#like his gut instinct is to save people or to help them or to better lives as best he can

[justatalkingface]

Unsure if I mentioned this here but I do think Izu and Shig backstory dont make whole lot sense.

Izu wants to be a hero bc...bc why not? I know you said how he may he brainwashed to propaganda but the thing is we dont know for fact. Yes, Izu saw one video of Am saving everyone but thanks to Hori...it seems only Izu is a fan of AM.

And he was abused for no reason. Now, I like heroes who come.from the bottom and work their way up but usually it has a sense, a logic here. For example. Naruto wants to be a hokage but the village hates him bc of the ninetail fox who is sealed in him. Its works as to explain people in the village dont like him and why he wants to be hokage.

Izu wants to be hero bc.....who knows?

Izu is abused bc .....why not?

Shig is the villain of the story. Was taken by afo and trained to be a big deal...except not. Afo gives 0 fucks about shig and seems to loathe Nana for some reason and he ignores Shig.

He let Shig lives in a bar(a seedy one) and we, as a reader dont get Shig. He speaks "I will end all the heroes" but we see him chilling and gamming. Why? Why not?!

He gets an army out of nowhere.

He has no real conviction and all he has is a sad backstory (which I think it is lazy) and a cool power.

Thats it.

I do see Shig in canon as a npc who waits for afo to follow instructions. The part I say it makes no sense is why Shig obeys afo and why he is so dead set in destroy all heroes. Why?

Why not?

And he has no real developement same as Izu but the villain stans love to pick fights with others fandoms to say "Shig is the most complex character ever"

(Legit! I'm not making this one up. Some fans do picked up with the JJK fandom bc of the Shig's speech in the war that was aired at the same volume as a character from JJK who made a speech akin to "I care for my friends")

Izuku wants to be a hero because a mess of things: part of it is he simply wants to help people. Part of it is that he wants acknowledgement from others, to be deemed as 'worthy'. I'd bet actual money that there's more than a few dreams of just being strong for once in his life there as well, as compared to feeling weak all the time, because the costumes we saw in his notebook were as much fantasy (all All Might, all the time!) than anything realistic.

All of these things are things that can be achieved outside of heroism, true, but there is where the propaganda kicks in (along with more than a little learned helplessness, more fantasizing, and so on): Izuku thinks, emotionally, that being a hero is the only way he can achieve them.

It's interesting, because that first chapter shows him putting aside those dreams, so he's intellectually aware of the impossibility of them, among other things, and since he's not an idiot he probably realizes that he can save people without being All Might, but it's clear that's settling for him all the same, and on some instinctive level those facts aren't clicking for him.

In all honesty, Early Izuku's dream of being a hero is just that: a dream. Something unrealistic, something that isn't going to happen.

(And, yes, I realized that with what we've seen of heroism for most of the story, a Quirkless person could actually perform all the various heroic duties as well as most Quirked individuals; that's not the point. The main reason he can't is the systematic prejudices about the Quirkless and heroes that say that they can't, to the point where such a thing is literally unpreceded. On top of that, said prejudices have been used to beat down Izuku so damn hard that he doesn't have the guts to actually try for it, which, again, isn't actually his fault; when the world tell you, 'fuck you for living', over and over and over and over again it makes it hard to do anything, but if Izuku was actually trying for heroism in a real way, he would have been in a lot better shape then he was at the start of canon.)

It's something he realizes, but the point of Izuku's dream of being a hero, for Izuku, isn't about achieving it, per say, it's about getting through the day. It's the fantasy he falls back on when his life is shit and horror and he has no real hope left, that dream of being a hero, of standing next to the greatest of all, All Might! It's not a goal, it's a mental escape.

All of this, of course, rapidly gets complicated for him when he meets the real All Might, who in the span of a few hours both destroys and then reaffirms said dream.

Shigaraki, on the other hand, is a completely different animal. It was complicated, at first, since we didn't actually know what AFO's end game was with him; he did seem to be pushing for him to be an actual successor there for awhile, and him ending up as insane all-destroyer if said plan failed probably amused AFO as a sort of back-up plan.

The thing is with Tomura, though, is he was never meant to actually stand on his own two feet and be a villain properly; he was there there to be AFO's vessel, with some snazzy upgrades. Thematically, he's supposed to exact opposite of Pinnochio: rather than a puppet raised to be a real boy, he's a real boy raised to be a puppet.

The reason why he's kind of a clusterfuck of a person, why he doesn't seem to know how to function normally, why he doesn't earn so many of the things he has rather than having them all handed to him, is because doing all those things right, achieving them, means he'd have a stronger sense of self, a will, a foundation to stand on as a person and a human being.

All For One doesn't want that; he doesn't actually want an heir, he wants an NPC, one who will mindlessly say, 'Yes, Sensei', and hand his body over when the time comes.

For almost the entire story, AFO has kept him in a very controlled environment, feeding him only the information he wants to grow his hate, strong and yet unfocused.... and this, admittedly, is where his plan's logic falls apart, because honestly the idea of, 'If I hate hard enough I can hoover up OFA' is kind of nuts in and of itself, and the idea this guy can no longer feel real emotions is a both a cop out and also nuts, but that is the stated logic of the plan.

I cheerfully ignore late-game stuff for my meta when it feels right, because so much of it is bad, but I'm keeping it here because it puts Tomura's entire situation in perspective in a needed way; I've never felt AFO raising him as his actual heir makes sense because, as you've pointed out, Tomura's situation is fucked up and ineffective for just about anything other than random violence and murder, much less a criminal overlord to rule over all crime and bring down society. His raising doesn't work for that... but at the same time, he also put a lot of work into developing Tomura emotionally, which, for a future vessel that he's supposed to inhabit, sounds.... unideal, to say the least. Giving your future body ideas is exactly the reason AFO is in the situation he's in in canon, after all, so it made me wonder; is he actually going to be his heir? Is this not a trick after all?

Trying to figure out what he/Hori was going for with Tomura is something that frustrated me with MHA for the longest time, you can't even imagine.

But, if he has a reason for that, it clicks: the idea behind how convoluted and bizarre Tomura's situation is is that AFO is threading that line; he needs that raw emotion, he needs it to be grown and to fester in on itself, so he can get OFA, which is something he apparently wants so damn bad he's willing to risk control of his future body over (and yet doesn't count for the emotional requirements...? Honestly, this shit sounds like something the Sith would do in Star Wars (and we know he loves Star Wars) (...or maybe Kingdom Hearts; this honestly gives me some real Terra and Xehanort vibes, if done by a fucking amateur), but Hori is trying to explain why the hate is needed without the Force... badly), but he needs a hate that's hollow, so there's no resistance to him.

Think of Tomura like... a bonsai. A bonsai is a fundamentally unnatural thing for a tree to be, but with careful, careful nurturing, and a lot of time and patience, you can get this tiny tree in a shape no real tree would ever grow into. There's no natural way to have a body that is both strong enough in desire to get OFA and pliable enough to be used to house AFO's mind, so AFO decided to make one instead, carefully growing and neutering him, while making sure he stayed within his designs.

TLDR: the whole point of Tomura's everything is he wasn't actually raised to be a person, he was raised to be a mass of unfocused resentment in the shape of a person (which is why I'm inclined to give him a break the way I do no other villain when it comes to questions like, why don't you do literally anything else to achieve your goals, or why don't you approach things from a less aggressive angle, and so on: the man literally doesn't have any context for that kind of thing.)

(I'm going to digress a little here, because I've complained about how late-game Tomura worked, and yet here, I'm saying that it makes sense. Well, that's the thing: broadly, it works. But, with so many things, both in general and in MHA, the devil is in the details.

If the overall goal was always to make Tomura a vessel, than literally his entire arc after AFO's fall, until the War, doesn't make sense, because he was guided into all these situations, left alone to have confrontations and challenges, often in a controlled kind of way... but the thing is, all of those things helped him grow as a person. This is, remember, the exact thing AFO didn't want, and presumably Garaki knew about that.

This begs the question, then: why did it happen? Why did Garaki lead him to fight again Gigantomachia? Why did Tomura have all this time to roam about on his own, largely unsupervised beyond some doctor given objectives, if they didn't want him getting those pesky ideas?

If the goal was to give him hate, give him a stronger body, then yeet AFO into him, then after AFO fell they should have made plans to do that shit right the fuck then. If he needed to be stronger physically, rather than fighting a giant to get a minion, and again, being out and about, lock him in a training room somewhere and say, 'AFO said so'.

Tomura's situation before AFO fell makes sense for the Hate Vessel idea, mostly. Tomura's situation after AFO falls makes sense for the Heir concept. The fact they did development for the heir idea, only to pivot back into the vessel concept out of nowhere, is why it works so badly for me; they developed his story in the wrong way for that to make sense.)

#ask #bnha critical #mha critical

[qqtxt]

[🍬] enchanted [🐿]

[!] this is for the 500 followers mini fics. click here to find out more! ✿ pairing: taehyun x reader / idol!txt / non.idol!you / strangers-to-lovers-ish (?) / meet-cute-ish / fluff / 717 words ✿ request: “i just wanted to say thank you for protecting me.” + taehyun [main masterlist 🌸] / [event masterlist] / [tag: #qqtxt: 500]

note: requests are closed for this event. requests are no longer accepted for this!

this... this definitely takes the cake to having one of the most unforgettable night shifts in your life. working at the convenience store near one of the most well-known entertainment company meant that you’d get accustomed to seeing celebrities and idols day in, day out. however, this would be oddly one of the firsts just as you were closing the shutters so you can begin cleaning, the frantic face that shows up is what gets you to widen your eyes and truly convince yourself you’re being mugged.

however, upon closer look and seeing the eyes staring back at you through the glass door and half-pulled shutter, it’s the way he silently begs you to be let in. stupidly, you trust your gut and this could be stranger danger in and his first instinct is to dive behind some shelves to remain hidden, peeking past the crevices to–oh shit, now you see what’s going on. before the hoard of people could suspect anything, you’re locking the door and yanking the shutter down, effectively staying invisible from anyone’s view.

when the noises from outside seem to die down, a sign that they’ve moved on, you’re able to take a breath. the stranger peeks up from where he is, moving to stand on his feet when he realises how quiet it is. as he walks over to you, standing face to face, you get a good look on his features (you know, that’s not panicked). you can’t help but glance at the poster over his shoulder and–wait–oh–oh fuck–this is–”h-hi, i’m taehyun,” he holds his hand out, a bit shy now that the world seems to just have you and him in it.

you manage a robotic nod with the soft mutter of your name, barely moving your head as your hand inches out to place in his to give him a small shake. as your hands retreat one another, he nervously rubs the back of his neck, “i just... wanted to thank you for protecting me, i mean–”he clears his throat”–for helping me, back there.”

this was where all the nerves seem to die down a little when you snort, “all i did was unlock the doors.”

he chuckles, shaking his head, “i mean, that’s still better than leaving me out there to die.”

“your face is literally on the posters here. there’s no way you’d die.”

“have you seen them out there?” he shivers, “i beg to differ.”

“if you’re so grateful for my help, i’m sure you wouldn’t mind helping me mop the floors.”

what started out as a joke, it seems like this taehyun guy isn’t kidding when he rids of his jacket and–”sure, where do i start?”

“hey, this is my job. you already have one, save some for the rest of us.”

past the initial goofy laughters, it seems like taehyun doesn’t go down without a fight when he manages to debate with you on why you should let him help you. the night ends with you two nearly making a mess of knocking the mop bucket and barely managing to close up without the complete ruckus. (and taehyun may or may not have gotten your number and smiling giddily all the way home–no, he couldn’t have walked you home because it seemed a bit much on the first night but next time... for sure)

((”yah, what took you so long? you said you were on the way home an hour ago!” kai huffs, throwing a pillow at taehyun who easily catches it with a scoff. “i had... things to do.”

kai squints his eyes, “things?” sitting up on the bed, “what things?”

“i-it’s nothing,”

“your ears are red! tell me!”

“oh my god, huening! mind your own business!”

“our business,” kai chuckles, rising from his bed to storm over to start hugging taehyun, swinging him around like a rag doll, “now c’mon–tell me, tell me, tell me!”

“oh, fine!” taehyun sighs, fishing his phone out and shows kai a text message from you which reads: ‘you’re welcome. but also thank you for helping me close up even when you didn’t have to. see you tomorrow, if you’re able to swing by. :) goodnight, taehyun.’

it takes kai five seconds to process what he’s reading. and cue three, two, one–”oh my god! tell me everything!!!”))

#qqtxt: 500 #taehyun x reader #txt taehyun #taehyun scenarios #taehyun x you #taehyun scenario #kang taehyun #kang taehyun scenarios #txt scenarios #txt x you #txt x reader #txt stories #txt #txt reactions #txt reaction

[ailendolin]

Rings of Power episode 8 thoughts, so beware of spoilers:

Let’s start with Sauron. What I love the most about his reveal is that it feels earned. There have been clues right from the beginning yet they were woven so cleverly into the story that you couldn’t help but doubt your gut instinct. I often found myself thinking, “Something's not right,” and yet dismissed it in favour of the idea of him eventually becoming one of the Nazgul because part of me found him intriguing and wanted him to be good. Which was what Sauron was all about back then, wasn’t he? Trying his best to present himself as likeable and friendly to earn people’s trust. I think the show incorporated that wonderfully by making us suspicious of him without giving us actual proof. Until now.

The moment I knew for sure he was Sauron was when he mentioned gifts. I mean, him going with Galadriel to the Elves was already a huge clue but that moment cemented it for me. Annatar, Lord of Gifts. Well done, Amazon.

It also made watching the Stranger’s scenes very fun because I kept shaking my head the whole time and mumbling gleefully, “You’ve got it wrong. He’s not Sauron. You’ve got the wrong guy.”

On that note, I’m really curious about how the Stranger / Sauron reveal felt to non-book readers. I’m familiar with the source material and can pick up on clues like the gift one I mentioned above but people who are not familiar with the Silmarillion or the LotR books obviously won’t notice those clues. I have to ask my brother about his reaction tomorrow because for me, a lot of the joy of watching this show comes from figuring things out and recognising all these little nods to the source material and I’m really interested in seeing when he realised what was going on and how he felt about it.

One of my favourite parts of this episode was the reflection of Galadriel and Sauron in the water. That was so well done it actually gave me goosebumps. I generally really liked how we saw Sauron in action. The way Celebrimbor changed under his influence felt very similar to how Frodo and Bilbo change under the ring’s.

Also yay for Galadriel winning that fight of wills and realising they need three rings instead of two.

(I really hope we’ll be able to buy those rings because ngl I’d love to have Vilya)

(Also part of me is really curious about what would have happened if Galadriel had given in. Could she have stopped Sauron from giving into the darkness again? Would she have turned out to be worse than him int he end? We'll never know but I like that their confrontation made it clear that good and evil is not as black and white as it sometimes seems.)

Speaking of the rings: the forging looked really cool. It also made me realise that I apparently have a thing for sweaty, dirty elves. First Elrond in the mines and now Celebrimbor in the forge. Valar help me.

Let’s talk move onto Numenor. I can’t believe we end this season with Elendil still believing Isildur is dead. That is beyond cruel and I feel so sorry for him. Though I suppose that will make their reunion all the more emotional when it eventually happens. Probably the one thing I’m looking forward to the most next season.

The scene when they arrive in Numenor and Elendil sees the mourning flags everywhere and Miriel can’t was also really well done. It felt like a heavy blow even though nothing was happening (in terms of action).

And finally the Harfoots. I love them with my whole heart and it makes me so happy to see them all standing up for each other and saving the Stranger. I am very sad about Sardoc, though. I really enjoyed his character.

I’m also sad Poppy didn’t go with Nori and the Stranger. Their goodbye broke my heart and they better see each other again in the future. I do love that Nori is going on an adventure now, though, and I can’t wait to see what she and the Stranger discover on their journey.

“When in doubt always follow your nose.” I can’t express how much I loved this. Little 13 year old me who watched FotR 11 times in the cinema back then and could quote almost every line leapt with joy and couldn't stop herself from whispering that quote along with the Stranger. Seriously, these moments are so wholesome when you’ve been a fan for so long.

I’m sad Durin, Disa and Arondir weren’t in the episode (especially after meeting their lovely actors last weekend at MagicCon) but I get why they couldn’t fit them in. I’m really looking forward to seeing them again in season 2.

And finally, I just want to say that this show has exceeded my expectations (which were high but not unrealistic like some so-called fans’). It was a joy to watch these episodes every week and discover more of this Middle-Earth that is both very different and so beautifully familiar it makes my heart ache in the best of ways. I feel sorry for all the people who never gave this show a chance because they’re missing out on a wonderful adaptation that may have its flaws like every other has but was clearly made by people who care about Tolkien and did their best to tell a coherent and engaging story despite only having the appendices to work with. Thank you for this brilliant adventure, RoP team!

#lotr rop #rings of power #rings of power spoilers #mp lotr rop

[captainkurosolaire]

Traitor

Downpour ceased into a gentle fall. Darkened clouds drifting with precipitation forewarned of a looming critical storm, yet faint, a hint of warmth, that circular Sun concealed from its duty could be given peer. Swelling with emotions of loss, amongst his own abode. A ship’s anchor was removed allowing tides their commandment of destiny. Blackguard, taking center deck, a shout bellowed out. “Come out. You’ve won, before I die here. I desire my why.” His gut-instinct knew who the culprit was. Defeat written in his body-language, slouching posture from deceit. He told the Crew to leave but the treacherous snuck aboard a scent the Miqo’te picked up. Paced feet drew forth from creeping shadows, a cloaked individual wearing a mask of Imitation of Mistbeard. Even alone, cowardice mind games are played. While a silver-pointed pistol with engravings <Silver Wind> had been locked onto the Captain since departure. Frowning unruly symbolism, apparel was a legacy attire the Goldbrand of Old used to assassinate, ruthlessly collecting hoards of other pirates, merchants, civilians. Ingrained steep into the culture of piracy. They took Mistbeard’s legend to commit heinous acts. As the original mask held reputation, to pass down from various others; to wretched few, there was a scapegoat to hide crime behind another's identity. None could ever replicate Mistbeard. A King transcended time itself for as long as the actual mask exists, or the imitations, nothing could be forgotten; eternity. This betrayer knew Captain better than any advisory. Two distinct paths taken from a crossroads once shared. Since pre-teens to adulthood.  Sole-survivors. Muffled laughter came from behind that mask, pleased with themselves, before the hooded figure drew a slow methodical grasp on it to pull for identity already known.

The Seeker squinched eyebrows angrily before howling, “We were Skull Brethren! I vouched for you! Three decades between us, growing up beside another, trained! Back to back, front to front! You wanted a Crew like this for sometime! But you fed ruin. WHY! Speak, Sol!” His fanged teeth grit together. Upon name ushered, the Raen revealed himself, discarding Mistbeard’s false mask, tugging off his shadow drapes, revealing an arsenal of a tactical strapped assortment of pistol’s and ammunition enough for atrocious war crimes. Clapping hands together continuously with mockery. “CAPTAIN KURO SOLAIRE.” Following his words like a conductor each word drawn out. “The Infamous Captain Kuro Solaire…. From Harems, magazine covers, large bounties. Denizen’s traversing called you in passerby, The Next Pirate King;  Hells.. The girl I was fond of even wrote about you in her Diary, to her you’re a beacon hero.” Thievery showing-off he held Casta’s journal,  “To her you’re a saint! – Maybe she’s right. Cause’ of you, I’ve saved this realm on three disgusting counts!” Captain’s face showed disbelief, what an ego, talk about something to complain about, snickered to himself letting this condescending praise draw.. The traitor’s tone changed into resentment with a burst. “...But I know who you really are. Over-hyped and rated, you are played out! – I should be the Captain, swimming in recognition, I’m a Pope of the Seas, If anyone’s ascending to King it’s me! I have achieved everything without help, unlike you. Know why? I don’t spare people who cross me, I don’t let my emotion’s get between my fortune. I ERASE them with what comes out from this barrel. You GREW weak on land. Soft as a butterfly. Forgetting who, what we are! We’re PIRATES. Conquerors, everything is subjugated as our rightful claim… Makes me vomit, protecting, compassion, trying to be moral. – You think I was your brother? I couldn’t ever be. Not when I’m a designated shadow, watching you HOIST to the top, you’re a glorified showman. Which piggy-back off me! I’m the creator of where our feet grace, this ship wouldn’t move without me! I won’t be stolen from you ever again!” Shooting bullets into the air with lunacy, demonstrating his dominant Freedom.

Captain never met this side of Sol before was suppressed this his depth? Even unbeknownst to him, two-faced. Long ago an incident occurred where the troubled-Raen had gouged out their own Founding Captain’s eye with a fork, for being commanded. Is this alter-ego the same culprit? This other persona seemed to maliciously come out of nowhere. Was this Garlemald’s influence from being enslaved by them until earning conscription? Nay… This part existed somewhere inside him. Brought to dawn from an event outside Captain’s knowledge. The sun-kissed clad in black stepped daringly forth. “Envy? Huh.” Judgemental amber orbs, infuriating his seething brother-no-more. “Stole from ye? I’ve never been like you, or others upon the original Crew. I couldn’t kill for sport. You relish in making others drown in red. I chose to make others float in pleasure, I gave them my worth, for a small price of a selfish memento to carry with me on high seas. Aye, some, I broke hearts, swindled, hurt but they live now stronger to despise me. I’ve gotten what comes around. You perceive denizen of th’ land feeble? Nay, my mate… They’ve surpassed us! Many can LIVE in Peace! Fine with what they have and got! Can we say that? We struggle stopping after a taste of wealth. Eventually something valuable turns into trash if taken for granted! Accustomed to replacing fer a shiny new thing. Our bond relates t’ this reality. I don’t get it, ye never bothered being Crew’s jester, what changed?” Exhaling bottled lament, showing utter disappointment. The self-proclaimed Pope, snickered and canted his head, “You want to settle down, I’m supposed to follow you? Your ambition is seeing others fulfilled, wow! How generous! Or wait; this for Freedom and Love? Pathetic. Kuro I knew once had unshakable rebellious fire. — For some insane reason. Our Founding Captain chose YOU to be the next successor despite, I'm the senior. He groomed you to replace him. I’ve been discarded as second-rate. When Judas came back, guess what happened? You demoted me back to Shipwright! The reason I put up with being a Jester, is so I can be in the court of the supposed king and usurper him.” Viscous jealousy continued to rattle against the Captain.

Disagreeable shake of his head accompanying a chuckle, “I didn’t have a choice to pick up, after our Captain. If you weren’t lost to the sea and placed into the clutches of Garlemald. Things would’ve been different. Frankly, I’m glad you didn’t inherit this mantle. Cause you disregard all life. From other mercenaries employed, to any semblance in recreating your own Goldbrand with Silverbrand, you mentioned stealing? Ye become polluted by entitlement. – People judged you initially on having any affiliation with the Garleans. Not including your pirate background. I played advocate trusting the side I saw of you, now I’ve painfully learned is fiction. You b’ another insufferable dickless prick. Lobbing blows in the dark, a type who’d sell out his own brother, break up his family.” Spitting on the side with disgust. Striking a nerve from the mercenary, but showing composure quickly. Remembering he held all the power with his firearm. “...Underestimate me, Cap’n. I don’t have a family, I butchered them. You should’ve listened to others, maybe they would’ve stuck around. Where is your Crew now? Ayla? Sivir? Everyone is gone, you’re left to perish alone. What has kindness rewarded you ever? – Nobhead, every-time you visited that orphanage, each Starlight donated your share of hoards to them. I TOOK it back to my trove. All your movements and poor attempts to advance as a person, I rectified them.” Deplorable veracity shown, crueler than death. Stunned by the slimy low, the fathomless spite. The most dangerous enemies to possess are those who've been closest. No resolve to fight anymore. He didn’t react with explosiveness or anger even though, knowing that’s what Sol wanted for that rough-destructive, smash-mouth Captain to come out. “I did make a grave underestimation… What exactly, ye want Mr.Perfection? Still you haven’t broken-even yet, taken enough from me!?” Engulfed by sorrow his throat tugged, how do you combat someone you found dearly to be purely a facade after thirty years! It took only a moment before cherished memories shattered.

He couldn’t understand what this version of foul Sol tried to convince him, become or achieve. To Kuro this was pointless, unbridled envy and unfortunately, his opponent had mentally deleted his resolve. “What I’ve always wanted. – The Successor Crown atop your head.” Sol’s thick Garlean accent gave his demand. “I can tell, you’ve no willpower to fight me. Remember who I am… Try not to hurt yourself, but think, Captain. I KNOW all about you, I’ve followed you everywhere. Saw houses of all your ACTUAL treasures. I could send some mail over to your hearties on the land and they’ll get an unexpected present, that’s surely going to blow them away.” Purest of evil distorted his putrid face, no limit! Existing on lengths, Sol would go to obtain his believed rightful claim. The unholy mark of Scourge gave rise in plain-sight. Captain’s depleted form began straightening, his entire being, resolving aether in fury from a despicable blackmail…  His reason to fight returned. “...Y-You… m-monster!” Previous devil’s encountered in his past and brought their bane couldn’t compare to this level of malice, menace, a brotherhood eaten alive by hatred.

🌊 ♫Gasoline♫ - Reference - Last Chapter 🌊

(Shoutout to my roomie since Sol is his muse, always reliable on brainstorming story ideas together.)

#Gonna do Hat lore next I think #Maybe do some childhood background stories #FFXIV #Creative Writing #Tales of the Goldbrand #FF14 #-Captain Kuro Solaire #Traitor Arc #End of an Era #Envy Sprouts #Scourge vs Pledger #Sol Akami #Silverbrand #Skull Brethern #Going full throttle on this feud

[struggle-but-its-all-ocean-floor]

Re the dazed interview, I've been struggling with connecting to jungkook because sometimes he has ended up coming off kind of fame-hungry in a non substantive way, but the way he framed his ambitions in this interview didn't come off that way to me so it's easier for me to understand where he's coming from. I'm still not totally sure what he's imagining for himself or if that end point is something I'll personally vibe with, but either way I hope he gets that clarity and can achieve it. I am really hoping that he takes his album in a different direction from seven genre-wise, and I thought maybe he was hinting at that! Which would be super exciting

As an aside, I thought it was kind of funny how jungkook got that gut-feeling about both I Need U and Seven, bc they are such totally different songs quality-wise (imo, but seven wasn't my thing)

Regarding the Dazed interview, he said a lot of insightful stuff about confidence, being patient with himself, following his instincts, being okay with not having a plan, etc., but it was the part about his general ambitions as an artist that I couldn't really understand. Jungkook himself acknowledged that he's not quite sure what he's supposed to be, only that he isn't the singer he dreamed of being yet.

The thing is, we want BTS to be the biggest stars on the planet, to be loved and known by everyone, and we stream and promote them to help them achieve that goal. We do so because we believe that their music is superior, that their performances are superior, that they have a message everyone needs to hear, that they're hardworking and kind, that they love their fans, that being Army can save lives, etc. If BTS themselves talk about climbing higher and getting bigger, we don't think they're being fame-hungry, because what else are idol groups supposed to aim for? We want them to break down the walls that exist for Asian artists, and poc and non-English speaking artists in general. There's this understanding that, as long as their artistry remains intact, BTS deserve to take over the planet - that's the only path for them. This last point is important because it's precisely why the English trilogy was so poorly received, even among Army. Some fans felt that they had compromised their artistry, which made them no better than the countless artists who are super famous even if their music is nothing special. BTS deserves fame because, unlike a lot of famous people, their talent, quality of music, and personalities match their success. However, Jungkook, by releasing a mediocre song like Seven to achieve success in the West, is pulling a Dynamite, and being equally criticized. His ambition, which is really the same ambition BTS have when they release music - to grow bigger, chart better, sell better, please as many fans as possible - comes across as greedy when he seemingly puts success first, music second. It's okay to want success, as long as you don't compromise the quality of your work. But BTS have indicated many times that there's no such thing as "quality music" - there's successful music and music that is less successful. DNA, BWL, Dynamite, Butter, PTD, My Universe were successful in their books, although these are some of the most critiqued BTS songs. But it doesn't matter, because the success of the songs literally speaks for itself and indicates that releasing them was the right thing to do. They gained more fans and fans seem to love the songs. BTS's main goal is to please the fans they love and who love them back. What Jungkook describes with Seven is the same thing. He wanted a song that would do well commercially, like all BTS title tracks in particular are supposed to do. The fact that there wasn't some bigger meaning to the lyrics and the he wasn't involved in the production were negatives in the fans' eyes though.

What Jungkook is doing isn't all that different from what BTS do, except that BTS's music is overall perceived as superior, meaningful, and unique, whereas Jungkook is more or less following a formula and emulating people like Bieber or CP, whom we don't like. Still, recent BTS music is criticized the same way as Jungkook's.

Your comment comparing Seven to INU encapsulates what I'm trying to say perfectly. INU was released because BTS were struggling to gain fans and didn't even know if they had a future as a group. Thus, they abandoned their rougher and rap heavy sound and lyricism, and went for something softer and more romantic that appealed to their female fans and to the GP in general. They quite literally "sold out". But no one sees it that way because the song is so well liked. Seven is just like INU - a song made to appeal to a broad audience and to give Jungkook more exposure and a certain image and reputation. It's a rebranding of Jungkook, like INU was for BTS.

Regarding Jungkook's ambitions, it's hard to understand what he means by becoming "bigger" or "cooler", or why he wants to become a big pop star when he already is one by everyone's definition. This interview did clear up the confusion a bit. I think it's like I suspected. Jungkook grew up admiring people like Bieber - he likes his music, but I imagine that what he likes the most is his reach. Bieber's songs speak to a very broad audience, are catchy and easy listens. Making simple music that speaks to the biggest amount of listeners is, to Jungkook, a huge achievement. It's not about money or records, but more about him measuring success as a singer by the amount of people his music and voice reach and speak to. He wants to reach as much audience as possible, and songs like Seven allow him to.

Jungkook loved Seven from the beginning. He loved how catchy it was and how he didn't grow tired of it. To him, that meant the song was perfect - catchy, fun, accessible, bright, "timeless". Jungkook's standards for good pop music are these. The song being "basic" or having meaningless lyrics was inconsequential. He doesn't see the song as basic and he likes the lyrics as they are. Jungkook, at least for now, doesn't want to make "unique" music per se (that's probably a bonus). He wants to make music for everyone. Imo, this is obviously in conflict with what Army wants. We want meaningful music that stands out from most pop music. That's why we like BTS and why a lot of us like kpop. Furthermore, Jungkook is the only member (Jin hasn't truly debuted as a soloist yet) who isn't taking chapter 2 as an opportunity to try something different (ie. not easy pop) and worry less about how appealing to the GP.

Hobi released old school hip hop, RM did everything he wanted music wise and his promos were all about combining his love for art with his love for music (he said he cared about charts, but he still released Wild Flower as a tt), Suga also cares about charts but D-Day is not easily digestible regardless of softer tracks and he went all out in creating a powerful narrative that connects the album and the trilogy as a whole, Jimin wrote Face to heal from the pandemic and Like Crazy and Letter are the only easy listens in the album, which was quite dark, V promoted Layover like an idol, but the album itself is catered to V specifically and not the GP or even Army. Meanwhile, Jungkook released something with the GP in mind and promoted more like a pop artist and less like an idol. His approach to his solo career is different. He didn't try to release music BTS wouldn't release as a group (though BTS wouldn't release Seven with those lyrics), or to cater to the fans with his promo like Jimin (by that I mean that Jimin really went ouf of his way to create content for Army). He didn't try to find his own color as an artist either, though he's inevitably doing so. Jungkook's trying to reinvent himself somewhat - at least, our perception of him - not as a soloist, but as Jungkook of BTS. Imo, he isn't telling us "this is Jung Kook, soloist", but "this is Jungkook, soloist, and Jungkook of BTS. This is just Jungkook". He's not trying to explore his musical interests per se, but more like trying out what he likes to prove he has range and show people, and himself, he can do anything. He's challenging himself like the other members, but it's less about the music and more about what the music can do for him, if that makes sense? Jimin also shares that motivation of proving himself and growing as an artist, but he seems to be more focused on specific skills - singing, dancing, songwriting - whereas Jungkook is more focused on versatility, creating a specific image of himself, surprising people. He's always trying to get better at singing and dancing, but his biggest priority seems to be broadening the range of styles he can cover and adapting his performance so it looks "cooler", more relaxed. He's growing as an artist this way.

I don't know how else to put it. I think Jungkook's motivations in this chapter aren't that aligned with the other members' motivations or Army's expectations, and that is creating this disconnect between some of us and Jungkook.

Lastly, on the topic of the change in genre... I think his next single might be a different shade of pop, or even more RnB, but imo it will likely be relatively conventional, easy listening, and maybe also have explicit, sexual lyrics like many RnB songs. I don't have much faith that he will surprise us lyrically or put out something less GP friendly. He's rumored to be working with the Seven producers too, so how different can it be? Less Seven and more Unholy? That would be cool, but, yet again, we would get meaningless lyrics and no writing, composing or producing credits from him. I just hope there is no feature this time. I don't even know what he'll do for the MV. I feel like he's just going to take everything up a notch, to shock us even more, but, apart from making out with a woman in the next MV and appear shirtless, what else can he do?

Sorry this got so fucking long... I wanted to get that out of my chest. Thanks for the ask! Would love your take on this!

#ask #bts #jungkook #text #thanks for the ask!

[seyaryminamoto]

Zuko has showed quite the character development over the course of the story. However, I can’t help but wonder if he will fall back into his old ways ? Will he fight Azula over the throne now that things are in a chaotic state?

Hmmm... well, as usual, under the cut because this sounds like very distant and dangerous territory, haha.

You know, I might try to be mysterious all I want but the truth might be a little obvious if you think about the story's direction so far, haha.

So to make this more interesting, let's stroll through the history of Gladiator's development: initially, I had no idea where this story was going past the Combustion Man confrontation. Now that we all saw it happen, I can safely say that my first real goal in the story was always that seemingly world-ending battle between Sokka and Combustion Man, the battle that seals the fate of the Gladiator League and changes the story's rhythm irremediably, for it was always going to happen as a consequence of Sokka and Azula's relationship being discovered. I did hope Sokka might rise enough in the ranking to rival him? But as the story progressed, I realized that was going to be very difficult, no matter how many events and points boots I gave him, haha.

Anyway, I digress: at that stage of building up the story, Zuko became a wild card I had no idea what to do with. For a long time, I wanted him in the South Pole. I thought it could be interesting if he found Aang indeed, but didn't just drag him back to the Fire Nation right away. How to make that happen, how to realistically develop Zuko to not be that impulsive? I didn't know right away (fortunately, my Zuki shipping buddy helped me see the light with that particular problem before long!). I actually pondered making Zuko a gladiator, fighting as the Blue Spirit (a relatively popular concept back when the story was still starting out, people REALLY loved this idea... and the minute I started writing Zuko directly, I realized it was never going to work, haha). I remember that, back when I had no idea what I'd do for the future of the story (aka, Part 3 wasn't even a blip in the radar because I was just LOST in my ultimate narrative direction back in year 1, haha), I even considered Zuko and Aang being the ones fighting Ozai, and Sokka and Azula were basically just together and reuniting? But the thing is that their reunion was going to be different back then, because... shit, this all sounds so ridiculous right now XD but at a point in time, I had in mind that Ozai would basically steal Sokka from Azula and make him his own gladiator (again, something that just made zero sense with Ozai's character). Azula would've been left bereft of what to do, and I even pondered her teaming up with Katara to save Sokka from Ozai while Zuko and Aang basically started a coup... all of which made so very little sense! I had no idea how Azula and Katara would join forces, no idea how Aang and Zuko would get that far, no clue how Sokka and Azula would be "reuniting", considering that Sokka was going to be right in the same Palace as Azula all along?? ... So, uh, yeah. That kind of weird shit went through my head.

Let that be a lesson on NOT sticking with your gut instincts in storytelling every time: marinate your ideas! Test other possibilities! Sometimes you'll strike gold right away... but if you don't, be open to other ideas. If I hadn't been? I would've fucked up this story BIG TIME x'D

So, in all of that, one of the prominent problems was obviously Zuko: wtf was I going to do with this guy if not THAT? I was rewriting his character from scratch and I knew where I'd take him by the end of Part 1, but I wasn't 100% sure of where he would go from there. After my Zuki shipping associate helped me see the light, his story became much stronger once I brought him and Suki together, and the South Pole story also became that much better because them being there would make things much more dynamic for Katara and Aang (and then also for Kino).

But the ultimate direction for Zuko isn't really something my friend could help me with, because even though she sparked the idea of Whaletail Island, I took that to a whole other level once I backtracked on the "and then they sailed away and Katara and Sokka didn't reunite" concept (which, yes, was the original way that arc was going to wrap up X'D again, as a storyteller, it's good to go against your initial impulses at times, it can be soooo much better when you do that...). We always did want Azula and Zuko's relationship to improve... but my friend certainly believed that Zuko would be fighting for the Fire Lord hairpiece and throne quite hard, and I was a little unsure of what to make of that.

Thus, for a long time, after I finally started figuring out Part 3 and how things would turn out by then, I thought I might have to write Zuko and Azula having a huge, long, tedious discussion over which of them would be better suited for the role of Fire Lord, and the decision would have been basically left to other people once they put all they could offer on the table. Back then, the idea that Zuko would have become embittered and frustrated if he lost the throne certainly was prevalent...

... But I'd dare say I'm very pleased to have discarded that concept entirely :'D

Back then, I didn't have the Southern Air Temple arc in mind. That I didn't plot that one from the get-go sure didn't help, either xD so, putting that together with the extended Azula-Zuko bonding in Whaletail Island, adding as well how much more thorough Zuko's growth wound up being all across the story... and we get a Zuko who doesn't believe his entire existence is justified by sitting on that throne.

Gladiator's Zuko has stopped basing his identity on succeeding his father as Fire Lord and proving himself better than the failure Ozai thinks he is. He already proved it plenty as it is: he has a family that loves him, he's part of a community that he earned his place in, friends who cherish him and that he bonded with on his own, even a crazy brother-like bond with a dork like Kino, for whom he's basically a hero (even if Kino doesn't go all the way to hero-worship other than for comedic purposes, the guy can defy Zuko and disagree with him when he wants to...). So, does he need Ozai's approval at this point? Does his identity hinge on it that much? Or on someone else's approval?

Thanks to Guru Pathik's lessons, it really doesn't. After all the self-reflection Zuko did in that arc, this guy has reached the strongest state of balance I have EVER written him in, in ANY storyline. Even my most optimistic Zuko characterizations in canon settings, or even my non-ATLA AUs, are nowhere near as fulfilling, balanced and mature as the current Zuko in Gladiator. This is a guy who finds his mother, she tells him a LOT of wild and disturbing things, and he still manages to keep his center, even as he processes the reality of what had been going on in his life when he was a child and he was too young to pick up on any of it. It's a guy who can love his uncle without forgetting that he has done TERRIBLE THINGS. A guy who, regardless of their many differences, has grown to cherish his sister and truly wants to save her.

So... for him? The throne is not this big prize that justifies his very existence anymore. He knows he's much more than a prospect Fire Lord -- and he knows his sister is much more than that, too. Neither one is going to approach the burden and responsibility of becoming Fire Lord with the same childish attitude as in canon. They've both come way too far to treat it as some competition where they have to constantly measure against each other to prove which sibling is "better". Both have solid things to bring to the table as Fire Lords, and both will have to think about, above all else, if they want to become Fire Lord at all!

So, to answer your question more specifically...

There MAY be a fight. That fight wouldn't be like what we saw in canon. It wouldn't be chaotic, it wouldn't be overly violent, it wouldn't be the ugliest sides of these two characters colliding in a battle of mutual hubris... no, it would be a battle to conform to traditions to determine the fate of the Fire Nation. It would be a battle that truly would show how far they have come, how much they have grown, and how much respect and genuine appreciation they have for each other. Neither one would step into the dueling area under the belief that they must crush/kill/destroy the other.

And that they can do comes as the result of a ton of character growth and development for these two, in which, unbeknownst to them, they have broken the cycle of abuse in their generation, putting an end to the absolutely catastrophic mess the Fire Nation's Royal Family has constantly been engulfed by. That toxicity, as seen frequently in Ozai's flashbacks, finally comes to an end when both Zuko and Azula learn to break free from that ideology, from the terrible weights of expectations of their family, and learn to see the world through much clearer eyes than any of their relatives ever did.

... I hope that's a satisfactory answer :'D

#anon #gladiator spoilers #look at me talking like some Zuko stan (?) #okay but I only stan Gladiator's Zuko sorry not sorry (?) #seriously the man has come so far #way too far #I'm not going to make him regress #I refuse to #he isn't so selfish or so egotistical as to think that #after everything he has experienced #he's owed a throne #or that only he could sit on it #frankly one of my favorite aspects of Part 3 #has been writing BOTH OF THEM #saying the other would be a great Fire Lord #and indulging in the fact that if their sibling becomes Fire Lord #the world is guaranteed to get better #because they're BOTH an obvious improvement over Ozai #and that's what matters most! #... so yeah that #... this also has a lot of fucked up gladiator history (aka the development of the story not real history ahahaha) #so if you're curious about how I would have butchered the story #if I had let myself go with the very first ideas that crossed my mind? #feel free to read this and laugh your asses off #god I think about it and it's hilariously WEAK #thank fuck that this story was so damn long I had that much time to fix directions

[missingn000]

what are your thoughts on mahito?

...oh boy.

i'm sorry, but i love him. it took me about a year and a half to reach this conclusion -- i once hated his guts too, and i don't at all blame anyone who loathes him. y'all are totally valid. he's so, so hateable.

defending myself below cut. i have good reasons, i promise.

so why did i change my mind? okay. he's just so interesting. he's one of the most well-written villains i've ever encountered in media. it's hard to write an "evil just for fun" villain and make them compelling, but with mahito, gege absolutely succeeded. there are layers to it, in a way i've never seen written before.

he truly united almost the entire fandom against him. he fucked up so much in the story: junpei, mechamaru, nanami, nobara. his impact was insane. even beyond named characters, no body count even scratches his. towards the end, he was so brokenly powerful. i don't think kenjaku could've hoped to take him in if he weren't basically on the brink of death. even his final words are lashing out at his own ally, saying he always knew the end. yet he still did everything anyway.

honestly, as always, i'll keep most of my negative opinions to myself, but i really think every other jjk villain since shibuya looks like a joke next to him. he's my favorite jjk villain by so much it's almost funny. even sukuna and kenjaku don't reach his level for me. 

sure, their impact on the story has obviously been pivotal. i've definitely had some strong emotional reactions to things they've done, but i want to see more emotions from them. what have we seen from sukuna? pretty much just rage, annoyance, and cruelty? uh, okay. and kenjaku has never shown anything more than vaguely amused indifference. he just can't incite an emotional reaction from me with that. what are their motives? what are their ideals?

yeah, i'm sure i'm missing a lot of themes or whatever with them, but i really don't flip over sukuna (hopefully that'll change...) and i never want to think about kenjaku more than i absolutely have to.

in contrast, mahito's emotions are so human, so complex. he has the widest range of emotion of any jjk villain. mahito's ideals are concise and an incredible foil for yuuji's. take this speech of his in shibuya:

"I bet you thought you were gonna do some pest control! Or ghost exterminations like in some make-believe story! You came to Shibuya with half-assed determination didn‘t ya?! How naive, you stupid brat! This is war! Not a battle to fix what‘s wrong! But a clash of truths! You and your fragile justice! You are me, Yuuji Itadori! I kill without a second thought, just like you save people without a second thought! The instincts of a curse against the so-called dignity obtained by human reason! It‘s a battle to determine who will be left standing in a hundred years! How the hell did you think you were gonna beat me when you don‘t even realize that? Tell me, Yuuji Itadori, have you ever stopped to count how many curses you‘ve killed? No, right? Me neither, me neither!"

this is insane. are you kidding me? are you kidding me. this is so fucking metal. he studies humans because they fascinate him: he reads books, watches movies, familiarizes himself with folklore and religions. yet despite that, he still sees humans as having no worth. their lives mean nothing to him. but his fixation on yuuji, his cognizance of their nature as character foils, proves how much grasp he has on human emotional depth.

i wish there was a better word for it, but he cared about yuuji: obviously not in the traditional positive, warm, affectionate sense, but in that he viewed yuuji as important to himself, his own ideals, and his own growth. if given more time, i think his emotional range towards humans could have become even wider.

conversely, as it stands at the end, curses do have worth to him. he helps a wounded hanami back to the base. this incredible post talks about how jogo is almost a father figure to him (and it's great mahito meta, too). i wish what that meta writer talked about came true. he left the story far, far too soon. i miss him so goddamn much. there's a gaping hole in the cast now that no other character can hope to fill.

i honestly can't wait to write more of him. tpg mahito's arc is literally insane, and honestly one of my favorites in the entire story. i seriously can't wait. i'd never try to make anyone like or root for him -- he's a villain, and always will be. but i want people to feel compelled in the same way i do. i'm missing so much in this analysis; i feel like i've barely scratched the surface.

mahito. his name means true human, by the way. if you think i'm not going to explore every aspect of that, you're in for a wild ride.

#wow i really went off here. i just want yall to understand what i see #he's such a good villain it's fucking insane #anyway #tpg #i ended up talking about it somehow

[cityandking]

🧱 😱 ✨ 🐺 for dai, minah and anticlea!

thanks dear!! // prompts I'd like to receive

[ 🧱 ] how would you describe your muses’ morality? what are their core values?

DAI — "nothing is more important than the responsibility my faith confers upon me to help others in need." originally his altruism was structured by the tenets of his faith, but he's come to understand that his altruism is his own and faith is just one way to guide it. with or without pelor, with or without tempus, he wants to help people and do good. he was lawful good when the campaign started, but he's shifted to neutral good over time.

MINAH — minah's morals are a little hard to pin down, tbh. she has a deep-seated lack of trust in any authority or organization, so her morality prioritizes the individual over rule of law. her sense of right and wrong is largely based on her moment-to-moment gut instincts in a situation, but tends to be driven primarily by her desire for personal safety and security (financially, physically, mentally, emotionally, etc.) and secondarily by an impulse towards compassion (she'd really really rather not break any fingers). she meant it when she told cian that there's always unfixible things, and she's not particularly interested in fixing them—she tries to keep out of the big-picture politics and ethics, and she's likewise not planning to cut down on the thieving any time soon—but that doesn't mean she can't tip a busker or talk to a half-blind orphan lordling or offer to save a templar's lover from tranquility (as an interrogation tactic, but hey! still an offer). it's the little touches when you desperately need them that matter most. minah is true neutral.

CLEA — clea lives by the old girl scout law of leaving a place better than you found it. she's lived a long time and values heart and courage and kindness and growth. at the root of everything, she's just a gardener. clea is neutral good.

[ 😱 ] does your muse have any specific fears? where did those fears come from?

DAI — he's afraid of deep water. his first death was pretty traumatic ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ I rolled a couple times during the kaiju arc against panicking while they were underwater but he kept it together (shout out to that high WIS mod). besides that, he's afraid of failing the people he's supposed to be taking care of, which was always there but really kicked in when Izzy died. a lot of things changed for him when Izzy died.

MINAH — she's got a couple, yeah. she's a lil claustrophobic—she can deal with tight spaces, but she needs to be able to access an exit, otherwise she gets panicked about being trapped. a few escapes have gone badly over the years—crammed in some tiny hidey-hole hoping no one notices her, or not quick enough and ending up arrested—and she's afraid of ending up back in a cell

CLEA — her son's memory haunts her—she dreams about him sometimes, when she's not dreamwalking—but mostly she's just grateful to see him. it's the only way he lives on. she's definitely afraid of foresyhte going to the abyss (and then losing him just like everyone else), which is why he won't be going! problem solved.

[ ✨ ] what aesthetics or symbols do you reference when writing your muse? are these backed up by canon, if your muse comes from a canon? is there any specific relevance to these choices?

DAI — shields, the sun, wings, light. wounds/sickness come up pretty often, which makes sense because he's a healer (but *cocks gun*). lava, recently :)

MINAH — I associate her with the tragicomedy masks, and also songbirds. molten gold, a bit. silks (the aerial kind, mostly, but also costumes). the theater, of course. and nomadism—living on the road, horses and caravans, that sort of thing.

CLEA — old trees, shrikes, white winter foxes, snow. furs and beads and silver jewelry. weeping willows and labyrinths and tea and bright embroidery. the way sunlight feels through the trees on a cool day in early spring, a touch of warmth after a long winter.

[ 🐺 ] does your muse like solitude? do they prefer it to being around others? how easily does your muse get lonely?

DAI — definitely (desperately) needs his alone time. he's a true introvert; no matter how much he likes hanging out he simply Has to find some quiet time to rest and recharge. the trip through the storm where they were all crammed together in the tiny hut was one of the worst experiences of his life and he's literally in the abyss right now. he doesn't get lonely easily, in part because he's always had pelor with him—the loneliest he's ever felt, I think, is when his faith was in tatters and he didn't know where to turn.

MINAH — minah likes a little private time to take the mask(s) off, but she gets antsy if she's on her own for too long. even if she's not entertaining, she likes to be in a group—she's an extrovert

CLEA — she gets lonely really easily, actually. back home she was part of a big community, and then when she left she was constantly meeting new people, going new places, traveling with her party. being in selto is nice—she likes the city and she's got friends and plenty to keep her busy—but she never lived alone before. she has a tendency to talk to the plants (and the neighbors) when she's undersocialized. she really does wish forsyhte would visit more often.

#sorry these got Long I simply have many thoughts and feelings #daichi #minah #anticlea #good kids :') #memery

[braveryinblue]

Of all people, her father should be the easiest to gift, and yet, she finds herself stumped until nearly the last minute. It wasn't as if she had forgotten and she was uncharacteristically scrambling to find something that might please him. No, quite the opposite.

           Should she host a large party of all his friends here at the academy, a large banner and feast? Or would he think that suspicious? She had been saving the biggest surprise celebration for when he turned the golden age of forty, but as history has it, he barely had a gray hair to commemorate his short-lived tale.

           Armor and new weapons he may like, but... he could surely get those himself, nothing to write home about. In her younger years, a crudely drawn, handmade card would have sufficed, but that would not be as acceptable these days...

           ...

           Finally, she approaches him box in hand. "Happy birthday," she thrusts it forward, "May today treat you well." Inside the box rested two things: one being the standard axe maintenance kit, the necessary a polishing cloth, whetstone, oil, a more obvious gift and failsafe. The other was encased a small separate box containing a steel circular pendant that he could carry with him, in his pocket, around his neck, wherever he pleased. The other, she waits for him to examine before explaining.

           "It's a device to tell time, Fódlan time and the smaller circle is Ostia time. A little piece to remind you of home. And to remind you to spend each day to its fullest. Ah.. um, while you're in your prime now of course," she chuckles awkwardly, glancing to the side. You'll understand later.

It's still weird,

knowing that she's real.

She's not just some figment of his imagination, some child born of a dream, of many dreams. She's here, attending Garreg Mach the same as he is,

and Hector knows Lilina to be his daughter.

He's heard of this. There have been those in the past who have frequented the academy two generations apart and yet one looking scarcely a day older than the other. He doesn't want to think on it overmuch. Part of him is curious to know what the future might hold -

but there's a nagging feeling in his gut that he's better off not asking too many questions. It's an instinct he cautiously heeds, for the time being.

It's still weird,

learning that the council eventually get their wish. One way or another, he gives them an heir. Good for them, he wryly supposes - though he can't help wondering, in the meantime, exactly what kind of mother he's meant to look for. That'd make his job here a lot easier, really. . .

but it's another one of those questions he feels he's better off not asking.

Wouldn't want to go breaking time or whatever.

(As though that hasn't already happened here in Fodlan... multiple times...)

It's a headache, is what it is, though he does not begrudge her the pain in the neck.

Another year down.

Hector hopes his friends appreciate that he's relatively easy to shop for. (Or so he thinks, anyhow.) The kit is appreciated, even if it's not unexpected as far as gifts go.

(That she brings him a gift at all... That, he is not sure he expected.)

He grins up at her from where he's sitting, hopes his appreciation comes through. He's curious, though. What's this second box...?

Oh.

"Woah." Wow. "This is..."

Eyes are fixed on the clock's ticking hands. Fodlan... And Ostia. Dear Ostia, home sweet home. Land of his people - those he desperately hopes to do right by.

"Thank you, Lilina."

Fingers clutch at the device just a smidge tighter, albeit nonetheless gingerly, for fear of breakage.

"I'll definitely cherish this."

A pause.

There's something to the mournful look about her he remembers just now, the demeanour she'd worn in that strange, too-lifelike dream. He can't place why, but he gets a similar impression here and now, if fleetingly. Hm.

He won't ask.

But... would this, instead, be a safer question to ask?

It should be all right, yeah?

"... When's your birthday, Lilina? ... I'm told I'm not very good at choosing gifts, you see, so I'll need ample time to prepare."

What kinds of things has his daughter grown up enjoying, caring for? What does she value? What does she fear? Are there foods she dislikes?

Come to think of it, there is much he'd yet like to ask, and much of it, he thinks, would be worth the potential consequences.

#higaneion #asks #birthday shenanigans #i hope u know im still hurting @ the example of the bday card yshowed me #pain

[klaasje]

Just wanted to say if you had any stray Jean/Kim thoughts I would love to read them :O

After Martinaise, Kim takes Jean under his wing.

*

A week before he officially transfers, Harry is placed on indefinite suspension/sick leave/informal recuperation while Pryce fights his corner against the Moralintern. Harry is lying low with Lena (at Lena’s insistence). Morel is across the river at the university, reporting his research on the phasmid. Kim is at the 41st. He immediately realizes that Satellite-Officer Vicquemare is grieving, lonely, and out of his depth.

Case in point: he stays too late every night, pecking away at an ancient typewriter. Dark shadows loom under his eyes. Torson and McLaine (and everyone else), amuse themselves by cracking jokes about Tequila Sunset ditching the RCM for good. It doesn’t seem to matter how many times they’re corrected or who corrects them: nobody at the 41st appears to have any faith that Harry will be coming back at all. 

All of this is making Jean worse at his job. Kim has noticed, and he has decided to point it out. This does not go as planned.

“You think I’m not up for this? You think… what, that I don’t have the guts to run a task force—?”

“No, I think you’re smart,” Kim says evenly, unrattled by this posturing. “You have sound instincts, you’re good with your people, and you know how to lead. You’re also understaffed and overworked. I can help.”

Jean doesn’t say anything. Internally, Kim allows himself a little exasperation. Men can be so territorial…

“I’m not territorial,” Jean blurts out. “I’m not an asshole.”

Kim waits, quiet and curious, for the rest of this sentence. Jean lets out a strangled growl of a sound and drags one hand down his face.

“This situation is making me behave like an asshole,” he says through gritted teeth, “but I’m not. I’m glad you’re here.”

“Likewise,” Kim says honestly.

Jean’s grey eyes flick up to meet his. They look weary and contrite.

“I’m sorry, he says. “If I act above my rank, lieutenant, it’s because I work above my rank. I don’t have a choice. I know I’m out of my depth in this, believe me… but it’s been months since I followed any orders. That’s all. It’s not intentional, I’m not trying to undermine you.”

“I don’t want to give you orders,” says Kim. Jean’s brow furrows.

“Pissing contests don’t interest me,” Kim explains to him, not unkindly. “I’m not here to requisition your partner or take your job. I just want to do my job, part of which is working with you.”

“Okay,” Jean says. He looks equal parts bewildered and relieved.

“Okay,” Kim agrees. “Good.” He pauses. “Do you feel any better?”

Jean nods stiffly, scuffling the floor with the toe of his shoe.

“I’ve been wanting to apologise for a while, actually… I can’t imagine how this must look to you.”

“How do you think it looks to me?”

“Oh, like a shitshow,” Jean says bitterly. “C-Wing is a disgrace to the force, at this point. The only saving grace was our clearance rate, and now even that’s gone to ground. They’re going to take us out back and shoot us.”

*

Over the course of a month or so, Kim redistributes Jean’s workload until it’s suitable for one person. He shows him radio computer passwords and gives him advice and tells him all the things lieutenants are supposed to be told. They begin the long administrative slog of clearing Harry’s case backlog together. They’re lucky: it ends up being a quiet summer for homicides. The new cases that pop up are run of the mill shootouts and drug busts, so they can delegate them further down the decomptage. But this is Jamrock, and nothing good lasts forever — which is how Kim finds himself, three months to the day since that first Monday in Martinaise, grimly helping to wrestle a body bag into the Kineema’s holding cell, while torrential rain sluices bright blood into the storm drains and gutters.

It’s filthy work. Jean stumbles once it’s over and done with, pale-faced. Kim steadies him with a hand on his back. Jean glances back at him and nods.

*

Summer ends. Everything is complicated. Bureaucracy is excruciating. Martinaise is full of loose threads and ghosts. Harry has been taken to La Delta for questioning. Jean is not dealing with this as well as he says he is. 

Cunoesse throws stones at them from the roof of Cuno’s shack while they investigate the greenhouse drug stash. One hits Kim’s glasses dead-on and cracks the lens. Cunoesse cackles like a howler monkey. Kim takes his glasses off and turns around without a word. He hides it well, only stumbling once by the broken fence, but Jean still notices. Kim can tell that he notices, because he hears Jean’s footsteps change pace behind him — he slows down, like he’s watching. They continue walking. Kim squints. The Kineema is almost in focus across the plaza. As they get closer to it, its chassis blurs into a hazy blue fog.

“You don’t have to walk behind me, detective,” Kim says. His voice is as mild and unruffled as it ever is.

Jean snorts.

“Considering the amount of insubordination I subject you to, I think the least I can do is walk behind you.”

He opens the Kineema’s side door and steps back so Kim can climb into the driver’s seat. The engine is still cooling down. It’s warm inside, and the misted up windows cocoon them. Kim takes his glasses off and goes to rub his eyes. Jean grips his wrist.

“You have glass on you, hold on,” he murmurs.

Kim nods and tips his head back. Jean studies his face, waiting for sunlight to catch on the pieces and make them glitter so he can carefully pick them away one by one. Kim’s dark eyes remain open, watching him.

“How do I look?” Jean asks.

“I wouldn’t know,” Kim says drily, which makes Jean laugh. “There should be a spare pair in the glovebox, could you…?”

Jean leans over him and pops it open. He passes the new glasses to Kim, who wipes the lenses briefly on his white undershirt before placing them on his nose. The world slides back into focus. The car’s engine clicks softly to itself as it cools. Kim breathes in the comforting smells of waxed leather and fuel oil.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Jean says gruffly. He steps back and away, sliding into a loose parade rest, ready to walk behind Kim again.

*

Three days later, they snap at each other’s throats. They have to spend the night at the Whirling, because it’s October in a coastal city and the first gale of the season is raging with savage enthusiasm outside. The hostel, at least, is doing good business despite the weather: it’s bustling with dockworkers and camion drivers. Jean is lounging by the counter of the bar, talking to a faceless someone. The karaoke music is very loud. Kim does not like music or the look of whoever Jean is talking to. Jean is like “I can talk to whoever I want,” in a shitheaded, bullish way. Kim points out, “when you’re not on duty, yes, you can.” 

Jean says, laughing in disbelief, “are you PULLING RANK on me?” which leads Kim to say, “officer,” in a very sharp and disapproving lieutenant-y voice. Jean snaps into silence like a reprimanded schoolboy. Kim shuts his eyes.

“Jean,” he says. “A word, please.”

They go upstairs. Jean is silent and sullen until they reach their room, and then he is silent and sullen inside their room. 

“I’m not a junior officer, you know,” he mutters, whirling around as soon as the door closes. His patrol cloak flaps irritably at his heels. “I’m not a teenager, this isn’t juvie.”

“I know that,” Kim says.

“Okay.” Jean’s voice is tight with barely repressed rage. “Then why are you treating me like this?”

“When we’re in uniform, we’re on the clock. We represent the RCM. Our jurisdiction here is tenuous as it is, it isn’t helpful to undermine it by… fraternizing, so to speak, with the local population.”

Jean starts to laugh. It is a horrible laugh.

“Is there a problem?” Kim says icily.

MISTAKE, his juvie instincts warn, lurching suddenly to life. BEWARE. YOU HAVE ENGAGED WITH HOOLIGANISM.

“You know, if you’re not going to sleep with me, I’m still going to sleep with other people.” Jean is loosening his tie with sharp, jerky motions. His voice is shaking a little. “You can’t control me, that’s not how the world works.”

Kim is shocked into silence. His mind is nothing but white noise.

“If you don’t want to, fine. I won’t take it personally. But don’t you dare tell me who I can and cannot—”

“That’s enough,” Kim interrupts, coming back to himself; aware, on some level, that he has broken his own cardinal rule and raised his voice. He cuts Jean off. “We’re done for today. You’re dismissed.”

“…Excuse me?”

“You’re dismissed,” Kim repeats firmly. “You’re hysterical, officer. I’ll drive you to the station in the morning and handle this myself.”

Jean laughs in disbelief.

“I’m hysterical?”

Kim tips his head forward for a moment, exhaling through his nose. Jean lets out a breath and looks away. There’s just enough light pollution filtering in through the curtains to make his lashes shine wetly. His mouth trembles for a moment, wavering, before he appears to wrench it under control. 

“I’m your superior officer,” Kim says, at last. Saying this makes him feel very weary, all of a sudden.

“Interim superior officer,” Jean mutters.

“I outrank you, regardless.” Kim hesitates, before adding, “and I’m too old for you.”

“I’m thirty four,” Jean says, incredulous.

“I’m forty three,” Kim points out.

“Good for you, who gives a fuck.” Jean is scrutinising Kim’s face now, still flushed and rumpled from crying, but his professionalism (or sheer stubbornness) has won out. He looks handsome like this, which isn’t helping Kim’s resolve. “None of these are actual reasons, are they? You’re just avoiding the question.”

Kim rubs the bridge of his nose where his glasses rest. A headache buzzes, mosquito-like, in his peripheral vision, threatening to rise up and swallow him whole.

“You’d distract me,” he says. “I can’t afford that right now, and neither can you.”

“So, just to clarify,” Jean says slowly, “you can’t sleep with me because if you did, you’d never get any work done?”

Kim shuts his eyes.

“Yes.”

“But you want to sleep with me.”

Kim cracks an eye open. Jean is studying him intently. His expression is impenetrable.

“Do you want me to?”

“Don’t be stupid, please, it doesn’t suit you,” Jean murmurs. They’re so close, now. Chest to chest, nose to nose. They’ve edged towards each other without realising.

*

In the morning, after the rain has stopped, they get coffee in little styofoam cups from the Frittte around the corner. They drink it on the bench in the bombed out square, looking out at the unsettled sea. The tide is coming in.

“I want to take the lieutenant’s exam,” Jean says. “Properly, I mean.”

Kim sips his drink and hums approvingly.

“Okay,” he says. “I’ll put your name forward.”

“Thank you.”

Kim nods in acknowledgement. Their boots tap together under the bench.

“Last night…” Jean murmurs. “It can’t happen again, I know that. I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be sorry.”

“Well, I am,” Jean says. “Take it or leave it.”

They settle in comfortable silence. Kim watches a military aerostatic drift over the bay, its rotors casting shadows and ripples on the water.

“Do you think he’ll ever come back?” 

Kim glances at Jean.

“He’s in La Delta,” he points out. “Not Ozonne.”

Jean’s answering scowl is deeply indignant.

“Nevertheless,” Kim says smoothly, as though he hadn’t seen it, “If you want my opinion — yes, he’ll come back.” He pauses. “I don’t think anything could stop him from coming back.”

He’s needed here, he thinks, but he chooses not say this part out loud. Jean has dealt with enough derangement from the chain of command. There’s no need to add to it unnecessarily.

Jean nods, tracing a circle on the bench arm with his index finger. There’s a bruise peeking out from his shirt collar which Kim tries very hard not to look at. The post-storm sunlight has turned his hair a tawny shade of brown. Revachol is tired but stirring, blinking awake, shedding summer like an old coat.

“If he doesn’t come back,” Jean murmurs, “if he leaves me, what do I do?”

“You write him a station call,” Kim says mildly. Jean barks out a hoarse laugh. “But somehow I doubt it will come to that.”

#THANK YOU FOR THIS… WE SHARE A WARRIOR’S BOND #ask #anonymous #fic tag #this is supposed to be part of a longer fic but hopefully it makes sense in its current form (hot mess first draft) lol

[akihitosutokuin]

Akihito/Sutokuin MBTI Analysis

Akihito is an INFJ (Introverted, Intuitive, Feeling, and Judging).

Right off the bat, it is obvious that Akihito is not an outgoing person. He trusts two people in the entire universe, and only two people: Yasuchika and Ibuki. Since they have stuck by Akihito's side loyally for the longest period of time, there is a certain degree of mutual trust between the trio. If one is missing, the other two feel the emptiness that occupies the space between. Akihito does not express his feelings often, nor does he know how to do so. Although the precious memories he made with Yasuchika when the latter was a child led to the preservation of Akihito's humanity when he was a wandering spirit, and Ibuki's nonverbal expression of care for him allows him to understand that he will not be abandoned like before, he internalizes these sentiments instead of letting them out. The painful experiences that haunt him from his past led to him not opening up to almost anybody. He bottles up his feelings as a defense mechanism in an attempt to protect himself from ever being in a vulnerable position again. Hence, introverted over extroverted.

When making decisions, Akihito often "reads the air" around him. He manipulates the situation to save face while calculating the motives of the person in front of him. This is a survival skill that Akihito acquired at a steep cost while growing up shunned by his father and the court. He had to always be on the lookout for assassins seeking to kill the infamous "Sutokuin," usurpers attempting to steak his throne, and double-faced liars trying to curry his favor in order to use him as a political pawn. There is a saying that, "you look into darkness and the darkness will look into you," and this is no different for Akihito. As a result of many negative encounters with cunning people in the past, he adopted their shrewd, perceptive mentality. He recognizes that one cannot always take a situation at face value and that gut instinct can communicate more information about the truth rather than what one simply sees. Akihito trusts his own impressions of a state of affairs rather than taking others' notions for granted. Hence, intuitive over sensory.

Initially, Akihito may appear to fit the traits of a coldly calculating, solely analytical personality at first, but he is in fact strongly driven by his emotions. Witnessing the aftereffects of being irreversibly cursed in his childhood and the unjust damage it wrought unto his reputation, Akihito does not want to let others suffer a similar type of injustice due to simply being born with less power than others. This is why he carefully amends the law codes to enable the poor to reap the benefits of lower tax rates, occasionally pardons individuals out of prison if their "crime" was meant to be a nonviolent help to their family (e.g. stealing a small loaf of bread on one occasion), and actively learning from the negative consequences his policies may have produced in order to shape better ones. The emperor is a complicated man, formed by his early encounters with injustice, a naturally gentle disposition, and a generous, compassionate heart. He honestly desires the best for his kingdom. Hence, feeling instead of thinking.

As the leader of a state, Akihito possesses the ability to strategize ahead for the future by anticipating opponents' possible moves and efficiently counteracting them. He does not just sit around perceiving what is happening, he actively takes a stance to support his best interests. Being raised from a young age to be concerned about Hinamoto's welfare, Akihito is skilled in matters of jurisprudence, diplomacy, and negotiation. He is willing to compromise as long as it leads to the achievement of a goal, but not on the major issues. For example, in his route, when deciding to singlehandedly take on the burden of freeing the entire kingdom of its curse by sacrificing solely himself, Akihito planned meticulously ahead, but jumped at the opportunity to further his aims at every chance. One can see the mentality of a man who grew up without much support or opportunity reflected in his self-sufficent mentality. Akihito may appear noble at first glance with an elegant face and graceful almond-shaped eyes, but there lays a backbone of steel beneath the calm facade. Hence, judging over perceiving.

The MBTI personality analysis system is not a wholeheartedly trustworthy one to understand all of the nuances of a unique individual. Nevertheless, it can be a fun pasttime to explore on people in different situations. MBTI is far from being 100% accurate, but is designed only as a hobby. This is one psychological framework that can be applied to human beings, as long as it is meant only in a nonserious context. Hopefully, the reason is clear why I placed Akihito into an INFJ personality category. If readers of this post may agree or disagree, feel free to put why into the comments below.

#ikemen genjiden #ikemen #genjiden #cybird #ikegen #ikemen series #akihito #sutokuin #yasuchika #ibuki #mc #yoshino #ikemen headcanons #ikemen genjiden headcanons #mbti #analysis #personality #personality test #mbti analysis #mbti test

[kitkatwinchester]

HOLD UP!

117 MILLION?!

You're telling me the Hales had ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN MILLION DOLLARS buried in a vault under the FREAKING HIGH SCHOOL?!

And you're telling me Kate KNEW that, and she set this WHOLE thing up to steal ONE HUNDRED AND SEVENTEEN MILLION DOLLARS?!

Holy f*ck.

Okay, umm, I hate Kate, and she's a manipulative sociopathic b*tch, but also, RESPECT, because d*mn is that a good heist.

Now we better freaking get it BACK (also who on earth is her accomplice?? Because my gut wants to say Gerard, but as far as we know, he's still sick and dying in hospice or whatever), mostly because I do not want an outcome where KATE of all people has THAT much money and THAT much power available to her, but I have faith that we will, BECAUSE...

CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE FACT THAT DEREK'S LOYALTY TO SCOTT IS WHAT CHANGED HIM BACK?! (Also someone explain the eye color please and thank you??? Like, what?? Did he redeem himself somehow with that? Because I'll take it if it did! He deserves it!)

LIKE!!

LITERALLY!!

You can de-age Derek all you want, but NOTHING can take away the McCall Pack loyalty.

No spell work.

No love interest.

No nothing.

"Is this real? Tell me if this is real." "Didn't you hear that? That was Scott. I just heard Scott." "Tell me!" "I don't know! And I don't care."

Because NOTHING ELSE MATTERS when your Alpha is in danger.

NOTHING!!

MCCALL! PACK! LOYALTY! CAN! NOT! BE! BEAT! I! SWEAR! TO! GOD!

Let's f*cking GO.

The way they all come running to protect each other--Scott and his Alpha roar (literally unmatched I love him), Malia and Scott consistently stepping in front of each other to protect each other (she really is learning <3), Kira jumping in front of them both and kicking butt with her katana ("Katana-wielding, badass Kitsune” <3), Scott's worried cry when Kira gets hit (my heart <3), Stiles and Lydia running in to help ("You seriously need to find something better than a baseball bat." XD), and then FREAKING! DEREK!!

Derek, who for all intents and purposes doesn't know who any of them are, but knows that it's his instinct to protect them.

And he fights those Berserkers (by the way, never a good sign when Peter Hale tells you to run), and he f*cking kicks BUTT, and he does it to protect the rest of his pack that he DOESN'T EVEN REALIZE is his pack, but that he protects on pure INSTINCT, because MCCALL PACK LOYALTY IS SUPERIOR!!!

THIS IS WHY THE VILLAINS LOSE!!

THIS IS WHY!!

Nobody is gonna work harder to save their fellow pack members than somebody in the McCall Pack.

NOBODY!!!

AHHHH I FREAKING LOVED THAT MOMENT SO MUCH!!!

ANYWAYS!!

Ahhhh Season 4 is seriously starting off so strong. I am so here for this.

Let's f*cking go.

I have literally nothing else planned for tonight, so prepare for spam reactions, and we'll see how far I get. XD <3

(Okay I don't even care what the explanation is. That was so bad*ss that I don't even need to know. <3 <3 <3 <3 <3)

#derek hale #f*cking derek hale #anyways #everyone else too lol #scott mccall #stiles stilinski #lydia martin #kira yukimura #malia tate #malia hale #i literally don't know which one is more accurate #so i just keep doing both lol #peter hale #mccall pack #mccall pack loyalty #seriously NOTHING BEATS THEIR LOYALTY TO EACH OTHER! #NOTHING!!! #they all love each other so much #and would do literally anything for each other #and THAT IS WHAT MAKES THIS WORK!! #FOUND FAMILY FOR THE WIN!!! #ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS!! <3 <3 <3 #that said #f*ck kate argent #respect #but f*ck kate argent #teen wolf spoilers #teen wolf season 4 #4x2

[theladybarnes]

NO STRINGS ON ME - CH.6: CHOICES

“Tell me why, everything turned around Packing up, Shacking up is all you want to do If I could Baby, I'd give you my world Open up, everything's waiting for you”

▸ summary: the end of a chapter ▸ characters: steve rogers, tony stark, natasha romanoff & wanda maximoff ▸ word count: 9,090  ▸ warnings: angst, canon death ▸ series masterlist

The moment the quinjet was off the tower, you were hit with a sudden pain of guilt. Tony had called in to check why you weren’t on the jet with the others and while he understood certain parts of your reasoning, it didn’t stop him from sounding a little..disappointed. Which perfectly matched with how you felt about it. 

 This wasn’t you. This wasn’t something you’d allow someone to put you in. And yet, because of love, you allowed yourself to be pushed down and held back. All because of the worry of one person. The same person who was supposed to love you and support you. Who would want to build you up with them as equals? 

 Not reminding you of your place in all this. Reminding you how you don’t have powers, or a super suit or don’t have the right training. You’ve worked hard enough as is and you’ve helped save the world once before. No, you’re not doing the great power move that would end the battle, but that didn’t mean you couldn’t do the most to help out. There were people who needed so much help. And yet, you’re stuck in the tower like a damn princess waiting for her white knight. 

 Well, FUCK THAT. 

 Before you could even comprehend what you were going to do, you found yourself upstairs racing into Tony’s office. The speed of your fingers were typing was beyond average, making you believe even more that you should have just gone with your gut instinct. “Come on, please let the password be easy.” You groaned, typing in different answers like your birthday, Tony’s birthday, and even the debut date of AC/DC all into your decryption keys. The familiar iron man logo suddenly popped up as it finally logged in. “Yay!” You mused quietly, immediately opening up his newest designs folder. He had several works in the process, but you knew it was most likely additions for his suits. 

 “Boss, might I make a suggestion?” 

 The sudden voice of Tony’s newest AI hummed into the room, nearly causing you to fall out of the plush computer chair. “Holy shit, you scared me!“ you laughed, pushing yourself back up. “What was your name again?” 

 “FRIDAY ma’am.” 

 “Alright, FRI, what do you suggest?”

 The screen is quick to click into the folder towards the bottom, showing you designs of one of Tony’s unmade creations. “Considering you’re without a suit ma’am. I thought it’d be a better idea to show you something Mr. Stark had come up with the design in case of any quick fight he might come across.” The design is thrown up in a hologram before you, giving you a better look at its whole design. 

 “Why haven’t I seen him make anything like this before?”

 “The boss seemed to have filed this up for later projects to work on since he planned on retiring soon.

 Turning it around, FRIDAY displays a sort of wrist band that would extend over into the palm of the hand and turn into glove-like repulsors. Its power source would come from the back of the hand with mini arc reactors, and be sustainable on its own. Reading over the data, you tried to figure out the mechanics of it all, using your best knowledge of reading things with Tony these past few years. “Is there any way to see if we can start up the trial for this right now?”

 “Yes, Boss. The lab is started up for you whenever you’re ready to begin.”

 You’re about to get up and make your way to the elevators when you forget one minor detail. You’re not an engineer. “Shit,” you land back down in the chair, looking over the screen again. “FRI, is there any possible way for us to bring in an engineer from Stark Industries?”

 “The current ETA for one of the engineers to come in today would be approximately thirty minutes to an hour.”

 “Which would be more time wasted when they try to figure out Tony’s workshop.”

 “Yes, Boss.”

 Groaning, you rubbed at the temples of your head as you stared over at the screen. It was always so much easier to create coding and programs that could hack into files. Why couldn’t creating things be just as easy? Why couldn’t you just make a program that could do the work for you?

 “Boss? Might I make another suggestion?”

 “You’re already on a roll, FRI, what else do you got for me?”

 The screen changed in front of you to a connection link. All the labs command codes and keys were shown in front of you, making you stare confused at the screen until the AI spoke again. “From my data it’s said you have more expertise in creating program files used in hacking and other softwares.”

 “That’s correct.”

 “So perhaps instead of waiting for an engineer you could create a program to make one of the boss’s robots to do the work for you?”

 You sat back against the chair, looking at the air as if FRIDAY were in front of you. “Oh my God. You’re literally a blessing.” Typing away into the computer, you begin the makings of a running program and set up the data to mix into the coding. “FRIDAY, I hope you’re ready. We got some work to do.”

  The amount of times your quick program managed to fail was enough to nearly make you rip your hair out. But thankfully, with FRIDAY’s help, and the appearance of DUM-E (2.0) being there in support, you managed to do it. The program ran smoothly during the two test runs and you were excited to slip the bands onto your wrists. 

 “I think we’re ready to go.”

 “There’s no other color choice you’d like to add on before we close up, boss?”

 You looked over the details, the iconic red and golden details that usually ended up on Tony’s works. Smiling over it, you settled on the idea of being a part of his team. The brand of your family. To change it would just feel wrong.

 “No, it’s perfect as is.” Exiting the lab, you made your way back into the locker room, grabbing hold of the original outfit you were going to change into originally. It was a little bit tighter than your regular outfits, Natasha was incredibly fit and curvier than you in different places. 

 But the thicker lining of the suit was enough to protect you right away from any immediate strikes and had very flexible joints. You glanced over at the mirror and smiled at the way you looked. Acting like a superhero wasn’t ever anything you had in mind for you. Even after the battle of New York, and the fall of SHIELD, it all felt so weird for you.

 But fixing the wrong that your own family caused, and hopefully saving the people of Sokovia, it felt like the right thing to do. Like maybe this could be the lifestyle you could work for if you gave it a chance. The only difference is, would you do good? Could you do this? 

 Tapping at your wrists, you looked down at the hard work you just sped through to do this. If you went for this, it wasn’t going to be about you, it was going to be to go and help the people that needed it. They had to come first. You have to have the willpower to do things that are right. All you had to do was actually go through with it.

 Reaching for your phone, you type in the number of the only person you knew could ever rely on without question. The one voice that would help you make your decision before you changed your mind. It was only one ring before they finally picked up.

 “I knew you’d miss me, Princess. It’s about time you called your best friend.”

 “I didn’t call Natasha though.” You smiled, happy to hear the sound of Sam’s voice again. The man on the other line let out an old man type cough. 

 “Well then let’s say your best guy friend then.” 

 “Sounds fair.” You hummed, trying to beat around the bush. Sam hearing the hesitance in your tone cuts in for you.

 “If you’re calling me while I’m away helping at home, you must have something important to ask me.”

 Smiling at his response, you sighed into the phone before speaking again. “Back in Krosno, when I wanted to go on my own. You were so easy to say yes. And even when we came back you were still okay with it despite Steve and Tony yelling at you about it…why?”

 Sam seemed to mull his answer over on the other side, humming into the phone. It almost felt like a minute before he spoke up again. “It’s not like I have some big answer. It’s easy for me to say yes because I trust you, Scout.”

 “..Really?”

 “Of course! Since the day I met you, eh, well the second time I got to meet you, all you did was prove just how much of a badass you were. Not only did you sneak into HYDRA and pose as them to get to Steve, you went off to battle on your own to cover for Hill. I’m not saying it worked out perfectly, but if there’s anything you’ve proven to me it’s that you’re someone who strives to do their best, no matter what might happen. It’s dangerous in our line of work, but the loyalty and heart you put in is even greater, I’d say.”

 You couldn’t help but sniffle at his words. It was like he was telling you all you had hoped someone saw you as. “It doesn’t matter that I’m not superhuman or with a body of armor? You still think I’m all that?”

 “Trying to be a good person doesn’t need you to have an arsenal or powers. It just matters that you put in the heart. And girl, you got a big heart.”

 “Sam if you were here right now I’d hug the shit out of you.”

 His deep laugh brings a smile to your face. “Well, I’d hug the shit out of you back. Just do me a favor, kid. If you’re doubting yourself over…well over a guy..don’t. Because I personally think you’re great as you are, don’t ever change.”

 “I won’t, I promise.”

 “Good, now go and do whatever it is you’re holding yourself back from.” 

 You say a quick goodbye before Sam interrupts you for one final needed word. “And princess, don’t forget to kick some ass.”

  TEXT MESSAGE [ TO: Maria Hill ❤️ ]

 YOU: Maria! Do you guys have room for one more? MARIA: We got room for a whole city. You ready for a fight? YOU: Let’s go kick some robot ass! YOU: Meet me at the tower roof in ten? MARIA: Can do you better, we can be there in five. See you soon, Scout. x

  The agents around you setting up for arrival kept giving you weary looks. Ever since Maria told you this would be the only thing you could use to make your way onto the battlefield, everyone seemed to tense up. Especially when she had to give you a crash course.

 Which, a crash course on riding a motorcycle did seem like a lot. But you had work to do and needed to get some good distance fast. And after one test run around the hanger door, you had to hope that it’d be good enough. 

 “We’re approaching the city now, Scout. It’s pretty bad.” Maria’s sharp voice filled in your ears, you had only a small clue of how it looked from the tempad you borrowed.

 “It’s a good thing we’re here then. I’m ready whenever you guys are.”

 Tapping at the back of your wrists, you check over the weapon before pulling out your phone to check in for connection. The comms link with FRIDAY sort of died out when you left the tower. You hoped that when you finally reached close enough to Tony you could connect back with her. 

 There’s a clicking sound in your ear and you’re excited to hear a familiar voice. One you had been worried about for hours now.

 “..I didn’t say we should leave…There’s worse ways to go.”

 You shake your head, hating the idea of Natasha being so casual about a possible final moment. Kicking the pedal off the bike, you drag it closer to the hangar opening, waiting for when the doors could open.

 “Where else am I gonna get a view like this?”

 “Glad you like the view, Romanoff. It’s about to get better.”

 As if on Fury’s cue, the engines of the helicarrier seemed to roar as it made it to the arrival point. Welcoming the floating city with it’s glory. The jolt of excitement and nervousness filled your stomach as you straddled the seat. 

 “Nice, right? Pulled her out of mothballs with a couple of old friends. Found a little hitch hiker along the way. She’s dusty, but she’ll do.”

 “Fury, you son of a bitch.” You’re about to point out the remark about his language when Fury beats you to the punch.

 “Ooh! You kiss your mother with that mouth?”

 The lifeboat you’re on begins to disengage, rumbling a bit as it lifts off from the helicarrier. It takes you a wobbly second to balance yourself but you manage to keep steady as it lands to the ground with a thud. 

 Natasha seemed to be the only one who managed to figure out your arrival. “Wait, what did Fury mean when he said they found a hitch hiker?” Smiling a bit to yourself, you kick start the bike, giving a finger salute to the agent by the door that you were ready. 

 “Agent Romanoff, you miss me?” You said calmly, watching the sunlight begin to fill into the room as the doors opened up. Without another chance to think about it, you gripped at the handle of the bike and jet off into the city. 

 “No way! FRIDAY blast Shoot to Thrill in the comms.” Tony giggled, almost giddy with excitement.

 “FRIDAY ignore that. Scout, are you insane?!” Steve gasped. Surprised to see your entrance. You would reply back to him about how you probably were when you looked up to see a herd of Ultron bots coming at you. 

 Thankfully, you were expecting to be a quick target while the other agents began to load up the citizens onto the boat. It was terrifying but you amplified the speed, feeling the front wheel begin to shake a bit as you focused on the drive ahead. “Tony, I’m dragging the bots away from the front lines. Think you can give me a lift?”

 “Anything for you, kid.”

 It took about a minute for him to arrive, flying above you as you neared closer to the herd that was running towards the boats. Clicking on the pad in the middle, you set off the timer for the bomb that Maria had installed on it before slowly attempting to crouch onto the seat of the bike. “Okay, Tony! In three, two, ONE!”

 Jumping up, your caught instantly into metal arms and shooting back up into the sky just in time to watch as the bike rams into the group of bots, sending some flying, and some staggering over close enough to be exploded by the bomb.

 Tony carefully flies you back over towards the boats and sets you down on the ground before he finally looked at you. “Holy shit, Sprout. You’re finally a power ranger.” He teased, popping up his helmet to give you his signature smile. 

 Winking at him you give him a little show of your newest addition. 

 “Hey, those are coo- Wait! Those are my designs you little thief!” He pulled at your hand, staring shocked at seeing his work actually being completed. “How did you do this?”

 “Well believe it or not, DUM-E is actually more capable of doing good work than you had him doing. Especially with the right programming.” 

 Before he could say anything else, another bot dropped in before you two. Raising your hand up, you show off a little bit and aim over at the machine, blasting it with power from your palms before it finally shuts down. 

 “Oh, I want a pair of those.” He muttered before he leaned in to press a kiss on top of your head. “Glad to have you here. I think we finally got a winning team.” He smiled before lowering his helmet and raising himself back in the air. He shot a two finger salute before finally leaving the area. 

 You didn’t even get to make a full turn around before another pair of arms gripped at your shoulders. A very disgruntled Steve was looking down at you, using his hands and eyes to also check over your body. “You Starks are actually going to be the death of me.” He muttered before he shook his head and leaned in to press a kiss to your lips. It was a lot more welcoming than you imagined, making you comfortable enough to kiss him back before he pulled away to ask a question. “What happened to staying behind?” 

 Sighing, you stared at him seriously before you shrugged your shoulders. Before this you had such a big game on how you’d tell Steve off or even just be bitchy towards him. But considering how tired and haggard him and the people of Sokovia looked, it didn’t feel right to approach things that way. 

 “I changed my mind. You guys are in need of help, and I need to give it.” Taking his hand in yours, you ignore the dirt and kiss the knuckles gently. “Let me help, Steve.” The blonde opened up his mouth, most likely to give a rebuttal when your shoulders are grabbed again to spin in a different direction. 

 “Cолнышко (little sun)! You’re in my suit, shooting at robots, and looking hotter than I’ve ever seen you. MARRY ME.” Natasha gasped, pulling you into a tight hug. Seeing her brought such a relief over you that your arms had a mind of their own as they wrapped around her. It felt good to have her back again. 

 “I’m glad you’re okay, лисичка (little fox). Sorry about the suit, needed something with good protection.“ 

 “Don’t apologize. This is the best thing I’ve seen in days.” She chuckled before pulling back. “Rogers might say otherwise but we could use you here. Keep the civilians safe while we try and figure a way to shut it down.” 

 “I can definitely do that.” You promised. Glancing back you nod at Steve. “If you feel otherwise, we can fight about it later?” You offered. Steve merely shook his head before he reached out to cup your cheek gently. He couldn’t help himself as he pressed another deep kiss to your lips. It was a bit distracting and you definitely needed to sort a lot of things out with him, but it felt nice to feel the kind of warmth from Steve again.

 “Just promise me you’ll stay safe? Get on the last boat as soon as it’s cleared, okay?” 

 Smiling up at him you nodded your head, feeling a bit of weight off your shoulders as he let you go to march up beside Natasha. The two gave you one last look of anxiousness before they were off to go and meet up with the others. Two agents approached you as they let you know more boats would be coming. 

 Checking at your bands again, you made sure everything was right lining up with the other agents. Ready to hold things down while the team worked together to save the city.

  It felt like the fight was going on for much longer than you were imagining it. Between holding off the bots from coming aboard and hurting the civilians, to making sure they were all boarding up, it left you feeling exhausted. But every time you felt winded or began to slow down, you were reminded how they wouldn’t be like this in the first place had your family not meddle into things.

 “Scout, how’s the clearing going out there?” The worry tone of Steve’s pulled you back into focus. A couple of children with their parents following behind rushed towards you, before you could point them over to the boat, you noticed the red eyes of a bot close behind them. “Duck down!” You yelled. Once they did, you held out your hands, shooting towards the bot till it crumbled down to the ground.

 “Ultron’s line of defense is going down. I think we’re almost clear here.”

 “Make sure you’re on that boat, the air is getting pretty thin.” He commented, making you realize why things were suddenly becoming harder for you to do. “We’re almost wrapped up here. I’m gonna round up any stragglers. Nat and Clint should be on their way.”

 “Okay, stay safe, Steve.” He chuckled in response, almost shocked by what you’d feel worried about. “I mean it, you’re not invincible.” 

 “Yes, ma’am.”

 Making your way towards the boats, you helped gather up people towards the back, saving room for any new people that might come up when you heard the roar of a car coming up. Clint exited one side of the car when Natasha sprinted off on the side. 

 Running up to Clint, you give him a small smile before nodding to the direction your friend went off too. “Where’s Nat heading?”

 “Gotta bring in the green guy somehow. But don’t worry, she knows what she’s doing. You get inside the boat. We gotta protect precious cargo.” He winked before he ushered you in. The two of you helped keep things calm waiting at the sidelines for when the last remaining teammates would come.

 “COSTEL!” The voice of a panicked women caught the both of your attention. A blonde women with a cut on her head was sitting on the floor in a panic, most likely from waking up from an attack she must have been in. “We were in the market!” She gasped, realizing her child was missing. “COSTEL!”

 You didn’t even have the chance to form up a plan to search for the child with Clint before you noticed he was sprinting back towards the streets. “Barton!” You yelled out, running towards the edge of the boat for a moment.  It isn’t till you squint hard enough that you saw him reach down to pick up a young boy. 

 “Ma’am, everything is going to be okay,” you reassured the older woman. Suddenly Thor and Steve show up from the left flank, having gotten the hopeful last round of people. Rushing up to them, Thor gives you a strained but small smile before he squeezed at your arm. “Little Lady, valiant as always.” 

 The sound of Tony cutting into the comms cut off the conversation. “Thor, I’m gonna need you back in the church.”

 “Is this the last of them?” 

 Thor turned to Steve, prepared for his quick leave. Steve nodded his head, scanning the area. “Yeah. Everyone else is on the carrier.” He turned to look down at you. “Where you should be right now.”

 Tony’s words cut in again, but it didn’t help ease you at all, despite the fact that you had gotten so many people on the boats. It only made your stomach tighten up.

 “You know, this works, we maybe don’t walk away.”

 The noise seemed to die down at his response. Thor seemed to be on the same page as Tony. “Maybe not.” Not leaving room for anymore words, Thor leaned over and placed a soft kiss to your forehead. The same kind Tony would give you when he felt affectionate. It was like he was saying goodbye almost. 

 “Captain,” he nodded to Steve before he smiled at you. “Little Lady, be safe.”

 Not liking the tone of his words, you turned around to face Steve again. “Baby,” you gasped, reaching out for Steve. He took you in his arms instantly. “What did Tony mean we don’t walk away? Why is Thor talking like I’m not gonna see him after this. Please don’t tell me this is like New York again.” 

 The blonde licked over his lips, brows knitted together as he tried to think of how to respond to you. “City is coming down too fast, sweetheart. They’re gonna try their best. But they can’t do that if they don’t know you’re safe here.” Instantly you're gripping onto his arms harder, shaking your head. 

 Steve, sensing your desperation just simply holds onto you to try and keep you grounded. But you can’t help but push him back, pressing against the comms link in your ear. “FRIDAY, Stark comms now!” The AI didn’t even respond as it simply clicked you in.

 “Sprout, I know..”

 “You promised me! After New York you said you’d never do anything like this again!”

 “I know..”

 You covered your face, feeling the sudden mess of hot tears cover your eyes and cheeks as they poured out without permission. The two blondes beside you both try and reach out to calm you down but you can’t help but continue to shrug them off. “You can’t..I can’t lose you..”

 “You won’t, it’s just a possibility. You trust me, right?”

 “No! Not right now.” Shaking your head, you remind yourself that coming here wasn’t just for you. It was for the people that needed you and the team. Nothing could work smoothly if the majority of them were spent trying to console you. Not with what was at stake. “Tony, you come back to me, okay?”

 “I’ll try. No one’s gonna die today. We’re gonna get through this.”

 The line cut off and you could only assume that it’s because he’s approached closer to the core of the fallen city. Maybe Tony was right. He knew what he was doing, there was no wormhole, Ultron’s bots were all practically gone, and the last boat was just about ready to take off. So why did you have this horrible feeling in the pit of your stomach?

 The hovering noise of a stolen quinjet interrupts the sounds around you. It whirred up only for a minute before your vision is covered with Steve’s shield. “Look out!” He yelled. The sounds of multiple shots were all that deafening to your ear before Steve pressed your face against his chest, muffling part of the sound. 

 It’s only a few seconds after that the sound stops, Thor shoots off into the air, and Steve lets you go to dash forward. Your feet running up to keep up with him when you noticed just where he went to. 

 “Oh my God.” You whispered. Down on the ground, with multiple wounds to his body, was the speedster himself, Pietro. When you were about to ask how someone like him could have gotten hit, you noticed that just before him was Clint and the small boy. 

 Not saying anything else, Steve reached down to pick up Pietro’s body, holding him with a gentle touch as he carried him over to the boat. You couldn’t help but picture Wanda in your head. The girl had been a pain in your side and she hated you just the same. But now she was truly alone. The horrible worry you had just moments ago with your own brother became a reality for her.

 Following Steve, you watched as he laid down the body, stepping back to stare down at Pietro. Reaching for his hand, you shake your head, unsure what to even say to him. The two of you run back to the edge, needing to see the rest of the team by now. There was absolutely no more room for loss on your side. 

 From the way Steve gripped onto your hand, you knew he felt the same way. 

 “We have to tell her, she can’t see him like this.” Steve said quietly, probably feeling the same guilt you did in your chest. Neither of them or their country would be like this if the Avengers hadn’t come into the world. 

 “With their bond..she probably already knows.” He tugged you closer, pressing his forehead against yours. Scanning back out, the two of you only had a second of checking the area once more before the world underneath you both shifted. Grabbing hold of you, Steve quickly jumped in the air, landing you both onto the edge of the boat just in time before the city began to make its descent. 

  The aftermath of Sokovia’s fall was hard. Many of the people were left homeless, orphaned, and even sick from all the chaos and destruction that happened. Neighboring countries had opened up their borders for refugees, having the funds from Stark Industries and other relief funds to aid those into housing. But the loss of Pietro and the disappearance of Bruce left the team shaken up. 

 Some parts of the world say it was a win, some would say it was another tally against the Avengers. Wondering just how much good in the world they actually do.

 Pepper tried her best from back home to give some insight into how the PR team could handle it. But for the most part, it was easier to let things play out on their own instead of stepping into it. Surprisingly enough, Tony had a back up plan for the team. 

 A compound outside the city, away from the business, and away from any real prying eyes. There, the Avengers and fellow agents who worked with them could get their real job done. It was a new home for the team. The same team which would be extending today.  At least that was what you were hoping for.

 Later on when you and everyone made it back to the States, it was kind of hard to get alone time with Steve. Everyone had to be checked, debriefed, and medically cleared before anything could be progressed forward. Tony again had a small talk with you, coming clean about this being the last of his meddling and hopefully the semi good note to end his career on.

Natasha had gone sort of quiet on the ride back. Mumbling only small answers to you now and then as she tried to come to terms with Bruce’s departure. The unfortunate part to it all was that you had no right words for her. It was odd and hard to accept that he would just leave like that. Especially since he left Natasha. Doing your best friend dirty that you almost wanted to use all the technology you could to hunt him down. 

 Steve was…difficult. At first the two of you had been pretty close once you came home. Giving only small talks to each other while you both navigated on the move. Packing up what you needed before trying to settle in at the compound. The status of your relationship felt pretty up in the air. Only becoming more awkward when you heard Steve said he’d room on the same side as Sam. 

 Leaving you somewhere between Wanda and Natasha’s room. 

 So here you were now, holding onto the closed box in hand as you made your way to Steve’s room. It only took one knock for him to open up the door. He had sent you a text earlier saying he would be going to sleep early, but you managed to sneak over right after his reply in hopes of getting in a quick word. “Sweetheart,” he whispered, opening up to let you in.

 “Did you not get my text?” 

 “I did, I’m sorry to come anyway it’s just…we need to talk.” 

 He gestured for you to sit down at the edge of his bed. The anxiety you had been building up for the past couple of days came back to you now. Making it hard to get words out. Steve decided to take the less than confrontational approach and tapped at the box beside you. “You bringing me a gift?“

 “It’s for Wanda actually..I just wanted to give her something to help…settle I guess.” He nodded his head, understanding why you’d want to bring a little peace offering towards her. Reaching out, he clasped his hands with yours. 

 “It’s been rough around here. I was hoping things would calm down but with us..”

 “We still have our own little battle huh?”

 He chuckled a bit, agreeing with you for once. “Yeah, it would seem so.” Suddenly, he dropped your hand, choosing instead now to pace in front of you. “ I realize now that I shouldn’t have told you what to do. But you have to realize why I didn’t want you there.” 

 “What do you mean, Steve? I did great. I helped save a lot of people.” 

 “You did. But it was still so dangerous for you to be there. It could have gone so much worse..you could have.” 

 “I could have ended up like Pietro.”

 It was true, despite the powers he had, Pietro still fell in fate's clutches. Leaving behind a heavy mark on all of you. Steve stopped to cast his eyes down on the ground. He brought Pietro into the team, feeling the burden on him. “I feel so guilty. I can’t get the look of his eyes out of my face.” He whispered softly, making you wonder if he was holding back a cry. 

 Standing up now you reached out to cup his face, forcing him to look over at you. “We knew what could happen when we all went in.” His hands reached up to place on top of yours. 

 “I couldn’t live the next day if it had been you. Knowing you’re someone who jumps in to help no matter what might happen to you. I could never..” his breath shuddered, making his voice waiver. “I could never lose you.”

 “You won’t. I just..I want to help you, Steve. If I’m fighting alongside you then nothing could happen to me. We’d be a great team.”

 “I lost Bucky, Pietro, and so many solider before, Scout. I can’t even handle their memories. If I lost you then I’d.. I don’t know.”

 Your heart breaks at his words. Hating how much he put on his shoulders for things that were basically out of his hands. Especially when your safety wasn’t always going to be an issue. 

 “I’m not going anywhere, Steve. And if you’re worried I’m not strong enough then let me train with you! Like we used to in SHIELD.” 

 “SHIELD almost took you away from me. I couldn’t even help you.”

 He pulled back frustrated. The frown on his face grew only worse the more he thought about it. “Then the other day you came and I knew we needed more help. God, you did so good. But I couldn’t get you out of my head. There was so much going on that I almost couldn’t focus.” 

 “Everyone was like that. A lot happened that day. But we worked together, like you said.” 

 “And we still lost someone..” 

 You couldn’t think of a way to help relieve him of that guilt. All you could think about was ways for you guys to try and move forward. “Let me join, let me be more prepared. We can all try this new team out together. Wouldn’t that be better than just worrying every time?”

 “There won’t be another time, Scout.” 

 “Okay so no there won’t always be falling cities. But there’s small missions I can join to help you guys. And maybe I can work with Wanda on beating harder enemies. Nat and I are always a good-“

 “There won’t be another time because you’re not allowed to join the team.” 

 The room grew quiet. Leaving the sound of your heavy breath as you stared up shocked at Steve. Was he really going to do this? “You can’t be serious.” 

 “I’m being completely serious. I can’t manage a team with you in it. I’ll be worried all the time and..work relationships just don’t work out. It always ends bad.” 

 You staggered back, unsure when this negativity had taken so much control over Steve. He always liked how hard you worked at SHIELD. He asked you just a couple of months about joining in with Sam. What changed? Was there something you did that made him want to push you away from this part of his life?

 “Steve don’t do this.. don’t hold me back.” 

 “I’m not. I’m keeping you safe at home.” 

 “You wouldn’t do this to any of your other friends.” 

 He reached out to grab your hand, looking at the palm of your hand as he traced the scar from when you cut yourself at New York. The day you had to escape from Loki. “You’re not only that, you’re my girlfriend.” 

 “You say it like I can’t be both. I get that you’re worried, but train me, help me, just don’t shut me down.” You pulled your hand away from him, causing his vision to snap up to you. The look of his face was torn, almost like he was in pain doing this. But he seemed hell bent on not wanting to give you a reason why. 

 “Look at what being an avenger did to Tony. It nearly destroyed his life with Pepper apart. The same would happen to you. Having you in this life of work has only gotten you hurt, frightened, and nearly killed. I won’t let that happen again.”

 “I thought you said I wasn’t like Tony. You were proud that I was different from him.”

 “You are different. But I think you clearly need help in stopping from making the same mistakes as him.”

 Tears flooded your vision and you absolutely hated that you’re trying to plead with Steve while looking so wrecked. But you went on, pressing your fingers against his chest as you fought back. “You don’t get to make those kinds of decisions for me! This is my life, not just the one I share with you. Why do you think it’s okay for you to go off on missions and leave me here in New York to worry about you? Why is it so okay for you to progress but not me?”

 “I’m the leader of this team! I think I get a pretty good say in what should happen in it.” His nose flared as he tried to control his frustration from coming out. Placing his fidgety hands on his hips instead of reaching out for you again. “I’ve been going on missions for a while now and you never said anything before. Why bring it up now?”

 “That’s because before I didn’t realize that I love you!”

 Like before, the confession has him taken back. Making his breath hitch and eyes go wide as he took in your words again. “Steve,” you sighed, stepping closer to him. “Is that the same reason you want me to stay? Because you love me?” It had to be that. The amount of panic and desperation in his command for you to stay back had to be because of love. Otherwise, there was truly no way around this.

 “I told you before, sweetheart. I-…I need time to figure that out.”

 “Oh my God, if it’s not because you love me, then what is the reason, Steven?”

 He shakes his head, not knowing how to respond. But his silence is enough for you to come to terms with your own decision. “So that’s it then. You don’t love me, but you wish for me to stay back as your doting girlfriend while you go help the world.”

 “I’m not asking for you to do much…just stay here safe.You can send us data like you wanted to back at SHIELD. You don’t need to do field work.”

 “You’re making me go against everything I believe in, everything that I stand for. Regardless if I’m behind a screen or working to fight bad guys, I’ve never been held back.”

 “You can do all that and not have to be an avenger. There’s work to do here.”

 This felt completely out of character. This wasn’t the same man that you spoke with years ago, begging him to treat you like everyone else. Steve then knew how much proving your worth meant to you. It’s what helped you two bond considering he had grown up with people pushing him down and holding him back. How could he be doing this to you now? What made him so scared now to let you grow?

 It isn’t till he says your real name, almost sounding forgein to you these days, that you snapped out of your thoughts. “This isn’t gonna work..” you whispered, knowing full well he could hear what you’re saying. You reached over for the box on the bed, feeling its contents weigh heavy in your arms now. His hand reached out to you, brushing away the tears that continued to roll down your cheeks. 

 “Please don’t say that..” he replied back, sounding as solemn as you felt. “Please don’t do this. Stay here, yell at me, throw things at me, but don’t say that.”

 “I’m sorry Steve, but I can’t be the girl that you want me to be.”

 You marched over to the door, twisting the handle before he rushed over to hug you from behind. Pressing your body against his front. He felt like he was shaking, and while your curiosity wanted to see if he was actually crying, you knew you couldn’t look back at him. It would only make you want to stay. 

 “I can’t say it yet..give me time.”

 “Time.” you choked out, feeling an empty laugh build up in your throat. “Well, times up, honey.” Pulling the door open you stepped out into the hall, feeling the sob build up in your throat. “It’s over.”

 And with that final pair of words, you rush out into the living quarters, making your way past anyone that might have heard you from the living room and rush over to the only person that could handle your heart break right now.

 Once you reached her door, you stepped inside, setting the box down on the floor as you made your way through the darkness of the room. The redhead didn’t say anything as you climbed into the bed with her. She simply opened up her arms and pulled you in close to her chest. You didn’t say anything when you felt the slightly wet patches on her shirt. 

 So there the two of you stayed, you rubbing Natasha’s back comfortingly, and her running her fingers gently through your hair. The only sound playing in the room was the low hum of a Don McClean song, drowning out the rest of the world as you and your friend attempted to heal.

  It isn’t till the next morning that you’re able to decide what you truly want to do next. Steve had attempted to find you and talk things out. But after Natasha threatened to ‘punch the serum out of him’ he took that as a cue to give you space. Which you were thankful for, because space is what you were definitely in need of. 

 “What time did Tony say he was going to come?”

 You glanced over at the clock by her nightstand, noting the time. “He’s probably already here.” You mused, getting up from her bed. The redhead gave off a slightly amused hum as she continued to get dressed. Today she promised that she’d start helping Steve train the new team. Something she almost backed out of when you told her about the fight. But after discussing it, you both knew there was no changing his mind. And even if he gave in and let you join, it didn’t fix all your problems with him.

 “I’m going to miss you.”

 She smiled a bit, stopping her zipper at just the right place before she joined you at the edge of the bed. “You shouldn’t. I’ll be here in the compound. A good twenty minutes away from you.” Leaning your head on her shoulder, you reached out to pat her leg gently. 

 “I think I’m going to go on vacation soon. Clear my head of this mess before I come back and try to figure out what I want to do next.”

 “Want me to join you? Wouldn’t want you alone out there.”

 Smiling a bit, you changed to wrap your arms around her, giving her a tight squeeze before you pulled back to face her. “Unlike me, the Avengers needs a girl like you. Keep everyone level headed from silly blonde captains.”

 “I can still beat him up if you want.”

 Your nose prickled at the thought, almost making you emotional all over again. “Nah, he’ll do enough of that himself, I’m sure.” Getting up finally, you stretched your body for a bit, ignoring the stiff tension from the way you slept as you got ready to leave. 

 “You’ll still call now and then?”

 “Who else will hear me talk about new software? Tony? No thanks.” You smiled, reaching down for the box. “Now if you’ll excuse me, I got one more needed conversation to have. I’ll see you later.” The redhead simply winked at you before finishing up what she needed to do. 

 You on the other hand, made your way two rooms down. The door was the same as the others but gave off a tension in the air you didn’t could happen. Almost making you want to turn around and forget the gift at all. But as if she could read your nervous thoughts (which she most likely did) the door was suddenly opened. Revealing a very timid looking Wanda.

 “Stark,” she sighed, sounding as tired as you looked. “What can I do for you?”

 “Well, if you don’t mind, I’d like to come in and talk..” The girl looked up at you a bit surprised, but nodded her head anyway as she opened up the door. Her room seemed barely touched, and a part of you wished you could help her settle in better. But none of that could be done without attempting to make peace.

 “What can I do for you?” She said as she walked over to open up the curtain window. The warm sunlight felt good on your skin and you realized you were still just in your pajamas. “Hopefully not another invention?” 

 “No, and don’t worry about that. Tony’s lab is currently locked from him.” You joked before making your way to her. “Um, we did talk it over though. Figured as hopefully maybe as a sign of good faith with you joining that you might like…well, we just wanted to give you this.”

 Her green eyes flickered to the box in your hands before she slowly reached out for it. Almost as if she was scared something might happen when she touched it. “I promise you that I personally ordered it myself and Tony paid for it.” You chuckled, hoping it’ll ease her mind.”

 She opened up the box gently, pushing down the folds of the cardboard before she reached in. The long red jacket seemed to bring a small sparkle in her eye. But she didn’t seem to know what to say to the gesture, probably fighting with some inner convictions she had towards you and Tony still. Which you understood. “It’s uh, it’s to match with your powers. We thought you might want a different look to add with your uniform if you wanted…just better than Natasha’s old jacket.” You shrugged, not wanting to make it a bigger deal.

 “It’s..very nice. Thank you.”

 “It’s no problem..we figured it’s a start for any type of new look you might wanna do.” Standing up you pointed up to the ceiling, giving a meek smile. “FRIDAY can order just about anything you might be interested in. No limits for the Avengers so..feel free to go wild.” 

 When she was still quietly looking down at the jacket, using her delicate fingers to trace over the lining. Before you could filter yourself, the words spilled right out of you, making you wince a bit as you said what was on your mind. “I’m sorry for everything..”

 “..Everything?”

 “I feel as though my family, whether we were aware of it or not, have impacted your life in more ways than we should..and we can’t take any of it back. And..I’m sorry about Pietro.” The sound of her brother's name caused the red glow to form in her eyes before she blinked it away, looking down now as she tried to hold back tears. 

 “We might not have a lot in common,” you sighed, running your fingers through your tangled hair. “We might not ever, but..all I have is Tony..and I don’t think I’d be the same without him here.”

 She gazed over at you finally, tears pooled at her eyes as she titled her head at you. “I feel like a part of me has died..” her hand brought up, glowing bright red at the tips of her fingers before she let it die back down. 

 “I know my words can’t change things, and maybe after today you might hate me a little less. But I really do hope for you to be at peace soon..it’s what you deserve.” Turning around, you figured you’ve bothered the poor girl enough when she called out for your name, making you shiver at the thought of her reading your mind to find out what it was.

 “I’m sorry too.” She said, climbing up from her spot to go back to you. The look in her eyes were warm and sincere. Almost the way Natasha looked at you sometimes. It could help but start making you wonder if in another type of world would the two of you be close enough to be friends. “Pietro and I. We had our reasons for what we did..not good, but still. I don’t want you or your brother dead..not anymore.” 

 She extended her hand out to you, opening up her palm for a shake. It was so awkward, but kind that you couldn’t help but chuckle a bit before doing the same and intertwining them together. “By the way, I’m also sorry for the whole Bucky thing.” 

 You couldn’t help but groan at the reminder, letting go to cover up your face. “Look, about that,” you started, looking at the girl nervously. “Whatever you saw was just my dreams going wild from the power you pulled on me.”

 She laughed a little, shaking her head as she recalled the images she saw. “I don’t think that was me exactly..my visions don’t usually last that long or are ever so..vivid.” Blushing at what she fully saw, you looked away from her knowing green eyes and rubbed the back of your neck slowly. “But, I don’t really see myself spreading any of it around so..” Bringing her hand up, she mimicked zipping up her lip and throwing back the key.

 “Well, thanks. Whatever I saw was just a dream right? Imagination having some..fun.”

 “Sure, fun.” She teased, making you feel less anxious than you’ve ever felt in front of her. “By the way, I couldn’t help but be a little bit curious.”

 “What do you mean?” 

 She bit her lip a bit, reaching out to the tempad that she was supplied with from her bed. “The phrase he kept saying to you. I couldn’t help but be curious what it meant.” She tapped away at her screen while returning to you.

 “I can’t help with that. He honestly said it so fast that I couldn’t ask Natasha what he meant. It’s probably just goodbye in Russian.”

 “Except, I did manage to look it up and it’s not Russian.” Sharing the screen, she pulled up a search history and displayed the page she had looked up. It was a Romanian website that listed translated phrases. And at the bottom in bold font, was the same phrase that Bucky had spoken to you. 

 Pe curând, iubi. = See you soon, love.

 “Shit.” You whispered finally, feeling like the air had been sucked out of your chest. 

 “It might not just be your imagination having fun.” She shrugged, tossing the pad behind her. “Perhaps some time off will clear your head.” Grabbing onto the coat, she pushed her arms through the sleeves and made her way over to the door, smirking a bit at your stunned face. 

 “See you later, Stark.”

 It was the second time that the Maximoff girl left your world upside down. This time with something that you knew you could never quite shake off. This was all coming clear to you at such a bad time.

 Bucky...he probably meant it in a friendly way. Something to ease you as he made his way out of Krosno. It had to be that. Definitely not something to clue you in where to find him next. And even then, who’s to say that after all this time he would still be there. He’s more than likely moved on.

 Besides, now that you and Steve were broken up, it was time to focus on yourself. Work on making you the better version that you wanted to be. But even as you made your way into your room to pack your things together, his words came back into your mind. 

 “You’ll find me, you always seem to.”

 Pulling on a change of clothes, you shake off the tempting thoughts from your head. Even if he was expecting you, it was different now. He was now your ex boyfriend’s friend. His loyalty would be with Steve and..it was wrong of you two to be close anyway.

 Pe curând, iubi. ( See you soon, love. )

 Sighing, you stopped at the threshold of your door, gripping onto the sides before you gave in to your thoughts. “FRI, can you do me a favor?”

 “What do you need, boss?”

 “Send me all the information I would need to spend some time in Romania.”

 “Preparing for a mission, miss?”

 Smiling to yourself, you shook your head before adjusting the strap of your bag.  Ready for the next step in your plans. “No actually, just preparing to go see a friend.”

A/N: This was super long but I had a hard time the end of Steve and Scout! It’s been like three fics of them technically. I hope everyone gets the idea that Steve isn’t being exactly truthful. While he goes about it wrong, he’s got his reasons. It’ll all come out in the next installment in this series. The one I’ve been dying for! Civil War! FINALLY WE GET MORE BUCKY!!! He’s gonna be the dreamiest boyfriend ever who totally doesn’t have his own earth shattering secret he’s keeping from Scout..right?

TAGGED REQUESTS: @justanothermagicalsara​

#steve rogers x reader #steve x reader #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers imagine #steve x you #bucky barnes x reader #COMING SOON #nsom

[my-sherlock221b]

J2 Fic recs AU

Re-discovered an old favourite and then read some more by the author and absolutely loved them!

1. Operation: Mistletoe by dimpleforyourthoughts

https://archiveofourown.org/works/5553827

FBI Agent Jensen Ackles is a damn good agent, but his devil-may-care attitude, gut instinct, and sheer dumb luck have finally run out. With his job and reputation on the line, Jensen is assigned to a new partner: the overzealous and overachieving Agent Jared Padalecki.

Their mission: Infiltrate a ring of drug dealers hiding out in Suburbia in the midst of the Holiday season.

The only catch? They have to pretend to be head-over-heels in love with each other.

2. Like the back of my hand by dimpleforyourthoughts

https://archiveofourown.org/works/904969/chapters/1751305

The year is 2107 and all physical human contact has been outlawed. Jared Padalecki was born into this world and he’s never experienced anything like real human touch. But there’s a secret world that exists on the outskirts of this one; rumors of people who deal and touch in back alleys for the right amount of money. Curious despite himself, he tags along with a friend to witness one of these deals. All it takes is one moment, wrong place, wrong time, and Jared finds himself a part of this secret world, led in by Jensen Ackles. Jensen is everything about this world that gets people killed, but Jared’s curiosity gets the better of him, because while Jared has never been touched, Jensen still remembers what it was like to be touched. Curiosity shifts to passion and Jared’s no longer able to deny himself the need to understand physical touch, and to have Jensen be the one to teach him. In a world where people die to hold hands in the shadows, to steal just one kiss, Jared and Jensen embark down a path that begs the most dangerous and difficult questions of Jared’s life; do you choose to follow the law and deny your instincts because it’s safe? Or do you pursue your inner desires at the risk of getting killed?

Read the tags since this is very dystopic and heartbreaking but absolutely epic. One of the comments compared it to felisblanco’s Doors of Time and I would agree!

3. By a single thread by dimpleforyourthoughts

https://archiveofourown.org/works/4546152/chapters/10348446

Dr. Jensen Ackles is a renowned neuro-psychologist and pioneer surgeon in the field known as Mind Mapping, a procedure that involves entering a coma patient's mindscape and sifting through their memories and trauma to help the patient wake up from the coma. It’s a complex procedure that requires strict rules and no lingering remnants of the visit. But while working with his current patient—Jared Padalecki, male, 24, attempted suicide--Jensen discovers he’s in too deep. He’s formed a dangerous emotional attachment to Jared that could have devastating consequences. He finds himself in the difficult situation of risking his own mind and sense of self by losing himself in Jared. But the more memories he visits, and the more he gets to know Jared, the more Jensen realizes how important it is that he save Jared’s life, whether it costs Jensen his identity or not.

#j2 fic recs #j2 fics #j2 non AU fic recs

[multi-fandom-oneshots]

I Don’t Know You Yet (Bucky Barnes x Darcy Lewis Soulmate AU)

Author’s Note: Inspired by the song ‘IDK You Yet’ by Alexander 23.  

*TW: Implied SA*

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

How can you miss someone you’ve never met? 

Darcy thought this to herself a lot. Her soulmark always made her feel like she was missing a part of herself, a part of something vital. The words written inside her elbow gave her hope, hope that one day everything would be okay, that there was someone out there waiting for her, someone that loved her. 

The Asset was wiped over and over. Mission after mission, kill after kill. He always awoke with this empty feeling in his chest, a hollowness inside him that he couldn’t fill. He asked about the words on his skin, what they meant and they always told him they were the words of death. Whomever spoke them would be his undoing, that his mission would to be to kill the person that dared utter those words. He would nod in affirmation but every time they demanded that of him the hole in his chest got a little bigger. Maybe when that person came for him he would give in, let death finally take him; it would be nice to sleep. 

Lately its been hard, they’re selling me for parts. 

Darcy was 8 when her parents died, when fate decided their time was over. She was 11 when her foster father Dave started to abuse her, coming in the night to get his pound of flesh. In the dark she would think about her soulmate, the person who would want her after this was all over. They would still want her, right?

She was 13 when she tried to cut the words out of her skin, trying to rip away the promise of a savior that would never come. They always came back, jagged and scarred but there. But she kept trying, kept cutting, hoping maybe one day it would work. 

The Asset was on a mission in Prague, waiting to take the shot when he felt a burning sensation on his arm. He was trained not to respond to pain, not to feel but this was the worst pain he had ever experienced. Like someone was carving out pieces of his flesh. The pain persisted but he looked back through his scope, he had to complete his mission. 

While the Asset waited at the rendezvous point he finally decided to give in to the pain, to rip away his jacket to examine where it hurt. It was those words, they were hot and burned but they didn’t look any different. His lips moved into a minute smile just for a moment. Maybe this meant death was coming for him. He hoped they’d be there soon. 

Can you find me soon because I’m in my head.

The Asset was in that blank space, where everything was cold, where he was wasting away. Trapped in his mind, waiting to be called upon, to be needed again. He knew he was needed, had this gut instinct that he had a purpose, one beyond his missions. But that instinct was ripped away when they woke him, when he heard those 10 words. Those words they took away everything. 

I don’t wanna be modern art but I only got half a heart.

At age 17 Darcy finally ran; ran away from the pain and the torment. Life didn’t get better but it didn’t get worse either. She found a club that didn’t ask questions and paid under the table, where she got to control her body and what others did with it. Stripping paid the bills, allowed her to save up money for a better life. She had plans. She wanted to go to college, to escape the hell that was her life. She wanted to become a new person, a person who deserved the words that were written on her skin. It took her 2 years to save up enough money to finally escape. She was headed across the country to New Mexico to start the first year of the rest of her life. New Mexico was hot but the heat helped defrost her cold soul. Slowly she healed, she found something she was passionate about. She was going to find away to help advocate for people like her, abused and battered but not broken. She would show them how to heal just like she was. 

How can you miss someone you’ve never seen? Tell me are your eyes brown blue or green?

He had failed his mission. The Asset — no that wasn’t right — he wasn’t the asset anymore. Who was he? The man on the bridge, the man he pulled out of the Potomac, he knew him. He had called him Bucky, had told him he was with him till the end of the line. He screamed then, fists clenched and head pounding. His thoughts were a blur, he couldn’t differentiate between fact and fiction. He ran, ran until his legs couldn’t carry him anymore, until he finally found a place to rest, to let the memories consume him. 

He was laying on a cot, the man from the bridge beside him. They were on their backs, looking up at the stars a fire lit beside them. 

“Buck, what do you think our soulmates will look like?” The man asked. “Mine will have a beautiful smile. I’m gonna sketch that smile ‘till I get it just right. So I can keep it with me forever.  ” 

He sighed, an ache filling his chest, a longing that never went away. “I hope mine has kind eyes.” He spoke softly. His mom had had kind eyes, eyes that could see deep down inside you, to the real you. He hoped his soulmate had those types of eyes. Eyes that saw past the uniform and the bravado, that could see him for who he really was; could see how much he needed her. 

I only got half a heart to give to you and I hope it’s enough

James pulled his cap lower over his face hoping no one would recognize him. This wasn’t the first time he had been to this place. He visited a lot, mostly after his missions. He knew Steve was looking for him but he had things he needed to do. He needed to watch Hydra burn, to know that he had destroyed every last person who knew The Winter Soldier and how to control him. The missions were hard on him, they made him forget himself, who he truly was. This place reminded him of that; reminded him of the person he was before Hydra. He sat in the back corner watching the film the museum played on a loop. He couldn’t remember the last time he had laughed, the last time he had smiled like was doing in the video. He had so many broken pieces that he needed to put back together. He had so much work to do. 

I need you now but I don’t know you yet.

Six credits, that is all Darcy had signed up for. Not alien robots and secret government agencies and infinity stones possessing her best friend. She had helped as best she could, saved as many people as she could but wasn’t enough. She saw their bloodied broken bodies every time she closed her eyes. She cried herself to sleep, clutching her mark like a lifeline. She wished they were here, that they could hold her and tell her it was all going to be okay, that she would be okay.

I need you now but I don’t know you yet.

Years had passed and Darcy was tired. Tired of trying to make a difference, tired of the craziness her life had become. How had everything become so complicated? She was the right hand of a person so brilliant that she could open gateways to other worlds. She was best friends with a literal alien god that saved the world on a weekly basis. And yet here she was, just normal fragile human Darcy. She wasn’t brilliant or super and she most definitely wasn’t a hero. She took another swig of vodka relishing the burn that made her feel not quite so numb. Jane had cried herself to sleep ages ago, Darcy had cried with her. They cried for their planet, for the people who had disappeared from the Snap and then reappeared to a world that had moved on without them. They had cried for Thor, for all his people that they had lost. They cried for Tony, for Natasha, for all the others who hadn’t made it. Darcy set down her glass, those words on her forearm catching her eye. She wondered if they had survived it all, if she even still had a soulmate left. New tears flooded her eyes then, she needed them, she hoped they knew that even if they were no longer alive. She hoped that they knew somehow that she loved them.

I need you now but I don’t know you yet.

Bucky nursed his scotch as he thought. Steve had been gone a few months now, back in time to a soulmate that he had never stopped loving. Bucky didn’t blame him, once Steve had told him what his words really meant, that there was someone out there who could—would love him unconditionally despite it all, how could he blame Steve? Bucky knew if he had had his soulmate and then lost them that he would do anything to get back to them, timelines be damned. He and Steve had finally gotten to the end of that line, but somehow he knew Steve was still with him. He sighed heavily and knocked back the rest of his drink.Before he could ask the bartender placed another scotch in front of him, telling him it was from the woman at the other end of the bar. Bucky looked up in time to see her gathering her things. She caught his gaze for a moment and gave him a small smile before she walked out the door. Bucky smiled back, smiling for the first time in a long time. She had kind eyes; they were blue.  

#Bucky Barnes #james bucky barnes #darcy lewis #darcy lewis x bucky barnes #the winter soldier #Winter Soldier #angst #soulmate identifying marks #marvel soulmate au

[pyrofury]

Oathkeeper

First Next

Summary:

A woman comes back to the underworld to keep an Oath of loyalty. The one whom she made this pact with isn’t aware there was an oath, to begin with. Desha x OC

TW: blood

Flashback

They were so close. They crossed most of the corpses of their comrades and enemies on the battlefield. They’d won so many battles in this war. Their goal was right there. To slay their father. The castle and throne room were moments away. 

It was just unfortunate that when Ouken couldn’t block an enemy because of his own injury, Desha had to make a split decision. His father or Ouken. He chose to save Ouken at the cost of his own while taking down the enemy. The enemy managed to get him in the gut. Damn.

“No no no Brother stay with me! Please! “ Desha would have loved to oblige his brother at that moment if he could take away the agony from Oukens sobbing face. The last of their healers were either dead or too far away. He couldn’t stop the bleeding. Too much of it was coming out. Coldness setting in.

“I’m sorry brother. Please tell Despa that-“

His eyes caught the color of a dark blue cloak speeding its way towards them. Fast. Whoever it was he couldn’t stop them now. 

“I’m not an enemy so don’t waste your last energy on me when you can’t even stand!”

The sound of a woman’s voice could be heard clearly under the hood. The urgency in her voice could be understood. His eyes were starting to go hazy.

“If I can save you can you promise me there won’t be a repeat of your father’s reign? “

“Yes, that goes without saying, witch.” He didn’t have the patience for this even while he was dying. 

“You better keep your word then.” She then moved towards his face and before he could stop it her mouth took his. 

He was weak from the blood loss to fight back. His body felt warm as he let himself be at her mercy. 

The few moments of what felt like an eternity for her. She could feel her body get heavier as her pact was almost complete. Her life span was shortened to one of a human. No loss to her though. 

He could finally move and the first thing he did was push her away. “You!” 

“You’re certainly spry for a man who was gutted like a fish earlier. “

He looked down. no pain. His armor would need to be replaced however his stomach was good as new along with no wounds just the blood that had been there shown. 

“Can you help him too?” pointing towards Ouken who was staring gratefully at the stranger. 

“Sorry, but I can only do that once.”She looked up at him. Green eyes stared into his onyx ones.

“I’m not a healer and that ritual can only be done once in my lifetime. So please keep your word. “ anguish and pain reflected in her gaze. Eyes glassy trying to hold back tears.

‘Don’t let her death be in vain.’

He nodded his scowl showing irritation at the mere thought of him ruling like his father. 

He turned to Ouken. “Can you stand?” " yes, brother!” Ouken turned to the girl “thank you, miss!” Before attempting to walk again. The first few steps were him limping. Desha went to Ouken’s side and aided him now marching alongside him. They started this together and they would finish it together. 

She stared at the duo as they went to finish their mission. Her part was done for now. She still had a lot to do before she could mourn. She pulled herself up and went on her way. To where? she didn’t know yet. just away from here and away from him for now.

After slaying their father Desha was now officially the successor and rightful ruler. He tried to find the girl but it was like she disappeared. All he could remember was her green eyes. 

————————————

This wasn’t her war. These weren’t her people. This place wasn’t home. She had no stake in this. She didn’t have to be here. She was only here to support her best friend who decided to come back to her homeland to fight. She failed at that.

Wynn was conflicted. she had seen what he’d done to a child of gigantes. Her first instinct was to hate him and call him a monster. However…that meant she was one too.

Her friend had to explain to her that humans were complex and unfortunately his decision was made for the greater good. Wynn had yet to understand that but she had faith in her friend's character and her decision to place her trust in this man. So she would too for now.

#king desha #ranking of kings #Deshaxoc #fanfic #fanfiction #Tw blood