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523rdrebel · 7 months

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Chapter 4 -

Chapter 1 , Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8

Summary: AU/Canon Divergent - Set after the rescue of Crosshair, Omega, and Tech from Mount Tantis. The Batch settles down on Pabu and are, for the moment, able to hide from the Empire. Crosshair, with much grumbling, is convinced to see one of the local doctors to monitor his recovery. Unfortunately for Crosshair, Dr. Isabella Ramót is a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air - and totally capable of handling his harsh, rough demeanor.

Trigger Warnings - Emotions. Just, all the emotions. SFW, but mature themes explored. Minors DNI.

As a Bonus! @mythical-illustrator created an amazing fanart of Bells! isn't she wonderful!?? Check out the linked original post and show the artist some love!

The following weeks after Crosshair’s vulnerable moment on the Cliff with Bells, and their tentative agreement, were filled with preparations. Crosshair had to improve his physical state and maintain standing or walking without becoming overwhelmed or collapsing. He was surprised at the level of determination he now felt to grow in strength.

He sought out physical activity more frequently and began taking night walks, in order to avoid the looks or attempted conversations with villagers. Sometimes Omega would tag along, regaling him with stories of the shenanigans she and her friends had gotten into, usually along with Wrecker. He listened and scowled, and tried not to acknowledge the strange feeling of warm nostalgia for a time when he and his brothers were so carefree as cadets. When they'd arrive back at his home, Hunter would be waiting with an infuriatingly soft expression on his face and Omega would sneak a hug from Crosshair before skipping off after Hunter.

No matter how much Crosshair protested, Wrecker had seemed to take it upon himself to ensure that Crosshair was up to his eyeballs in food. He came over once a day when possible, never bothering to knock and kicking the door open, arms laden with various fruits, breads, pastries, and cured meats.

"Ugh, Wrecker- don't you ever knock?" Crosshair hissed at his brother and glared at the newest armful of food Wrecker brought in.

"Uhh–No. Why? I've never had to knock before."

"Start." He growled, but Wrecker was immune to Crosshair’s vitriol and simply laughed in response. Crosshair eyed the food Wrecker deposited on the counter of his small kitchenette. "What the kriff did you bring?" He noticed a few repeat items that he’d enjoyed, including a particular spicy ronto meat pie that made his mouth water.

"Oh! Izzy said that you’re improving but you need to eat more! So I brought you some of my favorite things from the market here!" Wrecker’s smile is wide and disarming, “And a few things you seemed to like from last time.”

Crosshair rolled his eyes, deliberately ignoring the tightness in his chest, and snapped back, "I don't need you to feed me, di’kut."

Wrecker’s large hand slapped his back and Crosshair gritted his teeth against the pain. With a disgustingly soft expression, Wrecker replied, "I know! But- if you don't eat more I will."

Crosshair mumbled under his breath, "Kriffing can't anyone stay out of my fucking business."

"Nope!" Wrecker exclaimed loudly, laughter reverberating in the small lodging. He ignored his brother’s grumbling, more than used to it by now, and digs into the food, knowing that Crosshair will join him when he’s ready.

Crosshair begrudgingly nibbled at the food, sampling a little of each item. He found himself consistently surprised by how much he likes, new flavors and textures he's never had the opportunity to experience before. Wrecker is loud and exuberant as he eats, and as much as Crosshair scowled and grit his teeth, there was a certain comfort that came from sharing a meal with his brother. It was almost like before. When they were a family. When he was whole. Wrecker stays for a while after the meal grinning like a fool that his mission has been successful.

Wrecker had always been good at filling the silence, regardless of whether or not Crosshair cares to hear it. He was now talking about some civilian woman he’d met at the bakery, why he felt Crosshair needed to know what color her hair was or how she always smiled when Wrecker came in, which was every kriffing day apparently, he couldn’t guess.

“Her name is Daisy and she always gives me extras of my favorite things when I go in there! And Omega loves her!” Wrecker’s smile was somehow wider than it was before, something Crosshair didn’t think was possible, and there was a slight flush to his cheeks.

“You like her.” Crosshair scoffed,eyeing his brother with insufferable scrutiny.

“Well– yeah! Daisy’s nice! And she makes the best food!”

"You have a crush because she’s pretty and makes food…" He sneered derisively at his brother. He can't be serious.

"Well…I mean…" Wrecker shrugged, rubbing a hand on his neck, perhaps made a little shy by the topic of conversation, "Is that so bad?"

"We're not meant for that life, Wrecker." His voice was firm, decided.

Wrecker shook his head, "Why not, Cross? We're not soldiers anymore. I mean- not like we use'ta be."

"Don't be naive. You can’t change your nature. We weren't made for relationships, to have normal lives." He waved dismissively, hoping to push the topic away like smoke.

"Well- I'm not letting anyone else make that choice anymore… you shouldn't either." It was a rare serious moment for his large, silly brother, his face sobered.

"Ugh-" This was not a conversation Crosshair felt ready to discuss.

"Hey! What about you and Bells! Huh??" Wrecker nudged him with his elbow, eyebrows waggling.

"Ridiculous." Crosshair snarled, practically spitting the word out. He felt irrational anger at Wrecker’s use of the nickname. He grit his teeth and shook it off, but the feeling lingered at the back of his mind. Wrecker was giving him an amused and knowing look, which only angered him further, "Wrecker- don't look at me like that."

"You're allowed to like her ya know…" Wrecker leaned in, his voice oddly softer.

Crosshair bristled, this is ridiculous! "Wrecker." He warned. He pushed his brother away and focused intently on a cracked spot of the counter. "STOP."

Wrecker was not dissuaded, he wrapped an arm around Crosshair’s shoulders, pulling him close, despite his brother’s protests. "Come ooon, Cross! I think she likes you, too!"

Unable to fight his brother’s strength, he rolls his eyes and scowls. "Don't you have something better to do than pester me?"

"Nope!" Wrecker laughed boisterously, shaking Crosshair in the process.

- - - -

Once he'd been left alone again, Crosshair finally pulled out his firepuncher, he was reverant, mourning, guilty. His thoughts raced in his mind telling him don't bother trying, di’kut, that you can't, you're too weak, and you aren't worthy. He stared down at his disassembled rifle, Maybe now is the time for pushing. His thoughts unbidden turned to Bells. Her maddeningly positive outlook, the way her eyes sparkle brightly when she smiles at him. The surprising strength she carries to challenge him, support him, and defend him– He put his rifle back together for the first time since his rescue and felt a sliver of himself return to him. Perhaps Bells is right afterall, the familiar feeling of the cool metal beneath his fingers giving him a strange sort of melancholy. But is this all that he is? A soldier? A killer? Is he even capable of being anything else?

A frustrated growl escaped his lips as he attempted to lift his rifle with precise, practiced movements, only to feel the uncontrollable shaking of his weakened muscles. He was unable to hold his form for more than a few moments despite multiple desperate, stubborn attempts.

After many long, aggravating attempts to lift and hold his rifle with precision and the same practiced ease he had previously taken pride in, Crosshair was left shaking, sweaty, and sore from the use of his atrophied muscles. Yet, there was a mild sort of satisfaction that he felt just from once again being able to hold and feel the rifle that was once his singular identity. Crosshair determined in that moment that, if he could not have the redemption he did not deserve, he would at least regain this one part of himself - his strength, his ability, his identity. That would have to be enough.

- - - -

During one of Crosshair’s nightly walks, a rare one where Omega or another sibling didn’t join him and he’s left blissfully alone, he enjoyed the quiet coastal breeze and the comforting silence of the village. It was late enough that most had gone to their homes, businesses were shuttered, and the only souls walking the streets were quickly finding their way to their homes for a well-earned rest.

On nights like this Crosshair could almost believe that he had earned his freedom. That he perhaps could have a chance at a quiet life, at peace. Almost. The thought soured like vinegar in his mind and he pushed it back down, hiding it away once more.

The streetlights were dimmed to a comfortable ambiance and Crosshair felt no sense of urgency as he meandered through the streets, eyes observing everything, memorizing every nook and cranny without a thought. A lifetime of training isn’t easily forgotten.

As he walked, a noise came from off to the side, in a dark, covered doorway and he paused, listening more closely. Was that crying he was hearing? Uncertainty clouded his mind and he froze. The crying was stifled, as if the person was attempting to cover up the noise. Crosshair wasn’t sure what compelled him to, but he took a few steps forward leaning in to investigate the sound.

Isabella was curled in upon herself, one hand covering her mouth to muffle the sound of her cry. Her shoulders wracked with sobs, her other hand clutched a data pad.

Unsure what to do, Crosshair looked about the area for another person, someone who would very likely be more equipped to handle a crying woman than himself.

The movement caught Isabella’s eye and she started. She quickly stood up, hands flying to her face to wipe away the tears, "Crosshair!" Her voice was thick and rough from crying.

"Bells." He cleared his throat, visibly uncomfortable, "Do- Do you need me to go find someone…else…for you?"

She released a startled chuckle and shook her head. “No. I’m-I’m–fine. Thank you.” She responds haltingly, voice shaking out each word, and continues in vain to wipe at the tears streaming down her face.

He tilted his head to the side, “You’re crying.” It was a statement of fact. Despite his flat tone, Crosshair felt a deep concern for her and took a few soft steps forward to lean against the wall opposite her, “I don’t think I’d call that ‘fine’.”

She leaned her head back against the wall and took a deep steadying breath, attempting to slow the halting gasps. The pair stood in silence, both unsure how to proceed. There was a sense of unavoidable change, that how they chose to proceed could change something indeterminate between them.

Crosshair watched her closely, it was strange to see this woman who so often had a smile on her face, now so broken, eyes rimmed in red and face scrunched in some deep emotional pain. Crosshair felt so out of his depth but also unable to leave her alone in her pain. He knew what that felt like and was surprised to find that he did not want to be the reason that Bells experienced the same.

Her breathing had evened out after a time and she sighed deeply, “Today is the anniversary of my parents’ death.” She spoke softly, almost too softly to hear. Her eyes were focused on the ground, giving him the option to disengage. “And I forgot.” He watched the pain on her face deepen and she slid down the wall, sitting once again and wrapping her arms around herself.

He sat across from her in silence- what words could he give to comfort her? He couldn’t exactly describe himself as emotionally competent. So he did what he had wished others had done for him, and simply sat with her.

“This is the first time I’ve forgotten them… I usually take the day to do something we used to do together, something that reminds me of them. But I was so focused on my work and the new refugees that I didn’t remember until I got home.” Now that she was speaking, it was like the words couldn’t be kept in, they spilled out in a rush.

Honoring the fallen was something Crosshair could understand. Despite the contention he’d often held for “regs” they were still, in some fashion, his brothers and many had been lost. She had presented him with a problem, and problems were something he could fix. “What do you normally do?”

Her eyes were still red rimmed but the tears had stopped for the moment. She regarded him with an unreadable expression before answering, “Last year, I made their favorite meals and stayed up to watch the sun rise. Mom loved the sunrise.” She paused, breathing deeply with her eyes closed, “He used to paint them… My–my father used to paint. He made the most beautiful scenic works of art. I used to paint, too, before–”

Something sparked in Crosshair’s memory, “The painting in your clinic. Was it his?”

Bells’s eyes widened, “Yes. How did you–”

He glanced sidelong at her with a smirk and rolled his eyes, “I wouldn’t be a very good sniper if I wasn’t observant.” His snark was rewarded with a smile, if not as bright as her usual ones. He took this as encouragement and continued, “Why don’t you paint the sunrise?”

“What?”

He shrugged, attempting to keep up his appearance of detachment, despite the growing tightness and warmth in his chest. “You used to paint. So paint the sunrise. That will honor both of them.”

She laughed suddenly, a bright and bubbling sound, “Crosshair! You’re a genius!”

“Don’t let Tech hear you say that… Actually, do. He’d hate it.”

Isabella leapt up and reached out a hand to him, “Will you join me? It was your idea, after all.”

He hesitated, once again Bells has found a way to spin things in a way that draws him closer when he’s so used to pushing others away. He scowled, but still reached out and took her hand, “It’s not like I sleep much anyway.”

“Hm. Might want to work on that.” She smirked back at him. The banter was like a pressure release, the strangely charged feeling passes allowing things to return to normal, for the moment.

For the next several hours, Crosshair found himself in a situation he could never have foreseen. Keeping silent vigil over Bells as she painted the sunrise in honor of parents he would never meet. He was her silent companion. It had been a long time since he’d been so relaxed and watching her paint smooth brushstrokes was soothing.

“Thank you, Crosshair.” She smiled at him, red hair rimmed in a halo of sunlight.

Taglist: @anxiouspineapple99 @wings-and-beskar @starrylothcat @secondaryrealm @arctrooper69 @blueink-bluesoul @littlemissmanga @wolffegirlsunitee @dystopicjumpsuit @idontgetanysleep @clonemedickix @sunshinesdaydream @jediknightjana @dangraccoon

#Oop #He's down bad already #Sunflowers & Blasters #Crosshair x OC #Crosshair x OC Isabella Ramot #Soft Crosshair #star wars #the bad batch #tbb #the clone wars #tbb crosshair #bad batch #fanfiction #Rebel Writes #tbb wrecker #wrecker bad batch #wrecker

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stitched-mouth · 2 months

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Madame Web Production BS

Just to be clear, I love this movie. But I love talking about what a dumpster fire it was behind the scenes so let me point everything wrong with my favourite of the year so far. SPOILERS!

• Cass’s personality is not fleshed out… that’s a major problem. I feel like they just told Dakota Johnson to do what she wants the whole movie BUT then right at they end they decide to give Cass a personality completely ripped from the comics. And it doesn’t work with the way Dakota was playing her the whole movie and these no character development over the course of the movie, so it’s actually a little scary seeing her switch at the end.

• None of the characters have a personality actually. The villain was the worst to be fair because I still don’t really understand his motives. Like… you tricked and murdered a pregnant woman and a few others because your family was poor? And you think Spidey strength will fix that? Um, ok. So is mine but I don’t know.. wouldn’t kill anybody over it though.

• I hate Sydney Sweeney’s image. And it’s not her or her marketing teams fault. It’s her fans’ and her directors. She’s constantly purposely dressed sexy in movies (even when dressed down like a nerd, she’s still sexualised) but then is playing a child. Like wtf. They did it to her in Euphoria and they’ve done it to her again in Madame Web. And how Sydney dresses for press also is clearly influenced by directors and fans’, like the look isn’t just what they want for her characters but also how she’s expected to be irl too. It’s kind of sick and related to how paedophilic things are still normalised in our society today, I’ll have to say that rant for another day though.

• Why does it feel like nobody cared about this movie? The script feels like the first draft that was supposed to have rewrites but nobody was bothered. Same with the editing, everything but especially the dialogue and music feels so placeholder, why was it in the finished project? Like even the Google cast page is not finished, only the leads have their character names on there. Zosia Mament (the villain’s assistant) is credited as fucking ‘Actress’.

• Why was Cassie able to fly to Peru when she’s a wanted criminal? Why is she flying to Peru when talking about laying low because she’s a WANTED CRIMINAL??!

• The writers constantly forgetting what year it is was hilarious and the editors just throwing one Brittney Spears song in and a few Beyonce billboards in to cover up their mistake is also hilarious.

• ACTUALLY, apparently the whole reason the movie was set in 2003 was because the director really wanted to use Toxic in the movie. Because apparently you can’t play a song in a movie if the movie doesn’t take place in the same year the song was released 🤡

• BUT Toxic was released in 2004 🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡🤡

• The writers taking the time setting as a opportunity to reference Garfield’s Spider-Man but then also forgetting that that SM was born in 1995 🤡🤡🤡🤡

• Yes I checked, they specifically wanted to reference Garfield’s Spidey, but through editing they realised their mistake and started trying to make it look like they were talking about Tom Holland’s SM instead, which risks breaking some rules with Marvel… AND THAT SPIDEY WAS BORN IN 2001 SO THEY STILL FUCKED UP. The fact that a simple Google and common sense (like they must of know Garfield’s fist SM movie took place in 2012 and if he was born in 2003, he would of been only 9 years old in 2012 😑) would of fixed this problem is again hilarious.

• Obviously the biggest goof was Dakota Johnson not realising she’s not in a Marvel movie and firing her agent the same day the trailer got dropped 🤡

• She also might be in trouble for posting the teaser on her Instagram and tagging Marvel before the trailer dropped (so before she found out), but I don’t think Dakota manages her own socials tbh. That post was removed then put back up without a Marvel tag.

• The press tour is amazingly bad, I love it.

• Not seeing the girls turn or become heroes was probably the worst part about this movie but I knew that going in so didn’t mind too much. But the real issue is with how Sony keeps straight up lying to their audience with their trailers. Obviously some studios add somethings into their trailer to create more interest for the audience but that’s not what Sony is doing, they are straight up LYING. And they do it so often now I want to fight whoever is in charge of that, they are the reason this movie flopped.

• Them and the writers… and whoever decided to hire the Morbius writers again, everyone there deserves to lose their jobs.

• The only reason I want this movie to do well is because I want Madame Web to have more movies with Dakota Johnson, Sydney Sweeney, Adam Scott, Isabella Mercer, Emma Roberts and Celeste O’Connor all returning. But I really don’t see that happening now, I can’t see Dakota signing another contract with Sony or doing everything to get out of this contract if it’s not over yet.

• The fact that they had to dub the villain’s lines makes me so confused to why he was hired? He didn’t even give a good performance, not saying he’s a bad actor (I’ve heard he’s great on other movies), but he really didn’t do anything in MW.

• And the part with the FBI agent and the villain had me so confused too. Like, did she seduce him to find out information about him? Because it makes sense that the FBI would be suspicious of this guy. But then did he see through her act and decide to at least get laid before killing her and stealing her passcode? But everyone is saying he seduce her for her passcodes and yeah I’m confused.

• The problem is the pacing and how everything that needs explaining isn’t, but everything that doesn’t need an explanation IS explained. And too much.

“He worked with my Mom in this place looking for this spider right before she died”

That’s not the exact quote but it’s pretty close to and that’s less than 5 minutes in. Ok thanks spoiling the whole movie to me. I really didn’t know a movie could spoil the movie to me.

• I’ll add more to this post when I remember more bs this movie endured or forced me to endure, feel free to add to this list in the comments or reposts.

#stitched #stitched talks #stitched writes #madame web #dakota johnson #emma roberts #cassandra webb #mary parker #ben parker #uncle ben #adam scott #sydney sweeney #julia cornwall #isabella merced #anya corazon #celeste o'connor #mattie franklin #tahar rahim #ezekiel sims

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18catsreading · 5 months

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Ava: pretty good for someone who doesn't know how to read or pre-read

Lila: sure

Brennan: pre-read? Oh, write.

#aabria iyengar #dimension 20 #burrow's end #ep 6 reactor charlie #brennan lee mulligan #siobhan thompson #erika ishii #rashawn scott #jasper william cartwright #isabella roland #oh! write!#we are living in a population support state we can't yell this loud!

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merakiui · 1 month

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you're an arlecchino fan also?! understandable tbh she is perfect and so interesting

I AM!!! :D she's so amazing. I really enjoyed her role in the Fontaine Archon Quest. The way she pushed and cornered Furina during the conversation over tea and cakes....... it was so tense. >_< she has such a formidable aura!!!! I love her!!!!!! I thought she was very intriguing from reading up on the House of the Hearth lore and then seeing her in A Winter's Night Lazzo.

But it was over for me the minute she snapped her fingers in The Final Feast trailer and then when we got to see her as a cloaked assassin........ HER ARMS. HER HANDS. SHE IS EVERYTHING AAAAAAAAAAA.

#genshin chit chat #i was quietly waiting for her drip marketing and now it's here!!!!!! >w< i'm excited to wish for her hehe #i'd like to write a promised neverland au for her orz #something where reader grows up alongside the twins and freminet #and arle is in the role of isabella #platonic yan arle <3

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starrclownshazbinblog · 2 months

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Take this little Human Spider Family scene until I get my RadioDust fic done. (About 65% done. I'm on page 12.)

(This would be in Italian but I'm putting it in English because I don't speak Italian.)

Henroin: *Quietly whispering* "Son! Get in here!"

*Arackniss walks in the room.*

Arackaniss: "Yes father?"

Henroin: "Grab Isabella from Anthony. Put her in her crib."

*Arackniss grabs Isabella from a sleeping Angel on the ground. Arackniss gently sets Isabella in her crib. He turns back around and slaps his forehead with his hand gently.*

*Henroin has grabbed Angel and is holding him like a baby.*

Arackaniss: "Father, he's not a baby."

Henroin: "He's my baby."

*Arackniss rolls his eyes and follows his father. He turns on Isabella's nightlight before shutting the door.*

Is this professional? No. But it's sweet :)

Asks are always open, art is always here, commissions are open, don't sleep on the floor, it hurts your back.

- ⭐️StarClown⭐️

#hazbin hotel rewrite #hazbin hotel critical #hazbin hotel rewrite blog #hazbin hotel #hazbin hotel redesign #hazbin hotel criticism #vivziepop critical #vivziepop criticism #hazbin hotel angel dust #hazbin hotel henroin #hazbin hotel arackniss #hazbin hotel isabella #writing prompt #filler post

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bellysoupset · 4 months

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"I'm not hungry," Lucas mumbled, as he slid in the backseat of the car that had been sent for them and Bella frowned.

She felt incredibly out of her depth. She could do caretaking, but she had no idea how to do emotional caretaking. Her family's unspoken policy with emotional troubles had always been "nothing a couple beers couldn't fix".

Luke was doing his best to show he was somewhat collected, but at least with her he wasn't bothering pretending and Bell was glad for that, she was happy he trusted her entirely... She just had no idea of how to fix it.

"I didn't ask if you were," she wrinkled her nose, pushing the bagel towards his mouth, "eat up."

Lucas groaned, but took the bagel, starting to tear it apart in his hands and force little, pathetic bites in his mouth. Bella looked up, catching the chauffeur glancing at them, but he quickly averted his gaze.

This was the salt in the wound, the fact that her husband was falling apart and yet here they were, in this farse, playing happy house with Kit Howard. Where there were drivers and Lucas felt the need to flash bright, horrible smiles whenever someone talked directly with him.

She watched from the corner of her eye as Luke gave up halfway through the bagel and instead just curled up against the door, staring at the changing scenario. They were supposed to have gotten there in the morning, but an emergency cuddle session had been needed, so they exchanged the tickets. It was amazing what the black card with A T W O O D stamped on it could get, Bella thought sourly, sliding closer to him.

"Hey, look at me," Bell cupped Luke's cheek and pressed her lips into a thin smile when she noticed his sad stare. He swallowed in, forcing up a tiny smile.

"I'm okay, Bell-"

"Don't," she shook her head, "don't lie to me. To everyone else, but not to me, okay?" she stroked his cheek, "let's make a decent holiday out of this, Luke. I know being here was the last thing we wanted and I know the timing isn't exactly good and that you're not feeling well, but... We can make a good thing out of a bad one, right?"

He nodded slowly, "at least we're not at Vince's," Lucas whispered, bitterly and Bella opened a surprised smile. She giggled, bumping her nose against his.

"Yeah, it would be hella awkward when I clawed his face off mid Christmas dinner."

"You'd never, you fucking love him," Luke rolled his eyes and Bella grinned at the playful tone, however weak it was.

"Oh, trust me, I can love the guy and still claw his fucking face off. Try me," she pressed a kiss over his lips, then pulled back and grabbed the ditched bagel on his lap, "finish it up."

"I'm full..."

"That's all you've had to eat today," Bella glared at him, "you're not full, babe. Now eat."

It was another twenty minutes as they entered his gated community and then Bella felt her stomach drop to her feet. Luke had prepared her for it. He had shown her pictures, a fucking Architecture Digest tour of his house - Kit grinning with those overly white smile of his -, but nothing could've prepared her for the sheer enormity of it all.

"God... This is sick," she whispered, gluing her nose to the car window and watching the mansion grow as it came closer. She tried to imagine Lucas, a little version of him, in that house, but couldn't. In fact, Bell couldn't imagine anyone living there, period.

"Your dad lives here all by himself?" she whispered, half amazed, half horrified and Luke shrugged.

"He's rarely home, he's always touring," he leaned closer, pressing a kiss to her shoulder, "some things don't change."

"So back then... It was just you and your mom...?" which someone made things worse, not better. One adult and a child in that haunted fucking mansion. It was a wonder that Luke was so well adjusted.

"Yeah," he pressed a kiss to her cheek, "and the staff."

"The staff," she wrinkled her nose. She was the staff, Bella knew it quite well. Her mother would be the staff, Bella herself, in another reality, "they don't count?" she raised her eyebrows, voice all bitter and Luke shook his head.

"Of course they do, I used to spend more time with them than with my own mother," he sighed, "dad fired everyone when she passed though, I don't know the new people well enough."

Reason number a hundred why Bella hated Kit Howard, she thought, squeezing Luke's hand as the car finally came to a stop.

She expected Kit to come out to greet them, but instead it was a chubby lady, with a friendly smile on and curly very blonde hair. She was a short little woman, half of Bell's size.

"Oh hi...?"

"Bella, this is Mary Ann," Lucas introduced them, "she runs everyone and everything in this house, dad included. Mary this Bella, my wife."

"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Atwood."

Bella cringed, "nice to meet you too, but it's just Bella," she shook the woman's hand, then looked around awkwardly.

"Mr. Howard is in the studio," Mary said, to Luke, who let out a little sigh.

"Of course," he wrapped an arm around Bella's shoulders, "c'mon, let me show you around."

She half wished he hadn't shown her around. The house was a fucking mausoleum, as far as Bell was concerned. Unlike the Sicily house, that only had one picture of Veronica, this one was filled with them. Every wall Bella looked at, there was Luke's mom plastered, with a fake smile on.

It was no wonder he didn't visit, she thought, avoiding Veronica's judgy eyes and trying to make any sense of the floorplan. Not even halfway through, though, she gave up. The place was a maze.

"And here's my old room," he finished up the tour, falling backwards on the gigantic bed and Bella stopped at the door, looking around. There was only one picture of his mom, sitting on the fireplace mantle. Veronica, glaring at the camera, one blurry hand out trying to block it.

Bella felt like she could almost hear the woman's exasperated "Lucas!"

Besides that, there were books. So many books, shelves littering the walls. Two posters with football players she didn't recognize, a deep blue wall behind his bed, an abandoned PS4 console under the flat screen TV, one framed shirt that was signed.

"So?"

"Not messy enough to be yours," she said, then crossed the room to stand in front of him, "I'm surprised that I like it."

Luke wrapped his arms around her, leaning to rest his cheek on her chest, looking around, "it's not bad."

"Yeah, I was imagining something more... Kardashian," she teased him and could feel him grimace and scoff against her.

"Don't say that around dad unless you want a whole rant," he whispered, "c'mon, let's go say hi."

"...Your dad isn't home," she pulled back, "he's in the studio, you heard Mary."

"That's the basement level," Lucas stood up, running a hand through his hair and forcing a smile, "let me show you."

--------------------

"Has Luke shown you the tapes yet?" Kit asked, lazily sprawled on his big chair, while Lucas sat in front of him and Bella dug through a box filled with old vinyl's.

She hated that they had so many good ones.

"The tapes?" She said, at the same time Luke whined:

"Dad, noooo-"

"Oh yeah, the tapes," Kit sounded so smug, getting up and opening a big black cabinet across the studio. Bella turned her body so she could get a better view and noticed there were multiple black folders, with white labels, stacked side by side. At least twenty filling up the whole cabinet.

Kit grabbed the 5th one, unzipped it and then flipped through the pages where white CDs with black markings were slotted in. Bella raised her eyebrows, shocked by the sheer amount of music.

"Here," the older man slid a CD out, then fed it to his sound system, folding his hands behind his back, while Luke let out a groan.

The song was mellow, with just an acoustic guitar and a drummer far in the background. Bella frowned, looking at Lucas all puzzled, only to widen her eyes as the first lyrics started and a very familiar voice sung it.

Luke, except his voice wasn't as deep, much breathier.

"Is that you!?"

"He recorded it all on his own," Kit sounded so proud, "his mother wouldn't let me include it in the album, though, and Lucas refuses to let me release it now."

"It's embarrassing," Luke's face was all red, "I was thirteen."

"Can I get a copy of that?" Bella asked, smiling so much her cheeks hurt, "has Jonah heard it before?"

"NO," Lucas glared at her, and she wasn't sure which question he was answering, probably both.

"I'll get a copy done for you, Bella," Kit smiled at her and Bella felt her disdain for the man fade just a little bit. Not much, just a tad.

#okay this is NOT a sickfic #its just context i think its necessary for the rest of christmas #and i dont wanna waste time in an actual sickfic writing it #no ending just Thoughts #lucas atwood #isabella martinez #mywriting

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thathilomgirl · 1 year

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Posuka Demizu’s TPN-themed Christmas art for 2022

#Yakusoku no Neverland #The Promised Neverland #Posuka Demizu #Emma #Ray #Norman #Phil #Isabella #FINALLY A NEW TPN DOODLE!#The date is throwing me off though #I'm 3 hours behind my usual and it's still the 23rd as of this writing

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bnbc · 2 months

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…her cry for help was so loud Heinrix heard it from Footfall, and all the long warp jumps and all the short time given to the ship system recalibration, it still rang in his ears, his bones, his mind. The warp took mercy on him and there were no delays, yet, he came too late. The mercy blade lay useless on Heinrix's palm as he watched what Isabella now was. Not in the flesh, even though her body now was terrifying, but that… thing her mind became was much scarier. So much power, she could pierce the soul of every creature on the planet, and that power belonged to the Archenemy. He had to fight her… it… her… He had to, this was his duty! He was the one standing between the Chaos and humanity now, but… he couldn't. A simple promise he broke—to be with Isabella when she needed him the most—had broken him back. Heinrix never gave Isabella her mercy blade back, but used it himself.

been talking about ' the worst case scenario' and well, in my case it's 'she subdued to warp' + 'he betrayed his duty' combo :3

#Rogue Trader #oc: Isabella von Valancius #heinrix van calox #drama for drama sake #im writing comedy atm #need to balance my food #gigiltrader

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phoenix--flying · 3 months

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im working on a crack chatfic rn so im 💀

please ignore all the mistakes my word is telling me i have LMAO

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nerdysleepybunny · 1 year

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Heyloo! I love your posts man <333 I have a request for the full score trio. What if they had an s/o (gender neutral) who one day asks them "what would you do if I were to get adopted?". Sorry if you dont wanna do this, I get it if your busy!

Ellooooo! I’m glad you like my writing! This is a really cute idea. Thank you so much for the request, hope you enjoy!

🩷☁️N E R D Y S L E E P Y B U N N Y☁️🩷

Fandom(s): The Promised Neverland

Character(s): Normam, Ray, Emma

Reader: Gender neutral (they/you)

TW: Mention of being shipped out

Style: Short hcs

Summary: Norman, Ray, and Emma (separate) react to their s/o asking them, “what would you do if I were to get adopted?”

Norman:

“What would you do if I were to get adopted?” You asked innocently whilst you and Norman were cuddling against a tree in the forest, away from all the other children who were playing in the field.

The boy completely froze. He knew that you didn’t know about the secret yet, as he convinced the others not to tell you. He knew how badly it would affect you if you knew the truth. But thinking about you experiencing the same fate made his blood run cold. But he couldn’t show signs of fear, he didn’t want you to ask questions. So he held back his tears and recollected himself, grabbing your chin with his thumb and pointer finger to direct you to look at him.

“I’d miss you dearly, and do whatever it takes to find you again. I’d never be me until I found myself by your side.” Norman responded, letting go of your chin to wrap his arms around your torso, pulling you into him.

You didn’t know what those words truly meant, but were happy with his answer, moving your arms to wrap around him and resting your head on his shoulder. It was moments like this where you felt most at peace. He held you there for a lot longer, the thought still swirling through his mind. You didn’t mind though. So the two of you stayed like that, letting the birds chirp and the small breeze flow. You both tuned out the faint sounds of the other children in the background and overrode your senses with nothing but each other, drowning in the feeling of being so close yet still trying to get closer. Yes, you absolutely adored these moments. And you knew he did too. You just didn’t understand why. Not yet, at least.

Ray:

“What would you do if I were to get adopted?” You randomly broke the silence. The two of you were sitting on the library floor, reading separate books. The silence was always comfortable with Ray, but you just felt like this question needed to be asked right this second.

You kept your eyes on your page, not seeing the way the raven haired boy’s face turned to one of complete fear, something nobody has ever seen from the boy. But his silence was starting to worry you, he was usually quick to respond to something, so you looked up at Ray with a worried expression, becoming shocked when he looked just as worried as you. You could’ve sworn he had tears in his eyes, before he squeezed them shut and shook his head, reopening his eyes with his usual cold expression. He pulled you close to him and ruffled your hair, but you took note of how he held you tighter than usual.

“…I don’t think I’d ever recover. I’d never be able to smile the same as I did when I was with you.”

Although it was a simple response, it meant the universe coming from him, the boy who rarely smiled or showed emotion, let alone caring for someone. You decided to ignore how he kept you close to him despite usually not being very fond of physical affection, just enjoying this rare moment with him. Your book had been long forgotten. You were must more focused on the sound of Ray’s heartbeat and the sound of his voice as he read his book aloud to you.

Emma:

You were panting, bent over trying to catch your breath after running around with Emma. The girl was used to running, and had caught her breath before you, so she decided to pat your back and wave her hand in front of your face to try and cool you off.

“Hey, Em..” You said between pants. She continued to give you a cold breeze, but looked softly into your eyes, a look of absolute adoration that she only gave to you. You loved it. You almost forgot to continue speaking, far too distracted staring into the eyes of your lover.

“What would you do if I were to get adopted?” You’re not sure why the thought crossed your mind, but you were now curious for an answer. Emma looked down at the ground, thinking about the scenario. She felt tears run down her cheeks as she imagined your suffering. If only you knew the truth. Before you could ask her what was wrong, she grabbed your face and peppered it with kisses, before giving you a peck on the lips and pulling away sobbing.

“I’d be broken.” You pulled the girl into your chest, kissing her head and rubbing her back as she cried into your chest. She didn’t think she’d ever be able to tell you the truth. It was too scary.

🩷☁️N E R D Y S L E E P Y B U N N Y☁️🩷

Honestly I’ve been a mix of busy and just mentally unstable, drained, exhausted, dead- Point is I’ve been feeling horrible due to some personal reasons. But I’m trying my best to come back. Though I do want to apologize for constantly saying I’m gonna get things out but then never do, I don’t have a proper excuse and you guy’s don’t deserve some shitty lie or whatever so I’m not going to say anything except that I’m sorry. I’ll try my best to do more but I can’t promise anything. My old schedule is 100% done for as I now need the weekend to recharge. I will post random updates, small fics, and other stuff every now and then but I most likely won’t be writing many actual fics or books until the summer. I wish it didn’t take me this long to heal from everything because I love you guys and writing for all of you, but I also can’t rush my healing because I want my writing to be the best it can be. I know I apologize a lot but I really do feel bad for just randomly dying on you all and never really coming back. I love you guys. 💕

#bun writes #the promised neverland #tpn x reader #tpn ray #tpn norman #tpn isabella #tpn emma #tpn krone #bun asks

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523rdrebel · 4 months

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Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5, Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Chapter 8 Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Chapter Summary: Omega and Wrecker's plan unfolds. The family wanders the Life Day Festival and feelings are brought to a head.

This chapter is mostly from Crosshair's POV. His internal thoughts will be identified by Italics without quotation marks.

Rating: T, SFW

Warnings: None

Crosshair divider by Snotbuggle, Star and Moon Dividers by Saradika

Desi and Isabella had intended to have a leisurely morning with brunch and preparations for the upcoming Life Day Festival. But things rarely go to plan.

They instead got caught up in the frustrating intricacies that came with romantic relationships, and had yet to leave Desi and Taayo’s sitting room. Desi was thoroughly enjoying Isabella’s recounting of her encounter with Wrecker and Omega, “Clever girl!” She laughed boisterously, clapping her hands together in delight, “I’ve had half a mind myself to lock the two of you in a room until this little issue is solved!”

“These things aren’t that simple and you know it, Desi.”

“I wouldn’t mind a chance to clock him one in that smug face of his, though…For hurting you.”

“Desi, he didn’t… It wasn’t his fault.”

“I’m not talking about the chip.”

Isabella sighed, running a hand over her face, “I don’t blame him for wanting space. I just– I wish he would talk to me.”

“I’m still not convinced he can talk…”

“Desi!” She let out a startled laugh but recovered quickly, “I just think, maybe I shouldn’t go at all. I’m not convinced Omega and Wrecker haven’t devised some scheme to force Crosshair and I to be alone…”

“You’re blushing.” Desi waggled her eyebrows, then wrapped her arm around Isabella’s shoulders, giving a soft, reassuring squeeze, “Look, Izzy– I don’t see the problem here. Just wear the dress and go to the Festival! If the man can’t handle you being at an event that will span a majority of the bottom two levels of the city…”

Isabella rolled her eyes, “I don’t want to push him further away, Desi. Besides– maybe he’s right. Maybe I did treat him like a project– What if I was wrong?”

“Stars and Skies, Izzy! You are going to the Festival and if that man doesn’t kiss you like some holo-period-drama protagonist I will wring his neck myself!” Her tone left no room for protest and she stood, grabbing Isabella’s hand and dragging her towards the door. “Come on! We’ve got preparations to make and then I’ll help you get ready!” Desi paused, shouting across the house, “Taayo! We’re leaving!”

“See you later, darling! Don’t get Izzy into too much trouble…again!” He had a gentle voice that always sounded like he was on the verge of laughing.

“Spoil sport!”

They spent most of the day running around frantically to and fro with Desi barking orders like a military sergeant, and Isabella happily assisting. It was a wonderful distraction, she had no time to worry about the coming evening or what to do about a certain grumpy someone, instead her thoughts involved how best to place decorations for maximum festivity and keeping Desi from injuring herself in her dramatic rushing.

Now that Desi and Isabella were in her home, they’d taken turns in the ‘fresher, washing off the sweat, dust and dirt from their day. The quiet calm of a full day was hanging over them with an undercurrent of nervous excitement.

“Alright Izzy, which dress did you say was his favorite?”

“Wrecker said the blue–”

“Well? Put it on!”

“Desi–”

“Nope! No second guessing! Go–”

She loosed a fond, if exasperated sigh, Desi hadn’t steered her wrong yet so she put on the dress. It was a lovely cornflower blue embroidered with stylized golden stars that sparkled when she moved. It had long flowing sleeves and a rather daring neckline, a sharp v that ended just below the bust. She twirled in front of the mirror and couldn’t help the smile that spread across her face. The last time she’d worn it, she’d been wandering the market with Desi and Taayo and had run into Omega and her brothers. She tried to recall if Crosshair had shown any sort of outward reaction to signal that he’d liked the dress, but failed. He was too good at hiding and she was too afraid she’d been wrong.

“Oh! At least he’s got taste… Brings out your eyes.” Desi hugged her shoulders from behind, “If this doesn’t knock that scowl off his face– then he doesn’t deserve you.”

Isabella reached up and squeezed her friend’s hand gently, “Thank you.”

She returned the soft smile, winked, and whispered, “Now, lets go catch you a stubborn-ass sniper!”

Wrecker didn’t bother knocking, Tech had already deactivated the lock so he burst into Crosshair’s home with a wall-shaking bellow, “CROSSHAIR!”

He groaned in response. He stood uselessly before his meager clothing options, still in just his comfortable lounge pants, his recently grown out white curls mussed from running his hands nervously over his head. A toothpick sat securely in the corner of his mouth, which he chewed absentmindedly.

Wrecker continued to bellow as he entered, followed quickly after by Tech, “Happy Life Day!” They were both dressed in the nicest clothes they owned, comfortable and light, but certainly better than what Crosshair felt he had to offer. Why does it matter what I wear? I’ll just sneak away at the first opportunity…

“You are not dressed.” Tech remarked flatly.

“Figured that out by yourself, did you?” Crosshair snarked, rolling his eyes.

“It was a simple observation.”

“Come on Cross! Omega and Hunter are waiting for us!” Wrecker looked quickly over Crosshair’s clothing options, humming loudly to himself and wiggling his fingers as he made his selections. “AHA!” He tossed the items at his brother, who caught them mid-air with a scowl, “Put those on and let’s go!”

It was a simple outfit, a loose black shirt of comfortable, breathable cloth, and a pair of dark patterned pants. Crosshair shrugged and began to dress. At least it’ll be comfortable. He added on his simple boots and grabbed his gundark leather jacket he’d filched on a supply run– nights got cool on Pabu. He sighed, schooled his face into an unaffected mask, and followed his excitable siblings out the door.

“Izzy! Izzy! Izzy! Are you ready?” Omega was bouncing up and down, blond curls bouncing wildly. Hunter leaned against the wall outside, amused smile and soft gaze trained on the energetic little girl.

“I’m coming, ‘Mega!” Isabella called, voice bright with laughter. She took a moment at the door, taking a few steadying breaths and steeled herself for what was sure to be an interesting night. Omega’s eyes sparkled and she gasped, “You wore the dress!!” She clapped her hands excitedly and Hunter chuckled, a deep amused rumble. Isabella could’ve sworn she heard him mumble, “Cross is a goner…” But she chose to ignore it.

“Of course I did! You asked me to.”

“Come on! I told Wrecker to meet us here–” Omega beamed at her then grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the street. Hunter followed quietly after.

Only moments later they heard the bellowing, joyful laughter of Wrecker, then saw the trio rounding the corner towards them. Wrecker had one arm around Crosshair’s hunched shoulders, practically dragging him along as they walked. Crosshair’s scowl was deep but there was the tiniest hint of humor in his eyes. He stopped short, eyes locking onto Isabella like a target. His scowl deepened and the whites of his eyes flashed with something, but it passed too quickly to identify.

He looked good. Really good. Isabella couldn’t deny that fact anymore than she could deny the warm blush growing on her face nor the painful clenching in her chest. She sighed, took a deep breath, and plastered a smile on her face, for Omega, she reasoned.

“Crosshair!” Omega exclaimed, full of mirth, then grabbed his hand and pulled him along towards the lower levels of Pabu. Crosshair grumbled, “What’s the rush, shortstack?” Hunter tried and failed to hide his chuckle at the sight.

It was a long and awkward walk, at least where two of the group were concerned, Isabella kept trying to sneak looks at Crosshair, attempting to gauge if she’d made things worse by agreeing to come with them.

Crosshair scrunched his face, trying to hide away from everyone but being in too public of a place to hide. He couldn’t keep the tiniest curve of his lips from showing at Omega’s bright enthusiasm, though he rolled his eyes and made snide remarks.

Omega led the charge into the festival running towards the bright lights and festively decorated tables, then raced back towards the group to chatter in wonder and excitement. There were colored lights everywhere, booths were filled to the brim with handmade goods and decorated with a festive, Life Day flare. It hurt Crosshair’s eyes, all the gaudy, colorful items, the whimsical recreations of historical figures in fanciful Life Day garb, the happy, wide toothed grins of the towns-people. Ugh…

Omega grabbed Crosshair’s hand and pulled him towards a table, “Look Crosshair!” She pointed at a wooden carving of a Tooka wearing a red festive hat. He rolled his eyes, but she had already run off to the next booth, excitedly exclaiming about a holopicture projector of a snowy planet. He sighed, picking up the Tooka figurine and placing credits on the table with a scowl. The merchant raised an eyebrow but, wisely, kept silent. After nearly an hour of this, Crosshair’s hands were full of items Omega had pointed out before running off to the next shiny thing that caught her eye.

“Those will look great in your home, Cross. Goes great with the decor.” Hunter elbowed his side, a self-satisfied smile on his face.

“Keep it up, Hunter. All these are going to your place. And at least half of them are noise-makers.”

Hunter’s smile faltered every so slightly, then walked quickly off after Omega, “No more gifts!”

Echo joined the group for a while, wandering the festival with them and chatting with Hunter while the others browsed the tables. There were game booths set up periodically, which Echo and Wrecker took turns doing with Omega. They had some sort of competition going, but Crosshair didn't pay enough attention to know what it was.

Crosshair tried not to stare as Isabella wandered the stalls, making small talk and surveying the items.

“You look stunning this evening, Izzy!”

“Thank you! Omega picked it out for me.”

“Oh! Smart girl!”

Hunter chuckled, “You could just talk to her, you know…”

“Stay out of it, Hunter.”

“Maybe if you weren’t staring at her like a love-sick Akk-pup, I would.”

Crosshair made a disgusted noise, pushing past Hunter with a forceful push with his shoulder, and stalked away. He pointedly ignored Hunter’s laughter.

Eventually, Wrecker stopped at Daisy’s stall, full of all manner of baked goods and scenting the area with the comforting aroma of fresh bread. He stayed there, grinning happily, as Daisy regaled him with a story and he listened with rapt attention. Echo had wandered off at some point, speaking animatedly with someone about his work with Rex. Next was Tech, getting into a rousing debate with Phee and a few other history and culture enthusiasts at a stand promoting different cultural holidays similar to Life Day. He’d be busy for the reminder of the evening. And finally, Omega dragged Hunter away, his arms now laden with the gifts Crosshair had acquired, to play with Lyana and Shep, leaving Isabella and Crosshair alone.

Crosshair scowled, he knew that Wrecker and Omega had set this up, knew that they expected there to be some sort of resolution, but he felt too lost. Adrift in the swirling emotions he’d been trying to force into containment under the shell of anger and fear. He had tried to keep his distance, tried to ignore that she’d chosen to wear the dress he felt most closely fit her. She was beautiful, he wouldn’t deny that. He groaned inwardly, This shouldn’t be this hard! Just stay away. She’s just a person.You’ve never liked people anyway.

They walk slowly and in silence, observing everything, neither willing to break the ice quite yet. Crosshair’s eyes land on the constructed bar area, where they were serving festive spiced drinks. To him, that looked like an escape. He wasn’t prepared to face Bells yet, wasn’t ready to see the hurt in her eyes again, wasn’t ready to remember the guilt and the anger. He was quite content to wallow, thank you.

The bar had been prepared with four specialty Life Day drinks: the Fuzzy Tauntaun, Jedi Mind Trick, Outer Rim, and Yub Nub. He scoffed at the silly names, but grabbed one that looked the least festive and most appealing and found a silent spot in the corner against the bar.

Isabella followed him, but kept her distance, she was at a loss at what to do. It seemed obvious that Crosshair didn’t want her here and she didn’t think that a productive conversation would be had in such a public setting. She couldn’t hide her disappointment, she had hoped, perhaps foolishly, that Desi would be right– "Ugh, it’s not a holo-film Izzy! Don’t be so stupid!" She whispered under her breath. She grabbed a drink as well and took a healthy swallow, taking comfort in the burn. She was too antsy to sit still so she ambled around the area, sipping her drink and ignoring the swirling emotions and the intense presence at the corner of the bar. She walked, she mingled, doing little more than greetings and small talk, some small part of her wishing she’d just stayed home, despite the eager insistence of her friends.

Crosshair watched as Isabella wandered the area, talking and drinking, she was a natural in a social setting but he couldn’t shake the feeling that her smiles were dimmer and her eyes did not carry that familiar warmth. What would you know about it anyway? He chided himself internally, You didn’t want her around, you don’t actually think she misses you? The alcohol did little to improve his mood, but he sipped at it anyway.

Now Isabella was chatting with some tall man with a sickly sweet smile, Crosshair tried not to listen.

“Izzy! Or is it Bells now? I’ve heard someone calling you that now, I think.”

“Oh, that’s Crosshair’s nickname for me actually.” Was that regret he was hearing?

“What, he too good to call you Izzy?” Try me, Di’kut…

“Uh- He’s a little stubborn. But I don’t mind, actually, I like it.”

“Should I start calling you Bells too, then?” I shouldn’t be jealous. You aren’t even mine.

“That’s alright. Izzy will do.” Kriff… I need to leave.

“He gets a special nickname? What if I called you…Bella?”

“Absolutely not.” That’s interesting. Is she mad? “You can call me Isabella or Izzy–”

“What’s wrong with Bella?”

“Call me Bella one more time, Mr. Keis.” Damn, Bells…

He found himself standing and crossing the distance between himself and the pair, standing behind her glaring menacingly before he’d really registered he’s moved.

“Uh–Maybe I should go…” Mr. Keis cleared his throat, gave a half hearted smile, and practically ran away, “Later, Be–Izzy!”

Crosshair’s heart was racing, the pounding loud in his ears when Bells turned around, her face flashing with shock and relief?

“Crosshair–” The way she breathed his name broke something in him and he panicked, turned on his heels and walked away, seeking shadows, desperately searching for a place to be alone. The eyes of everyone he passed burned against his back, ears ringing and pounding, drowning out any other sounds. He was oblivious to the figure that followed him.

He finally stopped in a small decorative garden area, it was shadowed and quiet, without a soul in sight. He stood rigid, breathing heavily, with his head leaned back facing the starry night sky.

A soft voice tentatively called his name and he squeezed his eyes shut, he wasn’t ready to face her. He wasn’t sure he’d ever be.

“Cross– You don’t have to say anything, but I just, I need you to listen.” He stays silent and doesn’t move. “I don’t blame you for what happened.”

He turned to face her, face stuck in a pained expression. She reached out a hand, but stopped short of touching him, “Wait– Just listen. Please.” Isabella took a deep breath, then words started spilling out, “You didn’t hurt me. It was the inhibitor chip. I watched you fight it, and I was terrified– not of you but for you. And then when you woke up, you shut me out and I was hurt and confused and angry. I thought…” She stops, voice shaking and eyes full of emotion.

Crosshair couldn’t look away. He wanted to run, wanted to shut the world out again, like he always did, push the feelings down where no one can touch them. I thought if I’d pretended not to care, then I wouldn’t.

Isabella shivered, the night had taken on a sharp chill, and she crossed her arms over her chest for warmth. She continued, speaking softly, “My brother joined the Empire, you know…They bombed our city, our parents died, and he joined them.” She laughed, an empty humorless sound, it was not a sound he associated with Bells. “I was…away when it happened. I didn’t even know about it until nearly four cycles after the funeral. He was changed. He tried to get me to join them too, but I refused. He got angry and…we both said things we shouldn’t have and I ran. What I wouldn’t give for a chance to talk to him again.” Tears flowed freely down her face and Crosshair ached to wipe them away. Her eyes pleaded at him and she whispered, “What I wouldn’t give to talk to you again.”

He sighed, his fists clenching and unclenching, and he started to pace, “You don’t understand. You don’t know what it’s like to lose control of your body–your mind– Two voices and both of them feel right and both of them are me. One says Follow orders! Eliminate the threat the other says, This is wrong.” He stopped pacing, shook his head, then pointed one finger painfully against his chest, “My brothers left me behind because I chose it. But I hated them for it. The choice… it was right. I knew it was. The Empire was going to fix things, to fix me.” He ignored the tears streaming down his face, grimacing against the emotions that were finally being released, “But it was a lie. Everything I thought, everything I believed was a lie.” He faced Bells straight on, meeting her eyes finally, “Now you look at me and tell me how I’m supposed to know what part was the chip and what part was me? How am I supposed to trust myself? How am I supposed to–”

She took a chance, closing the distance between them and taking his hands in hers, he did not pull away, “Crosshair– You are not to blame for the actions of the people who made you.” The silence spurred her onward, “Here’s how I see you: strong and capable, and a bit of an ass.” He chuckled despite himself, and she continued, “You care deeply, even if you hide it behind harsh words and sarcasm, and you’re incredibly smart. You are more than what they made you.”

The earnest feeling behind her words slammed against his heart painfully, “Don’t you ever get tired of being so fucking nice?”

She shook her head, “You want me to be mean? To yell at you? To hate you?”

He growled, all his frustration bubbling to the surface, “Why? Why can’t you just give up on me?”

“Believe it or not, Crosshair– and brace yourself, this may come as a shock– I actually like you. Specifically you.”

“You like everybody…”

“Not everybody, but most people, yes.” She places one gentle hand on the side of his face, “Is it so hard to believe that I care about you?”

He leans into her hand, eyes falling shut, but the silence stretches, so she speaks again, desperation clear in her words, “I will respect your wishes if you don’t want to see me again after this, but I–I miss you. Maybe I’m naive. Maybe I’m soft. And maybe I shouldn’t, but I did think that kiss meant something…”

“I…don’t know how to be what you want, Bells.”

“And if I said you already are?”

Silence. Hesitance. A knowing sense that this will change everything.

"What do you want from me? I wasn’t made for this…" Crosshair was confused, uncertain, never before had he been faced with such a strange and intimate challenge.

"Because it's not what you want or because you're a clone?"

He sighed, groaning inwardly, Leave it to Bells to read between the lines so clearly.

She placed her other hand on his face, pulling him down to look at her directly, "I don't give a damn what your makers claimed your purpose was. They made you, but they're gone now. You're here. You're alive. You can choose!"

"And how the kriff am I supposed to know how to do that!?" He pulled away, the feeling of her hands on his face burning the shape of her fingers into his memory. He turned his back to her, breathing heavily, "My whole damn life has been orders and structure, fighting and surviving!" He turned back towards her sharply, "And what about you, huh? You talk about freedom and choice–" His tone was sharp, accusatory, "What do you want?"

This shocked her, her eyes darting around in confusion, "Me? It-It doesn't matter what I want, Crosshair!"

"Wrong answer, BELLS."

"Cross–"

"No! Stop trying to be nice. I want you to be selfish!" His long strides brought him back to her space, leaning over her, begging her, daring her to answer, "What about you? What do you want?"

She let out a string of curses, of which Crosshair would later be impressed, anxiously shaking her hands at her sides, "I–" she started pacing back and forth, then comes to an abrupt stop once again in front of Crosshair, "I want you." It was a simple admission. No frills, no questions. Crosshair was silent, unsure what to say, frozen in place. Bells started speaking again, a rush of words spilling out, "I’m drawn to you, Crosshair. In a way that I’ve never been drawn to anyone before. I want to spend all of my time with you. I want to make you smile, or better yet, make you laugh. I want to paint and hear you snark that I've gotten more paint on myself than on the actual canvas. I want to kiss you– Damn, I want to have you kiss me senseless and to quiet your past when I can… hold you when I can't. I want you safe," She closes her eyes briefly, "even if it isn't with me."

He slowly gets closer then gently reaches his hand up to cradle the side of her face. He laughs, deep and rough, "Kriff, woman! Even when you're being selfish you can't help but worry over someone else." He paused, feeling her lean into the palm of his hand and in that moment he decided to try to stop running, if this was where he got to stay. "Kiss you senseless, huh?" His mouth curled upward in a challenging smirk.

"Please…" He needed no further encouragement and his mouth crashed into hers, finding it blessedly soft and eager. His tongue runs over her lips and she whines, opening her lips to allow entrance. He grabbed her firmly around her waist, pulling her close and running his fingernails across her back. He pulled away from the kiss, smirking down at Bells, taking in her hooded eyes and kiss-swollen lips, "Begging already?"

"I could always yell at you instead," she smiled then leaned up on her toes to catch his bottom lip between her teeth.

"Maybe later." He leaned back in, capturing her lips once more, taking his time with slow, languid kisses.

Bells responded eagerly, hungrily, kissing him back with a fervor he never would have expected. Her hands explored his back with soft, gentle touches, caressing his form with reverence. It mesmerized him and he nearly lost himself in the moment. He pressed kisses along her jaw, eliciting bubbling, joyous laughter.

“I KNEW IT!” Wrecker’s voice boomed from behind them and Crosshair’s head shot up, fixing his boisterous brother with a withering glare. Wrecker laughed loudly, and started typing on his wrist com unit. The pair separated reluctantly, standing side by side, with Bells leaning into his side. Crosshair wordlessly removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.

Moments later, all three of their com units began dinging with notifications.

GETWRECKERED: <3 Found Crosshair! Aaaand Izzy! <3

BanDADna: Ugh Finally!

Echoohc3: You all owe me 50 credits!

TECH-nically: I will mark this day on the calendar.

CrissCross: I will kill you all.

DrSunshine: No he wont. <3

Ye Olde taglist:

@anxiouspineapple99 @wings-and-beskar @starrylothcat @secondaryrealm @arctrooper69 @sev-on-kamino @littlemissmanga @wolffegirlsunite @dystopicjumpsuit @idontgetanysleep @clonemedickix @sunshinesdaydream @followthepurrgil @yubnubhub @jediknightjana @dangraccoon @wizardofrozz @mythical-illustrator @echoxbuggs @trixie2023 @ezras-left-thumb

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