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prismatic-bell · 1 year

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So @hejeksbs saw that post about fandom olds freaking out about IWTV stuff being posted on the AO3, and said they’re new to fandom and fandom culture and don’t understand. So congrats, Hejek, you’re one of today’s lucky 10,000. This is going to be a basic primer, but I encourage others to chime in with details. (Also, thanks for reminding me I need an Interview exhibit in the museum. I had that written down somewhere.)

So if you go back to the 1990s and early 2000s—the pre-AO3 digital years—you’re going to see an official disclaimer on just about every fic. These basically said “I don’t own anything here, please don’t sue me.” Some were quoted elaborate.

These started because of Anne Rice.

See, Anne Rice was, how can I say this nicely…an asshole? The day she died there were literally people posting crab rave and “Ding Dong, The Witch Is Dead” from The Wizard of Oz on Tumblr. Because before Harry Potter fanfiction was pretty frowned upon and you might get a C&D if you didn’t keep your head down properly, but Anne Rice.

ANNE RICE.

Anne Rice literally recruited her “loyal fans” to harass people who made fanworks. At least one person was doxxed to her workplace by rabid Ricers, and at the time fanfiction was taboo enough you could absolutely get fired for that. I was eleven and friends with someone who was 13 who’d just read Interview and drew this wonky I-am-a-kid-who-can’t-really-draw-yet-but-I-loved-this-SO-MUCH piece of fanart of Louis and Lestat, and she literally dipped off the internet because she got an extremely nasty “I’m suing you” threat from Rice. (Are you out there, Mercury000? It’s me, sailorsharon0722.)

Anne Rice did everything in her power to ensure there was no IWTV fandom at all. I’ve heard from people older than me that she used to host a “vampire’s ball” every year in New Orleans for her “loyal fans” but if you showed up and she felt your costume outshone her own, she’d make you leave. People didn’t dare so much as put “Lestat” and “fanfiction” in the same sentence.

And then, irony of ironies, when her reputation got so bad she was struggling to sell books, she…became a Christian and started writing Bible fanfiction to sell.

Yeah.

Over the years there were claims she’d changed her mind about fanfiction, but nobody ever had evidence to back this up. I even saw a dude on Quora claiming to be a close friend of hers saying we were all lying, and he got absolutely ratioed by fans going “I still have my C&D letter, you wanna fucking try again?”

Incidentally, I would like to point out that her attitude wasn’t uniform. It’s easy to say “that’s just how it was,” but Neil Gaiman has been around since the 1980s and has always appreciated fanfiction. Stephen King’s approach is “please tell me, to my face, that me explicitly writing about Cthulhu isn’t fanfiction” and otherwise pretty lassez-faire (he has no interest in knowing you’re writing fanfiction of his stuff, he just genuinely doesn’t care), and his first book was published in the early 1970s. Gene Roddenberry, creator of Star Trek, actually accepted submissions of fanfiction scripts DURING THE SHOW’S ORIGINAL RUN, at least according to popular lore. (@dduane, can you check me on this?) Mercedes Lackey—who’s 1980s-and-1990s fantasy royalty—has been asked on Quora about why she “changed her mind about fanfiction” and her response was “I never changed my mind, I just had to talk my publisher into accepting it. I’ve always been okay with it but I had to say no because of my contract.” Sure, Diana Galbaldon was out there comparing fanfiction to rape(????), but even among those who disapproved of fanfiction, Rice’s attitude and actions were extreme. And they persisted into the 2000s, too, with her egging on fans who harassed and sent death threats to a YouTube reviewer who didn’t like one of her books.

AO3 changed ALL of that.

AO3 said “here is our well-researched legal claim that fanfiction is legal, and if someone gives you shit about works you have posted on our website, our lawyers will represent you. You can post safely here. It’s okay. We got your back.”

Even so, the fear about Anne Rice continued. And can you blame people? This woman’s name held the same power in fannish conversations as “Voldemort.” (A moniker by which I’ve actually heard her called.) She all but destroyed the old guard, on purpose.

….and then a new generation of fans happened. A new generation that didn’t remember life before AO3, had never known anyone who literally had to move house to get away from Rice’s minions’ threats and harassment. I know we use “nature is healing” as a joke on this website, but really truly, that’s what happened here. She left charred tree trunks and bushes that were old-school fans and from their ashes tiny little 2010s-fans seedlings began to grow.

The thousand-odd fics you saw in those screenshots (which I feel I should clarify are from before the new show came out—a show that must have her turning in her grave, because she was absolutely adamant that all her vampires were STRAIGHT and if you thought otherwise you were DISGUSTING, and I hope she spins so hard her corpse combusts) are absolutely shocking to us older fans because it’s like staggering out of a nuclear wasteland and spotting a little garden with signs saying “free nuclear-illness medical services” and realizing it’s real. What the fuck, what the fuck, but also, holy shit y’all we’re so proud of you. YES. Keep going. Don’t let the witch get you down.

EDIT: I’ve been informed by someone in the notes that IT ACTUALLY GETS WORSE:

I’m not going to transcribe the whole thing because I’m on mobile and most of it is just bog-standard post notes, but what’s relevant is @theoriginalvelocipastor saying “OP forgot the part where she [Anne Rice] would take ideas from fanfiction.”

Like holy motherFUCKER this woman’s hypocrisy.

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gloomy-prince · 3 months

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Original vs New RAINBOW! comic comparison!! It's not completely exhaustive but I've given some insight on the original version, just because it's fun to compare and they actually still have a lot of similarities despite it all! There's going to be a lot of jumping around though as some things happen in a different order. This will be long too, so it's under the cut!

I will preface this by saying that even the newer pages are still a few years old and have been edited for the book release, but I couldn't be bothered to find where I saved them, so these versions are a little out of date. The most obvious difference is that Boo has pink eyes in them, where as now they are green. So, enjoy that tidbit I suppose.

Boo recalls why she was demoted from waitressing

She was demoted for the same reason, though in the original, Boo is explaining this to the audience as she talks about her job. The original version had much, much more internal dialogue from Boo. The way that our comics work is that Sunny writes them in a novel form and I adapt them into a comic, rather than them being comic scripts from the get-go. This allows us to both work our own creative muscles in the process. So originally, I had not yet learned that different mediums call for different means of storytelling and I just copied a lot of her thoughts outright and put them directly into the comic, where as in the new version, I add in her internal dialogue pretty sparingly. So get used to lots of Boo's thoughts in the original.

Also, fun fact, in the original Boo has spilled coffee on me, Sunny, and one of my friends @mxbloodybooart on the left.

Boo daydreams of dancing with a prince

Her daydream is much shorter and less immersive in the original version, only lasting a single panel. A lot of telling and not showing in the original due to getting so much of Boo's direct thoughts. She also bumps into Milo, but doesn't cause him to drop anything as she does in the new version.

Mimi shows up at the cafe

In the original, this is Mimi's first appearance, where as now, Boo has already seen Mimi punch someone and her imagination has gone completely haywire over her, so she is pretty nervous to interact with her. Since Boo doesn't have any of this context in the original, she is merely intrigued by someone who has a style that stands out as much as she does, even if it's in a different way.

Drunk Debbie sleeping on the couch

Our first style change in the original version! Really a style evolution though.

Technically this page is pretty similar, but with a much more devastating line from Boo in the new version along with several cans around to imply Debbie probably passed out drunk, where as in the original you really only see her asleep on the couch. Boo also still has the same cute little teddy bear backpack in the original.

Boo takes the bus to school

Boo is implied to be bullied in the new version and utilizes her imagination to drown it out, while in the original she merely talks about feeling different. The bunny head on her shirt is a callback to the bunny shirt she's wearing in the original. Sunny and I are cameoing in both versions as the students sitting in the seat in front of Boo, featuring egg!me in the original version as I was probably 15 when I drew it. It also still apparently rains on her way to work in the original version, although this is never seen because she takes the bus to work rather than bike as she does now, so who knows why she called that out.

Boo daydreams in class

Boo daydreams that her classmates are monsters, though in the original, she also dreams that she is a princess. Some of the monster designs were kept. She doesn't get in trouble for calling her teacher a witch (even though she does still say that, it's only in her imagination) but for laughing and spacing out during class instead.

Boo sees Mimi at school

Originally Boo does not see Mimi punch another student, but rather hears her arguing with the principal after the fact about why she did it and then sees her leave the office. This is also not the first time she's seen Mimi, so she recognizes her, where as this is Mimi's first appearance in the new version.

Boo meets with Mr Dahl

Since she was not a witness to the altercation between Mimi and the other student in the original, her visit with Mr Dahl is much shorter, only concerning her getting in trouble in math class. Mr Dahl is the same character, but in the original he was the principal, and now he's the dean. Also Mimi apparently KNOCKED SOMEONE'S TEETH OUT in the original, where as now she just gave him a bloody nose, so let's just hope Boo is exaggerating here.

Boo mistakes another student in the hall for Mimi

Pretty similar, though the student she bumps into is more of a jerk in the original.

Boo is plagued by daydreams of Mimi

Pretty good example of how the over reliance on internal dialogue diminished the actual story. Originally there is only one shot of Boo seeing Mimi at school, which very well could have been the real Mimi, and Boo simply saying she was seeing her when she wasn't there, so we have to take her word for it. In the new version, she might plausibly think she is seeing her at first, only to start seeing more and more of her to the point of seeing multiple Mimi's in the same place, making it clear that they can't all be real, or that possibly none of them are real. The only dialogue is Boo expressing confusion.

and oh, look at that! another cameo of egg!me and Sunny in the original, waving at each other in the hallway! I am also cameoing in the new version as a student sleeping at the desk in the fourth period panel, but Sunny is not.

Milo tries to cover for Boo

Art style change again! You might notice this one is finally starting to look more similar to my current style than the previous ones, as it all evolved from here...

Originally, Milo accidentally scares Boo and causes her to drop some plates, where as now, Boo bumped into Milo while having her princely dancing daydream and made him drop the plates. Clarice was originally pretty eager to accept Milo's lie and allow Boo a second chance at waitressing while now, Clarice asks Boo to admit the truth before she is willing to give her any chances. Clarice now is also dressed in green to differentiate her as the owner/manager.

Boo gets to be a waitress again

An obvious homage to the original version, the layout is almost exactly the same, and even some of the customers are the same. Another really good example of how much internal dialogue there was in the original compared to now.

Boo serves Mimi her coffee

This one is not all that different aside from the fact that originally, Boo was already delivering the coffee before she knew who it was for, just which table, where as now, Boo knows beforehand that it's for Mimi and is nervous the whole time. This is the final page in the original version, so I made the final panel in the new one as an homage to it. The color scheme was also finally really starting to expand on this last page compared to the colors in the beginning.

#RAINBOW!#RAINBOW #webcomic #webtoon #webtoon canvas #tapas comic

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withered-owll · 9 months

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„Our deal still stands, simian…”

Okay so I drew it as a scene from my Lost Signal AU when Macaque got caught by LBD after Mayor followed him home after one of the frantic encounters with MK but y’all can interpret it however you want :v

Also another thing about the AU is that Bai He (LBD’s hostess) was already half-dead at the time the witch found her in the alleyway. So her body relies only on LBD’s powers to stay ‘alive’ and functional. It’s a cruel world what else can I say :’D?

I put up two versions here since I couldn’t decide which one was better TwT

#lmk #lego monkie kid #shadowpeach #lmk macaque #lmk shadowpeach #lost signal au #lbd host #lmk lbd #lady bone demon #lmk six eared macaque #lmk fanart #lmk wukong #lmk au #six eared macaque #monkie kid macaque #i almost gave up halfway #pain is real #also l’m out of town so my wifi is crap

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happyely2 · 7 months

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Pairing: Portuguese D. Ace x Fem!Reader

Rating: It will vary from story to story and I will point it out at the time (green-for-all; orange-for a mature audience; red-for adults, minors are asked to skip this story).

General Summary: Ten Different Alternative Universes In which you will experience an extraordinary adventure with Ace (plots and more details are written under the respective title). Soon they will be published one by one, for now I leave the plots in general.

General Inspired: I will write from time to time the possible inspirations that have been taken as references to write.

Let’s Meet Agian In The Next Life

[📿Exorcism!AU📿] - The spirit of the red fire

You’ve been called in to exorcise a demon that’s causing a lot of trouble for the community in a quiet country village, so you don’t expect that curse to give you such a hard time.

[📚School!AU📚] - Breaktime at school

Ace is the most popular guy in high school, he’s a senior, and he’s going to college soon, so you don’t expect him to know who you are, a little third-year-old girl who’s doing very well in school. You don’t know how wrong you are.

[👑Royalty!AU👑] - Midnight Ball

You didn’t object when the mystery knight gave you his hand to go down the garden stairs, it was your last night of freedom before you had to marry someone you hardly knew. A moonlight dance before you become the wife of the future king of the kingdom with a mysterious knight you would love in silence for years to come.

[✨PeterPan!AU✨] - Lost Girl in Neverland

Second star right and then straight until morning! But wait for the lost children are not so children but they are teenagers!? Fairies and mermaids are friendly? Indians are a rowdy group of adults who want to dance all night and pirates are not real pirates but admirals of the navy? What kind of island are you in, and since Peter Pan has freckles and black hair and calls himself Ace?

[🔮Magic!AU🔮] - Rebel

Ace never thought he’d have to ask you, a witch, for help to save his family. But he is a warrior who is willing to do anything to save the people he loves, even to come to terms with a witch like you.

[🐺Omegaverse!AU🐺] - Damn to that beta

The biggest cliché in the world? You made it happen. You always considered yourself a beta with little sex craving and always squabbling with her beta neighbor. So you don’t expect that the day you go for the analysis something snaps in you and that you’re both soul mates. In short! You can’t be the soul mate of your neighbor Beta (actually Alpha) Ace! And you can’t be his Omega.

[🏹Indian!AU🏹] - The arrow of fate

Travel to the new world! Gold, riches, adventures and new lands to explore! That’s what they promised, but now Ace was wondering how he could explain that those were really fake things and that the only thing that drew gold were the hair of a certain Indian who had snatched his heart?

[⚔️Moschettieres!AU⚔️] - Damsel in distress

"And you call that a lunge?" You shouted behind the back of the man who was fighting to protect you.

"Then fight you mademoiselles!" The Musketeer answered you by stretching out the enemy that was attacking you and taking you for life to take away. What was all that effrontery towards the poor Musketeer Ace who was fighting to save you at the behest of his majesty!

"With great pleasure!" You answered by beating your fists on his shoulder. There were no bridesmaids anymore.

[🚓Police!AU🚓] - Cat Burglar

Ace had just joined the police force when he was given a very important case by Commissioner Smoker. Catch a famous thief who always announces her shots before getting them. I mean, it seems easy, but nobody on the police force has ever done it. And the policeman Ace will have to invent one more than the devil to succeed in catching tha

[💰Far West!AU💰] - The Naked Gun

There is only one law in the bar: no fighting is allowed and as a bartender you are categorical, your rifle is ready to fire a warning shot at anyone who dares even think of trying. You just haven’t met the outlaw Portuguese D. Ace and his wacky gang of bandits.

#one piece #one piece x reader #ace x oc #ace x reader #portgas ace x you #portgas d ace x reader #portugas d ace #one piece ace #portgas ace smut #ace smut #ace op #ace of spades #ace one piece #soft smut #smut #alternate universe #crossover #fanfic #Happy_Ely🪷

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sporesgalaxy · 3 months

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i’ve managed to accidentally give myself mystic’s haircut . and i have a complex about when i was a girl with long hair instead 👍 life imitates art

Hey cool haircut!! :D

But what do you mean "instead?" Mystic absolutely has a complex about when they were a girl with long hair

The long-haired version of Mystic wearing a long cardigan is their past self, when they were actively trying to be like the Witch and never could succeed, making them miserable. Short-haired Mystic is trying to be themself instead of the Witch, but now they can't seem to get away from her. The Witch is therefore partly Mystic's old friend, and partly Mystic's old self.

Long hair symbolizes the Mystic imatating the Witch. Intentionally,

or unintentionally.

I realize going back that I never drew as much for Rock n Roll Mountain Troll as I have in my head.... which is where I have most of the unwanted-hair-growing symbolism is....oopsie....

#asks #witch and mystic

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airborneice · 5 months

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@sketchbookweek Day 5 - Childhood / Familiar

slides in at the last minute with this. sorry for the low quality, i had to rush this big time, its extra scruffy bc i didn't even have time to line it so i just coloured the sketch and accepted my fate. anywayyy do we think kaisa's line with the void abt "witches not doing that kind of thing anymore" implies that she never took those rules seriously to begin with. something something sneaking ur bestie into the restricted section

(i did two drawings for this day but didn't end up liking the 2nd one much, but it's under the cut for anyone who wants to see)

(we all drew Freyja for this day huh :D)

#sketchbookweek #hilda the series #i havent even had time to look at the other submissions properly except to see that theyre all amazing and i love them #freyja cameo for the win #when will my normal work hours return from the war #(did almost an 11 hr day bc i wanted to get a good grade in animation something both normal to want -#when this damn show comes out i can point out to you all which bit cost me some of sketchbook week :')#art tag #Hilda sketchbook #Hilda Johanna #Hilda kaisa

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ryanyflags · 6 months

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Halloween nonbinary :D !

(This just uses the most common nonbinary flag.)

I drew the cat witch character floating in front of a magic circle for this one, with some ghosts too for the halloween theme. Is this very Halloween? Honestly I don't know how Halloween themed my drawings are, but I like to think they still look pretty nice.

✦-

I’ve made other Halloween pride flag drawings too, check the tag [halloween pride flag].

#nonbinary #nb #pride #pride art #pride flag #halloween pride flag #art #drawing

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lauren-adassovsky · 2 years

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Reposting my 2021 Witchober where I drew witches’ familiars

Halloween D -10: Crows/corbeaux

Crows- Mice - Spiders- Goats - Frogs - Owls - Moths - Black Cat

#witchtober #witch familiar #halloween aesthetic #Halloween d-10

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tonyr3ed · 1 year

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A funny.

I was bored to I drew sungod and @oobbbear 's witch au sun :D

Edit: here's moon and y/n too bc I'm still bored :p

#alternate universe #fnaf security breach #the daycare attendant #basically gods au #Witch au

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daftpatience · 6 months

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heurhgh. thinkin abt the prince and the sea witch AU because i am an ocean boy and and and theres so much to thinkabout with this one!!!! i love aus that tap into classic fairytales becasue theres so much to work with!!! connections to make and parallels to draw

context and thoughts under tha cut cus this au sorta escaped me at first and there's very little stuff about it in english

the original au came from a leaflet that was bundled with volume 8 on toranoana:

rough translation explains that mermaid princess hinaichi rescued prince ronaldo, and sea witch draluc offers to give her legs to meet him again (and if he doesn't like her she'll turn into seafoam) which she declines. (literally what she says is "no need!" and the big words to the side of her say "no regrets" which is hilarious.) thats the end of the story and ronaldo is left alone. also, john is a sea turtle that lives in a clam.

im lifting my own headcanons and such from the original little mermaid story (not so much the didney one) where the prince doesn't see the mermaid and instead falls in love with this woman who comes to help him from a nearby temple (who he doesn't realize is actually the princess he's betrothed to later.) in this au that's draluc who was observing from a distance. (i just drew a half sunken agora and im calling that a temple. watever. its refd from one of the old arts and i think its pretty)

i like the idea that ronaldo exaggerates his own memory of spotting draluc that day due to the distance making details difficult paired with the fact that he was probably a little delirious. the idea that he doesn't immediately put together that draluc is the person he saw is kinda fun 2 me, and of course he'd make up some beautiful girl in his head. of course he would.

im messing with some ideas about draluc deciding to meddle with ronaldo instead - does he offer to turn him into a merman to look for his made up maiden? or does draluc come to land for his own reasons? maybe they visit each other at the temple every day and bring each other little things and talk and stuff. itd be cute if they butted heads but still went to see each other every day anyways.

a popular thing in the au is draluc being captured - maybe ronaldo, desparate to find his love and only knowing she was some sort of fish, does something stupid like setting up nets and traps. hahah. maybe he catches draluc and takes him to his castle to learn about merfolk and such. iunno. whatever the case i hope they fall in love in the process and also bicker a lot like their usual schtick

ive got a little sad idea that borrows from some 30 years later au stuff where draluc is worried about ronaldo's lifespan (this is also in the orig little mermaid where mermaids live longer than humans by hundreds of years) but also can't turn human to match ronaldo because it's too painful for him to walk on legs (since one of the au rules is that he must always be weak and the orig little mermaid made it clear that legs hurted real bad)

also also i very big headcanon draluc the sea witch has a sunken castle that looks a lot like ponyo's dad's house on the inside. fulla potions and stuff. wouldnt that be cute! maybe hes got an interest in human life/a collection of old things kinda like didney little mermaid - since canon draluc is so well adjusted to modern human stuff like games and livestreams and whatnot. in this au i think he'd be a lot more stubborn and reluctant to admit it, though, cus i also like the idea that his grandpa went the route of loving a human and going to land and maybe he doesn't want to end up like that? but it might be fate just cus draluc and ronaldo parallel D and helsing so well.

also i still want hinaichi to be in it but her rejection of the plot is so funny and good, i don't want to shove her in without thinking of a good way for it to make sense. she's good friends with draluc and likes his cooking...can you cook underwater??? maybe magically?? maybe draluc takes up cooking on land and brings hinaichi things he makes??? maybe then she gets interested in humans and wants to come to land to try all the cooking theyve got. iunno.

i usually keep this sort of note taking and doodling to myself but this fandom needs all the stimulation it can get. hiii hellooo :]

#tvdint #the vampire dies in no time #kyuuketsuki sugu shinu #吸血鬼すぐ死ぬ #prince and the sea witch au #that tag has nothing in it related to this atm so uhh yeah #prince and the octopus au #tvdint au #im so embarassed to be posting draluc with tentacles. i m fucked. im so fucked #also sorry for sketching so small. being at like 100% zoom puts me at ease #kyuushi

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idanceuntilidie · 6 months

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Baked with love

Yan gingerbread man x gn reader

I drew Flynn it will be at the end of the post <3

There are no warnings this time :3

Requests are open :D or you can just ask about the oc I don’t mind.

Once upon a time there was a very old bakery, it was ran by a witch. It was very famous for its amazing sweets that were just too good to be true.

The kind words and compliments weren't enough for the witch, she had feared her bakery will be overshadowed. To make sure that wouldn't happen she decided to create living pastries and cookies.

It took her weeks, to perfect the recipe and design, it was finally time for the first ever living cookie.

So, she created the gingerbread man, and that was the last time anyone had ever seen her.

There was an old bakery around the corner, quite popular if you have to admit. For a good reason, the lady that worked there did absolute wonders.

She had a talent for baking. Today you decided to visit her and maybe buy few things. When you walked to the bakery instead of an old lady you met a stylish young man. When you went inside the bakery you could almost feel the magic that was probably present there. The smell was so welcoming and sweet, for some it felt like home, and it was hard to not agree. Though the interior of the place reminded you a little bit of your grandma's house. Small but cozy. Your eyes scanned briefly the delicious baked goods that laid out in the display, freshly baked blueberry and chocolate muffins caught your eye first. Then there was the best-looking apple pie you had ever seen, next to it were colorful macaroons, and so much more.

It made your mouth water.

There were new things also, you never knew Miss Sugar knew how to make candy.

When you were done eyeing up the treats that laid in front of you, you looked up, and instead of meeting the famous old lady you met a young man. His eyes widened, face getting slightly red.

"S-Sorry I did not mean to disturb you"

he bashfully looked away. You chuckled at that, reassuring him that it was okay.

You took a closer look at the young man in front of you. He was dressed in such a fancy manner, wasn't he scared his clothes would get dirty?

He wore frilly creamy blouse with fur? it was a very special look, but it looked well with the red bow and deep brown dress pants. Are those candies in his hair? Maybe they are charms, but boy do they look so real. You saw that he was looking at you again, but this time he tried to avoid eye contact.

"Sorry for staring-" - you started rubbing your neck.

"Nono it's okay really, you aren't really the first to do so..."

"That doesn't make it okay, where is Miss Sugar? I thought she was the only oe working here?"

He straightened his posture, for a second, he looked unsure what emotion should he show. He looked away; his hands rubbed his face. It took him a bit to face you again, his face filled with sorrow. "Oh, dear you don't know? My aunt left us few days ago" That sentence left you speechless. You didn't know Miss Sugar for that long, but she was such a nice lady and you felt really bad. Some part of you wished you visited the lady more.

"I am so sorry for your loss..."

He placed his hands on his chest, closing his eyes he said it was okay, when he opened them again, he smiled sweetly.

"Well now I am the owner and baker now, what can I help you with today?"

"I was wondering if you had f/p?"

"We sure do hang on" - he chirped and smoothly went to the room in the back.

You smiled; glad he is dealing so well with the loss of his aunt. It looks like he enjoys the job too. You look around again, he didn't change the decorations maybe he had a sentiment for it?

"Here you go!"

His cheery voice broke you out of your thoughts.

"Thank you uhhh?"

"Flynn"

"Thank you, Flynn, just a warning you will be seeing me around very often"

Flynn placed his hand on his forehead and dramatically sighed "Oh poor me" before laughing, you joined him soon enough.

You paid for your treats and said your goodbyes with Flynn.

You were true to your word; you visited the boy almost every day. You two bonded quite fast. Flynn was very sweet, and when you were hanging around with him you felt so safe.

Though the only weird thing you noticed was that every single time you asked him for something, he always went to the backroom to bring your goods. Flynn always knew what to bring you, sometimes it felt he knew you better than you yourself.

You sometimes wonder why the baked good he brings you have such weird ginger after taste.

But it's okay it's probably nothing right?

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occudo · 10 months

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Hello! Would it be okay if I drew your witch!jon and martin and tagged you in the post? I absolutely adore your magus archives au :D totally okay if not!

Sure thing! Can't wait to see it

#ask #the more witch!jon and knight!martin are better

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danikamariewrites · 6 months

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omg omg omg omg omg i just read your fic with lucien x reader and her being dark and stuff.

please can i request one for eris x reader where she kills beron to free eris from his troubles. Reader has some hidden power/is much more powerfull than beron, and when she sees how much stress eris is put through she vows to fix it for him and to not let anyone or anything disturb his peace. she lures beron into the foresthouse and fights with him, she manipulates him into thinking he’s winning but turns around and he is so surprised and enraged. She finally kills him off and skips back to eris to deliver the news. she is internally beaming and quite literally could never he happier to see the weight of eris shoulder lift. Next time they meet with the nightcourt, they ask who did it but eris doesn’t know. Rhys looks to reader who faintly smiles and senses her great power, rivaling his own, and smirks. She then tells eris on their way back she did it👀👀👀

Song of Death

Eris x reader

Warnings: death, violence, kinda dark reader

Eris was at his breaking point with his father. Beron had made some…unpredictable moves as of late. They had thrown Eris off his game and made it harder for his plan to take down the current High Lord.

You had told your mate that he should take a few days away from the Forest House. You’d be fine by yourself. It took a while but Eris conceded. He planned a hunting trip with a few sentries set to accompany him.

You had it all planned out. The full moon was on the third day of Eris’s trip. Leaving you enough time to taunt and lure Beron to his death.

See, Beron constantly underestimates you. He thinks you are nothing more than Eris’s ditsy lover. Most people in the court did. You did a wonderful job at hiding your powers. Your mother was a witch, as well as your grandmother and great grandmother. But you had also been blessed with the Sirens Song. Your great grandfather had helped you perfect your song.

For two nights you danced through the halls by Beron’s quarters, singing your sweet song to make him curious. The farthest he wandered was the end of his hall. You could tell he wanted to search for you. His need to be sated by your voice over coming his senses.

The full moon was bright in the cloudless night. It shined through the tall windows of the throne room. You basked in the light, swaying slightly as you sang the alluring tune. Sending out your magic to see where Beron is you see him stumbling out of his room like a mad man. Sword in hand Beron straightens up. Sweat beading on his forehead Beron’s face contorts in anger.

He sees Eris, wearing his crown and sitting on his throne. Moments later Beron was shoving his way through the grand double doors growling at the hallucination of his first born perched on the throne. Pointing his sword at the empty chair he spits out, “You’ve overstepped boy. That’s not yours.”

“Not yet.” Your voice echoed with the illusion of Eris’s. Your mate stood, giving Beron a mocking smirk as he slowly stalked toward him.

Eris drew his sword from its place at his hip, spinning the steel and swooning at him. Beron swung close and high just barley avoiding Eris. You could see he was already losing his strength. Your spell taking its toll on him.

Dropping the illusion of Eris Beron faltered. He whipped his head around wildly. Confused as to where his son went. You started your song again. Beron turned to you one last time. His eyes widen in shock.

A wicked smirk pulled at your lips. Lifting your glowing hands you control Beron’s movements, dragging your hand swiftness across your throat.

Beron let out a choking sound as blood spilled from his throat. His head barley hanging on to his neck as his body dropped to the pristine marble floor. Letting out a content sigh you stepped over Beron’s body to walk back to your quarters.

He was found the next morning. Sentries had rushed into your room along with your handmaidens. They stayed with you all morning and afternoon. They distracted you from the tragedy that had occurred late last night. Satine, your head handmaiden, made sure you were in one of your favorite dresses and took her time doing your hair in an intricate braid.

Eris was rushed back. A handmaiden had informed you the High Lord power had come to Eris soon after Beron died. It was hours before you saw your mate again. You could feel his thundering heartbeat in your own chest. His anxiety was running rampant and you could feel his concern for you.

When he stormed past the sentries and finally laid eyes on you his shoulders relaxed. “My love.” He breathed out. Eris crossed the room in a few strides scooping you into his arms and collapsing on the bed. “Leave us.” He commanded your handmaidens and sentries.

You cling to each other for a long while. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here sweet fox. I was so worried about you when I heard. Worried that whoever did this got to you or my mother.” You calming run your fingers through his short hair. “We’re ok baby.” You pulled away from him, cupping his face. “How are you feeling. I can’t imagine what you felt when the power hit you. I’m just sorry I couldn’t be there for you.”

He let out a breathy chuckle giving you a wide teary eyed smile, “It’s ok fox. I’m ok.”

The next few weeks were consumed by meetings with advisors, other courts, High Lords, and the Vanserra family. As the weeks passed a weight seemed to lift from Eris’s shoulders. Eris became closer with his brothers and his mother was free. The two of you are free.

Days before his coronation Eris was quite pensive. You were a bit concerned with how Eris had pulled away from you. You knocked on his office door. “Eris,” You poke your head in his office. He snaps out of his trance, blinking at you. “Come in fox. What’s wrong?” You shake your head as you sit across from him. “Nothing, I’m just worried about you. You’ve been distant.”

Eris leans back and takes in a deep breath. “The investigation into my fathers death has been confusing to say the least. There were no intruders, no guards saw what happened, and everyone in house was accounted for.” You bite your lip at his words. Leaning forward you place your forearms on his desk.

“I must confess something to you my love.” Now it was Eris’s turn to lean forward. Curiosity sparkling in his eyes. “I am responsible for Beron’s death.” His eyes go wide with shock. “Y/n…I’m not understanding.”

“Im going to show you but, you have to promise not to be angry with me.” Eris’s face changes to confusion. You lift your hands letting the light shine just a little from your hands as you hum that familiar tune. You stop before Eris can be feel the full effect of the Siren Song.

You avoided his gaze, keeping your eyes glued to the floor. He rounds the desk grasping your chin between his fingers. Eris tilts your face to look up at him. His love for you shining on his face. “You truly did it.” You nod, keeping your face neutral. “I did it for you. For us Eris.”

Your mate dropped to his knees in front of you. “Y/n…” He seemed lost for words as his smile grew. “Together we’ll be perfect my love.” Eris nods enthusiastically. “Thank you fox. I didn’t think I could love you anymore than I already do.”

Slipping off the leather arm chair you wrap your arms around Eris’s neck. As High Lord and Lady change would come to Autumn. And you’d be unstoppable.

#acotar #acotar fanfiction #acotar reader fic #acotar reader imagine #acotar imagine #eris vanserra acotar #eris vanserra fic #eris vanserra x reader #acotar eris #high lord eris #eris vanserra #eris acotar #eris x reader #eris x you #eris x y/n #eris vanserra x you #eris vanserra acotar x reader

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thenatashamaximoff · 8 months

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Heart Of Stone; Midnight Eternal

Summary: Natasha's entire world fell apart after the Battle of Wakanda. But when presented with a chance to fix everything, will she do the right thing?

Pairing: Natasha x Reader (platonic)

Warnings: mentions of death

Words: 4,140

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2023 The distant, rare laughter lured her down the hall. It was a sound she seldom heard, but when it reached her ears, it caused her shoulders to relax and her face to light up with a smile. The pure joy, the refined happiness that radiated from the giddy laugh consistently had a calming effect on her, easing any tension she felt in her muscles. It had become nearly instinctual to follow the noise, allowing it to grip her in a gentle hold and softly usher her toward the kitchen.

It was at that moment when she caught sight of you and Wanda at the island. The enormous, beaming grin that stretched across your features almost distracted her from the way your eyebrows knitted together with sheer focus. Whatever you were doing remained concealed from her view, obscured by the bread box that sat suspiciously out of place. She observed the closeness between you and Wanda, the unmistakable ease in your interaction. Notable was the absence of any recoil when your arms brushed with each movement, and how Wanda momentarily diverted her attention from your activity to trace the wrinkles of concentration etched like rivers across your skin.

“Nat!” Her gaze snapped onto yours the second she heard your voice, laughter lingering amongst the sound as you called for her attention. “I… We made you some- something.” Natasha stepped further into the room, her interest piqued as you sent her a warm smile. “Wanda… She helped.”

“Y/N did most of the work,” Wanda chimed in quickly, a faint, friendly grin gracing her lips as she finally turned her gaze toward the approaching redhead. “I just played supervisor.”

When Natasha reached you, you presented a plate, its flimsy paper slightly bending under the weight of a lonely sandwich perched upon it. It was difficult to determine the contents nestled between the two slices of bread. “I wanted to… cook something for you, but… Wanda d- doesn’t trust me with the stove.”

Wanda rolled her eyes dramatically as Natasha accepted the plate from you, catching how the rookie Avenger playfully nudged your shoulder with her own. “That’s not true,” she claimed, smirking. “I simply offered to properly teach her how to cook another day, and we didn’t want to start something we couldn’t finish before you woke up.” You looked at Wanda, meeting the witch’s gentle green eyes with a soft smile. For a moment, it was as if the two of you were the only ones in the room. And, as much as Natasha enjoyed catching the two of you obliviously losing yourselves in each other, she had a sandwich to evaluate.

The former assassin cleared her throat, gaining your attention almost instantly, yet Wanda’s gaze remained on you for a bit longer before leisurely turning her head to acknowledge Natasha. The redhead scooped the sandwich into her hands, taking a bite from one of its corners. Her jaw moved slowly, savoring each chew the bite gave her, as her eyes floated up toward the ceiling in contemplation. You waited with bated breath, bouncing on the tips of your toes, and feeling your patience wane with every passing second Natasha went without murmuring a single word, her thoughts seemingly hidden behind that thoughtful expression.

Finally, Natasha swallowed with an exaggerated gulp. Her eyes locked onto yours, recognizing the hopefulness gleaming in your irises. “That…” She drew in a deep breath, the taste of peanut butter lingering on her tongue. “That was the best peanut butter sandwich I’ve ever had, Y/N.” Your face lit up with a smile, one of the most radiant she had ever witnessed, prompting a chuckle to escape her chest. She took another bite of the sandwich as you reached for a couple more slices of bread.

“I’m… I’ll make you one.” You smirked as you looked at Wanda. “Y- You better watch out, Wanda. I… I’m going to be the n- new chef around here.”

Laughter resonated in the room as you wielded a butter knife, delving into the jar of peanut butter, but the memory gradually faded from her mind as she abruptly returned to the stark reality of the present. Tears welled up in her eyes, and she reclined in her chair, her gaze fixed on the untouched sandwich resting on a plate just inches away. Nothing felt the same. Nothing could ever be the same again. Not after…

“Am I interrupting something?” She tore her gaze away from her dinner to eye the super soldier leaning against a bookshelf. She was quick to wipe the tears away at the unexpected guest, sucking in a deep breath as she straightened her form. “I’d offer to cook you dinner, but I don’t think I could beat a peanut butter sandwich.”

“Is it laundry day already?” she questioned, watching Steve make his way into the office.

“I’m just checking in on a friend.”

“Clearly your friend is fine.” His sigh showed his dubious belief in her statement as he took a seat in the chair across from her. She turned away from him when he took a deep breath, his lips parting open as he prepared to speak, but she was quicker. “If you’re about to launch into one of your notorious pep talks right now, this sandwich might just find itself on a collision course with your head.” She smirked in an attempt to ease the tension in the space between them, yet she didn’t bother looking toward him to see if he was returning the smile.

“You know, I tell everybody they should move on. Some of them do, but we don’t.” She finally returned her gaze to the patriot, chewing the inside of her cheek as she met his exhausted eyes.

“I’m doing this for her,” she said softly.

“I know why you’re doing it,” he assured, his voice low. He turned his attention to the sandwich, pursing his lips. “I’m sorry, Nat, but doing this isn’t going to bring her back.”

“I’m aware.”

“I just don’t want you to get your hopes up.”

“Steve,” she exhaled wearily. “Do you really think Y/N would’ve sat around and moped all day if half of the world blipped away?” Leaning in, she felt the stinging sensation in her eyes, tears desperately yearning for escape. Her stomach churned uncomfortably at the taste of your name rolling off of her tongue, a void left by your absence the moment she witnessed Thanos succeed in his mission. “She refused to join the team because she didn’t want to cause harm to others, but you can bet she’d have fought tooth and nail to bring back all those lost souls.”

“It wasn’t fair,” he expressed, noting how her shoulders slumped, almost as if she found comfort in him vocalizing what had been weighing on her. “She’s been handed nothing but heartache ever since she was a kid.” She drew in a deep breath, her gaze dropping to evade his gentle eyes. “Then, she found someone who showed her she wasn’t a monster. Someone who took care of her. Someone who revealed what real love looks like. Someone who saw beyond the years of burdens and recognized her true self.” Leaning closer, he rested his elbows on the desk as she raised her head, revealing her red eyes. “And you did the same for Y/N.”

It took everything in her power to battle the sob that was welling up in her chest, feeling it push relentlessly to break free from its confines. Refusing to part her lips, she held back, fearing it would offer an effortless escape route. Instead, she opted for deep, measured breaths in an attempt to regain composure. Breaking down in front of Steve Rogers was the least desirable outcome, but she couldn’t help but wonder if it would be so terrible if she did. Though they had their ups and downs, she had come to consider the super soldier a very close friend.

He remained patient, giving her the time she needed to regain control of her emotions before she found her voice. “I’d give anything for just one more second with her,” she admitted, the sorrow and vulnerability prominent in her voice. She felt fragile, diminished… Utterly empty. When she spoke again, it was in a hushed tone, mirroring the way she felt inside. “She was my kid, Steve.”

Steve’s mouth opened, a word on the tip of his tongue, yet he didn’t get much farther than that before camera footage materialized on the screen before them. A man appeared, waving his hands at the camera, attempting to grab their… or anybody’s attention. “Is anyone home?” His arms dropped down to his sides. “It’s Scott Lang. We met a few years ago…”

“Is this an old message?” The patriot rose from his seat, and the Russian promptly followed suit.

Natasha, not removing her eyes from the screen, shook her head. “It’s the front gate.”

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Natasha couldn’t seem to focus on the boys’ bickering. Scott was loudly yelling at Bruce about being too Hulky. Rocket and Tony were engaged in a casual yet heated debate over who was smarter. Steve and Clint seemed engrossed in their own hushed conversation, which remained out of earshot even if she were inclined to listen. Her gaze remained fixed on the glass platform in the center of the room, arms crossed tautly over her chest with the sun heating her skin in a soothing way, chewing the inside of her cheek.

She had thought she’d seen it all, but now she found herself in the midst of planning a heist to save the universe. A heist. She should have felt happy. Optimistic. Why were those feelings eluding her?

“I- I’m not ready for this,” Scott, who was dressed in a white suit that he claimed was for the ease of time travel but was perhaps more about looking cool, stammered. Panic was evident on his face, the weight of only one test run pressing down on him. Or perhaps the thought of being the guinea pig for time travel was suddenly unappealing. Time travel…

Without hesitation, Natasha stepped forward, ignoring the pointed look Steve shot her way. “I’ll do it,” she declared with unwavering determination. “I’ll go.”

Now, she will see it all. Donned in a suit much like Scott’s, she stood poised on the platform. Bruce had warned her about the potential side effects of chronoshifts, but she couldn’t muster much concern. Her gaze remained fixed on the far wall while everyone else suddenly indulged in banter about movies involving time travel. Only Steve seemed to keep his attention solely on her, his hands resting on his hips, a faint furrow in his brow. She had one vial of Pym Particles at her disposal, and he couldn’t help but wonder if she’d use it wisely or selfishly.

Bruce cut the bickering short. “Alright, Nat. We’re going in three… two… one!”

Her vision was obscured as a helmet materialized around her head, and in an instant, she was hurtling through a realm unlike any she had ever seen before. Flying through what looked to be space, yet distinctly different. The experience was brief, and soon, she found herself back in the compound, her face released from the helmet. It appeared that the journey hadn’t taken her far, indicating some miscalculations. Instead of a time travel machine, it seemed they might have inadvertently created a teleportation device. She knew she’d have to return to the team and deliver the disappointing news. Now they only had one test run left, and the weight of their mission hung heavier in the balance. If they failed again…

She navigated the hallways easily, with the stars outside the window shimmering brightly in the night sky as she passed by. Her stomach churned with discomfort as she realized she was nearing the corner that led to your room, untouched and unvisited, exactly as it was when you were last there. It was foolish, she knew, to think as if you were coming back.

She refused to turn down that corridor, choosing the longer route instead. But as she walked, her muscles seemed to freeze, and her movements faltered when the sound of that rare laughter reached her ears. It was a sound she hadn’t heard in years, and it brought tears to the brim of her eyes as her gut twisted with excitement. She pressed her body against the wall, leaning slightly to peer around the corner just in time to see a version of herself emerging from your room.

Her heart felt like it had stopped beating as she quietly made her way toward your bedroom. Each step echoed loudly in her head, the empty hallway stretching out miles before her, and her chest constricted the closer she got.

You were seated on your bed, criss-cross applesauce style, when she approached the doorway, and her breath hitched in her throat when you lifted your head to lock eyes with her. Your expression shifted to confusion as your gaze initially settled on her hair before moving to take in her somewhat ridiculous outfit.

“Nat?” You smiled at her, the initial bewilderment fading from your expression. However, a subtle tilt of your head suggested that you were still puzzled. You released a soft chuckle as she took another step closer to you, her mind still stuck in processing mode to be able to find words. “What happened to Germany? And your hair? What are you wearing?”

Everything fell into place with sudden clarity. She knew precisely when she was, mere moments before the disastrous battle at the airport, where her seemingly insignificant choice had cost you your freedom once again. A torrent of emotions surged within her. She could change it all, prevent your descent back into HYDRA’s grasp. She could take you away, show you the world, fulfill those pinky promises she had made. She didn’t have to leave you behind.

Her nose burned with a fierce fire as she reached you, sinking to her knees just before your bed and resting her chin on your knee. Your expression turned solemn, filled with concern, as a solitary tear finally escaped her, leaving a glistening trail on her skin. She reached up to you, her palm gently cupping your cheek, and a sob tore from her chest when you instinctively leaned into her touch. You had seen Natasha upset before, but this was more. She was in distress, and you were overwhelmed by the intuition to help her, yet you felt powerless, unsure of how to ease her pain.

She suddenly snapped back to reality with a breath, as if shaking herself free from a daze. In an abrupt motion, she pulled you off the bed, leaving you standing there, bewildered once more, as she made her way to your dresser. “Come on,” she urged, stuffing a couple of shirts into a backpack. “We’re leaving.”

You took a tentative step forward, watching her preparations with a sense of curiosity. “Where are we going?” you questioned.

“Wherever you want,” she answered. “I need you to be safe, Y/N.”

“Nat.” You reached out, your hand grasping her wrist, and the sensation of your touch made her pause. She averted her gaze, her eyes finding that soft smile that still somehow managed to illuminate your features. “We can’t go,” you gently insisted, shaking your head ever so subtly. “You have to save them.” You released her when you felt her muscles relax beneath your hand. She knew you were right. She had a whole planet to bring back. But what was so special about it if you weren’t there anymore?

“Y/N, please…” She turned her body to face you, tears tracing their path. But as she met your gaze, she realized that there was nothing she could do to prevent what lay ahead. Overwhelmed by the countless emotions surging through her, she fell forward, her arms enveloping you in a tight embrace. It didn’t seem to matter how hard she squeezed her eyes shut, the tears continued to carve their way down her cheeks. And it only intensified the feeling when you returned the hug, drawing her even closer to you. She cherished this moment, knowing this moment, these feelings… They weren’t real. They weren’t going to last.

“You always make me fries when I’m feeling down, and it always helps,” you admitted, gently pulling back to meet her eyes. “I know what’ll make you feel better.” Your face lit up with pure joy as realization colored your eyes, but it only deepened the ache in her heart. “A peanut butter sandwich!” Your laughter should have made her smile, it should’ve released all the tension in her muscles, but it had the opposite effect, intensifying her sorrow. She etched the sound of your laughter into her memory, knowing it was the final time she’d ever hear it. “I’ll make you one!” Flashing her a wide grin, you gave her shoulder a squeeze before fully pulling away, but she swiftly grasped your wrist, not quite ready to let go just yet.

“Listen to me, Y/N,” she declared, her voice firm and resolute. “I’m not going.” Your brows knitted together in confusion once more, your head tilting slightly to the side, yet the smile on your face remained undiminished. “I’m staying right here. You…” Her words faltered, and the longer she gazed at you, bathed in the radiance of a smile brighter than a thousand suns, the more she realized what needed to be said. “You’re my sun, Y/N,” she continued, her voice softening, “and if I lose my sun, then it’s just… It’s like being trapped in an eternal midnight.”

“Nat-”

“We need the sun to survive, Y/N.”

“Nat!” You chuckled, shaking your head as you gently removed her hand from your wrist to place it over your heart. She let out a soft gasp, her voice failing her as she felt the steady beat beneath her palm. “You’re not going to lose me,” you reassured casually, offering a grin, one that was less bright, more carefree. “I’m safe in the compound. I’m always safe here.” It was at that moment she realized that you weren’t fully aware of the true circumstance. Everything that happened hadn’t yet. She had deceived herself, allowed the illusion that she was in the present, that you were alive and breathing and aware of the world’s current state. But now, reality crashed over her like a tidal wave - she was in the past.

There was nothing holding her back from staying in the past.

“You can’t stay, Nat,” you expressed, your voice low and earnest. “They’re going to need your help. Wanda… She might think she doesn’t need protection, but she does.” You pursed your lips together for a brief moment before letting go of her hand to raise your pinky. Your radiant smile returned as her throat tightened at the small gesture. “It’s a pinky promise.” You grinned. “Remember? You explained it to me a few moments ago. If broken-”

“You must suffer serious consequences.”

“You promised me something. It’s my turn to promise you something.”

The all-too-familiar burning sensation returned to her nose. “You don’t need to promise me anything.”

Yet you nodded in disagreement, and she saw that she had no other choice but to wrap her pinky around yours tightly. “I promise I’ll be right here when you come back.” Her chest constricted to the point where she started to believe she was having a heart attack. “I promise you won’t lose me.” The tears came back, too. Of course. Just the cherry on top of this emotional cake. “And I promise I’ll make you a peanut butter sandwich in every city we go!” You laughed.

How could she say goodbye to that grin? To that laughter? To you? It felt completely impossible… but it had to be done. “We can start making a list,” she offered, though the small smile on her face didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Right now. Beginning with New York.” Your eyes brightened, the way they always did when you were happy, making it all the more challenging for her to go through with this. “You head to the kitchen, I’ll get some paper.”

“You won’t find my peanut butter sandwiches in Germany,” you confidently expressed, turning your back to her, “until we go to Germany!” Your laughter echoed from the hallways as you left the room, leaving her standing there alone, feeling frozen and battling every urge in her body that wanted to crumble. “Come on, Nat!” your voice called from afar.

Her gaze landed on your notebook resting on the nightstand, and with a determined effort, she finally rallied her legs and made her way to it. Holding it tightly to her chest, she closed her eyes.

It was uncontrollable, the way her body was thrown to her knees at the sudden shift, but there was a part of her that knew she had given up the fight anyway. When she opened her eyes, the entire team was staring at her. Clint was quick to reach her, Steve was a close second. She had to muster that strength to fight again, she couldn’t fall apart in front of an audience.

“I knew it was a bad idea,” Steve whispered softly, though she heard him loud and clear.

Sucking in a deep breath, she straightened her form and presented your notebook. Yet as the room cheered in victory, she remained silent.

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“I figured you were here.” Clint leaned casually against the doorway of your bedroom, where he found Natasha perched on the edge of your bed, your notebook cradled delicately in her hands. “We’re all set to go when you are.”

“Just had to return this.” She gently closed the notebook and placed it in the drawer of your nightstand, carefully sliding it shut. “I… I saw her, Clint,” she admitted, her gaze drifting to her own hands. “And a part of me… A pretty big part of me wanted to stay. I almost did.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“We have to save them,” she replied, meeting his eyes with a small, strained smile. “They need our help.”

“Unfortunately, death is a part of life for everyone,” he stated, folding his arms across his chest as he took a step into the room. “Someday, you’ll see her again. You’ll have more time with her. But, before that day comes… we have to live our lives. And, right now, living our lives is going to the dominion of death and getting this damn stone.”

She briefly chewed the inside of her cheek, then rose from her seat, took a deep breath, and wiped away any lingering sorrow from her face. “Vormir is calling,” she said with a smirk, strutting past Clint.

The time travel journey remained consistent with her previous experience, and the trip to the desolate planet seemed to drag on endlessly before they finally arrived. When the hooded figure presented an unexpected twist - a subtext in the contract they didn’t fully examine - Natasha instinctively knew what she had to do. However, Clint wasn’t ready to accept her decision, despite everything. The two fought as hard as they could to jump off of the cliff first, but when it was all said and done, with the two of them dangling off of her grappling hook, a feeling settled in the bottom of her gut. A feeling she hadn’t felt in forever. She was so close, all she needed to do was…

She kicked against the wall, breaking free from Clint’s grip in the process. It didn’t feel like she was falling; instead, it was more akin to flying. Soaring through the air, unburdened and as free as a bird. Because, at that moment, she was truly free. And when she finally landed on the ground, darkness enveloped her almost instantly, offering her an infinite reprieve from the eternal midnight that had plagued her for five years.

Or so she thought.

There was a voice, distant and muffled, but undeniably present. It roused her from unconsciousness, and her eyes slowly fluttered open. It felt as if her heart started beating again when she found herself gazing into your eyes, a bittersweet smile tugging at the corners of your lips as you crouched beside her. “Hey, Mom,” you whispered, reaching down to gently swipe a couple of loose strands of hair away from her forehead. “I missed you so much.” Her breath caught in her throat. “Are you going to lie there, or can we hug?” You laughed when she sat up within seconds, wrapping her arms around your neck to bring her close to you. Because this was real. And this time, it was going to last.

Her sun was back.

#natasha romanoff #black widow #wanda maximoff #scarlet witch #marvel #mcu #marvel cinematic universe #wanda maximoff x reader #wanda x reader #maximoff x reader #scarlet witch x reader #heart of stone #reader insert

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