fascinating to learn all about it.” you were always there for malleus when he was in depth into talking about gargoyles and you treated him with the utmost respect. you also joined in the conversation and actually asked him a few things. he wanted to do the same for you.

“i was the one who invited you, yet here you are doing everything.” “i don’t mind...” if i can spend time with you, i’d do anything.

“malleus, look!” you pointed at a golden glow coming from the sky. it was starting.

you two stood in silence for a while, enjoying the view of the night sky and each other’s presence

“you know...i’ve seen this meteor once. when i was a child.” “really?” you scooted closer to him. “sadly, back then, i didn’t have anyone to enjoy it with. i didn’t have anyone who is as passionate talking about it as much as you. and now, i’m glad you’re by my side, (y/n).”

“and i’ll continue to be by your side! i promise, we’re going to see as many meteor shower as possible! we’ll go stargazing, go chase clouds, everything! and--ah sorry. am i rambling too much?”

malleus took your hand in his and placed a gentle kiss atop it. “hearing you talk about these things makes me happy, (y/n). and i’m glad you’re by my side. i promise we’ll do all these things together. i’d do anything with you, as long as we’re together.” “thank you.” you smiled back (trying your best not to lose your composure)

and you both spent the whole night in the balcony, hand in hand, with your head resting on him as you watched the stars in the night sky and as the sky turned from a dark blue to a bright blue

just like the way you both wanted it to be

and now i wanna go stargazing uuuugggghhhhh or watch kimi no na wa/violet evergarden again efjwoejfowe. FAIRY GALA EVENT TOMORROW!!!! the best of luck to everyone who’s scouting !!!

love, a♕

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littlefreya · 4 years

Text

The Way to Hell - Part 8

Summary: Post Mi6, Alternate Canon. August escapes Ethan Hunt with his face intact and is currently the most dangerous man alive. Unwilling to back down from his murderous agenda, he plots to continue where he stopped, unaware of the trained assassin who is sent to bring him down.

Pairing: August Walker x OFC (Ingvild)

Word count: 5.5k

Warnings: Smut, blood, violence, gunfight, choking, rough, angry, unprotected sex, foul language, bodily fluids.

A/N: Okaaaay, it’s time to fuck shit up. The moment you’ve been waiting for. I lost sleep over this chapter, writing action sequences is HARD!!! So please leave feedback! Thanks, @agniavateira for editing my work and being my muse.💖

*No permission is given for reposting my work, copying it or parts of the source material and claiming it as your own*

Title: Maw of the beast

Following the coordinates given to him by Knight, August steps through the muddy ground in the darkening evening sky. He listens to the squelching sound as his shoes sink into the moist mud, making sure the steps are his and his alone. His hand pushes a curled-up cooper fence that blocks the way and ignores the warning sign as he continues forward, following a man-made path of wooden planks.

A monstrous abandoned building towers in front of him, looking like something out of an Italian horror film. Scaffoldings and metal bars surround the dark concrete brick of what appears to be a spire or a gothic opera house of some sort, construction not nearly halfway finished.

August narrows his eyes with deep suspicion, making careful hesitant steps while looking around him. His hand reaches for the gun holster beneath the long beige jacket, ticking the clasp off in preparation of whatever awaits him tonight.

The entrance is guarded by two large gargoyles, leering at him from above a large archway. He stares back at the sculptures, focusing on their empty eyes before stepping through the open gate.

A great hallway welcomes him, accompanied by large pillars that guide the way inside. They’re engraved by winged creatures-angels or demons, he cannot tell. The corridor is showered by red construction lights chained to the floor, laid next to each tall column.

Bright enough to determine shadow from light, yet not strong enough to conclude if the deconstructed hall is a church, an opera house, or the gateway to hell itself.

Only one thing is certain: it’s most probably a trap.

August’s own steps echo in the acoustics of the tall ceiling. Marble shines on the floor through the wooden debris, and large sheets of nylons huddled on the floor. His soiled shoes step between them carefully, trying to listen to whomever walks with him among the darkness.

There in the umbra, a stalking predator moves behind the pillars. August pauses, his right hand resting on the grip of his gun while his ears capture the tapping sounds of small steps. An odd sensation spreads through each of his nerves, it almost feels like deja vu yet not as quiet. His heartbeat accelerates, her name rolling on the tip of his tongue even before the outline of her petite figure becomes clear.

‘How the fuck…?’

He might as well have summoned her into appearing by his endless thoughts of her. He can almost see her face as she moves with him with a succubus grin and shining eyes. She can tell he sees her, yet she does not bother hiding.

This is a game.

Aggravated, August sighs and moves to seclude himself behind one of the pillars. His gestures are nearly graceful, displaying a lack of panic even though the blood in his veins begins to boil. This will be the second time she is messing up his plans.

The petite woman moves through the columns like a playful ghost; she is silent yet in his mind, he swears he can hear her demonic giggles. August begins to slowly mimic her behaviour, stalking behind the opposing pillars like a large feline creature, watching her face and learning her movement methodically.

There is a loud drum in her heart, her muscles slightly quivering beneath the skin from the thrill of finally seeing him. The chase was prolonged, and even now where they’re finally sharing the same air, there is an unforgiving distance between them.

‘I will kill him with my own hands if I have to.’

Perhaps that’s the intimacy he deserves.

“You really value your life so little, princess?” August's deep voice finally graces her ears, and the baritone makes her heart flutter. Not out of fear, but the rush of having him close after days of chasing him with sick intent.

“On the contrary, Mr. Walker,” she replies with a smile on her soft-spoken voice, her eyes alternating between his figure and the path which is nearing its end. Arriving at the last wide column, she pauses, half-hidden behind the angels and demons that embellish the pale stone. August does the same, staring directly into her eyes from the other side.

No festive facade this time, just plain jeans and a black t-shirt. She grips her gun low to the side of her hip, her finger circling the trigger while her eyes stalk down his suited form, trying to learn as many details as possible. This time there will be no surprises, no hidden knives, or sins of vanity and arrogance which made her fail in the past.

“I told you, I will keep coming for you.”

“And I promised you, I won’t be merciful.”

A gun would be quicker, yet he would very much love to kill her using his bare hands. For a week the ghost of her face haunted him and now as her vision appears in the flesh all he fancies is to mount her small body and have his hands around her throat, squeezing hard until the breaking sound of her hyoid bone will fill his ears.

‘I wonder how many people know that it happens while choking someone to death.’

“I finally read your manifesto.”

The many images of him pinning her to the floor fade by the softness of her voice. His gaze pierces through hers. A shimmering glint sparkles in her eyes which are now painted twilight red by the lighting of the room.

“Do not mock me,” he warns while sliding his gun out from its holster. The sound of hard metal scratching against boiled leather makes her shiver with anticipation.

“I’m not. It’s beautiful, I mean it,” she replies with sincerity. Her eyes focus on August’s long index finger as it ticks the safety off. “The suffering I bring you is the bridge to ultimate peace.”

August scoffs as she recites his own words to him, mesmerized by how her voice speaks his own written vows.

“Are you trying to get me hard, princess? Because I’m halfway there.”

She offers him a slight chuckle, her mind tempting her with visions of his naked form, yet she brushes them away, her smile quickly fading. “Too bad, you have to die.”

“Too bad,” he answers back, his eyes drinking her pleasing sight one last time before a final farewell. He takes a hasty mental photograph of the facility, planning his strategy carefully, memorizing every exit route and possible guarding point.

“Well then, do we do this like in the American western films?” she taunts with a grin on her voice. “We count to four and draw? ”

He chuckles and shakes his head with amusement.

“However you wish to die, babycakes.”

“Alright then, on four,” she answers and turns to lean against the pillar with her back while cocking her gun, now switching to hold it between her hands while they are folded up, the barrel pointing to the ceiling.

“One…”

Stripping his jacket off quickly and throwing it on the ground, August prepares himself for the assault. With his back shoved against the thick column, he holds the gun close to his chest and glances at her from the corner of his eye. One eyebrow crooks up as determination paints his chiselled face.

“Two…”

The sounds of shots being fired shudder through the hall and ring painfully in their ears. Too loud to be able to hear the expensive stone blasting and falling apart at the floor. There is a high-pitched hum buzzing in Ingvild's ear as she crouches down to defend herself. Her hearing becomes somewhat impaired from the loud blast, making it near impossible to hear his movement.

He counts two shots from her weapon and sneaks on his knees to switch positions. Now hiding behind the doorless frame, which leads to another room. The lighting of the facility makes it difficult to see movement, and the gunshots have temporarily damaged their ears. He wants to praise her for selecting such a perfect location for a showdown, but he knows she won’t hear a damn thing if he will.

Breathing slowly, Ingvild sticks her head out carefully, just enough to seek his location. A whiff of violent wind grazes her cheek as a shot is fired too close to her face. She crawls back to her hiding position, glancing at the bullet that is pierced through the wall. Quickly, she sneaks out from her hiding place and sprints as fast as possible to stand at the same row of columns that August previously occupied.

He spots her movement and empties his gun four times, trying to hit her before she makes it to a barricade.

“Fuck!” he yells, missing her on all four shots. Her slender limbs and small figure make her far too agile for long-range combat, and he already spent 5 bullets. Chewing on the inside of his cheek, he quietly slides down the wall and disappears into the back room. His eyes quickly run through the next corridor, finding nothing but construction equipment, the scaffolding that holds the wall, and a half-exposed wooden floor that seems unstable as it creaks beneath his shoes.

There is a disturbing silence coming from August’s frontier. Leaning her head back and closing her eyes, she attempts to sense his presence, trying to remember Liam’s training. Yet her heart pounds too fast in her chest making her forget everything she ever knew. She had endless successful terminations since she was 14, yet fighting August is like fighting Lucifer himself.

For the first time in her life, she feels doubt.

Grabbing a rock that fell from one of the pillars, she throws it into the room, hoping the movement will fool him and evoke him to shoot yet there is no reaction from him, which makes her conclude he escaped to another room.

Taking a deep breath and trying to keep silent, she presses against the wall, smoothly advancing toward what seems like a crooked door frame. Her hands reach inside first, her head turning back for a swift second to make sure he is not lurking behind in her dead-zone.

She makes her way into an unfinished hallway of some sort, her eyes seeking for August in desperation, trying to determine movement, her feet nearly floating in the air as she hopes to remain unseen. The stern silence is needling and pricking her skin.

The hunter is caught by her own trap.

Cold sweat covers her forehead, and a sharp intake of air is forced by her lungs as she feels his presence behind her. She attempts to turn and face him, but something hard hits her on the back of her head. Her knees lose the battle to the physical trauma, her gun falling from her shocked fingers as pain blooms through her head like an electric shock.

Feeling triumphant for a split second, August seizes her by the neck with incredible force, eliciting a distressed scream from her lips.

“Shush now, beautiful angel.” he coos at her and points the gun beneath her jaw. “You already died before, you know what awaits you.”

‘Nothing.’

August watches as she stares at him, helpless. Her big eyes reflect his face in cherry hues. She is drenched with fear, even her sweat is soaked with it. Darn. Doesn't it smell amazing, combined with her natural body odour.

It’s an aphrodisiac, making him semi-hard, drawing him to smell it.

Ingvild scowls with shock as he nuzzles her neck, his moustache scratching at her skin. A terrifying chill flutters through her spine, adding to the harrowing sensation of death’s welcoming invitation.

She is not accepting it yet, though.

Her hands grab onto his and struggle to hold the gun away from her face. She claws her nails onto his fingers, leaving bloody trails across his fists.

The gun fires five more times, emptied into the ceiling until it runs dry, shooting desolated clicks again and again until August grunts with wrath. Still holding her neck, he shoves her toward the wall and slams himself against her back. The wooden floor creaks beneath them, its foundations starting to become unstable beneath their chaotic dance.

“Why did you have to make this so fucking complicated?!” he barks at her, his hand lacing itself with her hair, pulling her head back against his chest. She can hear the stark sound of a knife being pulled from its sheath and watches as her eyes reflect on the sharp silver.

“Why do you have to be such a fucking cunt?!”

August rasps at her, attempting to anchor the knife against her throat. Bracing a leg against the wall, she counters herself and pushes both of them back, also managing to knock the knife out of his hand and set herself free of his grasp.

August’s shirt is stained with circles of sweat as she turns to face him; he is trying to catch his breath while glaring at her with blazing eyes. His infuriated gaze begins to travel lower, falling to the corner next to her and fixating on the floor. Bemused, she follows the direction in which his eyes are staring, finding her lost handgun resting on a pile of nylons.

Their eyes meet together in a piercing glare, trying to read each other’s thoughts and calculate their next move. There is nothing between them but their loud breaths and the throbbing in their ears as their hearts pound heavily.

Arrogant as ever, August is the first to make his move, lunging forward with ferocious speed. Infuriated, she moves to block him, her knee lifting high enough to kick his chest. Coughing violently he stumbles on his feet, his ankle thudding back through the rotten wooden flooring, causing the planks to fall through the basement level.

Ingvild stares horrified as the floor crumbles as if Hellmouth has opened in the ground. She attempts to step back, watching August fling his hands in the air as he loses his balance. His hand grasps the collar of her shirt, pulling both of them through the pit in the ground.

~*~

The air jolts from his lungs at once as his back hits the ground with incredible force and a twinge in his spine rips through his body, letting him know he is still alive. The sound of his own husky grunt is a plea in the darkness as his body remains stiff and immobilized.

A sharp chill prickles his skin, moments of distilled fear are cold on his sweat. His mind begs to move yet his muscles ignore it.

Somewhere in the eclipse of the room, he hears Ingvild’s suffering grunts. Small movements catch his attention from the corner of his eyes. Attempting to find her, he slightly sticks his head up, watching her crawl on the floor with immense effort. Her black jeans are torn at the knees, blood and dust cake her chafed flesh. She coughs, holding one hand over her chest while the other supports her weight on the basement floor.

Scratches and blood stain her once porcelain face, her hair is a mess while her eyes are glossy from both the struggle to breathe and the burning hatred that boils within her. Dragging her limbs, she breathes so loudly every exhale comes out as a shrieking mutter.

“You look so beautiful.” August mocks and chuckles in a rusty voice, his laughter melting into a pitiful cough. He manages to regain some of his motoric abilities, turning on one side, yet his body betrays him, every muscle screams with exhaustion as he attempts to get up.

While watching August trying to get back on his knees, the bile rises in her throat. A spike of adrenaline shoots through her heart, and like a screeching cat, she lunges at him. Her hands push him back down on the dusty ground, securing his neck. She thrusts his head down and tightens her grip, strangling him while screaming with despair.

She never hated anyone in her life as much as she hated him right now.

August stares at her maddened face as she lies on top of him. Tiny wrinkles from between her brows as savage cries tear from her mouth. Her thumbs suppress his intake of air and force at his jugular. All the while, tears seam at her beautiful grey eyes, he can see his own reflection in the translucent glass. His lips are parted open, face turning purple. It almost feels like falling asleep.

As his mind nearly drifts away, he thinks of Lacey.

‘Was I the last thing on her mind?’

Aching as they are, his hands find their strength, reaching around Ingvild’s delicate throat. She hisses in disdain, trying to lift her upper body away from his reach yet he pulls her flat against him with all that remains in him.

Tiny spasms shock through her entire body as his lips crush against hers.

Her whimpers are divine, so gentle and delicate. He hums as if he is eating the most decadent desserts and devours every angelic sound her body produces. His hands are large and stark, restraining her head. Coarse fingers latch around her jaw, tethering her every movement while he dominates her mouth.

The scent of his own blood fills his nostrils as her claws paint his jawline threads of crimson, a pathetic attempt to resist him. Gory trails sear his skin, yet he is distracted by sugary-sweet lips. Capturing her, he suckles hungrily, flirting between the south and north of her maw while his thick moustache leaves the skin above her upper lip red and irritated.

The devil’s kiss leaves her in daze, the touch of his lips made her heart beat to an irrational speed, fuming in her ears and between her thighs.

It’s as if her nightmare came to being in order to haunt her, or perhaps the pit they fell through is hell itself.

Fruitlessly she tries to pull away. Yet his grip is iron, her small breasts mash against his chest as he holds her and entangles their legs together. Somewhere amidst her impossible attempt to escape a dangerous throb awakens between her thighs.

‘No, I don’t want this.’

August’s sharp teeth nip at her succulent flesh, his tongue stubbornly fights to exhaust her defiance. Yet it’s not his mouth that tricks her into submission but a rogue gasp that rudely forces her mouth open as she feels him bumping his hips and grinding his rock-hard erection against her torso.

August smirks in vanity and exploits her disarray. Penetrating the hot velvet cavern of her mouth and groaning at the sweet cinnamon of her tongue. He licks and swallows every tender whimper while molten bliss dances through his tendons.

Fear of death is replaced by a whole new strain of terror, making her squirm as August conquers her mouth. Ingvild’s mind whispers dark words, keenly reminding her that August Walker will not settle for just a kiss. The thought of his Adonis-like naked body pressed against hers sets a wild shiver in her arms. Horrified, she releases his neck and begins hitting his chest, exploiting the last drops of strength that still stream in her muscles. Her fist ploughs at him, seeking for that weakness until finally, his punishing mouth tears away from hers with guttural growl.

Ingvild inhales sharply. Rage is hot and loud on her breath as she glances down on the man who violated her mouth. His unforgiving hands slide from her nape to her shoulders, caging her forcefully while his tongue flicks to clean himself from her taste provokingly.

A malicious smirks sparks his face as he watches her grey eyes turn into crimson. The sight of her mouth engorged and glistening from his abuse is enough to make his cock twitch with sheer anticipation. He wonders how hot and wet she is for him down below, how wonderful she will sound taking the entire length of his cock.

“I bet your cunt tastes even better.”

The blood seethes in her. Any coherent thought is lost, there is nothing but hatred as she bestows him a sharp smack across the face, causing him to turn his head aside from the force of her slap.

Iron caresses his tongue as he tips it at the small gash that formed in his lower lip.

‘Just like Lacey.’

He growls at her dangerously, his eyes narrowing and his grip tightening. He readies himself to hit her back but is stopped by delicate lips that smear blood across each corner of their mouths.

Like an animal licking her prey, she drinks him.

For a moment she feels weightless, floating feather-like, anchored by nothing but the gravity of his strong body beneath her. But the yearning to brutalize him grounds her back to reality. She bites and sucks, her fangs creasing small cuts at his chin and the apex of his lips before moving to torment his mouth which kisses back at her in a wet synergy.

‘I knew it’d be fun to break her.’

August's hands travel south her spine, capturing her taut ass and squeezing it tightly. The heartless succubus tries greatly to be aggressive, yet he finds her kisses delicate as butterfly wings flapping on his flesh. The warm hums of her voice tickles his throat and her taste, a fear and lust mixed elixir.

He could swear he has never been this hard in his entire life.

Unrelenting desire flows through him, having had enough with letting her explore. He takes the reins and flips her down into submission. His tongue writhes into her mouth, snake-like and slippery while his hands ravage her body. He kneads and gropes, making sure to be as crude and ruthless. He hopes to hurt her every possible way.

She wriggles beneath him, legs locked, entwined between his, her boots kicking the ground helplessly. Sharp talons tug at her shirt and her bra at once, huddling it up beneath her chin. Just enough to expose her perky breasts to feast upon. August breaks away from her lips, staring at her naked chest while his teeth chew at the gash in his bottom lip.

A rosy blush spreads down her naked torso, the cries that leave her mouth speak of just as much pain as they tell of pleasure. August’s fingers thread between her peaked nipples before reaching to kiss and nip at her breasts. Ingvild shakes beneath him, exclaiming small hisses as his teeth leave purple marks across her body.

“Remember how I promised I’d fuck you, princess?” He asks darkly, a twisted fascination marking his face as his finger traces the stitches on the wound he gave her.

“I wish you’d die.” she bites back with loathing to which he replies with a cold smirk.

“You can’t even get that right, little girl.”

Snarling like a possessed thing, she finds herself clawing at him. Berserk, mind twisted, sick with desperation, her hands seek through the shadows, nails ripping and yanking at fabric and skin, shredding at whatever she can find until his battered body is exposed to her.

August huffs at her, his nostrils flaring. The small vixen beneath him awakens his every primal instinct; he wants to gnaw at her bones, to reduce her to nothing as he fucks her through her tears.

The violent scuffle to remove her jeans takes seconds. Sturdy fingers tug at both her undergarments and her trousers, pulling them down the bones of her hips in sheer brutality while she snakes her hips and kicks her feet. Exposed to the chill of the room and to August’s darkest needs.

Alarm spikes in her chest, beating with anxiety as his hand runs smoothly up and down her creamy limbs. Her legs shut together instinctively yet the beast shoves his knees between her thighs, starved to enter the warmth of her body. He fumbles with his belt, and the noise of the buckle clicking makes her jostle with fright. She attempts to catch that whimper before it leaves her mouth yet fails. August sneers, pulling out his large erect cock and letting the base grind against the wetness of her slit.

One hand cradles her skull, his thumb pressing against her lips, holding her head in place. The horror feeds him, stupendous panic, making her shiver beneath his large body.

The frozen girl who never feared death is afraid of him.

Feasting on her sight, he reaches his fingers to his mouth, letting his slippery tongue flake the tips. His thick saliva coats them before he sends his hand down to lubricate her inviting slit.

Ingvild’s breath suspends as scenes of her nightmare come to life. August hovers above her like a great incubus, and she muses if this is all but a dream, yet the brush of his wet fingers between her petals proves to be the only thing that feels real in her existence. There is a pulsating void in her chest and between her thighs, aching at his touch.

“Fuck.” he calls out ecstatic as the tip of his fingers finds her sleek and hot. Unable to wait anymore, he immediately grips at his cock and positions himself in her narrow slit. ”You’re soaked, you want this.”

Frozen in time, her breath takes away as the hard velvet of his manhood breaches her entrance, desecrating her with sin. His invasion into her body is brutal, ripping through her fresh core, while chanting moans of the most divine pleasure.

Every sensation becomes vivid inside her as he is buried in her depth, the astonishing, overwhelmingly tight grip around him, the nails that bite into his biceps, the small body that shudders unstoppably.

It almost feels as if he just broke something inside her.

“Oh…”

Realization seeps into his mind as she remains still but for the twitch in her muscles. Frowning bemused, he tilts his head down, noticing the quiver in her lip and the wetness beneath her glassy eyes. Ingvild watches silently, white with shame as August reaches his fingers to the space where they’re connected and returns them stained in crimson.

“Huh,” he exclaims, playing with the blood between his fingers before landing his palm next to her head. Sick pride poisons his beautiful blue eyes, his tarred heart singing of great victories. He didn’t think it was possible to be even more aroused, having wanted her for so long, but the fact that he just stole something from her that she will never gain back drives the degenerate feral animal inside him wild.

“Did I just pop your cherry, princess?”

Ingvild answers with silence, ignoring the arrogance that beams on his face and the searing pain inside her. She feels the warmth of her blood and the righteousness of her walls trying to defend her lost honour while his manhood throbs inside her with excitement.

Ever so slowly, he pulls out, his mouth ghosts over hers, aphrodisia coursing through his veins, fueled by the despaired gasp that leaves her mouth.

“Aww…” he coos at her yips and cries with false sweetness, his hand snapping at her inner thigh, handling it against his hip to force another punishing thrust. Pain surges through her cervix as he hits too deep. His low groans are languished, guttural melodies of pleasure.

“You feel so good, princess.”

Unwilling to succumb to his cruelty, she growls in anger. As he pulls back for the third time, she pushes hard to meet his thrust, taking his thick cock all the way into her chasm. Still raw, her muscles scream with protest yet she grits her teeth and smiles twistedly, unwilling to let him triumph over her.

August closes his eyes with delight, an onslaught of curses spilling from his lips at the sensation of her succulent walls engulfing him with woven warmth. He couldn’t be gentle with her even if he wanted to. His entire existence calls to shred her, to see her lips parting to small pathetic sobs of pain and pleasure as he conquers her.

Pain still spasms in her core as he drives into her in a lewd manner, yet the odd sensation of fullness achieved with the reach of his cock to the pit of her cervix evokes a new pleasant tingle in her essence. Like a gentle chord it vibrates, playing the sweetest music and blooming within.

Every time he pulls away, she suddenly grows desperate for his return.

‘More please, more.’

Deep whimpers and laboured groans fill the empty spaces between the shadows, creating a violent harmony as August fucks into her in a wild, primal rhythm, ending every thrust with a slam which makes her arch against him and tear his skin with her nails.

They can feel themselves pulsating in rage against one another, flesh slapping into flesh, blood and fluids, hot, savage like animals, reduced to nothing but their carnal lust. Their bodies move in unison, lips and tongues collide, teeth nipping at each other.

“You like that?” August rasps, his voice cracking into groans as he continues to pump in and out mercilessly, feeling her walls growing tighter, milking his cock in demand to drain him from his generous offering.

A hazed memory of a long time ago brushes through his mind. There’s a familiar sensation to this, surging through his ribcage, a desire to unload all his anger and hatred into someone else, to be baptized by her essence. It makes him fuck her harder, mistaking the thought that he could experience the slightest moments of redemption.

‘She doesn’t feel like that ungrateful bitch, nothing about her does.’

Ingvild bites her lip tightly, withholding from crying his name. There is a wholeness in her she never felt before. Tears well in her eyes, loving and hating the way his body fits inside her, making every sensation she ever felt in her life become insignificant. All that matters is his lips, heart, and cock as it sinks into her in an unstoppable pace until the colours and tunes dance in her heart, and a burst of white flames explode within her.

For the first time in her life, she comes around something, feeling complete.

‘She looks beautiful when she comes.’

“I’m going to come inside that virgin pussy of yours.”

August gasps a threat as he rocks above her, astonished by the sight of ecstasy on her face. His balls clench against the seam of her cunt, and his cocks swell between her clutching muscles. Spiralling out of control his fingers snap at her feeble throat, choking tightly as he’s thrown beyond rapture. Ignoring her desperate fight for air, his orgasm takes him by force. He moans deeply and spills his seed into her virginal womb.

Sobbing gasps leave her mouth as he strangles her. Tears roll from the corners of her eyes, falling down to her dusty hair in the dim light. Too meek to fight him off, she watches as his stare turns black, lost in some trance.

‘What are you doing to the girl, August?’

As if waking up from a dream, he snaps back and gazes down on her, surprised by the vulnerability and fright in her grey eyes as his hand holds her down.

‘End this.’

He frowns at himself, nearly frustrated, his hands releasing her slowly, backing away in the air, allowing her to breathe once again.

‘You fucking idiot.’

August watches her heave, sobbing beneath him silently. Her skin trembles beneath his heavy body. Shock and grief storm in her eyes at her lost innocence. As his knuckle grazes her cheek, she suddenly flinches and looks at him oddly.

The blue ocean in his glance shows no emotion, yet he croons at her and comforts her with the soft hush of his lips. His coarse thumb dries her tears, wiping them away and stroking her hair to cease her from shaking.

“Shhh… it’s okay. It’s okay.”

His touch is tender, almost relaxing. But the more she stares at him, the more chaos charges in her chest, making her want to scratch her own eyes in anguish. Pushing him away, she forces him off, guilt-ridden and ashamed. She tugs her shirt back down and fumbles for her pants desperately. A pink mixture trickles down her inner thigh as she pulls her jeans up.

Her blood, his semen.

His cock is coated by her innocence as well, tainted by a thin layer of blood. He chuckles to himself, coldly while sitting up and holding himself from making a humiliating joke about it while she moves around between shadow and twilight.

Unaware of what to say or do, he pulls his trousers back up and stands on his feet, trying to find his remaining piece of clothing before deciding what to do with her.

The sharp sound of a gun’s barrel being stretched pauses his musings before they even begin to take shape. His glare lifts up slowly to meet hers. There she stands, the untrustworthy whore, her gun gripped between her hands. A distressed look on her tortured bleeding face.

‘Just like the rest of them.’

Her lips tremble as she speaks, her brow rising up as if out of mercy.

“I have to kill you.”

A burst of light flashes in the room, making her grey eyes shine so bright they glisten like stars in the darkest skies.

It’s the last thing he sees before his world goes black.

_____________________________________________

Disclaimer: I don’t own Mission Impossible franchise and/or August Walker

#Henry Cavill #August Walker #Henry Cavill Fanfiction #August Walker Fanfiction #mission impossible fallout #Mi6 #Mission Impossible Fanfiction #Fanfiction: August Walker #August Walker x OFC

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rareficsnstuff · 3 years

Text

Happy Halloween!! [Akaashi, Tendou, Bokuto]

AN: Okay, Anon, I hope the wait was worth it. I was suddenly inspired by the recent holiday so I combined your request with that element and I thought it made sense to place it in the Kuroo, Bokuto, Tendou post high-school roommates AU that I accidentally started here. Enjoy!!

Summary: Akaashi is invited to a costume party at Bokuto, Kuroo, and Tendou’s apartment, but everyone is less than pleased about his costume. And where’s Tendou?

Words: 3,878

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The doorbell’s tone mixed with the cacophony of chatter that buzzed endlessly throughout the apartment. It caught the attention of Kuroo, who had been conversing with some friends on the couch.

“Bo, that’s your turn!” he shouted over his shoulder to the kitchen.

“Yeah!” came Bokuto’s boisterous, garbled reply before he quickly threw the last bit of candy bar into his mouth and made his way over to the door. He swung the door open jarringly and it collided with the wall behind, leaving a nick in the paint.

“You shouldn’t slam doors. Be more careful, Bokuto,” the new guest scolded calmly.

“AKAASHIII! Hey, hey, hey!! You showed up ~.” Akaashi stood there looking bored, hands clasped behind his back, but as soon as the elder was finished with his verbal greeting, the younger found himself being pulled into a suffocating bear-like hug and lifted off the ground by his overjoyed friend.

“B-Bokuto… I can’t breathe… P-please put me down,” he choked out as he awkwardly hung in Bokuto’s grasp.

“Oh, sorry!” he all but dropped Akaashi on the ground, rubbing his neck and smiling sheepishly while Akaashi removed his coat and hung it with the rest of the guests’. “So… a ghost, yeah?” he asked.

“Yeah. It’s all I had. Sorry…” Akaashi’s ‘costume’ consisted of a white thermal top, a pair of old ripped jeans, sneakers of no particular sort, and the classic white triangle strapped to his head.

“No, no! I like it! It’s like… modern ghost,” Bokuto punctuated with a grand, theatrical wave of his hands. “You look cool!”

“You’re wearing the same costume you’ve worn every year since I met you. Why don’t you ever try something different?”

“Why would I try something different?! This is the perfect costume! Owls are so cool, Why wouldn’t I be one every year?!” Bokuto shouted proudly. Akaashi’s response was to simply stare blankly.

“Right, stupid question. Sorry…” he added dryly. Bokuto shrugged, throwing a hearty slap to Akaashi’s back, knocking the wind out of the younger and making him stumble forward.

“Okay, okay, come in, Akaashi!! You have to see what Tendou and Kuroo did with the decorations! They’re awesome!!” Bokuto cheered, closing the door and pushing Akaashi further inside by his shoulders. “Oh, and their costumes are cool, too! But I bet you can’t guess what Tendou is ~,” he sang in a challenging tone. Akaashi sighed.

At that moment, Kuroo looked over his shoulder at the commotion by the front door. “Heeey, Akaashi! Good ta see ya!” He stood, moving towards them to clap Akaashi on the shoulder. Akaashi’s jaw fell.

“What the-- “

“Whoa, wait a minute, where’s your costume?!” Kuroo fussed, pointing a disappointed finger at Akaashi’s chest. The shorter made a lame gesture of presenting himself with a lazy wave of his hand over his body before he let his hand fall back limply to his side.

“… That’s it…” less of a question, and more of a disappointed statement. Akaashi additionally pointed to the white triangle on his forehead. “Oh, yeah. That’s- that’s much better. Your costume’s pretty wimpy there, Akaashi…” Kuroo finished, dropping the sarcasm.

“It’s all I had,” Akaashi blandly repeated from his earlier conversation with Bokuto.

“Really…” Kuroo’s tone irritated Akaashi. Was he trying to pick a fight or something? The shorter’s eyes narrowed ever-so slightly, but Kuroo still picked up on it. Kuroo reached out, grabbing Akaashi’s headpiece and pulling it away only to let it snap back into place. Akaashi winced, lifting a hand to swat Kuroo’s away.

“Speaking of costumes, what the hell is yours supposed to be?!” Damn… provocation expert for a reason, huh? Akaashi didn’t care right now, though – he just felt like glaring at pain-in-the-ass Kuroo just at the moment. Kuroo smirked with a chuckle.

“What, you can’t tell?” he stopped, waiting for Akaashi to try and guess. Akaashi only continued scowling. “Mad scientist, dud! C’mon!” Sure enough, Kuroo was wearing a white lab coat spattered in fake blood and green faux chemicals over a worn out, grey t-shirt. He had an old pair of torn up corduroys that didn’t quite reach his ankles, long, neon green socks and some old brown loafers that were about a size-and-a-half too large. His hair though, was the real eye catcher: people who knew him would immediately be drawn to the fact that you could see both eyes!! Gone was his usual style of rooster-esque bedhead. He must have spent a lot of time and product to get all his unruly, wiry locks to stand strait up like that. The final details – Akaashi felt were a bit over the top – were a bit of dark eye makeup beneath his eyes – to make him look sleep-deprived, Akaashi supposed – and a pair of large and broken, circular-framed glasses hanging from his t-shirt collar.

“Not much different from how you usually look, is it?” Akaashi snarked. Kuroo’s haughty smirk fell.

“Someone’s in a bad mood tonight,” Bokuto interjected, looking awkwardly between the two.

“Hey, Akaashi, you seen Tendou tonight yet?” Kuroo asked. There was an odd, baiting tone to the question, but Akaashi couldn’t begin to guess where this was going.

“No. I just got here.”

“Well, unlike yours ~, his costume is superb! And I bet you can’t guess what it is?” Kuroo almost growled. There was no question that was a challenge. Now Akaashi just needed to decide if he cared.

Perplexed, Akaashi asked, “What are you getting at?” Kuroo only grinned, eyes glinting mischievously and Akaashi’s brows furrowed untrustingly in response.

“Oh hey, Bo, it’s almost 8 o’clock! I gotta get going!”

“Yeah, yeah, no worries, man! Say hi to Kenma for me, okay?” Bokuto replied sweetly.

“Sure thing!” One final swig from a cup of apple cider nearby, a clap on Bokuto’s back and an elbow nudge at Akaashi before a quick stop at the entryway closet to grab his coat and Kuroo was out the door.

“Kuroo tried to get Kenma to come, but I guess the shrimp wanted to stay in this year. So he’s gonna go spend the rest of the night over there and watch horror movies n’ stuff…” Bokuto explained.

Suddenly, from somewhere in the apartment, there was a shout followed by a string of giggles. Akaashi figured it was coming from one of the bedrooms, but he didn’t really care too much; probably some idiots on a sugar high from all the candy and sweets. He rolled his eyes, but Bokuto looked towards the commotion and chuckled.

“Hey, hey, Akaashi! Look at this!” Bokuto exclaimed, suddenly jumping to one side only to stand in front of a black light that was set up against a wall. He crouched into a kneel on one leg with is arms wrapped around him like a vampire, the feathered sleeves and horned (and beaked) hood of the owl onesie providing more cover to his face. Pausing there a moment – to build suspense? – he suddenly looked up dramatically whilst simultaneously throwing his arms open in a ‘menacing’ way, his face dramatized into a bold, sneering grin. The light from behind caught his form, lighting up the white in his costume and face, making him look like a gargoyle from a children’s television program. Though that probably wasn’t quite the affect Bokuto had been going for. Akaashi stared, trying to process what he was looking at and contain the urge to press his palm across his face.

“Very spooky, Bokuto…” he finally said, to which the ‘gargoyle’ stood to his full height, fists on his hips, and laughed triumphantly – obnoxiously, in Akaashi’s opinion. But he’d be lying if he said he didn’t miss this at all and he found one corner of his mouth lifting. Only a little.

“Didn’t my roomies do a great job on the decorations?!” Bokuto asked proudly. Akaashi looked around, fully observing the décor for the first time.

“Yeah, they really did. The place looks great,” he said truthfully. Again, there was a sudden burst of laughter from somewhere in the apartment. Two voices this time, one more desperate than the other. Akaashi’s head snapped in that direction for a second before glancing back at Bokuto who was, again, grinning in that direction before he turned to meet Akaashi’s eyes with another chuckle.

“Anyways, there’s lots of food and drinks n’ stuff in the kitchen, so help yourself. And you have to try the apple cider; that’s my grandma’s recipe! It’s awesome!” he finished, pumping a fist into the air as he turned and went to mingle with his other guests.

Akaashi stood there awkwardly for half a minute before he decided to fix himself a plate of food. The evening was pleasant enough; he caught up with several old friends and acquaintances and even met some great new people. These were all friends and teammates from Bokuto, Kuroo, and Tendou’s high school years. All pleasant people in their own ways and Akaashi was almost fully enjoying himself after the whole Kuroo dispute. He hadn’t seen much of Bokuto since he left him to his own devices but the elder seemed to be getting around. He was in his element after all – one of them anyways. Every so often, however, there were those random bouts of laughter coming from somewhere in the apartment. He was never in the same room when it happened though; anytime he moved to another room, whatever was going on had suddenly moved to the room he had just left. And he had yet to spot the elusive Tendou...

By about 11 o’clock, the majority of the guests had gone home and more were trickling out by the minute. He and Washio were the only two left in the living room, comfortably chatting on the couch. Even then, with all the rest of the non-residential people left in that apartment, laughter once again sounded through the apartment. Bokuto’s laughter. Loud and boisterous intermingled with (apparently) Tendou’s own laughter. Akaashi thought about asking Washio if he knew anything about this, but decided against it, and all too soon, Washio was excusing himself to go home, going to find the other two for a quick goodbye before he grabbed his coat and walked out the door. Akaashi found himself alone, slowly nursing the last of his eighth glass of apple cider.

“Yooo ~, Akaashi ~! Haven’t seen you all night!” Akaashi turned to see, finally, Tendou emerging from the darkened hallway. Akaashi froze. What the hell was he looking at?!

Bokuto trailed in behind him looking like he’d just run a ten minuet mile; panting and cheeks glowing red, a sheen of sweat coating his forehead.

“Yeah, I guess… I guess we just kept missing each other… I’ve been here since eight,” Akaashi stammered, almost in a daze as his expression became something like concerned confusion. He was so distracted by-- what in god’s name was Tendou wearing?!

“Alright! Hang on! Wait! Full stop! Is that your costume?!” Tendou accused pointing a disgusted finger at Akaashi as his face twisted into abhorred imploration. The younger had to close his eyes, taking a minute to inhale deeply through his nose and release it in a heavy, frustrated sigh.

“Yes. It’s all. I had,” Akaashi bit out.

“Whoa, whoa, no need to get huffy, Kaashi, just making an observation,” Tendou attempted to sooth.

“You were making a criticism…”

“And what the hell are you supposed to be, Tendou!” Akaashi shouted, suddenly jumping to his feet.

“Yeah, you’re right, I was- but you gotta admit… your costume’s shit-“

“Akaashiii ~,” Bokuto sang, finally speaking up. “You’re supposed to guess ~.” The two residents both smiled at their guest, Bokuto’s expression was affectionate and playful while Tendou’s was smug.

Fuzzy. Red. Neck to ankles. Like he had taken part of an Elmo costume from a thrift store. There was a pair of matching red yeti slippers to complete the coverage while his fingernails had been painted black and a pair of black horns peeking out amidst his mess of spiky, red hair. The finishing touch, a bright green, feather boa lei necklace.

“How the hell am I supposed to guess?! You look like you just grabbed the first handful of things you could find at a second hand store!”

“Well, at least we know I put in more effort than you,” Tendou sassed to which Akaashi huffed. There went his good mood. “Anyways, you seem a little grumpy today, don’t you ~?”

“Yeah he’s kinda been that way tonight,” Bokuto confirmed, much to Akaashi’s growing irritation.

“I wonder why…” Akaashi mumbled under his breath.

“So… You really can’t guess what I am, Kaashi?” Tendou purred, creeping towards their grumpy ‘ghost’ guest.

“No. I have no idea. Wha- what are you-- ”

“You really need to guess what he is, Akaashi. But don’t worry, we can help you out with that ~,”

“Guys… What’s going on? You’re kinda freaking me out- please stop inching towards me.”

“I’ll inch wherever I want,” Tendou snipped playfully, looming ever closer to Akaashi and his growing unease of the situation. The red-head had him so distracted – and, frankly, terrified – that he entirely forgot Bokuto had been creeping up behind him.

“AH! BOKUTO! Put me down!” His old Captain had grabbed him from behind, scooping him up by hooking his arms under his Kohai’s. Now Akaashi’s heels were lifted off the ground and he could just barely manage to stand on tip toe. His arms dangled out to the side as he waved them around uselessly and his white thermal rose up to reveal a sliver of skin at his stomach.

“Still no ideas ~?” Tendou’s voice was oozing with mischief, giving Akaashi one final chance.

“… Wanna feel how hard I can kick?” Akaashi bit, snidely, making Tendou chuckle. And that was the last straw.

“Grmph!” Akaashi choked on a grunt, eyes widening into saucers and lips pressing together into a tight line. Every muscle in his body locked up in panic, but when Tendou’s thumbs on his sides continued in those unbearable kneading circles, he could feel himself starting to twitch and his diaphragm beginning to flutter with oncoming laughter. The laughter itself started as exhaled huffs of air and sharp inhales through his nose as his eyes closed and lips curled up more and more as the maddening sensation built. When Tendou switched his touch to a claw-like kneading up and down his quivering sides, Akaashi couldn’t help the light chuckles that slipped from his throat as he turned his face into his shoulder and bit his lip to try and contain some of his more ridiculous reactions. Bokuto and Tendou grinned at each other.

“Oh, Kaashi… I think you can do better ~,” Tendou cooed, traveling his torturous claws upwards just to nibble at his lowest ribs. This had him spasming and trying to back away from the silly touch, but Bokuto easily prevented that sort of escape. The thing about Akaashi, though…, he didn’t hate his laugh, but… he had always been embarrassed to laugh fully in front of people. He didn’t even know why but, in this situation, he couldn’t really help it.

“Ppphht-hehe-- nooohohohahaaa!” Akaashi’s laughter picked up along with his struggling. He gave a few valiant attempts to pull his arms down, but ultimately realized that, with Bokuto being the one holding him in place, there was no chance of that… So, in a desperate attempt to protect himself, he reflexively brought his knees up as a flimsy barrier against Tendou’s searching hands.

“Oh, no, sorry, Akaashi. That isn’t gonna help you, bud,” Bokuto teased, feigning pity as he turned his hands to flutter his fingers at Akaashi’s ears, making him squeak and shake his head. Tendou cackled at this.

“You would know, wouldn’t you, Bo-Bo!” he said, grinning. Keeping one hand at Akaashi’s ribs, he moved the other to one of the now presented knees, making him kick out in reflex. Tendou must have been expecting this response, because he stepped aside just in time to not be kicked in the gut. All hilarity aside, he did not actually want to know how hard Akaashi could kick. “Easy there, Kaashi…”

“Naho! S-stohop thahaaaat!” Stupid Bokuto! Why did he have to be so strong?! With all Akaashi’s flailing, his former Captain wouldn’t budge!

“You’re sooo wiggly ~!” the red-head teased, moving to loop an arm around Akaashi’s kicking leg so he could hold it in place while he scribbled black painted nails at the inside of his knee through a hole in his jeans while still keeping one hand free to explore elsewhere. “Soooo? What am I, Kaashi ~? Any ideas yet?”

“Drohop dead!” Akaashi giggled, quite unthreateningly.

“Alright, now that wasn’t even an attempt at a guess… And it was kinda mean…” Bokuto said from behind, still occasionally ghosting against his ears just to get that squeak again.

“Yeeeah! It was kinda mean!” Tendou agreed, ominously. The tickling stopped and Tendou dropped Akaashi’s captive leg. The ‘ghost’ took this chance to catch his breath, finally letting his feet reunite with the ground and attempting to regain some composure – but with his pink face, glossy eyes, and twitching lips, there was little hope for that. It was a couple seconds later that Akaashi realized that it was quiet and the other two had yet to do anything. Bashfully, he looked up, meeting Tendou’s predatory gaze and impish smirk. The sight made Akaashi’s blood run cold.

“You’ve really done it now,” Tendou started, dangerously. “You’ve disrespected me. You’d better tell me who I am… Or I’ll never stop.” With that, at lightning speed, one hand latched itself to Akaashi’s hip while the other fused with his ribs, fingers kneading, digging, worming, and spidering any way they could, looking for the best reactions. Akaashi careened when Tendou vibrated his fingers into his hip, wheezing around his laughter. To be honest, Akaashi hadn’t even really been thinking about what Tendou’s horrendous costume could be; caught off guard by the sudden tickling and then being too busy laughing… he didn’t have the time or focus.

“Wait a minute, Tendou, hang on…” Bokuto said, sounding way too excited for Akaashi’s liking. To his horror, Akaashi suddenly felt Bokuto slipping his arms out from under his only to readjust his hold to have both his Kohai’s wrists held above his head in one hand. He couldn’t have resisted that if he tried.

“OOooo!” Tendou sang, fingers wiggling excitedly. “Thanks Bo-Bo!”

“Oh no, noho, no, no, no- guys, please! Pleahese dohahaaaahahaha!” With his torso fully vulnerable, Tendou dove right in once more, switching between scribbling, massaging, and vibrating. Akaashi was screeching. He seriously couldn’t remember giggling so hard in his life, with his wrists tugging desperately (but uselessly) at Bokuto’s restraining grip and his face getting redder by the minute-- god was he crying? “GAAA! B-Bokuhuhuhehee! Bohokutoho, DON’Ttthehehe!” And it was getting worse. Bokuto had started running his fingers along his spine, digging his finger into the backs of his ribs, and scratching at his shoulder blades and neck.

“Awww ~ Look at you all ticklish, Akaashi ~. I can’t believe I never knew about this ~,” Bokuto cooed, grinning at the way Akaashi arched away from his touch.

“Yeah, you’re really losing it here, Kaashi ~. Is it that bad ~? Is this just completely unbearable ~?” Tendou’s baby talk had him burying his face in his arm once again, stomping a foot on the wood floor – a vain attempt to alleviate the hilarious, buzzing sensations coursing through him. “Well, it’s gonna get worse, boyo. Who. Am. I?” The way Tendou’s voice shifted so quickly and drastically from baby talk to that ominously, teasing tone… If Akaashi wasn’t laughing so hard, he’d probably be cowering in fear right now.

“WHOAHAHA! HEHEY! NoaaAAA, NOHAAO!” Oops… there was a squeal in there… Yeah, he was never living this down. But Tendou had started running one hand from one of Akaashi’s underarms, down to his hip, while his other hand did the opposite: from his hip, up to his underarm. Akaashi’s brain couldn’t keep up. His knees buckled and he sank to the floor as much as Bokuto’s grip would allow.

“C’mon, Akaashi, you gotta have an idea by now, don’t you?” Bokuto asked, fingers nibbling at the base of his neck. The poor guy didn’t know which way to squirm. Akaashi nodded weakly, tears definitely falling now.

“Oh do you?! Aaand ~?” Tendou inquired, now concentrating solely on his victim’s hips. Akaashi stumbled forward, neck too weak to lift his head to protect against Bokuto’s ongoing attack and only allowing his head to hang down pathetically as he cackled like no one had ever heard him do before.

“AAAAHAha! PleaHA-- YOU-HA-- YOUHA’RE THE T-t-heehehehe! T-t-tTIHICKLE MOHONSTEHEHER! STAHA--! PLEAHEEESE- STAHAHAAAP!!” Wow… Now he had resorted to begging. They were never, ever going to let him live this down.

“Sorry, what was that, ghosty boy ~? I couldn’t quite catch it ~.” And of course Tendou was going to drag this out. He is the tickle monster after all…

Tendou went from massaging Akaashi’s poor hips to vibrating claws into them while Bokuto also switched to poke around under his arms.

“TIHICKLE MONSTER! YOHOU’RE THE T-TICKLE MOHONSTEHEHAHAAAA!”

“rrrRRRIGHT YOU ARE, BOYO!” And finally, the tickling stopped. For good this time and Bokuto released his wrists to gently lower him to the ground where he crumpled into a giggling lump as the other two grinned down at him fondly. “I gotta say, Kaashi, I’m pretty disappointed… It took you waaaay longer to figure it out than anyone else.

“Well, how was I supposed to know?” Akaashi panted lightly. “You look like you just grabbed a bunch of stuff from a second hand store and threw ‘em together into that disaster…” He opened one eye to glance playfully at Tendou.

“You want me to tickle you some more ~? Bo-Bo, get-- ”

“NO! No, okay, I’m sorry! I’m sorry!” The younger pleaded, making his two Sempai snicker.

“Well, actually, you’re not far off. That’s just about what I did do. I’d had the idea planned out for months, but I still needed the pieces, so I thought the easiest way to find them was second hand stores at stuff…” Tendou replied, a pondering expression on his face as he recalled the experience. Akaashi chuckled, throwing a palm over his eyes when Bokuto joined in heartily and Tendou followed soon after in his own string of wild giggles. When they had all calmed down, Tendou extended a hand to help Akaashi up who graciously accepted.

“Okay, be honest, Kaashi… is that really all you had ~?” the red-head prodded, cocking an eyebrow incredulously at the younger. Akaashi grinned.

“No. Heh… I just didn’t want to deal with it. I grabbed the first thing out of my closet and made the headpiece out of an old napkin!” he finished just before breaking out into giggles again and sending the other two over the edge as well.

“Hey, I still think it looks great!” Bokuto chirped, clapping Akaashi on the back.

“Thanks, Bokuto,” Akaashi said, grinning at his former Captain.

“Happy Halloween, everybody!!” Tendou exclaimed, throwing his arms in the air jubilantly, making the other two laugh again. Akaashi shook his head.

“Weirdest Halloween ever…”

#tickle fic #haikyuu!!#ask #anonymous #answered #Akaashi Keiji #Tendou Satori #Bokuto Koutarou

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