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hopelesshawks · 2 years

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Companionship XP Part 39- Moving Forward

18+ Kaminari Denki x fem!reader quirkless, streamer au

Summary: The decision to start a youtube channel was a spur of the moment thing. Sure you’d watched your friends have great success with their own channels, but when you uploaded your first video playing Genshin you never would have guessed it would take off the way it did. You’re perfectly content with the community you’ve built but if there’s one thing you’ve been missing, it’s someone to co-op with. When Mina offers to link you up with one of her old friends with his own channel, you just hope he won’t be too obnoxious. Enter Kaminari Denki. He’s definitely obnoxious, but he’s also so much more.

Masterlist Help Lulu <3

As you switch the stream from the screen you usually have up while people join to your camera, you don’t expect much of a reaction considering how long it’s been since the photo of you was first posted. Instead you turn it on and chat goes nuts. You hadn’t realized just how much of your audience had gone out of their way to avoid your face reveal (or at least are doing a good job of pretending they did) and it makes your heart warm. You give yourself a moment to just appreciate it. The not so little anymore community you’ve made for yourself rallying together to support your actual face reveal.

“Ok, ok guys, I get it, I’m stunning but you can all settle down now,” you joke, a wide smile you can’t shake stretching your lips.

Chat immediately starts to co-sign the statement, making you laugh brightly as you watch the frankly excessive amount of compliments roll in.

“You’re all simps, derogatory, but I do want to talk to you guys before we get started with the stream. That ok?”

Your eyes swing over to chat again as people eagerly respond. God you’ve missed this.

“Ok so I know you all have heard by now that someone was able to figure out who I was while I was out meeting someone and took a photo of me without permission to out me on twitter. I don’t think they meant any harm by it, even if it did do harm, so I really don’t want people attacking them or anything. It was hard… for a bit. I can admit that. I’m sure some of you heard or saw what happened on Chargebolt’s stream.”

You wince slightly at the memory. Although you are at least grateful that it gave you the last push you needed to get back on stream.

“But what matters now is that I’m ok, I’m back, and I’m excited for whatever the future looks like with you all. I really have missed you guys. I’ll probably still mostly go camera off. It would almost feel weird having my face on screen all the time. Also… frankly guys I’m lazy. This?”

You gesture to yourself, the outfit you’d chosen specifically for this stream, and the general indications of the effort you’d actually put in to look presentable on camera.

“This shit took time and I love you guys but not that much.”

Your teasing draws an equal amount of protests and validation from chat but it’s all done with such fondness and love. Your cheeks are already starting to hurt from how much you’re smiling but it’s well worth the pain.

“That said it would be fun to do some more collaborations and that’s a lot easier now that I won’t be juggling whether to have camera on or not, if it’s on how to set it up so I’m not visible, stuff like that. So like I said, I’m excited for the future. I really hope you guys are too…”

You allow the moment to hang in the air, to allow yourself to enjoy it and enjoy the outpouring of love and excitement coming from the people watching you. You soak in each treasured second of it and when you’re done basking in the moment, you start to boot up Genshin.

“Ok dorks, that’s enough sappy shit. Let’s get into it. I still haven’t done my daily commissions and I fully plan on kicking Childe’s ass at some point today.”

You spend the next few hours playing, occasionally taking breaks to just talk with chat. In some ways it feels like catching up with a good friend you haven’t seen in ages. Everyone wants to hear about you and Denki and they go back and forth between teasing you about it and fawning over you both with each story you tell. You leave some things for yourself, after all there is still a level of privacy you’d like to maintain. Your date at the gardens will always be just for you and Denki. But still it’s nice getting to share in your joy with the community, many of whom were rooting pretty hard for the two of you to end up together anyway. By the time you close out the stream you feel lighter than you have in a long time and as you wish everyone a goodnight, you find yourself excited for the next time you’ll get to interact with them again.

Once everything is shut down, your first stop is to go to your apartment door. You unlock and open it swiftly and are not at all surprised when a blur of blonde hair and flailing limbs comes tumbling into your apartment as a result. Denki blinks up at you sheepishly as you lean over him so you can make eye contact.

“I told you I’d be fine,” you chuckle, shaking your head.

“I know! I just, uh, happened to be in the neighborhood! So I thought ‘I know! I’ll stop by and check in on my incredibly awesome and understanding girlfriend!’ because I’m just thoughtful like that, y’know? But totally not at all premeditated, no ma’am,” Denki fumbles, trying to explain away his actions in spite of all signs pointing to quite the opposite of his claims.

You raise one eyebrow skeptically before very pointedly shifting your gaze to his phone where he’s still on the screen for your stream and back to his eyes.

“Has anyone ever told you you’re a shit liar Denki?”

“Yeaaa, I get that a lot.”

You can’t help but giggle at that, reaching a hand down to help him to his feet before pressing a quick kiss to his cheek.

“You’re lucky you’re cute, you know that?” you ask with a teasing lilt in your voice.

“I know,” he beams, giving you that 5000 megawatt smile you adore so much.

“Stick around to watch a movie since you ‘happened to be in the neighborhood?’”

“Sure! Sounds perfect.”

Later that night when you fall asleep in his arms in the middle of the film, he doesn’t complain or wake you up. He just smiles down at you fondly, pressing a kiss to your head before whispering ‘I love you’ into the stillness of the night, barely audible over the sound of the movie still playing in front of you both. It doesn’t matter that you can’t hear him in your sleep. He’ll have plenty of time to tell you it again and again when you wake up.

A/N: Holyyyy shit, I can't believe I finally finished this series. Thank you so, so much for your patience. In spite of all the delays, I really hope you guys enjoyed this. Denki doesn't get nearly enough love so I was very happy to give him a fic of his own, especially since he was the best friend in so many of my previous ones. To everyone who made it this far, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Taglist: @hutaoscoffinn @hhawkz @touyasdoll @pillboxmb @hoobish @fandomsgotmefucked @buckybearbabe98 @lovemegood @articmace

#hopelesscx #denki x fem!reader #denki x reader #denki x y/n #kaminari x fem!reader #kaminari x reader #kaminari x y/n #denki kaminari x fem!reader #denki kaminari x y/n #denki kaminari x reader

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drarrily-we-row-along · 3 years

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Day 66: Bond

There was a certain bond that formed between two people when all of your friends were paired off and dating someone. When the two of you were the only single people so you got paired off to share food, and be partners in games, and all other manner of things.

Harry supposed that tonight would be just one more of those nights as he arrived at Ginny and Luna's. And he wasn't complaining (not anymore, at least) it had taken a couple of years but he and Draco had warmed up to each other. They had compatible styles for partner games, Draco always gave Harry any treats with nuts and Harry gave him any treats with mint, and Harry genuinely enjoyed his dry sense of humor.

If he was being honest, he'd started looking forward to all of the time that he got to spend with Draco on Friday nights.

But things felt different the moment he entered the house, even though he couldn't quite put his finger on why. He spotted Ginny first, standing against the counter, pouring a couple glasses of wine, "Hey," he called.

She looked up and bit her lip.

"What?" he asked with no small amount of dread. He knew that look; it was the look she'd given him right before she'd told him she might be gay and in love with Luna, a look that said she was afraid of breaking his heart.

Ginny opened her mouth but no words came out.

"Ginny, what?" he said, taking several steps toward her.

"I don't know how to say thi-"

"Oh, good," he heard Draco say from behind him, "You're here."

His mouth stretched into a grin even before he turned around "He-" he broke off when he saw that Draco was standing with his arm around some bloke who Harry had never met before. "Hey," he finished.

"This is Matt," Draco offered.

And frankly, Harry would rather die (again) than shake his hand but before he could have any say in the matter Matt had stepped forward into his space and was gripping his hand. Hard. "The Harry Potter," he drawled. "My, my."

(Read more below the cut)

Harry glanced over at Draco who looked vaguely uncomfortable.

"Draco has told me so much about you. I could hardly believe that he was telling the truth." He leaned toward Harry conspiratorially, "He's known for embellishing the truth, you know?"

Harry wrenched his hand from Matt's grip, "Actually, I've found Draco to be honest to a fault. Hardly anyone else will tell me when my outfit doesn't match or I've got something stuck in my teeth."

Matt's eyes flashed and Harry's proverbial hackles stood on end he didn't like that look, "I-" Matt started

"Hey," Draco said, taking Matt's hand and drawing his attention, "Let me introduce you to everyone else."

"Nice meeting you, Mark," Harry called.

Draco narrowed his eyes at him, "Matt," he corrected, before mouthing, 'behave' at Harry.

"My mistake," Harry said, maintaining eye contact with the other man until he turned away and followed Draco into the other room.

"Okay," Ginny said, drawing his attention away from them, "First. Men are disgusting; I can't believe I thought I was attracted to them for so long."

"What?" he asked, slumping over to the counter and sliding onto a stool across from where Ginny was still mixing up drinks. He was feeling a little nauseous, fire rushing under his skin.

"That," she said, gesturing to where Harry had been standing talking to Matt and Draco, "The little pissing match to decide who's dominant."

"What?" Harry asked, "that guy is just an asshole."

She rolled her eyes, "Second, you're still an idiot."

"Wow. I'm just going to go home," he said. "Between you and the dude who was trying to break my fingers, I don't think it's going to be a great night."

Ginny leaned across the counter and instinctively Harry leaned toward her, "How long are you going to continue denying you have feelings for Draco?"

His brow furrowed, "I don't. We're just mates," he added.

"I rest my case. You're still an idiot," she said as she leaned back and started mixing drinks again.

Harry slouched on his stool turning that thought over in his mind, "That actually would make sense," he admitted.

"Harry, I love you, you know I do," she said. "But honestly, I can't believe you're just figuring this out. The rest of us have known for ages. We were all shocked when he walked through the door with Matt; he told us he was bringing someone but we thought the two of you were just making a joke."

"Well now what am I supposed to do?" he asked. "Why couldn't anyone have said something sooner?"

"Because we thought it was obvious," she hissed.

"Let's just get through the night," he sighed. "Then we'll deal with the rest. We'll need to come up with a plan."

-----------

He spent the rest of the night calling Matt the wrong name (Miles, Maurice, Mike, Max, Moses, Mitch, Mason) to the point that Ron either caught on and decided to help or got confused enough that he started calling him the wrong name, too. Harry also couldn't help but rub it in Matt's face how much better he knew Draco; telling inside jokes, asking Draco specific questions about his work and his parents, and reminiscing about fond memories.

Draco seemed a bit exasperated by it but Harry couldn't help himself. Once he started, he just couldn't seem to stop.

Eventually as everyone was getting ready to leave and Luna was saying good bye to Matt, Draco cornered him, "Do not move a fucking muscle," he hissed, "I am not done with you."

"Dra-"

"I mean it, Potter. Stay right here," he said, jabbing him in the chest with his finger before he turned and made his way over to his date.

"Hey," Matt said, smiling at him much the way Harry imagined an alligator might smile at his prey.

"Hi," Draco replied softly. "I'll floo you tomorrow, yeah? There are a few things I need to take care of."

Matt frowned, "I thought we were going back to my place."

"No," Draco replied steadily. "I have a five date rule." He stepped back, "I'll floo you," he repeated.

And Matt looked pretty pissed about it, but he seemed to take the hint and disapparated on the spot without so much as a goodbye to anyone.

"You're all the literal worst," Draco fumed. "Except you, Luna," he added. "You're a goddess."

Luna gave a little curtsy.

"Seriously," Draco said, glaring at the room even though none of them looked especially repentant. "And you," he spat, spinning to glare at Harry, "You're the worst of all."

"Does that make me special?" Harry quipped, arms folded across his chest.

Draco groaned, "Bloody fucking Griffyndors. I hope you're all happy," he grabbed Harry's arm. "Come on we are going back to mine to have a chat."

"I thought you had a five date rule," Ginny called.

Draco flipped her the two finger salute before apparating them to his house.

Harry always liked being in Draco's house; it was small and cozy, and it always smelled vaguely like chamomile. Just being here made his soul feel lighter, calmer.

"Alright," Draco growled, "Spill. What the hell was that?"

"What?" Harry asked innocently.

"Potter," he warned.

Harry sighed, "He's an asshole."

"And you know that how? You didn't even give him a chance".

"Draco his handshake was like a vice!"

Draco stared at him, "You've got to be kidding me. Are you that much of a child? He hurt your hand so you thought you should bully him?"

"I didn't bully him!" Harry exclaimed.

"No?" Draco asked. "You didn't use his given name even once." Harry winced, maybe that was overkill. "You spent the entire night trying to make him feel stupid and inferior to you. Which, let's face it, everyone does anyway because you're Harry fucking Potter!" Draco exploded.

"That's not fair," Harry said, betrayal slicing hot through his gut. Draco knew that he hated being famous, hated the preconceived notions attached to his name.

"Yeah well, neither was what you did."

"Draco, I-"

"No," he said, holding out a hand, "That was such bullshit, Harry."

"But he's awful."

"You didn't even give him a cha-"

"I didn't have to!" he exploded. "The first words he said to me were to disrespect you. He's an asshole and I will chase a million of them away from you."

"That's not your job."

Harry threw his hands up in the air, "I'm your best friend! Whose job is it, if it's not mine?"

"You don't just get to decide things for me!" Draco cried.

"Fine," Harry spat. "You want to date that wanker, go ahead. But I have seen his type before. Don't come crying to me when he's beaten you to a bloody pulp for looking at someone the wrong way." He pushed past Draco and made his way to the door, walking out and slamming it behind him.

He started down the sidewalk, debating trying to figure out where Matt lived and have a chat or maybe go over to Ron and Hermione's to get some advice and regroup.

But the further he walked, the more the anger faded from his veins, and the guilt settled in.

There was no choice really, he turned around and headed back to Draco's house once more. When he arrived he knocked on the door even though he normally would have just let himself in.

"Go away!" Draco shouted.

He knocked again, "Draco, please."

"No! Go away. You're the worst."

"I know," he called back. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean that. Please."

After a few seconds, during which fear settled heaving in Harry's gut, the door opened and Harry slipped inside, Draco was curled up on the couch, hugging a pillow to his chest.

Seeing him looking so small and sad made Harry ache. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I shouldn't have said that."

"Which part?" Draco asked bitterly.

He sighed and came over to sit on the couch beside Draco, "I'm not sorry for chasing him away. But I will always be here for you, no matter what. You can always come to me."

Draco leaned over and put his head on Harry's shoulder, "I know," he whispered.

"Forgive me?"

He nodded and they sat together in silence for a few minutes, both trying to collect their thoughts. Eventually Harry said, "I really wish you wouldn't date him."

Draco sat up, "Harry look at me."

Harry turned on the couch to look at him and raised his eyebrows.

"I won't ever floo call him, we'll never go on another date, and I'll never see him again." Something eased in Harry's chest. "But it's not because of what you said or did. It's because I, too, have had shitty relationships. I have also lived through trauma and I have had to learn from it just like you."

Harry looked down at his hands.

"And if you have concerns about someone, there is a better way to tell me than what you did tonight."

He nodded, suitably chastised, "You're right."

"I appreciate your concern, though," he added and Harry looked up to see that Draco's mouth was quirked up, he really must be forgiven, apparently. "And I genuinely forgot how petty you can be."

He shook his head and reached out for Draco's hand, "Draco, I want you to be so, so happy," he said. Then he added, "I'm an idiot."

Draco raised an eyebrow.

"And everyone knows it, you included, so you can't really hold it against me," he said.

"I'm pretty sure I can."

He huffed, "Just hear me out. I'm an idiot and I didn't realize until tonight that I'm a little bit in love with you. And it's fine if you don't feel the same but you are my best friend and I had high standards for you even before I knew I had feelings for you. It hurt me to see you with someone who treated you so poorly."

"Sorry," Draco said, "I need you to repeat that."

"I said, I'm an idiot," Harry started.

"Not that part."

"It hurt me to see you with someone who treated y-"

"Not that part either," Draco said.

Harry swallowed, "It's fine if you don't fee-"

"Harry," he grumbled. "Say the other part."

He rubbed the back of his neck, "I'm in love with you," he whispered.

Draco blinked at him, a smile blooming at the corner of his mouth, "Say it again."

A grin tipped up the corners of his mouth as well, "I'm in love with you."

Draco launched himself into Harry's arms and covered Harry's lips with his own, "say it again," he mumbled into the kiss.

"I love you," Harry repeated, murmuring the words into Draco's mouth.

Draco pulled back slightly, "I love you, too."

"I hoped that was the case," Harry replied.

After he kissed him again, Draco said, "Alright, fine. Now you get a say in who I date."

Harry grinned, "Is that so?"

He nodded.

"Will you date me, Draco Malfoy?" he asked, brushing his nose along Draco's.

"Yes," he whispered. Then with a smirk he added, "But we'll have to get my best friend's approval and rumor has it that he has very high standards."

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Day 65: Question | Day 67: Soulmate (Take 1)- Your traditional soulmate trope or Day 67: Soulmate (Take 2)- just using the word 'soulmate' as a prompt, not the trope.

#100 drarry drabbles in 100 days #drarry #drarry ficlet #drarry drabbles #jealous!harry #getting together #happy ending

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cipheress-to-k-pop · 3 years

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Bus Rides and Sweet Times

Pairing: Sam Alexander x Parker!Reader

Word Count: 2.6k

Warnings: None

Anon asked: Can you do a Sam Alexander x Reader, but you're Peter Parker's sister??

A/N: Totally staying with the tradition of badmouthing Peter at the end of my oneshots and I’m proud of it. Sorry it’s so late btw, I was on a hiatus when you had requested it

On your first day of Advanced Biology you had been sweating buckets. You were attending a biology class ahead of your grade through the Accolades programme and were considering faking temporary illness to skip the day.

It was nerve wracking to have to go into a class where everybody was older than you and could bully you. Last thing you wanted was people to shove you in lockers like your older brother, Peter.

Well that was before he became friends with the school’s toughest football player but still. You didn’t really want to go through the embarrassment of being shoved in a locker for 5 years before finally making an unlikely friendship and then have a last good year of high school.

But when you stepped through the door, you were immediately relieved to see a familiar face.

Sam Alexander wasn’t a friend of yours, he was one to your brother and they weren’t even that close, but even then, seeing recognition on his face made you oddly relieved.

“Sit wherever, Miss Parker.” Said the teacher before returning to the board.

For a second you wondered about sitting next to Sam but then realized it probably wouldn’t be a good idea. So, you just moved to the back of the class and tried to blend in with the walls.

It was no secret that you were insecure about being the youngest person in the class. You never answered, never asked questions and always tried not to participate. That’s why the teacher was always surprised whenever you got the highest grades.

She always made sure to praise you in front of the entire class which made you embarrassed but still proud.

And that’s when she got the idea of you tutoring one of her students after school. And you being the innocent girl who just didn’t know how to say no to a teacher, agreed.

That’s when you started to spend more time with none other than Sam Alexander.

You should be annoyed but really you were relieved that it wasn’t any stranger.

Yet another time that Sam saved your sanity by just having a recognizable face.

****

“Hey do you mind keeping this whole tutoring thing a secret?”

“Why?”

A part in you was half expecting him to say something like he didn’t want people to know he was hanging out with a geeky younger girl even though you knew he wasn’t the type to be so rude, regardless of what Peter said about him.

“Well, your brother and my friends are really smart. If they found out I was getting tutored by a girl who was a grade below me...”

He scratched his cheek nervously and you melted. He was just as insecure and unsure as you were and while your intellect sometimes made you feel out of place, he felt the same way about his.

So, you nodded and set a hand on his shoulder, giving him a reassuring nod.

“I promise I won’t say anything.”

“Your brother won’t be curious?”

“I’ll think of something.”

Unfortunately, you wouldn’t have too long to come up with a suitable excuse.

You quickly got to work and explained the concepts and making sure he understood everything you were telling him, even drawing diagrams and things like that because you figured he was a visual learner more than textual.

After nearly an hour spent in the library together, you noticed your brother come in with Harry and MJ, probably wanting to get some lab manuals for chemistry. Once he saw you with his sort of friend, he immediately made his way over to the pair of you.

“What’s going on?”

“Tutoring session.”

Sam immediately shot you a betrayed look but you didn’t even blink, turning back to your notes.

Just as you knew he would, your brother laughed and pointed at a slightly embarrassed Sam which made you irritated on the inside but you covered it with a plain expression.

“You’re getting tutored by my little sister?”

“Actually, he’s the one tutoring me.”

The two boys turned to you with shocked faces and you folded your arms over each other, raising a brow at Peter.

“What?”

“Yeah, I keep missing class because I’m the lab assistant and I end up running late so Sam here promised to keep me in the loop.”

It wasn’t a lie, you were the lab assistant during Chemistry and as a result always had to clean up after your classmates after the period was over, but Peter didn’t need to know that you still managed to reach class on time because the teacher would spend the first 5 minutes reviewing the previous lesson.

Just as you knew he would, Peter bought the excuse, returning to his friends and telling you that he’d pick you up from your part-time job today, trying to be a good brother. But you knew it was because he found your co-worker cute.

“Thanks for that.” Sam spoke gently and you waved him off, leaning towards him again and pointing to the diagram of an operator.

“No problem, now back to Lac Operon.”

****

The next few weeks are spent the same way. Sam slowly brought his grades up in class tests and progress quizzes but the teacher still wanted you to continue with the tutoring sessions as your midterms were coming up.

That’s how you end up meeting and spending hours of your time with Sam, but it never really goes beyond tutoring and you never see each other outside of the library.

That is until one day you’re going straight home instead of going to your job like you usually do. You end up taking the same bus as Sam and sit beside him because it was the only seat open that wasn’t beside some older guy or a child.

Sitting next to you, he plans to do the same but when he glances at you, you’re slowly drifting off to sleep, letting your head lol to the side in an uncomfortable position.

So, he gently rests your head on his shoulder, his heart skipping a beat when you cuddled closer to him. He watched you on the ride home, just wondering when was the last time you got some rest.

You were beautiful, yes, but he wondered about the dark circles underneath your eyes and the tired frown on your face as you leaned against him, silently realizing how haggard you looked for such a young girl.

You were trying to take all advanced classes but wasn’t naturally intelligent like your older brother so you ended up working till all hours trying to keep your grades up. He always knew that you worked hard but it was obvious that it was taking a toll on you.

So why hadn’t you ever said anything?

He wanted to tell you that you were perfect just the way you were and that you should take it easy but he knew you liked working hard and he found that really admirable.

The rest of the bus ride was just spent with him making sure you weren’t stirring or getting uncomfortable. Silently thinking you were beautiful. At the time it felt like you were the only 2 on the planet.

But what he didn’t know was that everybody on the bus were fangirling about how cute the two of you looked cuddled up on the bus seat. An older man was musing something about young love but Sam just thought he was remembering the good old days.

When the bus pulls up to your street, Sam gently wakes you up and tells you that your home. He even gets off at your stop to walk your drowsy self to the door where he meets Aunt May for the first time.

You were so tired you barely remembered Sam’s arm wrapped around you as he pulled you to the door. You thought your eyes were open but they were definitely closed and so he rang the doorbell for you because you were not awake enough to fish for your keys in your bag.

****

Ever since that day, Sam began to pay more attention to you. He always looked out for you in a silent way, never trying to bring to your attention that he was thinking of you.

“Hey check it out! The vending machine gave me two strawberry milks! Do you want one?”

“I got this pack of nuts but it has peanuts in it and I’m allergic so you can have it.”

“I’ll do a practice test and you can check it after I’m done. In the mean time you can take a nap.”

He took the bus home with you every day since then, saying that he came to your work when you were getting off for a smoothie even though there were a hundred places in New York that didn’t need him to come so far out

But you never said that to him because you liked going home with him, sometimes falling asleep together and sometimes listening to music, sharing earphones or even just quietly talking.

In the beginning he was afraid that you’d sleep and end up missing your bus or that you’d end up with a crick in your neck because of the position you fell asleep in but he liked taking the bus home with you, playing with your fingers gently while you napped peacefully beside him.

Once after Sam dropped you off at your house, you said your goodbyes to him and went inside, telling him you’d see him tomorrow. He politely declined Aunt May’s invites for dinner, saying that he had to get home because he had chores to do (training).

Around 10 minutes later, you left home again, going to pick up some rolls for dinner when you notice someone walking ahead of you but it’s only when the person walks underneath the lamppost do you recognize him.

“Sam?” You call out, wondering where he’s heading late in the night when his house was in the opposite direction.

“Oh shit.”

Sam freezes in his steps, silently contemplating whether he should just run for it or actually turn around to face you. You call his name again and wonder if you actually got it wrong and he was just some random kid in your neighbourhood.

But then he turns around and it’s him, blushing bright red that you could see it even in the dark and his heart began beating quickly, seeing you make your way over to him.

“What are you doing here? I thought your house was down the block?”

He tried to think of something but his mouth got really dry before he figured he should just give up.

“Well, about that, it.... isn’t.” He explained, rubbing the back of his neck nervously and trying to avoid making direct eye contact with you.

“What?”

“I live close to the school actually.”

“But you’ve been taking the bus home with me every day for like 2 weeks now.”

“Yeah, it’s just because I like taking the bus....and sitting next to you. Taking the bus was my excuse to spend more time with you.”

You could’ve sworn you swooned.

It was the first time you noticed just how crazy for you Sam was and it was exhilarating. To see this older boy standing in front of you and being vulnerable enough to be sweet and thoughtful.

It was kind of that little girl fantasy that you dreamt about back when you thought Cinderella and Rapunzel had been real. So, you can’t stop yourself from smiling when you notice how awkward Sam is beginning to get underneath your stare.

Sure, he wasn’t exactly prince charming but to be honest, to you, he was much better.

Prince Charming forgot what Cinderella looked like.

Like what the heck?

“You could’ve just asked me out on a date.”

“Well I wasn’t sure that you’d say yes.”

“Ask me now then.”

****

Dating Sam was everything you’d expect it to be. He was sweet and thoughtful, always taking you out and loving to spend time with you. Your tradition of him picking you up after work and taking the bus home turned into you greeting him after getting off with a kiss and then inviting him inside for dinner.

Even though you knew he didn’t live close here, he still wanted to drop you home. He said he was being considerate and loved spending time with you, which was true, but it was also because he was afraid you’d fall asleep on some other boy’s shoulder and fall in love with him.

Which was ridiculously specific but you still indulged him.

Peter didn’t find out initially because he always managed to miss Sam right when he got home because he was out crime fighting.

And you didn’t feel the need to bring it to his attention.

You knew he would find out one day though and the opportunity presented itself when he brought his friends home to live in the house because a fire had destroyed their dorms.

And with him came your boyfriend, outright grinning at the sight of you and you had to hide your laughter because you knew Sam was excited about having alone time with you at home without seeming suspicious.

But something was telling you with so many people in the house, you wouldn’t be getting any solitude for a long while.

May being kind of strict between the two of you, saying that you can’t close the doors was not surprising even though you knew she loved Sam. To Peter however, it was kind of startling.

The two of you manage to spend time without drawing suspicion. Going on grocery store runs quickly became your favourite kind of date because it was just the two of you roaming around the store with Sam pushing you in the shopping cart.

Peter one day sat the two of you down with a seriousness that made you want to laugh in his face because you could see how awkward it was, demanding to know exactly what was going on between the two of you.

What he wasn’t expecting was you to admit that you had been dating for nearly 4 months now.

Apparently neither were his teammates.

The rest of the night was like an interrogation while the two of you just curled up on the couch and ignored the rest of them until Aunt May came home and told them to stop bothering you.

At which point they all just shut up and decided to watch a movie.

Your boyfriend held you close to him underneath the blankets, holding your hand in his, clutched to his heart and you used your free hand to feed the two of you pizza without even looking away from the screen.

Half-way through the movie, just as you were beginning to drift off, Peter scared the shit out of you by jumping up and shouting.

“Oh my god! I left the two of you at home alone so many times because I didn’t think you liked each other!”

Your face burned and you just hid underneath the blankets, trying to avoid the teasing faces of the others and try not to combust.

“Oh, just can it Parker!”

“Excuse me?”

“I meant the other Parker and you know it!”

#Ultimate Spider-Man #ultimate spiderman #ultimate spider man #ultimate spiderman x reader #ultimate spider man x reader #sam alexander #sam alexander headcanons #sam alexander x reader #nova #nova x reader #nova headcanon #marvel #marvel x reader #USM #usm x reader #USM x you

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nashibirne · 3 years

Text

Painkiller - 8

Here we go...the next part of Painkiller's waiting for you. I have to admit I've had kind of a writer's block lately and so this was hard work but eventually I made it and I hope you like it. And please believe me, their well-deserved happy ending is just around the corner, they need just a little more time...two chapters I guess.

Pairing: Henry Cavill x OFC (Ella) Summary: double date / dinner for four, englightening conversations and foiled plans Read previous parts here: Nashi's Masterlist Warnings: RPF (!), that's it... Unbeta'ed! English is not my mothertongue, so expect wrong spelling and bad grammar Credits: Pics for the moodboard taken from Pinterest, Face claim Kelly: Pamela Reif Disclaimer: I don't know Henry Cavill, this is all fictional and wishful thinking taglist: (let me know if you want to be added or removed) @lunedelorient @inlovewithhisblueeyes @willkatfanfromasia @hell1129-blog @mis-lil-red @agniavateira @kebabgirl67 @omgkatinka @legendarywizarddetective @summersong69 @taebfada @xxxkatxo @madbaddic7ed @artandotherdelights

~~~

"That was delicious, Ella." Kelly gave her a smile while she leaned back in her chair.

"Thank you, Kelly."

"You really have to give me the recipe for the lasagna and especially for that mousse au chocolat."

Henry raised his eyebrows in disbelief. "You can cook?"

Ella shared a glance with Jackson and she knew they were thinking the same. If Henry didn't know such basic things about Kelly it seemed they were really just starting to get to know each other.

"Um,yes...well...a little."

"Really?"

"Yeah, we could cook together tomorrow, babe. Have a cosy day in bed and a homemade meal." She beamed at him and Henry gave her a forced smile. Ella was sure he was suppressing the need to roll his eyes, his facial expression gave it away to her.

"We'll see, Kell."

There was an awkward pause and Henry appeared to be somehow annoyed and not for the first time. During dinner Kelly was getting more and more handsy with him and it was obvious that Henry felt bad about it. Ella was getting the impression that he absolutely wasn't madly in love with Kelly and this was not only a great satisfaction but also a big relief and it made her even more determined to find out what Kelly was up to.

Jackson cleared his throat. "Henry, wanna see my Alfa? It's a 1961 Giulietta Sprint Speciale, quite rare."

"Oh yeah, sure." Henry got up and Kelly was about to do the same when Ella stopped her with a smile on her lips.

"Why don't we stay and have a little chat Kelly? Just the two of us without the guys?"

Kelly hesitated but then she agreed.

"Yeah. Why not."

When Jax and Henry closed the door behind them, Ella gave Kelly challenging look.

"So?"

"So what?" Kelly crossed her arms.

"Do I really have to ask? Or are you just gonna tell me how you made this happen? Looking back, your words spoken in the restrooms of Gianni's sound like a prediction."

Kelly pouted but eventually she started to speak.

"It's like I said back then. He's a good catch and I want him..."

"As your sugar daddy?" Ella raised an eyebrow, Kelly shrugged.

"Sugar daddy, boyfriend… where's the difference? Listen, Ella, if I'd known that you, his female best friend, are his date from back then I wouldn't be here tonight. I'm not looking for trouble…"

"But you are in trouble when you're trying to take advantage of my friend."

"Friend." Kelly snorted.

"Yes, friend. A close friend, a dear friend and you're playing with him but he's not a toy."

"I like to play and usually I'm the toy." She giggled.

Ella rolled her eyes and looked at Kelly darkly. "How did you get his number in the first place?"

"If you really have to know, Gianni, the owner of...well...Gianni's...he is my ex. He's the impotent bore I told you about. He threw me out and told me to go to hell a few weeks ago after he caught me with my trousers down with one of his waiters." Kelly explained. "I remembered Henry, to be honest I had the hots for him since I saw him at the restaurant with you and you said you and him were just friends...so after Gianni broke up with me I looked up his number in the guest register, and then I called him…"

"Pretending you dialled the wrong number."

"I could hardly tell him that I stole it from what's known as the most discreet restaurant in London"

"Right. And then you started dating?"

Kelly looked at Ella with a thoughtful frown. "Are you gonna tell him all this?"

"Would you admit it's true?"

"Of course not."

"See. I'd love to tell him but I'm quite sure you would manage to make me look like a crazy, jealous bitch…"

"Oh, I would. You can be sure of that…" Kelly gave her a wicked smile.

"I just want to know what you're up to. I don't want Henry to get hurt…" Ella faked a smile. She wanted to yell at her so badly, she wanted to force her to tell Henry the truth but she knew she had to play it nice to make her open up.

"Well, it was just booty calls at first. We just met for casual sex. Henry, he didn't want more, because he, well...nevermind. Anyway, after that pap pictures the situation has changed a little and now he's willing to give it a try. So yes, now we're dating."

"Those pics. How did that happen?"

Kelly grinned. "Let's just say a friend of mine was at the right place at the right time…"

Ella gasped. This bitch really knew how to play the game.

"Don't worry about your dear Henry, Ella." Kelly's voice was full of sarcasm now. "I like him, he's a nice and funny guy. Sure, he's a boomer and a little boring but he's great in the sheets and he's gonna learn to appreciate the mutual benefits of our relationship."

The noise of the key in the front door interrupted them. Kelly leaned in to whisper one last thing into Ella's ear. "Oh, and in case you wonder...he is really big, I mean like...really." Kelly grinned before turning away.

Ella was so incredibly frustrated when Jax and Henry entered her apartment again, she had a hard time pretending to be alright for the rest of the night. There were so many questions left, so many things she didn't understand, it drove her nuts. She decided to keep her mouth shut to prevent herself from saying something stupid and of course Henry noticed it.

"Are you okay?" He placed his hand on her arm, giving it a gentle stroke and looked at her with a frown. "You are so quiet."

Ella took his hand, giving it a quick squeeze that Henry returned with a smile.

"I'm fine." She nodded reassuringly and enjoyed the little triumph that he got handsy with her instead of Kelly. Actually it was absolutely typical for him, he was a very tactile person, not only with Ella but with his friends in general. So it was even more surprising that he didn't like to be in close contact with his date. "I'm just a little tired. I had a tough week." She avoided looking him in the eyes.

"Yeah, me too." Henry's lips curved up into a lopsided grin and he gave her a wink that made her heart skip a beat.

An hour later Henry and Kelly were gone and Ella and Jax were doing the dishes after Ella had put her best friend in the picture about the things Kelly had told her.

"She's lying. They're not really dating." Jax said, doing the drying up.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean they're not really a thing. Henry kinda said it when we were outside."

"Kinda? Could you be a little more precise." Ella looked at her friend with big eyes.

"Well, I asked him if they're planning on going insta-official or something with their relationship and he denied it very insistently, pointing out that they are totally not in a relationship. And I was like, yeah, but you guys are dating and he was like...not really."

"Oh wow...and?"

"And I asked what he meant and Henry said that it actually was just a sex thing -so that much is true- but after the pics in the yellow press Kelly's the one who now wants to date and he told me he's unsure if this is the right thing to do. He said he has second thoughts because it feels wrong and when I asked him why, he looked at me with those puppy dog eyes and said I think you know why, Jax, you know who's on my mind."

Ella now stared at him, mouth agape. "What did you answer?"

"I said that I very likely do know and then your neighbour Walter came and joined us and the conversation was over."

"Shit."

"Yeah." They both stayed silent for a moment. "Elsie, you know that you are the reason he doesn't want to date Kelly, don't you?" Jackson turned to her with knitted brows.

"We don't know that. Not for sure."

"Yes and we never will if you don't do something. Jesus, woman...you are this close to losing your perfect match to some creepy gold digger...will you really just stand there with your hands in your pockets and do nothing at all?"

"What can I do?" Her frustration was palpable.

"Just tell him how you feel, that you're in love with him."

Ella let out a snort. "That's not so easy."

"No, it's not, but there's no easy way out of this mess."

"Yeah." Ella took a deep breath.

"So what's the plan? You're gonna ask him to meet you tomorrow so you can tell him?"

"I can't. I have to unpack a ton of parcels with new books tomorrow. The store is a mess and it has to be tidy on Monday morning." Jax raised his eyebrows sceptically. "Really, I'm not using this as an excuse." Ella sighed with frustration.

"Okay, actually that's perfect. Ask Henry to help you and then you can declare your love for him…"

"I don't know…"

"Elsie, I'm not gonna let you chicken out of this. Pull yourself together and get the guy for fuck's sake."

Ella couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, okay. I'm going to call him first thing tomorrow morning. Fine?"

"Fine."

****

While Ella and Jax were drawing up a battle plan, Kelly and Henry were on their way back to Chelsea where Kelly lived and trouble was brewing.

"Why did you have to be so distant?" Kelly asked accusingly. "You made it look like you wouldn't want to touch me."

"Yes, because I don't like it if you're all over me in front of my friends. It's rude and inappropriate. I mean, you're not my girlfriend or something it wasn't even a real date..." Henry snapped.

"Oh...really? You have touched me quite a lot in the last weeks for not being your girlfriend."

"That was different and you know it."

"Yeah, because your beloved Ella wasn't around when you fucked me. At least not physically. I bet you thought of her when you were balls deep inside of me."

"Don't even start, Kelly. I won't let you talk about Ella that way. No disrespect, okay?" His voice was tense and it was obvious that he was trying to restrain himself.

"No, of course you won't." Kelly looked out of the window with a pout. For several minutes none of them said a word but then she turned to him.

"Listen, Henry, I'm sorry. I know what she means to you and I understand that you want to keep this...us...low-key, but it's kinda hard for me when you treat me like you don't even want to be in the same room with me. Please tell me if I did something wrong and I'm never gonna do it again."

"You did nothing wrong. I just don't want to be so touchy-feely when Ella's around."

"Okay, baby, and I just want to make you happy. Happier than she ever could. I don't care about your job, your fame or your lifestyle. I like you just the way you are..." She let her hand run over his thigh, brushing it lightly over his crotch. Henry looked at her with a blank expression.

"She doesn't want you, Henry. You know that. But I do." She purred, starting to massage his dick through his jeans and Henry couldn't help but moan and get hard under her touch.

"Kelly...I don't think I can give you what you're looking for…"

"Oh, I'm sure you can, babe. Just let me take care of you and make you forget about Ella."

The next morning Henry awoke with a jolt when his phone started to ring. He grabbed it and went to the bathroom, Kelly was lying in her bed fast asleep. He hadn't planned to spend the night with her but she had been very convincing and he had to admit the sex had worked wonders. He had been able to let off some steam and to finally get a good night's sleep. He was surprised to see that it was his agent calling. 8 am on sunday morning, this had to be urgent.

A few minutes later Henry put on his clothes before he sat down beside Kelly. He carefully placed a hand on her shoulder and started to shake her gently.

"Kelly, I have to go."

She groaned and turned on her back, eyes still closed. "Why.." she asked sleepily.

"Nothing to worry about, just business. I'll call you later to explain."

"Okay." She yawned and patted his cheek. "Love you babe."

Henry's body stiffened. That wasn't what he wanted to hear. Not from her.

"Bye." He got up and left in a hurry, feeling like shit. This was all so terribly wrong, he wondered if it could get any worse. It was good that a little break was lying ahead of him.

****

Two hours later at the other end of the city, Ella took a deep breath before she called Henry. The plan was simple: call him, ask him if he was willing to help her, wait for a good opportunity and tell him about her feelings and the truth about Kelly. She was determined to make a clean sweep of this whole mess and to lay it all on the line.

"Good morning." Henry's deep voice greeted her friendly.

"Morning, Henry. I hope I'm not interrupting something."

"No, absolutely not. It's good to hear your voice."

He made her blush, even on the phone and she rolled her eyes at herself with a smile.

"I'm glad to hear that." She chuckled. "Listen, Hen, I wanted to ask you a favour. I have so much work to do at the shop today and I really need a helping hand, so I was wondering if you would want to help me. It's just clearing away some new books...but with you I would be much faster and we can spend some time together and talk…" Ella cleared her throat.

"Oh, Ella, I'd love to but unfortunately I can't. I have to go to L.A. I'm just packing my stuff and gonna head to the airport in an hour. I'm so sorry."

"No, don't be. It has to be important if you have to go at such short notice."

"It is. My agent called me this morning. The appointments were originally planned for next month but they were rescheduled to next week. We're gonna talk to some of the studio bosses about upcoming projects and such."

"That's great, Henry. I know you've waited for this opportunity quite a while now." She was genuinely happy for him and it made him love her even more.

"Yeah, now I just have to convince the right people to include me in the right projects." He sighed and Ella knew that under his superman surface Henry was insecure and full of self-doubt often.

"You're gonna blow them away, Henry. You're such a great actor and such a wonderful person. Everybody loves you."

Suddenly there was an awkward silence.

"Everybody?" He asked softly.

Ella was at a loss of words. It was absolutely out of the question to confess her feelings for him on the phone only hours before he had to leave the country for who knows how long.

"Sure." She said with a strange undertone that was almost giving her away. Change the subject! "Is Kelly going with you?"

Henry let out an amused snort. "Of course not. It's a business trip. And she's not, well...my girlfriend or something. I...I said this to Jax already, we're not even really dating, it's just…"

"Sex?"

Henry took a deep breath. "Exactly."

"Are you sure she knows that?"

"No, I'm not. She should, because that's what I keep telling her but she's somehow deaf to that sort of thing. Maybe it's a good thing we take a break now."

"How long will you be gone?"

"I'm not sure. Two weeks maybe."

"So you will be back for my birthday?"

"I hope so."

"So do I. I'd hate to spend it without you but if you can't make it, we can easily take a rain check and celebrate when you're back."

"A party for just the two of us? Sounds even better than joining your actual party." Ella was able to hear the smirk on his pretty lips.

"Oh shut up." Ella laughed out loud. She lowered her voice then, sounding serious all of the sudden. "I'm going to miss you, Henry. A lot. Just come back soon safe and sound, okay?"

"I will. As soon as possible and in one piece. I promise, baby."

~~~~

tbc

#henry cavill #henry cavill fandom #henry cavill fanfic #henry cavill rpf #henry cavill x ofc

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oh-for-fic-sake · 4 years

Text

Geeking Out

Masterlist

You work onset of the witcher as the resident handy girl there to repair the props onset rather then them being sent off to be fixed, when working on Geralt’s sword Henry comes across you and with one slip of the tongue your inner geeks collide.

Warnings: Fluff, Swearing

A/N: Had this on my mind for a while just a cute little fluff piece hope you enjoy XX

Taglist: @havenoffandoms @iloveyouyen @angelofthor @thatgirly81

Incredible text dividers are from @writeyourmindaway I suggest you go check out her others they are soo usefull xx.

You hummed quietly managing to secure yourself a table in one of the busy tents just off set, you moved quickly furiously mixing the epoxy trying to combine the two parts with the lolly stick. Your task? you were trying to fix Geralt’s sword there had been a small mishap during a scene renfri's brooch had been hit in one of the takes and had come off. Your job was to put it back on and make sure its stays on , so this time you were forgoing the original glue and using a tiny amount of epoxy it was stronger and once it cured that little brooch wasn't coming off for love nor money. Your job was maintenance on the props ,you were kept onset with a small arsenal of tools to fix anything that gets damaged quick and skilled repair jobs anything from the horse tack to props jewellery the only things you didn't touch was wardrobe because...Fuck no. Textiles was not your thing.

You moved fast wanting to have it mixed thoroughly. This particular resin cured fast...very fast well for resin anyway, so it was always a rush to combine it. You moved a syringe and pulled the plunger up then dotted the resin on the hilt of the sword swiftly applying the brooch then looked around for the clamp. Shit. It was to far you couldn't reach it. You tried stretching down into your bag for it but it was no use suddenly someone was behind you.

"Need help?" You nodded to the slim clamp in the bag

"Yeah could you pass me the clamp forgot to get it out just got this bloody thing central and can't risk it slipping" you focused on your work holding the brooch steady as the person hummed leaning down then handed it to you.

"Cheers lovey" you thanked them and leaned down with one final check that everything was positioned correctly nodding you placed a rag across it protecting it and clamped it securely.

"Sorry about that... Misjudged the angle and hit it to hard I'm afraid" you froze looking up seeing Henry in full wardrobe bar his contacts smiling sheepishly. Even tho you'd been onset this whole time you'd never actually spoke to any of the cast there was no need. You quickly swallowed your shock and laughed.

"Don’t matter to me, keeps me in a job so go nuts!" you both laughed he looked over the things you had out across the table, you followed his gaze. Noting how he then moved to stare at you intently, you felt a flush creep across your chest but cleared your throat nodding to the prop.

"I've used epoxy on it ...It should be a lot stronger." He hummed not really paying attention.

"Anyway its not your fault they used a mid strength glue last time.. I don't think they had a clue how much of a beating it was gonna take" he hummed then peeked over the cup that had a small amount of resin in it still.

"So I can go to town on it?" You nodded wiping your hands down and smirked at him.

"Knock yourself out muscles! I doubt even you will be able to snap that off again....And that's not a challenge either" he rubbed the back of his head smirking at you as you moved dumping the cup with the left overs in a bag then in a small bucket with sand in it that was used as an ashtray for the crew on set. He looked at you questioning. You nodded to it.

"Get's hot when curing so I will leave it there to be safe then take it out when its set..." he hummed in agreement then moved with you helping to pack up your things.

"So how long will it take to be finished then?" You froze wide eyed

"Why do they need it now?" You panicked they had said it wasn't needed today so you could work on it... did they change their mind? he quickly held his hands up

"No no we are done with it for today...I just wondered was all.." you stopped and flushed at him, you felt a little embarrassed as you had begun to cuss him out in your head thinking he was being rude trying to rush you.

"About an hour...Well I hope an hour it really depends, if there is any leakage then I will have to sand it with my dremel...and to do a proper job of that I'd need to go through a few different grits and but if theres no leakage or any nastiness then we should be done in about half an hour....This epoxy cures in ten to twelve minutes but to be sure I'd want to leave it around twenty to twenty five ish but either way by the end of the day you sir will have your sword back." He looked between you and his prop wilth a huge smile.

"Sounds like a plan! .....Still feel bad tho I'm sure you have tonnes to do already...nevermind me adding to it." You waved him of with a wide grin

"Your kidding! Been waiting to get my hands on this baby since day one! Needed to see the details for my -" you stopped yourself before you said to much not wanting to 'geek out' in front of him he tilted his head sharply.

"Your what? You making a replica or something?" You flushed at him bobbing your head side to side a little.

"Well yes and no...not a full scale one I'm gonna make a mini..." his face lit up and you could see him become excited.

"You make mini's? Like wow and stuff?" He asked buzzing in the way all geeks do when they find a fellow nerd to speak geek with. You giggled an nodded.

"Yes I can't paint them to save my life but I draw and make them on the pc for people to download and use on their 3d printers....I'm more into scenery dioramas...I make tabletop boards" he grinned at you practically vibrating on the spot.

"Seriously? That’s soo cool...Do you have any pictures of them?" You smiled and nodded just as you got your phone out you both heard it Henry's name was called by Joey he sighed and gave a small chuckle.

"Looks like I'm needed...I will be back later to see them and collect my sword...If not hold on to it for me?" You gave him a funny look as he stayed for a moment giving you his best puppy eyes. You laughed and nodded to him, he grinned and quickly left. You stood dumbfounded as he stole a few glances over his shoulder at you before disappearing around the corner. Well that was weird, normally the props were picked up by...well anyone to be stored the cast never did hence why you'd never seen them. You shrugged it off and continued placing your stuff away zipping up your bag.

That was the first time you met the man, later that day he did indeed return and spent nearly two hours geeking out looking at your collection of dioramas, he specifically liked the ones base on Lord of the rings and the few marvel and dc ones you'd done. All of which were centered around villains. It wasn't long before it became a habit that between takes he would seek you out, sometimes bringing Joey along. Soon you found yourselves together all the time, they seemed fascinated by your work and hobby always asking questions, to the point you'd snapped at them when they wouldn't shut up when you tried fixing a particularly fiddly jewellery piece . Even then they stayed sitting either side of you staring as you maneuvered the tiny gems and links back into place.

By the time the production came to a end you had all become close friends each of you exchanging numbers and always texting in a group chat. You couldn't help harboring a little crush on Henry, and you had tried but he was just so...him and maybe he liked you back? You wasn't sure but he seemed to be touchy...Not in a bad way god no! But he was a hugger and holder. When ever he was around you he always seemed to be touching you in some way holding your hand or arm as he dragged you about set,slinging an arm around your shoulders or waist at lunch or when you was working stuff like that. Maybe you were just reading into things to much but it felt like there might be something there. Or at least you hoped there might be, he was sweet funny and dorky but still mature and masculine he was basically your dream man, and then some!

You sulked today was your final day on set you were looking forward to returning home and just relaxing but at the same time you'd miss the guys. You'd all clicked with one another and were so used to them popping up whenever. You tilted your head as you ran your pen across the sketch in you book. It was a close up of Jaskier’s lute details you'd been working on. You were trying to take your mind off things you were scared of them forgetting about you, it wasn't often you managed to click with people let alone men, you supposed you were anxious usually you were fine alone but you found yourself craving company since hanging around them. You glanced up when you heard them before you saw them as they approached you . Sitting up you quickly shook off your sadness as they both made their way across to you.

"Hey bitches" they chuckled at you taking seats at the table the three of you had claimed for the past months.

"God I can't believe its over...I cant wait to see it!" Joey said enthusiastically make you and Henry nod.

"Me neither its gonna be incredible! Its gonna be big you know that don't you? After the great flop of game of thrones their fanbase are gonna be lost and looking for something similar" Joey blinked he hadn't thought of that.

"Really? Didn't think of it like that." You smiled at him and wriggled your eyebrows "And you sir are never escaping that fucking song either so be prepared" he furrowed his brows

"How’d you know about that?" You smirked

"It was one of the few scenes I was allowed to watch them film...and it was stuck in my head for a fucking week the worst bit? I couldn't go and download it from youtube either it was hell!" He chuckled at your frown and leaned over you his eyes caught the page you were working on it was the first time he'd caught a glimpse at your artwork.

"Oh shit! That’s cool" you looked down alarmed then went to cover your image but he had already pulled it from under your nose.

"Henry look!" You flushed a not wanting them to see your sketches. He smiled and flicked a few pages. He looked up through his lashes at you.

"These are really good y/n super detailed... They for your mini's?" You nodded at him sheepishly as you noticed he had found your Geralt cheat sheet. He smirked seeing the page full of his Geralt pulling various faces then skipped a few pages to Joey's Jaskier. He past it back to him.

"Here there's yours" Joey gasped at them

"Holy shit...Did you do all the cast? Are you gonna 3d print em?" You nodded to him

"I did the main cast once I get home I’m gonna start putting them into the computer but yes eventually they will be printed for people to use...After I sort them out I’m gonna be making a witcher diorama to display them." Henry smiled at you

"Can you teach me to make one?" You blinked at him not sure you’d heard him right

"What?" He nodded to your book.

"Id like a set for my collection and small a diorama for them...I have always wanted to try it but it seems expensive to get the stuff if I’m crap at it...And it would be fun to make one with you...If you wanted to that is?" You flushed at him gaping.

"Err Ive never done a collaboration before but sure we could give it a go...Could do a witcher one for you to display these mini's...I wont be painting them tho not good at it, sketching is fine but I can't do detail paint....scenery is more forgiving... " he nodded enthusiastically at you like a kid on Christmas.

"Really! Fuck Absolutely! I always wanted to try scenery that would be brilliant." He flushed a little as Joey snorted at him and received a sharp look. It had become common knowledge that he had a thing for you. Everyone seemed to have caught on to it and had all told him to go for it but he was shy...He was nervous what if he had read you wrong? And you didn't like him back? He would be quite embarrassed and torn up if he asked you out and you shot him down...so no he would settle for being friends.You smiled at him missing their exchange between them.

"Err sure just let me know when your free...I’m not that far from You in London right? Just give me a heads up when you wanna come round" Henry looked ecstatic, it was true he had found out a few weeks ago you was literally Fifteen minutes away from his place in London. He realized you had caught him staring blushing he moved directing his attention back to your drawings again. Joey noticed the awkward moment and swiftly poked your side.

"I want some too! A perfect mini me! Just what everyone needs" You scoffed

"A mini you sounds like a threat! god help us all!" You all laughed spending the remaining time reminiscing on the last few weeks until finally it was time for you to leave. You pouted hugging both of them.

"Gonna miss you two have fun on the promotion tour and stay in touch okay guys" they smiled hugging you back Henry squeezed you tight pulling you up off of the floor making you whine at him.

"I will definitely call and will probably be round September October time" you nodded and finally wriggled away from him leaving the hotel heading home.

Once home you quickly got to work uploading and designing your mini's on the pc you had been speaking to the boys a bit but as time went on you heard less and less from Henry until finally six weeks later all conversation had stopped. Which really didn't surprise you, he was busy...Well that's what you told yourself, it was a shitty excuse you were saying to keep yourself from getting upset. you had found yourself enjoying his company to much. You liked him like liked him, it was fun talking to him, he was interested in the same things as you and was funny and you had brilliant banter you wasn't constantly worried about how you acted around him because he just got you, you thought you’d both got on well and could remain friends. Somewhere in the back of your mind you stupidly had hoped something would come of it ....But that was a silly childish fantasy. Still you asked Joey a few times and he said that Henry was dealing with some stuff and would come around eventually but it did nothing to cheer you up. You resigned yourself to the fact that he was bored and needed someone to talk to on set that was it. You and Joey still spoke at least once a week even if it was just a quick 'hi how are you?'. You could kick yourself as even when you realized Henry wasn't going to meet up with you, you still began his diorama... Some silly little hope that he might still show but it was unlikely so the diorama was now yours ,you'd planned to make one using your new Netfilx witcher mini's the base was done and you were building up the Styrofoam. The design was going to be a small woodland area with a tiny waterfall running into a stream next to the witchers camp in which the four main characters would sit...Well five including roach. You sighed looking at the blocks of Styrofoam they had been glued down and are now ready to be carved. It had been ready for two weeks but... You suppose it was a little hope that if you didn't start it he would come around like he said. But when Christmas came and went you finally realized he wasn't coming.

Just as you moved to the wall socket and turned on your hot wire cutter you heard the doorbell go frowning you got up dragging your feet as you walked through the kitchen to the hall, as you got closer you could see a huge frame through the frosted glance. It looked a lot like..

"Henry? What are you?" He smiled sheepishly down at you. He chuckled nervously.

"Ah hi y/n...Long time no see?" You crossed you arms at him making him gulp.

"What can I do for you?" You tried keeping your voice even tho inside you were a a quivering mess of irritation anxiety and my god you felt weak in The knees and all the man was doing was standing there!how you even formed words you don't know. Henry the man you'd been pining over was here. He was on your doorstep. And you hadn't let him in what the fuck? why hadn't you invited him in yet?. Pride was the answer, you didn't want to seem desperate. he just straight up ignored you...for months!. You were intent on being angry with him, wanting to give him a piece of your mind. just as you rose your gaze to his you froze.Shit. you gulped eyes softening as you took in his appearance, he looked so anxious and guilty? even then he took your breath away, as gorgeous as you remembered him. he stood a little less confident to what you remembered shoulders slouched his eyes darting around almost as if he was fearful of your reaction, you took a deep breath gripping your front door in a white knuckle grip.He looked to you neighbors door step seeing the nosey old women Mrs Hamlin standing there staring outright, then turned to you going a little red twisting his coat pockets in his hands sighing, sucking it up and started talking.

"Hey I know we haven't been talking its just I ah...well I got a little caught up with the promo tour and that then had to negotiate season two and on the way to the final stop I lost my phone-well I destroyed it really dropped a fucking dumbbell on the thing in the gym..Then Christmas was hectic...Anyway that’s not the point...The point is by the time I got a new phone and found Joeys number and had him send me yours it...I felt like I had left it to long to reply... I wasn't sure if you'd be angry thinking I was ignoring you..." you blinked up at him stunned. That’s why he suddenly stopped he broke his phone and lost you number? You took a step back feeling incredibly stupid. You’d honestly began thinking the worst of him. You felt so bad.

"So...instead of phoning or texting you thought you'd just...come round?" He winced at you tone

"I wanted to talk in person...I wanted you to know I was genuinely sorry...I am sorry I let my anxiety get the better of me...I-I should go" you panicked as he began to turn around and quickly grabbed his arm

"Thank you Henry...You don't owe me anything but you coming here to speak to me means a lot ...I just assumed you were busy...I'll admit I did get a little upset when time went on and you still didn't reply...But now I understand why, we waited for each other to start a conversation again, like a couple of school kids...Would you like to come in for a coffee?" He grinned wide and nodded glancing to the side eyeing your neighbor who had continued staring at him. You followed his gaze she was really giving him the evil eye.

"What er what is wrong with your neighbor? I mean I knocked on the wrong house but she is kind of freaking me out." You glanced at her and smiled waving

"Morning Mrs Hamlin" she hissed out a pleasant 'go fuck yourself' at you and entered slamming her door. You laughed at Henry's shocked face.

"She's just not a people person...Any way come in your letting all my heat out" you moved to the side letting him enter the small hall closing the door behind him.

"Hang your coat up and I will get some tea on" he did as you asked and followed you to the kitchen then spied your hobby room.

"Is that where you do all your bits?" You smiled nodding as you made the tea

"Yep! Here come in I was just about to start on the witcher one you can help carve, here I'll show you" he followed like a lost puppy paying attention as you began to guide him through the steps letting him carve out the shapes you wanted smiling ear to ear the whole time as you showed him your plan for the scene.

It took a week but finally the diorama was finished, Henry bless him had found some of the steps tricky resulting in a few cuts and burns from the hot wire cutter but he had enjoyed every second of it.Today was the last day working on the project everything was done and you both looked at it.

"Wow its a lot of steps but...It look so realistic...I loved doing the water ripples using the airgun tho it was genius!" You smiled looking at it then jumped up.

"Not finished yet tho here, I printed them last night." You moved over to a small tub with your Netflix Witcher cast mini's and roach in it, they were in isopropyl alcohol to clean them up after printing. You'd spent some time re-scaling them to fit the scene you'd just finished. His eye went wide as he saw them.

"Wow...these are from your drawings...How'd you get so much detail...May I?" You nodded to him as he carefully moved them from the tub and inspected them. He was fascinated.

"Thank you so much! Their great...perfect even...I've had so much fun this week" you patted his arm

"Me to big guy, its been nice having someone around to talk to, your really good with a bit more work you’ll be making your own in no time" he moved placing the mini's on the finished diorama then stood back.

"That’s a bit of a stretch don't you think...I'm dreading painting it tho.." you laughed holding your hands up.

"Hey don't look at me I print em you paint em that Mr Cavill was the deal" he rolled his eyes biting his lip. The last week had been above and beyond what he had hoped for. He couldn't help wanting more from you tho, he in a way felt a little selfish he wanted you to himself. He stood tall in front of you contemplating his next move.Should he?. Could he? He knew he wanted to try and pursue you but he still had doubts. You blinked and gulped seeing a heated glint in his eyes that was clouded with anxiety.

"Hen-henry?" He hummed in response his heart just about jumping out of his chest as he moved in slowly noticing you leaning towards him to...Did you want him to kiss you? You looked like you wanted to kiss him... Should he let you kiss him first? Or was he reading this all wrong. Fuck. He couldn't take it his nerves and thoughts buzzing he panicked momentarily and just went for it. Dipping his head quickly he connected his lips to yours tilting his head he moved closer shuffling his feet forward. It took you a few seconds to realize what he was doing but when the shock finally disappeared you moaned into him moving to cup the back of his neck. He grunted pulling back for air taking one large gulp then wrapped himself around you pinning you to between himself and the table, clutching you to his front cradling you against him as you accepted him into your mouth groaning as he was quick to explore, dragging your tongue to dance around his moaning and teasing you letting his hands fall to cup your bottom grabbing the full cheeks rolling them around lightly then pulled back from your mouth. He looked down through half lidded eyes and smiled seeing your dazed expression.

"Well...That was, a long time coming and definitely worth the wait...Hopefully i wont have to wait as long for the next one?" you glowed red at that and wriggled a little freezing noticing he still had a firm grip on your ass. You nodded shyly at him.

"Y-you waited to do that?" He nodded moving his hands up from your ass to your sides smoothing his thumbs across your ribs lightly not willing to let you go for a second.

"Yes..For a long time the others were pestering me but I was shy...Wasn't sure if you'd like me or not...Didn't want to ruin our friendship..." you stuttered looking up into his sparkling eyes seeing him flustered and shy made you feel a little better

"Of course I do!...Had a crush on you for...well a long time but just like you I didn't want to rock the boat" he looked at you shocked then laughed loudly.

"Well now that we both know where we stand would you like to order in we could get your favorite?"

"You know what my favorite food is?" he tilting his head down to yours with a knowing grin taking a deep breath he started listing off a few of you favorite's.

"Of course I do, Chinese is your top sweet and sour chicken chow mein and hors d'oeuvres namely seaweed and prawn toast and Japanese is a close second wagamama's if I remember correctly , your favorite chocolate is Lindor and favorite drink of all time is apple juice" you gaped at him, he had remembered all that.

"Wow I'm impressed you listened to my nervous rambling let alone took anything from it" "I love listening to you, you get so passionate about everything you love its cute..Hard not to pay attention...what do you mean nervous?" you felt all giddy when you realized he had been paying attention as you rambled on about what you thought was random uninteresting things.

"Well I'm always a little nervous around you...I do have a crush on you." he chuckled pulling you closer pressing a sweet kiss to your lips.

"That makes two of us, any way Chinese? My treat?" you jumped up nodding at him definitely up for some take out.

"Absolutely! but I warn you I can eat...Like I EAT." he chuckled moving down to give you one more kiss then pulled away from you to grab his phone to order online.

"And we can watch Netflix" you faltered and smiled up at him impishly causing him to raise a brow.

"I-I err don't have Netflix..." he gaped at you blinking as if you had a second head

"What? how could you not- you worked for them..Have you even watched the witcher yet babe?" you flushed at the pet name...And the embarrassing truth of why you'd avoided watching the show.

"W-Well you see that err...No I haven't...Kind of avoided it to be honest.." he frowned at you, you were so excited about seeing it yet you had...Avoided it?

"Why?" you squirmed under his gaze, the blues peering down you could feel them seeing through you.

"W-Well I...It was hard I really really liked you and then you just stopped talking to me...I was upset and each time I saw you it made me worse...Like I’d been punched in the chest there was no way I was gonna get through episode one with out getting really upset so I didn't watch it..." he swore dropping his phone to the table and wrapped his arms around you tight

"Shit...I'm so so sorry love...I promise not to do that to you again! come here... I've got Netflix I will give you my log in and you can watch it ....Not when I'm around tho not too keen on watching myself much" you grinned at him as he rocked slowly with you

"Okay then deal..Is watching yourself on tv like re-watching old family videos then i take it?" he laughed pulling away nodding

"Yes almost...Maybe not as cringe tho...Now come on go get the tv on I will be in there in a second just need to order this then we can get settled and pick a film" you smiled leaving him with a quick peck then ran down the hall to the sitting room barely containing yourself as it sunk in that he liked you back and this might just be the relationship of a lifetime.

#henry cavill x reader #henry cavill imagine #henry cavill #henry cavill x y/n #henry cavill x you #henry cavill x female reader #henry cavill x ofc #witcher geralt #witcher imagine

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steve0discusses · 3 years

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Yugioh Ep 36 S4: Seto Joins Dragon Wife in Hell

So I dunno about you guys, but 2020 aged me like a lot in just these 8 months, so I figured it was time to embrace the feeling of being on death’s door and I decided to learn Mahjong. So I could truly embrace the ancients and vibe in their natural habitat.

Anyway, once I learned some Mahjong lore, some parts of Yugioh just open up. Namely--Seto’s dragons. Like a whole lot of stuff about early Seto Kaiba that confused me at the time just makes so much more sense now.

But unfortunately, he dies this episode, and he never pulled out his Blue Eyes White Dragons, and it’s just like...

...but my Mahjong deep cuts...

Like every episode I’m just rubbing my palms together in anticipation that someone will die, but like...I never get to talk about how in Mahjong, there’s only 4 white dragon tiles, but if you have 3, you can steal the fourth white dragon from another player’s discards, and that when you that, other stuff happens...I don’t get to talk about that because Seto’s hella dead.

So lets just get to the death. Dartz decides to make all of our soldier frenemies attack Pharaoh--because that’s all he needs to raise the Leviathan. Like Dartz doesn’t even really need to finish this game. He just needs Yami.

Seto picks up that these friend (and Pegasus) soldiers that Yami refuses to kill are probably going to end the world very quickly so he decides to do something about it. If this were a blog where I talked about cards instead of Mahjong, then I’d dive into the intricacies of what that even was.

But, we’re not, so lets just talk about Pegasus.

(read more under the cut)

This guy harnesses some psychic energy he’s got leftover from S1 and communicates directly to Pharaoh’s mind.

So, hey, what was that about Pegasus not having powers anymore? Like? He’s still doing this? He’s still psychic and he very clearly can still make blank cards so like...I guess you can take out the eyeball and make him nicer, but you can’t take out some of the effed up magic side-effects. (like there was a comment I didn’t respond to (which, sorry about that, been a little nuts over here in California), but apparently there was a movie in between seasons where Pegasus saved their lives--so he’s legit good now...there was a DLC where character arcs happened.)

Which kind makes you wonder about Marik, but we’ll probably never see him again so o well, save it for the fanfiction.

PS Yami is totally fixating on that eye we can’t see, right? Like...it never outright tells us, but does this spiritual Orichalcos manifestation of Pegasus still have the golden eye? A human eye? Or no eye at all? Just skin?

Not like it matters because Seto does some sort of card shenanigans that undo the whole friends that are soldiers thing like it never happened.

MMMMM I don’t like these weird legs on Yugi. Don’t like the thighs it gave to Joey. No! I’m seeing like this skin-tight silhouette of half an ass right now and I really don’t like it.

Along with other card things I won’t go into that consumed most of this episode, Seto finally got hit by a...well, I mean you can clearly see it in the next cap.

So, in Mahjong, there are 3 types of dragons: a white dragon, a red dragon, and a green dragon. I used to think it was really lazy that we’re just calling monsters straight up “white dragon” or “red dragon” in this show, but now it makes more sense because this whole time it was probably baby’s first Mahjong reference but I’m too Western to know that.

Anyway, the white dragon is funny looking because it’s a white tile--just a completely blank white tile. I thought it was a wild card at first but nah--it’s a white dragon in a snowfield--which is a very funny Dad joke from 200 years ago we’re still doing today. But, often, instead of a Dad joke, they’ll just make the white dragon tile a drawing of a blank card, like this:

Kind of funny that the guy who’s shtick is white dragons, ended up with his soul in a blank card. Was that a mahjong reference? Probably not, but I noticed it.

And mahjong aside, the show paid it’s respects to Seto dying and so he took his sweet time passing on. It’s still not that much respect. We aren’t gonna get that amazing Joey death sequence from S3 that took like half an episode of scene-shredding for our mains to recover from, but like...Seto was very determined to keep going, despite not having a soul.

He even finished his turn of cards, as if to just spite Joey Wheeler for that one time Joey hella died before killing Marik.

Shippers rejoice, it’s a Yami and Seto Kaiba death sequence. If you squint really hard, it might even be an embrace. I mean they both have very sharp duel disks on, and if Yugi’s closes for whatever reason, it’ll snap Seto’s head clear off, but what other “hugs” do we really get on this show?

And as for Mokuba, he was quite tragic this episode. I mean it’s Yugioh, so it’s not like you’re gonna cry or anything, but Mokuba just doesn’t really have anything else going for him without his brother so it is legit like...man Mokuba gets a lot of crap thrown his way and even when he’s happy, he still has to live with Seto so just...Mokuba...

Again we get this bubble effect of other people trying to enter the Orichalcos which happens just a Hell of a lot this season. Like Dartz probably has never had a single person WANT to go in the green zone in 10,000 years and then these bizarre children happened and they just want to bounce off that thing like a jello pudding.

I think it took over 5 minutes for Seto to die, and he was very, very, VERY angry the entire time. Just fueled by literally nothing but rage. Could probably go a couple more episodes if he had taken a nap in the KaibaCopter, but alas, even Seto Kaiba eventually runs out of fumes.

Anyway, another Mahjong fun fact. The dragon tiles are considered an “honor tile” and how many times have we heard Seto--who is such a scumball--go off about his honor? It can be hard to use honors tiles because their rate of success is lower, so when Seto’s like “I have to live up to my dragon’s honor or I can’t keep these in my deck” could he be like...making a Mahjong pun as well as a literal reference to whatever he defines as honor?

...Again, just a Mahjong reference I noticed, but probably not what they intended at all. Which is Good Enough for this blog.

After he tragically passed on, and Yami delicately put his body on the ground, -- Dartz decided to make this moment very funny for me, instead.

Bless.

Not as good as Yami the both times his body was chucked casually across the screen this season--but a very good toss, nonetheless.

I have made so MANY clips of this season!

Tristan and Tea kinda just stood there this entire episode while this was all going down and like...I know they can’t really do anything else at this point but like...can someone give Mokuba a hug???

I can’t believe Valon was the only guy in this entire show about friendship who knew how to hug people. He was in prison since he was 9, and then was raised by freakin Dartz, why is he the only hugger?

PS, apparently Seto’s yummy soul was enough to make the Leviathan open a single eye-ball in curiosity.

Mokuba out there flinging so many insults that he got everyone else banned from watching devil cards. It’s like sports competitions in Middle school with that one kid who won’t stop cussing. That one kid who is the reason everyone else has to sit through a boring ass assembly about sportsmanship? That’s Mokuba.

Now that everyone is ‘passed out’, we can get to the juicy stuff only the olds talk about--which sounds a lot like I’m about to do another segway into talking about Mahjong again, but I’m actually all out of the Mahjong juice. Again, I’m ass at Mahjong.

(and like...the peanut gallery died in the original version, right? I know to never trust a “they’re just sleeping” line in Yugioh.)

Dartz telling me he dragged that ass length blue hair across Egypt?

Man.

I would say that it must’ve really thrown people, but then again, their Pharaoh looked like...that.

So Dartz ended up wandering the earth for 5000 years, cursed to live immortally, unable to revive the great Leviathan, wallowing in his failure. Sentenced to suffer the entire existence of humanity that he never wanted to see survive anyway, unable to die himself.

That’s an interesting plotline that I wish I saw more of. I really like the idea of a supervillian who is already past his prime, who’s already burnt out, who’s so far removed from what happened that he’s fully accepted his demise and is just wandering around out of habit. But, most importantly--that changes my math. That’s like...5000 years he wasn’t slurping no souls because he was too damn depressed. So I’ll append the Deathcount. One second.

OK so we can just subtract 7.3 million from what we had, leaving us with: 7,805,844,047. Barely even made a dent but...eh...when you got the current population of the Earth in there it’s really hard to make a dent in that thing.

PS I still have that google doc where I keep track of the deaths, we have 55 lines of entries, haha.

Yugioh is interesting because you do have some racial stuff going on here where Yami is SO OLD that he doesn’t remember not only his own name--he doesn’t remember what he looks like. He’s even seen it a few times in hallucinations but like...Yami legit doesn’t know what it is to be an ancient Egyptian anymore. It’s been a hot minute, and he still sees himself as a pale skinned Yugi clone when he spiritually manifests in the show. Because the modern day, set in Japan, through Yugi’s eyes--that’s all he knows about life.

Dartz was so impressed by Pharaoh’s magic powers that he knew--he just KNEW that this Pharaoh with the worst hair would be the yummy soul for the Leviathan tummy. But unfortunately...

This is a show that has had so MANY overlapping apocalypses that I did have to sit back and kind of count off on my fingers which crazy person this would be about.

Honestly? Either Seto or Bakura...guessing Bakura because we haven’t finished his storyline yet and I know that he’s the big bad of S5. But man...Dartz was just like “oh...no thanks to that guy. I’ll just take a nap for 5000 years, BIG no thanks.” and it does make you wonder...

...oh...so that’s why you didn’t bother Bakura in this timeline.

It also helps make Bakura even more of a threat. Again, Bakura is great because he’s just constantly leaving nuggets of what a threat he is and then just...disappears for seasons on end. The Bakura we’ve made in our head is probably way more awful than what he may end up being.

But for now, it’s fun to just fill in the gaps instead.

anyway that was it for this episode, I’m off to pretend it’s Thanksgiving week and will look forward to drowning my anxiety in a 16 lb turkey shared between four people.

Anyway, I brought up the cat that falls asleep on metal rods so I have to do this:

And for those that are new, this is a link to read these in chrono order: https://steve0discusses.tumblr.com/tagged/yugioh/chrono

#yugioh #ygo #yu-gi-oh #yami #dartz #seto kaiba #dies #mokuba #tea gardner #tristan taylor #Yugi Muto #Joey Wheeler #'s weird ass pants with the flap thing going on #mahjong #S4 Ep36

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laurawritesandgames · 4 years

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Title: The Children We Never Had

Fandom: Beetlejuice (Musical)

Rating: PG-13

Pairing: Beetlejuice/Barbara/Adam

Prompt: Hurt/Comfort

Content Warning: References to miscarriages and abortion

Summary: As Delia and Charles prepare to start their family together, Barbara reflects on her chance to have her own children. What once seemed so simple can become much more complicated when you’re a ghost....

Delia and Charles had just completed the first round of IVF treatments. Delia was fanatic about getting all toxins out of the house, so one Saturday the Maitlands, Beetlejuice and Lydia were helping Delia get rid of any plastic containers in the kitchen, to be replaced with glass containers.

“Why is there so much Tupperware?” Delia exclaimed.

“One of Mom’s friends sold Tupperware, and we had a few parties,” Lydia said. “Mom was sick for years. If she’d been able to keep up with the science, I doubt she would’ve kept them. She was nuts about the environment.” Lydia frowned thoughtfully. “Say, Delia, what exactly are your thoughts on vaccines?”

Barbara and Adam shared a look. They knew from the Maitland-Deetz’s biweekly parenting meetings that Delia had anti-vaxxer tendencies. She was, at least, open to a respectful discussion about vaccines. Give Charles a few conversations and she’d probably give in to science and reason—the newlyweds were crazy for each other.

Not that Lydia had any of that context.

“I’m just not convinced vaccines are necessary. I have some very interesting websites I can show you later, Lydia. There’s a lot of doubt about the so-called ‘science’ that Big Pharma doesn’t want you to see.”

Lydia’s lip curled in the disgust.

“Are you an idiot?!” Beetlejuice said. “I lived in a world without vaccines. It was shit!”

“I just don’t know if I’m willing to take that risk,” Delia said, with her polite, argument-deflecting smile. Adam’s parents had been masters at avoiding conflict, so Barbara knew what would happen next. She’d say something light or silly and try to get everyone focused on the kitchen again.

“I should draw a door and bring you to the Netherworld, Delia. Give you a tour of Diaper Town so you can see all the dead babies that’re there from before childhood vaccines were a thing.”

“Diaper Town?” Lydia asked.

“Eh, that’s not the real name—just what we called it. Where the dead babies go. Ugh! I had a shift in Diaper Town for a few decades. It was the worst.”

“I imagine they look like they did when they died,” Lydia said, thoughtfully.

“And they never age! That’s the only reason people hang around babies—because they eventually become not-babies.”

“What about miscarriages? Mom had a few before me. Is there going to be a clump of Deetz cells in the Netherworld?”

Barbara reached out for Adam’s hand and found it within seconds. (He’d been across the room a second ago. He must have teleported.) She clenched it. Hard.

Beetlejuice didn’t notice.

As a ghost, you were always cold. Barbara couldn’t get colder. She also couldn’t swallow to try to wet a dry mouth. Her hands wouldn’t grow cold and prickly with shock. Her emotions were completely disconnected from bodily sensations. She could feel Adam behind her and leaned back into him slightly. Not that he made her feel warmer. Nothing ever would.

If she’d been alive, she might’ve looked like Delia: her face pale as she forced a too-wide smile onto her face. “Let’s all talk about something else, shall we? I don’t want any bad vibes.” Her hand rested on her stomach. During one of their parenting meetings, she’d mentioned she only had a few eggs left. “Not—not right now.”

Lydia glared at her. “Seriously? Hearing about a dead woman’s fertility issues isn’t going to hurt your fetus.”

“The Deetus,” Beetlejuice added. “Deetz fetus. Get it?”

Lydia ignored him. “Bad vibes aren’t a thing!”

“We’ll agree to disagree on that one.” Delia hurried out of the kitchen. “Would anyone mind a smudging ceremony? Just to clear the air and usher in tranquility?”

Lydia followed with a shriek of rage. “’Smudging ceremony’? Are you from an Indigenous tribe, Delia? Because if you’re not, that’s major cultural appropriation!”

“Ooo, cultural appropriation! I know that one!” Beetlejuice said, delighted. When he’d first come back from the Netherworld, the Maitlands had held a few sensitivity seminars for him so he could stop getting into arguments with Lydia. Beetlejuice’s views were a weird mix of surprisingly progressive and incredibly archaic. “It’s a culture, not a costume!” He floated over to Barbara and Adam. “Did I do that right? Do I get a kiss?”

It took a lot of effort to focus on Beetlejuice right now. “Sorry,” Barbara said. “We’re not going to reward you for being a decent person. But thank you for trying.”

Beetlejuice huffed in disappointment.

Adam cleared his throat. Barbara glanced at him. Adam tilted his head slightly at Beetlejuice, raising his eyebrows questioningly. He was asking her for permission to tell Beetlejuice. After a moment’s thought, Barbara nodded. Beetlejuice liked to keep things light, but he was their boyfriend, after all. He should learn a bit more about Barbara and Adam.

“What happens to children who died before they were born?” Adam asked quietly.

Beetlejuice shrugged. “I dunno. I was born dead in one of the original versions of the musical, but it ain’t canon. There aren’t any fetuses floating around the Netherworld. Maybe they go someplace else?” He shrugged, spreading his hands. “I got nothing.”

Out of habit (not because she actually needed to breathe), Barbara sighed in relief. Thank God, was her first thought, despite having a pretty good idea that God didn’t exist. She let of of Adam’s hand, giving him a small smile.

“Why do you wanna know?” Beetlejuice asked.

Barbara shared another look with Adam before saying, “When I was 22, I got pregnant.” She cleared her throat. She hadn’t talked about this in years.

Beetlejuice didn’t like silences. Immediately, he said, “Quit pulling my leg. If you were pregnant, then where’s your—”

It took a few moments, but his eyes finally widened and his jaw dropped. “Oh. Ohhhh. I didn’t think…” His hands began flapping, then running up and down his sleeves and fiddling with his cuffs. “So we’re bringing in some of the movie backstory. Okay. Okay. Sure.”

“The what?” Adam asked.

“Nevermind. So you guys had a miscarriage.”

“An abortion, actually,” Barbara said.

Beetlejuice stopped bobbing faintly, freezing in mid-air. His voice rose in pitch as he said, “I saw the tags on this fic and I assumed you’d be hurt/comforting me! I’m the one with all the issues! Who the hell told you that you guys could have issues?!”

“What now?” Barbara said, forcing her tone to stay even.

“And also, our lives weren’t perfect,” Adam said. “I just want to remind you that both of my parents are dead. So…yeah. When we were alive, we had struggles and challenges like everybody else.”

Beetlejuice began coughing. He stuck his fingers in his mouth, eventually pulling out a foot and tossing it on the ground. (Barbara had learned not to ask whose foot.) “Um. Can I try again?”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “Feel free.”

Beetlejuice opened and closed his mouth a few times, but didn’t say anything.

Adam said, “Just so you know, Bug, this isn’t something to share.” Beetlejuice was a compulsive oversharer; they’d learned to explicitly tell him what was appropriate and what wasn’t.

“It’s not because we’re ashamed,” Barbara said quickly. “It’s just our story to tell, that’s all.”

“Right! I can do that.” He focused on something in the middle distance. “Although maybe some people could really examine their need to inject complicated real-world issues into a stupid five-page fic for Beetlelands Week. Not every fandom and every fic can bear that weight! And some characters definitely aren’t designed to deal with shit like this! They’re awesome Deadpool-style badasses and not…not…whatever this needs!”

Barbara loved Beetlejuce, but he was getting on her last nerve. I didn’t think he’d completely disassociate like this. It’s only a goddamn abortion. He didn’t even have to deal with anything! “Well, I’m sorry my and Adam’s history is such an inconvenience for you. I’m going to go find something to do. If you want to talk when you’re not spiraling and doing whatever this is, come find me.”

Barbara teleported to their bedroom, the Deetzes’ former guest room, upstairs, and Adam teleported with her.

Tears wavered in his eyes. Startled, she held him, stroking his back.

“Sorry,” he murmured.

“No, don’t be.”

He sniffled a few times, wiping his tears away. Their ghostly bodies still remembered how to produce tears, and if Beetlejuice was any indication, that memory would stick with them for centuries. He whispered, “We would’ve had a child. If it weren’t for me—”

Adam had always felt needless guilt about mentioning the abortion first. She’d thought he’d gotten over it. “You didn’t force me. We had student loans, the recession had just hit the year before, we couldn’t find work, and most importantly? We weren’t ready. We were barely ready 10 years later, when we had a house and good jobs.”

He smiled sadly, wiping the tears from his eyes. “Sorry. I don’t know where this is coming from.” He stroked her cheek. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”

She blinked. “I’m…fine? I’ve been fine for 10 years.” She hadn’t been fine immediately before and after the abortion. There’d been lots of crying, praying, and long conversations, but that had been a long time ago. Gently, she asked, “I thought you were, too. Was I wrong?”

When did we really talk about it except immediately after? Barbara couldn’t recall.

Adam gave her that same distracted smile he used to give her after his parents’ funeral. He was a brave little soldier, marching forward. “You weren’t wrong. I’m fine.”

You didn’t push when you saw that smile. “I think I’m going to read something. Want to join me?”

“I wouldn’t mind working on the model a bit more. Call me if you need anything.”

“I will.” She kissed his cheek, and he went up to the attic to work on his model of Winter River.

She was choosing between Michelle Obama’s biography a polyamory how-to guide when a spider skittered underneath the door. The spider climbed up the wall then began spinning a web in the corner of the room at unnatural speed. Letters appeared in the web.

SORRY

I WAS A BAD BOYFRIEND

It’s a Charlotte’s Web homage, Barbara realized. She’d loved that book as a child. He remembered. “Apology accepted, Beetlejuice.”

He knocked on the door. Opening it revealed him reading from index cards. Delia, who was using her life coach skills to help Beetlejuice adjust to being part of the family, had encouraged him to write down important things.

“I should have reacted a lot better than I did,” Beetlejuice read. “You and Adam trusted me with with a part of your lives, and I should have liz—lizden? Shit, I’m bad at spelling.” He looked up from the cards, rocking back and forth on his feet. “Anyway, thanks for trusting me, baby. Sorry I was being a dick about it. You and Adam having an—an abortion had nothing to do with me or my feelings.”

Beetlejuice could talk about the filthiest sex acts and talk about rotting corpses without flinching, but now he was stumbling. Interesting. “Well, ‘we had an abortion’ might’ve been a lot to throw at you. We could’ve prepared you better.” She nodded him inside, and he floated in. She closed the door behind her. “I imagine abortions weren’t really talked about in your day.”

“Well, we thought ladies’ wombs wandered around their bodies, so…no.”

“Do you have any questions?”

“Um…are you okay?” He fidgeted. “You’re all…y’know, motherly and shit. Are you sad about having an abortion?”

“No. I mean, I don’t love that I needed it. Adam and I were a lot more careful making love after that, believe me. But Adam and my family had my back, and luckily I live in a state where I can access an abortion easily. I also found some forums, and chatting with people who’d also had abortions helped me feel less alone. Honestly, until Lydia brought up miscarriages today, I hadn’t thought about my abortion in years.” Feeling awkward, she chuckled. “Um, really glad I won’t have to deal with a clump of cells following me around in the Netherworld, though.”

She felt a twinge of guilt for not feeling guiltier. Her Good Christian Girl upbringing still reared its head now and then. But I did what was best for my family at the time. That’s all anyone can do. If I’d known Adam and I were going to die 10 years later, we might’ve done things differently, but how could we have known that?

“So, that’s my story. I was supported and very lucky. I’m not sad or guilty or anything.” She frowned. “Adam might be, though. He was strangely upset.” Did I do something wrong? Has he been suffering for years without me noticing? “He’s upstairs working on the model again.”

“I’ll cheer him up!” Beetlejuice said. He clapped his hands together. “It’s hurt/comfort. Time to be goddamn comforted, Adam.”

“I’d give him a few hours.” Adam was a brooder. There was a certain point where he just wouldn’t engage.

Beetlejuice chuckled, patting her smarmily on the head. “Your boring, married-couple rules don’t apply to me, Babs. I’mma shake things up and heal his wounded heart. You can come up and watch, if you want. Watch me win.”

Barbara made herself laugh as she tried to ignore her jealousy. Beetlejuice was just being his usual low-grade dickish self, but what if he was right? Maybe Adam will respond better to Beetlejuice than to me. I didn’t expect Adam to be this sad, after all. What else have I missed? “If you succeed, feel free to come back and give me a play-by-play of your victory.”

Beetlejuice poofed away, and Barbara picked up the how-to guide to polyamory. It couldn’t help to get a refresher.

If Beetlejuice made Adam feel better, then that was a win for everyone. She could ask him how he’d done it and learn from him. The entire point of dating Beetlejuice was to break out of their old patterns and add a little excitement to their afterlives.

Barbara was lying down on their bed, reading the first chapter when Beetlejuice teleported back in.

“You mighta been right,” he grumbled.

“It’s almost like I’ve been dating him since I was 16.”

“Of course you were high school sweethearts. You two are so cliché, I blocked that out.” Beetlejuice floated closer, whining, “Sexy raised his voice to me, Barbara!”

Barbara set the book down. “Oh, I’m sorry, Bug.” That was the Adam equivalent of full-blown shouting. (Adam had shouted at Beetlejuice before, of course, but that was when Beetlejuice had been a villain.)

“Me! The favourite!”

Barbara raised her eyebrows. “Maybe you should read this chapter with me about egalitarian polyamorous relationships—and how terms like ‘favourite’ are toxic.”

Beetlejuice floated away from her. “Mmm, nope, too many things to do.”

She’d expected that. It wasn’t clear when Beetlejuice had died, but it was definitely before therapy and couple’s counselling had become more mainstream. He didn’t have the same ability to talk about and reflect on his and other’s feelings that Barbara and Adam had. Usually, he just reacted to his own. Barbara wouldn’t have gotten into a relationship with Beetlejuice if she’d been unwilling to teach him.

“Lemme know when he’s ready to talk, okay?” the demon continued.

“Well, I don’t have a psychic link to him, but I’ll try…if you read this chapter with me.”

Beetlejuice crossed his arms over his chest, harrumphing. After a few moments, he shrugged, floated over to the bed, and curled up beside her.

If her eyes could water, they might have at the smell of rotting flesh. But Barbara quickly got used to the smell. “Let me guess—your clones poked around and didn’t find anything else interesting happening right now?”

“Ha! Busted! Delia, Lydia and Charles are still arguing about vaccines. Yap, yap, yap, yap, yap. Making out with you is way more fun.”

“We’re learning how to have a more equitable, communicative relationship. Not making out.”

“We’ll see, baby.”

They approached Adam later that afternoon.

He looked up from a figurine he was painting, expression guilty. “I’ll come down when it’s time for dinner, okay?” he said quietly. “Don’t worry about me.”

“Is there anything we can do for you now?” Barbara asked.

He looked between Barbara and Beetlejuice. His eyes were so haunted…. Barbara took a few steps forward.

“Adam?” she said softly.

“You said we weren’t ready,” he murmured roughly. “What if we would’ve been? We never even gave ourselves the chance….”

He showed her what he’d been working on: a little child figurine with her blonde hair. “There would’ve been part of you and me living now. Someone with your hair and my eyes, or your smile….”

Okay. We haven’t talked about the abortion in years, and now he’s making a model of what would have become our child. So, this is new. But I can handle this. I know him. I’ve got this.

Nevertheless, a tiny part of her really wanted to tag out and let Beetlejuice handle this one. Not that he would’ve done well—he was frozen except for his eyes, frantically flicking between her and Adam.

While Barbara thought of the most empathetic, respectful way to respond, Beetlejuice blurted out, “Someone’s got a case of the Shouldas.”

“Hmm?” Adam grunted, looking uninterested.

“You know, shoulda done this when I was alive. Shoulda done that. Every newlydead goes through it. Of course, usually they’re stuck in an endless void and not chilling in the living world with their sexy boyfriend.” Beetlejuice nodded to Barbara. “And your sexy wife.”

So he had learned something from that chapter they’d read together. Barbara gave him a small smile. “How do newlydeads usually get through it?” she asked.

“‘Get through’ is real optimistic, Babs. They just get crushed by overwhelming despair and hopelessness. It’s the Netherworld. Everything sucks there.”

Adam grunted again.

Beetlejuice rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah, I can’t really talk about ‘healing’ and shit….” He gestured frantically for Barbara to do something.

One thing about spending so much time with Beetlejuice was that you got used to out-of-the box thinking. It was time for a little experiment. Barbara didn’t give herself time to think, and dove right in.

“Congratulations, Maitlands.” She made air horn noises. The words ‘The Life We Never Had’ appeared in bright text above the model town. “Welcome to your life where you had your child!”

Adam and Beetlejuice both stared at her in stunned silence.

“This got so dark, so fast, but I kinda love it,” Beetlejuice commented.

“Well,” she said, “first of all, forget this house. We’d probably be living with your parents. They don’t even live in town.” She took a few moments to create a mental map, then gestured at the model. It grew larger, to the surrounding counties. Adam’s family farm was on the outskirts of this new map.

“And forget the CPA degree. No way we can afford that now. But your uncle Eddy has that plumbing business. He’d probably give you a job.” She manifested Eddy’s truck, making it drive through town. “I’d probably knit and sell things on Etsy…. Wait, it’s 2010. Does Etsy even exist?” Barbara couldn’t remember. “Or I’d sell them at the local farmer’s market. We probably still love our projects, even if we don’t have as much time for them now.”

Barbara could’ve gone darker. In this future, she would’ve been stuck in Adam’s parents’ home with no career prospects and a baby she wasn’t sure she wanted. If anything was a recipe for postpartum depression, that would’ve been. But she kept it light.

“Oh, jeez,” she realized, “I forgot all about names! What do you think of Aspen?” Barbara had always wanted a nature-themed name.

“It has the word ‘Ass’ in it,” Beetlejuice complained. “Do you want bullies to give your kid swirlies?”

“You’re not here, mister. You don’t get a say.”

“Hey, that’s right! We never meet if you don’t move into the house.” Beetlejuice frowned. “Truly, this is the darkest timeline.”

“What about River?” Adam said. “For our child.”

“River. That’s beautiful. Okay, so little River goes to school here.” She gestured to the school in town. “What do you think? Good grades?”

“Of course.”

“And then you guys commit crimes!” Beetlejuice interrupted.

Barbara raised her eyebrows.

“What? Boring people commit crimes all the time and become awesome. Weeds? Breaking Bad?”

“I’m pretty sure we wouldn’t.”

“Argh, fine, I was just getting bored of all this slice-of-life shit. Let’s spice things up!”

“Ooo, maybe we solve crimes? Like a cozy mystery set in rural Connecticut.”

“Committing them is way more fun, but I’ll take anything at this point. Your ideal lives are so boring! River’s gonna do meth just to feel alive!”

“They might fall in with a bad crowd in high school,” Barbara said.

“Thank you! A little conflict, please. It’s the essence of drama!”

“But we’d be there for them,” Adam said. “Hmm. Mom and Dad would still die, I suppose. I’d probably disappoint my Maitland ancestors and sell the farm.”

Barbara watched him intently. He wasn’t smiling, but he seemed a bit more engaged than he had been.

“We could move into one of the homes here,” she suggested, nodding to one of the small houses on the outside of town.

“That’s gonna really suck for you when the zombies attack,” Beetlejuice said.

Barbara kept making up their fake life, with Adam chiming in every now and then, both of them trying to ignore Beetlejuice’s input. They tried to give River a nice life, with a full-ride scholarship to NYU (which was, coincidentally, Lydia’s dream school), lots of friends, and a home that may not be full of money but was full of love.

Eventually, Adam smiled and shook his head. “Thanks for playing dolls with me, guys.”

Barbara hugged him from behind. “If you need time to mourn, take all the time you need. Beetlejuice and I are here for you.”

Adam wiped some tears from his eyes. “I think I do. Sorry, sweetie. Sometimes all the things we never got to do…they just hit me, hard. Even things I’d made peace with long ago. I spent so much of my life worrying….”

Barbara moved to stand beside him, kissing his cheek. If she could’ve made him feel warm, she would have.

Beetlejuice was spaced out, staring into the middle distance. Thinking of his own Shouldas, maybe? Nah. He never looks back unless he’s trapped in a traumatic memory about his mother. Probably wondering when we can make out again.

She nodded him over, and he blinked, coming back to the present. Hesitantly, he floated over and rested his chin on Adam’s head.

They were both still and silent, two things Beetlejuice hated, so it wasn’t surprising when a horde of centipedes skittered across the model, or a tiny King Kong grabbed a figurine and climbed up to the top of the town bell tower, roaring.

Lydia interrupted them when she she poked her head into the attic and told them dinner was ready. “And the leftovers will be stored in glass containers—if you leave us any leftovers, Beej. Delia cleared the cupboard of all plastics. Don’t worry about the baby, either. If Delia continues to believe tea tree oil can cure pneumonia or whatever, Dad and I will get the kid vaccinated when she’s not around.”

Barbara smiled at her chosen daughter. Beetlejuice was right; they weren’t stuck in the lonely void of the Netherworld. There was life and family just downstairs. “I’m glad. But I’m sure we’ll be able to convince her otherwise. We have nine months.”

“You’re more optimistic than I am, Barbara.”

Adam put the River figurine with the smattering of other children outside the grade school. “Let’s go,” he said quietly.

The three of them followed Lydia to the dinner table.

#beetlelandsweek2020 #beetlelands #goldenbeetle #beetlejuice the musical #beetlejuice #adam maitland #barbara maitland #beetlejuice x adam x barbara

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bottleofspilledink · 4 years

Text

God’s Watching, Put on a Show || Chapter IX

“So…” Eve began, staring at the various stands and stalls and tables with all sorts of different agendas, occasionally shifting her gaze to the people who would weave between it all.

In every sense of the word, today was, for lack of a better word, eventful.

This was most likely why, when they were gathered in the gymnasium for club sign-ups, the pair simply stood amidst the somewhat organized chaos, clueless.

“What now?” Eve pulled out the club sign-up form from her skirt pocket, thankful she hadn’t lost it in all the ruckus. “My offer still stands, I really don’t mind letting you pick the club we join.”

“I mean. I already told you earlier that I don’t really care what club we go to either way.” Lilith shrugged. She wasn’t trying to sound apathetic, but she couldn’t really remember the last time she enjoyed club time solely for it’s activities and not the friends she would do them with. “You pick.”

“Alright, we’re not gonna get anywhere with this, so how about a compromise?”

“I’m listening,” Lilith chuckled. Of course Eve would be the type to suggest something like that.

The girl in question blushed at the sound, but fought to gather her thoughts and continue.

“You can tell me the clubs you don’t like and I’ll do the same. After we narrow down the list, we can settle on a club that we both like, or at least a club that on of us can tolerate.”

“Okay, but let me tell you now, there are a lot of clubs I don’t like.”

It was Eve’s turn to laugh, her hand automatically coming to cover her mouth as she grinned and giggled.

“Tell me anyway.”

“No music club,” Lilith said, right off the bat. “I’m a mediocre singer and I don’t want to spend two or three hours a week singing hymns.”

“Reasonable enough.” Eve recalled being given a small flier when they entered, the colourful paper listing all available clubs and emptied her pockets once more in search of it before crossing out the words “music club” with a pen she had found while looking for the paper. “Anything else?”

“No home economics. You know why.”

Eve just nodded an drew a line across it.

She was doing this to make up for what she did, not draw attention to it.

“And lastly,” Lilith said, voice tinted with humor as she tried to lighten the mood, somewhat guilty when she saw Eve’s face fall when she mentioned home economics, “no math club. ‘Cause I’m not a nerd.”

The girl succeeded, getting a tiny, genuine laugh from Eve that made her heart flutter like a hummingbird’s wing whenever it graced her ears.

“It’s fine, I’m bad at math too.”

Lilith visibly perked up at the words, the teasing grin Eve had so missed making a comeback at long last, “I never said I was bad at math. I’m pretty good at it, actually. I just don’t like doing it more than I have to.”

“Really?” Eve joked, displaying a mock-disbelief. Lilith was no idiot, though judging by her work ethic when it came to CLE, Eve couldn’t help but make a few assumptions. “What score did you get on the practice test a few days ago then?”

“Ninety-four percent.”

At that Eve’s eyes grew wide as saucers. That was better than she had gotten, and, more surprisingly, it was better than what Mary had gotten, ninety percent, an A minus that paled in comparison to Lilith’s A.

“Oh. That’s neat.” What could she say in response to that?

Fortunately, she didn’t have to struggle to say more, as Lilith returned the question to her.

“What did you get on the test.” Lilith wasn’t the type to gloat, at least not to a person she liked, but the thought of Eve thinking her a fool or a failure wasn’t the kind of image she wanted to project either.

“Eighty-seven…” She stared at the floor in shame, suddenly enamored in the scuff marks a muddy sneaker had left on the floor, shame flooding her face in the form of blood, her cheeks taking on a soft pink for different reasons now. Who could have left this here? A student who had forgotten to clean the soles of her shoes? A janitor, maybe?

Lilith couldn’t help but melt at the sight, immediately speaking to comfort the girl.

“Hey, come on. There’s no need to be embarrassed, that’s a pretty good grade, especially coming from someone who says they’re bad at math!” She clasped Eve’s shoulder and gave a gentle, encouraging squeeze, trying to get her to look up from the floor. “That’s like, what, a solid B? A B plus even?”

When that didn’t work, she slid her hand down to Eve’s and ran the pad of her thumb over the soft skin before giving another, more tender squeeze. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t trying to embarrass you when I asked that. If you want, I can help you review for the next test?” She put on a smile and tried to sound optimistic, mind running a mile a minute as she tried to figure out what to say next.

“There’s always room for improvement!” Lilith said, stealing one of Paula’s lines in the rare occasion that Joan flubbed a test or lost a game. She’d have to thank her for that later.

Meanwhile, Eve hoped that Lilith wouldn’t be able to feel her pulse through her wrist, the pink hue her face took on having faded, only to return with a vengeance when Lilith opted to hold her hand, the way the girl soothed her thumb over her knuckles nearly sending her into cardiac arrest, the momentary squeeze stealing the air from her lungs and running for the hills, if only for an instant before she mustered up enough breath to speak.

“You’d really do that? Or are you just saying that to make me feel better?”

“Are you kidding me?” Lilith grinned, incredulous. “Of course I’d help! With a score like that, there isn’t even all that much to do.”

The way Eve looked at her when she said those words, amber eyes adoring and brimming with marvel as it were, Lilith couldn’t bring herself to look away, it was like she was lost and slowly, willingly sinking into the entrancing, honeyed hue that was Eve’s eyes.

She could hardly handle being the subject of the girl’s gratitude-filled gaze, her heart clenching tenderly when Eve smiled at her, because of her, soft and sweet, dimples appearing on her rosy cheeks, unaware of the near-painful longing that welled up in Lilith’s chest.

In the split second silence, Lilith wondered whether it was for better or worse that Eve didn’t know how her heart ached whenever she made her smile, knowing that Eve, kind person she was, would never want to hurt her, even in the most gentle way, the soft tightening of her chest Lilith herself would sometimes even long for.

“Anyway,” Eve said, breaking the quiet that had settled over them, “I really can’t join the art club, so that’s out of the question. My drawing skills are literally non-existent.”

“Yeah?”

“Yeah! The best I can do are stick figures, bee doodles, and really loopy flowers.”

They scratched that off the list and began roaming around, Eve unsure of what clubs were a hard no for her but wanting to narrow down the list further.

“Oh, definitely no debate club.” She said out the moment she saw their stand, stopwatch, hardwood podium and all.

“Okay, but why?” Lilith took the list from her and crossed it out, skimming over it in search of clubs the both of them could enjoy.

“They’re sca-“

“Lilith!”

A girl with shoulder-length black hair swishing slightly with every step came up from behind them and hugged Lilith with a fierce grip, nearly making the both of them fall to the ground in the process, her long-suffering partner, local gossip girl, Margaret, merely trailing a few paces behind her, not wanting to be associated with the girl who managed to make at least eleven heads turn towards them.

“Joan told me everything this morning. Where is she?” The girl let go, swinging her head around frantically and craning her neck in an exaggerated search. “I’m gonna beat this chick’s ass if it’s the last thing I do!”

Finally, Margaret came closer and tried to put a stop to whatever was unfolding. “Swearing is against the rules, Julia. I can report you for that.”

The girl, Julia, apparently, turned to look at her partner, joyful demeanor fading in an instant.

“So is make-up and cheating, but you don’t see me yapping about it, do you?”

That shut Margaret up effectively, cheeks probably red with indignance under her foundation.

“Anyway, where is the bitch? I’ll-“

“Okay, before you finish that sentence, I think you should know that the girl you’re calling a bitch is right beside me. Right now.” Lilith said, grabbing her by the shoulders and making her face Eve.

Julia looked at her.

She looked at Julia.

“Hi.”

“Oh shit. Hey…” They stared at each other, a split second of tension filled silence passing between them. “I’m not taking back what I said though, you’re a bitch. I mean seriously, I get not being gay but did you have to- OW!”

Lilith’s elbow met Julia’s rib, harshly.

“When did Joan say all this?” She sighed. The last thing she needed right now was someone making Eve feel worse after everything that happened today, especially now that they were just starting to patch things up and talk free of any awkwardness.

“I already told you, she said all that this morning. We sat next to each other in CLE and passed notes while Sister Jane wasn’t looking.”

“Julia, you’re fucking nuts and I love you for that,” Lilith sighed again, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration, “but now is really not the time. Go ask Joan or Paula to catch you up on things, they should be around here somewhere. We’re busy looking for a club. Until they tell you what happened earlier, you can not call Eve anything except Eve.”

“Oh wow, okay. I must have missed something big if you’re defending the girl who made you sob so hard, you almost-”

“The details aren’t important! Besides, you weren’t there, so you don’t know what happened.”

Julia raised a brow at the girl, shutting up to help her save face, but going in for one last tease before she went looking for Paula to see the whole picture, “I literally just said that Joan told me everything, but okay.” She put her hands up in a sort of surrender. “Say what you want, babe! I’ll get the truth out of you the next time we get wasted anyways, so yeah!” And with that she turned to leave before, rather impulsively, Eve called out to her.

“What club did you join?”

“You’re really gonna look at me and not immediately assume I’m in the softball club? You offend me, Eve. I mean really! You know what they say about softball. It’s the sport of my people!”

The blonde merely stood in silence, absolutely dumbfounded, mouth opening and closing like a fish yet not a syllable leaving her lips.

Julia cackled, tossing her head back and ruffling her soft curls. “Oh God, she doesn’t know?” She asked Lilith, her eyebrows raised so far up that no one watching would be surprised if they receded even further back to join the hair on her head. “You really know how to pick ‘em, sweetheart!”

She walked away, giggling and giving them – well, more Lilith than Eve – finger guns all the while.

“Okay, I’m just going to ask. What was that whole thing about softball about?”

At this, Lilith herself couldn’t help but laugh. “Basically, it’s kinda a stereotype that, and this isn’t a thing we made up, lesbians play softball.”

Eve’s look of confusion turned to bafflement turned to a somewhat exasperated and incredulous amusement. “That makes no sense, but I’m going with it anyway. How did that even start?”

“I actually don’t know, but we went along with it too, cause why the fuck not? You know?” Lilith shrugged and they continued walking again. “There’s probably a bit of truth in there somewhere. It’s how Joan and Paula got together, so there’s that! And Julia has an ex that used to be a member.”

Eve took the list back from her while she was distracted, eyes quickly scanning over it to see if Lilith had crossed anything out while it was in her possession. “I’m assuming there’s a story behind that?”

“Yup!” She snatched the flier away from Eve once more, holding it high above her head when the girl tried to get it again. “But not one you get to hear. Not yet.”

She huffed at that. Eve, despite already standing on her toes, the four inch height difference between them made it so she couldn’t get the list back from Lilith.

“Okay then. But one last question.”

“Yeah?”

“Sweetheart? Babe?” Eve asked, a twinge of jealousy in her. Granted, she had no right to be, at least in her own mind she didn’t. She wasn’t even supposed to be feeling anything for Lilith other than disdain, but what could she do? Her only consolation was the fact she’d yet to act on said emotions.

Technically.

Eve tried to justify what she could, mind jumping from hoop to hoop, connecting loose strings, drawing lines between dots that were barely there. Earlier wasn’t anything akin to love. It was just a friend taking care of a friend.

Yes.

“Oh, that? Yeah, Julia calls everyone that, really. It’s nothing personal.” Lilith felt delusional. Were her feeling for Eve so strong as to warp her mind and affect her hearing, going so far as to imagine Eve’s voice with a pang of envy. “If you get on her good side, she’ll probably call you something too. Not what she called you earlier, though.”

A wave of relief washed over the blonde… followed immediately by guilt for feeling said relief.

It was nothing another round of mental gymnastics couldn’t fix.

The only reason she was relieved was because Lilith not being in a relationship meant that she wasn’t beyond saving.

Of course.

“I hope so, too.” Eve said. They turned to walk down a different aisle, about forty-five minutes left for them to find and join a club.

The pair strolled between stalls leisurely, narrowing down the list bit by bit, encircling the ones they had taken a particular liking to, chatting about clubs.

“The gardening club seems cool.” Lilith suggested, looking at their small stall decorated with small, origami flowers, the girls who ran it not having the heart to pluck what they had grown just yet. “It’s outside so I get some fresh air and it’s no sport, so you won’t have to strain yourself like you did in gym. Whaddya think of it?”

She looked over at Eve, only to see her frowning, a mix of disappointment and contempt in her eyes.

“I’d love to join, but I’m not allowed. My mom doesn’t like me gardening.” Her frown turned into a pout, eyes growing glassy with frustrated tears that had been building up for nearly a decade now. “She made me stop when I was eight because my hands were getting rough…”

“Use me.”

“What?”

“Use me as an excuse. Tell her I made you join it.”

Her words were temptation, the apple offered to Eve by the serpent.

Lilith held the sign-up slip and the red pen out to her, the folded paper an open invitation to rebellion. She wouldn’t force Eve, however, wanting this decision, this sin, to be hers and hers alone, the girl refusing to even write her own name on the paper.

Eve could feel the fifth commandment ringing in her ears, as the Eve before her knew she was defying god.

“Honour thy father and thy mother.”

And yet, Eve could also feel the dirt between her fingers and under her nails, the weight of a trowel in her hands, the sun beating on her back through the gaps in the leaves of their oak tree, the scent of the earth and the flowers carried by the breeze.

The nagging voice in her ears faded and morphed to the gentle buzzing of the bees and the high-pitched chirping of the birds.

Eve took the form and filled it up.

Eve took the apple and ate of it.

______________________________

Taglist: @anon-nom-nom95 @melpomenismask @littlemisscalamity @i-wanna-be-a-rock @extrabitterbrain @gaypeaches @phillyinthebathroom @leahstypewriter @madame-ree @pirateofblood

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takkforaltijd · 4 years

Text

"I really had no idea what to expect from this evening" 2/2

Okay here's part two. A few things beforehand, did you know that Lucas is actually attending a Waldorf school in skamnl! Namely the St-Gregorius College in Utrecht! So I put this into the story. I also have no idea what the translation of "borrelnootje" is. It is a peanut with a kind of crispy layer around it. Here a picture haha. So I just called it crispy nuts.

Jens is home alone the weekend and has asked Lucas if he would like to come. Friday has arrived and the two have not talked about it. Jens sends a message if Lucas still wants to come over.

Also an evening with cards, drinks, good conversations and a first kiss. ———————————————————————

Jens zipped up his jacket and went to the front door. He felt in the pocket of his jacket for his bicycle key, but he was not in it.

"Fuck where's my key," Jens thought. He ran to his bedroom and looked at his desk. The key was not there. He looked quickly through his room, but he was nowhere to be seen.

He hurried to the kitchen, almost falling down the stairs on the way. Had he thrown it there when he got home? The key was not on the kitchen table, nor on the counter.

"You've got to be kidding me" the boy thought. He even checked the pantry to see if he had left it there, but the key was nowhere to be seen.

Jens's last hope was that he hadn't locked his bike at all. Then it was praying that he was still there.

"My god I'm such a idiot" Jens thought when he saw his bike with the key in the lock. How long had this taken? Almost five minutes?! Jens jumped on the bike towards the harbor. Why was he so extremely chaotic? He just couldn’t come on time.

...

When he arrived at the harbor, Lucas was already there.

"Sorry I lost my key. I really went all over the house to find it, but apparently my bike was not locked at all…” Jens said a bit breathless from cycling.

Lucas could only laugh. "I think this can really only happen to you"

Lucas might be right about that, Jens thought. "I am the absolute master of chaotic people," Jens said back with raised eyebrows and a cheeky smile.

The boys got on their bikes and headed for his house.

...

“We'll put the bike in the back, that's easier” the boys cycled through a narrow alley and not much later they were behind Jens's house.

"Well, here I live." The boys parked their bikes and walked in. Jens took off his shoes and hung his coat on the overfull coat rack. He saw Lucas look with a look that said, "there is no possibility that my jacket will go with this too without it collapsing." "Uh just hang it over something."

The boys went to the kitchen. "Do you want something to drink?" Jens asked with his head already in the fridge. "Yes please" he answered. "Uh we have juice, coke ... I don't know what you like?"

Jens didn't get an answer, so he looked around and what he feared earlier today was reality. Lucas was looking extensively at the old pictures on the wall.

“Uh yes old pictures are hanging everywhere in the house. Nice and embarrassing.” Jens said with a flushed cheeks.

"No this is amazing!" Lucas said enthusiastically. "Isn't this you?" he pointed to an old school photo, about nine years old Jens was there. Jens nodded. "And this? Is that your sister?”

"Yes, that's Lotte, she's only eight, by the way, which also explains the drawings on the fridge," Jens said while he closed the fridge. "Is Coke good?" and Lucas nodded.

"You said eight years, this really isn’t bad," said Lucas with admiration. "I couldn't do this when I was eight!"

"Do you draw then?" Jens aked. “Yes, I have always attended a Waldorf school in the Netherlands. So, there was always a lot of room for creativity. My mother thought that was important for my development. That's why started painting and drawing I think.” Lucas said almost shyly.

"So not just the skater boy I've seen so far," Jens joked.

"No not just a skater boy"

The boys sat down at the kitchen table with their drinks. "And you? Are you also doing something creative or are you really just the skater boy I've seen so far?” Lucas asked with genuine interest and a slight grin on his face.

"I play the guitar, but I don't think I can get much further than that," Jens replied.

"I should hear that one time," said Lucas with a smile on his face. "Only if I get to see your drawings" Jens said back teasingly "at least if that's not too personal" he quickly added realizing how personal art could be. But Lucas agreed. "Next time, then," the blond boy said.

Next time, Jens thought. That sounds good.

The boys' small talk went on for a while until Jens asked if Lucas would like to have another drink.

"a beer?" Jens asked. And Lucas replied as if he had never heard anything better. Jens took two bottles of beer from the fridge and put them on the table. He also took a deck of cards.

"Can you play cards?" he asked. To which Lucas replied with a provocative tone "and if I can play cards" and the boys both laughed at it.

...

A few games of cards and two beers later Jens gave up “how is this possible, people never want to play cards with me because I always win, and you just finished me like it was nothing”

"Oh… has Lucas destroyed jens his little ego," said Lucas in a teasing voice and half a pout. Both boys couldn't stop laughing.

Lucas took some more crispy nuts and put them in his mouth. "Do you know what my party trick is?" he asked. Jens shook his head. "I can float crispy nuts in the air," he said through his laughter. Jens had no idea what to imagine. "I must see that!" Lucas tried to back out of it, but Jens was steadfast. He had to see this.

"Okay, but then I have to lie flat." And not much later, the boys had moved into the living room with the bag of crispy nuts.

Jens looked wide-eyed at Lucas. "Dude how?!" he said in surprise. "I have to be able to do this, it is brilliant." So not much later Jens himself was on the couch.

"Okay, you need a round nut that isn't too big." So Jens picked up a round crispy nut. "Then you put it on your lips" Jens followed the instructions of a slightly tipsy Lucas. "And then you have to blow gently." Jens tried but failed very hard. He tried a few more times but failed really hard.

"How do you do this, it is impossible," said Jens, almost irritated. "You should blow softer," said Lucas. Jens had to be able to do it "even softer, that really is impossible!". Both boys burst out laughing at Jens's frustration. “You know what, I give up. You already destroyed my ego while playing cards” and Jens sat up straight on the couch. Lucas dropped down next to him and said with a grin “sorry…” “ah stop it” Jens said back.

"should I put some music on?" Jens asked, already getting up. Lucas nodded. “What should I put on. I really have no idea what the Dutch are listening to.” Jens said teasingly. "you can decide I listen to almost everything thanks to my friends in the Netherlands." Lucas replied. "Everything?" Jens asked in a provocative tone. Lucas put his hands over his head "oh god what have I started."

Little boy You are in this world so you will have to fight just like me I can know Life is not easy There is adversity at any time (translated from dutch)

Jens looked at a Lucas who sang this song with one hand on his hard. "The Dutch really like their Hazes or not," said Jens, laughing. "Who doesn't love Hazes." Lucas supposedly said back offended. "You are a real Dutchman," Jens said, shaking his head. "But Hazes is okay…. I think," Jens admitted. "okay?" Lucas said, his hands on his hard. "It's always time for Hazes!" and Jens didn’t dare go against it.

"But what do you really listen to, as in everyday life." Jens asked. "Uh that differs a lot, but I think artists like The 1975 or Bon Iver are chill", said Lucas. "I don't know Bon Iver," Jens admitted.

Lucas got up and took the phone from Jens's hand. "I'm sure you know this number."

Come on skinny love just last the year Pour a little salt we were never here My, my, my, my, my, my, my, my Staring at the sink of blood and crushed veneer

"Isn't that Birdy her song?" Jens asked. Lucas looked at Jens and sarcastically said “ouch”. "No Birdy covered this. I think the original is better though.” And Jens joined Lucas's opinion.

Lucas returned the phone to Jens and plopped down on the sofa. Jens scrolled through the list Lucas had put on. "I'll keep this on," said Jens and sat down next to Lucas. Closer than he actually intended. The boys' shoulders touched.

If Lucas does not think this is chill then he will move to the side, Jens thought, but Lucas did not move.

A few songs passed and the conversation got back on track. "But why did you actually come to Antwerp?" Jens asked. Lucas took a deep breath which made boys touch each other even more. "Uh, it's quite complicated," said Lucas. Jens immediately felt guilty about the question. "You don't have to tell if you don't want to"

Lucas nodded, but opened his mouth searching for words. “No it's okay, I lived in Utrecht with my mother, but she is uh… bipolar. I don't know if you know what that is” Jens looked at Lucas and nodded “Yes I do. Sander, Robbe's boyfriend is bipolar ”Lucas nodded and looked for words to go on. “The three of us have decided that it is better for me not to live with her for a while, so now I am here with my father in Antwerp”

"Do you think you're going back to the Netherlands?" Jens secretly hoped not.

"Not any time soon. At least I want to finish my school here.” Lucas took a deep breath “it's just difficult, because my whole life is in the Netherlands. My friends, basically just everything.”

Jens understood Lucas exactly. The boy he has only known since this school year has just opened up here. Maybe it was good for him too.

"I think I understand you," Jens said cautiously. “When my father lost his job, we had to choose between living smaller here in Antwerp or leaving the city… I don't know how I would have managed leaving the city. Without Robbe. ”

"I really miss Kes and Isa very much" said Lucas "never thought I would even miss Jayden as much as I do" and the Boy laughed. "But I immediately felt accepted here." A smile appeared on Jens's face. "You, the boys and the girls were there for me from day one."

Silence fell between the boys. Not an awkward silence, it was a silence that said more than all the words spoken that night.

Jens knew that the feelings for Lucas were more than friendly. He had never felt this fot a boy before. He had never ruled it out, but it was still scary.

Jens felt Lucas's gaze on him, and his whole body heated. Kissing the boy, that's what he wanted all night. But Jens was afraid it would ruin their friendship.

Jens turned his head to Lucas's. Lucas's eyes fixed on his lips.

Without thinking, Jens closed the space between him and Lucas. His lips found Lucas's and Lucas kissed him back.

It was a small cautious kiss, and Jens pulled back gently.

"Uh ... sorry"

"You don't have to apologize," said Lucas with a smile. "If I hadn't wanted it, I wouldn't have kissed you back."

Jens's body simply stopped functioning, so all he could do was nod yes. He opened his mouth searching for words "it's just uh ... I’ve never done that before." He didn't even dare to look at Lucas.

"You are not my first boy." Lucas replied. That made Jens look up "as in ..." Jens started

Lucas finished "Gay".

A short pause followed, until Jens asked, "How did you know you're gay?"

"I am simply not attracted to girls, it just doesn’t work for me" Lucas replied.

"I never knew I could be attracted to boys," Jens said.

“That's okay, right? And that you kissed me doesn't make you gay” Lucas said “you don't have to put a label on yourself just because you kissed a boy.”

"No, I know, but at least I'm not straight." Jens Huffed. And both boys laughed.

"There is much more than gay and straight you know, you just have to discover it." Lucas said. And he was right.

...

"My god it's already half past two," said Lucas. "If I want to keep my father on my side, I really have to go home soon."

"I will cycle with you, because I don't think you really paid attention to how to get back to the harbor." Jens laughed. And Lucas admitted he had no idea how to go back home.

The boys put on their coats and shoes and walked over to the bikes.

"Do you have your key this time?" Lucas joked. And Jens nudged him.

...

Fifteen minutes later they stood in front of a modern apartment complex.

“Thanks for riding along!” Lucas said “next time at my place?”

That sounds good, Jens thought and agreed with the plan.

The boys hugged each other, and Lucas walked towards the door of the complex. Before he went in, he said "I really liked it tonight, would you send a message when you get home?"

Jens would do that. He took his earphones out of his pocket and put on Lucas's playlist.

Evergreens in a dream of an island town Draw a line in the sand and we'll smooth it down Will your side win, get to the middle Count them off one at a time And we'll try, to guess right

#van der stoffels #vds #jens stoffels #lucas van der heijden #lucas vdh #skam #skamnl #wtfock #wtfam

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israltale · 3 years

Text

Searching Apple

Dream was down in the Village. He often goes down there, to play with the Children. The Adults gave him always sweets and other yummy Food.

Nightmare always stays behind, telling the villagers are mean to him. Why would his brother lie so badly to him? Dream couldn’t understand that.

The Children were all playing with Dream, as some Teenager came back, some of them having bruises and cuts.

“What happened?” A Mother asked her Child.

“It was Nightmare! He attacked us for no Reason. We just played in the gras.” One said, rubbing his cheek. Dream starred at them. Nightmare? His Brother attacking Children?

Dream hurried back to the tree, he needed to speak with his Brother about this. Dream knew his brother was always with their Mother, the Tree of Feelings. Only for him to see something out of the ordinary.

The Tree was lacking the black apples. But this wasn’t the worse. He wasn’t able to feel Nightmare. Dream reached their Mother. The Tree looked like a terrible Picture, while the side with his golden Apples was still green and lush… The Side of his Brothers lacked all the apples and looked dead.

Dream looked around in a Panic, where was his Brother? What had happened here? So many Questions filled his Skull.

“NIGHTMARE!” Dream screamed, he needed to find his Brother, where was he? Did something happen to him? The Deity of Positivity was running around frantically, searching in the Village and around the Tree. Sadly for him, even as the Sun started to settle so the Night could take over….

Dream still haven’t found Nightmare. His golden eye lights filled with Tears, fear for his beloved Brother. He looked up at the Tree again… what if Nightmare… He blinked. There, right there on Nightmare’s side of the tree was one, only one remaining black Apple. It was hanging there lonely, but slightly glowing. This meant his Brother was alive… It had to mean this! He wanted to take it, keeping it close and maybe, hopefully feel his Brother again. But he couldn’t, he wasn’t allowed. Dream starred up the Tree, while the moon’s cold Light shone down on him.

Dream had no Idea how long he stood there, staring at the last black Apple, the only and little Hope he had left.

“Take all the apples!” The little Guardian turned in shock. The Villagers were coming his Way. They were coming for the Apples? Nightmare had never lied to him? They really only faked their adoration for them?

Dream slowly turned around, not knowing what he should feel right now. That’s when he started to hear a flute playing in the Distance. The Moon high in the Sky seemed to pulsate with energy. Dream shivered, the Villagers drawing closer and closer.

‘Do not step any closer.’ A female Voice resounded behind Dream. He turned in confusion, as a Woman stepped past him. She had long greyish purple hair and wore a deep black dress. Dream blinked, her eyes were a deep blue colour almost like a gemstone. The villagers stopped, looking at her just as confused as Dream did. Where did this Woman come from and why did he feel so strangely close to her?

The Leader of them stepped closer. “Get out of the way, girl. We only want the apples.” The Woman didn’t move.

“Fine, we remove you…. AAAAH!” Dream fell back in shock, the man who just wanted to touch her… His Arm just fell OFF?!? The Woman sighed.

‘Do not touch me, except you wish for a slow and painful death.’ She slowly said. Dream trembled in Fear. what was this Woman? It couldn’t be his Mother, could it? His eye lights grew as she turned her head to him.

‘I shall bring you away first… This Timeline will soon perish.’ Dream stared at her. His World would die? The next thing Dream noticed was a slight moving of her Hand, then he was falling fast.

‘I shall bring you to the one you desire the most.’ Was the last he could hear her saying.

The Singing of Birds reached him softly, before he noticed the sound of flowing water close by. Finally Dream opened his eyes. He slowly gathered his bearings and started to look around. He was in a Cave, close to the entrance. Sunlight was pouring in nearby. The little Deity sat up slowly, he tried to remember what happened.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“NIGHTMARE!” Dream jumped up and ran out of the Cave. He remembered, the Woman saying she would bring him to the one he desired most. She surely meant his Twin. But once out of the Cave he starred.

This was not his World anymore. High growing Tree’s around him, Birds singing softly to greet the Day. Dream turned his head to the left, there was a river coursing its way, while some fish jumped out there and then. He blinked, clear confusion on his skull. Where was he?

“Alure?” Dream hurried behind a Tree as he heard a deep husky Voice. Carefully he glanced what was going on, only to see a tall Skeleton dressed in greyish Green colours.

“Up here, Sir Cobra!” The little Deity couldn’t believe it. That was his Brothers Voice! The Skeleton looked up.

“Arisa is waiting for us.” He said, it made Nightmare come down the Tree he had climbed on. Dream blinked, something was different. Nightmare doesn’t wear his usual clothes anymore, it was far more simple now and even his Crown was gone. What Dream also noticed was the little tail wagging behind Nightmare and the two purple Horns on his Skull.

“Nighty….” Dream was shocked, what had happened to his Brother? The other Twin stopped his walk.

“Alure?” Cobra asked, noticing the other to stop.

“NIGHTY!” Alure blinked as something tackled him. Alure was even more confused to see the light blue and golden colours of his Brother.

“D…Dream?” He asked carefully.

“Nighty! Where the hell were you? What happened to you?” Dream sniffled, he was so happy to see his Brother Safely. Alure looked to Cobra, who had his hand already on his Crystal.

“I… uh.” Dream sobbed into his clothes.

“I thought… i saw… the Villagers…” Dream sobbed. Cobra finally relaxed.

“Let’s bring him to the Lake for now… There you two can Talk things out.” Alure nodded.

“Yes, Sir Cobra.” He said, soothing his Brother softly. They went to the Lake, where Alure could explain to Dream, what had happened, why the Villagers Kids were hurt and how he had disappeared.

“And now you call yourself… Alure?” His brother nodded.

“Yes. As a mark for my new Life here, Dream.” He said softly.

“Dear.” Millenia came to them, Dream looking at her surprised.

“Lady Millenia!” Alure bowed to her.

“This is Dream… My Brother! Like you said he is actually here.” Millenia nodded.

“Lady Millenia… Can you… Turn him as well?” Dream starred at Nightmare, no Alure.

“I can’t, Dear… He is a Positive Being, any Soul from here would destroy him…” She said carefully.

“Is there a way?” Alure asked. He didn’t want to lose his Brother again.

“Maybe there is… but not here.” She said turning to Dream.

“Cobra will walk you to the Border of this Area. Meet in the Area of Order a Skeleton named Reeve. He may help you turning and settling down in the lighter Part of this World.” Dream looked carefully to Alure.

“Please Dream…” He finally nodded.

“Alright.” Cobra looked to Millenia, before turning to Dream.

“Let’s go then.” He said, walking away.

Reeve was surprised to see his Brother with another Skeleton. “Reeve.” Cobra began.

“What is the meaning of this, Co?” Dream looked up at the Taller Skeleton.

“Arisa send us…. He is Alure’s Brother but also the Deity of Positivity in their World.” Reeve started to understand.

“He can’t take a soul from the Chaos.” Cobra nodded.

“Yeah, can you help?” Reeve sighed.

“Actually yes… The King ordered to Keep the Souls of the Pure Bloods in Case of needed Magic.” Cobra already felt disgusted. This King has gone nuts. But it was their only Chance now.

“Well then, little Friend. Follow me.” Reeve said and turned, Dream was a bit worried as Cobra stayed behind.

“Are you two fighting?” Reeve chuckled.

“No. But if he would be seen here then the King would know someone he wants dead is still alive.” He said softly, bringing Dream down to the Military Quarters. There was a Storage Reeve took the Boy.

“Alright let’s see. Listen well now. Don’t wander off alone!” Reeve ordered the little Skeleton.

“Yes Sir!” He answered, but this Place was full of Souls.

It was amazing how they contained in this strange devices. There also was a heavy looking door deeper in the House. Reeve was slowly going through the Shelves, reading what they had put down on them. Dream looked at him, before he walked over to the Heavy Door. A little bit of looking won’t hurt!

Dream pushed it open, behind it were even more Souls! “Woah!” He said surprised.

Slowly Dream walked through the countless numbers of Shelves, until he found a yellow, almost golden coloured dragon Soul. That’s what they wanted right? With this Soul he could stay with his Brother! He could be with Alure! Dream stretched to grab the Container. All he needed to be with Nightmare again, was this pounding soul! Dream grabbed it finally, opening the lid and taking out the Soul.

“You’ll be my Ticket to stay with Nighty~” He whispered, only for seconds later to feel a searing Pain in his apple Shaped Soul.

Reeve turned, he wanted to tell Dream that he found a suitable soul, but the Skeleton was nowhere to be seen.

“Fuck… He didn’t..” The Door to the Dangerous Pure Bloods where open. Reeve cursed darkly, of course the deity didn’t listen and wandered off! Reeve hurried inside, only to find him almost completely turned.

“Shit… he took the most greedy soul in the whole batch…” Reeve said, after seeing what the little Deity took. Of course it needed to be a Greedy soul… It would have been easier if he took on of the more murderous souls… but greed was hard to control.

Reeve sighed, he needed to bring him out of here for now, let him rest and then introduce him to the King, or else he will be seen as a Halfling and faster killed as he could settle in his new Life. Reeve also would need to explain this to Millenia and Cobra… Greed was really hard to control, but maybe they could find a way.

Reeve picked Dream up to get out of here before someone may notice what was going on. If he would be like Alure, it would take a bit of Time for him, so Reeve brought him to his House. Now all Reeve had to do was convince the King that Dream was a pure Blood Dragon Child who decided to take the Image of a Skeleton. It couldn’t be so bad… could it?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reeve got restless, it was almost a Week later and King Lysander finally demanded to see that Dragon Child he had felt suddenly. Dream sighed in annoyance.

“Can we hurry up? I wanna see Alure…” Reeve grabbed him.

“Listen closely, Dream… Do not mention your Brother in front of the King, or he will make sure your Brother won’t see you ever again.” Dream looked at Reeve.

“How?” The General sighed.

“He will execute him.” This made something change in Dream’s behaviour, as if a switch was flipped. Finally they were called in.

Up in the Throne sat a Man with shoulder long red hair and deep blue eyes. Dream wondered how HE could have became King.

“So this is the Child you told us about, General?” Reeve bowed to him.

“Yes, your Excellency.” Dream bowed with Reeve, he needed to make sure this ‘King’ would stay FAR away from his Alure.

“The General told us you are from the outer Skirts of our Kingdom, given into his guidance from your Parents.” Dream heard the first time of this.

“This is true, your Highness. My Parents asked for the Generals guidance to shape me into a formidable Pure Blood.” Reeve really hoped Dream could pull this off, otherwise his Brother would be in High danger.

“Of course…” The King looked at Dream from his Throne.

“But why choosing a Skeleton?” Dream smiled like the Raising sun.

“The General impressed me so much, your Highness, I only deemed it Worthy to set myself apart from the others and show them, how highly recommended his Shaping is!” Lysander nodded in Satisfaction.

“Naturally. But now. Tell us your name.” Reeve gulped. Name? He hadn’t thought of that, damn they were doomed.

“I am called Solei, Your Highness.” Reeve only allowed a glance at the Boy, did he just… flat out lied to the King? Deciding in the Heat of Investigation what his new Name would be? After some more Questioning the King was pleased and allowed them to leave.

Far away from the Castle, Reeve was able to finally relax. “You hold up better as i thought.” Solei grumbled.

“I needed to make sure, this stinky Bastard stays FAR away from my Alure.” Reeve looked around hastily, but luckily they were safe.

Reeve showed Solei around, also some secret Paths to get to the Chaos Vicinity. Finally Solei was able to meet up with Alure again. Reeve had brought him to the Lake, where Alure was most of the Times. Solei ran up to him, finally together with his beloved Nighty again! Alure blinked in surprise as Solei hugged him.

“Dream! I was worried something happened to you!” Alure said, finally the tension easing from his Bones.

“I’m Solei now, Nighty! Also i would Never leave you alone, you are Mine after all!” He said, nuzzling closer to Alure.

“Reeve?” Cobra noticed his Brother.

“We have…. a Problem, is Millenia able to talk?” Cobra nodded.

“She is further into the Woods… Alure, how about you and Solei catch up on everything.” Alure nodded.

“Alright, Sir Cobra!” Solei pouted.

“Nightyyyyy, I’m here. Pay attention to meeeee.” It already hit the other Twin that something wasn’t right with his Brother. Meanwhile Reeve talked to Cobra and Millenia.

“A Greed soul?” Reeve nodded.

“Yes, it seems for now his Greed is directed to his Brothers attention.” Millenia sighed.

“I will talk to Alure later and warn him.” Reeve nodded.

Solei bugged Alure for more and more Attention, the small Hybrid figuring out what was going on. “Solei…” The golden Hybrid looked at him.

“Please behave yourself… And be careful, or we get into trouble.” He said carefully. “I don’t want to leave you alone or lose you because something happened.” Solei blinked, before Hugging his Brother.

“Never, never will anything happen to you!” He said, without knowing his brother was aware of his Greed, putting himself in the spot to control it as best as possible.

“Okay. Promise me to come here in secret, return early enough to the other Vicinity and be careful in general. If you do that for me, then you can come here every day. If it is to dangerous then please don’t come.” Solei listened to Alure.

“But you can’t pay attention to me, when i can’t come over.” Alure nodded, nuzzling Solei.

“Yes, but if there is danger and you come over then something bad could happen to this Place or us.” Solei nodded slowly.

“Right… and if something happens, then you can’t pay attention to me anymore.” Alure knew it, Solei wanted all for himself. The purple Hybrid had read about Greed in one of the Books Millenia had brought him. Out of Control it could bring down a whole Kingdom. Thankfully his Brother made him the main Object of his Greed, controlling it would become easy, because Solei would never want to upset him.

Reeve left with Solei, to make sure he remembers the secret paths.

“Lady Millenia?” Alure came over with a book in hand.

“Yes? What can i do for you?” She asked, sitting on a Window to watch the Moon.

“Solei has a Greed soul, right?” Millenia blinked.

“Sadly… Yes. Reeve informed us that he had not listened to him and picked a soul himself.” Alure sighed.

“I knew it. But i already read it up. I can take the Part of the Controller for him.” Millenia smiled a bit, petting Alure’s head.

“I knew you figure it out and it is good you take such good care of your Brother. But… Be careful, Alure. The Time until you weaved your Web around him is very fickle and easily turned around.” Alure nodded, sitting next to her.

“I will be very careful, Lady Millenia.” She nodded.

“Then i will leave Solei to you.” The Purple Hybrid nodded. He would help his Brother as best he can! While making sure to help Millenia with the Vicinity. He was still the only Hybrid in the Chaos vicinity, the other was in the Order Vicinity, but Alure could only wait patiently for other Hybrids to come and life with them. Now he had a Task, taking care of Solei!

Solei grinned up at the Moon. “Nighty… oh my Nighty. Tomorrow i will see you again.” He whispered, before drifting of to Sleep. Not knowing that his Brother already started to take control over his Greed. It would be a long Process…

#Dream #DarkMillenia #IsralTale #dragonhybrids #Solei

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alanshee-keeper-of-realms · 4 years

Text

Oh shit someone actually tagged me! My signal came through and alerted me that @shock-tastic tagged me in the Get to know me meme, its 4 am and I was getting ready to sleep but I know by the time I get up I will be unable to post so lets get going shall we?

Top 3 Ships:

I ain't got nothing to hide its all laid bare for you guys to see have fun!

Futureshipping(Cyrus Borg x Acronix) - I am saying it now Acronix really deserved redemption, StarFakys introduced me to this endearing ship back in September and I fell HARD.

Cyrus showing Acronix the right way and leading him into a much better future then one of being another puppet in his brothers plans. In fanon, these two are soft and loving towards one another, when they aren't being dorks they can be found always near one another, helping each other through trauma of their pasts and again guiding to a better Future. Also again utter Technology inclined dorks.

Coppernauts(Benny x Badcop/Goodcop)- I just like the idea that Benny would be able to get the Cops out of their shell. Also I do believe the Cops were forced into their work, they honestly thought they were protecting their Citizens it was until it was too late they realized their mistake, Benny realizes this and just like Cyrus and Acronix shows that they can be what they actually wanted to be. Can you tell I have a soft spot for these types of Couples?

Spirk(I think I saw Galaxy husbands at one point)(S'ch T'gai Spock x Jim Kirk) : The Grandfather of all ships and shipping the absolute og that a Fanzine about this ship in 1968 brought together a fandom that would usher in the Modern Era of being well a Nerd and bringing it out of the closet so to speak before Spirk and star trek in general it was kind of Socially taboo to be into this stuff this ship opened new doors for our modern day Shipping and fandom. its endearing and lovable and honestly just a classic old ship that I fell for early on(also Gene Rodenberry totally said its canon back in the 1990s)

Lipstick or Chapstick?:

Lipstick, I have Grey eyes an victory red really makes them pop..... When I actually put forth the effort haha

Last Song:

Oh well I was drawing Chua the OC Blakky my old friend gave me and let me take him under my wing so it was what I see as his song Part of Me by Katy Perry, Chua has amazing growth in the new AU I am working on.

Last Movie:

The Day After Tomorrow, a film formerly owned by 20th Century Fox its a Disaster movie in which due to Humanity and global warming the North Atlantic Current shifts and leads to massive Weather anomalies which lead to the New Ice Age. My families huge into these films we so far have watched Dantes Peak and Volcano this week for the 100th time they all are absolute faves in my families home.

Reading:

A Spirk Fanfiction, just Kirk gets deaged and the crew has to deal with Child Kirk including normally his husband Spock.

3 Things That Make Me Happy:

My Friends- Discord has helped me get out of the proverbial shell I was in and all the people I have met really make me happy. I live in back country Michigan and thus really really isolated and they keep me semi sane by being there.

Ninjago in General- The show hoo boy caught me and has supported me through some of my Darkest times in my childhood. It gave me an Escape to block out all the bad and it opened me to Writing Drawing Cosplaying I Cosplayed Pixal at 14 she was my first cosplay, Nya in 2014 was the first drawing I ever posted online writing it kept me writing for my favorite rare pair Zaya, which at the Time I called Ice Phoenix but someone changed it to Braincell.

Being just Creative- I like doing anything and Everything to bring something to life be it a cosplay or a story or a Diamond painting I have a creativeness to me that cannot be contained it drives me nuts if it is

Bonus facts!:

Technical 4th ship is Braincell, A Nindroid Can Love too was a Fanfiction written in 2014 and it was the 1st Zaya fic over 10k words and it was written by me! Please do be careful sorting through those Fics I was wild when young anything and everything was free game.

I am 21, 5 foot 6 and 148 pounds, I wear a brace and cane due to a disability which is why Cyrus is so special to me his representation matters!

People I wanna get to know more!

@jacked-anime-Cole Ummmm shit like I said idk that many people @rinas-ninjas maybe I NEVER GET TAGGED IN THESE

#get to know me meme #ninjago #futureshipping #coppernauts #spirk #star trek #shipping #late night #lego movie #ninjago cyrus borg #cyrus borg #ninjago acronix #spock #kirk #benny #badcop/goodcop #s'chn t'gai spock

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your-worst-knightmare · 4 years

Text

Red: Pt. 9

“Me think Red Him am waking up.”

“Wait Biz, I’m not done yet.”

“That looks bad. He’s lost a lot of blood.”

“Quiet and help with the stitches.”

My eyelids feel like they’re glued shut. Part of me doesn’t even want to open my eyes, for fear of the events of when I was last conscious to be figments of my imagination. Why else would Bizarro, Artemis and Louis be in the same room?

Someone slaps my cheek. Not hard enough to hurt, but hard enough to be annoying. “Come on, don’t make me wait any longer…”

I peel my eyes open. It’s Artemis. The pain in my shoulder and side confirms that my last memory was, in fact, real. She must have brought me to my safehouse, somehow. I give her a small smile. “Hey.”

“Don’t hey me, Todd. What the hell was that out there? The All-Blades? And you took more Lazarus? You I know I had to, quite literally, carve those bullets out of you?” She sighs, probably realizing that her rant is more than my groggy brain can handle. She leans down to give me a hug. “ It’s just.. You’ve been so incredibly… stupid and…” she buries her face in my shoulder, and I hold her as she presumably finds the right words to scold me. “And I’m just glad to have you back.”

“Aw, Red, I- ow watch the shoulder-”

“Sorry.” She stands up, her face almost as red as my helmet. “ You should get some rest. I just needed to see you,” she says, smoothing her hair and her expression.

“ Arty, wait. Don’t go yet.” She raises an eyebrow. “Please.” I swing my legs off the bed, against the protests in my side. “Help me up.”

“Jason, you need to-”

“Artemis, I’ll be fine. Trust me.”

“Well I don’t. Not when it’s about your well-being,” she says, giving me a hand anyway.

I grunt, thankful for her help. “Take me to the control room. We need to find out who captured you and Biz and why.”

“A fine idea, but I think I already know who it was.” She gives me a chair and pulls up another one for herself. The building is cold, ( I don’t really have the time to install heating) and I’m starting to envy Artemis’ hoodie.

I stare at her for a second. “Wait, is that my sweater, Arty?”

“You don’t care to heat this place, so yes, I took your sweater. Happy?”

“Cold is what I am.”

“Fine. I’ll call Bizarro and your friend and tell them to get you something. Now focus.” Artemis grabs a pen and a pad of paper and scribbles something onto it. She slides it over to me. “I saw a man wearing this mask at the place they took us to. I think he hired a group of mercenaries to do his bidding.”

I inspect Artemis’ drawing. It shows a mask, large enough to cover the whole face with only two holes for the eyes. The sinking feeling in my gut only worsens when I realize who the mask belongs to. “ Pray I’m wrong, Arty, pray I’m wrong, but that looks like a mask from the Court.”

“The Court of Owls? Why would they want you?”

“Not me specifically. They still need their… Oh God, Arty…”

“What?”

“They need their Gray Son. And I’m their link.”

Before I can even finish telling Artemis the rest, Bizarro and Louis barge in, Dog barreling after them. Louis’ face is one of concentration, intent on not spilling the steaming mugs of coffee on his tray. Bizarro drops a sweater in my lap. “Me am brought sweater for Red Him. Red Him am still hurting?”

“Yeah buddy. Life’s just like that sometimes.”

“Always with the dramatics, Todd,” Artemis says, leaning over.

I crack a smile, pulling on the sweater. The task is harder than I’d expected, especially with and injured shoulder and torso.

“Yo’ need some help there?” Louis asks, setting down the mugs carefully on the table.

“Nah,” I grunt, finally accomplishing my task. “I’m good.”

“So is there a reason you’re here and not resting or are you just too stubborn for your own good?”

“Both, actually,” Artemis cuts in before I can answer.

“Hey!” Louis raises an eyebrow, still waiting for an explanation. “ We had to investigate who took Arty and Biz and why.”

A crash comes from the back of the room. I turn to see a sheepish Bizarro, a spooked Dog and four broken coffee mugs. The coffee now forms a sizable brown lake across the floor. Said coffee, would not be good for Dog. “It’s okay Biz, we’ll clean it up. How ‘bout you take Dog outside?”

Bizarro nods. “Okay Red Him.” He scoops up Dog in his arms easily and heads out the door. The coffee is cleaned up rather quickly, despite the fact that I was made to sit out and watch. Louis and Artemis return to their seats to further pester me with questions about the Court.

“Ok, so run this by me again Hoodie. This secret society wants your brother to become their general-or-something or they will unleash hell on Gotham?”

“Yeah, pretty much.”

“And they’re using you as bait…”

“Mmhmm.”

“Then why in Bast’s name are you going to find your brother?” Artemis exclaims, punctuating her words with her hands.

“Red, no matter what happens, I’ve got to go back to the Manor. Someone’s gotta warn the Bats. And I’d rather go through with this with a little more manpower.”

“Your brother lives in Bludhaven, Todd.”

“We’re sticking together. If the Court comes for one of us, they come for all of us. That’s just how it rolls.”

“Hoodie, I hate to interrupt,” Louis cuts in,” but you can’t just up and leave. If the board finds out what I’m letting you do, I lose my job. And, I hate to be the voice of reason, but you just got shot. You can’t just run into another fight.” Louis plants his hands on the table, his voice firm.

“As much as he is a reckless idiot with no concern for his welfare, Jason lives a warrior’s life. With the Lazarus, he should be almost fully healed within a few days. You don’t have much to worry about, Louis.”

“Selfishly, I worry about my job as well, Artemis. How’s he magically supposed to fix that as well, huh?”

“I got magic,” I pipe in. The tension between the two is driving me nuts, although I’m honestly surprised Artemis sided with me. “When the right people get the right paycheck, the Red Hood gets off the hospital’s books. You might even get a raise.”

Louis looks disgusted. “You’re going to bribe the board?”

Artemis summons Mistress and begins to polish the giant blade. Louis’ eyes widen and inches away from her path.

“Essentially yes.” He looks unsure. “Don’t worry Louis, it’s worked before. Consider it done before noon tomorrow.”

“And what am I supposed to do now?”

“Try to forget you ever met me.”

“Hoodie…”

“Don’t get sappy on me now Louis. I don’t want to ruin your life.”

“Well I can’t sit here and do nothing Hoodie.”

“Keep an eye on Arty and Biz while I’m gone then.”

Artemis looks up from her blade. “I’m coming with you,” she says bluntly.

“What?”

“You heard me Todd. I’m coming with you to watch your sorry back. Louis wanted something to do? Well, he’s keeping Bizarro and Dog company now.” She stands up, Mistress in hand. “ Your conversations are tedious. I’m going to go train. You better be ready to leave by noon tomorrow.”

“Well, how do you plan on getting to the Manor? And I better not hear the word motorcycle involved.”

“I’m not carrying you!” Artemis yells as she leaves me and Louis alone.

“I’ll get ‘A’ to drop a car off. Or he’ll pick us up. Whichever.”

“Yeah. Glad to see you’ve planned it all out.” He gestures towards the door. “Quite the girl you’ve picked out there Hoodie.”

“What? She’s not my-” Louis amusement only grows as my face grows hotter.

“She cares about you, that much is clear. Even this old man could see it. Hold onto her.”

I’m about to argue with him but Artemis’ drawing of the Court mask catches my eye. I need to get back on subject. He’s right though, to some extent. She was probably one of the better things to happen in my life. But that doesn’t mean I necessarily want to discuss it right now.

“Hey Louis, when you were patching me up, did you notice anything weird?”

“Oh now you’re just changing the subject.”

“I’m serious here Louis. This is important.”

“Well you did just take the Lazarus, so of course it was weird…”

I run a hand through my hair with my good arm.” No, that’s not what I meant. Like, was there any implants or traces of metal in my bloodstream?”

“No, I didn’t notice anything. Why?”

“The Court. They’ve got to be tracking me somehow.”

“We could look for a chip…” Louis starts, clearly lost on the matter. He’s been thrown out of his normal routine quite violently as it is, and all this talk of the Court isn’t helping.

“I have an X-ray gun in the med-bay. Get it. Bring a scalpel and tweezers. You need to be ready to take it out if anything’s there.”

He swallows dryly and goes to look for the requested tools. I let myself slouch once I’m out of view. My eyelids droop closed, a testament to my tiredness. I’m exhausted, to say the least, with the Lazarus working my body overtime to heal me.

He comes back sooner than I’d expected, and has no doubt caught on to my tiredness despite years of training to be alert in an instant.”Hoodie, we can do this later if you want…” he starts, fingering the plastic-wrapped tools.

“No. I’m fine. Do it now.”

I stare up at the ceiling as he looks me over. An annoying beeping alerts both of us to the presence of something. “Base of your neck. Left side.”

I tilt my head so that he has a clear view of my neck. “Take it out.” I barely see his worried expression in my peripheral vision. “You’ve got this, Louis,” I decide to add.

He sighs, finger brushing over the spot before reaching for a numbing agent. I stop him. “It’s fine Louis. It messes with the Lazarus.”

“You sure?” he asks, not convinced.

I nod.

Louis disinfects the area carefully before making an incision with a scalpel. A small noise escapes my throat. It’s not from the pain– no that is bearable. It’s the acute sense of feeling it all. My body repairing itself almost as fast as Louis can cut through the flesh. Louis falters and the hesitation rolls off him in waves. “Keep going.” To his credit, he does it quickly, pulling whatever the hell the Court gave to me out. It’s an odd feeling, but I keep quiet.

“Done.” Louis places a chip, slick with blood on a tray. “Do what you want with it, but I’m not keeping it.”

“Thanks Louis. Really.”

“Yeah, yeah. Now get some rest before ‘ya actually fall asleep in the middle of the floor. And before you go partying in dreamland–” he affectionately slaps a smiley-face band-aid on my neck and hands me a bag of Skittles.

“Hey!” I protest. The band-aid, not the Skittles.

“Knock yourself out. I mean literally this time,” Louis smiles, before helping me to bed.

#red hood #jason todd #fanfiction #my writing #rhato rebirth #rhato #rhato 2016 #red hood and the outlaws #artemis grace #bizarro #oc #gotham #dc comics #dc #batfam #court of owls

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lovemesomerafael · 5 years

Text

It’s Complicated Chapter 2: The Rest Of The Story

Source: @fortheloveofbarba

Read Chapter 1

The man in the box was a good candidate. He’d been arrested trying to fence items stolen from not one, but two of the victims. Not only that, but he was angry and uncooperative, and his interaction with Lieutenant Benson and Sergeant Dodds thus far in the interrogation was certainly nasty enough to be consistent with the guy Dr. Rojas had said they were looking for. However, he wouldn’t give them DNA, and he had alibis for the times of the rapes. Fin and Rollins were out at that moment checking them out.

Barba and Rojas stood on opposite sides of the one-way glass in Benson’s office, as far apart as they could, as they watched the interrogation, hoping for a break. Over the three weeks they’d been working together, things had not improved between them.

“Y’all trippin’,” sneered the skinny, tweaked-out kid. “You wastin’ your time. I told you where I was when them rapes went down. Just check it out.”

“We’re doing that,” Dodds said. “In the meantime, maybe you can tell us where you got the stuff you were trying to sell. Because it’s pretty suspicious that it belongs to two of the women who were raped.”

“I done told you that. Some dude gave it to me.”

Dodds sighed and moved closer to the suspect, whom Dodds dwarfed. “Describe the dude,” he said, slowly and distinctly.

“I don’t feel like it.”

Barba was scowling thoughtfully. “This kid knows a lot about this case that he’s not saying,” he muttered to himself.

Frankie cut her eyes to him. She’d just been thinking the same thing. “But he’s not our guy.”

“No. And we’re asking the wrong questions.”

“Have you noticed his weird affect? I can’t pin it down, but there’s something…”

As she looked at Barba while he stared thoughtfully into the interrogation room, Frankie noticed for the first time how well-cut his hair was. She knew an expensive haircut when she saw one. She wondered whether that was what Amanda had been talking about when she’d called him hot. He did have a nice profile, she supposed. To be fair, he wasn’t ugly by any stretch. And since Amanda had mentioned his green eyes, she had noticed those, too. But hot? Barba? Not with that personality.

Suddenly, it struck her what the witness’s behavior reminded her of. “You ever see a little kid try to keep a secret? How they’re just busting with it, dying to tell?”

Barba looked over at her, nodding. “Yes.” He looked back through the glass, still nodding. “Yes.”

As he watched the suspect, he had to admit that was a good description of his behavior. After just that brief look at Dr. Rojas, he also had to admit that she was wearing a very nice suit today, which fit her extremely well. He’d noticed that all her accessories, from the necklace that - though subtle - probably cost as much as his suit, to the chic shoes that elongated and accentuated her legs without drawing attention to themselves, showed excellent taste. Barba usually liked well-dressed women, but on her, the effect was ruined. Rather than appreciating her outfit, Barba found that it left a sour taste in his mouth. He knew that he would probably have admired her if he hadn’t known who Francisca Rojas was. But he did. He knew that she was one of them. She might be Latina, but she wasn’t one of his people.

Rafael Barba was insightful enough, at least, to recognize that he had a particular chip on his shoulder when it came to Dr. Rojas and the rest of her privileged class, to whom everything came entirely too easily. People who expected that, and believed it to be no more than their due, and who had very little regard for people like him and his family, who had to earn their achievements. Any display of unearned wealth disturbed him on a deep level wherever he saw it, and he was looking at it right now. Her father might be self-made, but she was not.

He had met far too many of her type in his life. His parents had sacrificed to send him to Catholic school so that he would get the best possible education, which meant all his friends from Jerome Avenue were together at public school while he was incarcerated with all the posh kids from the surrounding area. With the fierce cruelty of children to anyone who stands out, his classmates had made sure he understood his inferiority, mocking everything about him that set him apart, even the fact that he was smarter than any of them. It didn’t get better in college, it was just more well-concealed. And at Harvard… Well, Rafael had actually preferred Catholic school. At Harvard, the culture of overt prejudice against “scholarship kids” was not only blatant but encouraged, and highlighted by an irremediable difference of wealth and social class that no amount of achievement could touch. It was there that Rafael’s dislike of the trappings of wealth and social distinction was honed to a razor-sharp hatred.

Getting nothing further from the suspect, Benson and Dodds eventually had to end the questioning and arrest the suspect for nothing more than receiving stolen goods. None of them thought he was the rapist, and none of them thought he was going to give them anything that might lead them to the rapist. When Fin and Rollins returned, having confirmed his alibis for the times of the rapes, no one was surprised.

As the suspect was being led out of the box to be booked, Olivia signaled. “Rafa, Dr. Rojas, can we talk in my office?”

Hearing that, the suspect involuntarily flinched and turned to look at Frankie, lighting up with interest. Trouble was written plainly in his sudden wide smile as he gave her an insolent once-over. “You’re Frankie Rojas? I know someone who is looking for you.”

“Oh?” She asked, too surprised to hide her reaction.

“Yeah. Alan sends his best,” the skinny punk laughed as he was led from the squad room.

Frankie blanched and appeared to falter as she put a hand out to steady herself on the nearest desk. Barba and Olivia shared a look. What was that?

They headed into Olivia’s office and took positions around the small room, Olivia behind her desk, and Barba and Rojas on opposite sides of the couch. Mike Dodds started to close the door but was stopped by a tall, very good-looking man with dark hair whom no one had noticed enter the squad room.

“Hey, Porter,” Dodds said, holding the door open looking expectantly over at Lieutenant Benson.

She smiled regretfully. “Ten minutes, Dean. I’m sorry, we just need to have a short debrief.”

Frankie surprised everyone by standing up from the couch and saying, “No, I think he should come in. And I think he should stay.”

All eyes turned to her as she looked at Olivia’s live-in boyfriend, FBI Agent Dean Porter, who had come to take Olivia to lunch. Normally, that would have been cause for a fair amount of suggestive joking, since the relationship was fairly new and rumored to be very physical, but not today.

“He’s here,” Frankie said to Porter, the fear in her voice unmistakable. “Porter, Alan is here.”

“Fuck,” Porter said, and closed the door.

Olivia briefly scanned the faces in the room, paying extra attention to Rojas and Porter. She looked from one to the other, saying, “Is someone going to explain what’s going on?”

Porter held out a hand to Frankie, inviting her to speak. He and Dodds remained standing while she collapsed back into her seat. She took a deep breath and exhaled it forcefully before beginning.

“Everything you know about me is true. Porter and I did meet at Quantico and we did… work together. When you hear ‘we worked together’, that sounds like we were partners or on the same team or something, and we let that impression stand. We were both working Major Crimes, but that’s not… that’s not how we knew each other. We knew each other because I was a victim in one of his cases.” She sighed again. “There was a man – is a man named Alan Canady. Long story short, he wants to kill me.”

After dropping that grenade, Frankie simply waited for questions. None came. She looked around for help, but everyone in the room was too skilled an interrogator to think of interrupting.

So she continued. “We met in San Antonio, when I first started with the Bureau. He and I dated for about six months. It’s the textbook story we’ve all heard a million times. At first, he seemed entirely normal. But then, over time, he got progressively more possessive. It happened so slowly I didn’t realize it at first. Have I missed any of the clichés yet?”

Olivia muttered, “Stop it, Doc. We’re familiar with the pattern, yes. But we don’t judge our victims here. Just tell us what happened.”

Frankie smiled thinly in gratitude. It was one thing to be the one who got to say those things. It was another to believe them when they were said to you.

“One day, something happened. It was so small, just one of those little, stupid things that happen every day. I had to work late, and then my car wouldn’t start. By then, Alan had all these rules. I was supposed to call him any time I wasn’t going to be where I’d said I would, but we didn’t even have a date that night, and we didn’t live together or anything… And then when my car wouldn’t start, one of my coworkers was right there, and he gave me a ride home. I didn’t even think about it until we got to my house, and Alan was there. He was seething. He accused me of… well, this isn’t a very original story. You know the rest. It was the first time he hit me. And then it escalated, like it always does, until I ended up in the hospital. So I broke up with him. He went nuts, stalked me for a while, and was such a general pain in my ass that I decided to take a position in Virginia to get away from him. I thought that was the end of it, until he showed up there.”

“He followed you to Virginia?” Barba asked.

Frankie was having a hard enough time working around the shame of having to reveal this to her new colleagues. She simply couldn’t respond to Barba, of all people. She could only imagine what he would be like to work with now.

“He followed her and torched her house,” Porter answered for her. “With her asleep inside.”

“Shit,” Dodds hissed.

“I don’t think he was trying to kill me at that point. It was easy enough to get out once I woke up. He was just trying to scare me into taking him back.” Frankie pointedly did not look at anyone but Porter, who knew the whole story. “Anyway, that’s when I met Porter. Alan was always one step ahead of us. It doesn’t look like he moved to Virginia, which is part of why he was so hard to trace. He just visited enough to make my life miserable and keep me scared. But he escalated. That’s when Porter started to recommend that I leave town. In retrospect, I should have, but I fought it for a long time. I was so pissed! I didn’t want to have to start over in a new city, again.”

“So what happened?” Dodds asked.

“Porter came to New York to be with Olivia and the Bureau assigned a new Special Agent to the case. When she came on, she took one look and said I had to get out of Virginia. Alan was trying to kill me for real, and he was going to succeed one of these times. She said that Porter and I were like those frogs in the pot of water. You know that saying? You turn up the heat gradually enough and they’ll just get used to it until they’re boiled alive, not realizing how hot it is? She said it was too hot for me to stay at Quantico, and she went over my head to get me reassigned. She called Porter, who knew about this job because of Olivia, and here I am. You can read the file if you want. You probably should. Because now Alan’s here. Already.”

The room digested the new information.

“How do you know?” Porter asked. “How do you know he’s here?”

“We were questioning a suspect just now,” Dodds answered. “When he heard Liv call her ‘Dr. Rojas’, he recognized her name. He called her by her first name and he told her ‘Alan sends his best.’”

Porter looked concerned. “What was the suspect’s crime?”

“We’re charging him with receiving stolen goods, but we were questioning him because the stolen goods belonged to two victims of the rapist we’re calling Pattern 20,” Rafael answered. He was watching Dr. Rojas carefully. From the complex look on her face, she wasn’t thinking anything good.

“Is he good for the rapes?” Porter asked.

“We don’t think so,” Rafael responded. He thought Rojas was suddenly very quiet for someone who enjoyed sharing her opinions as freely as she did.

“How’s this tweaker kid know who Frankie is? How’s he make the connection between her and Alan Canady?” Porter mused, looking at Olivia but not particularly asking the question of her. Frankie looked at her, too, hoping she’d have an idea, because that was the question bothering Frankie, too.

“That’s what we’re going to ask him,” Olivia answered. “Let’s get lunch while he’s being booked.”

The group filed out of the office, with Dodds holding the door. Due to her position in the room, Frankie was the last one to reach the door.

“Doc, a word?” Dodds asked.

“Sure,” she said, hanging back while he re-closed the door.

“I’m sure the Lieu won’t mind if we borrow her office,” Dodds said, indicating the couch. They both sat.

“What’s on your mind?” She asked.

“That’s my question to you, actually. Guy tries to kill you multiple times, runs you out of two cities and chases you to a third… I’m guessing you have some thoughts about that.”

“You trying to shrink the shrink?” Frankie’s smile didn’t reach her eyes.

Mike simply replied, “Yes.”

Frankie stood, hugging her arms to her waist and looking out the window into the squad room. “I appreciate it, Sergeant. I do. And you’re right. I question what it was about me that this prick thought he could treat me the way he did. I feel like a damn imbecile, choosing him to date when I’m supposed to be an expert on this kind of stuff. But most of all, now I’m fucking scared again. And that pisses me off.”

She turned around to look at him again. “That about what you expected to hear?”

He shrugged. “Just about. You’re the psychiatrist, and you have more experience in this field than I do, but all that sounds pretty damn normal to me.”

“It is. But that doesn’t make me hate it any less.”

Dodds nodded but didn’t say anything, just giving her an opportunity to talk if she needed to.

“I appreciate the shoulder, Sergeant. But I’d appreciate an arrest more.”

“Understood. And one other thing.”

“Yes?”

“You’ve said ‘fucking’ in front of me now. That means you get to call me Mike.”

Frankie insisted upon being in the room when they questioned the tweaker kid again. When Barba refused to allow it, she initially tried to talk him around, but he refused even to consider it. The harder she pushed, the angrier he became, until the argument became so heated, Olivia insisted they go into one of the other interrogation rooms to work it out. She then had to stop Carisi and Rollins from using the speaker to eavesdrop. Even without the speaker, it was easy enough to hear Barba and Rojas shouting at one another in Spanish. Olivia knew just enough to recognize that some of the words they were using were not polite.

“This is my life, Barba! I am going to be there.”

“’This is my life?’ Really? Isn’t that what teenagers say when their parents won’t let them drop out of school to become beat poets?”

“Don’t you fucking patronize me! I have as much right to be in that room as you do, and you cannot keep me out.”

“In fact, you don’t, and I can. And I am.”

“This man has tried to kill me multiple times. He’s here to try again. I’m not playing games here.”

“Neither am I, Doctor. I’m doing my job. I’m making sure that your little tantrum doesn’t destroy three separate criminal cases. One of which, I might add, is yours.”

“My little tantrum…?”

“I realize you aren’t all that familiar with the word ‘no’, but I also realize you have a law degree and, although you’ve never practiced law, you should at least recognize the concept that having the victim do the interrogation is a bit of a conflict of interest.”

Frankie was too angry to form a coherent sentence. “You egotistical son of a… strutting around like a tin-pot dictator in your little fiefdom…”

“Calling names is not particularly refined discourse, Doctor. But if we were calling names, I’d call you a fresa[1] and suggest you go have your nails done and let the rest of us get to work.”

”A… A… you did not just call me a fresa to my face.”

“Nothing wrong with your grasp of the obvious. I’m going to…” He started moving toward the door, but she stepped in front of him, stopping with their faces very close together as they shouted.

“I am a fully-qualified Forensic Psychiatrist with all the credentials. I’m perfectly qualified to take part in questioning this suspect. I happen to be very good at interrogations, which you would know if you ever took your eyes off the mirror. I also know this case. That is why I should be in that room! Anything else you might think is utter bullshit.”

“Really. I can’t help but notice you’re quite unhappy about being one of the lowly victims we work so hard to protect. It’s lovely to play the lady bountiful in your pristine Elie Saab, but it must be terrible for you to have to rub elbows with the great unwashed…”

“Stop talking.” She growled.

“With pleasure. Get out of my way. I have an interrogation to attend.”

For a very, very long moment, they stood there, glaring at one another, their breath heaving in their anger. Rafael was furious and completely frustrated by her irrational, petulant refusal to see reason. He was also painfully hard. Before he lost control of his urge to bend her over the table in the middle of the room, he stepped around Frankie to the door and left without another word. Frankie knew she wanted to throw him to the ground at that moment. What she didn’t know was which she wanted to do first, fuck him or punch his lights out.

[1] Literally means “strawberry”, but is Mexican and Latin American slang meaning stuck up, fake, snob, one who thinks they’re better than everyone else because they were born rich, and are well-educated.

#rafael barba #raul esparza #law & order svu #law & order: special victims unit #mike dodds #olivia benson #law & order SVU Agent Dean Porter #sonny carisi #amanda rollins

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intothestarkerverse · 5 years

Text

Time of Our Lives (Part 8)

Based on a prompt from @geekymarvel

Peter is tasked with an important mission that requires him to go back in time. Finding himself at a gala for Stark industries in the 1990’s, he comes face to face with a young and incorrigible Tony Stark who considers Peter’s attempts to deny his advances a challenge. Now, dogged by a horny young CEO who won’t take no for an answer, Peter’s task has become much more difficult….

(STORY CONTAINS ENDGAME SPOILERS)

Read on AO3

Peter was panicking. Tony could tell by the look on his pretty face. He was excited, vibrating in his seat, but the size of his eyes and the shallow breaths he was drawing into his lungs suggested that Peter didn’t know if he was allowed to be excited about meeting his parents or terrified of the ramifications. “What…what about the timeline? What if I screw up the future by meeting them? What if they don’t like me?”

“Peter, you’re the most lovable person I’ve ever met.”

Shit.

He’d done it again, and Peter’s smile had taken on that same, ridiculous, dopey quality it always did when Tony slipped and found himself subconsciously using the ‘l’ word. Tony chose to ignore it. “There’s no way they’re not going to like you. As for the timeline…you gonna warn them about their future deaths or introduce yourself to them as their future son?”

“Well, no…”

“Then, I think we’ll be fine. There have got to be some perks to time travel, Pete, and if meeting your parents who you barely remember isn’t one of ‘em, than I refuse to ever invent it. There goes your timeline, then, right?”

Peter’s eyes suddenly seemed to darken. “Yeah, then I’m as good as dusty again.”

Tony paused as he tried to decipher that statement. Clearly, it was a comment he was not supposed to understand, but something in the way that Peter said it and the slight tremor in his voice had set off alarm bells in Tony’s brain. Something very bad had happened to Peter, and even the vague idea of it was enough to send Tony’s blood pressure skyrocketing.

Fuck.

He really had to get a handle on this.

“Good, so, it’s settled, Beautiful. Operation Meet the Parents is a go. But before we go off and make some memories, there’s a few things we need to go over. Just for the sake of full disclosure.” Tony shifted in his seat to give Peter his full attention. It had not been easy to get Peter to open up about his parents so that Tony could go about locating them. It had required Tony to share quite a bit about his own as well. In the end, it was worth it, and completely necessary for Peter’s present…but it had also been painful. Never mind the fact that Peter now knew things about his relationship with Howard and Maria that no other living person had ever heard him say. Not even Jarvis. Now, however, he had the wonderful task of telling Peter that most of what he thought he knew about Richard and Mary…was wrong. “You said your parents worked for the government. Couriers, I think, right?”

“That’s what Uncle Ben said, yeah.”

“And your dad was in the army.”

“Yes…why?” Peter looked so bewildered, it made Tony’s heart clench.

The billionaire cleared his throat. “Yeah…see. About that. Your father’s military record is full of holes. I can find his enlistment information, a record of his additional training in special forces and then…big fat nothing. His activity is so black ops, there’s no digital record of it. Do you know how clandestine that shit has to be for the government to be afraid to leave an electronic footprint for any of it?”

Peter was completely motionless in his seat. He wasn’t speaking. Wasn’t moving. Wasn’t even fucking breathing. He was just staring at Tony like he’d been physically frozen.

“Peter?”

Nothing.

“Baby?”

Still nothing.

“Did I break you? If I was going to break you, I was really thinking it was going to be in the bedroom…”

Not even a response to that.

Damn.

Tony grimaced, but continued. “So…uh…he served under a friend of ours. Nick Fury. Remember him from the gala…”

“Nick Fucking Fury knew my dad!” Peter had almost launched himself into the windshield at that piece of information. His reaction and the strong language were so unexpected that Tony cracked his head on the roof of the sports car from jumping in his seat.

“Fuck, kid.” He was going to have a lump, not that Tony was too concerned about that when he saw Peter’s reaction.

Peter was actually shaking. At least his hands were. “You don’t understand, Tony. I know him. In the future. You know him too. Everyone knows him…even my dad, apparently. And Mr. Fury never said anything. Nothing. How could he not say anything? He has to know who my dad is. There’s no way he doesn’t know…”

“My best guess? He hasn’t said anything because he had something to do with why they died and he doesn’t want to have that awkward conversation.”

Peter was back to sitting completely still again. “Tony…what are you leaving out?”

He was almost afraid to go on, but there really was no going back now. “Last year, your father was recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. by his former C.O…Fury. He’s been an active field agent ever since. Your mother…she was recruited into S.H.I.E.L.D. right out of college…”

“My mom is a secret agent too!” Peter fell back in the car seat, hands covering his face with a small, muffled moan.

“Kind of…she’s actually where you get your smarts. She’s an up and coming star in the science division, if what I found through a bit of hacking is any indication.”

Peter was peaking through his fingers now. “She is?”

“Oh yeah, genius level smart for sure. Tech. Forensics. She does it all…”

“That’s…Ben and May never mentioned that.”

“I’m not sure they knew, Peter.”

Slowly, the teenager sat back up, smiling just a little. “So my mom’s smart and my dad’s a hero…”

“The spider doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Tony couldn’t help but smirk at the flush that began to climb the teen’s cheeks.

“Uh…so…what…are we doing here?” Peter made a broad gesture at the park beyond the car.

“Ah, yes, well…we lucked out, actually. I was really worried I wouldn’t be able to come up with a good way for our paths to intersect. But, according to my PI…your parents are having their wedding rehearsal here this morning. So, I’m hoping we can find a reason to…be friendly.”

“I’m actually famous for how friendly I am.” Peter was bouncing in his seat again. “So…they’re getting married soon, then.”

“In a couple of days, yeah.”

“Wow, this is…this is nuts. I…don’t even know what to say, Tony. I never thought…I mean they’re names. To me they’ve just always been names. And pictures. Videos. Not people. Not to me. Not really. No real memories. Just…flat. And now they’re going to be real. I never thought they’d ever feel real… This means…it means a lot to me.” Tony was startled to see the kid actually blinking back tears.

Scrubbing a hand over his jaw, Tony tried to shrug the display of emotion off. “It was nothing, really. Just something I thought you’d enjoy…”

“Thank you.” Peter’s voice was actually choked up now and there were full fledged tears and Tony was at a loss for what to do so he just gave an awkward smile.

“I’d do anything for you, Beautiful.”

“I know.” He did? “And you don’t…you don’t have to actually say it, Tony, you know? Cause I know…it’s hard for you…and you do things like this…which are honestly just as good. I don’t know if I’m allowed to say it, either, but this once…cause it’s my birthday and you did all of this for me…” Peter’s rambling drifted off for a moment. Some part of Tony actually hoped the kid was going to drop it there, but he didn’t. “And I just want to say that I love you, too.”

Well, fuck.

He’d gone and said it and that tiny thread of denial Tony had been clinging to snapped.

He could actually feel himself falling. Right up until that moment he’d thought ‘falling in love’ was a euphemism. But, nope. He felt the impact to the depths of his soul. Despite this, Tony did his best to sound unaffected, but he could tell from the sparkle in Peter’s eyes that the kid caught the sudden thickness to Tony’s voice, the slight stutter before he found his words again. “Al…alright, Peter, enough of that. We have a wedding rehearsal to crash.”

—

Peter could hardly believe it was really happening. He was going to talk to his parents. Maybe get to shake their hands. He’d be able to hear their voices and their laughs and their personalities and he’d never, ever have to wonder what they were really like ever again. Not only that, but the things he’d learned about them already! His father was practically James Bond! How cool was that? Ned was going to lose his mind! And his mom, his mom was smart. If his dad was James Bond than his mom was totally Q and that might actually be even more impressive to Ned. Peter figured his ‘guy in the chair’ was probably going to be way more excited about Peter’s Mom being the ‘woman in the lab’. It was all so awesome, so unbelievable that he had absolutely no words to explain to Tony just how much this whole thing meant to him.

As the two men made their way from their car to the wedding venue, Peter casually let his fingers graze Tony’s hand, his gaze darting over to look for some reaction from the older man. Tony raised an eyebrow, rolling his eyes playfully before he took Peter’s hand in his own and gave it a little squeeze. “You’re so lucky it’s your birthday, Parker.”

“Nah, I’m just lucky period.” Peter would have never considered himself a lucky guy before. In fact, he’d always thought the ‘Parker Luck’ was always more on the bad side of things…but maybe luck could change because ever since he’d found himself in the middle of that ballroom being visually devoured by a young Tony Stark, he’d been the luckiest guy on the planet.

“Look alive, Kid.” Tony gave his hand another squeeze and gestured with a nod of his head towards the lone figure a few yards ahead.

No doubt to Tony he was still indistinct, but Peter’s senses were quite a bit more acute. He could see the man with crystal clarity and just the sight of him sent Peter’s heart into excitement induced arrhythmias. “Oh my God, it’s really him.” The man from the pictures. His dad.

Richard Parker was of average height and leanly muscled with dark hair that appeared to bear the hint of Peter’s curls underneath the thick layer of styling gel that was struggling to hold it in place. Peter had always thought he looked more like his mother, but he caught subtle pieces of Richard that reminded him of his own reflection now that he was looking at the man in the flesh.

Apparently, Richard had also seen them approaching. Brow furrowed questioningly, he waited for them to come closer before he called out. “Good morning. This is a far cry from Manhattan, Mr. Stark.”

Tony chuckled beside Peter, dropping the boy’s hand. “I hope we’re not disturbing anything, had an appointment to check out the Park and thought I’d get here a little early to look at things without an audience. Are you Mr. Seston?”

“No, my fiance and I are having our wedding rehearsal here this morning…or we were supposed to. The girls were stranded and my brother had to save them.” He glanced at his watch. “I’m afraid we may not have time to run through everything if you have an appointment with Seston, soon.”

Tony made a dismissive gesture with his hand. “I don’t want my appointment to interfere with your wedding. You probably got the whole song and dance when you booked this place, right? Why don’t you walk us around, then you can take your time with your rehearsal.”

Richard looked surprised by the generous offer. Actually, Peter was too. “That’s awfully kind of you, Mr. Stark. I’m Richard Parker.” He held out his hand which Tony took in a firm handshake before Richard turned his attention to Peter. He held out that same hand again and Peter suddenly felt overwhelmed. He meant to take the man’s hand. He really did, but some embarrassing instinct took over and before he realized what he was doing, he had wrapped his father in a tight embrace that had the man stuttering in a very familiar way. “Uh…well…okay…um…you’re…you’re pretty friendly, aren’t you?”

“He’s famous for it, actually.” Tony’s sardonic tone snapped Peter back into reality. Pushing back with a deep flush, Peter looked up at his father as he stepped back and the man spoke a sentence that made him wish he was dead.

“Yes, I know, he was extremely friendly at your gala.”

“Wuh…” In the fraction of a second, Peter went from a scarlet flush to a sickly pale hue at the implications. “You…you were…you were there?”

“Yeah…don’t worry if you don’t recognize me. You two seemed busy…”

Peter staggered backward into a tree, bracing himself against the trunk with one hand as he doubled over and tried not to revisit his birthday breakfast all over the grass at the implication of his father watching him bite the buttons off of Tony’s shirt.

“Is he okay, Mr. Stark?”

“Peter? Yeah, he’s fine.” Tony was clearly trying to cover for him, though even Tony’s voice seemed a little strained at that unexpected development.

“I admit, I was a little worried about you, Peter. Mr. Stark doesn’t have the best reputation…but clearly if you two are out looking at wedding venues, I didn’t need to worry about him taking advantage of you.”

“What?” Peter heard Tony echo his words as he straightened up to give his father his full attention.

“Oh no, we’re not…” Tony was chuckling nervously, a little too nervously.

“No, no no no no…definitely not.” Peter was shaking his head vigorously, a bit of color returning to his face.

“Definitely not?” Tony stressed the word definitely with an eyebrow cocked in a demi-scowl. “Kid, you’re breaking my heart. I think five ‘no’s’ was enough without the definitely.”

“Ah come on, Tony, you know I didn’t mean it like that! It’s only been four months and it’s not like you’re going to actually try to marry me or something so stop embarrassing me in front of my fa…new friend…” Oh God that was close. It was also really freaking lame.

Richard appeared to be well and truly amused. “Follow me, I’ll show you two around.” Tony let Peter walk beside Richard as the man began to lead them around the wedding venue. He was clearly trying to remember what he’d been told about the features, but gave up when he realized that neither one of them was really paying attention at all. “I don’t think I caught you’re full name, Peter.”

“Parker.” The word left his mouth before he’d even thought better of it. A fraction of a second later he felt Tony elbow his side subtly and let out a grunt of annoyance.

“Really?” Richard chuckled. “Small world, I guess. That a Queens accent I detect, too?”

Peter could only nod dumbly. He was saved from further embarrassment by the sound of approaching footsteps. “Oh, I think your wife’s here!”

It was several awkward minutes before two women and a man crested the hill.

Peter felt his heart stop again.

Ben.

He hadn’t realized until that exact moment that he was going to get to see Ben again, too. Oh, and young May. It was Peter’s turn to elbow Tony in the side when he caught Tony checking May out. His annoyance was forgotten, though, as his gaze moved to his mom.

His mom!

Yeah, Peter was now utterly convinced that he looked a great deal more like his mother than he did his father. He was only a little taller than her. Same chestnut hair, same honey-brown eyes. There features were even similar. Clearly, he wasn’t the only one who noticed, because Tony was looking back and forth between the two of them with an amused expression on his face.

“Baby, did you make friends while we were gone?” Mary took Richard’s arm and rose on her toes to plant a little kiss on his cheek as she surveyed Tony and Peter. “Oh…one of them is a billionaire! In that case, bravo, Richie. I should abandon you in public parks more often.”

Richard was chuckling, shaking his head and staring down at her with such a mixture of affection and exasperation that it took Peter’s breath away. It might also, kind of, maybe, but not really, but maybe kind of, remind him of the look he caught Tony giving him every once in a while in the lab when the billionaire thought Peter wasn’t looking in his direction. “Mary, Sweetheart, this is Tony Stark and Peter Parker.”

“Really?” Peter thought her giggle even kind of sounded like a little like his laugh. He had no idea he had his mother’s laugh! Before he knew what was happening, he was being drawn into a hug. “That means we’re practically family Peter!” His mother’s voice so close to his ear that it sent shivers down his spine as he held onto her and breathed in the scent of her perfume. Lilies and Amber. He was never going to be able to smell Lilies and Amber again without thinking of her…and that was so wonderful the thought brought tears to his eyes.

“Looks like you’re not the only hugger here, Beautiful.” Peter could read the subtext in Tony’s eyes as he was forced to separate from his mother’s hug. Apparently being friendly was also a family trait. His parents were just…they were awesome. They were perfect in every conceivable way!

They were shown around the rest of the venue, Mary holding onto Peter’s arm and walking ahead of them, pointing out all of her favorite parts. “And I adore all of the natural flora, it was what made me choose the park. We could save a lot of money on flowers this way.”

“And I agreed, because with fronds like these, who needs anemones?” Richard was quick to join in from Mary’s other side.

Peter let out a snort followed by a laugh that had his father grinning in delight. “See, Mary, someone likes my jokes!”

Peter heard twin moans coming from May and Ben’s directions. “Don’t worry, Richard, my chemistry jokes never get a reaction either.”

Mary swatted Peter’s arm. “Oh, Peter, that was terrible…don’t encourage him or we’ll never hear the end of his jokes!”

“Oh my God, as if one wasn’t enough, now there’s two of them!” Ben’s teasing was good natured, something so familiar to Peter that without even thinking about it, he turned around to stick his tongue out at the man.

“Are we sure he’s not an actual Parker? No brother separated at birth or something?” May’s voice this time. “If not…you may just have to keep the kid. He fits right in with the both of you.”

Ben seemed to be considering May’s suggestion a little too seriously, and for a moment Peter felt his pulse race. “Can’t keep me, May. I think Tony would miss me too much.”

“Couldn’t live without you, Gorgeous.” To Peter’s ears, that sounded almost a little too sincere.

“We’ll have to keep them both then.” Mary gave Peter’s arm a little squeeze. “You two really must stay for the rehearsal and then join us for lunch. Nothing beats wedding jitters quite like lovely distractions.”

“Oh, you don’t really want us there..” Peter could see the look of alarm on Tony’s face as he tried to make excuses. Maybe he was reconsidering his birthday gift after all.

Too bad. Peter wasn’t going to give up time with his parents, now.

“Oh, we’ll definitely stay!” Peter was quick to interrupt Tony. What was the man thinking? They’d gone to all of this trouble to get Peter memories with his parents, and now that his parents both seemed to want them around, Tony was trying to back out? “I mean, we don’t have anything else to do really. And it’s my birthday, so…”

“It’s your birthday!” Mary grabbed his arm again. “Well now we have two things to celebrate, a wedding and a birthday, and we’re not taking no for an answer!”

The rehearsal was short and before long the six of them were seated around a table at a little Italian restaurant near the park. It was very early in the afternoon and the lunch rush hadn’t started yet, so they had most of the place to themselves.

Peter was only too happy to quiz his parents on everything from how they’d first met to how Richard had proposed and what they’re plans for the future were.

“Oh we want kids desperately.” Mary’s expression looked just a little haunted for a moment and May reached out to give her hand a little squeeze. Peter’s head cocked questioningly at the gesture and Richard cleared his throat. “Mary had a few health problems when she was younger. They could…make it difficult for her to conceive. But, like I told her…we won’t know until we try…”

Peter had never known that. He’d never stopped to think about his parents’ age or how long they’d been married…or even Ben and May’s age come to think of it. “Yeah…you…you really shouldn’t give up. Nothing’s impossible unless you accept that it’s impossible.”

“Are you sure he’s not a Parker-Parker? That sounds just like one of your Parkerisms…like the responsibility schtick of yours Ben.” May was using a breadstick as a pointer, leveling one end at Peter. “He’s a cousin or something, I’m telling you!”

Tony cleared his throat loudly, “So, did I hear someone say you were writing your own vows?”

“Oh yes! We only just decided to do that last week, but I really do not want to promise to ‘obey’ Richard because that’s one promise I’m definitely going to break.” Mary smirked at them over her glass of wine. “Actually…maybe we could use you as a test audience? Make sure they’re just mushy enough without being too over-the-top? I’ll just run off to the little girl’s room for a minute and let Richard give you a taste of his and then we’ll trade. It’d be good for us to practice that too, and you two don’t mind, do you?”

“I’d love to hear them!” Peter was probably a little too enthusiastic about hearing a stranger’s wedding vows, but no one seemed surprised by his excitement at this stage and Tony was quick to echo the sentiment, even if he wasn’t quite as flamboyant about it.

Richard, on the other, looked nervous as he plucked the folded piece of paper from his wallet and cleared his throat about a half a dozen times. “All right, well, here it goes. I love you Mary Fitzpatrick. More than anything else in this world. I promise to give you every beat of my heart, every breath from my lungs. Even when there’s distance between us, nothing will ever separate us because you’re a part of me. The best part. I don’t want to kill for you or die for you, Mary, I want to live for you and I promise that every day of my life, no matter what it holds, will be spent with you, for you, and beside you until the day it ends.”

“That’s really awesome. And poetic. I think she’ll love that!” Peter was blinking away tears, clutching Tony’s hand under the table. When he hazarded a glance at the other man, Peter was surprised by the look on his face. Tony appeared…thoughtful. Distant. Perhaps even troubled by Richard’s words. He met Peter’s gaze and offered a small smile, but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

A few minutes passed and positions were changed. Now, Mary prepared to recite her vows from memory while Richard hid in the bathroom.

“Richard Parker…you are the bravest, kindest, most honorable man I have ever known. I know that marriage isn’t easy and that life can be hard. I know that our careers may make it even harder, but I don’t care. My love for you is strong enough to conquer anything. Nothing will ever separate us. Not money. Not health. Not time. The universe itself could try to push us apart, and I would just push right back…because I promise to fight for you, Richard. I will fight for you and our love and our marriage…and someday, our family, because you’ve taught me that together we’re a force to be reckoned with. Together, there’s absolutely nothing that can stop us, that’s my promise to you.”

“Oh wow…Mary. That’s just..that’s really awesome! I don’t think you should be nervous about that at all.”

“Thank you, Peter, I’m sure if you like it that Richard will. You two do seem to have similar tastes, don’t you?”

“Yeah…I guess so.” Another glance at Tony and Peter was perplexed to see a grim set to Tony’s jaw and that same distant look as he stared down into his wine glass. He had no idea what the man was thinking, but a part of Peter was a little worried about it.

The rest of the afternoon passed in a blur. They parted with promises to meet for drinks after the Parkers returned from their honeymoon and with May demanding some information about Peter’s family so she could delve into his genealogy and prove that he was related to Richard and Ben. Peter had to keep repeating that he didn’t have a family or any access to his genealogy much to May’s chagrin.

Peter got a parting hug from the entire Parker clan, ending with Ben who held onto his shoulder after they separated. His voice was soft as he spoke to Peter, gaze trained on Tony as he exchanged numbers with Richard and mary. “Is that Stark fella good to you, Son? I know he has a reputation and you said you don’t have a family…”

“Yeah…no…yeah, he’s great. It’s not like the tabloids make it out to be, Ben. He cares about me…”

“Well, I want you to take our number and address, Son. If something happens, if someday he’s not and you need help or somewhere to go or even just an ear or a ride or a bus ticket…you call us, okay? You may not be family, but you’re a good kid and I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I thought you were going to get into trouble because you had no one to help you out.”

Peter blinked back tears and surged forward for another hug. “You’re a good man, Ben. Probably the best man I’ve ever known. I just…I want to make sure you know that before I go, okay? That I just…I want to be half the guy you are someday. Thank you…for everything…and I’ll definitely call you if something happens and I need help. I promise…don’t worry about me.”

—

Tony was remarkably quiet for the rest of the day, though he did try to make sure that the rest of Peter’s birthday was celebratory. It was only when they were laying in bed that night that Tony was finally able to gather his thoughts into something coherent and tangible. “Peter…” , The teenager stirred slightly. He hadn’t been asleep, but he had been blissfully relaxed, cuddled close to Tony’s chest lost in the blissful afterglow of steamy sex followed by a hot shower and the soft, languid touches that had become common place between them several months ago. He had only just stopped assuring Tony that this had been the best birthday of his entire life. The movement of Peter’s hand stopped at the sound of Tony’s voice, palm pressed flat against Tony’s chest as he propped himself up on an elbow to look the older man in the eye. “Yes?”

“I need you to tell me the truth.”

“I always do, Tony.”

Tony shifted, dislodging Peter and sitting up against the headboard. He scrubbed his hands across his face several times before he tried again. “I need you to tell me the truth about the future.”

“What?” Peter was sitting up in a moment, brown eyes wide with horror and disbelief. “I can’t! Tony, I can’t. The timeline…”

“The timeline is fucked, Peter. Don’t tell me you haven’t realized that. You’ve been here too long. You’ve changed too much. About me. You’ve changed too much about me.”

“I…I have?”

“You have.” He steadied himself with a deep breath, brushing the backs of his fingers along Peter’s jawline. “Baby, you’re right, I…I love you and I’m not going to be able to let you go. The Nullifier…we’re close. Baby, we’re a hell of a lot closer than I’ve been letting on, and I need to know what happens. I need to know how the Old Man becomes the hero you say he is. Your parents…they made me realize some things. I’m not giving in. We’re not giving in. I’m not accepting any outcome that doesn’t have you and me together at the end. I’m taking a page from Richard and Mary Parker. I’m fighting for you, living for you, all of it. You’re going to tell me everything. Everything, Peter. And then you’re going to trust me to fight for you because you and me…we’re endgame now, whether the universe likes it or not.”

#starker

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batbirdies · 4 years

Text

NaNoWriMo 2019 Batfam fic Part 7

I’m posting rough excerpts from my NaNo project this year which is a fanfic centered around Jason Todd eventually agreeing to dog sit Titus while Bruce and Damian are out of town. Involving some deep seated issues, unintended animal therapy, snarky text messages between robins and eventually, some reconciliation between father and son.

Takes place in a murky in between time sometime after Damian was resurrected.

A NOTE: These are very rough drafts, I’m copy and pasting from my google doc, I switch tense all over the place, so apologies. WARNINGS: content includes PTSD flashbacks of sorts, violence involving humans as well as animals, references to dog fighting, lots of swearing.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

“Mind telling me what the fuck this was all about?” The guy raised his eyebrows, seemed completely unphased by Jason’s poorly veiled threat a moment ago.

“Just an accident. Here, take my info.” He reached in his pocket and pulled out a business card that he held out, nothing printed on it but a phone number. Jason stared at it. “I’d be happy to cover your medical bills for that arm.” He nodded to Jason’s left forearm, still held tightly against his body. Jason plucked it out of his hand, eyeing it for a split second before tucking it into a pocket, he’d throw it away later.

“Real generous of you.” The guy smirked. Jason squinted at him, waiting for some kind of hint. “We met before?”

“Oh I doubt it.” He took a drag off the cigarette. “I’d remember your dog if we had.” He looked around Jason then, at where Titus was standing, tight up against the backs of his legs.

Jason took a step forward, fed up. “What the fuck do you want? You think I’m stupid? Your friend there sicked that dog on us, I saw it. You-“ Jason cut himself off, felt Titus nudging at the back of his leg, he gave a low bark, quiet but unhappy. He didn’t want to make any hints if the guy didn’t know anything.

Hell this was Gotham. Nut jobs did insane shit like sick their dogs on people all the time.

They however didn’t usually seem so casually unrepentant and unafraid of the police showing up.

Tall Guy raised his hands in mock surrender. “Hey now, if you hadn’t jumped in, I promise you he never would have bitten.”

“Oh, cause you’ve done this before? Is that it?”

“I don’t know what you mean, didn’t do anything, this was all just an accident. Crusher can get aggressive around other big dogs. And that is one big dog.”

“Is this seriously about Titus?” Jason was recalculating the idea that this idiot might know who he was. He chuckled.

“Titus, good name for him. He looks tough.” Jason stares at the guy, feeling a muted sort of astonishment at the idiocy in the world. Whatever this was, he wanted no part in it.

“You know what, you can get lost.” Jason started to turn away, he didn’t need to tug on the leash, Titus was happily leading the way.

The sound of rushed footsteps had him turning just in time to see the guy reaching towards Titus head, he saw the flash of a red tip of a cigarette tucked near the guys palm and lashed out before he could think better of it.

Leash still in his hand, he struck with his bad arm, snatched up the guys wrist, twisting it hard and fast until he couldn’t keep up the nonchalant act anymore.

“Ok, ok, shit man.” He sunk to his knees in an instant.

“Were you just gonna fucking burn my dog?” His arm was throbbing, the crushing grip he was keeping on the guys wrist making the pain flare like a bitch. Blood was dripping drown his arm in thick rivulets, down his hand, ruining his jacket and the assholes alike.

“Hey, hey, I just thought he looked tough-”

“So you thought you’d test your theory?” His grip was entirely too tight, he could feel the Lazarus bubbling up in him, everything in his vision taking on that vaguely green tinge.

“Hey, honestly man, I’m trying to do you a favor-”

“You fucking-”

“You like to bet? I can make you a fortune if he’s as mean as he looks.” He was on his knees, gasping out the words, gripping the wrist Jason held in his fist with his other hand desperately. Eyes wide in obvious fear. He choked, color crawling up his neck. “Please man-”

Jason didn’t make the decision to break the guys wrist, but it happened just then, his grip so tight that when he tensed at the statement - it was enough.

He gasped, “fuck man!”

“You’re lucky I don’t kill you.” Jason was shaking as he hissed out the words, skin hot, he felt the urge come up, the pulse rack through him.

Titus let out a high pitched whine, drawing back on his leash hard.

Jason let go. Took a hard step back, breath heaving, blinking away the green clouding his vision.

“What the hell man?” He was crying, clutching at his broken wrist with his good hand. Titus whined again, pulling on his leash enough to make Jason stumble a step after him.

He stood his ground for a second more, staring at this - this - “If I see you or your friend here again, you’ll leave with more than a broken wrist, you hear me?”

“Man why would you-”

“I said do you hear me?”

“Ok man, ok!”

Jason relented, letting Titus yank him around until they were walking at a brisk pace in the opposite direction. He was still fuming, filling his lungs with deep heaving breaths, trying to rid himself of the feeling of hornets buzzing around inside his chest.

It took him too long to realize that Titus was leading them the wrong direction, away from his apartment. When he finally blinked back into awareness they were two blocks away and his bloody arm was throbbing with every step he took.

Jason directed them all the way back around the block they were on instead of turning around. Feeling like he could use the exercise even while his arm hurt so bad he was hissing through his teeth. They were leaving a dripping trail of blood down the sidewalk as they went, every person they met crossed the street when they saw them coming but he couldn’t bring himself to care. He feels so tightly wound it’s a miracle he doesn’t snap like an old guitar string.

By the time they’ve traveled all the way back to Jason’s apartment Titus has gotten decidedly more exercise than required or planned and Jason feels no less angry than he had twenty minutes ago. He unlatches Titus’ leash and goes hunting for his first aid kit, stashed under his bathroom sink.

He’s pissed about his jacket, the sleeve is completely torn up and their blood all down it. It was a nice freaking jacket and an expensive one and when he tears it off in a huff and slings it over the edge of the bathtub he wonders briefly if Alfred could fix it….get the blood out, stitch up the torn pieces? Maybe that was asking too much but the man could be a miracle worker sometimes. Not to mention Jason was feeling almost a little like he owed him after the stunt with the gift, even if that was a little ridiculous and he’s never say it.

Getting a good look at his arm he’s definitely not happy. The skin is punctured to varying degrees of depth in large crescent shape, on his forearm as well as the tender skin on the inside of the arm. There’s enough blood that it takes a while for the warm water running in his sink to even rinse it away enough to tell. Following with antibacterial soap hurts like a bitch but dog bites are known for causing infections and Jason does not wanna mess with one.

He dabs it all dry with a clean dust rag he has stashed in the hallway closet, not wanting to ruin one of his actual towels with blood. It happened enough already when he came home after patrol with injuries, he was down to two good towels that didn’t have unfortunate stains.

Then he plasters a good layer of antibacterial ointment on the whole mess and covers it with two large bandages.

He still can’t calm down and he’s not totally sure why. At first he thinks it was just the confrontation, the audacity of two assholes to sick their dog on him and Titus but it’s not just that. It’s the dog fights.

Nothing should surprise him anymore.

Jason grew up on the streets. He started fighting crime before he was even a teenager. He’d died, he’d come to life, he’s been raised from a Lazarus pit, been through training like no other, done and seen things that could barely be believed.

But somehow the depravity of the human race could still shock him.

He remembers the fighting pits. The fear, the pain, the terror and violence. Remembers the twists, the random handicaps to teach him how to keep going when he was on his last leg. Remembered never really knowing what would happen if he lost, just the vague dread that it would be worse than this, worse than the constant fights and the surprise attacks and the complete lack of human connection.

Jason thinks about those dogs and he can’t fucking let it go.

He finds Titus in the living room, just standing in front of the couch like he’s been waiting for Jason to come out, his tail hanging low but wagging slowly, like he’s unsure. He huffs out a low sigh and throws his head back, stretching his neck and wondering, for a split second, if any of the shit he does, that any of them do, in costume ever makes a damned difference.

“Hey boy.” He says quietly as he shuffles back into the living room and sinks down onto the couch. “I’m not mad at you. You can relax.” He scratches at his ears when Titus follows him, and the dog lays his big ol’ head in Jason’s lap and makes a happy little snuffling noise and inspite of the morning Jason feels the edge of his mouth twitch up.

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