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mcufox123 · 3 years

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The Worst of You

Wanda Maximoff x fem reader

Synopsis: You have defeated Thanos but what does that mean for your relationship with Wanda.

A/N: In this story all of the characters survive Endgame because they just do. This is just part one, another part will be coming out soon. Also I wrote this based off the Noah Cyrus and P.J. Harding song “The worst of you.”

Warning: Alcoholism, Self spiraling, grief

I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THESE CHARACTERS!

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Tony threw another infamous party on Saturday to celebrate one year since you all defeated Thanos and life returning to somewhat normal from the blip. The world was in chaos with half of the population returning that everyone was everywhere helping out wherever they could. It had been about a year now and things were finally getting back to normal. The Avengers had not been together at the compound since Thanos was defeated, so in a way the party was celebratory. You and Wanda however were not in the celebratory mood.

You and Wanda had been dating for almost 3 years now, theoretically. Your relationship had started before the blip, sneaking off to see each other was very romantic. Two years into the relationships the blip happened. She was gone, dusted. It devastated you. You two were conjoined at the hip, so her being gone left you lost. For the first 3 years after the blip, you worked so hard to get everyone back, to get Wanda back. By the end of year 3 however you crashed. You flipped out at Natasha, the one person who had been there for you. You stopped eating, only when you absolutely had to. And you almost never left your room. You had spiraled now realizing that your love might be gone forever.

By year 4 you had hardened yourself from all emotions. The only people who could see you, were Nat and Steve. You went on missions for them but when you returned you gave your report then went right to your room. You got drunk nearly every night. Drinking until you were numb from the pain and eventually passed out. That’s how the rest of the blip went, until Scott Lang showed up at the compound. You did not even indulge any bit of hope. You weren’t going to get excited about something that may not even come true. When everyone started to put in the work however, you helped. You played along with their plan.

After getting all of the infinity stones, when Bruce snapped, you did feel a bit of hope and it continue to grow when Clint’s phone range and it was Laura. That’s when you blacked out for a second when Thanos destroyed the compound. The fight that ensued was hard. Not everyone was back. They few that were fighting were injured. That’s when all of these portals started opening with all of your friends who you hadn’t seen in 5 years. It brought tears to your eyes. Not for long as the fighting continued. You did not even see Wanda during the fight. You only met her when all of Thanos’ army began to disappear. You sprinted as fast as your feet would take you to hug her in a huge embrace. You squeezed her so hard and cried into her shoulder. Your 5 years only seemed to be 5 minutes for her. You kissed her hard. Putting in all the pain and need into that kiss as your mouths moved in sync.

After the fight was over a majority of you moved into Stark Towers until the compound was cleaned up and rebuilt, but most of you were never there, always on missions. You and Wanda, after the first few blissful weeks of being back fell into a pattern. You always got drunk out of habit now and she was asleep by the time you went to bed, and she was always gone before you woke up in the morning running somewhere to save people. You weren’t into helping as much as she was. You felt that you had given 5 long years to helping people, it was time for someone else to step up, and of course Wanda thought that meant her.

Neither of you communicated as much with each other. She saw you spiral, she asked “Y/N, are you ok? I’m here babe I'm back you can talk to me.” She begged with glossy eyes. You however just shrugged her off “I’m fine Wanda, just leave it alone.” And you walked out to where the bar was and grabbed the whiskey, not even bothering to take a glass. Wanda didn’t ask again after that. She was trying so hard herself not to spiral so instead she kept her distance. This is how the past year went. You went to parties together and pretended everything was fine, putting on a great act in front of the team when you saw them. The nights that you pretended never involved going to bed, you would stay up in each other’s embrace, trying so hard to return to normal. After both of you were finished, you always put on clothes and walked out of the room to grab a drink, most the time crying. Wanda stayed in bed watching you leave as silent tears rolled down her face.

Both of you were so broken and couldn’t fix each other. But neither of you could bear the thought of leaving each other. You had already lost her for 5 years and you were not going to lose her again, you loved her so much still and wanted to get back to the place you both were. Wanda on the other hand still loved you. She could see your pain, the hurt you went through. She wanted so bad just to hold you in her arms and take all of the pain and suffering away. But every time you both tried the other person would just shut down.

Tony’s one year anniversary party, although supposed to be fun, was torture. You were already pretty drunk, and the party hadn’t even started a half an hour ago. Wanda was pissed. You were constantly leaning on her trying to keep your self up right and failing miserably. She decided to move you both to the couches where Steve, Nat, and Tony were talking. You’re eyes drooped shut, and you weren’t quite asleep but there was no way you could have a decent conversation.

“You holding up ok kid?” Tony asked Wanda, who had her head in her hands.

“As best I can. I’m worried about her. She gave so much, and I feel like the cost is me losing her.” Wanda said now wiping a tear away from her face. Nat quickly got up to hold Wanda in an embrace.

“What do you need to do? What do you need us to do?” Steve asked. He wanted to have a plan that all of them could work on to help you.

“I can’t hurt her,” Wanda said in a whisper, “But I can’t keep hurting myself either.”

You heard this and wanted to scream, you wanted to run far away. Away from all the pain, and sorrow that you have caused. But you just laid there like a drunk idiot. After that you didn’t hear anymore. The thoughts continued running and eventually you did fully pass out.

“Why don’t you go away for a little? Be at peace with yourself and come to terms with everything. We’ll take care of Y/N.” Steve suggested.

“You can come stay at the cabin near my house. You can help Pepper with Morgan and have the space you need. I could use a little help cleaning the grounds and your help would make it 10 times easier.” Tony continued.

“At least think about it Wanda. We all just want to help, and I’ll keep my eye on Y/N, let you know how she’s doing.” Natasha finally finished. Wanda wanted so bad to take them up on their offer right then and there. But she couldn’t help loving the worst part of you and this relationship you both were in.

She told them she would think about it, before waking you up and taking you to bed. She cleaned off your makeup, changed you into pajamas, and put you in bed. Before climbing in herself she just sat on the edge of the bed. Staring at you and how at peace you looked. Wishing that you could stay like this all the time. She wanted so badly to help you through this time, but she was slowly losing herself. She finally crawled into bed and cuddled closer to you which she hadn’t done since you pushed her away once. This was one night when you both slept completely, no nightmares waking either of you up.

The next morning you woke up with an awful headache. You weren’t going to reach next to you because you didn’t think Wanda would be there, but she was. To you this meant that you had did something right last night, but you can’t remember what. You walked into the kitchen to get coffee for you and Wanda, deciding to continue your good streak with her today. When you enter your surprised to see Steve, Natasha, and Tony all talking. They quiet down when you enter the room.

“Love when people act like they aren’t talking about me.” You say in a snarky tone.

“Maybe we wouldn’t be talking about you if you got your shit together Y/N.” Tony replied just as aggressively.

“That’s rich coming from the man who disappeared into the woods for 5 years while the world fell apart.” You yell back. You were slamming things now, getting angrier and angrier. You saw Steve eye Tony, as Natasha got up and walked towards you.

“Breath Y/N” she soothed as she came closer to you and gave you a hug. You took deep breathes as you calmed down. A tense silent took over the room.

“Y/N, look I'm sorry. I’m just worried about you. Morgan misses you, ya know? She always asks when Elsa is coming back to visit. And well you’re not ok Y/N. I want you to be ok. I want the badass who fought beside me in every battle. Who also was having fun with me and going to fun places being the life of the party. Who always remembered what happened the day after the party and would most the time scold me. I want to help you can I help you?” Tony says while making his way over to you eventually placing his hands on your shoulders making you look at him.

“Shut up Tony. I would still be that person if you didn’t abandon us. I would still be that person if we didn’t fail. If I didn’t spend 5 years wondering if there was something I could’ve done to prevent all of this. If I could’ve saved everyone. If there was something I could’ve done to save her.” You push him away and abandon the cups of coffee you were making. Instead, you walked to the bar only to find it empty. This pissed you off. You kick the cabinets underneath. He was getting to you, bringing up all of the feelings that you try to keep buried. You couldn’t tell them; you couldn’t burden them any longer.

You eventually broke down with your hands on the bar. No one moved this time to comfort you seeing the ice that was forming on your hands. After a few minutes you composed yourself.

“I need to take a walk. I need to get out of here for a bit.” You say while grabbing your keys and walking out the door, not bothering to look back. You headed right for the local bar.

Back at the compound everyone wasn’t as ok with you leaving.

“What do we do?” Tony asked while looking at his friends. Bruce had now joined the breakfast crew.

“I suggest therapy, we don’t know if medication will have an effect on her. I think she also needs to go away, get some sense knocked back into her, maybe Wakanda?” Bruce suggested.

“They are both going to be devastated if we send her away. I think she needs to stay here and get help here.” Natasha challenged. She had both you and Wanda’s interest at heart.

“She can’t stay here with Wanda; they will both continue to destroy each other. One of them needs to get out. One of them needs to be ok.” Steve said sadly.

“I’ll talk to Wanda.” Natasha said getting up and heading towards your room. She knocked and waited for a response. All she heard was sniffling on the other side of the door. She walked in to see Wanda curled up on the bed, not even moving when Natasha sat next to her. She pushed some hair out of Wanda’s eyes.

“You’re not ok sweetie, and that’s ok.” Natasha said. “We just want both of you to get better, we miss our friends. She needs help Wanda. You have done everything you possibly could, but this is out of any of our control. We need to get Y/N help. She’ll come back to you I promise.” Natasha said trying to comfort Wanda. Wanda didn’t say anything though, just cried harder holding onto Natasha like a child who lost their favorite stuffed animal. Natasha sat there and comforted Wanda until she quieted down again.

“Tony called Happy, and he can be here in an hour and a half to get you. Pepper is setting up the cabin as we speak. This could help you both, this could help you get her back.” She finished as she felt the younger girl hold her tighter. Wanda was afraid that if she let go and went with her then that meant she was giving up on you.

Eventually Natasha pulled away and looked at Wanda in the eyes, “It’s going to be ok; she is going to be ok, you are going to be ok. Do the work, put in the time to get better and it will all be worth it.” Wanda nodded before getting up and walking to her closet to get her suitcase.

Natasha walked out of the room and to the kitchen where Tony, Steve, Bruce and now Sam and Bucky were.

“Well, she’s packing.” Natasha informed them.

“Ok so here is the plan.” Steve continued to tell the rest of them the process they would take to help both of their teammates.

Hours had passed and the time finally came for you to drive home from the bar. You couldn’t even walk in a straight line to the car but it was only a short 5-minute drive. You could pull it together enough for 5 minutes. The drive seemed to be harder this time, with things blurring together. All of a sudden you hear sirens behind you. Of course, of course this would happen to you. The police officer gets out of the car and walks up to your window.

“name?” he says not even bothering to look at you.

“Y/N Y/L/N.” you say just staring at the wheel that can’t seem to stay still.

“Are you aware that you were driving 20 over the speed limit?” he asks finally looking at you. It takes him a moment before he realizes who you are. His eyes widen.

“You’re an avenger. I am so sorry. You do not seem like you are in any condition to drive though, can I call someone?” he asks very apologetically. Being an avenger did have some advantages.

“Yeah, you can call Wanda,” and you gave the man her number. After trying 4 times she still didn’t pick up though.

“Anyone else ma’am?” this irked you to no end. One because Wanda wasn’t answering and two, he just called you ma’am. You didn’t show any signs of aggression however because you didn’t want to scare the poor man. Instead, you gave the one number you knew you could call if you ever got in trouble.

“Yeah, Bucky.” You told him. He called, Bucky picked up and assured the officer he would be there right away. Sam dropped Bucky off not even 5 minutes later and thanked the police officer. He also assured him that the avengers would be taking care of my punishment. You rolled your eyes and looked out the window as he started to drive off. Before giving him time to speak you immediately started.

“Where is Wanda?”

“Y/N I can’t answer that.” He continued driving straight faced.

“Why the hell not? Where is my girlfriend? Is she safe?” you said starting to feel the icicles forming on your hands.

“She’s fine Y/N.”

“Bucky these short answers are really starting to piss me off. Also, what do you mean the avengers are going to be taking care of my punishment? I don’t need a punishment I was fine. I am fine.”

“STOP LYING TO YOURSELF Y/N.” he yelled startling you, “god can’t you see you’re not fine. You need help. You were not ok to drive. You are really lucky that policeman pulled you over before you could do any real damage. I’m sick of this person you have become. You’re hurting me, you’re hurting the team, you’re hurting yourself, and something I don’t think you realized is your hurting Wanda. That girl would die for you. She would do anything to be with you and make this pain go away and your just being so selfish to even try. Get over yourself.” He says frustrated.

His words hit you like bullets though. The final one being that your hurting Wanda. You’re not sure what happens but you look down to see your hand on fire. This has never happened before. You knew that you had ice powers, but fire powers were a new thing. Just before you can do anything you feel a sharp pain in your neck and then the lights go out.

Bucky was stunned the whole way home. Where the hell did the fire come from. As he pulled in the driveway, he asked Tony to come out in the Iron Man suit.

“What the heck happened? Our directions were to go get her bring her back, don’t say anything so we could stage our intervention! Only use the needle if it was an emergency!” Tony asked a very shocked Bucky.

“I’m no expert Tony, but I think her shooting flames out of her fingers is a bit of an emergency.” Bucky says as Tony stared at him wide eyed.

Tony carries you cautiously into the compound and sits you on the couch. Bruce puts the antidote needle into your neck, so you wake up. As soon as the light reaches your eyes your furious.

“What the actual hell?” you sneer at Bucky. You feel the flames in your fingers and look down to see the bottom half of your body engulfed in flames. Oddly enough nothing hurts, and you just feel power. The all cower besides Steve who was ready with a fire extinguisher. You just glared at him, however. You got up from the couch and made your way to your bedroom that you shared with Wanda. Her things were all gone. You felt as though the wind got knocked out of you. She couldn’t be gone, not again. You searched the bathroom the walk-in closet everything, there was no trace of her anywhere. It was like the blip but worse.

Your throat felt as if it was closing up. You could have prevented this; you saw this coming and did nothing to fix it. Unlike the blip you were to blame this time. You chased her away. The one person you cared about the most gave up on you. You were nothing to no one. No family, no friends, no Wanda. You broke, not being able to keep any emotions in any longer. You sobbed. You didn’t know who put their hand on your shoulder, but you turned into them sobbing into their chest.

“It’s alright kid, just let it all out.” Tony murmured into your hair. You had always been closest to Tony before the blip. He was like the older brother you always wanted. After he went to the woods it felt like he had given up on you, but here in his arms you knew he hadn’t. He held you for a long time while you sobbed. When no more tears came, and the hiccups started getting annoying he guided you to the kitchen. Everyone sat around the table not saying much with a water in front of each. The only seats that were empty was yours, Tony’s, and Wanda’s. Your heart sank a bit.

“Come have a seat Y/N” Natasha summoned you to the seat next to her.

Bruce was the first to break the silence. “how are you feeling Y/N?”

“Like a complete failure. Like I lost the one good thing in my life. I need help guys. I'm messed up.” You said keeping your eyes focused on the fingers in your lap.

“Hey, I have something for you.” Steve says reaching across the table. Tony interjects “You think now is a good time?”

“She admitted she needs help; she deserves to see this.” Steve walked around the table to hand you the piece of paper. You see your name written in an all too familiar handwriting, Wanda’s. You unfold the paper quickly to read its contents:

My love, Y/N, I love you with all of my heart. I always have and I always will. I am not ok though. I need some time to process all of the events that have happened. I need to be ok again to even start being able to help you. I have had so much grief and you made it all go away at one point. You are the light of my life Y/N, and I'm not strong enough to be yours yet. This isn’t a goodbye; this is a see you later until we both get the help we need. I will be back and I love you so much. Don’t be afraid to let go and open up, you will feel so much better my love. Yours forever, Wanda xx

You felt even more awful now that you know it isn’t over. She’s giving you the time to get better and you will. You will get the help you need; you will do the work.

“How do I get better?” you say with a determined look on your face. They all stare at you shocked but a glimmer of hope passes by all of their eyes.

#wanda maximoff #wanda x reader #wanda maximoff x reader #scarlett witch #natasha romanov #natasha romanoff #black widow #captain america #steve rogers #Tony Stark #iron man #Bucky Barnes #Bruce Banner #avengers #the avengers

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21burritoseavey · 3 years

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control - daniel seavey imagine

a/n: i hope you enjoy this one, this is probably the longest one i’ve ever done but i still hope you like it. oh also if anyone wants to be tagged in a post just let me know:)

warning: this imagine does describe/mention anxiety. I know that anxiety can look different for everyone but what happens in this imagine is kinda how I have experienced it. It’s nothing too crazy but be mindful and read at your discretion:)

Early in the morning I still get a little bit nervous

Fightin' my anxiety constantly, I try to control it

4:58am

Daniel awoke suddenly, his bright blue eyes snapping open. He felt the uncomfy tightness in his chest, rising and falling with every rapid breath he took, and his eyes darted around the dark room, paranoid that the terrorising monsters of anxiety had escaped from his dream world into reality. The silence of his bedroom and distant chirping of crickets outside said otherwise. Daniel swiftly shifted his gaze to his nightstand, the alarm clock read 5:00, signalling another rough night of sleep for him the third time that week.

Even when I know it's been forever I can still feel the spin

Hurts when I remember and I never wanna feel it again

He sighed tiredly before relaxing back into his bed, trying his best to smother his shallow breaths into his sheets. Daniel was wide awake, and mere seconds later, he slowly lifted his blankets to the side, draping his legs on the edge of the bed and got up cautiously. He walked slowly to the bathroom with quivering hands and approached the mirror in his en suite, grimacing at the sight before him.

Messy hair, damp forehead, ruffled clothing.

Don't know if you get it 'cause I can't express how thankful I am

That you were always with me when it hurts, I know that you'd understand

Daniel reached for the collar of his sweaty t-shirt before pulling it off, distaste etched in the features of his tired face. He tossed it in the basket, huffing lightly as he leaned onto the vanity. He stared blankly into the mirror and let his mind wander from thoughts about work to music to Y/n. Y/n, he thought again, furrowing his brows as he contemplated calling her. His phone sat plugged into the charger near his nightstand, easily reachable. Daniel knew that Y/n wouldn’t mind listening to his unwavering rambles about his nightmares like she typically did, but he still didn’t move from his place behind the mirror. Before anything else could stumble into his mind, Daniel quickly turned the tap on, the cold water flowed easily from the faucet and he rinsed his face quickly, washing the remnants of his horrors away.

9:23am

Incoming call from Y/n/n

Daniel almost grinned eye to eye as he read Y/n’s name on his phone screen and he quickly accepted the facetime, instantly seeing her sunshiny face light up his screen.

“Heyyy!” Y/n said tenderly from her comfy spot on her bed. Daniel’s expression softened as he heard her loving voice through the phone.

“Good morning, honey.” Daniel said sweetly as he pulled out a chair from the kitchen island and sat down.

“How did you sleep?” Y/n yawned.

I don't wanna lose control

Nothing I can do anymore

Daniel paused for a moment, pondering what he should say next, “I slept well.” Daniel grinned before continuing “Did you just wake up, honey?” He chuckled gently.

“Yeah...” Y/n smiled as she rubbed her eyes. She perked up quickly “Are we still coming over to my place later?” Y/n asked sweetly, gazing expectantly at Daniel.

Tryin' every day when I hold my breath

Spinnin' out in space pressing on my chest

I don't wanna lose control

“Yeah...of-f course” Daniel said as steadily as he could as he felt the anxiety boil up in his chest again. “Uh, I gotta go, I have a long day-” Daniel said with a tight smile, “I’ll talk to you later, I love you so much Y/n.” She smiled widely before replying.

“Okay, I love you, Dani.” Daniel tuned into the warmth of her voice before fading out with a quiet goodbye and hanging up. He set his phone down tiredly and got up from his seat to make some breakfast. He worked quietly but quickly, avoiding the reeling thoughts in his head.

Daniel couldn’t get his mind to stop, to just relish in the gift of presence like his girlfriend did. He admired her a lot in that way, in her ability to disregard any negative thoughts and go on with her day with the same soft, happy mood, gentle and steady. In truth, Daniel couldn’t shake the gut wrenching, shameful sense of feeling like a burden. Y/n was the person he felt safest with, but recently, he found himself intentionally suppressing his uneasy thoughts, which only left him with guilt and a distressing pit in his stomach.

3:42pm

The band had been doing interviews since 11am that morning and Daniel felt particularly exhausted from his rough and frankly non-existent sleep the night before. “Okay, listen up. You guys have two more fan meet and greets, okay?” Randy reminded the group while they sat on Daniel’s living room sofa.

Sometimes I still think it's coming but I know it's not

Tryin' to breathe in and then out but the air gets caught

The boys all agreed casually, replying with an asynchronous chorus of “okay”, but Daniel’s face only grew in panic and he shifted nervously from his spot a few paces away from everyone else. It was safe to say Daniel’s anxiety was majorly challenging him today, throwing him into a prison of worry and holding him hostage. He stared deeply into the blank monitor in front of them, his own loneliness reflected at him. The vibration of his iPhone notification piqued his attention and he read the simple message from Y/n with a grin “I miss you”. His eyes remained downcast and he dropped his phone in his back pocket again.

'Cause even though I'm older now and I know how to shake off the past

I wouldn't have made it if I didn't have you holding my hand

It felt like just minutes- no, seconds after they had finished their lunch break but the team were already preparing for the next zoom meet and greet. Daniel sighed deeply and approached the rest of the band before sitting down on the sofa beside Corbyn.

“Okay guys, you ready?” Randy asked, barely waiting for an answer before entering the zoom call. Daniel’s breath hitched in his dry throat, and he felt his body tensing and his heart pounding. He wasn’t ready. Daniel tried to cling onto any steady breath, but there wasn’t one. He felt himself spiralling into even more anxiety and his body abruptly dropped to the carpeted floor.

I don't wanna lose control

Nothing I can do anymore

Tryin' every day when I hold my breath

Spinnin' out in space pressing on my chest

“Dani?” Corbyn asked quickly, kneeling down beside Daniel. His sudden tone of concern sparked almost everyone’s attention. Daniel merely clasped his hands over his head, failing to slow down his heavy breathing.

“Daniel? Hey? Daniel-” The guys stumbled out with jittery voices. Daniel heard their concerned words on repeat but couldn’t get himself to respond. His poisonous anxiety flowed through his blood and soon he found himself heaving through heavy lungs. The boys all scrambled to get Daniel water or a cool towel or anything as Daniel sat sorrowfully on the floor with his knees up to his chest and his arms wrapped around his body. The group’s concern for their best friend’s wellbeing only made Daniel feel even worse and all he wanted in that moment was to leave. The overlap of panicked voices.

The abundance of eyes he knew were on him and the distant echoes of the fans’ voices through the screen all sent Daniel into suffocating overwhelm. In one swift motion, he lifted himself off the floor with all the might he could muster and ran to the bathroom.

The boys stood there stunned and Randy rushed to get his phone “Who should we call? Y/n?” Randy asked swiftly.

“Y-yeah, I’ll call her” Jack said quickly, grabbing his phone from his pocket and he dialled her number.

4:11pm

I need you to know, I would never be this strong without you

You've seen how I've grown, you took all my doubts, 'cause you were home

Y/n leaned her head on the bathroom door and she tried to call Daniel’s name as calmly as she could without letting her own nervous tears fall. “Dani” she said quietly, pushing her ear against the door as if to hear what he was doing. The sound of Daniel’s muffled sobs could be heard from the other side of the door. Her heart broke at that very moment, and she instantly felt sorrowful tears fall silently down her cheeks before she tried again. “Daniel, please, can you just open the door” Y/n said quietly, but Daniel heard and to Y/n’s surprise, he opened the door cautiously.

I don't wanna lose control

There's nothing I can do anymore

Daniel’s red teary eyes and quivering body were immediately noticed by Y/n, and she looked at him with concern carved in every part of her face. Daniel’s frustration and anxiety balled inside him, ravaging his mind with painful thoughts and emotions, finally erupting in front of Y/n. She shuffled over quickly to wrap her arms around him as he cried heavily into her shoulder, panting from pure exhaustion. Y/n gulped down her tears as she held Daniel tightly, whispering quiet reassurances as he let all his emotions out. Daniel clinged onto the material of his sweater she wore, and he let himself be calmed by Y/n’s presence. The sheer touch of her skin made Daniel’s sobs soften with each deep breath he took. Y/n looked down at him sweetly in her arms, “I love you, Dani” she said kindly, with the most genuine affection.

Daniel took a trembling breath before replying tiredly but easily “I love you too.”

(i swear i always end it the same smh, i wrote this so late)

#daniel seavey #daniel seavey imagines #daniel seavey fanfic #zach herron #corbyn besson #jonah marais #jack avery #wdw boys #why don't we imagines #why dont we fanfic #why don't we

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sarita-daniele · 4 years

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On Fanfiction and Original Fiction

I have a lot of feelings about the Tumblr debates surrounding fanfiction vs. “real writing” and am going to try to engage with them in the most productive/positive way possible, hopefully in a way that holds space for writers of all backgrounds and ability levels.

A note on my background, for context: I’m a professional published writer and writing educator. I hold an MFA from one of the top ranked MFA programs in the country. In the six years since completing my degree, I’ve been published in journals, anthologies, won literary awards and fellowships, been solicited by agents and presses for upcoming manuscripts, and have my first book coming out next year. My career has unfolded within the literary establishment, and I’m familiar with both its merits and its bullshit. I’m also a successful writer (of poetry, literary fiction, and speculative fiction) who gained many of my first, lifelong writing tools through fanfiction.

I’ve spent a lot of time processing the elitism, classism, and racism that writers (including Latinx writers like myself) face in the MFA world and in the publishing world. I’m working in a literary tradition that uplifts white male American minimalism as a style all writers should value and work towards. A literary tradition that discounts story structures that come from oral tradition, and discounts popular and genre fiction without considering why people connect with those stories. There are so many ways in which writers use their privilege and education to put each other down, and I think that this discussion engages some of these inequities even if it doesn’t come from that place.

As an educator, I’ve taught in a range of literary spaces. I’ve taught at my top-ranked university, where most of my students were financially privileged and had years of access to elite education. I’ve taught in inclusive nonprofit spaces with writers of all ages and backgrounds. I’ve taught in community spaces, writing poems and stories with homeless youth who dropped out of school, whose imaginations and ability to tell their own stories was no less than the young people who had more linguistic tools. A recent class I taught for my nonprofit was called “From Fanfiction to Fan-worthy Fiction”. In this class, I worked with teen fanfic writers to examine craft differences between fanfiction and original fiction. We talked about the tools they gained from fanfiction: writing genuine character moments, understanding character archetypes and tropes, asking “what if” questions and filling gaps in representation, writing toward an audience, developing a consistent writing practice, and learning to write toward the units of scenes and chapters. We also discussed the pitfalls they might discover as they transitioned to original fiction: original world-building, developing complex and nuanced character backstories, finding the right starting place, understanding story structure and pacing, breaking away from fandom inspiration, and editing and polishing.

Within the class, we talked about how, if we only read fanfic, our understanding of storytelling will be limited to what works in fanfic. There’s a world of story out there, and if we want to write original stuff, novels and short stories and poetry will help us gain the tools we need. This is what I think post “read real books” was getting at, but in a world where young people have their attention so divided by media and technology, I try to celebrate any reading my students are doing. If students tell me what kind of fanfics they love, what kinds of tv shows and videos games and stories they love, I recommend books they might also love. I had the privilege of growing up in a household where my love of books was fostered. This isn’t true for all writers. Some of my most successful writer friends and most talented students didn’t grow up in spaces where reading was valued or encouraged. I react against “read real books” because the phrase contains a certain privilege, as if people aren’t reading “real books” out of laziness or lack of ambition, or because they’re in a fanfiction bubble. It implies that consuming story outside of books isn’t “real”. Some of my students have felt intimidated by novels but welcomed by fanfiction. It isn’t a matter of yelling at them and telling them they’re doing something wrong—it’s a matter of helping them see that they can locate their love of story and character in books, then providing access points.

I wouldn’t be a professional writer if not for fanfiction. There are successful writers who have written fanfic and see it as separate from the development of their original work, which is great. But for me, who grew up with no writing community, with little access to creative writing education, and no place to geek out over the books I loved, fanfiction was an incredibly valuable training ground.

The heart of this argument is: who gets to call themselves a “writer”? Who gets to call themselves a “real writer”? What assumptions do we make in the process of assigning those labels? In my opinion, anyone who writes is a writer. My adult student who won literary awards and has her first book of poetry coming out with a major press. My friend who writes for Marvel. My friend who won the Yale Younger Poets Prize and a Lambda Literary Award. My retired adult student who always had a yearning to write but never actually tried it, who took her first class in her sixties. My thirteen-year-old teen student trying to find her way back into the education system, who had no grammatical tools, no education around writing, but wrote songs and raps just for herself. The sixteen-year-old fanfic writer who wrote to me seeking private coaching, who saved up all her money from her first job for those coachings, who didn’t even know what the past tense was and wrote and read only what you’d consider “smutty” anime pairings. All of these people were writing. All were doing the work of writing with the tools they had. All of them had an interest in learning more.

I like to believe that all fanfiction writers are writers, whether they pursue publication or not, whether they write original work or not, whether they develop their tools further or not, whether their writing has value for others or just for their own expression. If those writers want to improve—and we should always be improving, no matter how much we’ve published—then they can learn by reading, they can watch Youtube tutorials, and, if it’s accessible to them, they can pursue education in literary spaces. There are books that earn praise within the literary establishment that leave me cold. There are fanfics that ignite my emotion. There are lauded books that have forever changed me as a person and obscure books that have changed me equally. If you feel that writing is part of who you are, and it’s something you practice often, then you’re a writer, no matter what skill stage you’re at. I hope that claiming that title for yourself empowers you to develop your writing, using whatever tools you have available.

And if you want to take classes with me or other awesome writers from anywhere in the world, with lots of free sessions and scholarship opportunities, check out GrubStreet!

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macbetha · 3 years

Text

below the cut, you'll find an interest check chapter for quatervois, a nancy drew pc fic. it's francy and also my idea of my absolute dream game. please let me know what you think and enjoy!

+++

After Ned breaks up with her and she loses her father, Nancy struggles to find her old vigor for detective work. While on vacation in London with Bess and George, Nancy accepts the urgent invitation to return Blackmoor Manor. Her English getaway quickly turns into an investigation once Nancy realizes the true reason Nigel Mookergee asked her back to the moors. Finding Deirdre Shannon at the manor under the same pretense only sets Nancy’s nerves further on edge. It isn’t until the Hardy Boys show up in Blackmoor that Nancy gets a glimpse of who she once was. With a manor full of suspects and a glass heart cracked open, Nancy is determined to find the truth.

Dear Ned,

How are you? It’s been a while. I’ve always started off my letters telling you about my latest case, but I’m not on one right now. I’m sure that’s hard to believe. Bess and George have whisked me away to London. I’m sure you would love it here. This is the first time I’ve seen Bess and George since I sold the house in River Heights. I stayed with Kyler and Matt in Ireland for a while. I needed a change of scenery. Their daughter just turned two. I’m somewhat jealous I’m happy for them. Anyways, I miss you I hope you’re doing well. I’m sure New York is lovely at Christmas time. I hope Stephanie is I wish Stephanie well How is Stephanie? I hope Stephanie is doing all right. I appreciated the card Stephanie sent when dad passed away. Warm regards, Merry Christmas, Love Nancy

She stares down at the letter as if the red ink were her own blood. It feels just as wounding, seeing her emotions made physical in the words on the paper. Only when a tear splatters on the page does she break free from her trance to the past. Nancy is the only person in her hotel suite, yet she works to rid the evidence like one of her own suspects. She pulls her feet up in the desk chair and crosses her ankles, holding the arch of her right foot – it recently became the victim of her latest culprit. Nancy’s foot got caught under the getaway car’s tire, and she is lucky to even be able to walk after the event. Months later, it’s stiff as hell with the most intense cramps she’s ever endured. Heart racing to forget the night it happened, she focuses on the snowfall out the window – counting little sparkles of snowflakes, though the world blurs when she squints. The doctor thought her failing sight as well as the daily headaches were on account of being hit in the head so many times.

She busies herself with choosing a postcard to send Hannah and Nancy selects one with a cat dressed up as a royal guard. The cuteness puts a smile on her face, however small – she hopes it’ll do the same for Hannah, but there is no telling. Nancy had the gut-feeling Hannah was lying about recognizing her the last time Nancy visited the nursing home. Torment swirls like wind to fallen leaves. She doesn’t have Hannah or Togo to come home to. Togo passed just before Nancy’s thirty-second birthday, and Carson fell ill soon after that. Nancy looks to her hotel bed where Mr. Woogle Woggle sits tucked between two pillows. It seems he is the only one that hasn’t left her. A knock on her hotel door reminds her that is simply not true. Nancy rights herself, fixing her posture to the stance of someone passionate, and she opens the door. Bess and George greet her with blazing smiles; Nancy gives silent thanks for their presence in her life. She would still be in Scotland with Kyler and Matt, had Bess and George not insisted to take her on a vacation. Nancy imagines that their insistence was due to them wanting to keep Nancy from spending Christmas alone on the road again like last year. “Nancy,” Bess stresses. “You’re never going to guess who we ran into in the lobby!” Horror strikes dull and loud in her ears. Surely, it’s not Ned. Please, don’t let it be Ned. George says, “Give you a hint: they were involved in one of your cases.” Nancy’s despair leaves her throat tight. She glances down the hallway, preparing to yank Bess and George into her room and dial her Cathedral contact to get them set up in witness protection.

“That didn’t narrow it down at all, George,” Bess says with a roll of her eyes. “Nancy’s been on hundreds of cases.” Nancy’s strain creeps into her one word: “Who?” Bess and George beam. “Maya Nguyn!” ++

Nancy follows Bess and George to the elevator in a hurried stupor. No thoughts can she conjure as she steps free from the elevator walls which seem to close in on her; Nancy marches into the lobby and notices a woman in the crowd of tourists. She stands with her back to Nancy, her hair drawn up in a bun, and her chin is lifted high with no time for games. Maya turns around and her bright red mouth stretches into a smile. “Nancy!” “Maya,” Nancy huffs in disbelief. She tenses in Maya’s sudden embrace before all but falling into it. This is something good I did; Nancy cherishes with shut eyes. This is someone I helped. When Maya pulls back, Nancy says, “What are you doing all the way out here? You said in your last letter, you were still in Washington.” “My house is technically there,” Maya nods. “But I get to work on the road more these days.” Her brows crease over a sympathetic smile. “Bess and George tell me you’re kind of in the same boat.” Nancy shrugs, struggling to hold Maya’s concerned gaze. “It’s just easier,” Nancy lies. Maya seems to see right through it, but she doesn’t speak on it. Nancy will have to thank her later. George says, “Maya offered us free tickets to a play she’s reviewing tonight and get this – it’s at the Globe Theater!” “Remind me what’s so special about a globe theater,” Bess sighs, checking her nails. “Not ‘a’, Bess, the.” George shakes her head. “The Globe Theater – well, technically it’s a reconstruction of the first one, but it’s where Shakespeare wrote his plays.” “It’s the opening night of a new play,” Maya explains. “And Nancy, you’ll never guess who the star is.” Nancy cannot take anymore guessing games. “Brady Armstrong.” Maya blinks. “Well – yes, actually.” Nancy frowns. “Wait, really?” “Yes,” Maya laughs. “I’ll be conducting an interview with him after the show if you want to go backstage and chew him out for all the stunts he pulled back in the day.” A spark of vigor heightens Nancy’s senses. That doesn’t sound bad at all. Still – “Are you sure we won’t be a distraction or –” “Nancy.” Maya’s hand falls on her shoulder. “You saved my life. You’re the furthest thing from a distraction.” Gratitude floods her before Nancy nods. “All right, then.” +++ The walk to the Globe would be depressive what with the sky being the color of a soaked napkin, but the Christmas decorations lift everyone’s spirits. Nancy limps by a shop playing Christmas oldies through the open door and she is borne back to her father listening to records over cocoa on Christmas morning. She tries to push the memory from her mind, then she thinks of building snowmen with Ned and having snowball fights that turned into the sweetest kisses she’s ever received. The music won’t stop. There are three Christmas trees in the display window and their flashing lights strike pain behind Nancy’s eyes. She pants through a sensory overload before someone squeezes her hand. Maya smiles in understanding as Bess and George walk obliviously in front of them. “It’s hard,” Maya says. “This life on the road. You pick up a few habits.” Nancy squeezes her hand in thanks before tucking her own in her peacoat’s pocket. “I want to enjoy this,” she admits quietly. “But I think the holidays are always hard.” Maya nods. “It won’t be this way forever, Nancy,” she promises. “I’ve got my fingers crossed for you.” Cross your fingers, there’s a story behind this door! Nancy swallows around the lump of panic in her throat. She plasters on a smile. +++ The theater is packed with noise and touching and all-around boisterous patrons. They find their seats in the crowd and Nancy doesn’t watch where she’s going – she must keep her eyes on the open ceiling to remember how to breathe. She sits down at the end of the group and Maya passes out programs. Quatervois, the title reads. Bess says, “What does that mean?” “It means you’re at a crossroads,” Maya says. “A turning point.” “Sounds a little dramatic,” George grumbles. Nancy traces the swooping lines of the title with

her thumb, repeating the process until the lights go down. The masked chorus emerges from the shadows and gives a synopsis: Down from Olympus a great hero emerges, Mighty in his strength and courage! A choice he must make Shall he ignore fate? Will he choose love, Or follow his destiny there-of? When Brady saunters on stage in an impossibly short silk chiton, it’s an out-of-body experience for Nancy. He still hasn’t grown his ponytail back, so Simone could very well be in the audience right now. Nancy rubs her aching temple at the thought. Brady begins his journey as the character Diogenes, a demigod that was supposedly – according to the play’s plot – written out of ancient Greek mythos. Diogenes must defeat those who want to leave him forgotten in history, lest he admit that he can’t win this fight and live his life like everyone else. Nancy assumes the play’s ending too soon. She imagines this will be a droll experience written only to paint Brady as a glorious hero that can conquer anything – but she is quickly surprised. Brady is stabbed in the final act and addresses the audience in a wail: And so my story ends a breath too early, No time to even be weary! The moon shall pass over my corpse, And the sun will beat down on my ashes with no remorse. Today, I have failed my quartervois Alone, forgotten, and lost. When the curtain falls, Nancy’s mouth is parted in disbelief as a tear burns down her cheek. They don’t receive a proper goodbye with Maya since the rest of the crowd is bustling toward the exit. She does have time to say that Brady is producing a new television series and will be scouting some locations further into Essex; Maya will be following the film crew there for test shoots. She embraces each girl individually and holds Nancy for a beat longer, whispering, “You’ll call if you need to talk?” “Of course,” Nancy says by impulse. “Same to you.” +++ Nancy is proud of herself for going out, but when she closes the door to her hotel suite, her back thunks against the wall and she must take deep breaths for several minutes. She decides to treat herself to a bubble bath even though it’s nearly midnight. She rolls her hair up into a bun and looks at it in the mirror, how haphazard and messy hers is in comparison to Maya. Nancy isn’t jealous – but she can’t help but notice when people are thriving. She wants to figure out how to do it herself and hasn’t found the cure yet. The bath is claw-footed and deep. Nancy sinks into the steaming water before goosebumps rise on her arms, and her freckled skin blushes in the heat. The water does wonders for her foot. She eases her head back on the lip of the tub and nears a light doze when her cell phone rings. It rests atop a stack of towels by the tub. Nancy wipes her damp hand off before looking to the screen. Frank Hardy. Nancy answers and taps the speaker button to relax back in the tub. “Hey.” “Hi, Nance,” Frank says, his voice a familiar balm after such a stressful time. “What’s going on?” “Things aren’t too different from last week’s call,” Nancy smiles. “But I’m on vacation with Bess and George.” “Oh wow! That’s awesome. I hope it’s been fun.” Nancy’s glazed eyes blink. “Yeah,” she rasps. “It’s nice.” She clears her throat, searching for her old enthusiasm. “But what about you? How’s Joe?” “Same as usual, a pain in my ass.” Nancy chuckles before a distinctive lift raises Frank’s voice. “We’re actually getting ready to get on a plane for a case – but I wanted to make sure everything’s good with you.” Nancy’s hand closes in a fist on her raised knee. “Gosh, it’s been so long since I’ve been on a case.” “Not really. You just took a few months off to stay with Kyler, right?” “Yeah, but that’s the longest I’ve ever gone without a case since I started.” “I’d give you ours if I could,” Frank says. “Really not looking forward to such a long plane ride. Oh, they’re calling for our gate – but do you want me call you when I land?” Gratefulness is a warm glow in her heart. “No, that’s okay – but

thank you. Be safe on your trip and tell Joe I said hi.” “Can do.” Frank pauses. “I – tell Bess and George I said hi.” “Can do,” Nancy repeats. She chews her lip. “See you soon?” She feels foolish for saying something when Frank is headed to a case. While the weekly phone calls have kept Nancy sane, it would be even better to see the Hardy Boys. “I’ll make it happen,” Frank promises. “See you, Nance.” After they hang up, Nancy struggles to get out of the tub with her swollen foot. She gets into a pair of sweats and wraps up some ice in a washcloth, then holds it against her foot. Nancy mulls over her conversation with Frank, wondering how much of her poor mood could be due to not solving a mystery. With a deep yawn, she tosses the soaked washcloth in the wastebasket, not able to walk to the bathroom to put it in the sink. She cuddles up to her teddy bear and flicks the lamp off when her phone rocks to life on the nightstand. Bewildered, Nancy turns the lamp back on to look at the screen. The number is unknown; she sees her hand tremble around the phone. She lets the call go to voicemail before the phone vibrates to life once again. Bracing herself, Nancy answers. “Hello?” “Yes, hello – I’m trying to reach a one Nancy Drew?” The voice is British and eerily familiar, like Nancy heard it in a dream. “This is she.” “Splendid! Oh, you wouldn’t believe the trouble I’ve gone to in order to find your number.” “Sorry? Who is this?” “Why, Nigel Mookergee. We met at –” “Blackmoor,” Nancy whispers. “Nigel, hi. What’s going on?” “I’m afraid the manner of my call is not a jovial one,” he says. “How should I explain this? Well, I suppose from the start. You see –” He sighs. “Don’t tell anyone I’m speaking of this, but the Penvellyns have fallen into a bit of… financial trouble.” Nancy says, “’Financial trouble’?” “It’s certainly not my business to spread, but yes. It’s not that they are a poor family by any means, but one diplomat’s salary is not enough to keep up a castle.” Nancy sits up, grabbing a pen and notepad from her bedside table. She jots as Nigel continues. “The Penvellyns began to host historical tours at the manor – much to Mrs. Drake’s dismay, I might add. Jane wishes to expand the business to the paranormal side of things, and I don’t quite agree with the idea myself, but she insists it’s just what the manor needs.” Nancy finishes scrawling and says, “So, you’re working for the Penvellyns now?” “Yes. I’m afraid there’s been some situations – inconsequential events, if you will – that need a glance over.” Nancy arches a brow. “You mean an investigation.” “Ah, such a serious word. I simply want to make sure we are fully prepared to expand the business.” Nancy’s eyes narrow. “Right. When would you need me there?” “As soon as possible -” Nigel catches himself. “I mean, at your earliest convenience.” Nancy glances over her notes, running her hand over the page filled by red ink. She closes her eyes against the sight and says, “I’ll be there tomorrow.”

thank you so much for reading! please let me know what you think and stay safe. and please consider following me here and on twitter! xoxo

#nancy drew #nd #nancy drew pc #nd pc #CUR #clue crew #blackmoor manor #curse of blackmoor manor #francy #frank hardy #nancy drew fanfiction

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troped-fanfic-challenge · 3 years

Text

JATP ROUND THREE FICS!

We received fourteen (14!!!!) fics for Round Three of the JATP Event! These fics are full of that sweet, sweet canonverse goodness that we can’t get enough of, but with our signature TROPED twist! We loved to see you all challenge yourselves with the theme, tropes, and pairings!

Please try to read as many fics as you can! Take some notes, leave some kudos/comments for the authors, and help us vote on the winners!

Voting will be open until May 29th at 11:59pm EST! Vote here:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BZ3W5FT

———

Just say you won't let go (Rated G) [Julie/Luke]

Summary: Hey, Julie

You're the heart and soul 'round here, it's plain to see

in which Julie has a second chance with her boys, and then another

we will fight to shine together (bright forever) (Rated G) [Bright Lighting Guy/Rob from the Orpheum]

Summary: “Hey,” Chris says, walking up to the boy. “What are you doing?”

“Oh,” he puts the dandelions down and stands up. “Hi. I’m trying to make a flower crown, but I don’t remember how.”

“Cool. I’m Chris, I live--” he points to his house. “Over there.”

The boy gives him a lopsided smile. “I’m Rob. I’m staying with my grandparents for the summer.”

or: the rob/bright lighting guy fic literally nobody asked for but i wrote anyways. enjoy gays, bring ur tissues

what happened when (Rated G) [Alex/Luke]

Summary: Before Julie and the Phantoms, before the guys became ghosts, before Sunset Curve -- they were Luke and Alex. Not 5 feet apart cause they're totally gay.

who cares if one more light goes out? (in a sky of a million stars) (Rated T) [Ray/Rose]

Summary: Rose moves in across the street when he’s eight and she is seven. Their parents push for them to play together, because that’s what parents do. They’re not wrong about it though. The two of them get on like a house on fire and some of his happiest memories from his childhood are just him and Rose, sitting in the large oak tree behind their houses. Hidden up in the branches, between the millions of dark green leaves, they played together.

or: The first and the last time Ray ever kissed Rose.

we can forget the world (just you and me) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie]

Summary: “This was the first place I ever came out to someone,” Alex says, spinning around and taking in the tree house.

together we can take on the world (Rated G) [Alex/Reggie]

Summary: Alex Mercer meets Reggie Peters on October 8, 1983, which means that two days have passed since Reggie's sixth birthday, because Reggie is a Libra according to the magazines that his mom reads when she gets Reggie to paint her toenails. He’s also just moved to Los Angeles, California from his hometown of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, a small town in the mountains, and he’s told Alex Mercer about all of this in the three minutes that they’ve known each other, and he might be the loudest, most obnoxious boy that Alex has ever met, and he absolutely has to be Alex’s new best friend.

The Peters family moves in down the street from the Mercers in 1983, and so begins the rest of their lives.

Long Live (Can I start another life with you?) (Rated T) [Julie/Luke]

Summary: It's all too much for one day: first a muffin, then more heartbeats. Julie just needs some time to think. If Luke runs after her to sit by her side so she doesn't lose it, she won't complain.

Except afterwards, he starts acting weird. Very weird. And months later, she's tired of letting him keep his distance.

She can’t do this. Not right now. Not today.

She jumps back on her feet.

The excited grin falls from Luke’s face. She doesn’t try to catch it.

“I – I think this is too much. I need some time. Alone. Sorry.”

Then she runs. She runs past the calloused fingers reaching out to her. Past Reggie and the door, past carved pumpkins on porches and Cornelia Street.

She just runs.

Roses (Rated G) [Emily & Luke, Alex/Luke]

Summary: It becomes a sacred place she shares with her son. Mitch is usually off at work from dawn until six o’clock, but Emily’s working from home for now. She works as a florist’s shop right outside the neighborhood. So she brings home seeds and little flowers and other cuts from the store; she and Luke will spend hours out in the dirt, planting seeds and making mud pies and Luke will babble about whatever happened in daycare and make up stories about the different flowers.

Somewhere Only We Know (Rated T) [Nick/Carrie]

Summary: Nick Danforth-Evans met Julie Molina when he was six years old. He had no idea how much an impact that afternoon would have on his life.

___

A journey through Nick Danforth-Evan's life as experienced in the safety of his backyard hide away.

The Itty Bitty Details (Rated T) [Alex/Willie]

Summary: “Did I forget to mention William, I also get your soul,”

Willie could feel a stinging feeling and a purple stamp appeared on his hand. When the stamp appeared he could no longer remember who Alex was. The name meant nothing to Willie now.

Or 5 times Willie knew Alex and one where Alex knew Willie

you're the only one who makes me (my wildflower) (Rated T) [Bobby/Reggie]

Summary: The tree was Reggie's safe space, and Bobby was his safe person. He could escape all his troubles there, except for one nagging thought - did he have feelings for his best friend?

Dying complicated things.

because i've known you so long, i know every cadence and what they mean (Rated G) [Alex & Julie, Julie/Luke]

Summary: Alex and Julie have always lived right next to each other. Through highs and lows, they grow up together. Also, 5 times Luke kisses Julie and it doesn't count plus 1 time Julie kisses Luke and it does count.

Alternatively, the Juke 5+1 fic from Alex's POV. Strap in, folks.

Someday (I'll See You Again) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie]

Summary: They’re wrong. Alex, you are not a failure. You’re incredible. You’re smart. You’re funny, and the best friend I could ask for. You’re a wicked talented drummer and you have a beautiful voice. And more important than all of that, is that you’re you, Alex. And the you you are is wonderful, and lovable and perfect. If your parents can’t see that, that’s their own fault. But I swear, Alex. If you’re afraid of them, I need you to tell me. You have to be safe.” Willie’s voice had gone desperate by the end. Alex deserved to know how freaking amazing he was and the fact that his parents didn’t bother to tell him, and actively worked to tear him down instead, was infuriating.

But Willie also worried about him. He’d worried about Alex since the first time he heard Mr. Mercer shouting through the window, a worry that never really went away. Not with the way Alex automatically straightened up when his parents were mentioned, as if he could hear his dad lecturing him about appearances from miles away. Not with the way Alex looked when he was with them, perfectly pieced together and falling apart at the seams, eyes distant and shoulders tense. Willie was pretty sure he had worrying about Alex etched in his bones by this point.

The Energy Never Dies (Rated T) [Gen Fic]

Summary: Well, I ain't always right, but I've never been wrong

Seldom turns out the way it does in a song

Once in a while, you get shown the light

In the strangest of places if you look at it right

--- Scarlet Begonias, Grateful Dead

Four moments across time in the loft of the Molina's garage.

#troped: jatp #round 3: canonverse #jatp fanfiction #round 3 submissions #round 3 voting #troped: voting

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coffeeandcalligraphy · 3 years

Note

Hi Rachel! I've recently discovered literary fiction is what my writing style most closely aligns with, but with that I realized a problem I find while writing is lack of conflict due to larger emphasis on character relationships and prose. Idk if you also have this struggle??? And do you have any tips for generating conflict / stuff to propel the plot forward? Thanks in advance <3

Hmm, I understand this problem but I may not give the best advice for this since I struggle with conflict! I will try my best!

If I'm thinking about my own experience writing a character-driven narrative where conflict is internal rather than external, what I like to think about is exacerbation - is there something one character does in their relationship that creates a reaction within the other party? Really not much "happens" in Feeding Habits (in terms of external conflict - physical things occurring TO the character), especially in Harrison's POV. So in order to keep momentum up in the story (otherwise it would just be a little aimless), I surround the story around a "theme", in a sense that is exacerbated by events in the story/causes more to occur.

Let me share the outline for one of his chapters so this makes more sense! Keep in mind, as I write, I naturally come up with the overall theme of the chapter -- this is not something I do before, but if you’ve never written around theme, thinking about one before might be helpful!

Chapter Six: Blood Sister

TW: death

The overall theme: connections between two people can be immutable even if they are forever separated (their bond is inevitable; indissoluble).

Scene A:

Harrison returns to his apartment after running errands. His mother preps for a dinner as Harrison has invited his old friend Reeve over.

This is an introductory scene. The purpose is not thematic yet, but merely a place to get there.

Scene B:

Harrison removes a litter of kittens from behind the drywall. One of the kittens is dead. Strangely, a German Shepherd puppy is also in the litter.

This is the first hint at theme, and therefore conflict (I lace these two things in a character-driven narrative since the conflict is largely internal. Internal narrative leaves a lot of room for reflection which IMO is where theme lies).

Scene C:

Reeve appears in a glamorous blur and makes an interesting first impression on Suz who seems slightly stunned and endeared by her

Also more of an introductory chapter, though we see the thread of indissoluble connections be brought up when Reeve suggests she and Suz are blood sisters (this is how we make a pretty conflict-less, introduction scene more interesting as we give it thematic texture that reappears later).

Scene D:

At dinner Reeve confronts Harrison about his “straight-edge” lifestyle since moving to NYC and he realizes her judgements about his life being monotonous are very true–he lacks purpose.

I wrote this scene to be the first trigger for Harrison that his life without Lonan (aka the person he is immutably connected to) has been directionless, and so far from authentic. It’s just a dinner scene -- the dialogue gets tense at times, sure, but the main thing driving the conflict is this impending sense of Harrison realizing the theme of this chapter - I understood that when he acknowledged that, the chapter would end. So this is an exciting turning point!

Scene E:

Suzanna confronts Harrison about not telling her Reeve is in fact Lonan’s sister. Suz knows the boys’ relationship is complicated, and plays Devil’s advocate by outright asking Reeve how her brother is. Reeve, who hasn’t seen Lonan longer than Harrison, has assumed Lonan lives with them or is close by, and feels semi-betrayed that Harrison has kept his whereabouts a secret.

This scene exposes something publicly (so not just contained within the narrative) about Harrison: he’s trying so hard to forget his relationship with Lonan (despite how impossible this task is - avoidance won’t work) instead of addressing their connection and moving forward. In many ways, this scene shows how Harrison has willingly stuck himself into a cycle where he can’t move on from his bond with Lonan (if he did, he wouldn’t have lied to his mother & to Reeve) because he doesn’t actually want to.

Scene F:

Reeve and Harrison drive to a garden and he’s reminded of attending a party (which almost directly mirror events Lonan partook in months previous).

This is a critical scene because Harrison relives (almost exactly) the same events Lonan did while trying to avoid doing exactly this. This is setup for our mega thematic reveal in a bit.

Scene G:

Harrison makes his thematic realization after the party

This is that paragraph (CW: alcohol):

It was only later, when he stumbled, bloody knuckled, through their front door, stepping over partygoers and martini glasses, that he understood. He hadn’t come to the party thinking about Lonan but managed to attract the same people. He hadn’t drunk the magenta liquid thinking about him but managed to exit the house stumbling, as he did, his knees knotted like a newborn lamb. There was something inconceivably indissoluble about them—their bond mirror-like, one making one decision, and the other mimicking it with vigour, unknowingly inseparable.

This is the climax of the chapter -- the moment the other scenes before (and after) worked up to.

Scene H:

Reeve and Harrison perform a water burial for one of the deceased kittens.

This is sort of the falling action of the previous scene -- now that Harrison has realized his past actions were all because of this bond he has with Lonan (the theme!), the way he reacts in the fictive present is informed by this info. This scene provides thematic richening: we got the theme in scene G, scene H allows us to digest it and see how that manifests in Harrison’s present life (it results in self-destruction oops).

Scene I:

Harrison wakes up in the cold, very drunk, and Reeve is gone. A security guard looms over him. Harrison asks the confused man if he thinks he was separated at birth. He isn’t referring to feeling like he’s been removed from a sibling bond, like the kittens, but a deeper, “indissoluble bond” formed between two people (like the kittens and the puppy). This connects to the title “Blood Sister” as Reeve suggests she and Suzanna may be connected in this way, to the kittens, and to Lonan and Harrison.

This is the final little resolution bit but probably the second most important moment in the chapter (after the thematic revelation). This is a moment of admittance. Finally, Harrison accepts that what he’s realized is true and that’s it’s impacted how he’s lived his life the entire time (despite not thinking it did).

So essentially, the conflict comes from a larger theme that the character must grapple with, and they grapple it through events that are influenced by that theme. You can also think of it as the “core” of the chapter -- something everything revolves around. This helps a LOT when I’m writing chapters where not much happens/most stuff is internal.

Hope this makes sense but feel free to send a follow up if this makes no sense!

#asks #writing #writeblr #writerblr #amwriting

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sword-brainrot · 3 years

Note

HOMIE YOU AND YOUR WRITING NEVER FAIL TO LIGHT UP MY LIFEEEEEEEEEE. now since my bday is coming up, may i have some headcanons about how izuminokami, mutsunokami, and uh....(spins wheel) honebami all celebrate their saniwa's/s/o's bday? seperate pls. tHANK YOU

OMG! YOUR BIRTHDAY IS COMING UP?? HAPPY (early) BIRTHDAY!!! These swords will try to make your bday extra special and I will try my best to make the headcanons extra special! I hope your bday is amazing and filled with plenty of love ^^ Just going to let you know now, all the swords have no idea what a birthday is until you explain it to them. They don't have a birthday of their own and their masters didn't celebrate their birthdays by the time they got them as a sword.

Izuminokami, Mutsunokami, and Honebami celebrating S/O birthday (GN!Reader)

♡ As soon as Izuminokami learns about birthdays, he asks you when yours is. He wants to make sure he doesn't forget! He writes it down someplace (and gives it to Horikawa to remind him cough) so he can remind himself every month and plan when it gets close!

♡ Expect a lot of very not subtle questions about your past birthdays and the things you like. Some questions even going as far as; "If you could possibly get a gift from a really handsome sword, what would you want?"

♡ He has... a blather mouth. He has a hard time keeping a secret from you. He is aware of it too! If you start asking him questions in return of why he is asking, he will instantly tense up and become flustered. Constantly tripping over his words in trying to think of an excuse. He may also just run... That is also a big possibility.

♡ The day of your birthday, you will wake up in your bed alone. It happens sometimes in the past if Izuminokami has an early morning mission he has to leave for, but normally he wakes you up to tell you he is leaving and give you a kiss goodbye. It is very unlikely for him to leave before you wake up and without a single word.

♡ Right away you will know something is up.

♡ As you continue you on with your morning routine, you will take yourself to the kitchen to get some food and drink. There are a few swords that normally take turns with kitchen duty so you expect to see one of them (Kasen, Azuki, Chiyoganemaru, Kuwana, Nikkou, or Mitsutada)

♡ However, instead you will see someone entirely different. There, struggling to crack eggs into a bowl without the shells, will be Izuminokami. His hair will be pulled back in a tight ponytail and adorn on him will be a pink apron... A little too small for how tall he is. His face pull of concentration as Horikawa cheers him on and tries to help him.

♡ He almost doesn't notice you until you let out a small snicker at the sight you see. His expression will quickly change from total focus to total surprise. Probably dropping the egg in the process as his face lights up like a Christmas tree.

Izuminokami: H-Hey! You're not suppose to be awake yet!! Horikawa: Well you have messed up quite a bit, Kane-san. I'm not too surprise they are awake by now... Izuminokami: S-Shut it, Kunihiro!

♡ It is very clear that Izuminokami is the one that is mostly helping the cooking progress while Horikawa is the one actually cooking and getting stuff done. They are making (Your favorite breakfast food). From just the look of the kitchen... Izuminokami has messed up. A ton of times.

♡ After the meal is finally done, Izuminokami will bring it out to you and serve it with (your favorite flower) on the side.

♡ The messy apron finally off of him and he sits beside you, giving you a small kiss on the cheek.

♡ "Happy birthday, my beloved."

♡ The rest of the day goes the same as normal (minus the part of everyone wishing you happy birthday and giving you gifts throughout the day when they catch you). The only thing different is that Izuminokami makes sure that today is your special day and you don't have to work. No paperwork for you! It's your day and you deserve to enjoy it!

♡ Izuminokami is around you for most of the day but doesn't want to crowd you because he knows you have a lot of swords lining up to give you gifts.

♡ He doesn't give you a gift. Not until much later.

♡ The sun has already fell and the both of you are getting ready for bed. Once you are climbed into the bed, Izuminokami leaves and comes back with a small box. He sits next to you and tells you to open it.

♡ When you open it up, you will find half a heart. Pulling it out, you will realize that it's a necklace with a blue gem at the top and Kane-san inscribed onto it (because no way is Izuminokami going to fit on there).

♡ As you look over, you will see that Izuminokami pulls out the necklace from under his shirt that has your name and your (favorite color) gem also on it. He had been wearing it the whole day.

♡ "I know it's hard to forget this handsome face but I wanted to give you something where we are always together. No matter how long we are apart. I know I can be dumb and reckless at times, but you keep me grounded and loved. I don't ever want to lose that. I want to spend many more birthdays with you and always keep you close to my heart. Happy birthday, Y/N."

♡ Once Mutsunokami finds out about birthdays and that your birthday was coming up, he starts planning! He wants to make the day super special and gets everyone involved to do that for you.

♡ Mutsunokami has always been the type of person that takes a bunch of photos with the camera you bought for him. He loves it so much. His gun and camera are his babies. So it is no surprise whenever he pulls it out and takes pictures of the two of you. Those are his favorite photos.

♡ Mutsunokami also has a little bit of a loud mouth. He will often let it slip about his plans and isn't good at covering it up. He will let it slip and instantly cover his mouth, letting you know it was something important and you weren't suppose to know yet.

♡ Though most of his plan is secretive! It's just... Not a big surprise that he has something planned for your birthday.

♡ The day starts off normal. You awaken in Mutsunokami's arms as he holds you close to his chest. For once, Mutsunokami isn't still passed out and you have to slither yourself out of his grasp. This morning, he is awake. He is smiling down at you as he whispers a faint "Happy Birthday" and giving your forehead a soft kiss.

♡ Your day starts off normal... Well, until you get to the kitchen and see that the citadel is empty. The both of you don't run into any swords and there is only two plates of hot food that await you both.

♡ Like always, Mutsunokami shovels all the food down in a fast pace like it is nothing big. This time, not waiting for you to finish your meal. Instead he gives you a quick peck on the cheek and tells you that he has to go do something and that he will be back later. Leaving you alone.

♡ The whole citadel is quiet as you finish your meal and take care of the few dishes that accumulated after the two of you ate.

♡ It is only when you leave the kitchen and go to the back do you see it.

♡ In the back are stands everywhere. All the swords that weren't there, now stand before you and in front of the festival they put together for you. All of them popping confetti and Mutsunokami coming out with your favorite type of cake in hand, a few candles on top.

♡ Everyone begins to sing happy birthday and awaits for you to blow out the candles.

♡ The whole citadel came together to make a festival with many games for you and the rest of the swords to enjoy together. Mutsunokami with a camera around his chest, taking pictures of the best moments he can capture.

♡ You spend your birthday playing all the games they put together; Goldfish scooping, Yo-yo fishing, Gun-shooting, Super ball scooping, and many more!

♡ Some stands have masks and others are food that swords made that they remember their master(s) loving.

♡ There is even a big performance at the end with all the Awataguchi swords (minus Onimaru. No way you are getting Onimaru to sing and dance)! The show ends with fireworks and Mutsunokami by your side.

♡ It is when the day calms down and everyone is cleaning up, that Mutsunokami takes you to the side. He helps you up onto the roof where you two can relax and look at the stars. He gently holds your hand as he hands over a decent size box with wrapping.

♡ Inside is a photo album of pictures of all the swords in the citadel when they first arrived, as well as moments of them hanging out with you. There is many pictures of the two of you together.

♡ The very last picture is the two of you kissing with the small caption; "The only person I want to seize the world with."

♡ Under the writing is a necklace with a locket. In the locket is the same picture so you can keep it with you at all times.

♡ "You brought me to life, aruji (master). For that, I will forever be grateful. You have taught me so much about the world and let me see so much. The thing I am most grateful for is being taught how to love. Everyday I learn something new about you and everyday I smile. I want to keep learning about the world and you. So this is my gift to you. A happy birthday now and many more happy birthdays in the future."

♡ Honebami asks many questions when he first learns of birthdays. This boy is very confused by the whole concept. He is willing the learn everything about it, though!

♡ Unlike Mutsunokami and Izuminokami, Honebami is very good at keeping secrets. So It will feel like he has forgotten about your birthday for a while. But he would never. He even wrote it down in his special journal to make sure he always remembers it.

♡ Honebami is actually quite good at planning without you knowing. He will still be around you the normal amount but will somehow be getting stuff done in preparation for your day.

♡ The day of your birthday, you wake up to the smell of fresh food. As you open your eyes, you see none other than Honebami. Normally he is already out of bed and doing the things he need to for the day. Very rarely waiting until you wake up. However, this time is different. Instead he is standing there with a tray in hand and some hot food on top.

♡ "Happy Birthday.."

♡ The second half more quiet as his cheeks start to burn and he looks down so his bangs hides his face from you.

♡ You enjoy your meal in bed with Honebami by your side, making sure he is taking care of you so you don't have to lift a finger.

♡ After you finish your meal, he takes the tray away to go clean. It is then when his brothers come in, wishing you a happy birthday. The little ones jumping on you and giving you hugs. They all give you cards and one big gift.

♡ In the big gift is a (favorite color) saddle!

♡ Once Honebami returns, you all go out into the barn to see an Anglo-Arabian horse. They all chipped in money to get you your very own horse to name. It is yours so they will never take it out to battle and you can spend time with them whenever you want. The little swords are all hopping around in excitement when they show you their big present to you.

♡ The rest of the day is pretty quiet. Some happy birthdays here and there, some cards and presents. Honebami steals you away around midday from everyone and offers to teach you horseback riding. If you already know, he offers for the both of you to go riding together.

♡ Honebami isn't the best at horseback riding. He is pretty fast on his own but he does know how to ride!

♡ If you are too scared to ride by yourself, he will ride on your horse with you. The stroll in the forest is just filled with you and him. It is mostly silent besides the birds chirping and the horse's soft sounds.

♡ He will ride out to an opening, where the pond is crystal blue, to rest. As the two sit by the shore, he will pull out a journal just for you. It will be a brown journal.

♡ Inside will be a letter to you every day he has known you. In it will be him describing everything he loves about you. Your eyes, your hair, the way you smile, the way you look when you first awake, the soft hugs you give that make him feel so secure, your voice, your kindness, the moment he realized he fell in love with you and knew you'd be the only one for him.

♡ It's everything he could never say in words.

♡ The very last page was written just the night before. His hand now entwined with yours as you read.

♡ "You are probably very well aware of how it's hard for me to expression feelings and emotions to you verbally. Yet you still love me even though I struggle in showing you in return how much I love you. I cherish that so much about you. This journal is something I have been working on for a long while. Anytime you went to sleep, I would say up and write. This is everything I have trouble saying to you. These are my feelings written down for you to read anytime you may doubt my devotion to you. You mean the world to me so... All I ask of you is to look at me one more time in this moment."

♡ As your head turns to him, you will be greeted with a soft smile on his lips and love in his eyes. "I love you, Y/N."

#Touken Ranbu #Touken Danshi #Tourabu #Touken Ranbu Heacanons #Touken Ranbu Imagines #Touken Ranbu x Reader #TKRB #TKRB Headcanons #TKRB Imagines #TKRB x Reader #Izuminokami Kanesada #Izuminokami Kanesada x Reader #Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki #Mutsunokami Yoshiyuki x Reader #Honebami Toushirou #Honebami Toushirou x Reader

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whatiwillsay · 3 years

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this is kinda random but after reading some of your thoughts on dwoht it completely changed how i saw the song and now i can see how it could be connected to dianna! we may be clowning, but at least there's some logic to our clownery lol

yeaahhh been holding this back for a minute cause i wanna do it justice but given that i put dwoht on the official playlist feels like it’s time to do a proper analysis

part 1 - “but dwoht is about kissgate!”

listen maybe but i don’t think so. kissgate didn’t change much for kaylor. as @swiftiesleuth outlined in her realistic kay timeline kaylor kept hanging out w one another and being very publicly bffs. taylor did take to liking tumblr posts calling kaylor shippers freaks and i do think it affected her but i don’t think she’s writing songs about it.

she put the dwoht lyrics on this poloroid:

and she was spotted wearing that on September 3, 2014, 2 months before kissgate:

that’s also a day before the Fairfax anniversary if we want to tie it to anything.

part 2 - “ok but it could still be about karlie”

yeah it could be. ever since i read realistic kay i am of the opinion that kaylor still definitely happened but i don’t know that they went much farther than fwb. karlie was with josh the whole time and guys idk what to tell you, joshlie is real like look at this nonsense:

youtube

that was in 2014 like during the HEIGHT of kaylor. karlie started studying to convert to Judaism in 2015, married him, threw another wedding party, and is now having a baby with him. i don’t know what to tell you. joshlie is real and karlie chose him. i mean if the kushners were trash they’d be cute look at them!

taylor’s music (cruel summer, august, illicit affairs) backs this up. kaylor was hot, messy, and chaotic but it was not a monogamous love story.

given the uncommitted nature of kaylor i have trouble believing that lines like:

I could've spent forever with your hands in my pockets

and

You said there was nothing in the world that could stop it and

I, I loved you in spite of Deep fears that the world would divide us

are about a fwb situation.

part 3 - “ok maybe it’s not about karlie but why isn’t it about joe/TLL?”

because the entire song is in past tense. i know taylor (supposedly) tells some story about being harassed by the paps and trying to break up with joe and then he said “no ❤️” and then...she wrote a break-up song for him?

if the song went out on a hopeful note or flipped to present tense in the bridge like “we were dancing with our hands tied but now we’re dancing freely because we chose one another and we’re happy” i would believe her but this song is sung past tense to someone who she’s no longer dancing with

i mean just look at the past tenseness of this song!

I, I loved you in secret Oh, how were you to know, and My, my love had been frozen Deep blue, but you painted me golden Oh, and you held me close

I could've spent forever with your hands in my pockets You said there was nothing in the world that could stop it I had a bad feeling And darling, you had turned my bed into a sacred oasis People started talking, putting us through our paces I knew there was no one in the world who could take it I had a bad feeling

But we were dancing I, I loved you in spite of I'm a mess, but I'm the mess that you wanted

I could've spent forever with your hands in my pockets

and while i’m pointing out the past tense nature of the song let’s examine the bridge:

I'd kiss you as the lights went out Swaying as the room burned down I'd hold you as the water rushes in If I could dance with you again

taylor’s talking about what she would do differently if she had another chance with this person, if they could dance together again and she claims she’d hold them as the water rushes in. the water rushing in is the flood and pouring rain described in clean. clean describes her breakup w dianna. she’s saying if she could go back she’d have stayed with her if she could do it differently.

part 4 - more lyric clues that point to dianna:

after the ootw music video came out taylor reblogged this post on tumblr describing her being frozen in the snow as having her “hands tied behind her back”

the avalanche described in dwoht also seems to take place in the ootw music video.

the lyric “People started talking, putting us through our paces” is exactly what she describes in Wonderland

“First sight yeah we love without reason” sounds like the same scenario Taylor is warned about in Wonderland “didn’t they tell us don’t rush into things”

“My, my love had been frozen Deep blue, but you painted me golden“ taylor’s love is paralyzed in All Too well and then her walls are tall and painted blue but she takes them down for dianna in EHC. “Oh, 'cause it's gravity Oh, keeping you with me“ gravity pulls taylor to dianna in treacherous

and finallay

“oh 25 years old oh how were you to know” Dianna was 25 when she met Taylor, the you in the song is 25, not Taylor. That doesn’t match for Karlie only joe or dianna, and since it’s a song about someone she can’t dance with anymore then i don’t think it’s joe.

lastly taylor ofc likes to dance with everyone but she certainly did with dianna too:

#dwoht #songs about dianna tag #swiftgron #gaylor swift #sorry about the joshlie content #tw: joshlie #but i needed it to prove a point #🤷‍♀️#Anonymous

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sunflashh · 3 years

Note

If you're still doing fic ideas, perhaps some Bobadin that happens right after Luke takes Grogu where Boba learns what Din did and sees Din struggling to process all that's happened and his grief.

I have been thinking about this one for a good moment, just haven’t been able to actually write it :0 And wow, I accidentally wrote way more than planned.

This comes off as mostly platonic and not particularly shippy. Word count: 1.5k

It really hadn’t been that long since Boba dropped everyone off, but so much had changed.

“Is the child safe?” Boba asked as Fennec dropped into the co-pilot seat. That was, afterall, the whole point of all this. The fact that she didn’t look victorious made him worried that his end of the deal wasn’t over quite yet. He had things to do after this.

“Well...” She took in a deep breath like it was going to be a long story.

In the end, it was a win for them. No one died, karma bit Bo-Katan in the ass, and the child was safe. Boba couldn’t help but wonder what trouble would come from Din having the right to claim the Mandalorian throne. From when they previously talked, it seemed that Din wasn’t quite aware about how Mandalorian culture operated away from his covert. It was probably going to send the galaxy into another annoying little civil spat.

Boba didn’t care much that the Child had ended up with a Jedi. If the child was safe, that’s all that mattered. However, he found himself surprised when his thoughts lingered on how Din was doing. Fennec said he had taken the goodbye pretty hard.

Maybe he cared about what Din was going through because it was a pain Boba could understand; a father and a son being torn apart. While Din would most likely be able to see the Child again, he knew the pain must’ve ran deep. Goodbyes were never easy.

In a weird way, Boba had grown somewhat fond of Din. He was a honorable man, and fiercely compassionate for others in a way Boba didn’t see in a lot of Mandalorians. He was also a lot more likely to learn and grow rather than be set and stubborn. It made him easy to get along with.

“I’m going to go speak with him,” Boba said, letting Fennec take control of the ship. They likely wouldn’t be under attack any time soon. The remnants of the empire would be scrambling after the large blow they’ve been dealt with.

“Let your footsteps fall loudly,” Fennec advised, which only served to baffle Boba. He didn’t question her on it, though.

He quickly realized why she said it though, frozen in spot as he stared at the man before him. It was Din, but in his hands he held his helmet.

Fennec had wanted to give Din a chance to hear Boba put it back on before the other man got to him.

For a moment, Boba took in Din’s features. His curly brown hair, his soft but sad eyes, and stubble on his face. He could only imagine how lovely Din must look when more alive.

Din glanced up at Boba, but didn’t say anything. His body seemed to deflate further, staring at the blank face of his helmet.

Boba wasn’t sure what to say either. To be polite, he slipped off his own helmet and took seat next to the other man. It was so calm and peaceful after everything that had happened, the soft rumble of the engines filling the silence, and yet there was still a tense air.

“Th-” Din’s voice slightly cracked and he cleared his throat. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.”

It was strange hearing his voice without the helmet’s filter. Somehow he sounded more hollow.

“I was just holding up my end of the deal,” Boba said honestly. “And it never hurts to strike back at people who’ve wronged me in the past.”

Din let out a soft sigh, finally looking up at Boba. “You really didn’t have to. We never agreed to anything.” His eyes seemed so tired, like he was half expecting something else to go wrong. Not exactly like he was distrustful of Boba, but still unwilling to completely believe he was safe. Maybe it was curiosity as to why Boba stuck around. “I hadn’t agreed to give you your armor back. You could’ve just left.”

“I could’ve,” Boba agreed, “and I might have actually done so in my younger years.” He couldn’t say that the thought of leaving hadn’t crossed his mind at least for a brief moment. “I’d like to be an honorable man. You never agreed to give me the armor, that is true, and I had taken it anyways. It was only right for me to stay true to the deal I had offered.”

Din dropped his gaze, staring back at his helmet. “Thank you,” he said again. “I wouldn’t have been able to save the kid without you. I thought I had lost him forever.”

They fell back into silence. Boba could practically feel Din’s racing thoughts. Poor man must have a lot on his mind after everything that happened. At his waist was the darksaber, and Boba could only imagine the troubles that it’d bring Din. While he wanted to ask if Din would claim the Mandalorian throne, he decided that he had enough on his mind. Right now, his thoughts were likely preoccupied on his son.

“I once told Cara that if I took off this helmet, I could never put it back on again and be a Mandalorian,” Din started to say, slowly as if still trying to put together his own thoughts. “I had... I had taken it off once before back on Morak.” It was said quietly, as if it were a confession. “Mayfeld had seen my face, as well as many of the imps at that base. I had to do it to get into the system. I did it for Grogu.”

Boba briefly had no idea who Grogu was before realizing it was likely the child. For whatever reason, Boba had never asked for a name, and everyone just called the child just that.

“So, what do you think,” Boba said, “are you still a Mandalorian or not?”

Din shook his head slightly. “I... I don’t know.”

“You said before that you wouldn’t put the helmet back on, but you did,” Boba reminded him. “What made you put it back on?”

“I took it off because I had to. I once made the mistake of choosing my beskar over the foundling, and I wasn’t going to make that mistake again. I felt as though I could still call myself a Mandalorian if it were for the sake of a foundling.”

“Then you can still call yourself Mandalorian if you so wish,” Boba said sternly, but not unkindly. “Mandalorian culture has so much diversity. There is no right way to be a Mandalorian. I’m sure to you it was a shock when you met Bo-Katan and her underlings. Do you think they’re Mandalorian?”

Din hesitated for a moment, but nodded. “I do.”

“If I were to say I was a Mandalorian, would you accept that?”

Din nodded again, with less hesitation. “I would.”

“Then are you going to put your helmet back on?” Boba asked.

Din didn’t answer immediately, he stared back down at helmet. After a moment, his eyes closed and he let out a heavy breath.

He nodded once more.

“I know the pain you must feel from being separated from your child, and you’re going to be dealing with a lot of struggles going forward, but your identity should not be one of them.” Boba could care less what his covert had told Din growing up, the rigid rules they must’ve imposed on him. Din was a fine man, and he didn’t want him to think otherwise.

Din let out an unamused chuckle. “I’m not looking forward to all those struggles. He leaned back in his seat, finally allowing his body to relax. “I’m going to need to find myself a ship. I can probably find a guild and get some on-planet work, should get me enough credits to buy a decent enough ship to hold me over.”

“I can get you a ship,” Boba offered. Once they got to Tatooine and dealt with some people, getting one should be no problem.

“I can’t ask you to do that,” Din shook his head. “You’ve done more than enough.”

Boba slightly huffed. “Good thing you didn’t ask then.” He rose to his feet, helmet in hand. “You’re as good as dead with no money or transportation, and my protection goes for you, not just the child. I’ll have you get up so you can go on your own way.” He didn’t leave it open for debate.

Din looked like he wanted to protests, emotions loud and clear on his face without a helmet to hide them. Instead, he relented. “I- thank you.”

“You should probably get some sleep. It’ll be a while before we get to Tatooine.” Slipping his helmet back on, Boba decided to head back up to the cockpit. After hesitating a moment, he added on, “And, Din? You did the right thing. I’m sure your foundling is proud to have you as a father. Your paths will cross again.”

For a second, it looked like Din was going to tear up. He swallowed hard and dipped his head. “Thank you,” he said again, voice slightly wavering. Boba could tell he wasn’t saying thank you to be polite, but was genuinely grateful. His voice even sounded a touch more warm as compared to the earlier hollowness.

As Boba left, part of him hoped that his path would cross with Din’s again as well.

- - -

I run a Mandalorian Discord server which can be joined here !

#the mandalorian #the mandalorion spoilers #din djarin #boba fett #bobadin #dinboba #my writing

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setoangel01-fanfiction · 3 years

Text

Gardening

Fandom: Final Fantasy 7

Pairing: Zack Fair x Aerith Gainsborough (zerith)

Rated: T

Story Summary: Zack brings Aerith a priceless gift, and during so, he's also unknowingly fulfilling many more of her tiny little wishes…she'll just have to think up some more. AKA, flowers get planted and a love flourishes…

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A03

FanFiction.net

....

Today was going to be perfect.

The fresh scent of topsoil, the earth fragrant and fresh with new life begging to be nurtured under her experienced hands. The small seeds in paper packets and blooming bulbs in trays were nearly enough to bring tears of happiness to Aerith's rich green eyes.

Yet the euphoria she was feeling was nothing but a blip to the full force of the sun that was Zackary Fair.

It was amazing! Her SOLDIER came to visit her at her house rather than her church. Nothing new, but today was different! Instead of only being able to stay for an hour or two before being called off to save Midgar from certain doom, Zack was free to spend the entire day with her - the general's orders! Zack had to even show her Sephiroth's text to prove it and there it was in black and white.

...

"r u sure, seph?"

"For the third and last time, yes, Zackary. I am more than capable of handling things at ShrinRa for one day. Now, instead of continuing to inundate me with fruitless texts, go and have a pleasant day with your female companion."

"but seph! what if u need heelp?"

"That's an order, Fair!"

"...k thanks! see u 2maro! =-D"

"Affirmative. My office for briefing at 700 sharp."

"u got it!"

....

…Wow.

While wanting to reprimand Zack for using such terrible language and grammar to communicate with his superior officer, Aerith completely ignored it to focus on the amazing news! Spending the entire day with Zack was such an exceptionally rare treat she was fully determined to cherish; anting to savor every single, last solitary moment with her handsome blue-eyed boyfriend.

Yet among the gift of his own sunny presence (which would have been plenty enough for her), today, Zack came bearing physical gifts.

Unlike other girls, Aerith had never been someone to care for expensive trinkets to showcase affection such as jewellery, new clothes or purses even if Zack could easily afford it with his First Class paycheck. No, Aerith was far simpler; wanting nothing more than to spend time with him - and she always told him so. The most luxurious thing Zack had bought for her thus far was the bright pink ribbon she scarcely removed from her hair and some delightful floral perfume he mixed himself when they went out on their first date.

Yet instead of some fancy baubles or silk clothing peeking out at her from a large brown box he held out to her was something completely unexpected…

…Zack brought her flowers!

While she grew plenty of her own, Zack had brought her something she could have never found here - flowers cultivated outside of Midgar!

Zack had been deployed on so many missions all over Gaia lately, Junon, Costa Del Sol, and Kalm just to name a few. During these times, they would talk on the phone, text or he would simply send photos to her PHS from locations during his travels. In those small photos he sent, Aerith lit up seeing all the native fauna of the place where he happened to be staying and the flower pictures became a tradition between them. Whenever he'd leave on a mission, he left with a goodbye kiss and a promise to send her pictures of flowers that grew there, and for this past year, he had kept that promise.

But as Zack slowly tilted the box to present her with its contents, Aerith was nothing short of stunned.

Inside were multiple packets of seeds and bags of bulbs. All of the white and brown packaging had his adorably messy handwriting on each with the names of flowers he had sent her pictures of throughout the last year. Deciphering his writing, Aerith noticed the names of more common species from Kalm and Junon but among the packets, there were exotic species from Wutai and even from Banora. Oh! And there were sunflower seeds from Rocket Town!

But…wait, was that -

"...Gongaga?" Aerith asked, noticing the word and glancing up at her boyfriend questioningly.

"Heh. Yeah," Zack chuckled and Aerith noticed his right arm twitch as if he wanted to scratch the back of his head if his hands weren't occupied.

"...Wait, you went to visit your parents? You never told me that! How are they? When did you go see them?" the questions flew out of her mouth at an alarming rate.

Zack just smiled softly (he had such a wonderful smile), "I didn't."

At Aerith's befuddled expression, he clarified, "My mom actually sent them. I wrote her a letter about you - I told her my girlfriend loves to garden and grows flowers and well, the next thing I know, she's sending me back a letter with all these questions along with some seeds from the flowers she and my dad have been growing in the backyard since I was a kid." Zack chuckled nervously as if shy from the information and Aerith felt as if her heart was going to jump straight out of her chest.

Blinking, Aerith glanced back down to the box cradled in his hands, all the work of gathering seeds, drying them and labeling them must have taken forever and he never told her what he was doing!

How he listened so intently as she spoke during the time they spent together this past year, asked questions and was so genuinely interested about her hobby when most times, she thought he was simply indulging her. Yet he was learning so he could give this gift to her… Not to mention the bombshell of him writing a letter to his parents and mentioning her! Proudly calling her his girlfriend and even mentioning her hobbies!

A burning sensation grew in the back of her eyes and she felt a tear slip down her cheek.

"Uh…Aer, i-is everything alright?" Zack's voice broke thorough and she looked up at his adorably nervous face.

"...You really wrote a letter to your mom about m-me?"

"Well, yeah! And my dad too I guess. Uh…I-Is that okay? I thought it would be good to mention it since we've been together for over a year and she's been badgering me about telling her about you when I call, so I figured mentioning flowers would be a safe start-" Zack's voice faded as Aerith lifted her hands and gently cupped his sweet face between her palms. Not mindful of the tears that continually slipped down her cheeks, Aerith couldn't help but smile at Zack, a smile so wide, it made her cheeks ache.

…How did she get so lucky to have this beautiful angel literally drop into her life?

"It's more than okay. It's wonderful…You're wonderful…" she whispered, her thumbs brushing over his cheekbones and tenderly caressing the scar on his jaw.

Aerith smiled tenderly as she felt his cheeks heat up under her palms. Zack's looked positively (and adorably) flustered at her comments; for once, she was the one to embarrass him and she relished it.

"Thanks… So are you," Zack replied, nuzzling his cheek against her palm. Such a sweet puppy…

Zack's face was so handsome and kind and eyes pretty and warm that Aerith simply couldn't resist pushing herself up on her tiptoes to kiss him. But before she even get close to closing the gap, her chest bumped right into the cardboard box and Zack yelped as he managed to catch it before it could fall or the seeds could get crushed between them as she regained her balance.

Zack laughed.

Aerith flushed a pink so deep it matched her ribbon.

Probably noticing how Aerith tensed in mortification of her actions, Zack's chuckling died out and he easily broke the tension by suggesting, "Hey, I'm all for kissing later, but how about we plant some of these first?" he nudged her hip softly with the box.

Aerith's face was still reddened but she flashed him a grateful smile. A deep breath later, the green eyed girl straightened her back and easily played along, "Planting new flowers sounds wonderful! But… you'll do exactly as I say this time? Because, Mr. Zackary Fair, if memory serves me right, I remember the last time you helped me try weeding the church…" she placed her hands on her hips and flashed him her best withering stare (it didn't work, he just bit his cheek to withhold laughter).

The longer she stared, Zack's grew sheepish at the memory of that fiasco, his cheeks a bright coral red against his tan skin, "Uh… well, in my defense, all those green stems look the same to me!"

Aerith's withering glare worked this time.

"Oh! O-Of course I'll follow your orders exactly! After all, you're the professional here! Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it!" he announced with determination and a blinding white smile.

"Yay! Just what I love to hear!" she bounced on her toes and clapped, completely breaking character before jumping right back in it with a stern voice, "Alright, First Class SOLDIER, Zack Fair, I order you to plant some flowers and perhaps do some weeding, but make sure to do it correctly this time! Do I make myself clear?"

"Ma'am, yes, Ma'am! Operation Midgar Full of Flowers, Wallet Full of Money shall commence immediately!" Zack stated loudly, finally maneuvered the box under one arm and gave her a full SOLDIER salute with rigid stance and stern expression.

Aerith just giggled into her palms before pushing at his shoulder as Zack yelped when the box nearly went flying out of his arms again.

.....

Scratch that earlier statement - today was definitely perfect.

A few hours later, the couple were knelt in a patch of soft dirt.

The rich brown loam permeating the air and making the normally rank Midgar air sweet and fragrant with the scent of flourishing life. Aerith was barefoot, boots discarded as she dug her toes into the cool grass and merely enjoyed the soft breeze as her fingers raked through the dirt under her palms. The brown soil staining her fingertips and getting under her nails and most likely staining the white and blue dress caught under her knees, but she couldn't care less.

Looking to her left was nothing short of perfection.

The flowers and grass, soil and the promise of new life with every seed planted didn't much matter compared to the man kneeling right next to her. Aerith smiled softy. Her emerald green eyes tracing over Zack's handsome face as he had his complete attention on the soil in front of him. While Zack was known to have the attention span of a puppy on a sugar rush most times, when he put his heart into something, Zack easily gave 110% of focus on that task like he was right now.

Ever so carefully, the SOLDIER listened to her instructions, following her along as she showed him how to plant the seeds he gave her. Till the soil, dig the holes to make sure they were deep enough and far enough apart not to interfere with the seedling next to them. Showed him how much water to give the freshly buried seeds, the perfect amount as to not dehydrate nor to drown. With each step and seed and bulb that he planted, his confidence grew until he was doing it on his own and Aerith couldn't be prouder of her first student!

Heart hammering as she took in Zack's concentrated expression, Aerith took his moment of distraction to complete what she tried earlier - this time with much more success.

Leaning forward on her knees, Aerith gingerly pressed her palms to his broad chest. The incredible firm large pecs under her wandering fingers inflated with Zack's surprised intake of breath as he looked at her in surprise at her forward action. Still retaining her nerve, Aerith grasped at his leather suspender straps, using them for balance as she eagerly pressed her lips against the corner of his plush smiling mouth.

The SOLDIER smiled warmly at her action. Hands wanting nothing to grab at her waist to pull her closer and kiss her properly but with the dirt covering his fingers, he resisted. Instead, he chased her retreating face, brushing his cheek on hers before letting his lips leave feathery strokes along her jaw before planting the softest kiss by her ear.

"What was that for? You trying to distract me?" he whispered and he bit his lip upon feeling her shiver as she nuzzled her face in his neck.

Aerith whole body felt electrified at Zack's question and his warm breath caressing her throat and loose tendrils of hair hanging by her ears. "No. Not really… What if I said I just wanted to?"

"...Oh really?" he asked, pulling back slightly and Aerith mourned the loss of his warmth for only a second as she caught his coy smile."Because if I didn't know better, I think you're just distracting me from gardening…"

"What if I am?" her mouth spoke before her brain even registered it. The words that left her mouth made her flush.

"Hmm... well, if that's the case, I'd say you win," he affirmed with the sexiest smirk she ever saw but before she could respond, Zack's mouth pressed against hers. His head tilting so he could slot his mouth perfectly against hers; the action had her toes curling against the grass as she bit back a rising moan. Aerith's hands grabbed at his raven hair, fingers eagerly cording through soft strands and desperately grasping at him to pull him closer.

Yet all too soon, Zack pulled his mouth away with a sinful pop as Aerith panted frantically, cheeks flushed and confused and a bit miffed that he dared to stop.

"So, since we're almost finished planting the dahlia's, how about we move over this hill and plant the sunflowers near the bridge?" Zack asked all too naturally before flashing her a devious wink.

Aerith was affronted for only a moment before she glared at him, "Nope. I'm in charge, remember?" with little hesitation, Aerith gently pushed aside the remaining seeds and bulbs and pushed Zack onto his back. The SOLDIER easily caving to her hands as she pressed at his shoulders til he rested among the soft grass, the bright green a beautiful contrast to his dark hair. "And I say that you're not allowed to get up until I say so, am I making myself clear, SOLDIER?

"Oh, yes..." he grunted lightly for show as she plopped down on his stomach guard. "Crystal clear, ma'am," he replied biting back a chuckle before she leaned over him and kissed him for all he was worth.

...After all, the seeds could always wait to be planted later…

#zerith #zack fair #aerith gainsbrough #ff7 #ff7r #ff7 remake #ffvii #ff7 fanfition #zerith fanfition

15 notes · View notes

bciwasinlove · 3 years

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how would you analyize or interpret the song walls?cause i‘ve heard a lot of people say it‘s a break up song as it‘s written in past tense and basically saying he‘s stronger now after a break up (maybe even from a toxic relationship), he‘s risen above it and it doesn‘t really sound like a love song about an ongoing romance, does it?

Hi anon this is going to be a long one bc there is no quick answer to this so just know you asked for this.

First let's get one thing straight the ones who claim Walls [the album in general] is a break up album are the "Rads" short for Radical Louies. Essentially they are toxic louies who once were a larry shipper [not even a real larrie] but now hate Harry bc their mad Louis hasn't gotten the same promo and solo opportunities Harry has and some how in their eyes that's Harry's fault. They don't see it was Syco trying to sabotage Louis and in no way is Louis being sabotaged Harry's fault. Rads try to twist the truth and believe Harry left Louis for fame so since they hate Harry they have twisted the meaning of Walls to in their head a break up from a toxic relationship. They also really want LT2 to be a HUGE SHADE break up album which is 100% not the case so don't believe their crap.

Tho I heard you may have sent this same ask to others [who probably ignored you] so there is a chance you are a rad trying to find out what larries believe. Either way if you are a confused larrie or an undercover rad you probably need this info that no one else will bother giving you the time of day to tell you but I myself thought why not I'll answer you.

Second Louis and Harry have been happily in love for 10 years and have not officially broken up. Yes they have had issues like any couple does but it did not stem from eachother their issues stemed from them being forcibly closeted, the stunt gfs and their labels thus their songs are not break up songs but songs about not being able to be free and forced to fake date others when all they want is to publicly be with the one they love.

Now that that is out of the way here's why Walls is about Louis loving one person and one person only since he was 18. I'm doing the whole album [minus TOU] bc it is impossible to state why Walls the song is not a break up song without mentioning the others like Too Young [which rads also claim as a break up song] bc the album as a whole paints the whole picture.

Bree's analysis on Walls

Kill My Mind:

You kill my mind, raise my body back to life and I don't know what I'd do without you now.

KMM is definitely the sexual song of Walls [not No Control type sexual but just we click right from the start sexual] It has the I just met you and we are figuring one another out vibe [both physically and just as people] and how right from the start Louis craves Harry and his attention. It has a similar vibe to Watermelon Sugar which Harry said is about the euphoria of falling in love and the way the other person makes you feel right from the start. Louis in KMM is saying I've just meet someone and they are now all I think about, crave and I don't know how I would be able to live without them.

Don't Let It Break Your Heart:

And I know you left apart of you in New York under your bed in a box, but your doing better.

Flashback to HS1 "Ever Since New York" seems like they both love to mention something happening in NY with their lover. We may never know what happened but it's always a funny coincidence when they mention the same places in their songs almost like their singing about the same situation.

Life gets hard and it gets messed up when you give so much, but it's not enough when the highs to high and the lows to low when you love somone and they let you go.

As I stated before their issues involved the stunts [fake dating women] so when Louis says love someone and they let you go he means when his lover gave into what they were being told to do for the sake of their careers. As young as they were when this all started it's hard not to think they may have fell for the lies being fed to them. So Harry let "Louis go" by being seeing with a ton of women gaining himself the brand of "lady's man" while also being forced to watch Louis be with someone else [Eleanor] and publicly act like that was the one he loved. Harry wrote the song Just a Little Bit of Your Heart which is a prime exactly of those feelings. Harry loves Louis so much but he only gets to love him privately while Eleanor gets to loves him publicly and as Harry wrote a little bit of your love is better then none.

Were driving down a one way road to something better. What hurts you is going to pass you'll be doing better.

This shows they know the pain all the bad things thrown their way won't stick around forever. They will overcome this and one day they will see the light at the end of the tunnel or the rainbow after the storm.

We Made It:

Cause we made it, Underestimated and always underrated. Now we're saying goodbye waving to the hard time yeah it's gonna be already.

Do I need to explain it I would say the title alone and this chorus makes it very clear. Break up who when where how? They had hard ships but NOT from their own doing. WMI is about how decpite all they were put through they made it. Flashback to Harry HS1 tour with Kacey in a rainbow dress at MSG in front of 36k people singing "[their/where] still together still going strong." They want you to know nothing will break them apart no matter how hard anyone tries. We are keeping the bad in the past and moving forward to a better tomorrow.

Share a single bed and tell each other what we dream about. Things we'd never say to someone else out loud.

This reminds me of their Xfactor days or early 1D tour days bc in 1D interviews it was always made clear they would share rooms and also how on the bus Louis bunk was filled with his junk so where did he sleep then? Also there are many former Xfactor contestants that have come out and said they were forced to be in the closet on the show. Flashback to an article claiming the people in charge of the 2010 Xfactor season tried to hide and keep a same sex couple apart wonder who that was? That line is about when they were young and the late nights they spent together wondering how their future was going to go. They were still just big smiles, wide eyed, oblivious young boys when they imagined only good things to come of the future with them and the band.

We were only kids just trying to work it out. Wonder what they'd say if they could see us now?/ Don't know why they put all of this on us when we're so young. Done a pretty good job dealing with it all.

We were only kids [when Louis fell in love with said person] and we're so young reminds me of Harry's song To Be So Lonely where he says "Don't blame me for falling I was just a little boy." They both mention falling in love at a young age and both mention how after all this time they are still just as in love as back then but just a little less naive/oblivious. They are both hinting at a higher person [their label/management] who didn't approve of their love and telling them it wasn't going to work out. Harry going you can't be mad at me I was only a boy and Louis going wonder what would happen if they saw us now meaning look we didn't let you win. They tried so hard to separate Louis and Harry but it didn't work and Louis wants us and THEM especially to know they are still very much together, they handled it as best at they could and they weren't going to let them keep Louis and Harry apart.

Meet you at your uni, cheap drink, drink em all night

This is what we call a stunt line to push a narrative. Harry does stunt songs [Carolina and Cherry] while Louis does stunt lines. This line is suppose to allude to the album being for Eleanor [bc she went to Manchester Uni] but the rest of the album is so clearly not for her. If this song was about a break up from Harry then why would they bother adding in a stunt line about Eleanor when the public story is El and Louis are happily still together with Louis planning to marry her? Unless Walls isn't a break up album and it's very loudly Louis declaring him and Harry are still happily together and they wanted to try and force the image that Louis is happily in love with Eleanor. Also funny how this album is gender neutral and has no she pronouns in it unlike Zayn's new album having she pronouns.

Too Young:

We were to young to know we had everything. Too Young, I wish I could've seen it all along. I'm sorry that I hurt you, darling, no we were to young

This song is all about how when Harry was only 16 and he was 18 [Louis himself saying the song is about meeting the one at 18] he was to young to realize he had the best lover he was ever going to have, he had it all. As I said before issues in songs = management/stunts and this is Illuding to how Louis let them minupulate them and do what it was they wanted aka stunting and forcing Louis to be with Eleanor and Harry have a "lady's image" since he was only 16 and Louis now looking back and realizing he should have fought harder. Louis at the time didn't realize how much all this would hurt Harry having to share Louis [once again Just a Little Bit of Your Heart is Harry's feelings about that] and its once he's older he realizes what he did to hurt the only one who he ever truly loved and it pains him to know he put his lover through that even if it wasn't Louis fault Harry went through that.

I've been looking back a lot lately me and you is all I've ever known. Oh I can't believe I gave in to the pressure. When they said a love like this would never last. I didn't know no better now I realize yeah I realize.

So similar to before he's saying Harry is all he's ever known and him giving in to the pressure was about agreeing to fake date Eleanor and allow them to be heavily closeted. Reflecting back on those days he regrets so much what he agreed to do. They said a love like this wouldn't last is their management/label not agreeing with them being together and how two boys in a boyband marketed towards young women won't last, they won't sell records as an out gay couple with Louis believing their lies for a bit and he now regrets ever thinking they were right. This is a reflection song of not understanding what he had when he was so young but he sees it clearly now and he will never let THEM win he loves Harry and won't ever let him go ever.

Walls:

These high walls, they came up short now I stand taller then them all. These high walls never broke my soul and I watched them all come fallin down for you.

The high walls he refers to is all the assholes who tried to break him, break Harry and tried to ruin his career out of spite. This is towards the ones who told him they would never succeed being as they are a committed gay couple. Louis for a time believed them when they said their love wouldn't last, no one will want to listen to their music as a gay couple but eventually he realized they were wrong and those walls he had up filling him with doubt and insecurities were broken down. He allowed his "high walls" to come down because Harry was worth the effort it took to bring them down.

So this one is a thank you for what you did to me. Why is it that thank you's are often bittersweet? I just hope I see you one day and you say to me, Oh.

This is what one calls a metaphor he does not mean a physical person he means the walls he had up for a long time making him feel so insecure bc of how some of the people around him that made him feel so worthless crushing his spirt for so long. The metaphorical person he is thanking for helping him become the person he is today is the wall he broke down. The hardships he dealt with when he was younger got him to where he is today.

For every question why you were my because

Why am I still fighting?

Why have I not given up yet?

The because to his question is his lover HERE is where he directly refers to his lover. Harry is someone who is worth fighting for and will always be one of the reasons he hasn't stopped fighting. He loves Harry more then anything and will fight until the day he can publicly hold his hand, publicly post pictures of them together, publicly go on dates and publicly declare his love for him.

Habit:

You're the habit that I can't break, you're the feeling I can't put down, you're the shiver that I can't shake, you're the habit that I can't break, you're the high that I need right now.

Written over and over throughout the song these are some of the most important lines he wrote about Harry. It's Louis way of saying even if he wanted to, even if it would be easier for him and Harry he can never let him go. Harry's version of this is in Adore You when he sings "You don't have to say you love me, you don't have to say nothing and you don't have to say you're mine. I'd walk through fire for you just let me adore you like it's the only thing I'll ever do." Harry is saying even if publicly you can never say you love me I know you do and I will do anything for you because I am madly in love and could never let you go. They both would go through hell along side each other then being partially happy and the other not being by their side. Harry is the only one he ever wants to spend his life with and no matter what hardships they are put through there is no scenario where being without each other is a better alternative.

I took some time 'cause I've ran out of energy of playing someone I heard I'm supposed to be but honestly, I don't have to choose anymore

The line of all lines he took time away bc he was tired of the facade of faking what makes him happy, faking loving some girl, faking being anything but himself. He's back now and knows without a doubt who he is and is proud of it. No more confusion, no more lies he loves a curly haired dimpled boy and no one will tell him he can't love him. Harry's version of this is the chorus of Lights Up "All the lights couldn't put out the dark, runnin' through my heart. Lights up and they know who you are, know who you are. Do you know who you are? Shine step into the light, shine so bright sometimes, shine I'm not ever going back." They both tell you they have figured out whi they are and are very proud of who they have become and no one will tell them they can't be anything but themselves. They WILL scream it out loud and proud letting everyone know who they love one day [as if 16 and 18 year old H&L didn't already do that.]

And it's been ages, different stages come so far from Princess Park. I'll always need ya in front of me, in front of me

Oh the line that shocked every larrie I know. When he first sang this song and we first heard this line at a live concert everyone was shocked because we all knew what their was only one meaning to it. It was such a drastic line that the Elounors tried to claim he sang Starbuck [until the official lyrics came out.] Princess Park is the name of the apartment/flat complex all of the 1D boys lived in after the Xfactor BUT Niall, Liam and Zayn had their own apartment/flat while Louis and Harry shared one and they always made it very clear to everyone they met that they lived together.

So in a love song Louis sings about how him and his lover have come so far since their Princess Park days and his lover will always be the one he needs. Putting Harry's fav love song Sweet Creature plus Louis line about his lover together it would read " And, oh, we started two hearts in one home, come so far [since] princess park. I'll always need you in front of me. Wherever I go you bring me home" you do the math here. Their lyrics sink up just as much as their tattoos do.

Always You:

I went to Amsterdam without you and all I could do was think about you and oh-oh-oh I should've known

The Amsterdam line one of those lines that can be fact checked and proven to not be for Eleanor. So Louis took Eleanor to Amsterdam for her birthday at a gay bar no less back in July/August of 2017. Then a week or two later wrote the song Always You leaking a snippet of it to us where the lines of him singing about how he went to Amsterdam without his lover and his lover was all he could think about were heard. If he went with Eleanor then clearly that isn't his lover but we know this. Fast forward 2020 Walls comes out and we FINALLY hear the full song of Always You.

Louis said he only put the song on the album because the fans wanted it but if it was just because of us and the song wasn't THAT important to him why did he leak those lines back in 2017 that could easily be fact checked that the lover he sings about isn't Eleanor? It's like he wanted us to know it's not for Eleanor this line is important. So the fact that almost 3 years later he still put the song out shows the song means a lot to him and even in 2020 the meaning of the song still resonates with him and how it will Always be THIS one person that means everything to him. Funny though how his loudest, easily fact checkable songs [to not be about Eleanor] are the ones he downplays the most about importance to him.

I went to Tokyo to let it go. Drink after drink, but I still felt alone I should've known

When it comes to this song the Amsterdam line is Louis speaking [because he went to Amsterdam without Harry] while the Tokyo line is Harry speaking [because Harry went to Tokyo without Louis] and after Harry came back from Tokyo, Japan Louis was seen wearing a ton of new clothes from Japanese clothing brands. This is both of them saying I may be in a wonderful new place but it's not the same without you here. They are sad and alone and would rather be with each other then traveling around the world.

I'm wastin' my time when it was always you, always you. Chasin' the high, but it was always you, always you

I think this is self explanatory he sees no reason to even think about being with someone else because he knows without a shadow of doubt [thinks he always knew deep down] it was always Harry. There was never going to be anyone else for him but Harry.

I went from LAX to Heathrow. Walked through my door, but it felt nothing like home cause you're not home. Waiting to wrap your legs around me

LA and London are their two main residences and places they tend to go back and forth a lot. When he "goes home" if Harry is not there Louis feels as though it doesn't really feel like home because home to Louis is wherever Harry is. They can travel all around the world, meet a ton of new people but no place and others will ever make them feel fully satisfied unless their lover is by their side.

Fearless:

Cashin your weekend treasures, for a suit and time a second wife. Now I'm not saying that you could have done better just remember that I, I've seen that fire alight.

The first line is a nod to the industry itself and how to get your "weekend tresures" [be famous and earn a lot of money] you have to put up a fake facade, acting and looking the way they want you to because in their eyes if you are not the conventional person Hollywood wants they believe you will not make them the money they desire because we all know they only care about money nothing else. At a cost of the real them they must put on a fake smile, go out there sing doing nothing unconventional and they will get money and fame.

The second line yes they are happily together and Louis doesn't want or believe Harry will find someone else but he has seen Harry when all of this gets to be to much and when Harry puts up a facade of I've never had an issue with all of this Louis reminds him that I've seen you when your not fine, it's ok to not always be fine and I am here for you when things are not rainbows and sunshine.

Tell me do you still remember feeling young? And strong enough to get it wrong in front of all these people? Just for tonight, look inside and spark that memory of you.

Refering back to Xfactor and early 1D days he's asking Harry if he remembers those days together back when they hadn't really gone through hardships yet and all the strength they had during their youth willing to take on the world together. He's asking him to bring that strength back and remember the younger version of himself. He's asking him to not give up because the younger him wouldn't want him to. It's been 10 years and they are still fighting, fighting as hard as they did when they were merely teenagers not knowing what lied ahead but wer happy as long as it meant they had each other in the end.

Now if happiness is always measured by the life we design, the car on the drive then you should feel better then ever but you know as well as I it's all lies.

This line speaks volumes as stated before with Fearless we have references to the industry and even just life in general. From the outside looking in they got money, fame, material things, they have it all and if deciding who is more happy in life was based on those things then they would win but Louis is telling Harry we both know that isn't the case. The industry isn't sunshine and rainbows, they treat people like shit and strip away everything about a person if they don't think their real self will sell. They only want to make a profit off them and don't care about how they feel about any of it. Everything is a lie the truth must be counseled.

Perfect Now:

You say to me your jeans don't fit, you don't feel pretty and it's hard to miss. I wish you could see my point of view as someone staring back at you.

This song is personally underrated to me I love this song. This song is so uplifting when you are feeling insecure and negative about yourself. Louis personally had a certain curly haired boy in mind when he wrote this. He's talking about Harry's insecurities with himself and Louis wishes Harry could see things from his view and how amazing and perfect Harry is to him.

Cause everybody is looking at you now. I guess some queens don't need a crown and I know why. Even when your tears are following now still someone, you're perfect now.

One of those it's definitely not for Eleanor moments. We all know [especially during fine line era] everyone was talking about Harry, knows his name and eyes turn to him when he walks in the room. Louis is so proud of Harry and is happy everyone else sees what he sees but Harry doesn't always see what others see in him and during those times where he is not already Louis is saying I will be right there with you. I am with you through the good and the bad because even when tears are running down his face Harry is still perfect to Louis.

Cause you're the only one when it's said and done. You make me feel like being someone good to you. Even at your worst you steal the scene.

No matter where life takes them, no matter how hard it gets Louis is reassuring Harry he will always be there by his side. At the end of it all when the final act is over and the curtain is closeting he will still be there because there will never be anyone else he wants to be next to at the end of all of this. Louis looks into Harry's eyes he watches all he does and is intrance wanting nothing more then being the one to be there when he is down and always being the who makes the pain go away even if for a moment.

Defenseless:

I hate to say, but I do we're sleeping on our problems like we'll solve them in our dreams. We walk up early morning and they're still under our sheets.

*Sigh* this is reality setting in things aren't perfect. In their line of work, being who they are, being a closeted gay couple things aren't going to be perfect 100% of the time. Most of the time they would rather ignore all the shit they are forced to indure but Louis realizes just ignoring it all won't make it go away he will wake up each morning next to Harry knowing those issues will always be around by neither fault of their own. He hopes one day they will get to be a happily open couple who posts pics online, goes out on public dates and gets to live the domestic life they always wanted but right now that just isn't their reality. Their reality is I can only look at you for more then 5 seconds or touch you when no one is around to notice.

Been up all night, all night running my lines but it's only the truth. Been up all night not sure how to say this right got so much to loose. / You just keep on building up your fences but I've been so defenseless.

Another metaphor here Louis wondering how to bring this up to Harry and not upset him. The last thing Louis ever wants is for him to be the reason Harry has a frown upon is wonderful face. Harry is more the one to bottle up and ignore the negative things while Louis is the more practical one and he knows he has a ton to loose [Harry and his love] if he doesn't go about this situation right.

No you don't have to keep on being strong for you and me acting like you feel no pain I know you do. And I can't get inside your head when you're lost in your pride but you don't have a thing to prove.

Harry is the one who bottles up his pain, puts on the fake smiles, and makes everyone believe he is perfectly fine. He acts like he can handle what he is forced to indure 100% of the time but Louis sees through that and just wants him to open up more. He knows Harry feels just as much pain as he does and wishes he wouldn't hide it and pretend everything is always fine. Louis wants to be able to help Harry through the pain and to let know he will always be there for him no matter what so don't pretend your always fine just to make others around him, make Louis feel better.

I hope I'm not asking to much just wanna be loved by you. And I'm to tired to be tough just wanna be loved by you.

Louis is tired of pretending, wishes everyone understood, wishes what he is asking for wasn't to much. All he wants is to be loved by Harry and live the domestic life he always invisioned with Harry and no one else but his live is not that simple.

Only The Brave:

Pour mercy, mercy on me, set fire to history. I'm breaking my own rules, I'm crying like a fool. It's a church of burnt romances and I'm to far gone to pray. It's a solo song and it's only for the brave.

I'm sure you understand Louis is gay but if you didn't this line right here is all you need to understand that. No straight man is going to write or sing those lines. He's gone down a path of self discovery and figuring himself out he knows he is and he is to far gone to turn back now but he has no desire to even if he could turn back. He is proud of who he is and doesn't care what anyone else thinks of him.

If the truth tell, darling, you fell, like their ain't enough dying stars in your sky. It's a tell tale and it's only hello, hello, no goodbyes.

It's only hello no goodbyes meaning the confusion, the is this for life between Louis and Harry questions are gone. They aren't turning back, they aren't saying goodbye, they are only saying hello to what lies ahead. The truth is clear, their story is clear, they fell for one another and Harry metaphorical speaking fell for Louis in a way where his star shines brighter then ever just by being with him.

Pour mercy, mercy on me, I'll fall upon my knees and they'll say, I told you so come on when you know you know. All the lonely shadows dancing from the cradle to the grave.

When you know you know they knew right from the start it's me and you until the end. Some won't agree but in the end that does not matter to Louis because he only cares about Harry being by his side. He will not apologize for falling in love he loves who he loves and that is it.

We Made It Directors Cut MV:

If the lyrics alone don't tell you the full story then the music video mini movie should. It sums up everything I explained. Louis being forced to do things he doesn't want, it effecting his relationship to the point their drowning [Harry in Falling MV] but manage to survive. Louis lover never speaking but the girl with ties to the evil one in charge does until eventually Louis breaks free from the man in charge controlling him and Louis finally gets to run away with his lover because he made sure they would make it in the end.

Ending:

Walls is about self discovery, learning to overcome your insecurities "breaking down your walls" no matter how hard it may be and Louis understanding he met the one at 18 and how Harry will always be worth fighting for, THEY will always be worth it bc they knew even as young as they were they were going to get married, have kids and grow old together. So you still want to tell me how any song on Walls is about a break up or Louis moving on from Harry because I certainly don't see it. Walls is Louis perspective on their 10 year relationship and his support and love towards Harry if you want Harry's perspective and his support and love toward Louis you would have to dive into HS and FL but that's a whole other analysis.

They have not given up on each other even if at times it would have been easier they didn't so I will never give up on them. They continue to fight I have been in this fandom supporting them for 10 years watching their continous fight and I will be here another 10 years supporting them if that is how long it takes for them to get the life they knew they wanted when they were only 16 and 18.

#larry is still together going strong #walls lyric analysis #walls is not a break up album #larry is and always will be real #louis #harry #larry stylinson

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just-someone-who-likes-to-write · 4 years

Text

Nuada x Abused!Reader

(Requested by @athywinchester :Hello! May I have a Nuada x Abused Reader. So Reader works with Reds team, and she was in a very abusive past relationship. So Prince Nuada joining the team and Reader is jumpy tense and distant from him for the reason that he always looks intimidating, so Nuada gets frustrated that she aviods him but seems fine with Abe and Red and when he demands to know why Red explains her past. Nuada becomes intranced and both fall in love! Fluff and implied smut, protective Red and Abe! Thank you! ♥️)

(A/N): This honestly took longer than I expected and its probably the longest story I have wrote so far, but I liked the challenge and i hope all of your like the result!

Warning: Angst, Talk of abuse, fluff, implied smut, Grammatical Error.

Word Count: 6,587

Nuada and his sister were walking down one of the hallways in the B.P.R.D, talking about various thinks, simply enjoying the company of one another as if it was the old days before the war with the humans and them separate.

"Brother, I assure you Abraham is treating me well." Said Nuala with a small smile.

"Just keep reminding him that he will be punished for any wrong act he commits against you." Replied Nuada sternly. Nuala just nodded.

Nuala is happy that her brother finally accepted her relationship with Abraham, but him being overprotective of her can be a bit troubling. Nevertheless, she enjoyed having her brother back. She was pulled out of her thoughts when she saw a familiar face walk opposite them, with her hand full of files and a troubled look on her face.

"(Y/n)!" She called with a smile, earning the agent's attention who smiled back at her.

"Nuala, Hey!"

(Y/n) called back moving closer to the princess but slowed down and the troubled look was back. Nuala was confused by the sudden hesitation to approach her, following her eyes she realized that she was staring at her brother who looked neutral, not showing disdain or hate towards the human agent, which Nuala couldn't helo but feel proud of that he is trying his best. However, her brother wasn't her main concern.

"(Y/n)." She called again catching the girl's attention.

"O…Oh!..hmm.." (Y/n) stammered not knowing what to say, she held tight to the files in her arms and started marching forward with her eyes averted to the side. "Sorry I have a lot of work to do, bye!"

Nuala didn't get the chance to stop the female human as she went past her. The Elven princess blinked a couple of times at what just happened, confused by (Y/n) behavior.

"What was…Strange." She said breaking the silence. Nuada sighed before he continued walking.

"It is not your fault sister, its mine." He stated. Nuala's eyes furrowed and she followed him.

"What do you mean brother?" She kept her eyes on him. His eyes seemed neutral as always but she could see that there was something else.

"That human is scared of me for some reason." He answered.

"Aren't all humans in here afraid of you?" She asked casual causing her brother to chuckle at her choice of words.

"Some are, but they don't cower away as she does." He replied. "When I was first given my freedom all the humans feard me including her, but now, they all mustered the courage to approach me, except for her."

Nuala was surprised by how bothered her brother looked at the idea of (Y/n) avoiding and fearing him.

"Maybe she is just intimidated by other creatures." Nuala said trying to assure him but he only shook his head.

"She isn't." he answered. "If she was then she would be terrified of Hellboy and Abraham but she seems very close with them."

Nuala stayed silenced for a while not sure of what else to say to assure her dear brother that he wasn’t in the wrong. She bit her lower lip and looked down at her hands with a thoughtful stare. Then an idea came to her.

"I can figure out the real reason." She said and her brother looked at her with a raised brow. She continued. "We spend a lot of time together in the library maybe I could ask her, or at least touch her skin and-"

She stopped when Nuada held up his hand stopping her. He turned fully to face her.

"I appreciate you willing to use your powers for me, sister." He started. "But I know how much you dislike using your powers on others, even if it was for me, I don't wish for you to do it."

Nuala wanted to say something but only smiled at her brother.

"Very well brother, if that is what you wish." She said with a nod.

"It is." He nodded back.

They resumed walking together for a while but Nuada broke the silence.

"Although, I wouldn't mind telling her that I am not as bad as I look."

Nuala just nodded as she smiled knowingly at him.

---

Swinging his blade swiftly Nuada was able to decapitate the last creature they were sent to kill, but he didn't care for that. The Elven prince was more concerned for the little human who joined them on this mission. He tried to keep close in order to protect her and to show her that he meant wished no harm to her. However, while he was distracted with the piled up creatures the human must have slipped away because when he turned back she wasn't there. It frustrated him. He started to make his way out of the hallway from the second floor, wondering if the little human was safe when he heard shouting from the foyer on the first floor. Nuada walked slower as he peaked down and saw that the source of the noises was Hellboy, with him were you and Abraham.

"Great work shrimp!" Exclaimed Hellboy with a laugh.

"Thanks, Red!" She shouted back with a big smile. Nuada's eyes slightly widened at the sight of your smile.

Hellboy then picked you up with his stone hand, causing you to let out a sound of surprise. Nuada was about to step forward and stop the demon but stopped when he heard you let out a series of laughter.

"Let me down, you red abe!" You shouted hitting his back playfully.

Nuada looked at the scene folding in front of him with almost a pained look when he confirmed that you feard only him and not just other mythical creatures.

When they finally got out of the ruined manor that was a nest to those creatures they just killed, Nuada stayed a safe distance and he kept watching your interaction with Hellboy and Abraham and you didn't cower at her touch, voice or even sight. Nuada wouldn't admit it out loud but his appearance almost resembled a human's, if his eyes and skin were in a different color, compared to the demon and the fish he didn't look intimidating a lot. Nuada looked up when he noticed that you had to leave the two to join the other humans, that was his chance to approach. He walked a beeline towards Hellboy catching his attention and before he could question what the Elf wanted Nuada spoke.

"Why does (Y/n) fear me?" He asked bluntly, his face and voice calm and neutral.

"Uh…what?" Asked Hellboy who seemed taken it back by the sudden question. Abraham just blinked and watched.

"The female Human named (Y/n)." He started to explain. "She has been avoiding me since the day I joined the Organization. At first, I thought because she fears mythical creatures like any other human, but I always see her acting so friendly to you both, so I am why does she fear me?... and how can I…stop it?..."

Nuada didn't want to result in asking anyone for help, not wanting to seem desperate or weak in front of anyone. But the human girl made him reach his limits and just wanting answers. Hellboy just looked at him with a raised brow confused, then his eyes narrowed dangerously at the young prince. He placed his stone hand on his shoulder and squeezed, not enough to crush the elf's shoulder but enough to make him wince in pain. Hellboy leaned forward to the prince.

"Are you planning to hurt (Y/n)?" He asked in a harsh whisper, "Cause I promise to make you regret the thought of it."

"Red stop!" Said Abraham panicking as he released Hellboy's hold on Nuada. "You are going to hurt Nuala!"

Despite knowing that Abraham can't stand a chance against the demon's strength, Hellboy let go of Nuada for his friend's sake. Nuada brought his hand up to massage his shoulder knowing full well that it will bruise. He will have to check on Nuala when her returns. Hellboy was going to say something else to the elf but Abraham came between them facing the demon.

"Why are ya stopping me blue?" Hellboy asked with furrowed brows.

"Because you misunderstood Nuada's intention, he means no harm for sister (Y/n). In fact, he wishes to befriend her." Abraham said carefully when he turned to look at the surprised prince he explained. "Nuala told me of what was happening."

"And what is happening?" Asked Hellboy confused. He looked between Abraham and Nuada.

"It appears that sister (Y/n) is… intimidated by Nuada." Abraham explained. Hellboy's glare was back to the prince but Abraham quickly continued earning the attention back to him.

"Red…I think she is ….still…hmm…" He struggled with what he wanted to say, but then found it better to just whisper what he wants to say to his friend.

Nuada observed as Hellboy's eyes widened in realization. He pulled away and looked down at his friend with a look of concern.

"But I thought she got over it." He whispered back but Nuada could hear him. Abraham shook his head.

"No one truly gets over such thing Red." He started to explain. "They either let the pain consume them forever or cope with it or learn from it. (Y/n) got better not because she was strong but also because she had us by her side at all times until she was free again... or at least that what it seems."

"What do you mean?" Asked Hellboy as calmly as he could.

"Deep down (Y/n) is still affected by what happened and I believe that prince Nuada's presence somehow triggered those feelings back."

Nuada frowned at his words. It's true that he still didn't understand what they were speaking of but he heard enough to know that (Y/n) was hurt in some way and he somehow is making her reliving it.

"What are you doing still standing here?" They all turned and saw it was a displeased Manning. "Get in that truck and return to HQ, we already have enough in our hands."

Without another word Hellboy, Abraham and Nuada aborded the vehicle and stayed silent throughout the entire way back. There were a lot of moments that Nuada wanted to say something, his mind was filled with questions that he demanded answers to, but he can sense the tension around Hellboy, for apparently whatever you have been through it angered him greatly. When they finally reached HQ Nuada was planning to talk to Abraham and get answers from him, even if the idea angered him.

"Hey…"

Nuada looked up and saw that it was Hellboy looking down at him with no previous malic.

"Come to my room tomorrow morning, but not too early."

He said simply before walking away not giving a chance to the Elvin prince to say or ask anything. Deciding that this will be better than being alone with Abraham Nuada went back to his room unable to sleep waiting for the next morning anxiously, through it his mind kept imagining the many possibilities of what he will learn tomorrow, of you, of your past.

---

Standing in front of the giant heavy Iron door or Hellboy and his spouse's room. He reached for the small keyboard on the side with the screen and camera and pushed a button to form the demon that there is someone who wishes to enter. From what Nuada learned, Hellboy used to be locked in his room until one of the agents opened the door for him but after defeating him, his army and learning of the human Liz's pregnancy the organization allowed them the freedom to roam around without a schedule. The heavy door started to unlock and Nuada took a cautious step back allowing the door to slowly swing open, but it didn't need to open all the way for Nuada to see A shirtless Hellboy standing behind it.

"Good morning." Nuada greeted first. His relationship with Hellboy might still be rocky but he never forgets his etiquettes

"….morning." Mumbles Hellboy before turning around and walked back into the room, Nuada didn't what for an invitation as he walked in after him.

Nuada was genuinely surprised when he found the room clean and organized. Sounds of purring caught his attention, he looked down to see a couple of cats rubbing on his legs when he followed the trails of other cats he saw in the corner a placed filled with cat toys, cat food, toward scratchers, and the opposite side the letterbox. Nuada furrowed his brows in disgust.

"I maybe succeeded in cleaning this room, but I can never be able to talk him into giving up those cats." A feminine voice called.

Nuada turned a saw a heavily pregnant Liz carrying a plat of food which Hellboy quickly took from, and started setting up the small table.

"The same way I can't talk you out of not moving too much." He said making Liz roll her eyes. She turned to the prince and greeted him good morning which he returned.

"I was honestly surprised when Red told me that you are joining us for breakfast." She said as she made her way to the table and sat down with a small groan. Nuada followed.

"He isn't here to just join us for breakfast." Said Hellboy almost disgruntledly, causing Liz to look at him with a confused look.

"I asked for Hellboy's help last night and he told me to come to him in the morning." Informed Nuada.

"Problem?" Questioned Liz and she looked between the two beings. "What problem?... What is going on red?"

He stayed silenced for a while thinking his words carefully, before setting down across from Nuada. He licked his lips nervously.

"(Y/n) is… terrified from Nuada." He started. When seeing the hint of flame starting to spark from her skin in anger he continued. "Because she is still hurt from what happened before?"

Her flames died down in realization and the angry look was replaced with one of sadness.

"Oh no…" Was all that she could say.

"I came to Hellboy in hopes of knowing the reason for her fear of me." Said Nuada hiding the irritation he felt for being still left in the dark.

Hellboy and Liz shared a look before he let out a sigh.

"Its something that happened to her a few years ago, Before you came along." Started Hellboy. "(Y/n) was a new agent and one of the few who didn't judge someone easily by the way they looked or what others said about them. which made her a great asset and a cool person to be around. However, Because of her kind self, it also can make her… A target to some…lowlife, manipulative bastard!.. who deserves to be-"

"Red!" Called Liz putting her hand over her lover's to calm him, Hlleboy squeezed her hand and released a sigh before looking.

"She started seeing someone." He continued. "They went out a few times and seemed like a decent guy. He made her laugh, feel appreciated and loved, gave her attention, it wasn't long until they started living together, which if I was being honesty felt jealous of… Anyway, after they started living together something…changed."

"Changed?" repeated Nuada as he unconsciously leaned forward. Hellboy nodded finding it a little difficult to continue.

"She started keeping her distance from us." Interrupted Liz giving her lover a reassuring look that she will take over.

"She stopped visiting Abe and Red or even be around them, she started ignoring me and would exit any room I enter immediately. We noticed the change but thought nothing of it for it wasn't the first time someone tries to befriend us only to fear us in the end… But then I heard from other girls how her body was… filled… with bruises. I ignored it at first thinking it was only from practice or missions, but then we find her every now and then doing paperwork because one of her legs or arms were broken."

"One of?" Nuada questions with a displeased look.

"Yes." Confirmed Liz. "It happens every few months, when one of her arms heals, then we find one of her legs is broken. After having 3 limps broken in the span on months the B.P.R.D assigned her for paperwork, pulling her completely from field missions."

Nuada listened silently with a dark look, he already knew what was happening but he still wanted to hear the end.

"Then what happened?" he asked, urging for her to continue.

"Then the disappearing started." Hellboy took over. "She wouldn't show up for days sometimes a whole week, and when she did show up she looked…deranged… If he wasn't around for her to follow she would be lost, not that he ever gave her space."

"How did you find out?" Nuada asked feeling his blood boil the more he listened, but kept a calm façade.

"I found him hit her in one of the empty hallways." Said Liz bitterly, the table under her hand started to show black spots of fire she tries to suppress. "She was pleading him to stop, she was crying but he kept going while degrading her. I was so angry that I don't remember a lot of what happened, all I know is that I marched out of there with (Y/n) while he was screaming in the background, I found out later from manning that I burned his entire right arm disfiguring it."

"That's the least of what he deserved." Muttered Hellboy angrily.

"And then?" Asked Nuada, his voice filled with malice no longer hiding his anger.

"I took her to the library knowing that the bastard won't dare come closer to anywhere near Abe or Red." She continued. "I tried to make her talk but she couldn't, she was too petrified by what he would do to her later."

"She didn't need to say anything." Said Hellboy. "Blue told us everything that she had suffered through. It started with the drunk rages, he would break things, slam his fist on the wall and slap her. Then he demanded that she breaks contact with us, but when she refused he would hit her some more but resulted in breaking her limps because he knew that she will still be around us even through missions."

"Why didn't she fight back?" Nuada almost yelled. "I saw her fight, I saw how she deals with others idiocy, she is a strong woman who fears nothing, how can she allow that!"

Liz and Hellboy were taken it back by his sudden outburst, surprised that he actually cares about a human, about you.

"… Because back then she wasn't the same strong woman today." Explained Liz. "He manipulated her made her feel as if she needed him and how she will be lost without him. There are those times when she did fight back…but… He would …"

"He would what?" Asked Nuada. "What worst can he possibly do?"

"Whenever she fought back he would lock her up in the basement, with no light, food, or water for several days."

Nuada's eyes widened at what he heard. Humans can truly be disgusting and selfish creatures, but to go as far as destroying an innocent person both mentally and physically just for the idea that they can, disgust him greatly. His vision turned red with bloodlust, he wanted more than to find that human and make him pay for everything he had done. His hand unconsciously traveled to the blade resting on his side, which Hellboy noticed.

"Calm down there, big guy." Said Hellboy putting his left hand on his shoulder in a comforting manner. "I can understand your anger, but I'm both glad and sad to say that he no longer works here anymore."

"Where is he?" Asked Nuasda with narrowed eyes.

"It's kind of a long story but I will shorten it. After Lizzy burned his hand Manning came to confront her, which lead to us telling him everything that he had done, there was a lot of camera footage and clinical files to show that he was a rotten man, but the nail on the coffin was (Y/n)'s confession and the evidence in their home. The bastard made a lot of commission when they transferred him to who knows where, but they fired him completely when he tried to expose the B.P.R.D in anger of what we did to him. But they… Shut him up."

Hellboy said the last part with a dark chuckle,

"What about (Y/n)?"

The chuckle died and a sad look crossed Hellboy's eyes.

"It was a long journey for (Y/n) to reach what she is today." He began. "She kept waking up screaming at night thinking he was at the door, she cried, doubted herself and nearly quit her job. They wanted to send her away saying how she wasn't mentally stable, no longer fit to work for the organization but… My Father kept her around fighting them back every time they tried to fire (Y/n)."

"If it wasn't for him (Y/n) wouldn't have been here with us." Said Liz with a soft smile. "With people who would care and love her."

There was a long silence between them before Nuada finally spoke.

"She fears me because I remind her of that disgusting being."

The couple shared a look, silently conversing on what should they say or do next because Nuada seemed genuinely upset that you fear him so much. Then Hellboy finally said.

"Did you try talking to her?" He asked.

"I did but she always runs away before I'm even able to say "Hello" to her." Answered Nuada.

"Maybe show her that you mean no harm and wish her good?" Said Liz, Nuada shook his head at her words.

"When we go on missions I try my best to protect her but when I turn around she is already gone."

"Tell Nuala to talk to her for you, they seem pretty close." Siad Hellboy thinking he got it.

"I already told Nuala to tell her that I mean no harm but nothing came up yet."

Hellboy and Liz looked at each other again troubled by what to say next, Hellboy was mostly annoyed. They both struggled to find a solution and Nuada could read it clearly in their faces, he released a defeated sigh and stood up, surprising them both.

"Thank you for your hospitality and help, I have to excuse myself now." He bowed slightly to them before turning around to leave.

"Hey, what are you going to do with (Y/n)?" Asked Hellboy, Nuada shrugged.

"I think I will just do my best to avoid her." He said almost nonchalantly but the hurt is in his eyes. "The last thing I want is to make her relive her nightmare."

He started walking away contemplating what he had just learned of you. His mind filled with memories from he first saw you, back when he was still trying to kill humans, he was filled with so much anger and hate. Maybe that's what caused her to fear him.

"Wait!" Called Liz pulling him out of his thoughts. He turned to face her.

"Next week there will be a party everyone will be there including (Y/n), take that chance in talking to her." Nuada looked at her with a raised brow.

"But she runs away at the mere sight of me." He reminded.

"But maybe she will be more confident knowing that we are around her and stay around." From her voice alone Nuada can tell that she as well wasn't sure about that idea but it was worth a try. He released a defeated sigh.

"Very well, I will be at that party." He said with a nod and thanked them again before exiting the room.

---

When Liz told him that there will be a party he expected people in fancy attire, a dance floor with couples waltzing, And the air filled with classic music. He did not expect the disaster he saw. The room was flashing with colorful, blinding lights, the music was too loud and disturbing that he can even hear his thoughts. The humans wearing ragged clothes calling it "Fashionable", making him regret wearing his formal wear not because he stuck out but because he thought they don't deserve seeing him at his best look. And lastly, their dancing, it made Nuada's spine with how they were all rubbing at each other as if they were an animal in heat. He shook his head and cleared his thoughts ignoring everything around him. He reminded himself that him coming here and wearing his best wasn't for the humans' sake. It was for him to get a chance at impressing the human named (Y/n). He scanned the room frowning at the sight of anything that displeased him, he tried finding The demon and his spouse, he wanted to confirm that they are there for him when he did decide to talk to (Y/n).

Nuada froze and his eyes widened when his eyes fill on none other than her and he was taken it back with what he saw. He saw your smile before, a beautiful smile that warmed his heart and made him smile unconsciously. But wasn't prepared to see how radiating you were tonight. Your (H/c) hair was styled in a way that showed you face and wore a beautiful knee-length (F/c) dress, it was off-shoulder with sleeves that reached your elbows, the upper part hugged your waist and the lower part flowed making you look elegant. Seeing you made him glad that he did wear formally. He couldn't take his eyes from you, you were talking to other agents and laughing at whatever they were saying making him feel a little jealous that he wasn't the cause of that smile. He didn't know for how long he was staring at your direction but he was snapped back to reality when he saw your friends leave you to dance.

He looked around him one last time hooping to spot either Hellboy or Liz but he saw no one, with a huff he decided that he couldn't wait anymore. He marched up to you avoiding the humans that didn't notice him walk by, he followed you to the table with the beverages and when he finally was close enough he realized that he didn't know what to say. But it was too late and to make it worst the deafening music died down, playing soft music. Biting the inside of his check he mustered up the courage to walk closer and took a deep calming breath. Your back was to him so he coughed lightly to catch your attention. You jumped at that.

"Oh sorry!... I didn't mean to hog the drinks I will move right now-" Your words stopped when you turned around and saw him.

He could see how your eyes widened in horror, but he still tried to give a charming smile, and before he could say anything you spoke first.

"Sorry." You muttered before trying to move away and escape his presence.

"Please wait!" He called not liking how desperate it came out but in a way grateful because you stopped and turned to him.

"Yes?" You said still clenching your cup nervously. Nuada noticed how tense you are.

"Did you read anything interesting?" He asked and when the question left his lips he wanted to punch himself in the face from how stupid the question was. Why am I nervous?

"Excuse me?" You asked confused making your shoulder slump slightly losing previous tension.

"Hmm… My sister told me a lot about how the two of you would spend most of your time together reading." He explained. You gave him an odd look.

"You… told Nuala to spy on me?" You asked almost panicking, Nuada's eyes widened at your accusation.

"What?..No…I…" He struggled. "I .. I might have asked her to tell me about you… But not spying!"

The more Nuada tried to explain the more intimidated you looked by him.

"I should have waited for Hellboy."

"Good evening (Y/n)." A familiar voice called, and when they both turned they saw Nuala in a blue dress smiling at them both.

"Hey, Nuala." You greeted back awkwardly. She came forward standing between both of you.

"What were you talking about?" She asked innocently that Nuada didn't fall to unlike you, he knew his sister is here with a purpose.

"We were… walking about how … Nuada… asked you to.. spy?... on me?" You answered questioning her if that was true. Nuala laughed lightly.

"He never asked me to spy on you silly." She replied Nuada gave his sister an odd look.

"He didn't?"

"No, of course not." She said causing both you and Nuada to let out a sigh of relief that the misunderstanding was cleared.

"But he always asking me about you." That made Nuada tense and stare at his sister with wide eyes, and he wasn’t the only one as.

"H..He does?" You stuttered. Nuada saw how tense you were being again, and he was ready to turn around, giving up on the whole ordeal, but his sister wrapped her arm around his forbidding him from leaving.

"Yes." She answered with a smile. "My brother found you interesting and wished to know more about you, but unfortunately there never seems to be enough time or the right place, thus seeking me for answers."

"Oh… hmm…" You blushed in embarrassment because you knew you were avoiding him on purpose, but you didn't know that they already knew. "I'm… sorry, your… your highness?..."

"Please stop." He said when he saw you attempting a bow. "And call by my name Nuada, I am sorry for not introducing myself properly."

"No it's alright, I already know your name we work together after all." You quickly reassured him.

"I'm Glad." Nuada was relieved to see you attempting a smile, causing him to smile.

Although the tension between the two of you was still there, Nuala was the one to bring topics to discuss between you. She would bring something about her brother that she knew would interest (Y/n) and she would do the same thing with her brother for (Y/n). As the conversation was going smoothly Nuala started to pull herself away when seeing how engrossed the two of you become with each other without you two noticing. She had seen her how her brother was staring at you, and when she witnessed his failed attempt to talking to you she decided to come forward and save him.

Nuala glanced over her shoulder and saw how you were talking excitedly with a smile while her brother listened to you with pure interest. She could tell that something was going to blossom between the two of you and she can't wait for it to be.

---

"Sorry for forcing you to say with me (Y/n) I knew how you wanted to go on that mission." Said Liz as she was rocking the bundle in her arm.

"Don't say that Lizzy, I love spending time with you and the twins and besides…" You avoided the fire that the baby you were carrying burped making you laugh. "Helping you take care of these two is a mission itself."

Hellboy, abe, and Nuada on a mission leaving you with Liz and Nuala, you could have gone with them but when you saw how Liz and Nuala were struggling with the twins recently you decided to stay and give a helping hand. Nuala comes beside you and reached out to rub the little red plump cheek causing them to smile and for the both of you to go "Awww" over how cute they looked. You looked back at Liz.

"I'm always ready to help with them." You said with a smile.

"This one is gonna need to change soon." Said Nuala calmly. Your eyes slightly widened and your smile became weary.

"Ok, maybe not …one-hundred percent there..."

That made the two girls laugh as you handed the child to Nuala and kept your distance. Just then the heavy door of the room opened slowly signaling that they have returned. You turned and saw Hellboy, abe, and Nuada, your eyes softened at the sight of the Elven prince and when his eyes fell on you, you shared a knowing look.

"Where is my family." Called Hellboy as he rushed to his wife and children. Abraham went for Nuala, and Nuada stood between you and his sister.

Although he was keeping a calm façad you could feel his eyes staring at you, and you glanced up at him when your eyes met again he smiled at you and you smiled back trying not to blush heavily. You had to avert your eyes so no one would notice you.

"How was your mission?" Asked Liz breaking you out from whatever you were lost in.

"It was easy." Said Red not breaking his play with his kids. "I finished as fast as I can to come back here."

"Well, I think I will have to excuse myself." You said with a smile, Hellboy snapped his head up at you.

"Where are you going we just got here."

"Red leave her, she has been helping me none stop with the kids she probably wants to rest." Said Liz with a warning look. He nodded his head and looked back to you.

"Thanks (Y/n) you can go if you want." He smiled at you and you smiled back with a nod.

"It's alright Red, good night everyone." You said and they all replied.

But before you left you tucked your hair behind your ear and Hellboy's eyes widened at what he saw. There was a bruise in your neck.

"Stop." He commanded causing you to freeze. He layed his child gently down before marching up to you. He was focused on you that he didn't notice Nuada's hard stare. He stopped in front of you and pointed at your neck. "What is that?"

"What?" You instinctively reached for your neck.

"There is a bruise!" He said almost too loudly.

He could see the panic in your eyes but that was the only thing he was focused on because if he wasn't so filled with rage he would have noticed your heavy blush. His eyes narrowed at the bruise.

"Is someone hurting you again?" He asked but he didn't wait for your answer for the moment your eyes quickly glanced at Nuada then back at him he turned to the Elven prince. "You!?"

He marched to him and was about to reach for the prince's neck before you came between them protecting Nuada.

"Move aside (Y/n), so I can snap his neck." He ordered still glaring at the elf who was staring at you with awe.

"No Red, Nuada didn't do anything." You defended.

"You can't lie to me!... He caused that bruise." Exclaimed Hellboy while pointing at the "Bruise".

"He didn't!... I..I mean… H.. he did but..." You stammered.

"But what?!"

"It's not a bruise!"

"Then what is it!?

"It's Hecky!" You finally screamed out with your face beat red and eyes shut.

You can feel how the room became dead silence except for the twin's whimpering. You felt a hand on your shoulder and when you looked around you saw Nuada giving your shoulder a reassuring squeeze that he was with you, which you smiled at. When you turned to look back to the rest you saw that shocked look of everyone especially Red's.

"A…Hecky?" Repeated Hellboy still not believing what he just heard. You looked away embarrassed.

"Y..Yeah.."

"…With him?" Asked Hellboy as he pointed at Nuada.

"Y..Y...Yeah." You bit your lower lip nervously. "We have been… meeting "

"I knew it!" Exclaimed Liz joyfully.

"It was about time you finally tell us." Said abe with a grin that matched Nuala's. Hellboy looked confused at everyone in the room.

"Am I the only one who didn't know!?" He questioned, His eyes widened as he watched Nuada wrapped his arms around your waist and buried his face in your neck.

"It was obvious Red." Said Liz with an eye roll. "They always eat together."

"Talk every day for hours an end, only separated when they are forced too." Continued abe.

"Disappear together, and show up together." Finished Nuala with wink making you blush.

Hellboy looked at you almost hurt. You gently pushed yourself away from Nuada who let go willingly.

"Why didn't you tell me kiddo?" He asked.

"I.. was afraid you would overreact…because of… what happened last time." You answered looking down.

There was a pause before you felt his stone hand petting your head ruffling your hair in the process. When you looked up you saw a soft smile.

"Don't be afraid kiddo." He informed. "I can understand your fear of telling me, and to be honest I would have reacted the same way even if you did tell me eventually."

You giggled at that.

"…But to see you finally truly happy makes me happy, and if that happiness is from princy here then it's alright. At least he treats you like a gentleman…" Hellboy then leaned down and whispered. "He does treat you like a gentleman doesn't he?"

You laughed at his question pushing him away playfully.

"Of course he does." You said before wrapping your arms around Hellboy pulling him for a hug. "Thanks, Red, for everything."

"No problem." He returned the hug. And when you pulled away he gently pushed you aside to stand before Nuada who looked unfazed. He pointed a stone finger o his face.

"If you hurt her in any way I will break your bones." He said threateningly.

"Red!" Exclaimed Abraham panicking.

"It alright, I will allow it." Said Nuala calmly with a smile.

"Nuala!" Exclaimed Abe at her, which made everyone laugh at him.

It wasn't long before everyone departed to their rooms and instead of waiting until you were alone, you were happy to leave while holding your lover's hand. You sighed exhaustedly.

"That was scary." You said.

"It honestly went better than I expected." Replied Nuada as he let go of your hand to wrap his arm around you to bring you closer, you chuckled.

"I thought he would end up chasing you around, trying to kill you."

"I believe if you didn't intervene he would have"

Both of you shared a laugh as you continued your walk to your room. when you got closer you could feel Nuada's hands travel down your body that his hand now rested on your hip, causing a shiver to travel down your spine and your face to slightly flush. He leaned over that he was close to your ear and whispered heatedly.

"May I spend the night again with you?"

Your heart was beating fast at this part. Every night since you started being intimate he would ask for your consent first before he could go any further, it was thoughtful of him to ask first you thought but it was still very embarrassing. Nuada of course would stop if you said "No"…But you honestly never could. You looked up to him from your lashed while biting your lower lip.

"You may."

At your answer, his hand squeezed your hip gently and his eyes stared at you in a predatory way that made your body shiver with excitement.

Correction, you never Want to say "No" to him.

---

I hope you all enjoyed this story, and be excited for more in the future.

#prince nuada x reader #nuada x reader #hellboy the golden army #hellboy 2 the golden army

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iceeckos12 · 4 years

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tma fic recs

I’ve seen a couple of fic rec posts floating around. since ive been reading so many excellent fic recently, i thought that id make one as well! please note this list is going to be 99% jonmartin. also buckle up, because this is going to get long.

Completed

the umbrella by Wildehack (tyleet)

"And to think—all of Jonah Magnus’ carefully laid plans, the centuries of scheming, the murders, the sacrifices, all of that work could have been completely undone if Martin Blackwood had gone back for an umbrella" - holdthosebees

Notes: This is probably my go-to fic if i want an apocalypse never happened scenario. The jonmartin is wonderful, as is the h/c.

Diary and Prenon-nous la main by luftballoons99

Diary summary:

Not for the first time since they ran away together, a camera reel of all the things they don't know about one another whirs behind Martin's eyes, and he can't help but look at all the sprawling magnetic tape and wonder if they’re going to wind up a romance or a tragedy.

or: Office parties, garage bands, and the joy of being known.

Prenon-nous la main summary:

They still haven't talked about it, any of it, not even to pass the time on the long train ride to Scotland. Instead, Martin fell asleep in the seat next to him, pressed into his side from shoulder to knee, and Jon thought about love confessions and verb tense and how the two fit together when you think you're dying.

or: Good cows, mediocre poetry, and other crucial topics of discussion.

Notes: Do you love impeccable safehouse jonmartin characterization? do you love characters grappling with the mortifying ordeal of being known? do you love softness so tender that it makes you want to weep? please read these fic. im begging you.

i’ll tell you about all the times i’ve smiled because of you by cryptidkidprem

Summary:

Martin thinks about their shoes, sitting beside each other on the floor by the bed. Thinks of the way Jon wears Martin’s cardigans more often than he wears his own, the way Martin’s started keeping elastics around his wrist because Jon always forgets his own when they go out.

He thinks about all the gentle touches and fussing over each other they’ve done, and how much is still to come over the next… however long Jon will have him.

They have a long way to go, an entire life to build out of the wreckage Jonah Magnus and Peter Lukas left them, but laying together in a comfortable, sleepy quiet, Martin thinks they’ve got a good start going.

Or, Jon quits the Institute, saves the world, and it turns out to be exactly what he needs in order to heal and start moving forward towards building a life with Martin.

Notes: how many times have i reread this fic? more than i can count. jon quits the institute and it’s just full of soft jonmartins. they get married! god i love them.

go softly by doomcountry

Summary:

And there is nothing else besides this.

Notes: every time i remember this fic i reread it. please heed the tags because martin is blinding jon, but he’s like. blinding jon in the most heartbreaking way possible. idk how the author made this so tender but i know i was certainly crying so!

The Reverb in These Holy Halls by Wolftraps (AlwaysBoth)

Summary:

Undoing the apocalypse would have been enough for Jon, if all his people survived. Without them, Jon's only recourse is making it so it never happened in the first place. He's going to do better this time.

Notes: Do you like time travel fixits? i sure like time travel fixits. reverb is an excellent one. heavy on the h/c, I wanted to hug jon so so badly.

Yesterday is Here by CirrusGrey

Summary:

"Who the hell are you?" Jon could feel his hands shaking. The man laughed, taking a step forward and raising a hand to point at him. "I'm you, from the future!" he said, then swayed, eyes going unfocused, and collapsed to the floor in a dead faint. -------- Post-season-four Jon and Martin time travel back to the season one Archives.

Notes: Yet another time travel fixit! also excellent. the teasing was HYSTERICAL. also Im just going to say this now - CirrusGrey in general writes incredible tma fic. You can’t really go wrong.

unassigned supplementals by bibliocratic

Notes: I won’t put in a summary just because it’s a long series of oneshots, but bibliocratic’s writing is amazing. Again, you can’t really go wrong with one of their fic!

let the soft animal of your body by autoclaves

Summary:

Standing in the warm kitchen, slats of sepia light filtering through onto the counter in front of him, Martin doesn’t know what to do with his hands. He half expects them to go through the countertop entirely, glossy and solid as it is. He isn’t used to any of it, yet. The safehouse. Jon. Beams of sun pouring into his hands. After being deprived of everything of significance for so long, the longing that crashes over him is almost painful in its tangibility. He wants to laugh, to sob, to scream and hear it echoed back against the neat, square walls of the safehouse.

In the end, he doesn’t do any of these things. He makes eggs instead. He can do that, can’t he? Use his hands for something simple and plain and good.

(Or: In the safehouse after it all, Martin starts cooking.)

Notes: this fic really speaks to me a) because i project on martin like crazy and b) because food is also my love language. this fic is incredibly soft and it’s all about cooking!

“Have you tried turning it on and off again?” by shinyopals

Summary:

I hope you find your new role as Head of the Institute as rewarding as captaining the Tundra, wrote Elias Bouchard, to Peter Lukas. There are so many people working there: all with their own interesting lives, and all desiring your attention and support. I'm sure you will relish the challenge it will bring and enjoy every moment spent with the fine men and women of the Institute. In time I'm confident they'll become like a family to you.

The Magnus Institute has a new boss. The Magnus Institute also has a new tech support technician. These two facts are unrelated, except they both happen at the same time.

Meanwhile Jon's woken up from being dead for six months and for once he's trying his best. He just wishes Martin would stop avoiding him and answer his messages...

Notes: if you’re looking for a good laugh, this fic is SO SO SO FUNNY. i was dying. basically the magnus institute being an absolute bureaucratic nightmare.

hello my old heart by firebirdsuite

Summary:

Peter’s wrong, of course. When it’s all over, Martin does still want to tell Jon everything. It’s just—well, there’s a few things they need to work through first before they can get there.

Martin and Jon find each other again in Scotland.

Notes: it’s all about the yearning. and trust me, the yearning in this fic? im just. i sure do love jonmartin, and this is such soft, loving jonmartin it just makes you want to cry

two ships passing by pyrites

Summary:

Gerard Keay is 10 years old the very first time he tries to run away from home, right around the time that Jonathan Sims has just come into possession of his first Leitner.

Or: One dropped stone can change the way the whole ocean moves.

Notes: again, JONGERRY. MY GOODNESS. this fic is beautiful, the writing is absolutely breathtaking and it owns my heart. im so in love with it. the author said you’re going to have emotions about jon and gerry and jongerry and i said OKAY

Terminal Sight by viv_is_spooky

Summary:

Spider silk weaves through the visions of two Seers. Monstrosity is dawning on them both.

Notes: I’d never read a gerryoliver fic before this, but the execution is EXCELLENT and now im sold on the ship forever. This fic has wonderful prose and great characterization and i love it a whole lot.

Incomplete

assistant archivist au by PitViperOfDoom

Notes: I won’t put a summary since I’m reccing an entire series, but. it is absolutely no secret that i adore jongerry. pit’s assistant archivist au slapped me over the head with some gorgeous jongerry oneshots and then gave me the gift of the main fic (which is still in progress) about head archivist martin. i love this au so so much

dustsceawung by callmearcturus

Summary:

Martin had always been favored by the summer courts, and moving up north to the little village of Lacuna is a difficult adjustment. It's rainy and lonely and everyone seems to have a strange, distant relationship with the local faerie court.

However: there is a strange man in a cloak who walks past Martin's remote little cottage every few days.

However: there is a moth that keeps getting stuck in Martin's house during the rain.

These events are not as disconnected as they first appear.

Notes: you ever just read a fic that you didn’t know that you needed until after you read it? yeah. featuring the fae and moth jon and excellent characterization.

Illicio by ThatOneGirlBehindYou

As the new Archivist debates between life and death, the Eye ponders on what to offer him in order to avoid an encore of the unfortunate situation with his predecessor.

-----

Gerard Keay opens his eyes at what feels like fuck-ass in the morning, inside a room with far too little space and far too much dust.

Notes: This is also the moment where I reveal that im a sucker for jongerrymartin. please read this fic. gerry is brought back from the dead in s4 and everyone is far better off for it.

where there’s a will, we make a way by bubonickitten

Summary:

"So, what does happen if an Eye learns to See within itself?

What happens is this: the Archive Beholds the Watcher – and the Watcher blinks first."

________________________

Jon goes back to before the world ended and tries to forge a different path.

Notes: this time travel fixit is shaping up to be an absolutely incredible read. i love the way this author writes jon so so much, and the characterization is spot on. this whole fic just satisfies some little part of me. god. also!! bubonickitten’s writing in general? beautiful. please check out their other works.

The Timeline of Theseus by Applea

Jon tries to force the Spiral to send him back, but the Sprial's corridors never twist things quite the way you want them to. Back in 1996, Elias has no idea why or how the Eye made such a powerful Avatar out of an 8 year old, especially when said 8 year old doesn't actually know he has any powers at all. Clearly such a child cannot be left outside the Institute's care.

Notes: This fic is legitimately brilliant. The author manages to capture the big ADHD mood and the precociousness of baby Jon while managing to write a wonderful storyline. Time travel! Elderly lesbians! A Jonah who is wildly in over his head but was walloped over the head with paternal instinct! Baby Gerry! What more could you possibly ask for?

rooms full of people who do not love each other yet by seaer

Summary:

“Wanted to ask about a book.” The boy has his hand on the counter, and he leans into it, nonchalant. The library is air-conditioned, but by no means frigid, and Jon can’t help but feel sweaty just looking at the layers he’s wearing; what looks like old leather over an olive-green Magnus pullover over his school shirt. “Do you have A Journal of the Plague Year?”

Jon says, tetchily, “We’re about to close.”

“I know. Do you have A Journal of the Plague Year?”

Notes: I am so in love with this author’s writing style and the way they write the characters!! The jon and gerry friendship is PERFECT and the character interactions are all darling.

if you read these fics please send the authors some love, they definitely deserve it!!

#tma #fic recs #ill update this as i read #seriously some very very good stuff on here #long post

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troped-fanfic-challenge · 3 years

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AUTHOR REVEAL of the JATP ROUND 3: CANONVERSE FICS!

The Tropes:

Secret Places

Neighbors

First Kiss

Time Jump

————

Just say you won't let go (Rated G) [Julie/Luke] by @fanfics-she-wrote

Summary: Hey, Julie

You're the heart and soul 'round here, it's plain to see

in which Julie has a second chance with her boys, and then another

we will fight to shine together (bright forever) (Rated G) [Bright Lighting Guy/Rob from the Orpheum] by @screamin-amuseum

Summary: “Hey,” Chris says, walking up to the boy. “What are you doing?”

“Oh,” he puts the dandelions down and stands up. “Hi. I’m trying to make a flower crown, but I don’t remember how.”

“Cool. I’m Chris, I live--” he points to his house. “Over there.”

The boy gives him a lopsided smile. “I’m Rob. I’m staying with my grandparents for the summer.”

or: the rob/bright lighting guy fic literally nobody asked for but i wrote anyways. enjoy gays, bring ur tissues

what happened when (Rated G) [Alex/Luke] by @janaikam

Summary: Before Julie and the Phantoms, before the guys became ghosts, before Sunset Curve -- they were Luke and Alex. Not 5 feet apart cause they're totally gay.

who cares if one more light goes out? (in a sky of a million stars) (Rated T) [Ray/Rose] by @tonightthestarsalign

or: The first and the last time Ray ever kissed Rose.

we can forget the world (just you and me) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie] by @sunsetcurbed

Summary: “This was the first place I ever came out to someone,” Alex says, spinning around and taking in the tree house.

together we can take on the world (Rated G) [Alex/Reggie] by @comeonpeters

The Peters family moves in down the street from the Mercers in 1983, and so begins the rest of their lives.

Long Live (Can I start another life with you?) (Rated T) [Julie/Luke] by @smolfangirl

Summary: It’s all too much for one day: first a muffin, then more heartbeats. Julie just needs some time to think. If Luke runs after her to sit by her side so she doesn’t lose it, she won’t complain.

Except afterwards, he starts acting weird. Very weird. And months later, she’s tired of letting him keep his distance.

She can’t do this. Not right now. Not today.

She jumps back on her feet.

The excited grin falls from Luke’s face. She doesn’t try to catch it.

“I – I think this is too much. I need some time. Alone. Sorry.”

Then she runs. She runs past the calloused fingers reaching out to her. Past Reggie and the door, past carved pumpkins on porches and Cornelia Street.

She just runs.

Roses (Rated G) [Emily & Luke, Alex/Luke] by @americanhoney913

Somewhere Only We Know (Rated T) [Nick/Carrie] by hufflebibin

Summary: Nick Danforth-Evans met Julie Molina when he was six years old. He had no idea how much an impact that afternoon would have on his life.

___

A journey through Nick Danforth-Evan’s life as experienced in the safety of his backyard hide away.

The Itty Bitty Details (Rated T) [Alex/Willie] by @williexmercer & @futurearchaeologyprof

Summary: “Did I forget to mention William, I also get your soul,”

Willie could feel a stinging feeling and a purple stamp appeared on his hand. When the stamp appeared he could no longer remember who Alex was. The name meant nothing to Willie now.

Or 5 times Willie knew Alex and one where Alex knew Willie

you’re the only one who makes me (my wildflower) (Rated T) [Bobby/Reggie] by @willexxmercer

Summary: The tree was Reggie’s safe space, and Bobby was his safe person. He could escape all his troubles there, except for one nagging thought - did he have feelings for his best friend?

Dying complicated things.

because i’ve known you so long, i know every cadence and what they mean (Rated G) [Alex & Julie, Julie/Luke] by @tmp-jatp

Summary: Alex and Julie have always lived right next to each other. Through highs and lows, they grow up together. Also, 5 times Luke kisses Julie and it doesn’t count plus 1 time Julie kisses Luke and it does count.

Alternatively, the Juke 5+1 fic from Alex’s POV. Strap in, folks.

Someday (I’ll See You Again) (Rated T) [Alex/Willie] by @kybee1497

The Energy Never Dies (Rated T) [Gen Fic] by @americanhoney913

Summary: Well, I ain't always right, but I've never been wrong

Seldom turns out the way it does in a song

Once in a while, you get shown the light

In the strangest of places if you look at it right

--- Scarlet Begonias, Grateful Dead

Four moments across time in the loft of the Molina's garage.

————

All the Winners can be found here.

We hope you enjoy these fics from our fabulous Fantoms! Make sure to leave kudos and comments to show them some love! And don’t forget, if you missed the initial writing deadline you can still submit your fics to our Non-Anon Collection at any time! Thank you all so much for participating this round! Now that winners and authors have been revealed feel free to post about your fics, create artwork for it, if you like, and don’t forget to tag us!

We hope you all will join us for the FINAL Round of the TROPED: JATP Event!!!! The prompt drops at Midnight tonight!

#troped: jatp #round 3: canonverse #jatp fanfiction #author reveal

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whatshername-please · 4 years

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Out of the Water - Chapter VI

Synopsis: You were very proud to be a mermaid, thank you very much. You didn't want to be where the people were. Actually, you'd rather avoid it. Defending the merfolk was the biggest goal in your life... well, it was until you meet a certain pirate... it seems that your family really had a thing for humans, after all. Not that you'd ever admit it...

Word Account: 4875

Part 6 of ?

Pairing: Harry x reader (he is not in this chapter, sorry)

Warnings: Some cuss words and underage drinking.

A/N: English isn't my first language, so I'll probably mess up some tenses, grammar and stuff. Go easy on me, please. Feedback is always appreciated

Masterlist here

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"I'm never, ever setting foot on shore again, grandpa will have to find another diplomat because I quit!" you announced very eloquently to the only merman in the room: your brother who, on the other hand, was trying to make you help him with his summer homework.

"Yeah sure, it's not like you say this every time you come back from Auradon or anything" he didn't even bother looking up from his essay "Who won the battle of the Irish Sea?"

"But this time is true, they made it personal" you grumbled, swimming back and forth impatiently.

"They always do..." he said absently, knowing very well it was pointless to try to reason with you when you were having an outburst "Was it the Kappas?"

Ok, no matter how pissed you were, you could not have your own brother messing up the Water Kingdom's History like this, so you sat by his side and took the paper from his hand.

"Let me see this" you corrected him, perusing through the essay he wrote "Not the Kappas. The selkies won after the kelpies joined their side."

"I know you're sad..." Nereus said after a while, eyes filled with concern.

You sighed and put the essay down.

"I'm not..." you began, but he interrupted you before you could come up with some excuse.

People believing that you were angry and cranky was one thing, but Neptune forbid anyone to know you've got a heart.

"Yes, you are! It's been almost a week since you went to Auradon and I've never seen you so off. Yesterday Aethra said she couldn't wait until she was old enough to go to the surface and you didn't even roll your eyes. Last year, when Ogen spoke the same thing, you made a complete speech of why life under the sea is much better than anything humans have to offer, you had slides and everything."

He squeezed your hand gently and offered you a supportive smile.

"Even Aqua noticed how quiet you are… Please don't tell her I'm telling you this, but she said she prefers you ranting to this silence."

"I doubt" you let out a breathy chuckle.

The presence of your brother was comforting so you allowed yourself to let your guard down and lay on his lap while he stroked your hair. Both of you stayed a while like this, each one absorbed in your own thoughts. Yes, it had been almost a week since everything had happened and you still had nightmares about that; the look on Harry's face when he said Ben was just going to throw them all back inside the Isle would hunt you forever.

Truth be told, you swam next to the barrier a couple of times, but the only things you saw were seaweed, rocks, some weird looking fish and a dead goblin. It wasn't like you could ask someone to tell Uma you'd be expecting her and, even If you could see her, what would you do? People inside the barrier could not hear anything from the outside, and again, even if they could, what would you tell her? How sorry you were? That it wasn't fair? Uma didn't need anyone saying what she has known all her life.

You were torturing yourself, feeling your stomach turn on itself with guilty when your grandfather glided into the room. Both of you and your brother stood up, showing respect to the king of the seas.

"May I talk to you for a moment, my dear" he pointed to you and your brother took his belongings and left the room, he whispered a "good luck" as he passed by you and swam off.

"Yes, grandpa?" your chest filled up with hope that your grandfather had spoken to Ben and made him change his mind about the Isle.

However, it was only wishful thinking because the reality was way crueler than whatever you could have imagined.

"About tomorrow…" he started.

Oh no! Ben and Mal's engagement party was tomorrow, but you had already decided you weren't going, no matter how hard your grandfather or anyone tried to convince you to.

You couldn't stand the idea of having to smile to them while all you wanted to do was to scream and cry. How could you pretend that everything was okay when nothing was? The hypocrisy made you sick.

"I won't go" you told him, you even tried to use your 'heiress of the throne' tone, but of course the current king of Atlantica wouldn't fall for that.

"You're the diplomat between the human kingdom and the water kingdom" he reminded you, his expression turning as serious as his voice.

"Was" you corrected him "I quit".

That little voice inside your head was telling to stop defying your grandfather. He could be very understanding of some things (like you still didn't believe he knew about Uma all the time and didn't lose it), but he also had plans for you that required you to be Atlantica's representative, because, accordingly to your grandfather and mother, no one would defend the water kingdom's interests better than you.

Actually, that was their way of saying "We don't want to deal with this and since one day you'll have to rule, it's better that you know what to do. Also, we don't want the fish eaters thinking that we hate them".

But, being honest, your grandfather liked humans now as much as he did in the past; the only difference was that he learned how to tolerate them.

Anyway, the truth was: Auradon wasn't as great as people wanted to believe. In theory, having all kingdoms unified was a superb idea, but in practice most of places were losing their own cultural identity, adapting their traditions and habits to fit in Auradon's new rules. If your grandfather had followed all King Beat's proposals 20 years ago, Atlantica would have become a tourist attraction for humans.

It wasn't like King Triton didn't want to be more engaged in Auradon society, but he was afraid to lose the independence of the merpeople. Thus, he hoped that when you assumed the throne, you'd have a better foreign policy than he had without giving up Atlantica's culture and pride.

He looked at you and his piercing glare went right through your soul...

King Triton, intimidating? No, not at all.

"This is not just the King and Queen's engagement party, but also your friend's"

"But grandpa..." you cried out.

"I won't hear it" he raised his hand to show that his decision was final and he wouldn't hear anything else.

You tilted your head back and groaned, if you couldn't talk yourself out of this, you could very well show your dissatisfaction.

"Glad we came to an agreement" he gave a pleased smile like he always did when his wishes were fulfilled and, as he swam past you, he patted your hair "And you might end up having fun"

You rolled your eyes and lay on the floor, defeated. You don't know how long you stayed there, contemplating your misfortune, when suddenly you felt something walking on your tail; you craned your neck and saw Sebastian staring back at you.

"Traitor" you murmured.

"Being in the human world is never my choice. Your grandfather asked me to" he explained, sliding down to your side and you turned over to have a better view of him.

"No one likes to be there, so why do I have to go?"

"For the same reason I had: your grandfather is the king. But I didn't come to discuss the fairness of life" his words caught your attention and you raised an eyebrow in curiosity.

Sebastian seemed a little anxious: he looked side to side and beckoned to you to get closer and, when you did, he said in a muffled and rushed voice:

"You know Derek? That lobster? Yesterday, he was near the northern part of the barrier and saw a girl with teal hair there... even better, he said it was the second time he spotted her there by sunset"

Before you could refrain yourself, you picked the crab up, holding him on the palm of your hand. There was no use in denying that you knew Uma because Sebastian had followed you in Auradon and was aware that you and the sea witch's daughter were friends.

"What?" you practically yelled and your whole body shivered with joy for knowing that Uma had been looking for you "Are you sure?"

"Yes" he confirmed "I thought it could lift your spirit up "

"Sebastian it did! I'm going there now" you stood up in a heartbeat, but before you could make your way to the Isle, Sebastian called you.

"If you go there now, King Triton will think you're avoiding the engagement party" he remarked reasonably.

Damn it, he had a point

"Why don't you go tomorrow after greeting King Ben and his future queen?" He suggested, eyeing you innocently, but you saw right true his intentions.

The only reason he told you about Uma was to give you a boost of encouragement to go to Auradon again, this way you would be excited for the party and wouldn't complain too much about being there.

He was a clever crustaceous.

Well, it worked, at least now you could pretend you were having fun, whereas what you were really looking forward to was seeing Uma again.

"Deal" you hold out your hand and you he shake it to seal the deal.

Even if the party was dreadful, the perspective of meeting Uma again was pretty motivating. You should have asked if Derek saw someone else with her, it was weird but you wouldn't mind seeing Harry again.

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"Ugh, I can't believe I'm going back there"

Talking to Sebastian got you very excited; however, now that you really had to go, you were having second thoughts about it.

You didn't have to attend to any human gathering to go to the barrier; you could very well wait in Atlantic until sunset.

"Why can't grandpa send someone who actually wants to be there? Aqua wouldn't mind, or April or Adryan..." you whined - any of your cousins would gladly go to Mal and Ben's engagement, but of course you were the one your grandfather insisted on.

Nereus, who tried to fix your hair in a new style, hummed blankly to show he was listening.

"I'm feeling sick... Grandpa can't make me go if I'm sick" you turned your face to him and he casted an annoyed look at you before going back to applying pearls in your hair.

"You already used that one not to go to the Royal Cotillion" he reminded you, turning your head forward impatiently when you tried to look at him again.

"But I was sick" you protested, earning an amused glare from him "I was sick of human's bullshit".

He burst out laughing.

"I don't think our grandfather will consider it a good reason to skip this ball" he said after regaining his composure.

"Well, at least I'll be closer to the Isle" you mumbled to yourself, but Nereus heard you.

"Why? What will you do?" he stopped what he was doing and sat on the dressing table, staring at you "Please, don't tell you plan on bringing the barrier down by yourself".

"I don't have the power to do it… You know I've tried" you joked and thankfully, Nereus played along.

"You don't need power, use your head... I mean... it is very hard. I'm pretty sure if you swim fast enough you can make a whole in the barrier"

You punched him playfully and got up.

"Hey, I didn't finish your hair" he called out.

"But I have to go, otherwise I won't arrive in time" you explained, grabbing your comb and placing it between the shells and pearls your brother had adorned your hair with.

Of course, the truth was you weren't leaving because you didn't want to be late, but because your brother was smart enough to figure out that you were up to no good.

"Wish me luck" you hugged him.

"Good luck!" he kissed your cheek and with that, you left.

Your mother told you to be kind and not to forget the manners she taught you, your grandfather said how proud of you he was and even asked if you didn't want to take his royal carriage, to which you denied politely.

You rather swam by yourself and if you were going to the Isle after the party, a carriage pulled by dolphins would be hard to go unnoticed.

You bid goodbye and took the path towards Auradon. The City wasn't close to Atlantica, but years of comings and goings made you an expert and you were able to arrive there in a very short time. Also, fins were so much faster than legs, which made the travel easier.

In other circumstances you'd have stopped to talk to many friends that lived nearby, but a little mantra was echoing in your mind "The faster you get there, the faster you leave. The faster you get there, the faster you leave" - you didn't mean to stay more than the necessary; after all. Your grandfather told you to go to Auradon, but he didn't say how long you had to staythere.

Besides, Sebastian said Uma was seen at the barrier by sunset, but what if she decided to go earlier? You were going to be there one hour in advance for precaution.

Although magic was highly discouraged, there was no other way for the merpeople to become human without it. That's why a magical necklace was given to any mermaid or merman who wanted to venture themselves ashore.

Those necklaces weren't given away easily, though. In order to acquire one, you had to fill a formulary explaining why you needed it and it had to be accepted by King Ben and King Triton themselves. It was very bureaucratic and the only reason this process had to be done was because King Beast declared all magic should be banished so you could not hand around magical objects freely.

However, since you were a royal diplomatic, they made an exception.

Call it privilege.

One good thing about those necklaces was that King Triton made sure that once you went through the transformation, clothes would magically appear to. It was a huge improvement since your aunt Ariel had gotten her own legs from her deal with Ursula; imagine how would it be if you had to walk around naked until you find something to wear.

At least the merfolk didn't have to worry about that anymore. So, once you got on the beach and turned into human you had on a beautiful dress that matched the shells your brother chose to decorate your hair.

It wasn't as pretty as your tail and fins, though.

You headed to Auradon Prep because the party would be held near the school (why they were so obsessed by this place was beyond your comprehension). When you finally arrived, everyone was already there, talking and having fun.

Thankfully, your cousins that lived in Auradon weren't hard to find and rushed towards them - you couldn't help but notice that, as you got closer, they exchanged money between themselves.

"What's going on?" you asked, intrigued by what you just saw.

"Nothing" Arabella answered "What a lovely dress you're wearing. How is gramps doing?".

She changed the topic way too fast, which made your curiosity grow, but you decided to ignore it for the time being.

"He is fine. He misses you a lot and says you should visit us more often. I can't understand Bella, why do you prefer being here among sweaty humans?"

"Do you ever change the subject?" she complained, rolling her eyes "This is a party and I refuse to deal with your bullshit today"

"Maybe tomorrow, then!" you fired back and she voiced her discontentment with an exasperated shriek.

"Why are you like this?" she said before flouncing off, bouncing her hair as she did so.

"What did I do?" you asked Ella, who had been quiet up to that moment, and she chuckled.

"I miss this" she said, pointing to you and the crowd.

"You're the only one"

"It wouldn't hurt if you came to visit us once in a while, you know" she looked up, her hopeful smile made her eyes crinkle and you mirrored her expression, smiling too.

Ella was Ariel's younger daughter and, even though you didn't see her as much as you would like, she was probably your favorite cousin; she was kind and outgoing, which was a good counterpoint to your not so affable nature.

Before you could reply, one of the merfolk who attended Auradon Prep joined you both, he gave you a little bow and handed your cousin some money. You waited for him to leave before question her about it.

"Ella, what's happening?" your tone made clear you wouldn't take a "nothing" for an answer.

The girl sighed, knowing it was a lost battle.

"Maybe there is a bet going on…" she told you, voice trailing off.

You raised an eyebrow, face turning stoic and you feigned boredom.

"Does it involve me?"

"Well, some people didn't believe you'd show up today after the whole Audrey fiasco" she glanced at you out of the corner of her eye and, when you didn't say anything, Ella went on "We made a bet: everyone believed you wouldn't appear, you know. I was the only one who knew you'd be here and now I'm making a lot of money."

She showed you the amount she had already won and it was kind of impressive. It seemed that half of Auradon was sure you hated the human world.

They were right.

Okay, not hate. It was a great dislike.

"I can't believe you thought I'd come" you said without hiding the indignation in your voice and a little offended that your own cousin didn't know you better.

"C'mon. I knew you wouldn't want to, but I was certain grandpops wouldn't give you much of a choice, so even against your will - and I know you must had protested a lot - you'd be here today"

Your cousin was kind, yet cunning, and that was why she was your favorite.

"I'm impressed" you clapped, nodding your head slowly as you did so.

"I know. I'm amazing" she teased and then, her expression became concerned "How are you, by the way? I've heard they will close the barrier forever"

You whined, for one moment you had forgotten about how you failed the Isle and Uma. First you were angry at Mal and Ben, but now? Now you wanted blood... not literally, but you were kind of mad.

"I've been better... you just remind me I had to wish Ben and Mal my best regards in the name of Atlantica."

"Okay, see you later" she cheered and added on for precaution "Try to be polite, please"

When she asked you that, the memory of Sebastian, your mother and grandfather pleading you to be civil in this party echoed in your mind.

What did they think of you? That you were a mannerless monster?

You were very well educated, thank you very much, but didn't waste your good manners on people who didn't deserve it.

"Can't make any promises" you laughed off, disappearing into the crowed to find the King and Mal.

You didn't have to look for them for long as a mass of people was surrounding the fiancés to be while they thanked everybody for coming to their party. They seemed so merry and pleased whilst their subjects wished them all the happiness of the world. People in Auradon were just so fucking good and gracious, weren't they?

Hypocrites.

You had a plan, though.

1- Smile.

2- Greet.

3- Leave.

It was simple, short, and impossible to mess up.

Smile, greet, leave, smile, greet, leave. You kept repeating it like a mantra as you approached them.

For one moment their cheerful expressions froze and their eyes widened to the size a saucer, but they recomposed themselves quickly enough. Either they were surprised to see you there or they were afraid you were going to snap.

But you wouldn't snap.

You had a plan.

"Your Majesties" you smiled, bobbing a curtsy to them.

1 - Smile. Check.

They saluted you, asking how things were back in Atlantica and the conversation was brief and polite, like it should be.

"In the name of Atlantica I wish you both prosperity and wisdom to rule, and that your life is filled with great joys"

You said that in a very diplomatic tone that could have fooled anyone.

2 - Greet. Check

They thanked you and you made your exit.

3 - Leave. Che...

"And…" you turned back with a spin.

Screw the plan; you didn't sell your voice to a sea witch, so you may as well use it.

"Speaking for me, I really want you both to be happy. I mean, someone has to, right? Considering that you doomed thousands of people to a life of suffering just so you could have your perfect happily ever after without any inconveniences"

Then, you left.

One day you'd be all diplomatic and shit, but that day wasn't today.

And, to be fair, you've tried to be reasonable for years and all you got was "Oh sorry, we can't let anyone off the island. It's not that simple, this would require lots of planning and social reintegration, but we will take this matter into consideration in the future...". That's why you started speaking your mind: even if didn't change anything, at least it wouldn't leave a bitter taste in your mouth for not saying your real opinion.

Yeah, your grandfather really should reconsider who he sent to land for affairs of state.

Whatever, just a few more hours and you'd be making your way to the barrier to see Uma.

You were trying to find your cousin again when Audrey intercepted you, looking rather tense.

"Hey" she greeted you but without meeting your eyes.

Audrey seemed to have taken a strange interested in her hands, which she wringed unsteadily, you noticed.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for.. you know... cursing you and your family..." she said, voice shaking a little.

Oh! So Audrey was a nervous wreck to talk to you, how amusing. It boosted your ego but you weren't that mean.

"Relax, Audrey. It's all forgiven" you put her mind at ease.

She let out a breath and her face brightened up.

"But" you offered her a smile that slowly fade into a severe frown "If you do it again I'll make you wish for something as sweet as sleeping for 100 years".

It was clearly a joke but Audrey didn't get it as she excused and made herself scarce in seconds.

"You know... if you want people to understand when you are joking, you shouldn't keep a straight face"

You jerked your head to face Jay, who handed you a glass with a purple liquid in it.

"I wasn't that intense" you took a sip of the drink, it was way too sweet for your salted water taste, and you were pretty sure that it was alcoholic too.

Well, maybe alcohol was the key to survive this party.

"C'mon! You were like this" he mimic you, making quite a murderous expression. Then, resuming his neutral expression, he added "You are like the sea'.

That was new… but you weren't sure about what he meant by that.

"I'm salty and I scare people?" scrunching your face up in confusion.

It took some good minutes for Jay pull himself together.

"I was going to say imposing and beautiful, but that too" he said, wiping the tears from his eyes.

You couldn't help but crack a smile and, since you didn't think of a good answer (which was very unusual), you took another sip of whatever beverage that was.

Fortunately, Jay didn't notice how embarrassed you were by his compliment and changed the topic soon after.

"So, how ar..."

"Stop right there" you warned him, holding your finger up.

"What?" the VK's brows burrowed in confusion but deep inside he was afraid that he had said something wrong.

"I know this face." you explained "Every time people ask how I am, they do this pitiful face and I can't have that... not from you…".

It was painful how most people assumed that you were miserable because of last week events. Okay, you were sad and pissed but gosh, you hated that condescending attitude.

"Sorry, I just wanted to make sure you were okay" he didn't seem offended by your words, but the atmosphere between you two grew colder and awkward.

Great, of all people you could have snapped at today, you did it to Jay.

Now, you were sad, pissed and stupid.

"Sorry... I didn't mean to be rude" you apologized "If you really want to know, I'm a mess. The only reason I didn't cry this whole week was because I live under water, but if you tell this to anyone, I'll deny it".

"It's going to be our secret then" Jay stroked your arm to show support "You really care about the Isle, don't you?"

You shrugged, not knowing what to say to him. Yes, you cared about the Isle and the people there; it was hard to explain the reason, though.

Maybe another time…

"By the way, I wanted to ask you this..." he cooed and if you hadn't been so busy with that drink, you'd have seen the mischievous gleam in his eyes "Did Uma and you already know each other, by any chance?"

You choked.

Hard.

Jay went to your aid quickly and helped you to recover, slapping your back lightly.

A mermaid choking on a liquid, what a joke.

"No..." your voice cracked and it wasn't because you're still faint "Why would you think that?"

"Well…" he began, but was cut off soon after.

Thank goodness, Mal and Ben announced they would start their pronouncement and Jay joined his former friends. All people gathered under the balcony where the Royal Family stood proudly, and everybody was eager to hear the news their King and Queen would say.

It was difficult to hear one's thoughts over the cheering and acclamation. However, since you didn't share their happiness, you stayed away from the commotion, enjoying your sweet drink.

Ben started his speech, of course he was very pleased to have Mal as his queen and everyone was happy.

Everyone, except the people on the Isle, of course.

You scoffed so loudly that if people hadn't been hearing Ben's speech, they would have heard you. Subsequently, the king proposed a toast to Mal and you wondered if it would be rude to ignore it.

Everything would be so much easier if your grandfather had made your brother the diplomat of Atlantica, considering he was a people pleaser like you would never be.

Well, it wouldn't hurt to raise your glass, so you did it... very discretely.

For everyone's surprise, Mal announced she couldn't be Queen of Auradon, causing a wave of gasps and murmurs from the puzzled crowd.

Really? Were they really surprised? Like, Mal was a drama queen, she just needed an emotional solo or Evie knocking some sense into her head for her to change her mind.

Unless it involved the Isle of course, then she didn't care to condemn them forever, you thought bitterly.

Yep, you were salty enough to cause hypertension in every single soul in Auradon.

However, you did not expect, not even in your wildest dreams, what followed next. Actually, even after years, you'd still remember that day and think "what the hell just happened". If people were shocked when Mal said she couldn't be queen, they nearly had a stroke when she brought down the barrier. It wasn't like she let just the villain kids off, she destroyed the barrier, and everyone was free.

As a personal note, you observed how fast Ben changed his discourse from "We can't get the merfolk off the Isle without consequences, we need preparation, meetings, plans..." to "Ok, my bae wants to bring down the barrier and I won't argue with her. So yeah, let's do it".

Not that you were complaining but, had you known that it only took a love potion for Ben do what you wanted, you'd have done it.

Wow! What a wild thought to have...

Maybe you were getting a little drunk...

But the barrier came down so, whatever...

You looked at King Beast's face and he was about to pass out any moment, but other than that, everyone seemed very excited to meet the villains.

It wasn't like a minute ago they didn't give a damn about the people there or their fate.

Well, maybe that was Auradon's magic: one moment you hated each other, in the next you were all singing and dancing on a bridge.

You finished your drink in one go, because that was going to be a party to remember.

#harry hook x reader #harry hook x you #harry hook imagine #descendants imagine #descendants x reader #Out of the Water #uma daughter of ursula #jay son of jafar #mal and ben appear too but meh #harry hook fanfiction #descendants fanfiction

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