#his two teammates are too powerful--somebody stop them

[sugarspikesart]

Sometimes i think about how so much of RWBY was probably inspired by Zelda. (Maybe not but I'm a hardcore zelda fan, and i will associate everything i like) and i love it bc it's not...too obvious? Like, you can clearly point out the similarities and even after noticing them you don't see RWBYs story as a copy or anything (bc this is probably a strech BUT I DONT CARE)

The two brothers /the spirits of the relics -> the three goddeses

The blacksmith / the brothers -> hylia

The two brothers represent different aspects of life and the world -> so do the brothers, they divide their work

The triforce -> the relics

Gathering all of them has very important and potentially horrible consequences but it also can be used for good -> both the triforce and the relics

The pieces by itself can grant some sort of power or effect on the wielder -> the pieces of the triforce represent the goddeses and grant powers (using the light power, super strength, being able to wield a legendary weapon) / each relic has it's own purpose

An innocent soul drunken by power who is also a victim of an ancient god-like entity who seeks reuniting all the pieces of the triforce/relics -> salem / ganondorf

Someone who ended up being cursed to live again and again and again, as a mortal inmortal being whose purpose is to stop the great evil that is threatening the world -> hylia / zelda and ozma

Hm, and somebody innocent who due to this original curse was thrown into all this mess, starting to aquire memories from years and years and decades and centuries before they were born that belong to someone that is merging with them so that innocent person becomes the next soul in the curse and has to stop this great evil because is their fate? -> zelda (skyward sword) and oscar I'm looking at you two

And you're telling me that there were lies and manipulation involved? -> zelda again and ozpin I'm looking at you both

And who did you involved in all this? A brave warrior with a heart of gold and a simple and peaceful background and life who ALSO HAPPENS to be gifted at fighting who carries something unique, the only thing capable of harming that great evil?? Hmmm... -> ruby, link, I'm looking at you both

And you're telling me that having that thing is not as easy as it seems and you need to unlock it and learn how to unleash it's true potential? -> maybe like the silver eyes? Or maybe the master sword?

And you're telling me that these two souls are bonded by fate to meet and have A LOT of pararells and they complement each other? -> ruby and oscar I'm looking at you

And you're telling me that their story resembles and is a pararell to the original story of lovers? -> ozma/Salem - ruby/Oscar and the first link/hylia -zelda/link

And you're telling me that the soul who merges with this magical ancient being also carries light themed magic? -> zelda? Oscar? Explain

AND YOU'RE TELLING ME THAT EVEN IF THERE'S A MAIN HERO, THEY CANNOT DO IT ALONE AND THEY NEED HELP?

Hmmm like RUBY AND ALL HER TEAMMATES AND LINK AND HIS COMPANIONS?

Oh, and you're also telling me that there are very important and powerful people who carry a fraction of the power of the gods? Like the maidens? Or like maybe the sages? (I'm not including the champions bc botw came out after rwby)

So yeah, there's some similarities. And i LOVE IT

Also i ship zelink and rosegarden and I CAN ASSURE YOU. THEY'RE THE SAME. SAME DYNAMIC, SAME VIBE, THEY'RE SO DEAR TO ME OH MY GOD.

#rwby #rwby rambles #rwby meta #zelda #I'm very sleepy #it's 6am #man they're the same #ruby rose #oscar pine #rwby ruby #salem #rwby salem #ozpin #ozma #rwby ozma #proffesor ozpin #zelda lore #rwby lore #zelink #rosegarden #headcanons

[live-laugh-loverpool]

The Supernaturals: James Milner

First in my Liverpool Supernatural/Superpowers AU!

Tags: @rubybecker-rb2, @millythegoat, @alissonbecksfan234, @moomin279

He had super strength.

Milner had never been scrawny like any of the boys his age. He'd filled out well enough to have him make his Premier League debut at sixteen. He managed against the older men, pushing and shoving them aside with relative ease. Even the manager of the opposing team seemed shocked. When asked about it in an interview, Milner had dismissed it as overexcitement.

But then the same thing happened, over and over again. Milner would come up against an opponent, only to throw them aside like preschoolers against Floyd Mayweather. His Leeds teammates began to grow suspicious, and against his will, Milner decided to go play for Newcastle United.

At Newcastle, he met Jonjo Shelvey. It was him who deduced that Milner's supernatural strength was...well, supernatural.

Milner didn't stop or settle. In fact, when he heard that his magic was supernatural and not normal, he felt like needed to do more to increase his normal strength. So he spent every day in the gym, building up his muscles. And his strength, both natural and supernatural, grew and grew. He didn't even bother to wear his gray and black restriction bracelet, it was nearly pointless anyways. His strength was far above that of an average human even without his powers.

For years Milner took pride in his powers, showcasing them to his teammates around him. Until one fateful day.

He'd been moving a piano for somebody when it began to rain. The water had caused Milner's one-handed grip on the piano to slip, carrying the piano rolling down the inclined road. It crashed into a pickup truck, leaving one of the drivers with life-threatening injuries and another with brain damage. 

Milner, naturally, had paid for the surgery and care of the two drivers, but he'd felt so guilty for causing the whole mess that, for some time, he wore his restriction bracelet 24/7. He worked out more and more in the gym, isolating himself from his friends. He moved from Newcastle to Aston Villa, then to Man. City. He won honors in every one of those clubs, but he still didn't stop working. He didn't want to be too weak, ever again. He couldn't make a mistake.

The more Milner worked out and isolated himself, the less he spoke. And because he didn't speak much minus pointed sarcasm, his teammates began to tell him secrets. Soon he became known as "The Secret Keeper".

As he got older, more and more of his friends began to retire, leaving Milner truly alone. Less people called him "James" and more called him "Milner".

In 2015, Milner's manager had decided he didn't want a twenty-nine year old midfielder who was about to retire from his national team. He shipped Milner to Liverpool, where he was welcomed by Brendan Rogers. Less than three months later, the Northern Irishman received the sack and was replaced by Klopp.

Milner quickly saw that his new boss was almost the opposite of him. Klopp was passionate, enthusiastic and most of all, a hugger. To Milner's surprise, it didn't take long for him to warm up to the German. And that was how Klopp had discovered Milner's super strength: the Yorkshireman had accidentally crushed his manager's arm bones.

After Klopp came back from his office with his arm completely healed--Milner didn't know how--they'd discussed Milner's supernatural strength. It had been Klopp who encouraged Milner to finally take off his bracelet and embrace his strength, and maybe take on some other hobbies besides lifting iron and steel. It was Klopp who'd persuaded Milner to make some friends.

And that was how he bonded with Adam Lallana and Jordan Henderson. They were an odd trio, and their friendship was soon christened with the name "Lamilnerson".

A determined, bold, yet anxious new captain stepping into shoes too big for his lanky frame. Their knight in training, who could communicate with the spirits of sea animals.

An average, yet impossibly sweet and caring midfielder, who more often than not spent matches on the bench. Their caretaker, who could read others' emotions.

A giant, brawny vice-captain, who secretly feared uselessness and defied age. Their Hercules, who could lift things that even the strongest humans couldn't lift.

The brain, the heart and the muscle. Just like the coaching staff, who’d given him the nickname “Milly”. Milner liked it. Even though he was anything but a young kid milling around, the nickname was affectionate yet professional.

And for once in his life, Milner felt normal.

#supernatural au #supernatural imagine #james milner #jurgen klopp #jordan henderson #adam lallana #liverpool #liverpool fc #liverpool men #leeds #leeds united #lfc #lfc players #football imagine #football fanfic #football #football blurb #soccer fanfiction by lynn #soccer fanfiction #soccer #football au

[piquira]

I’m not too familiar with his career and it seems on an international level (ie us) he really just is seen as shakira’s baby daddy so that probably will piss him off here he will have to work to lose reputation as that. Every interview asks about her 😂 but going back to original statement what is the single most controversial thing he has done in his career? I know sometimes people critiqued Shak of still supporting him

To be fair, his biggest “scandals” were overstated and exaggerated by the press. The media in Spain tried to make him out to be anti-Spain, and in favor of Cataluña independence, just because he positioned himself to be in favor of the referendum, specifically people’s right to vote. He was also labeled as somebody who was disrespectful, just for engaging in petty football rivalry with Madrid and Espanyol. I think those two things got him a lot of hate in Spain, but most Barca fans still loved and supported him because they understood these things to be petty narratives from the press who just didn’t like that he was loud. More recently though, he’s gotten a lot of criticism for his businesses outside of football. His company bought the rights to the Davis cup and changed the format to it, upsetting many tennis fans. Also, he’s been accused of getting involved in business that are related to the football tournaments he is competing in. The last major scandal was because of that. Audio recordings of ongoing conversations between him and Rubiales (the president of the Spanish football league) leaked, where they reveal that PK’s company was involved in taking the Spanish super cup to Saudi Arabia and received a large commission for it through his company. The audio leaks reveal that he was also involved in figuring out how much each team receives (Barca and Madrid received more than the rest), which many journalists criticized saying it was a huge conflict of interest for one player who is still active, to have so much power and say in the competitions he is getting payed to play in. In Barca, he’s rumored to have a lot of power and say of what happens behind the scenes as well.There’s a strong rumor that he suggested to Barca’s president, that Messi should be sold last summer. Imo, his more important yet least publicized scandals are due to his lack of professionalism and discipline he’s showed as a professional athlete. For years, a small group of fans (many of them Shakira fans lol) have been tracking his ongoing night life parallel to his relationship with Shakira and his professional career. Recently a few journalists revealed that PK has been going out to bars/clubs with a much younger teammate (Riqui Puig) going out múltiple times a week even when the team is in active competition and they technically shouldn’t be drinking. For years, it’s been rumored that he’s very fond of the night life and could be very reckless. There was one year when a video surfaced of him calling a police officer in Barcelona scum, for stopping him for driving recklessly. He’s had his drivers license suspended before as well because of this (it might have been relayed to drinking under the influence, I can’t remember atm👀)

[strialternatives]

☽ New moon☽  ☾Blue moon☾

overwhelming bi energies intensify

#dick grayson #donna troy #dc #titans dc #pre-flashpoint era donna-dick platonic soulmate interactions were Top Tier #the bi icons we deserve #somewhere roy harper is crying over a beer with jason todd #'i dont understand' he says 'how can they both so pretty??? im too gay for this shit' #jason looks roy dead in the eye and says 'better you than me' #wally is also crying #his two teammates are too powerful--somebody stop them #its 1 am and i am being self-indulgent have this #striarts

[moonlit-imagines]

Headcanons for being an Avenger with the power of persuasion

Avengers x reader

warnings:

a/n: towards the end this branches off into the fatws timeline but there’s no explicit spoilers

prompt: anonymous: “Can you do hcs for the avengers with a reader who has powers like Allison Hargreeves from The Umbrella Academy?”

the avengers were a little iffy about you because......someone with your power was hard to trust at first

“mind control isn’t as fun as it sounds, you guys. i really don’t wanna keep my guard up at all times when i’m at home base” -clint

“yeah, i’m not sure if i trust this one yet. i mean, i’m totally immune to mind control, but what if they mind control someone to come after me? and they have easy access to the place?” -tony

“excuse me, did you just say you were immune to mind control?” -nat

“he most certainly is not” -wanda

i mean, you get it and all. you heard stories of the avengers’ past encounters. it couldve messed them up

and they had no character references for you

you were new and mysterious

and your powers could be dangerous if you used them the wrong way

“well, i say we take a chance on them. they might surprise us” -cap

“i knew you would say some crap like that” -tony

“i thought a surprise was the opposite of what we wanted?” -bruce

you were put on the team soon after, but you had to have a buddy on missions

*pretending that we have deaf/hoh!clint like in the comics* you were buddied up with clint since your powers were auditory

“you can’t sign me an involuntary command, can you?” -clint

“no, sir” -you

“cool, cool, cool” -clint

stealth looked good on you, ngl

you were able to get behind heavy gunmen and whisper commands to them

“simon says you are an avenger now, shoot the enemy” -you

“simon says i am your new boss, take out your ex-coworkers” -you

“simon says give me your keycard” -you

“simon says i’m not the enemy, you are” -you

“not bad down there, y/n!” -sam

“thanks! now can somebody give me a lift to that one all the way up there?” -you

you proved yourself that day, so everyone got a lot more comfortable with you

and you made a promise that day that you’d never use your powers on them

but occasionally someone would ask you a simple favor, like putting them to sleep or making them focus on a project

“i think the focus one could be a fire hazard” -you

“so just come and get me! or let me die, that’d be fine, too” -tony

“whatever...simon says focus on the new tech” -you

time went by and things got tough, especially when the sokovia accords rolled in

“i wasn’t even there for that, mr. secretary” -you

“and i’m aware of that, mx. l/n, but you still pose a threat to people around the world. you have the means to walk into any place you want and do anything you want. you can see how that makes people uneasy, don’t you?” -ross

“i’ve never used my abilities for anything but good” -you

“what y/n is trying to say is—” -steve

“he knows what i’m trying to say, but apparently that’s the issue” -you

you were “grounded” with wanda

and pretty pissed about it

“i can understand why i’m here, y/n, but you? what did you do?” -wanda

“i intimidate men in charge, i guess” -you

sounds about right, huh?

but clint broke you out

“finallyyyyy! vision is such a drag” -you

and when you got to germany, you were conflicted with yourself

should you use your powers on the teammates who wanted you locked away?

if you got into their comms, you could stop it in an instant

but that’d take some time

“hi, simon(e)! i’m, uh, scott! i think you’re pretty neat!” -scott (p.s. y/n’s hero name is simon/simone. whatever you prefer idrc)

“thanks...and what do you do?” -you

“he shrinks!” -sam

you snuck out to the pavement and tried to hack their comms, but could only do it one at a time

so you got the spider kid

“simon says stick the cat man to the side of the plane” -you

but that cat had claws

alright, it might be harder than you think

“oh god, simon(e)?” -scott

“what is it?” -you

“i’m a little nervous for my next trick...would it be too much to ask if you did your little command thing for me?” -scott

“ughhhhh...simon says, go on with your ‘trick’” -you

and all the sudden he shot up into the air

“oh, nice” -you

you really hated fighting with these guys, but you were out of options and now cap wanted you to come with him, he wouldn’t leave without you

“steve, i’m sorry. simon says leave without us” -you

and that he did, which left you to be caught by a hair

“so close, weren’t you?” -tony

“simon says go to hell” -you

“very funny, guess i’m immune to mind control, after all” -tony

having a mouth restraint place on you that tony had been saving ever since you joined the team

one that “team cap” heavily protested the second they saw it

“tony, that’s wrong! don’t you trust them enough not to do that? they’re going to hate you after all of this” -wanda

“it’s either me or them. at least mine is comfortable” -tony

kinda fucked lol but understandable ig

having to testify without a voice, only able to type or write

but eventually you made your case and were able to make a deal, but part of that deal was to keep your mouth sealed when in the presence of authority since your voice was deemed a weapon ;)

kinda a dick move if you ask me

so you said fuck that and became a fugitive with steve + friends

but used your powers less and less

again, only for favors because it was hard to get peace in these crappy motels

“simon says kill that roach, oh god” -you @ steve

“you were an avenger and you can’t kill a roach?” -sam

“don’t start with me, sam, or you’re sleeping on the floor” -you

“you wouldn’t” -sam

“don’t test me” -you

waiting and waiting for some kind of turning point that didnt come until alien invasion 2.0

and you tried so hard to stop thanos from snapping, but the stones got the best of you as you were frozen in time

but fortunately you didn’t dust

leaving you to get a rematch against thanos when the time would come

and reuniting with tony just for him to lecture you with the rest of the team

“go fuck yourself, tony” -you

“oh, thank god they didn’t say ‘simon says’” -that raccoon you’ve known for like 3 weeks

“do you ever shut up?” -you

“no, he does not” -nebula

anyways your time did not come and you waited five years for another chance

and although you did not redeem yourself on your own, you were just glad that your side, humanity, had won

but just before thanos had ceased to exist, you told him

“simon says to feel the pain of loss for all of eternity” -you

it may have been cruel, but it’s what he deserved

the next step was for you and sam to be pardoned of your crimes

but you didn’t exactly part ways just because...what else was there for you to do? the two of you were close after your time on the run

and all was well until he decided to give the shield up

“oh, bucky’s gonna be pissed” -you

“he’ll be fine” -sam

now, bucky had mixed feelings about you

he was nervous about your powers, but you did save him

and he knew what it felt like not to be trusted

so he gave you a chance and partnered with you after the “new captain america” and the “flag smashers” fiasco

legally, if you used your powers on a government official/soldier you’d go back in the slammer, but it was quite tempting, even if it were just a “simon says punch yourself in the face”

and off to madripoor you went with...zemo

“are you going to persuade me into something petty, mx. l/n?” -zemo

“i’ve gotta make it worth it, honestly, but there’s no rule against me doing so, so at least i won’t feel bad” -you

and who knows what’s next?

taglist: @alwaysananglophile // @rorybutnotgilmore // @locke-writes // @sweetheartliz07 // @queen-destenie // @natasha-danvers // @lokihiddles // @frostedficrecs // @lotsoffandomrecs // @johnmurphyisqueer // @teenwaywardasgardian // @pappydaddy // @captainshazamerica // @freya-xo // @ravenmoore14 // @thisetaernallove // @ofthedewthesunlight // @canarypoint // @zoeyserpentluck // @randomawesomeperson102 // @ghost-bich // @wonderful-writer // @of-a-chaotic-mind // @groovyfluxie // @procrastinatingsapphictrash // @lxncelot // @swanimagines // @randomfandomimagine // @petersgroupie // @agentshortstacc // @rosadiaz-sarayvargas-harleyquinn // @werewolf-himbo // @comiocudequemtalendo1 // @mochamoff // @the-marvel-meme-emporium // @summersimmerus //

#marvel #avengers #marvel imagine #marvel x reader #avengers x reader #avengers imagine #fatws imagine #fatws #fatws x reader #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes imagine #bucky barnes #sam wilson x reader #sam wilson imagine #sam wilson #captain america x reader #captain america imagine #tony stark x reader #tony stark imagine #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda maximoff imagine

[calpalirwin]

Numbers

Summary: Sebastian doesn’t want to be another number to you, but little does he know he’s the only one.

A/N: Everyone say thank you to @jessalyn-jpeg​ for always being willing to cry over this man with me. 

Important distinction: Italics represent his thoughts, while bold italics represent hers

Word Count: 3.2k

And away, and away we go!

__

The sun was high and warm, and the sounds of wood cracking against leather grew louder as Y/N walked towards the baseball fields. “Yo, Number 1, lookin’ good!” she whistled, her fingers wrapping themselves in the chain link fence surrounding the field.

There was a loud laugh from the man playing shortstop, and he turned to either flip her off or stick out his tongue, but a baseball came flying in his direction, high and powerful. But not high enough. Almost lazily, Sebastian lifted his heels off the dirt, raising his left hand in the air, the ball coming to a stop in his glove.

“Right field, get ready!” Anthony, the pitcher shouted. “Stan’s lucky charm showed up!”

“I don’t need luck, Mackie,” Sebastian taunted, pulling at the sleeves of his jersey. “I’m Number 1 for a reason. Best shortstop in the state, right here, baby!”

“Mackie! Stan!” the coach barked in warning.

“Sorry!” both men laughed. And with his brief pause, Sebastian took off his hat, waving it at Y/N in greeting as she took a seat in the stands, before putting it back over his sweaty locks of brown hair.

As the practice continued, more girls made their way out to watch the team, and Y/N couldn’t blame them. Something about a guy’s ass in baseball pants, especially when that ass belonged to Sebastian Stan. And the college baseball team didn’t have any complaints about the attention they gathered, plays becoming more dramatic than they needed to be as a chance to show off, until the coaches finally called it quits.

“So,” Anthony asked Sebastian as they headed for the dugout. “Is today the day you ask out Y/N finally? Or should I try to shoot my shot? Like what's going on here, man? Cuz whatever it is between you, it’s gone on way too long, and I only got so much patience.”

Sebastian wasn’t sure how his face could grow warmer after being in the sun practicing for two hours, but it did. “I- We’re friends, ya know? And it’s not that I don’t wanna ask her out. It’s that I don’t know how. Or how she’ll react. It’s… a whole thing, ya get me?”

“Dude…” Anthony shook his head. “I say this because I care. But if you’re gonna make a move, make it fast. No one wants to be the one to cross you when we all know you got a thing for her. But if you’re not gonna shoot your shot…”

“Thanks…” Sebastian said, not sure if he appreciated the obvious advice or not. He knew he needed to ask Y/N sooner rather than later. But the idea that his teammates were lying in wait for him to either make a move, or step aside stirred up feelings of jealousy. But the only way of making sure they didn’t date her… He slung his bag over his shoulder, before squaring them and strutting out of the dugout, headed straight for Y/N. “Now or never, Stan,” he whispered to himself.

“Seb!” a girl called out and he turned to the sound, putting a smile on his face.

“Hey.” He offered a small wave, his eyes spotting Y/N, and kept walking, but then more girls were calling his name, batting their eyelashes, and touching his arm as they asked questions, and somehow Y/N got lost in the shuffle.

Y/N watched from her spot, the smile on her face dropping as she watched Sebastian get swarmed by girls who only wanted his attention so they could later brag to their friends that they’d gotten to talk to the star of the baseball team. And Sebastian wasn’t the type to be rude, even when he should.

Sighing, she shouldered her bag, heading down the bleachers, figuring she’d she go rescue him from his oh-so terrible prison of adoring girls.

“Hey, Y/N,” a shy voice called out as her feet hit concrete.

She lifted her gaze to find one of the newer players smiling at her. “Oh, hey, Tom,” she smiled back at him. “Good practice out there.”

“Heh, thanks,” he mumbled, his cleat digging into the ground. “So… you waiting for Seb?”

“I was yeah,” she admitted, looking over at Sebastian who was still under siege. And then a swell of anger bubbled inside her. If he couldn’t be bothered to pull himself away from them for her, then she didn’t have to wait for him. “But I’ll just catch him later. So, what’s up?”

Tom blinked in surprise. “Uh… I… Not much really. Was gonna head back to my dorm. Ya know, normal stuff I guess.”

“Well c’mon, I’m headed that way myself, I’ll walk with ya.”

Tom brightened as someone whistled from behind. “Damn! Kid’s got moves!” Anthony’s voice called out loudly. He jogged a few steps to join the couple, “Yo, Y/N, what about Seb?”

Y/N looked over her shoulder at Sebastian who still wasn’t even looking her way. “What about him?”

~~~

She mumbled airplane sounds under her breath, twisting her wrist to make the paper airplane fly around, before she really sent it flying across the living room. She watched as it glided through the air before nose-diving into the carpet as the front door opened.

“Apology food?” Sebastian asked with a hopeful smile, holding up a bag of takeout as he kicked the door shut.

“And what’s the apology for?” she asked, rising to her feet and crossing her arms.

“For being a dick after practice.”

“Chinese?”

“Your favorite,” he said, handing her the bag.

“Fine. Your transgressions against the crown are forgiven. This time.”

He tilted his head back as he laughed. “Thank you, your Highness. Although a little birdie told me that you ended up alright. Holland, huh?”

“Mackie is worse than girls with gossip, I swear…” Y/N said with an eye roll. “But yeah, Holland and I talked.”

“You know he’s a freshman, right?”

“Aw, is somebody jealous?” She flashed him a sardonic smile as they both plopped down on the couch and dug into the food.

Sebastian let out a scoff. “Me? Jealous of Holland? Pfft, yeah right.” Yes, insanely jealous, actually.

“Oh, so if I said he walked me all the way to the apartment, that wouldn’t make you mad?”

“You’re not my girlfriend, Y/N,” he said around a swallow of food. Despite how much I wish you were.  “If you wanna make baby Holland feel like a man for escorting you home, I really don’t give a shit. But you can do better than a freshman.” Like me.

Like you? “And you’d smell better with a shower,” was her retort as she knocked her shoulder into his.

“Mmm, you gonna join me?”

“Pfft! In your dreams, maybe.” And in mine.

Only in my dreams cuz once again, I fucked up.

~~~

Y/N figured one date would be enough to stir Sebastian into action. But one, the man had already made himself scarce by the time she left for her date. And two, the date sucked.

You’re not Sebastian was all she could think about throughout the dinner of cheesy one-liners, and bad jokes that bordered on offensive.

“So…” he asked suggestively as they walked out. “Wanna head back to my place?”

“No, I’m kinda tired,” she declined politely.

“Oh… well then I’ll call you sometime and we can do this again, maybe?”

“Yeah… no,” she said, shaking her head. “This was… nice. But no. You and I? Not gonna happen.”

“Right… I forgot you’re friends with Stan.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

“Oh, c’mon. Dude obviously likes you. And he’s not the one anyone wants to have on their bad side.”

“Then why did you ask me out? If all of you are so scared of Seb?”

“Cuz you’re hot, and I’m not on the baseball team,” he shrugged.

“Yeah… I’m gonna go home now. And you… ugh… yeah, no. Not gonna happen.”

~~~

Sebastian turned his head as the door opened. “Back before curfew, huh? Whatta gentleman.”

“Fuck you,” she told him with a roll of her eyes before stalking off towards her bedroom.

“Whoa, whoa, wait,” he said, bolting up off the couch. “C’mon, what happened?”

He wasn’t you. “He’s a pig. Said all the wrong things.”

“That sucks. But hey, can’t all be winners, right?”

“I guess… Although he did say one thing that was somewhat interesting.”

“Oh?”

“Yeah. Apparently you scare people off from asking me out.”

He snorted. “That’s fuckin’ stupid. Will I be pissed if some jackoff makes you feel like shit? Yeah, and I’ll probably say something. But shit… I’m not your boyfriend, or your dad, or some shit. Sounds like a lame cop-out because they just don’t wanna admit they’re pussies.”

And what’s your lame cop-out? “Ugh… I need a drink.”

“Grab me one, yeah?” he asked, sinking back down into the couch as she changed directions to head into the kitchen instead.

“So, how was your night?” she asked, grabbing two beers from the fridge.

“Uneventful,” he shrugged. “There was a girl I was hoping to go out with, but it didn’t work.”

“Aw damn. That sucks,” she said, as she joined him on the couch and handed him one of the beers. 

“Eh, it was my fault for not asking sooner,” he shrugged again, clinking his beer against hers. “To shitty nights.”

“Here, here,” Y/N cheered half-heartedly as they both took a long drink. “Fuck it. Paper airplane contest?”

He snorted into his beer. “We’re not seven anymore.”

“Aw, afraid you’ll lose?”

He sat up straighter. “Loser buys next case of beer?”

“You better get your wallet out, now.”

~~~

Sebastian knew he should have taken his chance after that first date gone bad. And Y/N knew she should have pushed him harder in her confrontation. But for whatever reason, the friends stayed at their stubborn stalemate.

Without Sebastian willing to make a move, Y/N began to wonder if maybe everyone had it all wrong. Maybe Sebastian was simply protective of her without having an ulterior motive behind it. So, she continued to go on dates with other guys on campus to ease the ache, until she couldn’t pretend they weren’t Sebastian anymore.

For his part, Sebastian not only took careful notes of the reasons Y/N gave for each of her short-lived romances, he also stupidly pointed her in the direction of new interests. And then he tried not to drown in his jealousy, before learning to grow doubtful of wanting a romantic relationship with her at all. Why would he want to sacrifice a lifelong friendship just to become another nameless guy she tossed to the side once she had her fun with him?

~~~

“Sebastian!” she gasped at him when he came home one night as she nursed away the end of yet another short-lived romance that wasn’t him.

“You’re drunk,” was the observation as he dropped his duffle bag to the floor.

“Ooooohhhh yeah,” she giggled at him with a wide grin, eyes hazy. “You gonna join me?”

“So we can both be sick? Yeah… Not a chance.”

“Boo…” she pouted. “You never wanna do anything with me.”

“One night. One night I don’t wanna drink with you, and that equates to me not wanting to do anything with you ever? Make it make sense, Y/N.”

“Well, you don’t wanna date me, that’s for sure,” was the drunk scoff.

He balked. “When did I ever say that?”

“Well it’s true, isn’t it? Everyone keeps saying that you like me, but you don’t do anything about it. Are they all lying? Or are you?”

He shook his head. “I’m not doing this. I’m not having this conversation with you.”

“Why not?!”

“Because you’re drunk off your ass!”

“Just answer the question!”

“I don’t know!”

“What type of bullshit answer is that?! How do you not know if you wanna date someone?!”

“It’s the answer you give when you used to think you wanted to, but now you’re not sure anymore! Now… I gave you my answer. And I already told you once I’m not having this conversation. Not when you’re drunk. I’m going to bed. G’night Y/N.”

“COWARD!” she hurled the insult at his retreating back.

In his room, Sebastian didn’t sleep. He lay in bed watching his ceiling fan spin in slow hypnotic circles, cursing himself for letting it get this bad. If he had just asked her out after that one practice… If he could just rewind the clock…

In the living room, Y/N sobbed into her hands. The distractions never worked, even the promising ones. And Sebastian… If it turned out he didn’t want her…

Thoughts spiraled and time ticked by, Y/N growing more sober, and Sebastian more angry with himself.

“Seb?” she asked in a small whisper, knocking lightly on his door as she pushed it open, finding him still awake in bed, the little lamp on his nightstand illuminating the room.

“What do you want, Y/N?” he asked, more harshly than he meant to, as he pushed himself to sit up against his headboard.

“I- Nevermind… It’s stupid…”

“No, wait,” he called out to her as she turned to leave. “I didn’t mean it like that. I- What’s up? What did you wanna ask?”

She took a slow breath to steady herself as she turned back around to face him. “Do you like me? God, that sounds so juvenile…”

“Of course I like you, Y/N. You’re my best friend.”

“But you don’t like me enough to date me. Just enough to be protective about me dating anyone else.”

He sighed. Now, or never. “It’s not that I don’t wanna date you, Y/N. It’s that I’m scared to.”

“That doesn’t make any sense.”

“To you, maybe. But to me, it’s perfectly valid.”

“How? How is that a valid reason? Sebastian Stan, scared of dating a girl? A girl who he’s known his whole life? Make it make sense.”

“You think I wanna be one of the guys you date? Maybe if you actually dated people, I wouldn’t have ever thought twice about dating you myself. But you don’t date, Y/N. You… God, I dunno what it is you do, but it’s not dating.”

“Fuck you,” she spat, feeling tears well up. “Fuck you! You don’t get to slut-shame me!”

“Slut-shame you?! How is it slut-shaming that I don’t wanna be another number to you?! That I don’t wanna be another source of entertainment for you until you get bored of me?!”

“Because you’re not a number, Sebastian!”

“Bullshit I’m not! You literally call me Number 1! You don’t love Y/N! You… you entertain yourself until someone better comes along!”

“That’s not true…” she whispered, heartbroken that he thought it was.

“It was for all the other guys! I don’t wanna be like them, Y/N! I don’t wanna be some random number to you! I wanna be the one! I don’t know how much clearer I can make that.”

“You know I only dated them to make you jealous, right?”

“Well congrats… you win. I’m insanely jealous of every guy that you parade through that goddamn door.” His mouth twisted and his vision started to swim.

“I didn’t wanna win, Seb. I wanted you.”

He hissed through his teeth. “Past tense… that, uh… Yeah, that hurts. Thanks for that… For this…” he twirled his finger about the room. “Awesome conversation. Glad we could have this talk.”

“You wanna know why it never worked with those guys?!” she yelled at him, her hands flying up in the air. “They weren’t you! God, I tried so hard to make it work with those guys! Any of them! But none of them made me feel the way you do. None of them get me the way you do. And… God! I wish they did! I wish at least one of them did, because then I could finally stop wasting my time on you when it’s obvious you don’t feel the same way about me!”

“I don’t feel the same?!” He grabbed a small notebook, hurling it at her. “If I never felt the same, explain that!” He pulled down the collar of his shirt, pointing at a small tattoo of a paper airplane on his chest “If I never felt the same, explain this!”

“Y-you got a tattoo? When?”

The sudden drop of her voice level took him a moment to realize what she’d asked. “When you started dating the guy with tattoos…” he told her.

“And this?” she asked, bending down to pick up the small notebook he’d thrown at her, thumbing through it. “Blue eyes, tattoos. Text back on time. Don’t say stupid shit,” she read aloud. “A-are these notes on how to date me?”

He shrugged. “I like to think they’re observations.”

“W-why would you need notes on how to date me?”

“To make sure you don’t get bored of me. To make sure you don’t forget me.”

“Seb-”

He shook his head fiercely, feeling his throat close up. “Don’t. Just don’t, okay? I know this is all my fault. I know if I had just stopped being a little bitch, and said something sooner like I wanted to, none of this would be happening right now. But I- Fuck… It’s always been me and you, and I dunno what I’d do if that stopped happening. You’re my best friend. And I’ve been in love with you for as long as I can remember. And… I can’t risk losing you. I won’t lose you. Even if that means spending the rest of my life jealous of the guys you date.”

“And you never bothered to think that I had the same fears? That I’m just as in love with your stupid ass?”

“Why would you be? I’m just the idiot best friend.”

“Haven’t you been listening? I- God, did you really get a tattoo?” she asked. “What even is it?”

“It’s a paper airplane,” he mumbled, face turning red.

“Can I see it again?” she asked somewhat shyly.

He shrugged, taking off his shirt and tossing it to the side. “Happy now?”

“Oh, Seb,” she giggled, crossing the room to him. “You didn’t have to take your shirt off. You could have just tugged down your collar again.”

“Are you complaining?” he teased lightly, pulling her into his lap.

“God, no,” she said with another giggle. “Oh, Seb,” she sighed, her fingers tracing the ink on his skin. “God, we’re so fuckin’ stupid, aren’t we?”

“Oh, I’m definitely stupid,” he admitted. “Said and done so much stupid shit I shouldn’t have said or done.” His nose nudged against hers, his lips brushing against her cheek when he said, “God, I’m so sorry. I shoulda manned up sooner. And I shouldn’t have said those things about the guys you dated. I just- I fucked up. I let my insecurities get in the way, and I fucked up.”

“I fucked up too, Seb,” she whispered, carding her hands through his hair. “I was trying to fill a you-sized hole when I had you in front of me the whole time.”

“So you still want me? Even after I was the idiot coward that kept fucking up?” The blue eyes were big and watery with small traces of fear as they held her gaze steady, foreheads knocked together.

“Of course I still want you. You’re the only one I’ve ever wanted, Seb.”

__

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#numbers #sebastian stan #sebastian stan fic #sebastian stan x reader #college AU #calpal irwin

[seijorhi]

Home

A/N It’s finally finished!! This is super self indulgent and something I’ve been wanting to write for a long, long time. Anyway, hope you guys like it!

Oikawa Tooru x Female Reader

TW Dub-con, drug use, Stockholm syndrome, unhealthy relationships, nsfw, smut

You watch idly from the balcony of your penthouse suite as the storm rolls through.

It’s pouring torrentially, the night sky lit with flashes of crackling lightning and the thunder rumbling so loudly that you feel the reverberations in your chest. A summer storm to rival the best of them. Furious and violent. It’ll last twenty minutes maybe and then peter off into nothing but a drizzle. 

You don’t get storms like this back home.

The thought leaves a bitter taste in your mouth.

Home. 

The little villa in the valley. Beautiful and airy, set amongst the stunning backdrop of  vineyards and mountains - a breathtaking, gilded cage built just for you. A gift, he’d said, carrying you across the threshold.

When had that become home?

Another fork of lightning cracks through the inky black sky, close enough that you feel the lingering charge of static electricity hanging in the air around you. The night is balmy - pleasant even, despite the storm - but a chill runs through you all the same, goosebumps dotting the bare skin of your arms. You haven’t changed out of the long, teal silk dress he’d chosen for you. The nude Louboutin heels were kicked off somewhere near the door, your pretty necklace and the pins from your hair tossed carelessly aside on the glass table. You’d meant to come back to the room and take a long, calming shower, but somehow you’d found yourself here instead - sitting on the balcony with your arms wrapped loosely around your knees, staring at the city below you.

Buenos Aires. The last time you were here was years ago, and only for a night. Back then it hadn’t been a fancy hotel suite you’d been staying at, but a run down little motel room in downtown. God, you’d been so scared, clinging to him all night, afraid to let him go for even a second.

Some things don’t change, you suppose.

You’d begged for this, but not because you had any real desire to come back to the city you have nothing bad memories of. Not because, as Oikawa had suggested, cooing at you between soft, indulgent kisses, you couldn’t bear to be apart from him, but because the thought of being trapped alone in that house for a week was more than you could take. 

You thought you’d wanted this. 

There were conditions of course. None that had to be spoken, but you understood them well enough. You thought you’d pay anything. Let Oikawa take what he liked, pretend that you wanted it too. Lavish him in love and affection until he was drowning in it. Let him drape himself over you, tug you from event to event never letting you out of his sight.

Anything to get out of that house.

The game had been overwhelming, to say the least. Sitting front row, watching him play, it brought back memories from high school. He was incredible, you’ve known that since the beginning, but to see how he’s grown… volleyball has always been the only thing he’s cared about. Well, volleyball and you.

You still remember that insecure boy you’d fallen in love with, so worried that no matter how hard he tried, he’d forever be in the shadows of geniuses. 

How far you’ve both come.

When that final point was scored and the stadium erupted in a roaring cheers the tears that welled in your eyes hadn’t been of happiness, or nostalgia, but an ache so deep in your heart that it felt like somebody was slowly cleaving you in two. And his eyes had swept across the room to find yours, an elated grin on his face, and suddenly it’d felt like you couldn’t breathe.

Then came the after party. They’d won the national championship - celebrating the end of the season and their landslide victory, well that was a given. And you have beautiful clothes at home, expensive jewellery that would make a lot of women green with envy, but you so rarely get to go out anymore. 

You knew that he wouldn’t let you stray from his side. That every word you spoke would be under careful scrutiny - not that you could speak much Spanish to begin with. 

But you hadn’t cared. 

It was the most freedom he’d given you in years.

Nerves had eaten away at your stomach as you stepped out in the flowing silk number he’d picked just for tonight, but neither that nor the positively wicked glint in Oikawa’s eyes as he gave you a leisurely once over had been enough to dampen the small, excited smile on your face.

The hotel ballroom was filled to the brim with athletes and socialites. The music was loud, hypnotic, the pulse of the beat echoing deep inside of your chest. Champagne was free flowing, and it wasn’t long before champagne turned into liquor shots and whiskey, but with Oikawa’s arm curled snugly around your lower back, you nursed your own drink slowly. 

Getting drunk would’ve been… a bad idea.

He, on the other hand, had no issues knocking back drink after drink as he swept through the room, chatting with whomever seemed to catch his eye. You recognised his teammates of course, a few of their partners, but the rest were veritable strangers. So many people packed so close. After months of isolation, it was disorienting to say the least.

You’d simply stuck by Oikawa’s side, smiling and nodding politely while he’d spoken for the both of you. Yet you could feel the eyes that followed you from across the room. They weren’t malicious - well, you didn’t think they were (these people didn’t know you, so how could they possibly hate you?) - but curious. Ill intentioned or not, the stares hadn’t exactly put you at ease.

Of course Oikawa had noticed.

“Ignore them, cutie,” he’d whispered in your ear, noticing the tense set of your shoulders, the telling flush in your cheek. “Come dance with me.”

And you’d let him tug you into the heaving crowd, pulling you close and letting his hands settle on your hips as the two of you moved in time with the beat. Dancing was probably the wrong word for it, but Oikawa had hardly cared, his lips finding your neck, sucking bruising kisses into the tender skin while you tried to lose yourself to the music.

It was what you’d wanted. A night of freedom, of drinking and dancing and other people - a reprieve from the oppressive isolation of home.

Now that you had it at your fingertips… it felt wrong. 

Stifling. 

But you’d held it together just fine until Oikawa had winked and slipped from your side to visit the men’s room. 

Without the safety of his presence to cling to, all of a sudden you’d floundered.

Like a tidal wave you couldn’t stop all of that panic and unease that had been eating away at you bit by bit over the past few days of this trip rose up and crashed over you, obliterating any semblance of control you had. 

It was all too much. 

The stares, the music, the drinking, the raucous chatter. The room was too hot and there were too many people, all of them strangers, and you’d felt so out of place, not just because you were foreign but because you didn’t belong here, and as tears had started welling up in your eyes and you’d squeezed them shut, all you could think about was that you so desperately wanted to be home.

Strong, familiar arms had enveloped you a split second later and you hated yourself for the sigh of relief you breathed as you’d all but collapsed against him.

You hadn’t fought it when he’d pulled back just far enough to kiss you. Not a chaste peck, but a searing, open mouthed affair that had you breathless, flushed and dizzy. You could taste the mint and tequila on his tongue, the familiar taste of him beneath that. You’d clung to it like a life raft, letting it centre you, calm your racing heart. 

When he’d broken it, he’d stared at you for a long moment, his thumb easing over the apple of your cheek, taking with it the stray tear that had spilled. “It’s too much, isn’t it?” he’d surmised, and wordlessly, you’d nodded.

Oikawa had just sighed, letting you clutch at his jacket as he stroked your back soothingly. “Do you want to leave, baby? Go back upstairs to the room?” 

And you might have believed the worry leaching into his tone if not for the sick satisfaction glinting in those deep brown eyes, hiding behind the concerned veneer he’d perfected so well. But like a cat toying with its prey, even he couldn’t hide the faint hint of a smirk that had curled across his lips as the hand on your lower back dipped, coming to rest on the curve of your ass.

All that relief you’d felt quickly turned cold and bitter in your stomach.

As if you’d been stung, you yanked yourself free from his grip. “Don’t touch me,” you’d hissed, glaring up at him before stalking for the wide double doors.

And he’d watched you go, amusement dancing across his pretty face.

Thunder rumbles, and you rub absentmindedly at your bare arms. You have no one and nothing but him, he’s done everything in his power to make damn sure of it. You can’t remember the last time you spoke to your parents, your old friends from high school have long since given up on trying to reach out to you. 

He was gone for a few fucking minutes and you-

You fell apart.

Completely.

Utterly.

When you’d shut your eyes, it hadn’t been the villa in San Juan you’d thought of, or the old apartment you’d lived in with your family back in Miyagi - you’d thought of chestnut brown eyes and the warmth of his chest pressed up against your back in the early hours of the morning. You’d thought of lazy kisses, the soft, indulgent smile he’d grace you with when he came home every night. 

You’d thought of him. 

While you sit, curled up on the balcony like a frightened child, the storm around you continues to rage around you. 

You should hate him. 

You do hate him.

He’s a selfish, arrogant piece of shit who dragged you thousands of miles away from your home to a foreign country and locked you away from the world because he believed his love for you was more important than whatever fucking dreams you might have had.

And you’d been blind and stupid and young and you’d let him.

You’d let Oikawa take and take and take until he was the only thing you had left. 

It’s your own fault as much as it is his, you suppose. If you hadn’t been so naive, so trusting of the boy you loved, maybe you might have noticed the monster hiding beneath Oikawa’s pretty smiles and prettier word sooner.

Not that it matters anymore. You are where you are - there’s no chain around your ankle, nothing stopping you from walking out that door and not looking back. 

You could leave, if you really wanted to.

But where would you go?

Your passport is back home, hundreds of miles away, locked away in a safe protected by a combination you don’t know. And even if it wasn’t, you’d had to give up your citizenship when you’d both become naturalised here. You can’t just fly back to Japan and try to pick up where you left off all those years ago. 

That life doesn’t exist anymore.

You have no money of your own. You could try and pawn your jewellery, the glittering diamond wedding bands and the necklace he’d gifted you earlier, but how far would that money take you? What are you supposed to do when it runs dry? Find a job? It should be easy when you have no skills, no experience and you can’t speak the language.

You don’t have friends or family here, nobody to shelter you while you figured everything out. It’s not safe for you to be out there on your own. You have no home but the one he’s given you.

You’re the wife of Oikawa Tooru, starting setter for the national volleyball team. You can’t just up and disappear into thin air here.

And you know deep in your heart that even if you try, he won’t ever let you. Oikawa would follow you to the ends of the earth if only to drag you back with him.

Amidst the pouring rain and the rumbling thunder, you don’t hear the door to your hotel room open, nor the sound of your husband shedding his jacket and tie, tossing them carelessly over the loveseat as he approaches.

“Did you enjoy yourself tonight, baby?” he croons, coming up to lean over the back of your seat. 

Swallowing tersely, you opt to ignore him. 

He hums lightly, unperturbed by your silence and continues, “I certainly did, though I would have preferred it if my lovely wife hadn’t abandoned me halfway though.”

You’re intent on ignoring him and the pouting tone, but long, pale fingers coax your head back. Dark, glittering eyes meet yours, irises almost swallowed by dilated pupils. His nose twitches, a telling little sniffle as he grins widely down at you.

Your heart lurches, “Tooru, what-”

He’s quick to silence any protests with a kiss, his tongue greedily sliding between your parted lips. 

You could fight it. You have before - kicking and screaming, lashing out with sharp nails and biting insults - except you both know how that ends. Tooru always gets what he wants in the end.

You’re tired.

So fucking tired. 

His hand, warm and eager slides down the column of your throat, dipping under the low silk neckline of your dress to cup your breast as he circles around you. 

He’s usually a talker whenever he’s trying to fuck you, but as your husband stares at you with those dilated eyes, breathing deeply, all he offers is a surprisingly husky, “Beautiful.”

Even after all that’s happened between you two, it never fails to make your cheeks warm.

He wastes no time in dropping to his knees and prying your legs apart so that he can settle between them. Your dress is in the way so he grabs at the hem and yanks, ignoring your indignant protests as the silk fabric gives all too easily.

“I’ll buy you another,” he mutters distractedly, and your black lace panties (another gift) follow suit. 

You’re not given a moment's reprieve before your calves are thrown over his broad shoulders and Oikawa’s tongue is delving between your warm folds.

Lightning flashes overhead as your back arches up and your hands find purchase in his soft brunette locks. It’s not particularly refined, the way he eats you out, alternating between long, teasing strokes along your pussy and toying with your clit - sucking on it, letting the tip of his tongue flick across the sensitive bud until you’re squirming beneath him - before finally giving you what you want. When his tongue slips into the warm, slick walls of your cunt you can’t help the breathy moan that leaves your lips.

And when he starts to fuck you with it, your hands tighten in his hair and you jerk him closer, hips bucking up to meet his fervent touch. But it’s the sight of those hungry eyes, staring intently up at you from between your thighs as you moan and writhe that pushes you over the edge entirely, cumming with a cry that’s swallowed by the storm still raging around you.

He doesn’t let up for a moment, his grip on your thighs tightening (there’ll definitely be bruises tomorrow) and lapping at your juices while you ride out your orgasm on his face.

But you’re not so naive to think that it’s over as he pulls away, wiping off the spit and slick shining on his jaw with the back of his hand. Neither of you say anything as he gently pulls you to your feet, discarding the ruined remains of your dress without a care.

He fucks you on the balcony, your back pushed up against the wall, your legs wrapped around his waist. You tune out the breathless, adoring whispers and moans at your ear, losing yourself entirely to the sensation of his cock stretching you out so deliciously, the way each stabbing thrust hit that perfect spot deep inside of you.

It’s easy to pretend that it’s only physical when he’s like this. 

With your head thrown back, eyes squeezed shut and your bottom lip caught between your teeth you cum for the second time around his cock. He follows a split second later, choking out your name like a prayer.

“I love you,” he gasps, stealing your lips once more.

It’s hours later, after the storm has passed and you’re lying exhausted and entwined in bed, your head resting against his bare chest that you begin to wonder when exactly Oikawa had become home for you.

#yandere haikyuu #yandere oikawa #yandere oikawa x reader #yandere oikawa tooru x reader #yandere oikawa tooru #yandere hq #yandere haikyuu imagines #female reader #my writing #yandere fic #timeskip oikawa #tw dub con #tw drug use #stockholm syndrome

[tobi-momo]

"The Setter's Help" Chapter 8 - Final Chapter

Pairing: Kageyama Tobio x Volleyball player!reader

Synopsis: With a big game coming up, the confidence in your setting has gone down significantly. Knowing the setter on the Karasuno boy’s volleyball club is good at what he does, you ask him for help. Will he help you build your confidence and skills or will he just tear it down more?

Genre: Romance, fluff, some crack, angst, hurt/comfort

Chapter Warnings: Cursing

Word Count: 3.5k

Taglist is CLOSED

The air that enters your lungs comes out in puffs, a clot in your throat that prevents the swift in take of the oxygen you need for your vision to move somewhere that wasn’t the dirty floors under you. The fear and the intimidation that ran through your jamming pulse radiated out of you, the stuttering of your nerves creating a fog in your abdomen- moths instead of butterflies. Your body felt fuzzy, even as you looked at the trembling hand that floats in the air, it felt numb. A raggedy breath leaves your lips as you gather feeling back into all the nerve endings that rest in the pads of your fingers. Your eyebrows furrow in concentration as you screw your eyes shut, feeling the cool air sweep up against your skin.

It might have been a new, refreshing light that flows through the strands of your hair, or maybe- just maybe, it was the doors opening to let the other team enter.

Holy shit it’s happening.

This is it. The one thing you’ve been practicing for for weeks.

The big game.

You take a quick look around the gym- the room not fully set up, people getting ready to sit down in the stands, the players from the other team setting their bags down and stretching while their coach gives them a quick pep talk- your teammates doing the same. You saw the boys’ team sitting down, as well. Half were munching on snacks, the others indulging in conversation with each other, Nishinoya and Tanaka multitasking and doing both, while the rest just sat and got their phones ready or just watched the other team, including someone in particular.

It’s been a couple days since you’ve taken a good look at him. His arms were crossed as he observed the other team with annoyance, gathering the information he needed on all players. It’s not like he was going to tell you- well, not anymore. He took a chance, when he flicked his pupils to match yours. Even though he didn’t expect you to look back, he did it anyway. And when he caught the color of your iris looking right back at him, he shook with nervousness. You turn away quickly the moment he sets his eyes on you- a hitch in your throat creating a sort of choke that crept up. His stare lingered longer than it should have, watching you pick a ball up from the court with your clammy hands and slap it on the ground before partnering up and warming up your arms.

For whatever reason, he kept his vision nailed on your wrists, watching them carefully. He was surprised at the improvement you showed since he started working with you. Your arm looked strong, powerful. That was good. Your eyes were taped to the ball, as it should be. Your wrists were flicking at the right time and the ball floated in the air gracefully, like he taught you. So why, he asked in his head, why were you so nervous? You’ve had games before, this is just another one. Why was this game so important?

His attention was brought back to the team that practiced on the other side of the mnet, watching for weaknesses and advantages.

This was going to be tough. They had control over their energy- they were confident. Sure they were going to win this. You, on the other hand, had doubt painted over your face in red. God, he felt like an idiot. What was he trying to prove? He made you feel like nothing when he should have been helping you conquer the world. Dumbass.

“Hey, do you see their setter?” Hinata asks out of the blue, pointing to the other team.

“Number three?”

“Yeah, I think she’s a third year. Do you think Y/n can compete with that?”

“What do you mean,” he asks defensively, “why wouldn’t she?”

“Well, she’s probably had more experience and has played against many other people just like this team, Y/n hasn’t,” the ginger explains, using tiny hand gestures.

“That doesn’t mean anything,” The blackette stops him, determination lining his pupils as he focuses on you, “Y/n is a good player, she’s just nervous or something. Give her time, she’ll do fine,” he pauses, “I think.”

“I hope so,” Hinata breathes out, watching the girls do their drills. “Does she play all around?”

“Probably,” Kageyama answers nonchalantly.

“Oh,” the boy mumbles. They continue to watch the girls warm up.

~.~.~.~

“Hey, hey, calm down, okay? You got this!” A girl beside you on the bench holds her water bottle while cheering you on. You give an awkward smile, just wanting the antics to calm down a bit.

You were fine. You were okay. You were good. You got it. You can do it. You recall the moments you got a strained compliment from the man you looked up to, the one who helped you become better. He’s only said subtle things like “that was good” or “nice job”, but every time those words left his lips a sense of comfort and reassurance washed refreshingly over your body, like you really earned it. Maybe you could do that again.

“Thanks, I think I’ll be fine,” you respond, letting her tone down a bit before you get up to your position.

It was a weird rotation, although you thought you had it nailed down pretty well. Practicing over hours everyday helped you feel better about memorizing where everyone goes every time you rotated. So, as you walk over to right-front, you watch the referee check the girls’ spots, then you get into position.

Once the sound of the whistle went off, your vision tightens to the people on the other side of the net. Strangers, they were, trying to invade and conquer your land.

You weren’t about to let them do that.

~.~.~.~

“Wow, she’s really good,” Hinata notes as he watches your form as you jump up to toss the ball, your loud cheer echoing with the smack of the ball once your teammate smacks it towards the other side with power. “Was she like that the whole time?”

“I guess,” Kageyama mumbles with his vision glued to you. He watches you form a fist as you grab another point, a wild smile covering your face. He could almost smirk at the joy he was watching, your smile didn’t have to be that contagious, you know. The happiness and excitement that grew on your face spread to everyone else on the court, your teammates reciprocating that emotion. You did it on purpose, he knew. Even if you weren’t actually feeling like it, you needed your teammates to, or else this game was out of the window. Why didn’t he tell you that you needed that, too?

It seemed that every time he looked at you, there was another thing that he left out. Another thing that he could have taught you, let you know of, showed you. Especially that you were good enough. That you had the talent, the skill. All that you needed…was to believe in yourself.

Why didn’t he help you?

“I’ll be back.” Kageyama practically jumps out of his seat, storming out of the gym without a single glance to pay towards the game once more. The boys don’t question it much, only exchanging quick glances to each other before going back to whatever they were doing beforehand. He exits the gym, his back slamming against the wall while he groans. Upset, he places his hands on his head in frustration, turning away from the people still entering.

He could have done so much better.

~.~.~.~

“Yeah! Nice kill!” Your cheerful shouts reverberate throughout the gym, your smile radiating off to other players. Too bad you were still too nervous to actually enjoy this.

You saw what the other setter could do. Three could do things you couldn’t. Three had talent and skill that was just so beyond your reach. You knew it was the end of the road for you. God, you knew it. You had failed before you had the opportunity to even get your first victory. First victory as first setter.

“Y/n, it’s to you!” You shake your head vigorously back into focus as you plop your arms out in front of you, receiving the aggressive ball. It spins up in the air as you yell, “Setter out!” so somebody else can take hands. The red spot that spread on your arm felt really good, like something that was supposed to be there. The ball was supposed to hit right there, bounce up perfectly and create a beautiful play. Like Kageyama taught you.

Was it bad that you sort of missed him? Were you a bad person for wanting him back in your life? After he was ripped away from screaming insults and attacking you, literally, he seemed to really, genuinely be sorry. You wanted- want to forgive him. You want to do more than forgive him. You want to be with him.

You’re climbing the score board, stealing point after point. Soon, it’s the fifth set. Two to Two. The spike in your nerves were inexplicable, the numbness coming back. This- this was it. You got it, just breathe. Control yourself, you can do it. You were in the perfect place, no need for you to switch position with another after the ball is sent your way, your feet stomping on left-front for grip.

~.~.~.~

“Kageyama, it’s the fifth set, come back in, the game is almost over. You missed a lot, dude.” Hinata says half way in the doorway of the hallway, the loud cheers and squeaks of shoes reiterating. “Kageyama-”

“I heard you,” he cuts the red-head off firmly. He picks his head up from the ground, inhaling to calm his nerves. When he walks back inside, his eyes immediately tape onto your figure, not on purpose, but subconsciously. He didn’t mean to, he just did it. The way you stepped perfectly as you did your approach and hit the ball down on the other side forced his feet to slow down, just to watch you a little longer while you made that court yours.

He saw the nervousness seep into you the moment the score hit twenty-four to twenty-three. One point. One point was all that it took to win, or to tie. He saw the trembling in your hands, the hot breaths that left your mouth, the boiling beads of sweat that helplessly dripped down your skin. He knew what you were thinking, but he was too afraid to say something to help. Coward.

As he sat down, all eyes were on you.

~.~.~.~

Your heart beats irregularly, your lungs almost hyperventilating when you watch the reff raise his arm in the air towards your team, blowing the whistle while folding it to his chest.

This was it.

He watched your fret in concentration with a furrowed brow, his arms crossed and his back leaned forward in the stands.

You get in position at the net, your hands floating in the air, inches away from the net. You make eye contact with the setter on the opposite position, her deathly glare making your deep sigh seem more in defeat than it was in anticipation. The toe of your shoe tapped the floor, your vision zeroing in on the girl in the back that bounces the very ball that determines your fate on the sore floors.

Take a deep breath, Y/n. Just take a breath.

The ball is sent over. Good. It soars over to middle-back, ‘don’t let it get there’, Kageyama told you once. Send the ball somewhere they can’t get it, not directly to the player.

She receives it. Beautiful. “Mine, mine! Nice receive!” You yell to the libero, who nods after she sends the ball towering. To set this, you need to run deeper- it didn’t go directly to you. So you do. You run. You sprint, actually. You rush your way under that ball, which powers it’s way down- God, it’s so low. Squat, you have to squat! Getting down, you stretch your hamstring and balance on your heel while the ball finally makes contact with the tips of your fingers. Remember the wrist, Y/n, remember the wrist. Flick! The ball floats effortlessly in the air, as if in slow motion. You watch as the right-front hitter does their approach, springing themselves up in the air and as you stand, smacks it down.

Shit. Shit!

Where is the defense?? Where are they??

You take a look around the second before the ball is forced over to see absolutely no one covering the hole. The girls weren’t in the correct positions, an entire spot being empty at the front of the court. You needed to get there.

Your ball is centimeters away from making contact with the blocker on the other team, your feet not moving as fast as you need them to. Millimeters, now. And… bash. The hand of the middle blocker hits itself against the ball, ricocheting off her skin back to your court.

Time is running out.

You’re running again. A strained heave leaves you as you almost trip over your own ankles to chase after this ball. Of course it’s off to the hole. Still, nobody moves. They just watch.

‘If you absolutely need to get something, dive. Let’s practice that.’ Kageyama taught you this. You can do it. Dive. Use your hands to slow yourself down, and not go too far or injure yourself. You don’t have time to breathe properly, you just need to get there! Please! Just get there!

Your stomach slides on the floor as your wrist reluctantly pops the ball back in the air. Come on, come on, come on!

Oh! The ball rises just far enough to touch the top of the net, your teammates still frozen as they watch the scene play in front of them. You wanted to be upset, but you didn’t have time for that right now. It wavers, you’re not sure if it’ll make it, and you can’t touch the ball again without giving them the point, and your teammates refuse to work with you.

This was unbearable.

It slowly walks along the net like a tightrope, not picking a side to fall on before- yes! Yes, yes, yes! Your strained, stretched, wide eyes couldn’t tell anyone how fast your heart was beating, how fast your thoughts ran through. Absolutely nothing could compare with the adrenaline and the anxiousness that makes your pulse beat as it falls to the setter on the other team. She was shocked as she crouched her body to get this under the net, her arms stretching to make contact with the ball and-

The whistle blew. All noise stops, your ears are practically ringing, though, as you whip your head to the referee. The ball is forgotten, hitting the ground repeatedly and faster every time it makes contact with the floor until it rolls away. The whistle stays in his mouth, but his arm moves. To the net? Your head follows the line his hand points to, all the way down to the…to the foot that rests past the line.

Your breath wouldn’t come out, your stinging eyes not seeing everyone in the audience stand up and lean down to see and your ears not picking up the sudden screams that they let out. Your teammates were jumping up and down, piling up on top of each other, dragging your body with theirs as they celebrated the victory. Your victory.

Because you fucking won.

The tears that poured out of you were something that wouldn’t go unnoticed by Kageyama. For he was just…watching. Watching you. Watching you cover your mouth with your hand slowly, falling on your knees in realization that you, essentially, won this game. The circle your teammates made as they bunched up together in celebration didn’t include your sobbing figure. Your shoulders bounce as you cry on the dirty, sweaty floors of the court you just dominated. The steaming tears left your waterline and puddled on the floor, splashing on your hand as your back falls forward towards the ground.

You- you did this. After all this time, and all this work and practice, you did it. And as you hunch over and hide the bawling you can’t keep to yourself, the person that you wanted to thank the most’s hand places itself on your back. The warmth and the tingling was undoubtedly him, his fingertips lightly scratching your back when you take the risk of looking up at him. Turning your head, you see his figure already squatting down next you, his head only a couple inches above yours. He smiles, a real smile. One that he showed you when he was proud of you, when he was happy and content with your actions. The screams of everyone in the room were muffled, everything was blurry except his dark blue eyes that bore straight back into yours. Did you deserve this? Did you deserve to win?

His thumb cautiously brushes your cheek when you start to sit up, your spine lining up straight again. “You did-” he clears his throat, “you did good out there,” he mumbles, slightly embarrassed, but doing his best to swallow his pride and tell you what you deserve to hear. You look down in disbelief, almost scared you weren’t hearing this correctly. “Hey, look at me,” he mutters to you, taking your attention once more when your glassy eyes flicker back to him again. His palms rest on your cheeks, his thumbs wiping away the continued tears that slip free from your puffy eyes while his pupils stay focused on yours. “You deserved it, okay? You really did.”

Another sob lets go, and it wouldn’t stop even if his shirt caught it. You both sat on your knees, his hand on top of your head as it rests on his chest while you cry. His other hand just sits on your back, unmoving yet not faltering to give you the reassurance you desperately needed.

“You did good,” he repeated, just in case you needed to hear it again.

“Thank you,” you whimper into the fabric he wears, your lips shaping an ‘o’ while you try and take your breaths slow and steady. The hands that lay dead on the floor come up and wrap around his torso, squeezing him closer. His breath hitches. “Thank you so much, Kageyama.”

He only hums, letting his hands snake around your form as well. It was a subtle embrace, his warmth covering yours, but very affectionate and meaningful, and noticeable, by the way the Karasuno boys’ just won’t stop talking about it.

He tries to ignore the little clicks and flashes and the giggling and snark behind him, but he groans at his friends and glares at them after leaning his head back. They take a step back, but still “observe” from a further distance. He turns back, relieved. His head droops down to lay on top of yours, no care in his body for the sweat that gathers in your hair. No regard for the sweat anywhere on you, really. He just wanted to enjoy this moment.

~.~.~.~

“So…”

“So…” you repeat, walking with him down the sidewalk with your fingers wrapping around each other bashfully, your heads turned towards the ground shyly while you walk hand in hand. Your arm swings back and forth and his thumb rubs the back of your palm.

“Do you want to practice volleyball with me again? Another time?” He asks nervously with speed.

“Ah, volleyball?” You ask, contemplating. “Would you like to do something else?” He blushes. “I don’t know, like, get coffee somewhere? Or maybe just hangout at my place?”

“Uh, we can do both!” He shouts, trying his best. You can tell he’s incredibly tense, anxious about this topic. You giggle at the effort.

“Sure, okay, then. Let’s do it.”

He smiles with you, an excited smile you don’t think you’ve had the pleasure laying eyes on before. His smiles never seemed normal, but they were always the cutest thing to behold. You loved them. You loved everything about him. And you were grateful. For everything. You couldn’t have done this without him, and you made sure to let him know that with the kiss you left on his cheek before you went inside. His burning cheeks seemed on fire when your sweet lips made contact with his skin. He was as stiff as a board, his face melting in shock while your hands placed themselves on his shoulders. Your head moves back, your nose tickling his as you look him in the eye.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Tobio.”

“Uh, yeah, yeah. I’ll see you tomorrow,” he stutters. His eyes wide as a deer in headlights with your face as close to his as it is, a breath falling out of him he didn’t even know existed when you turned around to head inside of your house.

He waved to you politely before he watched your body disappear behind the door. But this time, he knew you were coming back.

A/N: holy fucking shit its over omg- like theres the epilogue and then the setter's help is done! im actually so sad its over and im gonna really miss it :( thank you wombat so much for helping me seriously you are a big part of why im posting this thank you love <3 also sorry for the delays lol im buried deep in school

taglist in reblog!

(reblogs are VERY appreciated <3)

MASTERLIST

#the.setters.help #haikyuu!! #haikyuu #kageyama tobio #kageyama #haikyuu x reader #kageyama tobio x reader #kageyama x reader #haikyuu x you #kageyama x you #haikyuu x y/n #kageyama x y/n #haikyuu fluff #kageyama fluff #haikyuu comfort #kageyama comfort #haikyuu fanfiction #kageyama fanfiction #haikyuu drabbles #kageyama drabbles #haikyuu scenarios #kageyama scenarios #haikyuu imagines #kageyama imagines #haikyuu series #kageyama series #haikyuu hcs #kageyama hcs #haikyuu headcanons #kageyama headcanons

[razorblade180]

Interdimensional Moms pt4

Part 3 here! <-

The tales had be interesting. The tales had even been emotionally gripping, yet all of them so far didn’t seem to register at the moment as Ruby’s teammates looked at her with the same excitement she used to give her own mother during story time. Ruby couldn’t help but give a little smile.

Ruby:I take it you’re ready for my turn? You do know it’s not exactly a sunshine and rainbows story, right?

Weiss:We figured as much, but....

Yang:You’re so different! From the moment you showed up I could just feel it in my gut. You have this...presence about you. Not to mention intsene confidence.

Blake:Yang is right. You said you beat your Salem when your seventeen. That’s...scary if I’m being honest. Such a drastic departure from any of our worlds.

Ruby:*red* Hehehe ummm I guess I’m just awesome? Really I don’t think it’s the most outstanding feat. At least by my worlds standards I suppose. I mean sure, I’m consider cream of the crop there too but there’s talented people and challenges all over that would put me through my paces still. I’m just...me.

Weiss:Sigh...honestly, I suppose that means our own skills must pale in comparison to our counterparts.

Ruby:Mmmm I wouldn’t say that for sure. My Yang would kill me if she heard this but there’s something about the one right here that has spark I dig.

Yang:Really?

Ruby:Uh huh. Can’t put my finger on it but I think you take her if you want it bad enough. As for Weiss....couldn’t tell ya. Haha, I know better than anybody to not underestimate the power of mother, and you pumped twins out.

Weiss:Not sure if those are pity points or real ones but thanks either way.

Blake:You don’t even have to tell me I’d lose. Just gave an entire story about me an my condition.

Ruby:Don’t feel too bad about it. I can’t imagine much reason for you two to fight for any reason. You’re both too reasonable to not reason with yourself.

Blake:Aw I’m touched.

Yang and Weiss:We aren’t....

Ruby:Hahaha I’m just saying! So, I guess I take things from the top like you all? From what I learned from all of you our Beacon experiences really are more or less the same, not counting certain interactions between a bookworm faunus and an adorkable blonde knight. Enrolled early, blew up the entrance, Weiss was rude, Yang ditched me, all the same beats.

Yang:There’s no super badass change like you beating Cinder the night of dance and making our entire lives easier?

Ruby:Ha! I wish I was that legit. No, I was very much the young girl tripping in heels that night. Vytal festival came around and was attacked, then Beacon fell. Pyrrha was lost and so was Penny. Difference being that was my last time seeing her, unlike Weiss’s story apparently.

Weiss:Yeah that...that’s a little bit of shock to be frank. Sorry.

Ruby:No worries. Not like you did anything and it was decades ago for me now. After that day is when I started to get a bit more serious I think. I had always taken being a huntress seriously and never slacked of in trying to live my dream. However, my perspective may have honed in on just how do or die life his when you’re the one choosing to walk into unknown danger. Team RNJR’s first and only mission, save the world!

Yang:Sub mission: Flirt with Jaune Arc.

Ruby:*blushing* We do not choose who we fall in love with it. But yes, that may have been a personal pseudo mission for me. He’s my first friend at Beacon for crying out loud and I you know.....thought he was cute then too.

WBY:Yeah that checks out.

Ruby:What does that mean!?

Weiss:Ruby, even my Ruby admits to finding Jaune attractive and having a crush on him back in the day.

Blake:Same.

Yang:I already went into enough detail on how my little sister feels about Jaune. Your just the reality where you pounced on the opportunity and never let go. Struck when the iron was hot and none of us were around; sly fox.

Ruby:Gee you make it sound underhanded. It isn’t like I intended to actively pursue him. Everyone was really sad and stressed traveling to Anima. There was a tension in the air. One that really strained us. I did my best to keep focus, but a leader is only as put together as team. Ren and Nora confided one another as usual and I tried being there for Jaune because seeing him emotionally shut down was rough; so I did my best to be there for him. Then...he ended up being there for me and I was the one who needed comfort. All the airing out and late nights just...led to....*red*

Blake: “Breaking the tension?”

Ruby:I guess that’s one way of putting it. We were lonely. I hid my feelings best I could under the veil of comfort in the moment. Not that needed to. He made it pretty clear that he wanted me in the same way I wanted him. I just the two of us were too scared to ask for promises we weren’t sure we could keep so we loved in the moments we could, so to speak.

Weiss:If it wasn’t under dire situations, all that sounds oddly romantic.

Ruby:Right!? Looking back at it makes the entire thing seem romantic but I definitely wouldn’t wish a similar experience on anybody! I guess it’s what I wished for when I fantasized huntress life huh? Things obviously got better along the way. Our relationship got a bit more serious right before we got to Haven. Then Tyrian and other crazy stuff happened that threw all of us into panic mode again before slowly getting better again by a lot.

Yang:We showed up?

Ruby:Bingo! You and Weiss, met Oscar, and then eventually Blake came back. Things were on the up and up.

Weiss:Uh, Haven attack?

Ruby:We lived, up and up. Yeah you got stabbed but you know...that’s not new I’m sure.

Weiss:Yeah I have the scar and I’m still little pissed.

Ruby:Valid. Anyways, so my Atlas experience was different as hell. There was no formation of Remnants armies like Weiss spoke of or even between two kingdoms like Blake. Yang, what happened yours again exactly?

Yang:Nonsense. Cinder showed up with lackeies but not Salem’s lackies. Those people showed up separately, then Adam came back from wherever the hell he- a lot! A lot of people showed up for different reasons but also the same reason and to be frank, we all almost got shot by the military for being in bases that quote unquote, “didn’t exist.”

Ruby:Man I wish we traded. That at least sounds crazy enough to be fun. Just a rollercoaster in the dark basically. My experience was probably as hectic, but also way more streamlined. We showed up, and then all hell broke loose. Specially a mass grimm invasion lead by Cinder and her annoying associates. We were there for about three weeks updating General Ironwood and getting our barrings together when it happened. I wanna call it a hit and run tactic but it was clearly planned in advanced. Mechs were hacked again, traitors in the military, grimm lying in wait before hand; it was chaos! All for the relic.

Blake:Who was the maiden?

Ruby:Never met her. By the time we got there, Ironwood was panicking because she had vanished, taken right from under his nose. It was some young girl apparently, really young. The attack on Beacon looked like child’s play to this. Mantle got attacked, grimm were on the chains, they tried dropping Atlas to the ground; all a diversion for a relic. We all should’ve died, and yet, we didn’t. Winter and Weiss weeded out traitors, huntsman and military held the line, Yang bested Hazel with Nora, Qrow and I cut down Tyrian! Ren, Blake and Jaune helped the kingdoms while Ironwood struck down Watts. Nobody was in the mood to die that day. There wasn’t gonna be another Beacon. By all means, we were pissed. Even Raven showed up of all people.

Yang:What!?

Ruby:You can’t attack a kingdom without the world knowing. Especially when traitors leak info. Honestly she came for you though, or she never left to begin with. Couldn’t tell ya. Thanks to Maria I had a bit more handling with my eyes. That helped a lot. Without them and Os-

She stopped herself, choking on the words. The zest and excitement of recalling the heroic feats of her friends dimmed slightly with her smile. Her joyful smile became bittersweet like the memory.

Ruby:Then there was Oscar, the real warrior on that flamed filled night. That battle had to have been three days at least. We were so driven, and so tired. I was tired, but Cinder, Neo, and the others with her at the time weren’t; always showing up at the worst time. I managed to push Cinder back in a fight but grimm and others still swarmed. We were at a point that grimm very well might’ve did us in and the villains didn’t have to push any harder. But Oscar changed that. Hehe, what’s it about country folk that makes people like him and I not hesitate to grit our teeth? That dork looked at me, gave me the biggest smile on the the steps to Atlas, and then he left. His hair went white as he twirled the cane and then he left, forever. Oz came out, and he left nothing to the imagination. “Limited magic” my butt. He obliterated grimm and made a barrier aroma Atlas while everyone else cleared Mantle long enough for the world to send reinforcements. Salem didn’t get the relic, but she got the maiden and thousands of casualties. Oscar being one of them. Also, Whitley....he was in critical condition for a very long time.

Weiss:What do you mean...critical condition?

Ruby:Everything happened so fast Weiss. Panic was high, buildings fell....a piece on him. I wasn’t there but when I eventually found you, you were nearly hysterical and banged up. By some miracle he lived even though we could not reach him and he did not get aid for awhile. We thought him dead. It was only after everything we learned somebody got him. Being rich never paid off more than with medical bills. Thanks to youth and medicine he can still walk, but he can only do so much before being tired. He also left Atlas. The cold hurts.

Weiss:So, I run the company because he can’t?

Ruby:I wouldn’t put it that way, but it was one of dozens of reasons that made that goal stronger for you. Relax though, both of you get plenty of time to be witty siblings like I told you earlier.

Weiss:I know. It’s just, I guess it’s hard imagining Whitley hurt like that. I don’t think I could handle it.

Ruby:You definitely teetered in the moment. Knowing that happened though probably gave you anger and grit to fight the entire battle. You were a beast. Scarier than Winter. Anyways, that hollow victory was a real wake up call for the world. They didn’t know about Salem and we never told society in earnest. Cinder and other conspirators were enough to make Remnant work together to boost defense. Relief went to places that needed it and I, became the face of hope. Haven, Argus, Atlas, even people from Vale got to chattering of a particular group of people who always seemed to answer the call for help. Then the towns in between chattered. Yours truly had been carving a name in the history books and was only gain popularity the moment I stepped into Vacou, alone.

Blake:Alone!?

Weiss:What!?

Yang:Where were we!!!!!?

Ruby looked at surprised faces around the table, smiling tenderly. She looked down her dress and pulled out the cross she wore around her neck. Her thumb traced its edges as her mind began wandering down an old path paved with emotions raw to the core.

Ruby:I’ve always felt different. Not just because of my eyes but that there was just...a certain spark that never stopped going off for as long as I remember. There are plenty of people who can’t bare to watch others suffer, but there are fewer people I believe that truly feel the agony of other people’s pain. Beacon, Haven, Atlas, Argus; there was no place I went that I didn’t see the faces of others lamenting, and I didn’t make me want to grieve. Atlas took so much out of all of you and I just felt so....driven to stop that ache. For everyone’s sake, but mine as well. I wanted the world to finally get to the happy ending. Enough trauma had be sowed for a hundred lifetimes, so I went on ahead of everyone. I never doubted you all would follow but I wanted to get ahead of the curve and take on as much of the suffering I could do others wouldn’t. If the world wouldn’t give me a miracle than I’d be it myself for everyone else.

Yang:That’s suicidal! Salem wanted you specifically!

Ruby:It’s not like I went marching up to her door and said “1v1 bitch, I’m here” no, I just chose to move forward quicker than what we were all doing. Believe me, all of you were upset when you caught up, after I had already saved Vacou. *smiles* I really like that place. I told the people it was the next target and all they did was double down on pushing back. I managed to pin down the Summer maiden before the villains and thanks with the city on alert, there wasn’t a shift in the sand that didn’t go unnoticed. I got the jump on Mercury and Emerald, personally paying them back. Can’t say I didn’t enjoy it. It didn’t take long before they realized how screwed they were with them being outed like this and Cinder having the nerve to retreat before hand. Both of them threw in the total, outing the plan against Vacou. A wipeout of a win. Not to mention they told me the location Salem’s little hiding hole.

Weiss:We missed all of that?

Ruby:That’s what happens when I leave in the dead of night and running on adrenaline. Like I said before, people were tired. As much as all of you wanted to hoof it, other’s were relying on you. Atlas almost dropped for gods sake. Eventually when you all caught up it was at a good time. Soloing was rewarding but difficult. Fortunately Sun, Neptune, Ilia, and a few other familiar faces were close by if I needed an extra set of hands. My little stunt earned the anger of everyone for awhile.

WBY:Yeah no shit...the leader left.

Ruby:Yang was the most upset, followed by Uncle Qrow, and you Weiss. I was ready for the blowback. Jaune and Nora saw me though and bursted into tears. Hehe, wasn’t ready for that. Felt terrible and cried back. To prevent that stunt again, my Yang convinced Raven to link me. A couple days of apologizing and rest smoothed things over. It also gave time for just a few close friends and colleagues to get together for an assault on Salem’s castle. A few were apprehensive about it at first but at the end of the day I was going. That attitude was infectious apparently. You guys, actually everybody, they started getting this hunger to end it all. Maybe it was the high of victory? Regardless, it sent me racing to the end with those that I loved most.

Yang:You’re a real “my way or the highway” kind of Ruby. I don’t get how that explains what made you so...elite.

Ruby:I’m not sure what to say. A fight needed to to fought so I fought it. A cry for help was heard so I ran to it. A grimm needed slaying so I slayed it. People needed me to win so I didn’t dare think of losing. Dying was never option, even when it stared me right into my eyes. I had things I wanted to do and people I wanted see for years to come. I guess...I am strong because of the fact I want things my way. A moment I’m not giving it 110% is a moment wasted. After all, a huntress is all I ever wanted to be.

A single dream she wanted since birth. The never ending desire to be the hero in stories told to her many nights ago. That’s all it ever was. That’s all it’s ever been. Even in meadow of beautiful red roses, one would be the rose that captured the eyes of many, that bloomed stronger than the rest. As simple as it was, that had to be the answer here. Weiss, Yang, and Blake were in front of that flower. The Ruby Rose that simply bloomed stronger than the rest. The one that clung to her dream as if letting go meant dying itself. The devotion was inspiring, yet also overwhelming. If this was Ruby they had lead them that day in the Emerald Forest, could they have kept up? Could she be the leader they followed? No, they couldn’t have. Something deep down inside them gave them that answer. No matter how she looked and how much she loved, this Ruby Rose was cut from a cloth they simply weren’t off. The same as others, but oh so different.

Weiss:You’re....kinda a monster, you know that right?

Yang:Seriously, I’m so...floored. It’s intimidating.

Blake:Not to mention humbling. I used to think I gave it all I had. Now I’m not so sure.

Ruby:Oh don’t be like that you three! You’re all living proof there was more than way to go about life, this war! Everything you gave was enough because you’re done with it! Nobody failed. Besides, I...am far from ideal. The assault was challenging. Getting around hoards of grimm and making it to Salem was hell made real. Neo tried taking another shot at me but Yang held her off with help. Everyone pushed the obstacles in front of me out of the way as I went to Salem herself. Cinder had been abandoned by her and stripped of a lot of her powers. Angry and desperate, she tried killing me again as a way to prove worth. I beat her. However, I let her walk away.

Yang:What!? Why would-

Ruby:Naive, I was...naive okay? She was all spent and though I hated her, I just couldn’t. Not when I looked into her eyes and saw that same hunger I had to claw and scream at my dream until it was in my hands die inside her. We both knew from this point on there was absolutely nothing she could do where this ends her way. All she worked for turned burned to ash. So I gave her the choice to not burn up with it. Cinder swallow her pride and then fled. A part of me couldn’t help but rationalize killing her didn’t solve or justify any of my beliefs or desires. It would’ve done it because I hated her like she hated me. That was the dumb logic of a seventeen year old who never quite learned to take things slow.

Blake:....I don’t think it’s dumb. Naive for sure, but maybe that’s good? Even my Ruby, she never wanted to act on hate. She didn’t. Salem lives.

Weiss:Mine sent her soul to be at piece instead of passing a cruel judgment.

Yang:As a person who’s seen what you looked like with nothing but vengeance inside, I can say it doesn’t fit you. Before that day you had a warmth inside you to even foes that were somewhat admirable. You chose to leave Cinder’s fate up to those who had that hate and Salem was undone by her own doing at the very end. That’s what really makes you special Ruby. That’s why you’re called an honest soul. Good will is your nature.

Ruby:....Hmm, you sure know how to butter me up. *scratches head* I guess that part of me is uni-I mean multiversal. Strangely, that makes me feel better, to a degree.

Weiss:Do we even have to ask what happened to Salem at this point? I doubt the story ends with you loosing and having to retreat.

Ruby:Who’s to say it doesn’t? I could’ve been beaten to death before the gods themselves descended down to revive me with awesome power.

Yang:....Did you?

Ruby:Wh-No! Haha, I made her an immortal statue.

Blake:I-It was that easy?

Ruby:Well I wouldn’t call rushing into hell’s castle easy, or Salem. I lit her up at least a dozen times. My head pounded from each use, I was tossed around a bunch, magic is annoying, and not to mention running out of ammo. I left nothing to the imagination in that fight. If it were easy then I wouldn’t be rooting my horn and my age doing it. I was so tired I blacked out afterwards. I woke days later with a sore body and the title of “Remnant’s Savior.” Apparently beating Salem had weakened the grimm everywhere and all of you made sure who was to be thanked for it. That’s the tale of how I saved the world with my friends. Love, trust, elbow grease, and a lot of bullets. Before the final battle, Ozpin had struck a deal with everyone involved. In return for saving the world, he’d cut ties with us.

Yang:Seriously? What brought that about!?

Ruby:Good or not, he lied and was a schemer. Sure I was gonna try to save the world regardless of his interference but there wasn’t a person alive that didn’t to finally take a step towards the future after all this. All of us finally had time chase dreams and help the world the way we wanted to before all of this. Blake begin mending hate, Weiss took back her company, if Yang wasn’t with Blake then she was seeking more answers to Raven on wild adventures.

Yang:You mean Raven still left after all that!?

Ruby:In her defense, both of you made everything fucking awkward when she was around. It’s like you both wanted to talk about something but knew any subject was a land mine so you all you ever did was...stare, like weirdos. Glad that’s in the past. She just lives with dad now and you two now to hold a conversation. I dare not ask for more. I’d be a granny by the time I did.

Yang:Sigh...I don’t know what I expected. Shit it the fan several times and children were born before mom and I found solidarity and understanding. What did you do afterwards? Your goal was already met.

Ruby:Like hell it was! I started busting my butt traveling around the world, visiting every place to help in anyways I could. Ren and Nora tagged along for awhile before going off to make an orphanage in Anima near Ren’s old village. That left Jaune and I to do our hero thing.

Yang:As well as other things....

Ruby:Hey, what can I say? We were young and going up in the world. By the time I was nineteen, I was now a married to my partner and best friend.

Weiss:Uhhhh-

Ruby:He’s my partner on RNJR and you’re my BFF, gosh did I really need to explain that hehe?

Weiss:I just had to make sure. Crazier twists could happen.

Blake:Wow you married young. Not that there’s a problem but I’m surprised. Then again you also dated earlier than my Ruby. Hehe, weapons were on her brain for a long time.

Weiss:No kidding. When I learned about you crushing on my brother I was shocked to find out you liked anybody in general. Especially a person who isn’t a weapon nut in the slightest.

Ruby:*shrugs* All you’re telling me is I’m clearly the most impatient or impulsive Ruby you all know. Don’t know how that happened. Maybe I was dropped as a baby or had one too many coffees growing up?

Weiss:I’m willing to bet it’s both.

Ruby:Ruuuuude. So yeah, that’s...the story of how I saved the world and married Jaune. We even built a home just outside Vacou, overlooking the kingdom and neighboring town in the distance where Maria grew up. Yeah, that’s me....more or less. All the triumphant parts anyways. Anything later on is......

.......

Blake:R...Ruby? You okay?

Ruby:Nope, not really. *clenches cross*

Yang:......You know, I never really got religion, especially after learning the truth. It just seemed completely hollow when you learn of the real gods, ya know? However, I changed my tune a bit after being a parent and then some more when uncle Qrow died. It was never really about the truth behind if those other gods were real-

Ruby:It’s the piece of mind in believing in a better place for loved ones and having people watch over you. It’s truly based on blind faith in every sense but that’s okay as long as it gives peace of mind, to stay strong. Yeah....that’s why I wear this.

Yang:If that’s the “why” then I guess the unavoidable question is what happened?

The reaper leaned back in his chair, letting out a long sigh. Ruby brushed her hair out of her face while her face went pale. Then, Ruby’s eyes, her teammates watched a pair of stunning silver eyes dim, becoming akin to a clouded mirror.

Ruby:Being a huntress was all I wanted. The plan of having a family and settling down never appealed to me much. I feel, I felt like being in the field was where I was meant to be. It’s where I was most myself in a way. So the day I learned that I was pregnant was more than a little upsetting and terrifying, until dad and time itself filled me with the most genuine joy I may have ever experienced. Dustin Arc Rose, my first born son. He opened a door to a world and life I never knew I wanted to be apart of. Then...that door was shut minutes after, when Cinder and Neo stole him right from my arms. I couldn’t do a single thing about it other than blackout. That single act of good will I showed, it did nothing but kill me inside. The same way I did to her.

WB:.....

Yang:Ru-Ruby....your eyes.

Ruby:Hmm? Are they clouded? Funny, I would’ve thought your Ruby would’ve had a similar change. Maybe that’s a world exclusive thing, or a testament to the will you Ruby has to endure. Clouded eyes on a silver eyed warrior means the person has lost the desire or rather the mindset of persevering life. Be it their own life or wanting to end another’s life out of resentment, strife. My entire world fell apart when I woke up and learned nobody was able to retrieve Dustin. I was in pieces, Jaune was broken, nobody was the same. There wasn’t a soul we didn’t know that hadn’t tried to find a lead, but we never did. He was just...gone; and I couldn’t cope at all.

Weiss:I don’t think any mother could. Ruby, I’m so sorry that happened to you.

Ruby:I’m sorry too. I lashed out in anger, and shut people out. My eyes clouded and I dove into my work for a little over a year doing nothing but searching aimlessly as I took and every job back to back. The more time went by meant the more people eventually had to go back to their own, and it drove me up a wall inside. No one could reach me. I didn’t want anybody to. Not even Jaune. I....*teary eyed* I left him alone in house. There was no part of me that could even attempt to understand his pain because I was drowning in mine. I was told he tried his best to catch them at the hospital. I never hated him for not succeeding but I...he... I just, I can’t. I don’t know what I thought. All o knew was I didn’t even want him to touch me. How cruel is that? *hugging herself* I made him drown in despair in the same way I was. I wasn’t home so often that I never realized he eventually left it abandoned to live with dad. Yang and Blake I didn’t even show up to your wedding. Jaune did that much. Hell, Raven attended. Ruby Rose as a person didn’t exist any more. I was only a wandering huntress looking for answers or the challenge that might’ve ended me.

Blake:What changed?

Ruby:Oz, he did what nobody else dared to do. He fought me. I don’t think he thought twice about it. He was prepared to accept all the anger I kept inside until I eventually broke down into tears like I’m trying not to do right now. Thinking about that time is still, extremely difficult. Oz let me lament, encouraging me afterwards to finally except the fact Dustin was gone and that I needed to process it properly. First I went to you Yang, in order to have a my big sis to lean on. Can you guess how that went?

Yang:With me holding you tighter than I ever had before.

Ruby:*smiles gently* I don’t deserve you. You and Blake then came to patch with me where everyone else waited for me and helped me face Jaune. That may have been the hardest thing I’ve done. Grieving or not, the fact that I left him in such a state. I know what that does to people firsthand and yet I left. For the first time in over a year we embraced and finally grieved together. The next two years were spent trying to heal and cope. During my time away the world had fully acknowledged me. I even got a proper nickname, but it all felt hollow. Imagine that, achieving your dream but not caring? If that’s not salt in a wound then I don’t know what is.

Weiss:What’s your title?

Ruby:I am the person people want to see when evil comes to cut their story short. I am a symbol that their tale still has more to tell. Remnant has named me The Storyteller. Curtsey of Maria, who spread the name around. Healing was slow and most nights I felt a pain in my heart, but then everything changed. One moment made me dare to try again to open that shut door in my life. *looks at Yang* I held your son in my arms. Sweet little Kovu.

Blake:*smiles* Kovu? Now I wonder who named him?

Yang:*red* Huh...how about that? Hehehe, wish I could meet him. I know he isn’t technically mine but I can’t help but feel all warm now. Also I can’t believe I named him that!

Weiss:I can. Veronica’s middle name is Nala.

Yang:Okay, maybe not marrying Blake was a win? Clearly I can’t be trusted to not name my children after other cats.

Blake:The wrong kind of cat too. I’m a panther faunus, not a lion. Even if they’re blonde that’s still false advertising of what they are.

Ruby:Well Yang was the one giving birth so you lost a majority of the option to complain.

Blake:That is fair.

Weiss:You gave birth to Vee, so I think that solves who picked her first name.

Ruby rested her head in her propped up hands that rested on the table. She felt exhausted reliving that chapter of her life mentally. Still she managed to smile, then smile bigger. Her eyes unclouded and a warm feeling filling her again. What Ruby said earlier about what made her different may have reign true, but her friends could since that there was now more to it. Ruby had spiraled into an unimaginable tragedy, yet was able to bounce back thanks to loved ones. To smile as she does, it was truly a strong sight to see. Even if she wasn’t fully aware of that.

Ruby:Carmine Arc Rose, my second born and the first child to call me mommy. Followed many years later by itty bitty Garnet. He’s my little man, five years old while is big sis is seventeen now.

Yang:Damn! That’s a gap. Oh, also congratulations. Almost forgot that part. I’m glad you got to be the super awesome mom that-

Ruby:I am easily C-teir.

Yang:Oh come on! What!?

Ruby:Listen, I know I got on you all for calling yourselves bad parents, but I will hear no debate about me understand!? I flop a lot of times.

Weiss:That doesn’t make you a C-teir. That makes you a new mom, silly.

Ruby:*grumbling* I agree to disagree but thank you. It’s just a lot okay. Too much to dive into honestly.

Blake:Summarize. Give us an abbreviated version.

Ruby:Ummm so Carmine is real special kid. The absolute love I have for her is unbreakable but gods damnit if she isn’t the most... “me” I could be! In a way similar yet different from myself, Carmine has always had this sense of urgency in her and a love for the world around her. She recognizes that it’s a fragile piece we have and just how hard I’ve worked with everyone to make it. I could tell that from her when she was five. I’d sound crazy, but the fact she used her eyes at the age proves I’m not.

Yang:She has silver eyes!? Why didn’t you bring that up?

Ruby:I thought that was obvious. All of my kids were born with then. Unlike her baby brother though, Carmine was a weird little kid. She didn’t socialize well. Still doesn’t, she’s kinda comes off rude and cold because of her bluntness. She doesn’t really express all her feelings or understand others fully. One might call her a little cold but the passion she had to protect life itself is a testament to how much she cares. Carmine is also a genius fighter. To put in perspective, people use the same nickname for her that they used for Pyrrha.

WBY:Oh....

Ruby:Yeah! It’s not hyperbolic to say ever since Carmine is far beyond any skill I was at her age since she turned thirteen. You called me a monster earlier but no, I merely gave birth to a beast. I mean she could pass the huntsman exam at fifteen if I didn’t make her wait. I can’t call her arrogant, she talks with confidence because she has that right by all means. Still, besides her face, that’s where the similarities start separating; besides terrible grades in general stuff. We’ve never been in step completely. To put simply in her own words, “What I am is a hero, while she is a huntress.” That good will and mercy I try to give everyone isn’t how she rolls. It drives a real wedge that has resulted in us not going on missions together.

Blake:Is she...killing?

Ruby:She has before, and it had valid reasons entirely, but I also know for a fact she is more than capable of bringing down people without taking that step. Not all cases are that intense thank goodness. Her overall aggressiveness is the root of the problem. You don’t have to put you back into it when handling thugs. They aren’t Hazel.

Yang:Ooo okay, yeah I’m seeing what you mean now. It’s like that one comic you always read!

Ruby:Sigh...yeah she channels a bit of Batman energy and I need her to not do that all the time. I suppose being an honest soul isn’t particularly hereditary. It always feels like we aren’t enjoying each other’s company these days. I can’t blame her though. So....you know how all of you have had one serious problem that has both destabilized yourself as well as the kids and their relationship to you? *clouded eyes*

Weiss:Wait...you loosing a child wasn’t that?

Ruby:Oh it was. It just so happened that it never ended. It grew day by day. Night by night. Jaune and I were cautious with Carmine. Going as far to give her contacts and giving birth to her off the record and not at a hospital. Just in case Cinder came back. Well, Cinder and Neo came back, with my Dustin.

Nobody said anything. What do you even say to that!? All they did was let out a stifled breath and tried to gauge Ruby’s look of guilt.

Ruby:Yet again we had gotten too comfortable. It happened when Carmine was thirteen. I don’t think Garnet was even one yet. That’s when the cruelest realization hit me. My son had been alive and hearing about how his so called mother being a person who saves everyone, yet she never came for him. She had moved on, letting his eyes become clouded with such seething hate for the world she did save; the children she had after. It’s been four years since the day he attacked Carmine and helped grimm try to invade Vacou. To this day it’s been a life of staying on gaurd, searching for them as they popped up countless places to tear Remna- to tear me down and I can’t decide what part hurts the most. The amount of anger that prevents me from killing Cinder in a blink of an eye, or looking at my daughter who has told me herself that she is going to kill her older brother because I’m too weak to do so. That I’m in no way as good as the world believes me to be. *puts hood up* Like I said, C-teir mom, at best.

Blake:That’s- you can’t- there’s no way for you to reach him? Maybe if you-

Ruby:He looks at me the same way Neo and Cinder do, Blake. They raised him to hate me. Besides, he hurt Carmine. She’s just not gonna let that slide and frankly I shouldn’t either. Carmine acts tough and for the most part is, but gets terrified like everyone else. In many ways she’s still just a young girl that I wish had never chosen to become a huntress. If I had it my way she’d just be a normal girl with normal knees; but her mother’s weakness and inexperience wrapped her up in yet another war. It’s ironic. I barely remember mom and yet I ended up putting my family in very similar situation as if she lead instruction. Happy endings, I’m not sure if I get-

Yang:You’re better than mom....

Ruby:......

Yang:Yeah I said. Look I love Summer Rose but at the end of the day she wasn’t around, not that she didn’t want to be, but it’s the truth. Several years of pleasant childhood memories and a lifetime of grief is what she left me, and all you got were tales you should’ve experienced first hand. Ruby you have spent seventeen years loving your daughter unconditionally and being there for her no matter if it’s for better or worse. Yeah you might not being doing it perfectly and I have no idea how to even fathom your predicament, but at least you are there trying. Take it from me, that’s all a daughter ever wants from their mother. It’s also what makes a pretty kick ass dad. *smiles* Chin up, hero. Your story isn’t over yet after all.

Silence filled the air and Ruby’s throat ran dry. Ruby pulled out her scroll to go to her pictures and displayed one of her favorite photos for everyone to see. It was Carmine’s fifteenth birthday. Ruby didn’t lie about the resemblance. the girl had short blonde hair that stopped halfway down her neck in the back and was longer in the front, reaching shoulders. Like her mother, the tips of her hair transitioned to red. The beautiful young woman tried to her hide her smile but her gleeful silver eyes were practically twinkling with joy as Ruby hugged her tightly from behind and a tall, more solid version of Jaune was smushing one of Carmine’s cheeks with an overly dramatic kiss to it. A tiny child no older than three at most was in his big sister’s arms. Garnet had his mother’s hair and eyes but something about the chubby face definitely showed Jaune’s features. The child had red frosting on his face and was reaching eagerly for more cake somewhere out of frame.

Yang noticed the girl took page from her father and wore some regular cargo shorts, but clearly didn’t lack flair by wearing a red crop top that showed off a fresh tattoo of the Arc crest on her toroso. Knowing her sister, that tattoo was most likely practical. The family looked happy, proud; and the mother of it currently sat across the table crying with her head face down in her hands cwhile Weiss and Blake hugged her from each side. Roses may have thorns, anyone who knew roses knew a simple truth. They’re still fragile flowers.

Yang:(Carmine Arc Rose. For you and your mother’s sake, I hope things go well)

xxxx

Though Carmine seemed cold by nature, people were quick learn the opposite. The most recent learner of this was a scared little girl that held on for dear life. It was nighttime, nothing but the sound of pouring rain and the distant glow of red and the warmth of Carmine holding the girl against her body while she sprinted through a mud ridden forest. The little payed no attention to the pain in her side, but the glow of roses, eyes, and flames through her tear filled eyes.

Beowulves chased frantically but then severed immediately by something the girl couldn’t understand, but it looked like the person carrying her. The dead beasts brought no comfort. Not when more followed close behind.

Girl:I-I’m sc...scared!

Carmine:Don’t look at them sweetie, it’ll be fine. Just keep being a brave little girl.

Girl:M...Mommy was back there.

Carmine:.....I know, she’ll be just fine. Your village, there are plenty of people there that will be just fine! Huff..... You got a name?

Mary:Mary.....

Carmine:Oh that’s a beautiful name, Mary. You know I was almost a Mary? Yeah my grandma was a really amazing person and I almost got named something similar to her. Mary is a very strong name!

Mary:You’re a liar! I’m sad, not strong. I want my mommy! Everything his dark and hurts and I want her!

The girl began painfully crying as Carmine followed her trail of roses to avoid getting lost. Things were getting worse. The storm raged and she could feel this girl burning in her arms. Not to mention the unsettling warmth the mixed with the cold rain against her body and dripped to puddles below. Any grimm near by could only be dealt with by many copies of her nearby, but that would only go so far when fear was out full force. Carmine’s boots felt like cement, but she still ran.

Carmine:Mary, you know what do when I miss my mommy? I sing! Yeah, my mom sings the best lullabies that made me feel super strong when I was little! It’s a magic song that makes everyone strong. How about I sing it you and they can sing it your mommy later okay!? But you have to close your eyes to really focus on the words!

Mary:*sniffling* Okay....

Baby deathstalkers swarmed the path made ahead as small Nevermores dove at her. Out of options, Carmine broke from the path, trying to rely on memory to go towards the safe zone while also singing lyrics to her favorite song.

Dream of anything; I'll make it all come true.

Everything you need is all I'll have for you~

Carmine never wavered. No matter how badly her lungs her or nearly slipped, she kept singing all the way to her destination where several other clones were seen racing towards with more civilians to injured or young to go themselves. An orphanage where Nora and Ren stood outside rushing people in while Jaune was keeping the grimm at bay. The sight brought a little ease.

Don't worry, I've got you; nothing will ever harm you.

I'm close by, I'll stay here; through all things, I will be near~

Carmine finally reached Nora and passed off the girl who’s grip weakened overtime. A few lyrics in and Carmine knew she was singing mainly for herself.

Carmine:Get her medical attention! I’m gonna go and find more! There’s still-

Jaune:Wait, it’s too dangerous!

Carmine:I know! That’s why I have to go! That fire is spreading and there’s stragglers pinned down! Dad.....I’m pinned down!

Jaune tensed up and looked at Carmine. No scraps on her and her clothes only soiled by others. It didn’t take long to realize. The man resisted the urge to run out to the ruined town and stood firmly.

Jaune:Carmine...end it. We’ll worry about the consequences later.

Carmine:....Okay.

Across the woods amongst the flames the real Carmine stood bleeding and bruised in front of two Beringel that charged over the vanishing corpses of their fallen with more grimm, her sword stabbed into the ground supporting her weight. Behind all living people that remained finally managed to flee. All except for a woman trapped by house debris. The woman watched this young huntsman stand proudly again. She wasn’t sure what happened next. All she heard was one sentence.

“Close your eyes...” before everything went white. Next thing she knew, Carmine was lifting debris off her as rain and wind washed away any evidence. A relief she didn’t care about in the slightest. She neither had the strength, or the time too. Much like Carmine, who began to pant and teeter. It was clear to the woman that whatever just happened didn’t come without cost as she watched the girl fall to her knees. Though she tried moving, Carmine was spent.

Carmine:Don’t worry...we’re safe....let’s-

Woman:Go...

Carmine:Huh?

Woman:I...my legs. Everything...I can’t move. Just go. I d-don’t think I’d las-

Carmine:Don’t talk like that! The hard parts over! I can-

Woman:Barely walk. *smiles* It’s okay. I don’t blame you. You fought hard.

Carmine:.....I...I’m sorry. *teary eyed*

Woman:Say, I know that face anywhere. Your Lady Rose’s kid. Funny, I thought your eyes were red? My daughter, Mary, she loves your mother. Makes me kinda jealous hehe, but hey I love her too. *crying* Do you know if Mary made it? She was wearing-

Carmine:A black dress, pink ribbons in her hair...

Woman:Yes! Is she safe? I saw you- one of you carry her off.

Carmine:...She’s just fine.

Woman:Good. That’s all....that.....

The woman never finished her sentence. Carmine’s body fell limp on the ground, facing the rain. Even with the cold downpour she could feel the warmth of her own tears, containing her emotions best she could as she looked through her clones eyes to watch Nora take Mary away from the survivors and out of sight to not stir further panic.

Carmine wasn’t sure how long she layed there, but it was long enough for Jaune to find her. The man didn’t say a word. The town was in shambles. Grimm were still fading and his daughter looked tired, but not in serious condition. Unlike the those who didn’t make it. Jaune put Carmine in his arms, carrying her away to safety.

Carmine:......Does mom ever save them all?

Jaune:No, but that never stops her from trying; or mourning.

She clenched her father’s shirt and let herself be fragile, to be a Rose.

Carmine:Next time. Mom and I, we’ll both get it right next time. A happy ending for all!

Jaune:Yeah, I know you will. Together....

#rwby #rwby au #the void #jaune arc #ruby rose #weiss schnee #yang xiao long #blake belladonna #carmine arc rose #rwby rosebud #rwby lancaster

[purpleyellow]

Work smarter

NCT 24th member / Dream 8th member

Bee’s Masterlist

“Physical strength isn’t her forte so Bee needs to pull a few tricks” During the arm-wrestling match on NCT World 2.0 

a/n: Don’t be shy and interact a little, ask box is always open. Any kind of feedback will be very appreciated💛 Requests are open!

After being instructed about their first activity, the designated groups went to their tents to supposedly talk about strategies, or just wait for the production team to set everything up. 

Sitting between Kun and Xiaojun, Bee laughed along as they, Johnny, Jungwoo, and Lucas trashed talked the other groups. At first, she didn’t care much about how the games would go, yet the girl couldn’t help but get contaminated by their competitiveness.  

“Johnny and Lucas are in our team, we won’t even have to step up to play,” Jungwoo confidently said as they watched two other groups arm wrestle each other. 

“I hope you’re right” Nodding along, Bee leaned on Kun’s side and rested her head on his shoulder as the two giants gloated about their strength and Yuta took down another 00 liner. 

“Nah, you’ll do fine. I’m the one worried about having to play” Kun chuckled and she playfully hit his arm telling him to knock it off.

“I think they placed me in this group so it’ll even out the plain field you know” The girl mumbled and stopped to cheer Jaemin’s win before continuing “Put two strong people and the girl in the same group”

“I’m here to talk about that actually” One of the producers approached their tent and crouched down near the table “We wanted this to be as equally fair as possible, but if you feel uncomfortable in doing any of the activities the director gave you two free passes”

“Don’t worry, she won’t need them” Lucas beamed, making some of them laugh and Bee shake her head, shushing him.

“Yes, I will. They’ll be very helpful”

“You don’t need to use them, they are there just in case you want to” The lady gave her a smile walking away and Johnny shrugged “She’s right, only use them if you’re actually uncomfortable”

“I know” She mumbled twisting her fingers and looking back to the game “We could use it as a strategy too”

“Don’t try to scheme,” Kun warned, making her shut up and stifle a laugh.

“I’m just saying-”

“Use them when you get uncomfortable” The Chinese boy repeated and she leaned her head back down.

The rest of that game passed by and their group got up to go against another one. Since she was no longer hidden from the sun, Bee just stood there with a hand making a small shadow over her eyes as she watched Johnny taking down half of the other team. Only losing on purpose so Lucas could take over and win against the last two.

Something that was good in theory, but without the girl expecting, Sungchan went up last minute and actually won their match. Which made Bee turn to a shocked Jungwoo while pouting. “You said we wouldn’t have to play”

“I thought so” He gasped just as shocked as her and in what felt like a quick moment the boy had also won over the rest of the team, only leaving the girl last.

“Are you feeling uncomfortable right now?” Johnny chuckled nervously as she walked up to the stand and a light bulb flickered for Bee.

Raising her hand, she turned to the producers and gave them her best smile “I want to use a pass”

“Who is going in your place?” The MC promptly asked, aware of what she was talking about.

“Lucas” She pointed at the boy who walked back in front of Sungchan clapping and chanting a “Let’s go”

“Can she do that?” Chenle asked no one in specific and Bee shrugged to him.

“That’s not very fair,” Sungchan said a little discouraged since fatigue had been catching up to him and she, again, waved him off. 

“You're twice my size, me arm wrestling you wouldn't be fair” She snickered making some of the boys laugh and Renjun screamed something about height not being an excuse.

Trying to go as fast as possible, the referee urged them to go ahead with the game, and to no one’s surprise Lucas, who taken some time to rest, won sending them to the finals.

The second match started with Jungwoo beating Hendery and losing to Yuta as a way to tire the other members. And just when Johnny stepped up to go against the Japanese, Bee had another lightbulb moment, making her hold the boy slightly crouched in his place as she whispered to him her idea.

“It could work. Go ahead and try”

“Do you really think?”

“If it doesn’t at least you’ll make him a little more tired” He chuckled, pushing her forward just as the referee asked for somebody from their group to step up.

“Does she have another magic power or something?” Haechan screamed from his tent, making the girl roll her eyes and adjust her arm in the wrestling stand.

“No, I just want to give this a try. It seems like fun!” Smiling sweetly Bee looked over at Yuta to see his demeanor slightly shifting like she anticipated. 

“No, Oppa. Don’t fall for it” Mark screamed dramatically catching onto her plan and the boys on his team all laughed, a little nervous to see if it was actually going to work.

“Let’s go Oppa” Bee cheered happily as Yuta laughed and took her hand in his, adjusting his form and waiting for the referee to start the game. 

Just as the man said go, Bee shifted on her feet and tensed up her arm, noticing how Yuta wasn’t pulling her hand down but also not letting her pull his. 

“I’m giving you ten seconds” He chuckled softly as she gathered strength and slowly started to bring his arm to the table, and in about six of them she was declared the winner.

Turning around excited, the girl high fived Xiaojun as she jumped around with the other teammates. Only stopping when they reminded her that since she had won she still had to play the next round.

“Sorry baby,” Ten smiled at her as she approached the stand again and they started their own game. Bee was able to hold their hands in the middle for a considerable amount of time before fatigue caught up with her muscles and Ten took her arm down before saying amused “She’s stronger than she looks”

Going back to her team and allowing Johnny to keep going with the game, the girl sighed happily next to Kun who only laughed at her face “I wasn’t so useless after all”

“Shut up” 

#Bee #nct au #nct dream female member #nct additional member #nct addition #nct oc #nct extra member #nct 24th member #nct x oc #nct x 24th member #nct x extra member #nct female member #nct female addition #nct fanfiction #nct fanfic #nct dream 8th member #nct dream au #nct dream addition #nct dream additional member #nct dream extra member #kpop addition #kpop au #kpop oc #k pop au #k pop addition #kpop female oc #kpop female addition #koc #female!kpop #female!oc

[everafterkeiji]

Song: Car Window by Thomas Headon

Summary: After the memorable defeat of Aoba Johsai to Karasuno, Iwaizumi meets his lover at an uncanny moment.

Pairings: Hajime Iwaizumi x fem! reader

Word count: 3.7k

Genre: fluff

A/N: PART 2 IS COMING FOR THE KATSUKI ONE MY MIND IS JUST HELLA CONFUSED AND IWA HAS BEEN INVADING MY THOUGHTS

It's quite hilarious how life can reward your dullest moments with an unexpected blessing. A few people have experienced such a thing, sometimes the blessing comes in success or a present from somebody you longed for.

Usually, 60 seconds were easy to endure and its a time you'd like to pass by too quickly knowing what magic or milestone was bound to happen in such a short time anyway? Though there are times where it feels like it holds much more seconds especially when you're working out or either in a really long meeting you hated.

Then again, who are you to underestimate the endless possibilities that were to happen in that time span? Maybe you'd receive a random lottery ticket and you know, you can win or even have the chance to meet a celebrity.

But what could have possibly prepared Iwaizumi for the best 60 seconds of his life?

Here he was, sulking in the sorrow that was brought to his team by the defeat of the match between them and Karasuno, the ticket to nationals slipped away from their fingers. Who was to deny the tears they've shed once they entered the bus, it was their safe space to lean on each other and they spent the rest of the ride comforting each other. All throughout the bus you could hear sniffles and Oikawa trying to hold his team together.

Iwaizumi was seated next to the open window as he listens to Oikawa being the encouraging captain he is, the setter grasps the heart of the team feeling comfort in a while, even Iwa admitted that his friend brought him back to the light.

He had his earphones in, enough of the silly comments his seatmate, Oikawa, has made. He has his arm leaned on the little edge of the window, with his chin resting on his forearm. His eyes desperately wanted to close from his previous crying but he fears once he closes his eyes he'd be brought back to the moment where the ball wasn't saved, to the doubt that floods his mind wondering if he even deserves to be their ace. Gladly with the help of Tooru, this thought was dismissed and now all that Iwaizumi was doing was staring at the sight in front of him.

He takes this time to reflect on what he could do to enhance what he lacked during that match. He wonders if his reaction time was too slow or the power in each spike was unbalanced. Did he even trust himself completely when he played? If he didn't, why did he think it was the right time to question his abilities when there was something at stake?

He sighs to himself as he removes his earphones, knowing not even music was helping him ease his mind. Oikawa has fallen asleep beside him, the setters head leaning on Iwaizumis back. Even if he wanted to push away the boys head, he knew Oikawa was tired of putting on his composed captain facade, so he let the poor boy rest.

Then he hears blaring music from the car opposite to him making his head come upward a bit as he glares at the car, disturbing his triumph at peace. A red light comes on and he rolls his eyes thinking of how he was going to sustain the noise.

But then, that's where he wished 60 seconds lasted forever.

Right before him was the noisy car with one window open revealing a sight that makes his heart flutter and his mind frantically running in circles. He sees a girl with her eyes closed singing her lungs out while she finishes the note with a smile and a giggle, once she opens them, the afternoon light beaming down on her delightful orbs enhancing it's hues, even giving her skin a glass like finish with how healthy it looked, her cheeks painted a shade of pink that were like the flowers that reminded him of Valentine's.

And then these stunning pair of eyes, landed on his love struck ones.

He feels the way his heart registers how lucky he was to gaze at such beauty, like a sunset with all the delightful colors or the overall atmosphere of spring, the feeling of it being so foreign to him but nevertheless, he accepts this new found giddy feeling. He watches how she leans her cheek on her hand and maybe then he should've felt the way cupid's bows ran through him so easily.

Unfortunately, the panic sets in.

With such grace was ahead of him, he worried about his own sake. He wonders if his hair looked presentable, and didn't portray how stressed he was because of the game. He wished he didn't look shiny from all the sweat and tears. He suddenly feels the urge to rummage through his bag and comb his hair and fix his appearance, Oikawa would've teased him for acting so foolish for the girl. But what else can he do?

Admiration and relationships wasn't included in his dictionary since the only thing he looked forwards to was volleyball and his studies. Being in a situation where he wasn't able to act quickly with how flustered he was, brought him down completely. He knew in his games that whatever he did would affect the team in multiple ways but he counted on his teammates so that every action would be returned with a positive outcome.

Now is the opposite.

This could have so many outcomes. Maybe one second there'd be a guy beside her wrapping his arm around her and flipping him off for looking, then theres rejection lingering in the air. Maybe she wasn't into guys? Maybe she has a specific standard and that he wasn't hitting her expectations? Possibly just gotten of a relationship and wasn't interested in dating right away?

Oh god, you've got to stop. He thinks to himself.

A tiny encounter made his mind collapse with so many ideas. He couldn't even mutter a word to her, then his mind leads him to think it'd quickly lead to dating, god maybe even a relationship. He's had zero idea on what her name is so how can he come to conclusions so quickly? He knows he needed to stop asking these unanswerable questions before he could mess up his first attempt to converse with her.

Then with a gentle smile from this gorgeous stranger, he feels the warmth that surrounds him as he returns the smile to her as if it was an instinct. After that he settles for a tiny breakdown, confused to why he did that.

He turns his head to the light noticing how 15 seconds were only left out of this encounter. Hastily, he wanted to ask for her name or at least build up the courage to shout what he wanted to say, though he was left utterly speechless. He couldn't possibly gain that high of an esteem to just speak out to a stranger without blurting out how attractive he found her to be.

But he needed to try or else this moment was bound to be something he'd regret.

"Iwa-chan!"

Oikawas voice surprised him as the setter stretches with a smile on his lips, from the movement he lets his arm rest on the aces shoulder making Iwaizumi panic and irritated at the loss of time.

Meanwhile the young girl continues to stare at the man who has held his gaze the entire time they were there. You see the way his features were all amazingly sculpted, every crevice, every inch, to say that he was handsome was an understatement. Judging from his attire, you could tell he was an athlete, also with how the bags from behind him was shown. You also saw his reaction to meeting you and you wished he didn't see yours.

You felt embarassed when he saw you sing, you weren't ready to face a boy like that and to think that you gave off such a random first impression. You hated the way the sun was shining on you making you think it showed the harsh texture of your skin, not to mention how blinded your eyes were after it. You were flustered to say the least but your eyes couldn't dare to leave his.

Something about him was so pleasing. It makes you come up with dozens of scenarios to who this boy was. Is a girlfriend involved? Is he the type of boy you'd read on a novel? You smile to yourself at how silly the idea was. Usually in novels, movies or books, each meeting was distinct than the other. There are always the unique encounters, then there are the completely weird ones but for you this was somewhat the sweetest thing you've stumbled upon.

Although maybe falling in love under a red light wasn't always the ideal, to the two of you it seemed to fit.

You see brown locks behind him and this makes the pretty boy show a shocked reaction. Shit, is that his boyfriend? You thought. Your eyes lock with this new figure and he happily waves at you catching you off guard. You wave awkwardly, anxious of who this man was.

"Gosh you are incredibly pretty but alas this man likes you, his name is Iwa-"

The vehicle speeds off before he could even finish his sentence. Iwaizumi turns to the setter as Oikawa trembles in fear as he feels flames surround him, the anger irradiating from the spiker. Oikawa lets out a scream as Iwa leaves a smack to the boys head as Tooru whines caressing his throbbing head from the pain. Iwaizumi sinks in his seat, letting the emotions course through him making his lips form a line.

Too many things happened all at once. Oikawa basically hitting on her but suddenly half introducing him? How did he even know? She's gone, he thinks. He lets out a displeased sigh shaking his head while biting his lip, disliking how embarassment and regret was mixing perfectly. He hated how Oikawa had the chance to even talk to her before their chances were dust. Oikawa even managed to let out a compliment he wanted to say but the words were taken from him.

"I'm sorry okay! Don't hit me again please!" Oikawa begs as Iwaizumi lets out a scoff as the setter takes in his expressions. Slumped in his chair with arms crossed at his chest, eyebrows furrowed, and a familiar twist to his lips when he was frustrated in a game. Oikawa chuckles slightly connecting the pieces from the previous events.

"So what? You've lost the love of your life, Iwa-chan?" Oikawa teases making Iwaizumi raise a hand as Oikawa dodges it using his bag as a shield. He thought it was just a coincidence before. He woke up when Iwaizumi was plotting his approach and he happened to catch a glimpse of the two staring at each other like nothing else mattered. He questions if Iwaizumi was actually serious of his feelings for a stranger but when he sees the genuine smile that he gives her, he was surprised.

With an unforgiven action, he just chose to try to introduce him knowing Iwa would've never done it as fast as he could. Although in Iwaizumis eyes, Oikawa flirted with her but in reality he just wanted to help knowing maybe someday, this encounter would bring him happiness. Even if the girl would be miles away, he knew that the impact of them meeting was something that would cloud Iwaizumis thoughts on a daily.

Oikawa notices how Iwaizumi would inspect every face in the street or crowd just to find the girl his eyes have fallen in love with. There were many unsuccessful times where he's mistaken her for someone else and he despises it. Oikawa thinks about how he can help his poor teammate and a bulb appears above his head as he continuously taps the spikers shoulder.

"Have you ever considered a dating app, Iwa-chan?" Iwaizumi blushes at the question but he shakes his head as Tooru takes Iwa's phone and ran to a corner unlocking it. Iwaizumi rushes to find him as Oikawa lets out a gasp and a cackle. The spiker finds him and immediately grabs him by the collar of his shirt yet the setter couldn't careless.

"WHAT IS IT YOU DINGBAT."

"Seems like you're the one who's a step ahead of me, Iwa-chan!" Oikawa exclaims making Iwaizumi furrow his eyebrows but once his eyes settle on the dating app that was open from his phone, heat rushes to his cheeks shading it pink. He puts down Oikawa with a shove before pulling his phone away from the boy.

"So what.." He whispers as Oikawa lets out another laugh, wiping his eyes. Iwaizumi hids the phone in his pocket, locking it. He continues to walk leaving a sigh as Oikawa runs to catch up with him.

"Well don't be shy now. Any success?" Oikawa asks, trying to ease down his playful tone. Iwaizumi turns his head to him, before huffing in defeat.

"Nothing. No one can ever come close to her."

"Maybe she's trying to find you too?" Iwaizumi lets out a scoff. He wished it was true. He didn't think he was the type to be memorable, the guy you'd find yourself dreaming of. He thought he was a mere average boy and that there was always going to be someone better. He desperately wants to meet you but are you really putting effort like he is?

Was it just him who felt a connection?

They weren't put in a universe where it was easy to find your soulmate. The moment where everything fits perfectly wasn't always guaranteed in their situation. Why did they have to meet at a red light? They could've met at a cafe after his practice so he didn't need to worry about the time or how he was going to approach her. He swore if ever he met her properly again, there'd be no hesitation.

For you, you've also searched for this boy. Only hearing a fraction of his name so you couldn't really play detective with a tiny lead. Although the boy that complimented looked familiar, but maybe you were just mistaken? You've downloaded multiple dating apps like him but whenever there was a match, they never looked like the pretty boy you saw. You would recognize him from anywhere knowing his features were very much embedded in your memory. If only their bus hadn't sped off too quickly, maybe then you would've gotten his name. Although his name might just be a crumb in your way to find him.

-

"He can't be any better than me, that I'm sure of." Your little brother exclaims as he flips the magazine page. You sighed resting your cheek and chin on the palm of your hand as you watch your brother curse the man on the magazine. You tilt your head, curious to the envy he had. Your brother was well into volleyball and he usually asks for you to buy him the latest volleyball magazine so he could look up to whoever was on it but his overconfident comments had you laughing every time.

Once your eyes landed on the page, you sat up immediately grabbing the magazine and holding it close to yourself.

Oikawa Tooru. You read.

You take in the way he looks and then you specifically remembered a certain face. Your eyes widen in realization that this was the man who complimented you. The man that could lead you to him. Your eyes scan all the trivia about the well known player and finally finding the team and school he was on. Aoba Johsai.

You immediately grab your phone, typing furiously searching for the said school. You click on their website seeing the latest news about the school. There was a certain article that had an eye catching picture.

It was a group photo of their volleyball team and your eyes landed on Oikawa himself, founding out that he was the captain of this successful team also being a setter. As your eyes scanned through every member, your heart nearly dropped when you saw him. There he was stood next to two other members, smirking at the camera. Like a fool, you let out a squeal, exhilarated that you've found him. You scrolled further finally knowing the names of each member.

Iwaizumi Hajime.

You smile to yourself as you read his name, finding it pretty the way it suited him. You read that he was a spiker and so called ace in the team. With this found information, your heart was jumping in different directions. Your mind was bringing up multiple scenarios of seeing him in his element and that makes heart bubbles appear behind you.

How perfect. You think.

You knew the location of the school and you wonder if it was right to visit. You tried to push back the idea of rejection but maybe it was a sign for you to stop assuming and acting all stalkery. You let go of your phone, pacing around the room deciding on the better option. Visit him and get your hopes up when he doesn't even miss you or visit him and end up having the chance you both missed. Too many what ifs and what abouts rushed through your mind, but trying isn't a bad thing to do.

-

"I'm so fucking dumb, I can't believe myself."

You groan to yourself as you walk around. You gained the courage to finally visit Aoba Johsai, where your little volleyball prince was attended at. Unfortunately, your lack of understanding directions brought you to this poor situation making you look like a lost puppy, desperate to call for help but the thought of people judging you just because you were lost haunts you.

You grew more and more impatient as time passes, counting on your phone as a GPS but honestly nothing was working when your brain couldn't comprehend how you got lost when you followed the directions. You sigh in annoyance.

You took the time today to look as good as you can make yourself, ready to face him. Yet when everything was all set for you, it went downhill just because of some directions. You shut your phone off, frustrated the way the voice kept repeating where to turn. So you run your fingers through your soft hair as you decided to move on your own.

"So where do you wanna eat?" Oikawa asks as he stretches while walking. Iwaizumi lets out a yawn as he gives the boy a shrug as a response. Oikawa checks on his phone scrolling to look at some places they've yet to eat at. Iwaizumi inspects his bags if he's packed everything. He notices his water bottle was missing and he mutters that he would be right back, going back to the gym to retrieve his bottle. Oikawa hears nothing though as he giggles at the compliments his fans have left him.

You bend down tying your shoes as a stranger passes by. You stood right up dusting off the dirt in your knees. As the universe gasps, realizing that the person who went pass you was Iwaizumi himself. Yet they didn't bother to make ends meet as you two walk in different directions.

Oikawa raised his cellphone trying to get a decent angle as he checks himself through it. The lighting was perfect for him and once he was about to snap the photo he notices a person behind him. His eyes widen as his looks at you as you fiddle with your bag. Oikawa sets down the phone as he turns to you with his mouth open. His head turns frantically, trying to search for Iwaizumi. It's her. Oikawa thinks. He takes a good look at you once more just so he can confirm his thoughts if you were truly the girl Iwaizumi was talking about. He found himself familiar at your features as you took a turn, escaping his presence not even knowing Oikawa was stood a few inches away from you.

Oikawa couldn't hold himself together as he lets out a laugh. After it, he turns to the sky with an amused smile before speaking.

"Ah, you're too funny. I'll let them find themselves."

Out of all the chances they gave you, the two of you were at the same place but was running around each other.

You let out a whine as you see a figure walking with his back facing you, seeing the jacket that the team had on one of the pictures you browsed. You let out a sigh before wiping away the sweat you had on your face, freshening up your appearance. Giving up and finally allowing people to help you, you approach this tall figure, tapping them gently on the shoulder.

"Hello! I-I'm sorry, I just wanted to ask where the Aoba Johsai gym is? I got pretty lost." You says with a light chuckle as the person turns around, revealing the man you've endlessly searched for.

Both of your eyes enlarged at the sight of each other, such at a close proximity as you both scan each others faces, making sure if this was finally the reality they longed for.

It's you.

"H-hajime Iwaizumi?"

Iwaizumi eyebrows furrow, curious to how you found out but this leaves a smile on his lips loving the way it escaped through your mouth. His eyes gave out a soft glance before nodding and extending his hand out.

Your eyes dragged down as you stare at his hand that was deeply waiting for yours. You look up at him once more before smiling with tinted cheeks.

"That's me, and you are?"

"I'm Y/N."

"Nice to finally meet you, pretty red light girl." You blush even more as Iwaizumi lets out a chuckle before you shook his hand, both hearts meeting, as fate was sealed once your hands met. Some might say that Cupid stared at the two of you, relieved you both found your way to each other.

Oikawa turns to look at the two of them as he leans on the wall, shaking his head with a sly smirk.

"Fate huh?"

#haikyu x reader #haikyuu!! #iwaizumi x y/n #iwaizumi x you #haikyuu iwaizumi #hajime iwaizumi #oikawa torū #haikyuu tooru #hq oikawa #haikyuu sugawara #hinata shouyou #hinata x reader #nishinoya x reader #sugawara x y/n #tsukishima x reader #tsukishima fluff #daichi sawamura x reader #haikyu fluff #iwaizumi hajime #iwaizumi x reader

[banana-fish]

Knights and Kings

linked universe fanfic

word count: 978

"Why do you hate knights so much?!"

Legend heard Warrior scream at him. It starts off as just another one of their little arguments but one thing leads to another, now the heroes are face to face with the realization of how different their lives truly are.

Unknowingly moving back on shaking knees. Legend thought over that question, 'why do you hate knights?' he could almost laugh at how many answers he could come up with. Knights? Those lowlifes were nothing but glorified hound dogs to the King. Under a spell or not, all they seem to do is make his life harder.

As his back hit the tree behind him, he let out a shaky laugh. "Knights are not but the King's mutts, following his every command." He sneered, not caring about the concern the others had for him. The smug smile he wore on his face quickly vanished, when he felt Warrior's fist on his face.

All too quickly everything happened, shouting from Four and Twilight to stop. Angry fists from Warrior even when Time pulled him off. Sky pulling Wind away trying to keep him away from the scene. Legend laid in a bloody heap on the group. Nose broken and lip split. Blood dribbled out of his mouth as he smiled at Warrior, angering the blonde even more.

Sitting away from the group, the two heroes sat facing away from each other. Time stood in front of them looking like an angry father. The disappointing looks he showed made Legend curl up in shame.

"What was that about?" He says as his lips tighten.

"I-" Warrior quickly said, trying to keep the blame off him before Time cut him off.

"I was asking Legend," turning his head to the beaten blonde, "what was that about?"

Turning away, not wanting to look at the others, "It was nothing." He mumbled.

"Nothing? That didn't look like 'nothing'." Time said not to give Legend a way out of this.

"It was nothing, okay?" Legend said, getting annoyed with the topic.

Letting out a tired sigh, Time sat down next to Legend. Before turning to Warrior and whispering something to him. Warrior shoots a glare at Legend before getting and walking to the camp.

"Now can you tell me what's going on?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Feels kind of important to me since two of my teammates got into a fist fight in the middle of dinner." Time said with a small smile.

He's right, Legend thought. It would be nice if somebody knew. Knew about his childhood, about the secret he's forced to keep from even his own family.

"I'll tell you but you have to promise me that you won't tell anyone else," Legend said before he could stop himself.

"Alright, I won't tell anyone," Time said, getting a bit nervous about what Legend might tell him.

Taking a deep breath before starting, "You know how I told you that I lived with my uncle my whole life? That was a lie. I actually had a mother that I lived with until I was 5."

"Why didn't you tell us you had a mother?" Time was surprised. Most of them didn’t know their mothers.

"She- she was not the nicest," closing his eyes and a deep breath before continuing, "it wasn't like I was the greatest child ever, but she wasn't ever home and when she was, she never seemed to care about me. There was never enough food or money in the house and when we did have money she'll waste it on drinks."

"Legend i-"

“Just wait or else I won't finish."

Time nodded his head as Legend went on with his story.

"I was never allowed out of the house, I didn't know why until one day. There wasn't any food and I was starving. I was just going to the shop real quick but then I heard someone talk. He was looking at me. Said something about my mother and the King. Then I realize," stopping for a second. Legend looked at Time and said "I realize what they were saying, my mother had a well-known affair with the King and I was his child"

Time looked at him in shock. "You're the King's son? You're one of Hyrule's Royals?"

"I'm a bastard son, I don't know how much royalty that makes me."

"Does he know about you?" Time was still trying to take in this new information. ‘Legend is that the King's son was all he could think of.’

"Yes, he does know about me but the "all powerful" King has made it clear, he wants nothing to do with me." He sneered, hands curled up in fists, "I ran away from my mother hoping father dearest would help me. That bastard threw me out before I could barely get a word out!" He spat out bitterly.

"I guess that's why you hate the King" Time sighed, the new information taking a toll on him.

"Yeah, he left me to die while all his mutts just stood there and watched," letting out a bitter laugh as the memories replayed in his head, "Well, all except one. My uncle saved me." A smile appeared on his face as he thought about his uncle. " He saved me, took me to live with him and hid me from my mother and the King."

"He sounds like a nice man." Time said. He was happy that Legend had someone in his life there for him. After everything the kid had gone through, he deserves someone as kind-hearted as his uncle.

"Don't worry I won't tell the other. Now let's go back before the others get worried."

"Thanks, it would be weird if Hyrule found out his grandmother is my sister."

"Wait what?!" Time yelled out in shock as Legend ran back to camp.

#linkeduniverse #linked universe #fanfiction #fanfic #milk writes

[bettydice]

the intrinsic intimacy of staring at your opponent through the net and wanting her to absolutely rail you

wlw Wangxian, E-Rated, Modern AU - Volleyball Rivals, cisswap

Read on AO3

“I think Lan Zhan could rip the ball in half, if she wanted to.”

“Mhmmrmmm mhhnannm,” Jiang Cheng groaned into his pillow. Wei Ying knew he was disagreeing with her but chose to ignore it.

“If she’s really angry… she could… just grab it and…” Wei Ying shuddered and pressed her hands against her flushed cheeks. The Yiling Demons were playing against the Gusu Clouds the next day and she was unreasonably nervous. It certainly would not be the first time they’d play against each other, nor would it be the last. No reason to be nervous, right? “Just absolutely destroy it.”

Jiang Cheng groaned again, then sat up in his bed and glared at her, hair sticking out in all directions. “Why? It’s in the middle of the fucking night! Go to bed and leave me alone!”

Wei Ying ignored him, just stared at him from where she was sitting cross-legged on the bed next to him, gnawing her thumb. “She could rip me in half. Have you seen how mad she was last game? I bet she wanted to…” Wei Ying swallowed thickly as she remembered the furious look Lan Zhan had sent her way through the net. Not just a look. Looks. Plural. The entire game. “Annihilate me.”

“And why is this a problem now, at 2 a.m.? She always looks at you that way.” Jiang Cheng threw his pillow at her, but Wei Ying caught it easily, then threw it back at him, hitting him in the face.

“Cute that you thought you could catch me, star volleyball player Wei Ying of the Yiling Demons, by surprise,” Wei Ying cackled while Jiang Cheng cursed under his breath and slammed the pillow down next to him.

“Exactly,” he grumbled. “Then why are you so worried you have to disturb my hard-earned sleep?”

“It’s just… an important game. That’s all.” Wei Ying was gnawing on her thumb again.

“Stop that, do you want it to bleed again?” Jiang Cheng slapped her hand away. “And it’s a friendly match for charity. Just go the fuck to sleep.”

“I need to play well so we raise a lot of money! I don’t want to be responsible for the library not being able to expand! Can you imagine the shame? Lan Zhan really would rip me in half then, she loves books.”

“How do you even know that? ... Don’t tell me. I know you’re obsessed with her.” Jiang Cheng snorted, adjusted his pillow and lied back down. “Now fuck off. Go to bed. You’ll play well tomorrow, you always do.”

“I’m not obsessed with Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying yelled indignantly, but Jiang Cheng only pulled his blanket over his head. Wei Ying stared at his back for a few seconds, outraged. Then, when he made no sign of saying anything else, she huffed and went back to her room, grumbling under her breath.

She wasn’t obsessed! She had a normal amount of interest in Lan Zhan! They had an intense athletic rivalry, and because Lan Zhan was the most dangerous player, she had to be aware of what she was doing at all times! Also, it was physically impossible to ignore Lan Zhan, she was so tall and imposing! Nobody could take their eyes off her and her strong arms and thighs and… Nobody! Nothing wrong with admiring the female form in peak physical perfection. Obsessed? Jiang Cheng didn’t know what he was talking about.

In bed, Wei Ying kept turning and tossing, so annoyed was she with her brother. Annoyed with him for talking nonsense. Annoyed that he didn’t help distract her from her thoughts. Because she had reason to be anxious, didn’t she? Because something happened last game… Well, nothing happened, but… After the game, Lan Zhan had been waiting for her in front of the locker room. Wen Qing had only rolled her eyes and left, leaving Wei Ying cruelly behind. Alone and defenceless in front of Lan Zhan, who wanted to rip her in half! Lan Zhan had stared at her, fiercely, while Wei Ying clutched the strap of her bag, face growing hot. Then Lan Zhan had said: “I’d like to talk to you.”

She’d said it so politely, almost shyly. Usually, Wei Ying would be thrilled to be the sole focus of Lan Zhan’s attention, but…

Wei Ying had fled. Had mumbled something about having to help Wen Qing with A Thing and had literally run away.

What had Lan Zhan wanted to talk about? Lan Zhan didn’t just talk to people… Would she try again after tomorrow’s game? Or had Wei Ying messed it up and now Lan Zhan will never talk to her again. Maybe she won’t even allow Wei Ying chatting at her during parties anymore, won’t endure her tipsy ramblings, won’t let her crowd into her personal space anymore.

Wei Ying couldn’t decide what’d be worse – Lan Zhan waiting for her tomorrow after the game or Lan Zhan never looking at her again.

No. She knew.

She wanted Lan Zhan to keep looking at her.

When she finally fell asleep, her sleep was restless, and she woke up with quickly dissipating memories of dreams of Lan Zhan’s piercing gaze.

As soon as Wei Ying entered the gym, she saw Lan Zhan, warming up on court. As though she could sense her presence, Lan Zhan turned her head and stared directly at Wei Ying. And frowned.

Okay, so she was still looking at her. Good. Good, good. The frowning… well, a lot of people frowned at her daily, nothing to worry about. In fact, Jiang Cheng was frowning at her right now.

“This is that ref again, isn’t it?” Jiang Cheng narrowed his eyes and looked across the court where the ref was chatting with Lan Yi, the trainer of the Gusu Clouds. Wei Ying really didn’t have time for his bullshit right now.

“If you embarrass me again, you’re banned from watching my games for a whole season,” Wei Ying hissed at him, eyes searching out Lan Zhan again, who was doing lunges now. Her legs were looking especially powerful today.

“How is demanding a fair ref embarrassing you? She clearly had it out against the Demons, your fingers did not touch that ball!”

“You were yelling at the ref and they probably would’ve thrown you out if Jiejie hadn’t charmed them with her presence and promised she’d keep you in check.”

Before Jiang Cheng could open his mouth to counter with even more bullshit, Wen Qing joined them, putting her arms around both their shoulders, effectively shutting Jiang Cheng up.

“Ready? I’m in the mood to crush some skulls today. Let’s go warm up.”

“Yeah, be right there!”

Wen Qing nodded, then gave them both a slap on their butts. Jiang Cheng turned bright red and decidedly did not watch Wen Qing walk away.

“You’re so fucking embarrassing,” Wei Ying murmured at him under her breath, dragging her eyes forcefully away from Lan Zhan and her glutes, and turning towards the locker rooms. “You know she has a girlfriend, right?”

“Shut the fuck up.” Jiang Cheng elbowed her, but very half-heartedly. Probably, because it was game day, and he didn’t want to risk actually hurting her. Ugh, he was such a sap. “Go get changed.”

“I will! You should go outside and wait for Jiejie, I’m sure she brought way too many snacks again.”

“Fine, I will!” Jiang Cheng turned around and stomped off, but not before yelling: “Warm up properly!”

Ah, her sweet little baby brother. This was why she couldn’t be mad at him for long, even if he said nonsensical things like Wei Ying being obsessed with Lan Zhan.

The game was… intense, for a charity game. Well, maybe it wasn’t. Her teammates seemed to be having fun. But Wei Ying wasn’t having fun. She couldn’t focus on the game, couldn’t stop thinking about whether Lan Zhan would want to talk again. And what it was she wanted to talk about. She couldn’t… it wouldn’t…

It probably didn’t have anything to do with how Wei Ying had gotten drunk at the last party they both had attended and had… said things. She couldn’t really remember what she had said, but she remembered clinging to Lan Zhan’s strong arm and looking up at her, at her lips, feeling hot all over. And maybe this had been the party after the game where Wei Ying had realised she wanted Lan Zhan to press her against a flat surface and make out with her.

So. Lan Zhan probably just wanted to let her down gently, right? Because she was actually a nice person, even if she’d gained the reputation of being an Ice Queen. Wei Ying didn’t want to hear it though; she already knew Lan Zhan would never want to do those things to her. Even though she could, Wei Ying would let her do anything.

She shook her head and tried to focus on the game. Gusu Clouds were 2:1 in the lead and currently two points ahead of them in this set, so they really had to get their shit together. With newfound determination, Wei Ying managed to land a spike right in front of Lan Zhan. As her team huddled together to cheer, Wei Ying couldn’t help herself. She looked at Lan Zhan, who was already looking back at her, and grinned. Lan Zhan… smiled? Was that really a smile? What the fuck, what the fuck, what the fucking fuck? Fuck.

Was this some kind of evil tactic from Lan Zhan? Because there was no way Wei Ying could focus now. She just stared at Lan Zhan through the net, across the field. Lan Zhan was actually concentrating on the ball now and not looking back. Well, good for her.

Wei Ying tried to focus, she really did. But then Lan Zhan jumped in the air to hit the ball and her shirt rode up a little, showing a hint of her abs. She was so strong and graceful, she –

The ball hit Wei Ying in the face with the full force of Lan Zhan’s infamous spike. She blinked and when she opened her eyes again, she was lying on the ground. She blinked again - now her teammates were crowded around her, yelling. At her?

“I’m fine,” she said, but no one seemed to hear her. Her face hurt, of course, but a numb kind of pain, not a ‘broke my nose’ kind of pain. And Wei Ying knew what that felt like!

Somebody helped her up and off the field, and five minutes later she was sitting there with a giant ice pack pressed to her face. It had taken one minute to convince the paramedic she was fine and four minutes to convince Jiang Cheng and Jiang Yanli that they could go back to the stands.

She was fine, but she wasn’t allowed back on the field, so she could spend the rest of the match being eaten up by embarrassment. She’d just stood there and let the ball hit her, because… because she was too horny for Lan Zhan! What the fuck was wrong with her?

Wei Ying had to watch her team lose the set and the game and knew it was her fault. She needed to get over this… whatever this was. She should allow Lan Zhan to say her piece, tell her ‘Wei Ying, I’m really not interested in you like that or at all’ and then maybe Wei Ying could get over… whatever this was… and be able to focus again when they were playing the Clouds.

Either that, or she’d have to stop playing volleyball and also maybe move to a different country. Which she didn’t have any money for.

She was the last one in the locker room, everyone eager to shower and change quickly to go stuff their faces at the picnic slash barbecue the teams organized in the little park next to the gym to hopefully collect a lot of donations. Everyone had been so nice to her, making sure she really was okay, getting her a new ice pack, when all she wanted was just to crawl in a hole and die.

But she couldn’t. She couldn’t even just keep lying here on the bench, ice pack on her face, hair drying slowly, until it got dark and everyone had left, because Jiang Cheng had already sent her five worried messages. Lan Zhan was probably at the picnic too, right? It was for a good cause, even she wouldn’t skip a social gathering that was for a good cause.

Okay, Wei Ying was going. She was.

Right now.

Okay.

Five more minutes. The ice pack was still a little cold; she needed to use it a bit longer if she wanted to ensure a minimum amount of swelling. There would be a bruise, maybe even a full black eye, but so far there was no swelling.

Suddenly, the door opened. Maybe it was Wen Qing coming to get her and/or to yell at her because Jiang Cheng was yelling.

She turned her head with a weary sigh, then sucked all the air back in, because… Lan Zhan. Was here. Walking over to her. Crouching down next to the bench Wei Ying was lying on. And… and… carefully lifting the ice pack from Wei Ying’s face and looking at her.

“Does it hurt?” Lan Zhan stroked her thumb over Wei Ying’s cheek, just under her bruise. She’d never…

“Uh… n-no?” Wei Ying stuttered, because she was a mess and Lan Zhan was touching her face very gently.

“You’re not sure?” Lan Zhan sounded amused, her thumb still stroking Wei Ying’s cheek.

“It doesn’t hurt badly. Just a little.” Wei Ying hoped that her voice sounded normal, but it was hard to tell because she currently couldn’t remember what her voice usually sounded like. It was always this high, right?

“Good.” Lan Zhan nodded her approval. Then, she moved her hand, so it rested on Wei Ying’s neck, thumb stroking her jaw now. Wei Ying swallowed hard, which Lan Zhan would be able to feel. “Why didn’t you move?”

Lan Zhan’s gaze was hot on her face and oh… she knew. Whatever Wei Ying had told her… She knew and this was her way of…

“Lan Zhan…” Wei Ying pleaded. She already knew, why did she want Wei Ying to confess to her horny obsession?

Lan Zhan watched the flush spread out on Wei Ying’s face, travel down her neck and chest. But the look in her eyes told Wei Ying that she wouldn’t back down. “Tell me.”

Wei Ying let out a shaky breath, then stared at the ceiling. “I had trouble… focusing.”

“Why?” Lan Zhan’s thumb was now resting right underneath her lower lip, which was horribly unfair.

“Lan Zhannnn, please. You know why.” Wei Ying squeezed her eyes shut, which she immediately regretted because the bruised side of her face hurt, so she opened them again, accidentally meeting Lan Zhan’s eyes. Lan Zhan was smiling at her. She looked… still intense, but her features were much softer than what Wei Ying’s heart could handle.

“Tell me.” She was still smiling; the same secret smile Wei Ying had seen on the court earlier. Was it just for her?

“Because… I… You’re… really hot.” Wei Ying had never been this in embarrassed in her life, and when she was embarrassed, she started babbling. That’s why she said, while staring straight at Lan Zhan’s amused face: “I could see your abs when you jumped.”

“Mhm. Is that all?”

“Huh?” What else did Lan Zhan want her to say? Wasn’t this enough???

“You weren’t thinking of kneeling between my strong thighs or how my long fingers would feel inside of you?” Lan Zhan said with an almost completely straight face. Her ears were a little red, her mouth twitching a little, but otherwise… how could she just…

“What… why… oh fuck is that what I…” Wei Ying tried to hide her mortified face behind her hands, but Lan Zhan didn’t let her, pulling her hands back down with just one – just one! – of her large hands. Fuck. “I was really drunk. Lan Zhan, you can’t hold me accountable for my drunk ramblings.”

“So, you don’t want that?” Suddenly, Lan Zhan’s hand was resting on Wei Ying’s stomach, not very far from her boobs. Rather close to them, actually. Wei Ying was only wearing a ratty old tank top over her sports bra. A really thin top. Lan Zhan’s hand was very warm.

“Uhm… “ It seemed like if Wei Ying were to say yes, then these things would actually come true. She didn’t know why she was so scared to admit it, this was what she wanted. “I… Please.”

Lan Zhan put her hand right across Wei Ying’s heart. And her boob, as a side-effect. Or was it the other way round? Her left eyebrow twitched a miniscule amount, another question. Wei Ying bit her lip and nodded and hope it was enough, that Lan Zhan would finally –

Lan Zhan kissed her.

This kiss wasn’t a quick peck or a shy first meeting of lips. Lan Zhan wasn’t asking anymore; she had heard Wei Ying’s pleas, and this was her answer.

Wei Ying tried to be an enthusiastic participant of the kiss, but it was very difficult, because she also had to figure out where to put her hands: Desperately clinging to the bench? Buried in Lan Zhan’s hair? Gripping her strong shoulders? Additionally, there were loud moans seeking to escape her throat and she really tried to hold them back. However, Wei Ying quickly found out that she was incapable of holding back moans when Lan Zhan was squeezing her tit. And Lan Zhan seemed to like it, because whenever Wei Ying moaned, Lan Zhan squeezed harder – a vicious, delicious cycle.

The only problem was that Lan Zhan’s touch was so good that all the parts of Wei Ying that weren’t being touched were complaining about it. She tried to tell Lan Zhan this but trying to talk around a tongue in her mouth just sounded like more moaning, meaning more squeezing, meaning more actual moaning. Since Wei Ying wasn’t willing to break the kiss just yet, she tried to shimmy so Lan Zhan’s hand would move lower, or at least under her shirt.

Lan Zhan’s hand did move. To her stomach, pressing down to stop her squirming. Oh. Yeah, okay. That was. Mhm.

Lan Zhan also stopped kissing her, which was not okay at all, and Wei Ying wasn’t too proud to pout and try to pull her back down. But Lan Zhan didn’t budge, because she was very tall and ridiculously strong.

“Wei Ying.” Lan Zhan looked down at her with a frown. Why was she frowning again? Wei Ying had already stopped squirming!

“Why aren’t you kissing meeeee?” Wei Ying whined, but with a lot of dignity. She wasn’t desperate or anything.

“Your phone.” Lan Zhan’s eyes flicked towards Wei Ying’s phone she’d at some point dropped into one of her trainers.

The phone was ringing. Oh!

Wei Ying scrambled into a sitting position and fished her phone out of her shoe. Lan Zhan didn’t move at all during this, so Wei Ying had to spread her legs to accommodate her. Lan Zhan’s hand was now resting high, very high, on her thigh instead of her stomach.

She answered the phone without looking at the screen, because she couldn’t tear her eyes away from the sight of Lan Zhan crouching between her legs, looking up at her with dark eyes and well-kissed lips. Fuck.

“Yes?”, Wei Ying barked into the phone.

“Where the fuck are you?” Ugh, of course it was Jiang Cheng. Of fucking course! “Jiejie is worried you fainted in the locker room! I texted you like three times! Do you need to go to the fucking hospital or something?”

“Aw, you care so much! That’s so sweet, A-Cheng.” Wei Ying had to look away from Lan Zhan’s face after all, because it was just… a lot to handle, while trying to annoy her brother.

“Don’t be gross! Anyway, you’re okay? Because I’m taking A-Jie home, the heat is getting to her.”

“Is she okay? Do you need help?” No matter how horny Wei Ying was, she would walk away from Lan Zhan’s everything right now, if her sister needed her. She’d probably cry about it later, but she would do it.

“She’s fine, just a little dizzy. Anyway, are you coming, too? I’m not gonna drive back later to pick you up, okay, no matter how many crying emojis you send me.”

This was a lie and they both knew it; Jiang Cheng would totally come pick her up. But Wei Ying had, uh, different plans. “No, I’ll stay here and… “ A hand squeezed her thigh. “Uhm, I’ll see you tonight.”

“You’re really okay? No nausea or anything? Because I can-”

Jiang Cheng’s worry was sweet and all, but Wei Ying really needed this phone call to end ASAP. Luckily, she knew how to accomplish that. “Ooooh, my sweet little A-Cheng is so worried, because he loves me soooo much, how touching! I want to squish your cheeks and-“

Jiang Cheng hung up. Wei Ying dropped the phone back in her shoe, and finally dared to look at Lan Zhan again.

Lan Zhan still looked so put together in her shorts and sleeveless blouse, her hair in a braid, only slightly ruffled by Wei Ying’s searching hands. Didn’t look even half as sweaty and flushed as Wei Ying felt. Wei Ying wanted to change that.

Lan Zhan wouldn’t be here, wouldn’t have done all that if she didn’t want this. If she didn’t want Wei Ying. So…

Wei Ying took off her top under Lan Zhan’s intense gaze and dropped it on top of her phone. Lan Zhan only quirked one eyebrow, slid one finger under the waistband of Wei Ying’s sweatpants. She didn’t tug on it, but the command was clear: Off.

Wei Ying took those off as well, so she was sitting in front of Lan Zhan in only her sports bra and her yellow panties with little cartoon ghosts saying ‘BOO’ on them.

Lan Zhan looked up at her and smirked. “Boo.”

Fuck, why was Lan Zhan so cute? Wei Ying had no choice but to take her face between her hands and drag her up, so she could kiss her. Lan Zhan let herself be dragged, half kneeling on the bench between Wei Ying’s thighs. Because she was so tall, Wei Ying now had to tilt her head back to be able to still kiss her. It was a very awkward and uncomfortable position, but they were kissing again, so Wei Ying counted it as a win.

Lan Zhan had always been extremely competitive, so of course she wouldn’t content herself with staying like this. A few seconds and some manhandling later, Wei Ying found herself sitting on Lan Zhan’s lap, back to Lan Zhan’s chest.

Wei Ying started squirming again, trying to turn around so she could look at Lan Zhan’s beautiful face and to receive more kisses. But Lan Zhan had other things in mind. Namely, pulling Wei Ying’s bra up and her panties down, so she could grab Wei Ying’s left tit with one hand and her pussy with the other.

“Lan Zhan, you…” Wei Ying said. Well, moaned.

“Mhm,” Lan Zhan murmured against Wei Ying’s neck.

Wei Ying didn’t actually know how she’d wanted to finish that sentence, and then Lan Zhan started pinching and rubbing, so she finished it with: “Fuck.”

“Mn,” Lan Zhan agreed and bit her shoulder.

Wei Ying’s whole existence melted down to three things: her shoulder, her throbbing clit, and her nipple. Lan Zhan was the only thing keeping her together, while she was thoroughly taking her apart. It didn’t make any sense, but Wei Ying had never paid much attention to ‘sense’ anyway.

“Lan Zhan… ah… Can’t I… Can’t I look at you?” Wei Ying tried to turn around again, but her body didn’t listen, too busy undulating and chasing Lan Zhan’s touch.

“Yes. After you’ve come.” Lan Zhan said and dipped one, no, two fingers into Wei Ying’s hole, then went back to rubbing her clit, the slide much smoother now because Wei Ying was so fucking wet.

“I… So mean… Lan… Lan Zhan!” Wei Ying came while moaning Lan Zhan’s name, her orgasm rolling over her so quickly and so strongly, she was afraid she’d fall off Lan Zhan’s lap. She put her hands over Lan Zhan’s to make sure she didn’t let her go while Wei Ying’s body was still twitching with aftershocks.

Lan Zhan held her, kept holding her, kept pressing kisses to her shoulder and her neck, murmuring her name, until Wei Ying finally felt like she had control over her body again.

This time, when she tried to turn around, Lan Zhan let her and even helped her pull up her panties, so she could comfortably sit on Lan Zhan’s thighs, Lan Zhan’s arms securely around her waist.

“Lan Zhan…” Wei Ying began, but then had to kiss her first, before she could continue. “You’re really pretty.”

“Wei Ying is pretty.” A smile tugged at the corner of Lan Zhan’s mouth and Wei Ying had to kiss the smile. And Lan Zhan’s cheek, because that was an important part of smiling. And her forehead, because Lan Zhan’s brain was behind there, and it had to work for the smile to happen. And her nose, simply because it was a good nose. And her other cheek, she didn’t want it to feel left out.

After her work was done, Wei Ying leaned back to look at Lan Zhan’s face again. She should do this again while wearing lipstick. If Lan Zhan would allow it. If she even wanted this again… Oh wait, were they even done yet?! Because… “Lan Zhan, you haven’t come yet!”

Wei Ying moved her hand down to Lan Zhan’s waistband but was once again stopped by one of Lan Zhan’s strong hands.

“Later.”

“What do you mean ‘later’?” Wei Ying pouted, trying to hide her anxiety. What if there was no later? She wanted to give Lan Zhan the best orgasm now, so she would not be able to forget this ever happened. Because Wei Ying certainly wouldn’t be able to. “When will that be? Don’t you want to come now? I’ll eat you out, Lan Zhan, please, you know how good I am with my mouth.”

Lan Zhan’s grip tightened, Wei Ying’s words clearly affecting her in some way. But still she said: “Later.”

Wei Ying whined, but Lan Zhan smiled so beautifully, it shut her up again.

“Later will be in about 15 minutes, if you walk fast.” Lan Zhan let her gaze drag over Wei Ying’s flushed face, her still exposed tits, down to her soaked panties and back up to her face. She smirked. “Let’s say twenty minutes, because I don’t think you’ll be able to.”

“Wow, okay, I’ll have you know I’m a superstar athlete! I can walk very fast, under any circumstances!” Wei Ying didn’t really want to leave Lan Zhan’s lap, but proving her point was more important. Though her legs did prove to be a little wobbly still. She put her hand on Lan Zhan’s shoulder to steady herself, ignoring Lan Zhan’s smug expression. Well, not ignore it completely. It was kinda hot actually.

“Well, what are you waiting for? Or do you need some time to recover? I understand, I’m a very good kisser and-“

Lan Zhan, it turned out, did not need to recover, but Wei Ying did, after Lan Zhan pressed her against the wall and kissed her until she was dizzy.

“Well… You proved your… Anyway… As I was saying… In conclusion, I was right,” Wei Ying panted against Lan Zhan’s smiling mouth. She really was smiling a lot today. It did dangerous things to Wei Ying’s heart.

“Thirty minutes,” Lan Zhan said, because she was a menace.

“Fuck you,” Wei Ying sighed weakly, pulled down her bra and began collecting her clothes.

“Mhm, later.”

Wei Ying chose to ignore that comment, because getting dressed required all her attention, since Lan Zhan’s hands were still holding her hips and refusing to let go.

It took a few minutes, but eventually, Wei Ying was finally ready to leave the locker room, not bothering to look in the mirror, because her face was a mess anyway, no need to confirm that.

She turned to Lan Zhan and held out her hand, smiling. They were going to have sex and it was going to be so amazing, Lan Zhan would want to do it again! And again. And-

“Wei Ying… before we…” Lan Zhan suddenly hesitated and avoided her eyes. Which… ever since Wei Ying had finally annoyed Lan Zhan enough to look at her, she’d never stopped doing that.

“What’s wrong? Did you change your mind? Do you want to go to the fundraiser instead? I understand, it’s more important than me, haha.”

At that, Lan Zhan looked back at her, frowning, took her hand and pulled her close. “Nothing is more important than Wei Ying.”

“Uh…” Wei Ying swallowed, mouth suddenly dry.

“Nothing.” Lan Zhan pressed a kiss to the back of Wei Ying’s hand and Wei Ying was going to combust or melt into a puddle or just plain explode.

“Uh… then… what did you want to say?”

“When you were drunk…”

“Oh no, what else did I… listen, if I said… like kinky shit you’re not comfortable with, or…” There were so many things she wanted Lan Zhan to do to her, if she talked even just about a fraction of those…

“You said, you wanted to watch me while I made breakfast for you,” Lan Zhan said quietly, eyes now locked with Wei Ying’s. “That you want to hold my hand while we’re sitting on your couch, watching a movie.”

“Oh. Lan Zhan, I can explain!” Wei Ying said, then squeezed her eyes shut and wished to disappear, because she actually couldn’t explain. This sounded as though she wasn’t just horny, this sounded as though she was in love with Lan Zhan or something. Which… was true. Fuck. Of course, she was in love with Lan Zhan! Well, who could blame her???

She slowly opened one eye, risking a glance. Lan Zahn was still there, looking at her. Waiting. Wei Ying closed her eye again, so she could think.

“Wei Ying.”

“Just a second!”

“I also want that.”

“What?” Wei Ying’s eyes flew open, so she could confirm with her eyes that her ears hadn’t heard that wrong.

The tips of Lan Zhan’s ears were flushed, but her eyes and the set of her jaw were determined. “I also want that, Wei Ying. With you.”

“Oh… So like… you’d want to be… I don’t know… “ Wei Ying swallowed hard, then looked at Lan Zhan’s cheekbone instead of her eyes. She wanted to kiss that cheekbone. “Like girlfriends? Gal Pals? Les-bee-anz? Gaaaaaaayyyyy-“

Lan Zhan had mercy on her and shut her up with a kiss.

It took them 45 minutes to get to Lan Zhan’s apartment. Wei Ying didn’t leave until noon the next day, 10 angry messages from Jiang Cheng, and many orgasms later.

#wangxian #the untamed #mdzs #lan wangji #wei wuxian #modern au #I never posted this to tumblr #betty drabbles

[actress4him]

Whumptober 2020 - Day 24

I kinda got way too into writing this one. I just wanted to keep going and going, really could have added more than I did, and couldn't figure out where to end it...then I realized that tomorrow's prompt was perfect for a part 2. So that's what I did. Yay, our first ever part 2! Anyway, check the warnings if you don't mind some mild spoilers, this one does get a little rougher than some but ahh...I think it's one of my favorites. And it's a good thing so many of you said you love platonic Kidge because here it comes again!

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Day 24 - Forced Mutism/Blindfolds/Sensory Deprivation

Fandom: Voltron: Legendary Defender

Warnings: restraints, torture, sensory deprivation, electric torture, dislocation, muzzle, broken bones, mild blood

Pidge was getting aggravated. Scratch that, she was way past the point of aggravation, she was ticked off. It had been four quiznaking days since the quiznaking Galra had captured her, and she had just been sitting in this quiznaking cell ever since, for no quiznaking reason. Nobody had even come to see her! No threats, no questions, no torture, nothing. What was the quiznaking point of capturing a Paladin of Voltron if you were gonna just ignore her?

Not that she was, like, dying to be tortured or anything. More than once since her arrival, screams had echoed down the hall, sending shivers down her spine and making her stomach turn somersaults. 

No, the thought of being tortured definitely terrified her. But she was getting pretty sick of sitting in an empty cell with her ankle chained to the wall. The only interaction she’d had so far was with the stupid sentries that brought her food, and they couldn’t carry on a conversation to save their precious Empire. She was lonely, okay? Yeah, she was an introvert who could spend days on end locked in her room, but that was on her terms, and she had her computer and projects to keep her company. 

At least being lonely meant that she didn’t have to worry about any of her teammates. They were out there, looking for her, she knew it, and that was the best place for them to be. If any of them had ended up in there with her and got hurt...she didn’t know what she’d do. They were her family. Yeah, she still believed Matt and Dad were out there, and she was bound and determined to find them. But this team was her family, too, in a weird and wonderful way, and she’d do anything to keep them safe. 

Finally, on the morning of day five, the cell door creaked open, and somebody who actually wasn’t a sentry stepped inside. 

“It’s about time,” Pidge snapped before the soldier even had time to speak. “You guys don’t get in a hurry around here, do ya?”

The Galra - a lieutenant by the design of his armor - was taken by surprise for an instant, but quickly recovered with a smirk. “My profuse apologies. We’ve had...other pressing matters to deal with. But rest assured, you have our full attention now.”

Pidge gulped. Well that wasn’t really what she wanted. But she wasn’t going to let him know that. She lifted her chin.  “Good.”

His smile grew. “Since you’re so eager to see me, should I assume that you’re ready to cooperate?”

Crossing her arms, Pidge narrowed her eyes. “Never. I don’t even care what it is you want from me.”

“A list of planets that have joined your Coalition,” he immediately replied. “See, nothing too complicated. Not even anything to do with your beloved Voltron.”

“Yeah right. I told you, it’s not happening.”

“Very well.” The lieutenant nodded amiably. “I had a feeling that would be your answer. That’s why I came prepared.” Leaning back, he knocked twice on the wall next to the door.

Pidge sneered. “It doesn’t matter what you bring in here, I’m not gonna -”

She cut off her own tirade as two grunt soldiers appeared, dragging and then harshly shoving something very person-looking onto the floor. It wasn’t until the something had tumbled a couple of times and came to a halt facing her that she was absolutely sure that it was a person. A very human-like person. A very battered person. 

He wore only a pair of tight black pants that reminded her of her own flight suit, and all his skin above that was painted with purple and blue and even black in some places. More disturbing than that, though, was what covered his entire face. A blindfold, for starters. And over his nose and mouth, a hideous metal contraption with thick straps holding it in place. 

It was a muzzle. 

Pidge was already feeling nauseous at seeing this guy’s state. But then she noticed the hair. And that’s when her stomach plummeted to her toes. 

“Keith?”

It couldn’t be him. He wasn’t supposed to be here. She would have known if he had been here the whole time, being... being hurt, being tortured...oh quiznak, it hadn’t been him she had heard screaming...had it?

“Ah, so you do recognize him.” The lieutenant chuckled, crossing over and nudging at Keith’s metal-covered chin with the toe of his boot. “It is a bit difficult with his... accessories.”

“What did you do to him? Keith!” She didn’t even care that the tears clogging up her throat were very much audible.

“Oh, don’t strain yourself trying to get his attention, dear. He won’t be able to hear you.” Crouching down, he grabbed a handful of that unmistakable black hair and yanked until Keith’s head and shoulders were up off the ground and his face was turned to the side. A muffled moan came from under the muzzle, and Pidge’s heart squeezed.

“You see this?” The Galra pointed to Keith’s ear, where she could just barely make out something purple. “Blocks all sound.” He released the hair, and Keith’s head dropped to the concrete floor with a crack that made her flinch. “Just like this blocks all light -” he ran a finger over the blindfold -“and this, of course, keeps him from speaking.” He grabbed the muzzle and shook it. “He can still make some quite delightful sounds, though. All of it works together to make doing things like this so much more entertaining.”

One of the soldiers stepped forward, producing a long stick from somewhere on his person and jabbing it into Keith’s ribs. It crackled with purple lightning, and he screamed, writhing on the floor.

Pidge lurched forward, despite already knowing that her leash wouldn’t let her reach him. “Stop! Stop it, don’t hurt him!”

The lieutenant laughed aloud. “It’s perfect, isn’t it? He has no idea what’s coming for him and when.”

The rod made contact again, at his waist this time. The sound that came out of him was awful, literally the worst thing that Pidge had ever heard. She glared at the lieutenant through tear-filled eyes.

“You’re a monster.”

He flashed her a brilliant, sharp-toothed smile. “Thank you. I do try. Now…” Standing, he strode a few steps in her direction. “Would you like to reconsider telling me about those planets, or should we continue?”

No! she screamed inwardly. No, you can’t make me choose. This is the fate of the universe we’re talking about here, but he’s...he’s my brother! A brother that maybe she didn’t know all that well, considering how they both sucked at social interactions, but that just meant she understood him more than the others. Besides, she knew enough. She knew he was brave, and painfully shy, and had a heart of gold beneath his tough-guy exterior. She knew he didn’t deserve this. 

But what could she do? As much as it killed her, she couldn’t throw away the safety of millions of people for him. There was no guarantee they’d actually stop hurting him, anyway. And if they did...he’d never forgive her. Keith always put the safety of others before his own.

“Well?”

Gritting her teeth, she kept her eyes on the terrified, trembling boy on the floor. “I can’t.”

“Very well, then.”

She expected the rod again, but instead both of the soldiers went at him with their heavy boots, pounding the toes into his already destroyed flesh over and over again. He made no noise after the first couple of strikes, only curled in on himself as best he could with his hands cuffed behind his back, instinctively trying to protect his organs. It didn’t matter, though, the sounds the boots made against his body were bad enough. She was pretty sure she heard the pop of ribs breaking. She thought she might puke.

Instead, she sank to the floor with weak legs, crawling forward until the chain was taut and she was as close to him as she could get. The tears that had flooded her eyes until then spilled over, streaming down her cheeks. 

Keith. She wanted so badly to be able to reach out, to comfort him, to let him know she was there. But he wouldn’t know it was her, even if she could. He’d probably flinch away, thinking she was yet another who meant him harm.

“I wonder what he’d think,” the lieutenant began, as if reading her thoughts, “if he knew you were here. If he realized that you had the power to make this stop, that all of this pain was your fault.”

The barb struck true, but Pidge clenched her fists and refused to let it embed itself any further. “Your fault,” she growled. “This is your fault, not mine. You’re the monster here.”

Rather than answering, he reached up and grabbed a chain from the ceiling, pulling it down with a deafening rattle and hooking it onto Keith’s manacles. Taking his cue, grunt soldier number one crossed to a crank on the wall and began to turn. The chain slowly retracted, taking Keith’s wrists with it. Pidge slapped her hands over her mouth to stifle a sob as she saw him realize what was happening and scramble to get his feet under him, slipping back onto his knees more than once before he succeeded, and swaying heavily once he finally stood.

The chain kept going. They weren’t satisfied once it was pulled taut, they kept cranking until he was forced to bend over forward with his arms straight out behind him, and Pidge was worried his shoulders were going to come out of their sockets.

“Stop. Stop it! That’s enough!”

The grinding of the crank halted, and the lieutenant turned to face her. “Yes? Was there something you’d like to share?”

Pidge deflated from where she had risen up on her knees. “N-no.”

“Hm.” He waved a hand at the soldier, and the crank was turned one more time. Keith’s head fell further down.

Grunt soldier number two took the rod and thrust it straight down into the center of his back. Keith almost fell, but somehow managed to lock his knees in the midst of shaking and screaming. 

Pidge’s fingernails bit into her palms and her teeth into her bottom lip. She couldn’t even imagine how that felt on his spine, not to mention the jarring on his overextended shoulders. 

She hated this. The names of the planets he wanted to know were right on the tip of her tongue, a whole list that she had memorized long ago. All she’d have to do is say one, and they’d at least give him a little bit of a break, right?

But just one name meant thousands, possibly hundreds of thousands of people facing this kind of violence in retribution for joining the Coalition. 

It wouldn’t be the boy who she saw as a brother. 

But it would be equally as horrible for so many others. She wouldn’t be able to forgive herself for that, but she wasn’t sure she’d be able to for this, either. 

And she was growing more uncertain by the minute that Keith would forgive her for this.

“Are you sure you have nothing to say?”

Pidge stared straight ahead, refusing to answer.

Circling to the other side of his prisoner, the lieutenant jerked Keith’s head up by his hair again, putting untold strain on his neck. A quiet whimper came from behind the muzzle. “You know, it is a bit of a pity that we can’t see his facial expressions. I just love seeing the pain in their eyes.” Drawing his fist back, he slammed it into the only exposed skin on Keith’s face, his cheekbone, snapping his entire head to the side. When he released his hair, letting his head drop back down toward the floor, there were multiple strands of black hair still stuck between his fingers. Pidge watched them flutter to the floor with a knot in her chest.

“Will you leave him alone? I’m not going to tell you anything!”

“Sorry, dear. No can do. You have to give me something if you want something in return.”

Grunt soldier number one suddenly came back to life, kicking Keith’s knee out from under him. The kick itself probably didn’t hurt. The subsequent stumble that dislocated his shoulder with a loud, sickening crack did.

“No!” Pidge cried, but it wasn’t loud enough to drown out his wail. “Keith!”

“Anything to say?”

“I hope you rot!” she shrieked, lunging forward as if she could get her hands around his throat. “When our team finds us, and they will, I will make sure that you die a slow and painful death!”

The lieutenant threw his head back and laughed. “You’re cute. Maybe once I’ve gotten what I want from you, I’ll just keep you for entertainment. My little pet.”

Keith was still trying to struggle back onto both feet. His breathing was ragged, audible even through the metal, and he trembled even harder than before.

Glancing at a screen on his wrist, the lieutenant sighed. “Unfortunately, I have other matters I must attend to. This seems like as good of a time as any to leave you two to think for a while. Rest assured, I will be back soon.”

With that, he was gone, leaving Pidge with a raw, bleeding ankle and tear-soaked face, and Keith still in a stress position with no senses, wondering when the next blow would come.

“Keith,” she whispered into the once again quiet cell. “I’m so sorry.”

#whumptober2020 #no.24 #forced mutism #blindfolds #sensory deprivation #Voltron: Legendary Defender #fic #restraints tw #torture tw #muzzle tw #electric torture tw #dislocation tw #broken bones tw #mild blood tw #keith #keith kogane #voltron keith #vld keith #keith whump #hurt keith #voltron whump #voltron #vld #voltron legendary defender #vld fanfic #voltron fanfic #fanfiction #fanfic

[dogsliampaynedoesntinstagram]

Hi Ralph! I’ve been thinking a lot lately about Harry, and the way he interacts with the world. There was the guardian interview and his weird statement about dilution (which I agree with your thoughts on so I won’t harp on about here). In the vein of weird interview comments Harry has made in interviews, one I also think about a lot came out in 2017-ish after Miley Cyrus came out. I can’t remember the exact quote, but I do remember the interviewer asked him, basically, what he thought of Miley’s coming out, and if he felt like he as a person in the public eye had any duty to publicly declare his sexuality too, knowing what it would mean to a lot of his fans who are struggling with their own sexualities, and Harry said “I think that’s a weird thing to expect of someone else, and everyone should just be who they want to be.” I don’t necessarily disagree with the content of his comment - you don’t owe anything to anybody when it comes to your sexuality - but I feel a little weird about the message behind the comment which I took to be “just let me sing and make music and stop asking me for anything else.” I think a large part of the reason I extrapolated that from his comment (and I do realize I was reading into it) has been his general reluctance over the years to get involved with any sort of political movement. The only two real exception I can think of are (1) LGBTQ rights kind of, although to be honest some of this seems performative to me, and (2) his weird and sort of short lived foray into BLM with the march he joined and his Instagram post. That, combined with his decision to move forward with his tour and the general outrage and feeling that Harry is “disconnected” from his fans, that he is “money hungry” that he is “using his fans” etc. has had me thinking. I disagree with the discourse vilifying Harry for his tour decision, and I think a lot of it is that people are angry and scared and frustrated (for valid reasons) but they are equating their rightful feelings of frustration with the situation to mean Harry failed them on a personal level, which I don’t think is true or fair. But I do think Harry is a celebrity who seems generally out of touch with what the rest of the world goes through, and worse he doesn’t actually seem to care. I feel like he withdrew so much after 1D days, and in general I do applaud that decision - I imagine he was dealing with a lot of trauma, and a retreat to as much of a private life as he could manage was probably well called for to protect his mental health. But his withdrawal has continued, and we only really see him when he has something to promote. We don’t get anything at all from him expect his music and now his movies. I don’t want this to come across as me yelling “Harry tell me about your personal life!!!” Because it’s not. I believe he should have complete privacy in that realm, if that’s what he wants. But to me, Harry cutting so much of himself off from the world has made him feel incredibly shallow and disconnected from his fan base, except when he has something to sell. And I do wholeheartedly think when you’re in the position of massive privilege that Harry is, you have a duty to be a well educated, well informed, active participant in your communities, and to throw your weight around for good. On the one hand, I do want to give him the benefit of the doubt. He came into this life he has now at 16, after leading a childhood that seemed to be fairly untouched by any real hardships. He has lived a life that is largely insulated from the way the rest of the world lives. On the other hand, he has the ability to educate himself, and not having those lived experiences personally doesn’t, I think, excuse him from learning about them and working to help who and where he can. I don’t think I really have a question here, I guess I’m just interested in your thoughts. I value your input, and your answers always push me to think about things in ways I hadn’t before. This has been taking up a lot of my mental space, and I’m curious if you’ve thought about it any.

Oh anon - there's a lot here and I'll try to untangle some of my reactions.

First of all - leaving outside the politics of all of this - I think there is part of Harry, both artistically and how he presents himself as a celebrity, which is very good at suggesting things, and leaving space for possibilities. And I think, at least at this stage, there isn't necessarily a solid core in there if you push. And that's OK, it has a lot of value artistically - blank space is pretty core to any design. But by the same token, it's OK if you want more. If you're dissatisfied with Harry you don't need to be fair for him - you can just think 'I want something you're not offering at the moment'.

But obviously I'm me so I can't leave the politics aside for long. I want to start with the interview - because context is important - that interview was Dan Wotton and the fucking Sun. Here is what was printed, which I think is a little different from what you remembered:

I ask Harry about sexuality in pop, a topic in the headlines after MILEY CYRUS spoke openly about her pansexuality. What’s his take?

He says: “Being in a creative field, it’s important to be ­progressive. People doing stuff like that is great.

“It’s weird for me — everyone should just be who they want to be. It’s tough to justify somebody having to answer to someone else about stuff like that.”

So has Harry personally labelled his sexuality?

He replies: “No, I’ve never felt the need to really. No.”

Would he like to elaborate? “I don’t feel like it’s something I’ve ever felt like I have to explain about myself.”

I want to be clear that everything Dan Wotton was doing here was wrong, from existing to obviously trying to push Harry out. And while Harry was also wrong to be doing an interview with the Sun, he did a really good job of not saying anything he didn't want to say in difficult circumstances.

I want to make it absolutely clear that I'm with Harry. It is tough to justify somebody having to answer to other people about their sexuality. I mean particularly when that person is Dan Wotton working for the fucking Sun.

But in general I don't think there's anything wrong with Harry saying implicitly and explicitly 'Just let me sing and don't ask me for anything else'. More than that I reject the whole premise. In the questions you imagined Dan Wotton asking, you set up the idea that the only way a queer artists could speak to queer fans is by coming out. And I think it's important to push back at that at every opportunity. I've said it before, but that I identify more with Louis reciting the women he's pretending to be attracted to by rote, much more than I ever have with anyone waving a rainbow flag. I reject every part of the premise of 'you coming out would mean a lot to people and somehow that is your problem'.

Throughout what you've written me, you emphasise a belief that celebrities should be active politically - and I really want to push back and ask why? What good does that expectation do you or the world? I think the last thing this world needs is more commentary from people with large microphones and without knowledge or a perspective. The world isn't made better if celebrities feel oblige to talk about politics. And your experience

You seem to think of politics like charity - as something you do for other people out of a sense of obligation. I would argue that very little useful politics has ever been done under that model. Instead I would argue a model of politics based on solidarity: 'If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time, but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.' (Aboriginal Activist, 1970s).

I think this is what makes the English football team so powerful. Marcus Rashford is fighting for school lunches, because he knows what it's like to be hungry. They're taking the knee, because they have experienced racism, or are expressing solidarity with teammates who have experienced racism. I think Jordan Henderson believes that his world and life would be better if queer fans could be themselves at a football match.

Harry has said in so many ways that he hasn't figured out to relate politically, and he doesn't have anything more to say. That might change, but in the meantime, believe him.

Last off I want to point that you seem to be drawing a parallel between him being disconnected with his fans and not interacting politically and I don't think there is any connection at all. You said:

But to me, Harry cutting so much of himself off from the world has made him feel incredibly shallow and disconnected from his fan base, except when he has something to sell. And I do wholeheartedly think when you’re in the position of massive privilege that Harry is, you have a duty to be a well educated, well informed, active participant in your communities, and to throw your weight around for good.

There is no connection between these two points - none. I also don't think there's anything wrong with being cut off from your fan base, or silent on politics. But they're also independent (I mean look at Shawn Mendes at the period of his career when he wouldn't turn anyone down a selfie. He wasn't at all active in politics then).

I don't think there's anything wrong with valuing an artist being out, politically active, or connected with their fan base. But there are plenty of artists who are out (Lil Nas X, Olly Alexander, and I'll give a shout out to Grace Petrie) and there are plenty of artists who are politically active (Jade Thirwell, Dua Lipa, Stormzy). I'm sure there are also lots of artists who connect with their fan base (although I don't track that personally). If that's what you want, find artists that meet those needs. Rather than choosing an artists who offers something else entirely and having expectations they will never meet.

#I do hate it when I have to think about the exact wording of that Sun interview #it's so much faff to get the text without giving them any clicks #JFT96 #and I promise you that fandom boundaries will make your life better

[mihidecet]

Sbi&CO d&d AU: The Dream Team

Aka: Tibi's MCYT WritingTober, day 29: "A normal day"

Listen the original prompt, from @the-only-gamer-gost 's list, was evidently mc related but I just had to write this. Whops ahah

It's time for you to meet another part of this AU's cast! I do hope you'll enjoy reading this ahahah

George takes a deep breath.

He is in his study: the smell surrounding him is gentle, of old wood and older books, of the flowers he's growing on the windowsill, of the almost empty cup of tea his tutor insisted he drank before practicing - "you can't do magic on an empty stomach, I will not have you pass out like a fresh-faced student with no experience!"

It is quite easy to fall back into his own mind, he's done it so many times ever since he started training, but it is never quite easy to-

A light thump, the sound of a small metallic bead hitting his window, prompts him to open his eyes.

George purses his lips in barely concealed irritation and shakes his head. He has to focus. This is precisely why he wanted to skip breakfast, so that he could start before they arrived to bother him.

He's been meaning to try out a new theory - a new spell - for a while, and it requires him to be at maximum concentration because time is a fickle bitch that does not like being toyed with.

So George closes his eyes again and focuses on the pattern of his breathing. He feels for a moment in complete awareness of every inch of his body, and then he opens his eyes.

In front of him, millions of millions of shimmering particles float, gently, into the air in front of him, as if somebody had decided to hang an infinite amount of pieces of iridescent glass with invisible strings. George could live a thousand years and never get tired of seeing the figments of reality and specks of possibilities that exist in the time dimension.

Raising his hand to touch one of them feels like moving through thick molasses after a day of exercise - his muscles protest, scream at him, and it is such a strenuous act.

But he knows to persist - what's coming is going to be even harder - so after what seems like an eternity, but in reality is no time at all, the tips of his fingers brush against the burning cold of a figment of reality.

A fraction of a second later, George stumbles forward, head ringing as he's thrown out of his own personal pocket in time. In his ears, the sound of another of those damned pebbles against his bloody window.

George lets out a loud curse and stomps to the window, opening it with a gesture of his hand and then immediately raising his arcane shield as another pebble flies right at him - as it had been aimed at his poor window once more.

Filled with a righteous fury, George slams his hands on the windowsill - mindful of his poor and completely innocent Forget-Me-Nots - and leans forward to look down at the recently acquired banes of his existence.

"See, I told you it would work- George! George wanna come train with us?" Calls out the fighter, waving a hand frantically as he elbows his shorter monk friend.

"No! Leave me alone!" George yells back, and instantly closes the window and goes back to his position in the centre of the room.

He closes his eyes, focuses on his breathing, and-

Another pebble. He is going to murder them.

"What do you want?! I told you I'm busy!"

The fighter spreads his arms open - almost hitting his friend in the face, if said friend hadn't ducked down instantly.

"Oh, come on George! It's gonna be fun!"

"I'm not interested! Now, leave before I start throwing spells your way!"

The monk scoffs, crossing his arms over his chest and lifting his chin up in defiance.

"As if you could catch me! I bet you can't, and you're scared, and that's why-" a pale green hand is suddenly covering the human's mouth, its owner looking awkwardly up at George with a tentative smile - as if that douche's attempt at riling him up could have worked.

On a completely unrelated note, George has had enough of that conversation.

"You bother me again today and you will regret it." And with that, he closes the window again.

Definitely not hearing the monk's confused "does that mean we can come back tomorrow?". He is just going to ignore it.

The moment he turns back around, he almost has a heart attack.

Leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed and a knowing smile on his face, is his mentor.

"Bloody hell, I didn't hear you arriving." George mumbles, moving to grab him a chair as the older wizard chuckles.

"I figured, you were having quite a spat." Scott comments, sitting down on the armchair and nodding towards the window, looking more pleased than he should be.

George gives a scoff, letting himself slump into his chair.

"They are relentless. I don't know what to do anymore." He mopes, but as he should have expected Scott has no pity to share and immediately tackles a new, equally pressing problem.

"Have you found your teammates for the tournament yet?" He asks, crossing one leg over the other and resting his chin in his hand. About two months ago, George had agreed, after ages of declining invitations and rejecting requests, to take part in the yearly tournament his mentor ideated - agreeing only on the terms that he would be able to choose his own teammates. Which is not that unusual, people can arrive with their friends and form a team. George's main problem? His sadly evident lack of friends - at least, friends that will take part in the tournament.

"Not yet. They're all so … various. And peculiar. I'm-" He halts, hands clasped together and squeezing one another, as if they were stress relievers. Noticing his discomfort, Scott seems to take immediately a step back from his usual flippant persona as his expression softens and his posture relaxes.

"You're free to speak your mind." He reminds him gently, so George takes a small breath and looks away, towards the door, ignoring the awkwardness of his admission.

"I'm worried my purely academic training will make me underperform."

"That is possible. It is also possible that you do well. Has the prospect of failure ever stopped you?" Scott challenges, one eyebrow raising in doubt because this is the thing: Scott chose him as his protégé, he knows what George is capable of. He knows him, how competitive he is, how his pride gets in the way despite how much his self esteem is rather low. But still.

"I never had to fail in front of a crowd."

"I understand. Still, I think it will do you good. You should find people to team with, not many get this opportunity."

"I know! It's just that nobody's stuck out! They all seem like incredibly talented people!" George protests, crossing his arms over his chest and slumping back into the chair - sliding down a little, so that his chin presses up against his chest. So now he looks and feels like a child throwing a tantrum. Splendid.

"Well. I think there are at lest two you know by name." Scott notes, smiling with a conspiratory look, and George feels incredibly stupid that he let himself be played like this - did Scott manage to bring the discussion back to the two dumbasses that have been bothering him nonstop for the past couple of weeks?!

Dream and Sapnap- he has no care for them. None at all.

"Shut up." George replies weakly and Scott simply laughs - ever so rude, laughing at his self inflicted misery - before standing up. He circles the desk between them and puts a hand on his head, messing up his hair with a chuckle.

"I have to go, I have matters that await me. But it was nice to see you doing well. I'll wait for the names tonight." Scott's sing-song voice calls as he leaves with a smirk, closing the door behind him.

George lets out a long sigh and resigns himself to morning of meditating and practice.

It was nice to see his mentor again - he's been worried lately, as if on edge. George figures it's the tournament's fault, but one may never be sure.

A couple of days later, Dream wakes to the feeling of a pillow hitting him square in the face. Followed by a ripping noise. Followed by the feeling of stuffing falling on his face.

"Oops-" Sapnap says above him: when Dream opens his eyes, he's holding his pillow, now with a tear in it and stuffing slowly falling on the ground.

"SAP! What the fuck did I tell you about the tusks?!"

After their morning workout routine - which definitely does not entail Dream chasing Sapnap around their room as the shorter man jumps around on the furniture to escape, and absolutely doesn't end with them rolling on the floor as the half orc holds his teammate in a headlock - they have a quick breakfast and then hurry to the Academy.

Today's the day: they will be announcing the teams for this year's tournament, and they both can't wait who they will be fighting with.

The announcement is a strictly participant-only event, and from that point on they will have about a month to train with their new teammates inside the Academy's facilities.

The Academy is a huge building that looks and feels like those castles they talk about in fairytales: sky high towers of iridescent colours, with strands of various shades of purple and orange connecting invisible points in space - and perhaps time too. There are stairs and bridges connecting different sections, and Dream knows, from stories told by Master Calvin, that it is as tall in the sky as it is deep inside the bowels of the Earth. A magnificent display of arcane power and architectural prowess. As one would expect from the creators of this tournament, but still.

The crowd that gathers around the entrance is one of the most varied assortment of adventurers Dream has ever seen, and he knows Sapnap is thinking the same thing because the human's head keeps whipping from side to side as he stares at the people walking by.

Dream shoots, from time to time, a look around. He's not particularly looking for somebody - he is - and he's not going to let the knowledge of who is competing distract him from trying to do his best - debatable.

But still.

All the participants are directed toward the entry, where after a quick scan - to avoid strangers from entering - they manage to get inside the main hall.

Now, Dream and Sapnap have been told, by their respective masters, about the Academy, but nothing can ever quite prepare you for something this grandiose and extravagant as what they are seeing.

One would expect a centennial arcane academy, built by two archmages and hosting the best of the magical world in terms of teachers, students and knowledge, to be a stuffy, old fashioned institution.

One would be quickly proven wrong, as just the entrance hall happens to be a stunning portrait of multiple colours, bright and radiant, with moving paintings of famous arcane masters casting spells side by side with rather sweet drawings of past winners of the tournament hugging each other and holding out their prizes.

When Master Calvin had first suggested he move for a while to the Academy, in order to fully develop his arcane abilities, he had been skeptical: how could he, when Calvin's house had been his home for so long? But now, seeing all this, he thinks that maybe he could come to like this place.

At the end of the hall, on an apparently clear glass panel, are displayed the names of each team member.

With all the chatter and cheers and noises of people looking for each other - some are already leaving, having found what and who they were looking for - it's hard to catch the sound of Sapnap's sudden gasp.

It is less hard to notice him gripping his wrist and vigorously point at the glass as he lets out an excited laugh.

Dream follows where he's pointing, and-

"George is with us?!" He exclaims, mostly out of pure disbelief, eyes wide open as he looks back and forth between his friend and the list of names on the board.

"We're so going to win this!" Sapnap answers with an elated smile before bursts out laughing, jumping up and wrapping him in a full body hug - Dream catches him, letting out a small "omf" that is mainly due to the unexpectedness of it all.

"I can't believe it, we got so lucky!" The half-orc comments, his eyes skimming through the names listed on the board - some he recognises, more or less unfortunately, and some he doesn't.

"I know, right?! -" Sapnap comments, leaning back and letting go in order to nod with his head towards the floating glass.

"Now we just have to find out who Eret is, I guess."

#mcyt writingtober #sbi dnd au #dnd au #now sbi&co #dream team au #dreamwastaken #sapnap #georgenotfound #smajor1995