#no not now and not for a good few years yet y'all are not well-behaved enough

[feyhunter78]

Pink Pastels

Description: Single dad Miguel who replaced himself in a new universe meets his daughter's favorite teacher, you, who just happens to have a shitty boyfriend and doesn't yet know how much the O'Hara family wants you to stick around

Pt 2

I cracked y'all, and I blame TikTok

“Ms. Y/N, watch me, watch me!” Gabi calls, waving her arms in the air to catch your attention.

“I’m watching, go ahead.” You encourage her, smiling brightly when she does a successful cartwheel, her hair spilling from the loose braid one of her classmates had done for her during quiet reading.

You know teachers aren’t supposed to have favorite students, you tell each and every one of your students that you don’t have favorites, that you adore all of them equally. But Gabriella O’Hara holds a special place in your heart.

“Did you see, did you see?” She asks excitedly, running up to you, dark curls tumbling wildly around her shoulders.

You kneel down, and brush the hair back from her face, still smiling brightly. “I did, that was amazing, who taught you that?”

“My dad, he helped me practice.” She says, giving you a toothy grin, one front tooth missing from where she’d knocked it out eating an apple yesterday.

A tear-filled lunch that had been until you reminded her that now the Tooth Fairy would come visit her. The idea of a sparkly fairy leaving her money in exchange for her tooth dried her tears quickly, and soon enough she was proudly showing off her lost tooth (safely contained in a Ziploc bag) to anyone who would listen.

“Well, it seems like your dad is a very good teacher, then.” You say, giving her shoulder a quick squeeze before her friends dragged her back onto the playground.

You stood back up and rejoined the other first grade teachers.

“She’s adorable.” Janey says, nodding at Gabi who was playing tag with a few other girls.

Janey taught in the classroom next to yours. You started teaching at the same time, but she’d been hired at Steve Rodgers Elementary a year before you. Janey was the first friend you made when you got hired, and you soon became close friends inside and outside school.

“She’s so well-behaved, too; I wish I knew who her mom was, so I could thank her.” You say, a slight grimace on your face, when you watched two boys from your class begin to shove each other.

You called out to them, and they stopped, giving you guilty looks before running towards the swing sets.

“There’s no mom, she walked out on Gabi and her father after she was born.” Melissa says, her arms crossed over her chest as she watched her kids.

Melissa was a senior teacher at Rodgers Elementary. A tough love works the best teacher with the confidence of a god, and a nose for gossip like you couldn’t believe.

“Oh, that’s so sad.” You say, your heart hurting for the sweet little girl who always wanted to sit next to you during story time. Gabi had told you about her dad many times, but never mentioned her mom, you just assumed she was away for work often, or that they didn’t have many things in common.

You looked at Gabi, watching as she helped one of her friends tie their shoes. Sitting beside them and patiently demonstrating on her own sneakers. How could anyone walk away from her?

“It is, but her dad…he’s hot, I’ve seen him in the pickup line, he’s like a male model or something.” Melissa says, wiggling her eyebrows suggestively.

You gave her an incredulous look. “Melissa! That’s a parent you’re talking about.”

She shrugs. “Hey, I’m married, I’m not gonna do anything, but one of you could.”

Janey turns her head to hide her laughter, and you smack her arm. “Janey, hitting on a child’s parent is wildly inappropriate, besides I have Todd.”

Melissa snorts, and you bite the inside of your cheek. Todd was not a popular man around the school, especially after what he pulled on your birthday.

The bell rings signaling the end of recess and your kids begin to line up, ending your conversation as the three of you are pulled in different directions.

There’s a knock at your door, and you look up from grading papers, to see Janey. “Hey y/n, Gabi’s father is here to see you?”

You shoot her a look of confusion and begin to tidy up your desk, then stand, smoothing out the wrinkles in your baby pink dress. “Oh, yeah, sure, let him in.”

Janey disappears, and the space is filled by a giant of a man. He towers over the desks, making them look even tinier than they already were. His shoulders are massive, his biceps you swear are bigger than your thighs, though you could be exaggerating, but you’re honestly not sure, and when he fixes those dark brown eyes on you, and suddenly the floor beneath you feels unsteady.

“Mr. O’Hara, how can I help you?” You manage to get out, motioning for him to take a seat in front of his desk.

“I’ll stand.” He says curtly. His voice is deep, settling in your bones, the faint whisper of an accent, and confidence behind his words makes you nervous for a moment, then you recognize the feeling, not nerves…something else, something much more inappropriate.

“Oh—okay, is there something you need, is Gabi okay?” You ask, realizing she isn’t in the classroom with him.

“She’s fine, just sitting outside with her book.” He explains, his eyes piercing straight through you.

“Margaret and Margarita, right? Your daughter an exceptional reader, in both English and Spanish, you should be very proud.” You say, giving him a smile, hoping the compliment will soften his expression and make it seem like he didn’t want to murder you.

Melissa was right, Mr. O’Hara was gorgeous. With a strong jawline, high cheekbones, a mess of thick dark hair, and perfectly formed lips, all tapering down to the body of an Adonis, clothed in a white button up that stretched across his broad chest, and black slacks that clung to his muscled legs like it was their job and rent was due next week. But his expression was flat, his eyes cold, his stance rigid.

“Why did you lie to my daughter?” He asks flatly, looking down at you, as if you were a bug on his windshield.

You blink up at him in confusion. “I’m sorry?”

“You should be.”

An indignant expression flashed across your face before you could stop it, and you saw Mr. O’Hara’s lip twitch. “I’m not apologizing, I’m asking for clarification.”

“You told Gabi that the Tooth Fairy was going to visit her, I wasn’t going to do the Tooth Fairy , she doesn’t need false hope.” He snaps, leaning forward slightly, towering over you.

The hair on your arms stands up, but you brush it off as a stab of guilt goes through you. He was a single dad, maybe he couldn’t afford such frivolous traditions. “Mr. O’Hara, if this is a financial issue, I am so sorry. I should’ve tried to comfort her another way, my sincerest apologizes.”

“This isn’t a financial issu—comfort her?” He stops midsentence, his brows furrowing.

“She was upset because she lost her teeth, it’s her first one, a ton of kids get a little scared, but the promise of a reward usually clears those tears right up.” You tell him, holding your hands up in a pacifying way as you talk.

His eyes dart down to your hands, then back to your eyes, lingering for a moment on your lips. “I didn’t—Gabi didn’t tell me she was scared.”

“She was probably a little embarrassed. She talks all the time about how brave you are and how she wants to be just like you when she grows up.”

His expression softens.

“I actually—”you turn to rifle through your desk until you find Gabi’s latest assignment—“have something for you.”

He takes the paper from you, and you can’t help but notice how his hands dwarf yours, his tanned skin is scattered with small scars, and his calloused fingertips brush against yours. “What is this?”

“I had the kids draw a picture of their hero and then write a few sentences about why that person is their hero. I think she was one of a few who didn’t draw Spiderman.” You laugh softly.

He cradles the paper and a soft smile spreads across his face as he reads her writing under his breath. “Porque mi papá lucha contra los monstruos en mi armario.”

“I had to look that one up, my Spanish is terrible.” You admit sheepishly, watching as he reads her words over and over again.

“Thank you, for this, and for comforting Gabi.” He says, folding the paper carefully and sliding it in his pocket.

“Of course, I love Gabi, she’s such a pleasure to have in class.”

He looks at you, really looks at you, and you’re struck by how similar he and Gabi are. They have the same nose, the same almost curls that frame their faces, and when he tilts his head ever so slightly to the side you almost burst out laughing. You can’t count how many times you’ve seen Gabi do that exact same thing.

“You know Gabi talks a lot about you, how pretty you are, she was right.” His voice is low, smooth, and sends a jolt through you. Then he takes his leave, with you standing there stunned, wondering what the hell just happened to you.

Eternal Tag list: @nyctophilic0vitnir

#meg's writing #miguel o'hara #miguel o'hara x reader #miguel o hara x reader #miguel o'hara x you #miguel o'hara fanfiction #across the spiderverse #As almost always ao3 saw it first and the second chapter is already posted there!!!! #If you don't want to wait for it to be posted here! #not a request just a thought i had #Miguel’s pastels #miguel o'hara imagine #miguel ohara #atsv miguel #spiderman 2099 x reader #miguel o'hara scenarios

[love-islike-abomb]

Renegade: part 4

Roman reigns x OC Scarlet

Gif credit: @romanreigns

Warnings: angst, scifi, errors I may have missed

Tag list: @angelreigns444 @acknowledge-reigns

______

A few days later

Joe's POV

I hadn't yet told my cousins about the woman who's caught my attention.  "uce,  Woman will only lead them to you faster!" I could just hear them say.

I barely knew her And I was already falling for her. She was beautiful! Her personality was to die for and those eyes! Such beautiful dark brown eyes!!

"Uce! You with us?" I heard Josh say and I snapped out of my trance.

"Oh yeah sorry! Just lost in thought" I said

"About what?" He said crossing his arms "don't tell me it's a woman cause you know better! We can't have attachments! It makes us easily found!" He warned

"Josh how are they gonna find us?! We've been on the run for nearly 300 years! The should have found us by now!" I said

"I knew it! It's a woman!" Josh said rolling his eyes.

"Stop acting like my father Josh!" I glared at him

"Bout time someone does before you get us all killed" I heard him mumbled.

I felt my teeth sharpen and Tried to hide the anger that boiled up in me but it was no use. I ran and punched Josh across the face breaking his jaw only for it to instantly fix itself.  He ran back at me and pushed me causing me to fly across the yard. I stood up ready to fight again but Jonathon stepped in between us. "that's enough! Uce maybe him finding a woman is what he needs! Perhaps you should to! You may not be so grouchy if you got some!"

Jonathon looked at me "does she know uce?"

"No she doesn't" i said shaking my head.

"Keep it that way for now!" He said

I nodded. "I like her a lot!"

"That's fine uce! Just keep yourself and her safe. No one in this town knows who or what we are! Let's stay that way!"

"I'm gonna go see her again later this week" I said.

"Just bring her here!" Jonathan said

"Are you sure? Hot head over there may not like that to much"

"Stop! Just bring her over for dinner! Nothing to crazy" he said. 

"You 2 better behave yourselves and not be the horn dogs I know you can be!" I said crossing my arms.

"I won't" Jonathon said. Josh seemed to be off in his own little world until his brother nudged him "what?" He whisper yelled "oh yeah me either uce!"

I sighed "fine I'll ask her but if she says no I'm not pushing her. I don't wanna make her uncomfortable"

"Alright just let us know" Jonathon said patting me on the shoulder.

"I will"

Scarlet's POV

It had been a few days since I heard from Joe. I figured he was busy so I didn't think anything of it. I was folding laundry when my phone rang "talk about timing" I smiled.

"Hey!" I smiled into the phone

"Hey beautiful! How are you?"

"I'm alright! Just doing some laundry. Gotta have clean clothes" I said

"I get it" he chuckled "hey I wanted to ask you if you wanted to come meet my cousins one day this week for dinner?"

"Your cousins?" I asked

"Yeah I mean if you don't want to you don't have to" he stammered

"What are y'all planning on doing?" I asked

"Oh just a cook out" he said

"I'd like to come" I smiled

"Awesome!" He smiled "well as far as I know it's gonna be Saturday but since it's only Tuesday I'd love to see you before then!" He said

"It's still early in the day so if you wanna come over tonight you can" I smiled.

"I'd like that. maybe 6?"

"Sounds good"

"See you then" he said

After our phone conversation I finished a few things around the house. And around 4 started getting dressed.  I picked out a red dress.

After getting my shower and getting dressed I did a few last things before putting my shoes on. I had somehow managed 15 minutes to spare before he got here. Soon there was a knock on the door.

I took a deep breath and went to the door. "Hey scarl- wow!!" He smiled.

I blushed "you don't look to bad yourself!"

"Is that heart I hear?" He asked

"Oh yeah that's barracuda!" I said

"Nice! You've got taste!" He smiled.

After barracuda was over a song I was somewhat hoping would come in while he was here came on. "Lady in red?" His eyebrow perked up. "I um.... "

"You do look beautiful in that dress!" He smiled. "Come ere" he said reaching his hand out and leading me to the open part of my living room. Putting his hand on my hip and gently pulling me close to him we slowly swayed to music. Grabbing my hand he raised my arm over the back of his neck. "The song isnt lying. You do look gorgeous!" He smiled.

I blushed. I started to say something but he started singing along with the song. "Lady I. Red" he smiled down at me "is dancing with me" his smile started to slowly fade. "You look absolutely beautiful in that dress!" He said.

I smiled "it's been sitting in my closet for almost a year and I never had reason to wear it"

"I'm glad you wore it tonight" he smiled slowly leaning in to kiss me as the song ended.  Hia soft lips connecting with Mine had my heart racing as I slowly pulled away and laid my head on his chest A few minutes later I realized we had been dancing with no music "I've never done that before" I said lifting my head up.

"What's that?"

"Danced with no music! I guess the song was still in my head" I smiled.

"Or you're comfortable and relaxed and you didn't need it" he said.

I smiled "I know we just met a few days ago but I feel drawn to you already and I don't know why"

"I don't know either but I'm glad" he said

Slowly leaning in, our lips met again. A soft gentle kiss yet needy enough to leave me wanting more. A soft moan escaping my lips making me smile "you're a good kisser"

"Glad to know" he smiled "have I told you how beautiful you look?"

"Only hundreds of times" I smiled

Grabbing my hand in his and bringing it to his lips to kiss it again... I'be always wanted someone to do that and him doing it without me having to say made it even more romantic. His phone chimed randomly and he looked over at it "it's probably my cousin's wondering where I am. Let them wonder" he said leaning back in to give me another kiss only to stop a few seconds later with his phone ringing.

"Hello" he said sounding irritated

"Are you sure" his attitude towards the person suddenly changed, almost as if he was hiding what they just told him. He hung his head "alright" he said, hanging up his phone. He started to walk away but I grabbed his arm to stop him..

"What's wrong" i asked confused

"I have to go" he said, His facial expression sad.

"That's it no explanation?" I said

"I can't have you involved in this!" He said

"Involved in what? Joe what are you talking about?"

"I'm not who you think I am Scarlet!" He said

"Great... just as I start to like a guy he pulls the "I'm not who you think is am" card! Typical" I said rolling my eyes "let me guess your married and have kids already right?"  I yelled.

"Scarlet it's not like that at all" he said

"Then what is it like Joe? You come in here sweep me off my feet with your romance and because I won't jump into bed with you... no you know what just go! Get out! Gone with your wife and kids or whoever else you have! I'm such an idiot!" I said putting my head in my hands.

"Scarlet I -"

"OUT!!"

He turned to walk out the door and turned around  "I'll always be here"

#Spotify #Roman reigns #wwe fanfiction #roman reigns x oc #wwe x oc #roman reigns fanfiction #scifi

[doctors-star]

16 for cowboys??

“Look, I care about you, alright? Quite a bit, I’m afraid.”

Johnny flops on his back, head slightly downhill of his feet in a way which makes the blood in his skull rush and whirl bewilderingly and his eyes pressed closed against the burning-bright sun, as yet undimmed by the afternoon. Someone drops a hat on his stomach and he flinches as though it had been a cannonball, sticking his tongue out and playing at being injured like the hognose snake Will had found in the shade under the general store’s porch - he’d rescued it from being killed as a copperhead, scooped it up in his hat, and brought it round to Ainsel’s back window to show the kids, thoroughly derailing all schooling for the day, as they all crowded around the hat to watch the creature resolutely turn on its back and stick its tongue out in repeatedly feigned death.

He stretches massively on the grass, smiling at the gentle laughter and the feeling of someone sitting near him and reaching across to give him two firm pats on the flank like a well-behaved horse. It’s been a long day, and it started early, but Johnny does like the big drives and hay harvests - all Danser collected together for one purpose, to help their neighbours and be rewarded in turn. Before dawn, he’d been drummed awake by fists on his door and had dressed quickly in the dark to stumble out into the street and go about mustering up others in turn. Of their little gang, he’d been first out of doors, followed by Will - looking bleary but drawn out by the other men staying in the saloon - then Ainsel, who seems to think they might be more use in bed than on horseback every time they see their own horse, then Tommy and Finn looking respectively disgustingly bright and alert, and still mostly asleep. Will, with his extremely biddable broad-chested nearly-a-draught horse, is quickly co-opted into driving one of the carts out of town and along the dusty prairie roads, uphill to the Wilder ranch to deliver tin pails of food and heavy stoneware bottles of drink and the very young and the very old, so that all of Danser may equally participate in the drive. Johnny, Finn, Ainsel and Tommy saddle up and cut north through the prairie, up the steeper side of the hill where the road can’t run; there, Diaz, Wilder, and Wilder’s eldest lad are calling instructions over the heads of the crowd and pointing in disparate directions to where the cows oughtta be, and where the cows oughtta go. A further crowd of skirts and fine hats - for today the town congregates, and it had better be in full finery and Sunday best - has collected around Mrs Wilder and Mrs Diaz to make tea and grits and beans cooked with salt pork in molasses, the scent sticky and inviting on the air even now, with hours of cooking left. Johnny tilts his nose into the air and breathes deeply, shooting a wink at Jody Masham when she passes near and earning a delightfully saucy grin for it. Her ma notices, of course, and gives him the evil eye, but Jody lets her fingers trail down his thigh from hip to knee on the pretense of admiring his horse and looks up at him through her lashes and he could perish on the spot for love of her, so what does he care anyhow.

She passes up chunks of soda bread, steaming in the dawning light and golden with butter, and he tosses them to his fellow riders - dinner will be late today, what with the distance the herd might have gone. And then they’re away, riding nearly the full complement of the town’s horses across the plains to where the herd stands, sedate and well-fed on the last of their summer grazing and ready to be collected up, split once more between Wilder and Diaz, and stowed in smaller paddocks with good solid barns over winter.

There ain’t no point in racing, really. There’s no advantage to getting there ahead of any other person. Johnny grins up at the sky, remembering the wind in his hair, hat brim in his teeth, crouching low over his horse to eke out those crucial inches that keep his horse’s nose ahead of Finn’s as they hoot and holler with the freedom of the run.

“Aww,” Finn says in a tone of very mocking gentleness as he nudges Johnny’s knee with the toe of his boot. Johnny cracks an eye open in preparation to glare at him for the inevitable teasing; against the bright and sunny sky, Finn’s hat is like a halo though his face is dark in the shade. “Didya go too fast today? You ain’t got no endurance, Johnny.”

Johnny allows the glare to settle, but before he can retort, someone on his blind side snorts. “No endurance - how many girlfriends has he got, again?”

Johnny chokes on startled laughter. Finn is wide-eyed in delight as he stares across Johnny’s prone form. “William,” he says, sounding scandalised.

Johnny props himself up on his elbows and sticks his hat back on his head so’s he can watch Will spread his hands defensively. “What,” he says, “I can’t be crude sometimes?”

Finn gestures at his own cheeks. “Naw, sure ya can, only it makes your face go so red that I get worried about ya.”

“That’s just the sunburn,” Tommy says cheerfully, clapping Will on the shoulder hard enough to make him sway and dropping to the grass next to Johnny. As promised, Will’s fair skin is flushed with embarrassment and striped with an angry red across his angular nose and cheekbones, the skin already starting to peel from a day under the sun. He huffs and folds to the floor, knees up to his chest and sleeves shoved up to his elbows to display a bar of red down his forearms too.

“I hope you weren’t teachin’ my kids that kind of joke,” Ainsel says, an enormous black umbrella hooked under forearm and over shoulder to shield them from the sun as they carry a wicker basket in two hands packed with tin pails, bread, biscuits, and bottles over to their little circle. The rest of the town is ranged likewise on the hill overlooking the town and, beyond that, the desert; the horses are tacked out near the farmhouse; the kids themselves are enjoying the freedom and sunshine having been released from hay harvest duties and are tearing up and down the hill, weaving in between groups and only occasionally stopping by their families to grab more food before haring off again.

“I have done no such thing,” Will objects crossly, but Ainsel gives him first choice from the basket and tucks him under the umbrella and out of the sun when they sit beside him so it’s quickly forgiven.

“He was exceeding useful,” Noel pronounces, kneeling by the big enamel dish which represents their share of the molasses and beans and salt pork, and wielding a large spoon like a sword. Johnny gathers that she had appeared some time after dawn, to the disparaging muttering of many of the elder town ladies, but had done so with such a quantity of fine bread and pickles and preserves that her critics had been forced to quiet down to faces of pinched displeasure while Noel held court, knowing that it was not a competition and that she had, regardless, won. She had then gone about supervising the hay harvest, keeping the younger kids in line and occupied while those trusted with scythes cut the hay and Will, on horseback, ran the new hay tedder up and down the field, and then releasing them to stack the hay under her exacting eye. Jody and Peggy had been amongst the scythers and had told Johnny with mouths full of giggles how Will had been left “in charge,” and then done every single thing Noel told him to without complaint or thought of defiance - but the harvest had been done, and Danser is too fond of Will to mock him for being hen-pecked by a woman he hasn’t even married.

Johnny reaches across to ruffle Will’s hair, but he ducks away like a feral cat. “Aww,” he laughs, “you’re useful.”

“Wish the rest of you were,” Will grouses, folding sulkily around his plate.

Tommy catches Johnny’s eye and grins wickedly. He beams in reply; Noel sighs in advance. “It’s true,” Johnny says, assuming a woebegone expression and trying not to snigger when Tommy looks similarly sorry for himself. “We ain’t good for anything whatever. Wholly useless, and you don’t love us.”

Will sniffs, mouth turned down comically in disdain. “You’d be mad to do otherwise,” he tells them sternly, in his finest clipped tones - brought out for special occasions, and their amusement.

“Why, Mister Williams, that don’t reflect very well on me at all,” comes a voice behind Johnny’s left shoulder, light and familiar fingers coming to rest there in accompaniment. Distantly, Johnny is aware of Finn choking on laughter and cornbread, and of Will straightening awkwardly with an air of panic, and of Tommy smirking and kicking at the sole of Johnny’s boot in a teasing, vaguely encouraging fashion - but mostly Johnny is aware of those five delicate points of gentle contact over the ball of his shoulder, and the swishing press of skirts against his side, and how if he tilts his head right back and left he can see all up the willowy line of Jody Masham, hip to hair, her blue eyes and golden curls like a field of cornflowers. There’s a little compressed mischief at Will’s expense tucked into her smile, and Johnny wants to kiss at it until she shares it with him; and there’s a loose, frizzy loop of hair that has escaped from the large bonnet that keeps her pale skin free of the sun, and become darkened with sweat and flyaway in the heat, and Johnny wants to press his nose to it, smooth it between his fingers, tuck it carefully away with pins so that she needn’t mind it - he could do that, he thinks, could give up on all other professions but following Jody around to tidy her hair and carry her basket on one arm, shielding her with a parasol with the other hand.

“Um,” Will says guiltily. “I - well-”

“Don’t you dare say you didn’t mean it,” Ainsel says sternly. Jody is smiling fully now; she is so beautiful Johnny could burst.

“I’m not going to lie to the lady,” Will replies, relaxing out of his tense, guilty stance to be indignant at the idea that he might. She is rubbing little circles into his upper arm with her thumb now: Johnny could not tell you for love nor money what Will just said.

“Well,” Jody says, a laugh bubbling in her voice, “how ‘bout you lend me this young man in recompense an’ we’ll call it quits? I’d like a word.”

Johnny is already scrambling to his feet, pressed up on his toes in eagerness to follow her away. Her hand slides down his arm, shoulder to elbow, and the press of it leaves hot lines in its wake that make him shiver. “Ma’am,” Finn says politely, not without amusement, “you keep him.”

Jody curls her fingers around his elbow joint and guides him gently a ways away from everyone else. Once done, he scoops her hands up in his own and holds them carefully like something immeasurably precious. She smiles indulgently and nods at the basket on her other arm, which he’d barely noticed. “Present for you,” she says.

Johnny juggles her fingers into just one hand, freeing up the other to push aside the flannel cover and fetch out a thin, steaming disk of fried batter. “Johnny-cakes,” he says, delighted.

“Couldn’t resist.” He takes a bite, savouring the salty cornmeal cut through with sticky maple syrup, and grins broadly at Jody. She laughs at his enthusiasm and allows him to feed her the other half without letting her hands go, chasing the syrup from his sticky fingers with her tongue until he can barely breathe.

“So, what’s the word?” he manages, biting the tip of his thumb to keep from kissing her, here where her ma is almost certainly watching.

“The word.” Jody bites her lip, huffs a big breath, and looks away - and a solid feeling of dread settles in his stomach. He’s had it good for so long - with Jody, and Cathy, and even Peggy and Anne-Marie, in a way - and he’s always known it wouldn’t last, and that it would ruin him, and-

“The word is baby,” Jody says eventually, tilting her head to one side and pinning him with her gaze, eyes narrowed in consideration. All thoughts leave Johnny’s head in a moment, to be replaced with vague, foggy panic. “Not-” she squeezes his hand until it relaxes a little and ceases crushing hers, “not right now, Johnny, jesus. Come back.”

The fog recedes and he musters up a gentle pat of her fingers in apology for squashing them in his paw. His hands are so much bigger and stronger than hers, tanned and weatherbeaten where hers are pale and delicate with flour worked into the nailbeds, and he oughtta be more careful with them. With her, and with - with the word, if there is to be one.

He can’t tell how he feels about that, in the moment.

“Sorry,” he says ruefully, offering her a clumsy, lopsided smile. “I weren’t - anyway. You go on.”

Jody takes a deep breath and nods firmly, gaze fixed at some point on his left shoulder. “Alright, I will. Johnny, I’ve spent the day cutting hay with a whole herd of the town’s kids, an’ it’s occurred to me, I want one.”

“I’ll get you one,” Johnny says on instinct, like he does with everything Jody says she wants however unrealistic, from hair ribbons to haywains to the entire Union Pacific Railroad. And then she raises an eyebrow at him, and he remembers how that’s what they’re talking about, actually, and to deflect from this he nods his head at one of the kids pelting past on little chubby legs. “That one’ll do - will he suit ya?”

Jody’s face relaxes into amusement and she huffs, leaning forward to press her forehead into his sternum. He must stink of sweat, and wants to tell her to shift in case he does, but he doesn’t want her to move like he doesn’t want to lose his right arm and she doesn’t seem to care. “Sweetheart,” she says into his shirt, “you ain’t never gonna be friends with my ma if you go about giving her grandchildren by stealin’ em.”

“Not even a little one?” Johnny says, tilting his head to catch her eye and watch her giggle. “‘Sides,” he says, considering it with a slight frown, “not sure she’s over fond on my givin’ her grandkids the other way, neither.”

Jody leans back, smiling. “Only ‘cause we ain’t married,” she corrects brightly, and then falters back into seriousness, biting her lip. Johnny squeezes her hands in careful encouragement, for he feels (fears) they have reached the crux of the matter. “Johnny, I - I wanna have kids. Not today, or tomorrow, or maybe even a year or two yet, but I want ‘em. An’ - I know we’ve not ever been traditional, but my ma - my ma really is gonna disown me if I ain’t married when I have ‘em, so.” She shrugs, fingers tapping in agitation against his palm and her gaze fixed back over his shoulder. “I’m not saying now, but I am sayin’ someday, and if that don’t fit with you someday then - I gotta find someone else. An’ I don’t know how that someday fits with you and Cathy, or Peggy and Anne-Marie, or - or I guess just with you, but I’m sayin’... I don’t mind, I guess, so long as you do right by the kids, and we’re…” She trails off.

“Miss Jody Masham,” Johnny says solemnly, raising her hands between his own, “are you askin’ me to marry you someday?”

She meets his gaze at last, frowning shrewdly at him. “Depends,” she says shortly. “Are you gonna say yes?”

Jody hasn’t never said she loves him. Johnny doesn’t need her to: he knows she does, on account of how she smiles at him and teases him and trounces him at cards to win kisses five nights in seven on lamplit nights where her ma can’t see them. And he bandies about words of love to everyone and everything, enough for the both of them, and they’re well-settled into the kind of long-standing devotion that doesn’t need professing very much. She’s told him before that she’s no good at romancing others (though personally Johnny reckons she’s not bad) ‘cause of how she can’t be sentimental with them; she loves them, and they gotta figure that out, or they ain’t trying hard enough.

Johnny told her he loved her on their second meeting, but then, he’s like that. Always has been. And it doesn’t mean he loves her any less, or any more, than she does him; he’s just got an awful lot of love to share, and she doesn’t mind him sharing it.

He could be married, he thinks. He and Jody could do it, and do it well, and marriage was always waiting for him somewhere - now that he’s not looking at it down the barrel of some angry pa’s shotgun, and without the threat of that too, it looks mighty appealing. They’ll have to get a house, of course; somehow stop renting, and own outright, but how hard can that be? He’ll get her fine printed calico, and build a table for her sewing machine, and Ainsel will school the kids. Finn and Tommy can teach them to ride and make great pets of them, and this time years from now Noel will have them harvesting hay neatly under her stern eye, and Will can bring them hognoses cradled gently in a hat.

He could live in that future, and live long and well.

Johnny pretends to think about it, but lets his grin slip through so’s she knows he’s teasing. “Well, you ain’t hardly romancin’ me.��

She purses her lips against a real smile and uses their hand grip to punch him gently in the chest. “I brought you johnny-cakes, special,” she objects, and he laughs. “Look,” she says firmly, “I - care about you, alright? Quite a bit, actually, and so you’re just - gonna have to deal with that.”

Johnny ducks in close and presses his forehead to hers, beaming. “An’ I love you too,” he croons to make her blush, and then ducks under her bonnet and kisses her softly. He can do that, now - here before the town, on the day of the hay harvest and cattle drive, for they are, someday, to be married.

Jody pulls back, smiling secretly in the corners of her eyes, and strokes a hand through his hair. “I always forget,” she says absently, eyes on her fingers as they comb and tangle in his curls, “how nice your hair is without your hat on.”

Johnny frowns, puts a hand up to his own head. “Where is my hat?”

“It fell off when you leaned back to see me,” Jody supplies. “You didn’t seem to notice.”

“Oh.” He doesn’t remember that.

Jody smiles with resigned amusement. “Lord help me,” she sighs, “for I’m marryin’ a moron.”

Johnny puffs up in indignation. “You don’t have to.” Of course she doesn’t - Jody Masham is the prettiest girl in the county - the west - the world - and could have any man she pleases.

“Naw,” she says, rubbing her thumb along his chin. “I’m gonna.”

#recc'd listening: the game of cards by june tabor and maddy prior #not pictured: johnny returning to the group to ecstatically declare 'we're having a baby!' #noel drops the spoon; tommy chokes; will in a very high-pitched voice says 'what; now??' #no not now and not for a good few years yet y'all are not well-behaved enough #a town called danser #this is your captain speaking

[mando-ag]

Remember Me ~* The Lake

Summary: Din meets reader in the city part during winter, seeing reader for the first time as she plays with children. He quickly realizes this is his destiny.

Warnings: Swearing, fluff, filler, Sensual language. I think that's it loves.

w/c: 2.6k

A/N y'all this is ch.2 of the remember me series. slowly picking up the pace here ;) this one is a filler as well but I hope you enjoy it. <3

The heat warmed your cheek as the sunlight peeked through your curtains in the early morning. Sighing softly you started to get ready for your morning, begrudgingly so. It wasn’t hard to tell that you weren’t a morning person. It just deemed unnecessary for you to get up and do something you didn’t even enjoy. But living in the real world, it’s what you have to do. Need work to pay for bills and food, the bills fund the essentials in your home. Just a boring, irritating cycle of life.

Heating up your electric kettle for some coffee, you washed the leftover dish from the night before, making a mental note to buy more dish soap at the market today. It was Wednesday, the usual day you went shopping for groceries. Why? Who knows, you just get excited because it's the middle of the week for you.

You thought it would probably be best to write down everything in a list because you knew you would forget even if you decided to memorize it for an hour.

Shampoo, dish soap, cooking oil, dryer sheets.. Um what else am i missing.

You looked around your apartment, adding things to your list you knew you would need. Once you were finished you folded it up and went to grab your purse, heading to the store before going to pick up the three rascals.

Definitely your favorite thing about living alone is that you don't need to buy an excessive amount of anything if you don't want to. Beginning to fill your cart with the things from your list, you consciously look around to see if maybe, maybe, you’ll see Mando again.

You need to chill, literally just met the guy and all you mentioned was a book. He literally doesn’t know you. You mentally scolded yourself as you walked through the lanes, grabbing what was on your list. Humming softly as you grabbed shampoo and conditioner, you heard soft giggling on the other side, hearing a man talk to what you presumed to be his child. Your heart sped up as you let your mind believe that it was Mando, listening carefully for the man’s voice again.

“Shit!” You whispered, checking your appearance through your phone camera. “I literally look so bad.” You mumbled, trying to fix your hair a bit more. Slipping your phone into your pocket, you pushed your cart nonchalantly as you heard the voice come close, you could see from the corner of your eye he was there.

Taking a deep breath, looking away from the many options of shampoo and conditioners, you finally turn and face Mando... except it wasn’t him. It was just some random dad with his kid. Hiding your disappointment, you awkwardly waved to the pair, grabbing what you needed before leaving that aisle quickly.

“Oh my god, that was so fucking embarrassing.” You mumbled to yourself, blushing from your stupidity. To think he would actually be there made you stoop a new low. “I need to get laid.” You sighed to yourself as you went to the dairy products. You finished off getting what was on your list, paying and placing it all carefully in your car.

On the drive back to your apartment, you hummed along to the radio, wondering if it was the universe trying to tell you something about Mando. I mean he’s cute… wait what? I don’t even know what he looks like. Yeah I got it bad. You internally fought with your rational side, deciding to stop thinking of Mando for the time being.

Putting everything away, you grabbed a few snacks to take to the kids, getting back out to your car and driving to their much bigger home. All three kids rushed out, greeting you excitedly as you stepped out of your car.

“Hello my little munchkins!” You said, kneeling and hugging all three little rascals. Standing as their parents stepped out of the house with suitcases. Keeping a smile on your face but you were sure the parents recognized the confusion in your eyes. Are they leaving? Yeah no shit, obviously. They have suitcases. You huffed as your subconscious voice was being sarcastic with you.

“Good morning, thank you for coming so early. Jerry and I have an emergency business trip we need to take. We would have told you sooner had we known but like I said this is an emergency trip.” Mrs. Stenson told you, giving you an apologetic smile.

“It’s quite alright Mrs. Stenson, I’m assuming you want me to stay with them?” You nodded to the three children who cling to your side.

“Yes please, we would appreciate it greatly. The trip is one week. We will triple your pay and send you extra money for the three of them. I know this is asking a lot of you… if you’re not comfortable i can find someone else but..” She trailed off looking at you with a hopeful look on her face.

Realizing how much she would be increasing your pay, you quickly nodded. “Don’t worry, I don’t mind watching over them. It’s fine.” You told her, giving her an understanding smile.

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!” She gave you a quick hug before putting the suitcases in the car. “You know where everything is, if you need extra money, please call us. She turned to her kids, kneeling down the best she could because of her tight pencil skirt.

“My darling angels. Remember mommy and daddy have to leave but we will be back. Now you three better be on your best behavior or you can’t go to disneyland. Remember? Daddy said if you behave, we can all go to disneyland. “ All three kids perked up nodding. “We’ll be good mommy!” The eldest, Jaime said, excited that his reward would very possibly be a trip to disneyland. The girls murmured in agreement with their brother.

“Okay, come give daddy and me a quick kiss before we go.” She said, the kids kissing her cheek and the father’s. “I love you, my little babies. Behave well.” She gave them a tight hug before getting in the car with her husband leaving for the airport. Mr. Stenson wasn’t as affectionate as his kids but they knew their daddy loved them even if he didn’t say it as often as their mother did.

Ushering the kids inside the large home, making sure the doors were all locked. Okay, keeping three kids all under the age of ten entertained would probably be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. But you were determined.

“Okay, it’s breakfast time! What would you like to eat?” You asked, staring at the three wide-eyed children. “Waffles!” Penny shouted, jumping in excitement. Her brother and sister agreed, chanting waffles as you got the ingredients.

“Waffles it is then! Go watch tv and I will bring you your waffles when they are ready. How does that sound mm?” You asked but the kids scurried away as soon as you said tv, leaving you alone in the kitchen.

***

After feeding the children you took them out to the lake, making sure you had their skates in a bag. Usually you would take them to swim but since it’s frozen, the kids wanted to ice skate instead. Laying down a thick towel and a blanket on top of it, you sat at the edge of the grass, a few feet away from where the actual lake began.

“Don’t go too far. I checked and the ice is thick enough but you have to be careful. Loretta, you can skate here.” You pointed to the area where you wanted her to be in. She was the youngest and you were afraid that she could get severely hurt if she went too far.

Helping the kids onto the ice, you sat on the blanket, watching them carefully. You didn’t want an accident to occur. The worst thing that had ever happened when you were watching them was Jaime stepping on a leggo and his foot was in a lot of pain for a few minutes.

Hearing a rustling behind you, you quickly stood and turned around alarmed. Relief and surprise filled your body as you realized it was Mando… with a small child… or baby? Of course, even though you can’t see his face you can just tell he was older than you by a couple years. So he has a kid… meaning he either has a wife, baby mama, or just a single dad. You cleared your throat after a moment, realizing you’ve been staring.

“Sorry, I didn't know it was you… I thought it was an animal or something.” Blush creeped up onto your cheeks, feeling slightly embarrassed. Rubbing your arms, you quickly turned to watch the kids, making sure nothing had happened yet. Glancing at Mando as he walked and stood beside you.

“I should’ve made my presence known. Lake day for your kids too?” He asked, looking at the kids before focusing on your face. You nodded, looking at him.

“Yeah, it’s going to be a long week… is he your son?” You wanted to smack yourself for asking such a stupid question. Obviously, he said “your kids too” meaning this one is definitely his.

Chuckling, he nodded. “My son Grogu… I adopted him when he was… younger.” Din nodded to his son, he looked quite interesting. A very tiny little child with a bald little head and green skin. How is he so… adorable and tiny? You thought to yourself. Not being able to stop yourself from blurting out the question that had been itching at you since you saw him with his little green son.

“Are you married? Or have a girlfriend?” You asked, looking at him through his black visor. Feeling your stomach clench and your chest tighten as you nervously await his answer. Feeling more anxious to know as he looked away from you towards his son instead.

“No, I’m not married… and I don’t have a girlfriend either.” Din finally answered after a minute of silence, easing your emotions. Moving slightly closer to Mando, you looked at his hands. “Would you like to sit with me?” You motioned to your little spot you had set up on the ground.

Nodding, Din sat down next to you once you had made yourself comfortable. Looking towards the children. Determined to get to know him, you built up confidence to try to converse with him.

“How long have you lived here?” You asked, looking at him. He hummed softly, barely able to hear it. “About three months.” He replied, not looking at you. Three months?! That’s it? It surprised you how little time he’s spent there. You thought a man like himself would’ve lived there longer, probably just kept to himself but you were completely off the mark.

“Oh cool, do you like it here?” He nodded, looking at you. “I do, safer place for my son to live. Be with kids his age.” Motions to the children playing and skating together.

You looked at them, biting your lip as the cold started to seep into your jacket. “Dammit.” You mumbled as you shivered.

Din looked at you, noticing your shivering. Deciding to be bold, he wrapped an arm around you, your body tucked into his side. Blushing from his action, you pressed your face into his arm, trying to warm up. “Thank you.” You told him, the both of you enjoying the silence between you.

After a few hours, you stood to stretch your legs a bit. Looking at the kids, you noticed they were tired. “All done?” You asked as you walked to the ice. Penny nodded, yawning.

“I’m hungry!” Jaime said, pouting as he lazily skated towards you, holding his baby sister’s hand. Smiling you helped switch their skates to their normal shoes, putting the skates carefully in the bag. “Yeah? We’ll let’s go and fill those tummies up shall we?” You hummed softly before turning to Mando.

“Would you like to come with us?” You asked him, watching as he stood up. He nodded, taking his son’s hand and guiding him to the car. “I’ll follow you there.” He mumbled as he picked up his son.

You drove the kids to the restaurant, smiling as Mando walked in after you, standing close to you as the hostess showed you to the table. Sliding into the booth after all the kids were seated together, including Grogu. Mando slid in next to you, looking at you, “Hope you don’t mind.” His voice sounded deeper causing blush to creep onto your face.

“No worries.” You picked up a menu, asking the children what they would like to eat. After they all chose, you looked towards mando. “See anything you want yet?” You asked him, looking at the menu before looking at his face, blushing when you saw him already looking at you.

“I’m not too hungry, maybe I’ll order something to go.” He replied, his voice gruff causing you to clench your thighs together as you imagine his voice from underneath your pu- Stop it. You’re about to eat with KIDS you fucking horny bitch. Clearing your throat you nodded and proceeded to order what you wanted. Watching the kids interact, you felt Mando’s hand touch yours, causing you to stiffen your back at the unexpected touch.

“So.. what do you do for a living?” You asked Mando, taking a sip from your drink. He sighed softly, barely audible if you weren’t paying attention. He leaned back, his helm facing you,”I’m a bounty hunter. I get paid to hunt people down, bringing them back to people they owe debts to.” He watched your face, waiting for your reaction.

You were surprised, from your understanding that profession is quite dangerous, especially for him since he is a father. It made you curious as to why he would have that profession since he is a dad. Voicing your curiosity, you asked him.

“Why a bounty hunter? Not that it is a bad profession, it’s just that you have a child. You have a lot to lose if something happens to you.” Tilting your head to the side, you waited for his response. You looked over at the kids when they got a bit rowdy, telling them to calm down.

“It pays well enough for me to put food on the table for us. For our home. As long as I know that he is alive and safe, I am fine. I’d do anything for him.” He told you, looking towards his son for a moment. You could easily tell he truly loves his son, caring deeply for him. At some point during your conversation, your hand slipped comfortably into his, neither of you seemed to mind or be upset from the tender action. You began eating the meal, watching the children eat, making sure to have minimal mess from the four children eating in front of you two.

***

You both were outside the restaurant, the children saying good-bye to Mando’s cute little baby. The kids piled into the car, chatting loudly.

“Mando… I-I really enjoyed talking to you today… and maybe, um, we could do it again.” You said nervously, you planned on speaking confidently, but once you actually spoke, his stare made your soul tingle and all confidence slipped away.

“I think that would…” He watched your hopeful eyes, your nervous demeanor. “... it would be a great idea. I think it’ll be… good.” Good? The fuck does that mean?? Din mentally slapped himself, that was the weirdest thing he has ever said.

Blushing deeply you nodded, reaching into your purse and writing your number down on a piece of paper, handing it to him. You felt your confidence build up again as he didn’t reject you. Thank God.

“Call me.” You smiled, leaning in and kissing his helm where his cheek would be. You walked to your car, getting in and waving to him as you drove home. What a fucking day.

A/N Y'ALL this took a long ass time to write. mainly because I kept changing things around and school takes my time away! But I got it done!!! I hope y'all liked it, I know its very ~dull~ for the most part.

#din djarin #din x reader #grogu djarin #grogu #modern au #pedro pascal fanfiction #fanfic #writing #din and grogu

[topherfoxtrot]

Thunderbolts: The hulk's personal protection team

Hey, here's the second episode of my fanon thunderbolts. Since last episode Emil Blonsky escaped from his imprisonment. He's probably going after the Hulk, right? John, Ava, Yelena, Justin and the mysterious Contessa Valentina attend to a presentation Bruce Banner is giving at MIT to find out. This one is more comedy leaned. It wasn't a conscious choice, it just sort of happened. But I'm glag it did. If you enjoy your read please like, share or comment something :D

Valentina hated those heels but something inside of her made she wear them anyways, even on grass. She was going first and foremost. Justin Hammer was right behind her jumping in excitement and giving a lot of useless yet interesting facts about MIT lore and culture. The rest of the thunderbolts were there too. John was wearing a cap and a 5 o'clock beard. Ava was wearing a huge gray sweater as she usually did. Yelena was rocking a leather jacket. For all purposes they did look like a group of college students.

"This place is huge!" Ava looked around, "I wish I went to college."

"What would you do?" John asked.

"I don't know. Anything except quantum physics I guess!" Ava laughed.

"I knew a quantum physics guy once." Justin thought out loud.

"Yeah you knew everyone." Yelena rolled her eyes, "You told that already. We been knew."

"Hey, no need to be so harsh. Your new equipment is my property and I can reclaim them at any time, remember?"

"Oh yeah I haven't used the tasers yet. Wanna help me out with that?" Yelena smirked.

"Behave, children." Valentina intervened, "We want doctor Banner to have a good first impression about us. Specially after the Blosnky incident." She side eyed Ava.

The campus was packed with people of all ages and all around the country and possibly the whole world too. There have been a lot of workshops and seminars the whole week, but today's main event was special: Bruce Banner was gonna give a presentation on the applications of biochemistry in robotics. Apparently the robot dogs running around campus were testing an engine that doesn't need gasoline or electric energy to work.

"I've seen those dogs before." John was reading an informative folder, "I don't think building them to never sleep is a good idea."

"I have a history of dangerous applications of robotics and I agree." Justin cleaned his glasses. The microfiber cloth had his name on it. "It can get out of hand rather quickly!"

"Now that I think about it Bruce Banner also has a history of dangerous applications of robotics." Yelena pointed out, "Y'all remember Ultron?"

"Mistakes are learning opportunities. I mean, not for them I guess." Valentina sighted, "Trust me those super idiots are always making mistakes and they never learn!" She said that last part in a loud whisper.

The presentation was supposed to happen at 4pm so they got there one hour earlier as the Contessa wanted. Doctor Banner was in the auditorium already. His big hands were setting the projector and his eyes were studying the obnoxiously small papers scattered across the table. As usual, the heels Valentina was wearing announced her presence.

"Doctor Banner." She greeted him formally.

"Hello." He analyzed her quickly, "How can I help you..? And you?" He looked at the thunderbolts arriving with the Contessa.

"Well, you see." Valentina took off her sunglasses, "It might actually be the other way around. We are the ones who are here to help."

"Oh." Bruce changed his posture to pay full attention at the lady.

"We are the thunderbolts and we are here to protect you Doctor Banner."

"Protect... me?" Bruce tried to sound polite.

"We have privileged information that confirms you might be in danger, man!" Justin put himself in front of Valentina, "We don't want to scare you or anything but the Abomination scaped his imprisonment!"

Bruce's eyes opened wide suddenly. It's been fifteen years since he saw Emil Blonsky. And as time passed by he caught himself thinking about the man less and less. Now however this distant memory became an immediate danger.

"Should I cancel the..?"

"No, of course not Doctor Banner!" Valentina waved her hand as if the whole situation was nothing but a little annoyance, "You can carry on with your presentation. The Thunderbolts are here to protect you. Also, my name is Valentina Allegra de La Fontiane, Contessa Valentina de La Fontiane. It's a lot to remember I know but don't worry, I'm hard to forget."

"Okay. The.. hm, thunderbolts." He looked at the weird bunch, "Hey aren't you the new Captain America?" He asked.

John looked down and then looked to the roof real quick, "I'm not Captain America anymore." He said between his teeth.

"Yeah there's a new new Captain America now." Valentina rolled her eyes, "But that's not important now, is it? We'll just sit here and wait for the presentation to be over. How about that?"

Bruce didn't trust the team quite yet, but he trusted himself to be his own protection so it was no big deal. Still, as the thunderbolts took their sits at the end of the room, Bruce grabbed his cellphone to check if Emil was really out. There was nothing on the news or on twitter which meant that either Valentina was lying or the government was hiding this information really well. Both options were equally plausible in Bruce's eyes so he decided to roll with it.

***

When the presentation started the lights went out. Yelena, Ava, John, Justin and Valentina were sitting on the last set of chairs. At some point Valentina got up to get a phonecall. John whispered to not disturb the presentation:

"So...who is she?"

"What do you mean?" Justin asked, also quietly.

"This... Contessa. I don't know. Her." He pointed at the exit door she just left through.

"Haven't you read the card?" Ava asked.

"What card? You mean the blank card? The one with nothing written on it?"

"It was written with invisible ink." Yelena clarified.

"Invisible ink?" John couldn't believe his own words.

"John that's the oldest trick in the book." Justin seemed interested in the presentation, "Espionage 101."

"I was black ops...!" John sounded offended. Someone shushed them so they stayed in silence for a while. Ava felt bad for John though.

"It doesn't matter if you read it or not." She whispered, "It's not like there was any key information there. It was just her name and this weird lightning symbol."

"The thunderbolts!" Justin whispered back.

"So.. us?" John asked.

"That's what it seems." Yelena looked around with no sign of the Contessa, "But who are we?"

"Didn't she explain anything to you guys?" Justin asked.

"No! Did she explain anything to you?"

"I mean, no."

"What?" Ava asked a little louder than intended.

"She just said she would sponsor my projects so I was immediately on board." Justin justified himself, "I just assumed you were more into her deal than I was."

"I can't believe I fell for another pyramid scheme." Ava sighted

"Another?" John asked.

Someone shushed them again, more aggressively this time.

"Excuse me who do you think you are to shush me??" Justin whispered as loud as he could.

"Hammer, sit down!" Yelena ordered.

"Not, let's see what this fella has to say!" Justin grabbed his cellphone to use as a flashlight, but that was not necessary because the lights turned on out of sudden. The robot dogs entered the room as part of the presentation and everyone clapped and cheered at them. Justin sat down again and straighten his blazer aggressively.

The robot dogs did some flips and silly dances. Their "skin" was transparent so it was possible to see all fluids and engines working inside. Everyone was having a good time except Justin, John and Yelena. Something about the dogs and the claps made John unsettled. Yelena felt the same. They looked at each other looking for some guidance. That's when the shots were fired.

A few people from the crowd got up wearing balaclava masks and wielding machine guns. The robot dogs positioned themselves, one on each side of every seat row. The chemicals inside them started to bubble in a menacing way. A man from the first seat now in balaclava got closer to Hulk with a shotgun aimed at his head.

"Hello everyone!" The man screamed, "We are only here for the money. If everyone cooperates, no one gets hurt."

The criminals started to walk around the room with huge bags stealing rings, watches, wallets and all sorts of jewelry.

"There's twelve of them." Yelena whispered.

"How much you can take?" John analyzed the room with her.

"Without getting shot? A few. But the dogs seem to be time bombs."

"Yeah there's too many people here. We have to think this through!" Ava stated.

"Oh my god is that Ant-Man??" Justin screamed pointing at Ava's feet.

"What? Where?" Ava got up on a jump. The men started shooting at her but she phased around the bullets out of reflex. That was just the distraction Justin needed to run into the exit door Valentina went through minutes ago.

"Fucking Hammer!" Yelena grunted before jumping to the ground. A nearby dog jumped to attack her but she quickly applied a jiujitsu move that made the dog fly above her. The fluids inside the robot started to shine in a weird way. John jumped across the seats and kicked the robot to the roof where it exploded. The roof suffered some damage but no enough to fall. No one got hurt. Except the dog whose metallic remains fell onto the ground.

John landed beside Yelena to check on her. Ava made herself invisible and visible again more times than the nearest criminal could comprehend. When Ava reached him she grabbed him by the back and used him as a human shield. Her hand phased into his neck in a lethal threat.

"Nobody shoots no one and no bloody dog explodes!" She demanded.

Everyone in the auditorium hold their breath together. Bruce seemed to be having fun. Yelena and John remained on the ground watching everything in anticipation. Ava had declared a temporary negotiating time, but for how long?

Suddenly breaking the absolute silence the auditorium was emerged in music started to come out of the speakers on the wall. Even the criminals looked around confused to the sound of "U can't touch this". When MC Hammer sang the iconic 'Hammer time!' the exit door exploded and among the smoke Justin Hammer emerged with a shield, three tasers, a shotgun and bunch of flash grenades. He took his right hand to the sky to show his car keys in triumph.

"He went out to get our stuff from the car trunk." John said in denial.

"Fucking Hammer!" Yelena screamed again (with a smile this time) before running to his direction. John came right after.

The criminals started shooting at Justin, who jumped to the ground scattering everything he brought with him. Ava let go of her human shield and disappeared. Yelena grabbed her tasers and John grabbed his shield. They both got up ready for action. The criminals started shooting and John instinctively projected the shield in front of them while Yelena got closer to him.

"Hey, it even looks like we rehearsed it!" Yelena said, smiling.

John also gave her a smile. Without realizing it he offered his arm for a forearm pump like he used to do with an old friend. Yelena forearm pumped him and jumped back into action. John smiled even brighter.

What happens next is just incredible. John's shield ricochet's throughout the whole auditorium at his will. Ava phases through and disarms everyone fast. Even with no powers Yelena runs around quickly dodging bullets and immobilizing the criminals. Justin cheered for them just alright. But he also turned off the robot dogs and used some of the flash grenades when necessary.

At the end of the showdown all the criminals were gathered at the podium. Bruce scrubbed his hands with a pride smile as if he did something at all. The gesture clarified that the threat was indeed neutralized so all the people in the crowd got up and started clapping at them. Justin waved his hands with a bright smile.

"Come on guys, it's the least we could do."

"What is happening?" Ava grabbed her arms is a slight self hug.

"Don't you see?" Hulk whispered to her, "You're the heroes!"

The sentence made John move his shoulders awkwardly. We are the heroes!, He whispered to himself. Yelena giggled because she totally heard that. She grabbed one of John's hands and one of Ava's hands and curved to the crowd as if they were actors in a play. Ava and John looked at each other and decided to bound as well. The cheers went louder.

The Contessa finally came back. She looked worried.

"What the fuck is going on?"

"We are the heroes, Val!" Justin winked at her before grabbing John's shield and bound as well.

#john walker #john walker positive post #thunderbolts #ava starr #yelena belova #justin Hammer #valentina allegra de fontaine #bruce banner #FoxtrotFanfic

[painted-crow]

Fictional double Birds, webcomics edition!

I found/rediscovered some more Bird characters for y'all~

These pals are all webcomic characters, so you can read their stories for free :D the name headers link to the first page of their respective comics!

Just a reminder, clicking the images gives you better quality and can make the text easier to read. I've put alt text on the images with the relevant info--sorry if this still isn't the most accessible post. ^^;

Henry Jekyll (The Glass Scientists)

Thanks to @aubade-things for reminding me this comic exists, and for discussing it with me! I binged the whole thing a few days ago, haha.

The Glass Scientists is a webcomic about a haven society for mad scientists, in a world that does not like them. Jekyll here is trying to keep it from falling apart, but between mad science shenanigans, plain old lack of funding, and a fellow called Hyde who is definitely not the same person, who told you that, he's... uh... struggling.

Jekyll screams Badger secondary at first, his Bird secondary is just VERY burnt.

He idealizes Badger as a huge part of how he thinks a Proper Gentleman should be, and he has this super uptight Badger performance that does noooot actually make him happy.

His primary's shaky, too, but he's working on it. This just about says it all, honestly:

Yes, that is a figment of his own imagination yelling at him for using Bird secondary to sort out a major piece of his system.

Jekyll is peak "person who looks like they have their shit together but is actually a mess underneath" and I'd be okay with him being a little less relatable thank you very much

He is slowly reclaiming his secondary though:

Sidenote: I have had almost that exact experience, about the same topic, during a period where I'd burned Bird secondary.

(Seven year old Paint was obsessed with the idea of plant medicine. You know how some kids mix up "potions" with stuff from their back yard? I wanted mine to work. I had this giant textbook about it and everything.)

Alas, remembering was less useful to me; all it really gave me was an extra uncanny experience reading this webcomic :p

Thistle (Daughter of the Lilies)

Thistle is a cinnamon roll hiding a whoooooole lot of trauma and anxiety. I'll let you find those panels for yourself, though. Instead, here she is entertaining some children with her magic:

Sometimes she sounds like a Badger primary, but she's a full-fledged Bird:

Her secondary is a little singed, too, but hers is WAY better off than Jekyll's. She's doin ok.

Spoiler warning: the current comic arc shows her face, which is a major reveal--so if you want to puzzle out what her deal is on your own, start from the beginning and avoid the front page for now ^^

She's also super relatable, but in a way that doesn't bug me. I'm trying to figure out why Jekyll does... I think it's that he's an example of a very burnt Bird secondary that looks seriously familiar to me, but his primary is unstable too and I find that unnerving--I've never burned mine. To me, he feels deeply unhealthy in a way that Thistle doesn't at all. Thistle's morality is very clear and bright; the parts of her system she struggles with most are about how she sees herself, but I deal with the same thing (it's probably less common for Birds not to) so that's fine.

That does say something about the general tone of the two stories. DotL deals with some heavy topics, but it's a much more optimistic feeling world with a much more stable protagonist.

DotL fights with Girl Genius for rank as my favorite webcomic, period. Everyone should go read it, it's beautiful and funny and relatable and tragic and then it's funny again. Also there are dragons! At least one of them is plot relevant, and several of the pages he's on got turned into posters by popular demand because the art is just that good.

Speaking of Girl Genius:

Gilgamesh Wulfenbach (Girl Genius)

Girl Genius is a gaslamp fantasy comedy adventure romance about mad scientists, and it does all of those things really well at the same time. Perhaps unsurprisingly, it's a goldmine for Bird secondaries.

This story has also been adapted into ebook and audiobook versions, so if comics are hard for you to read, that could be a more accessible option!

Snake primary is the most popular (Agatha, Tarvek, Zeetha, Bang, Krosp, Lars, and most of the Jagers) but there are a few Birds hanging around. The Baron is a Bird primary, I think, and Othar is some form of Exploded Idealist (double Lion?) but I'm going to focus on Gil because he's a main character.

The page that cements his primary for me is this one, where he's arguing with Snake primary Zeetha (who is Loyal to Agatha). Agatha's been the victim of some weird mind control stuff by the story's BBEG, but Gil hasn't gotten that context yet and the Baron (his dad) is convinced Agatha IS the BBEG.

And yes, he's technically pantsless in this scene but hasn't realized that yet either. It's not his fault... the "ability to rant" part of a Spark's brain wakes up long before their situational awareness does.

Also lol @ Zeetha's reaction. Gil is one of Agatha's Important People, and Agatha is Zeetha's, so he's safe, for now, if he behaves.

As for his secondary:

And:

Like many of the cast, Gil is a Spark and very vulnerable to nerd sniping. RIP his lost sleep.

Also mine, actually. I'm gonna end this here and try to go back to bed ^^;

Happy reading!

#sortinghatchats #meta #ravenclaw primary #ravenclaw secondary #burned ravenclaw secondary #paint speaks #q

[acrobaticcatfeline]

Date Night

Word Count: 1793

TW: sympathetic Janus and Remus, crying, there's quite a bit of Romangst.

Pairings: minor intruality and sanflorez, logince because what else?

Notes: Sanders Sides’ anniversary is in two days! This is my first ever canonverse fic I’ve ever finished. I love Nico a normal amount. I just want everyone to get along and feel appreciated. This is also the first time I’ve successfully finished a fic in like more than a year so! Hope y'all enjoy!

Summary: Thomas has a date with Nico and everyone wants this to go perfectly.

“Thomas you look terrible you have to fix this!”

“Virgil, I know this is your job but also could you please not???”

Thomas was getting ready for a date with Nico and currently Virgil was floating around his head filling him with enough doubt that he was half ready to just cancel.

“YOU CANT CANCEL!!!”

Virgil's voice boomed enough that not only did Thomas drop his brush, but Patton and Roman popped in. They shared a look at each other, then to Virgil and Thomas, then back to each other. Patton went to Thomas, legs crossed as he floated behind him, hands on his shoulders massaging gently as Roman went to Virgil, the only one choosing to stand as he tried to calm the anxious side.

“Hey kiddo! I know you're nervous, but you got this! Now pick back up that brush and finish up your hair! I know this is gonna be great!”

“But Virgil said I look awful!”

“He's panicking. He wants this to go well as much as the rest of us do. He wasn't trying to discourage you kiddo, he's doing his best”

Thomas took in a deep breath as Roman guided Virgil through a few breathing exercises in the corner of the bathroom.

“One thing you can taste Vee”

“Fear. um, um, the toothpaste Thomas just used”

“Good job Virge. Breathe. Hyperventilating isn't helping anyone”

“Yeah. yeah you're right”

“You're doing great moody gloom. Maybe you should take a break. Tap out for a while”

“But Thomas needs!!!”

“Thomas is overwhelmed, and so are you. Take five emo, we got this”

“... fine. Ok. just, don't let him look bad ok?”

“Wouldn't dream of it”

Virgil sunk out and Roman took in a deep breath as he spun towards Thomas with a grin. He walked over and mussed up his hair a bit, to which Thomas grumbled slightly. Patton giggled as Roman fixed his hair in just the right way. Thomas let a smile slip onto his face as Roman finished it with a satisfied noise.

“Thanks Ro. You're a huge help”

“My pleasure! Now about this outfit…”

They were all in the mind palace again as Thomas went to meet up with Nico. Patton was fixed to the TV, watching through Thomas’ eyes as he drove, with a smile on his face. Virgil was sat nearby as well, but with his headphones on to help him stay calm. Logan was holed up in his room, hiding they assumed, as when they had first met Nico he had short circuited and as Patton recalled to Roman, ‘sat staring at the TV with heart eyes for a good few hours’. Regardless, Logan also had a lot to do with all of this happening, let alone the patreon that had exploded. Janus was sitting on the table with a mug of coffee also watching the TV. His interest was muted as both Roman and Virgil had made it loud and clear that he was unable to interfere in any way. Whether he was planning on listening was debatable. Roman and Remus were however in the kitchen giggling like children and baking.

“He is so cuteeee!!!”

“I agree! Absolutely bootylicious even!!!”

“God he's heavenly. I can't believe we scored a date with him!!! He still liked Thomas after he said he was the one that fell into the trash can!!!”

“I KNOW RIGHT!!! God he's my soulmate, he loves us in all our trash man entirety!!!”

“I figured you would be excited about that”

The two laughed as Roman pulled the goodies out of the oven. Roman was always happy to have the powers of the imagination as he pulled out trays upon trays of baked goods. He and Remus got to work separating them onto separate plates. And Remus quickly let out an exaggerated breath to cool down everything as they stacked them up to bring out to the living room. Remus sat down next to Patton, handing him a cookie with a soft smile that Patton returned excitedly. Patton scooted closer to Remus and leaned his head on his shoulder.

Roman however, took the last plate of cookies and ventured off to Logan's room. He knocked three times and entered, and like he had expected, Logan was curled up on his bed with a genuinely elated smile on his face as he seemed to behave like pearl from Steven Universe as his eyes glazed over and he watched what Thomas was up to. Roman smiled gently at him, gently brushing a stray strand of hair out of Logan's face. Logan blinked then, focusing back on where he was and closed his eyes again as he leaned into Romans hand.

“Hey there rocket man”

“Hey there”

Logan's eyes open and Roman can't help the skip his heart does when Logan looks at him, his face pure happiness; bliss and love plainly evident in his eyes as he looks at him. Roman cant hold himself back from kissing him right there. It's not long, but it doesn't matter because Logan's smile only gets bigger and Roman only falls even more in love with him.

“You know, maybe it's not so bad you've hidden here, I get to keep this beautiful boy in front of me all to myself”

And Logan laughs, and Roman doesn’t know how he was so lucky, so blessed to be loved by the logical side, to get to see him smile so unashamed, to hear his laugh like bells and sunshine, to be able to hold him close and tell him that he is his universe, his stars and moons and planets and nebulae, that he is his everything and know the feeling is mutual. It's like nothing else, and it's only more intense as the fog of emotions weighs over them all. Not that it makes much of a difference in this moment as Logan looks at him yet again and really this is just how he always feels around him, he doesn’t know if he would ever fall out of the pure bliss of love with Logan, he doesn’t think he will ever be able to look at Logan and not feel his chest swell in happiness.

Logan shifts away a bit and Roman lets his hand fall to his side as Logan climbs out from under his blankets and moves closer to Roman, nearly in his lap, leaning against his chest with his arms around him. Roman wraps his arms around his boyfriend and brings him even closer, placing a kiss on the top of his head. He rubs circles into his back and hums contentedly.

“So, I used your Crofters”

Logan pulls back and glares at Roman and Roman has to hold back the chuckle in his throat.

“I see. I don't think you get cuddles anymore-”

As he said that Roman grabbed one of the cookies and hands it to him and Logan's eyes go wide. He looks between the cookie and Roman and that beautiful smile returns as he takes a bite.

“Is cuddle time still over?”

“You can stay, I suppose. Are there more?”

“Of course”

Logan goes back to curling up in his lap when he finishes his cookie. Roman is happy there, with his boyfriend bundled up in his arms, Thomas off on a date with a cute boy as well as the cookies next to him.

“I love you starlight”

Roman is surprised by that. Logan was not one for outright declarations of love, he much preferred to just show it, it was less awkward for him, easier than getting himself to say it out loud. Not to say he never did, Logan was the one to ask him out first. And there's been other occasions since then, but it was rare to hear him say it. So Roman held Logan tighter and smiled wider.

“I love you too princess”

“How do you think Thomas is doing?”

“Good, I think. I think he's gonna be ok”

“I'm scared. I feel like I cant do my job, there's so many feelings all the time”

“I know baby. It'll be ok. I know you'll figure it out. You always do”

Logan stops responding for a while and Roman is ok with that, with sitting in silence. And then he speaks up again.

“This is going to sound dumb, but it feels like when I’m able to be alone with you, but all the time”

“What do you mean?”

“Like… you make me so… happy. It's hard to focus when I'm with you because I just, you’re so much more important. But now it's like that all the time and it's weird. It's weird to feel it at all, let alone at all times of the day. I just, how do you do work like this?”

Roman felt the surge of love again, he makes Logan happy. He makes Logan so happy that it's hard for him to focus. Logan thought he was important. He felt like he could cry.

“I don't know. It's sort of my element, I think I personally work better with the fog. It's a good feeling to encourage creativity. It's hard for me to do my job these days without it. If it was the slightest bit reasonable id do my work here with you”

Logan stiffens and Roman panics a bit.

“You, what do you mean?”

Logan leans back and looks at him.

“I haven't felt my princely self in a good long while. You make me feel happy too lo, I've been stuck without inspiration for ages but I feel like when I’m with you I could write unendingly, like my creativity can thrive”

Logan's eyes widened and he dove back into Romans chest, face red and warm. Roman chuckled lightly.

“I don't deserve you”

“Your insane Lo. You deserve the world and more”

“You're so good to me. You're so good”

“So are you hun”

“No, Roman, you're so good, you know that right?”

Roman stills. He doesn't understand what Logan is talking about.

“What are you on about Lo?”

“You're good. You're a good person, you're good at your job, you're a good boyfriend, none of us say it enough, but Roman you’re so good and we all love you. I love you so much Roman, I'm sorry that I don't say it enough”

Roman stutters. He doesn't know how to respond but he can feel tears falling down his face. He shoves his face into Logan's hair as he feels himself shake from the sobs he feels escaping. 

“Thank you Logan, I love you too, god I love you so much Logan”

Logan leans back again when Roman stops crying with a small smile.

“You wanna watch some Disney?”

“That sounds amazing”

Taglist: @fivebyfive-finebyfive @tacohippy56900 @analogical-mess @crookedlyoptimisticdestiny @angels-and-dreams @fandomloverangel @booklover223

Let me know if you want to be tagged in my writing!!!

Thank you for reading I will see you later ladies lords and nonbinary royalty!!!

#roman sanders #logan sanders #virgil sanders #patton sanders #remus sanders #duke remus #janus sanders #ts janus #thomas sanders #canonverse #logince #intruality #sanflorez #sanders sides fanfiction #my writing #my fanfiction

[aahsokaatano]

King I would love that essay about Changing Channels

Fjdjshjdhdjd thanks for reading my tags Jesse you're the real VIP here.

Okay SO "Changing Channels" is the 8th episode of the 5th season of Supernatural. I give this information bc it's important in looking at the context of the episode - now I've complained a LOT about how SPN is terrible at giving us canonical timeframes within the episodes (y'all i was SHOCKED to discover the first season is supposed to cover a little over a year's worth of time, I thought it was like... 4 or 5 months) so I can't say for sure how long before and after the other episodes happen in-universe around "Changing Channels" BUT

The episode before is "The Curious Case of Dean Winchester" where Dean and Bobby bet years of their lives in a game of poker with a witch. The episode after is "The Real Ghostbusters" where Sam and Dean end up at a fan convention for the in-universe Supernatural novels.

Why am I pointing this out? Because it's important, please, no audience participation, this is like a Brian David Gilbert panel.

[under a cut bc this got...... STUPID long. Who knew I still had this many opinions about SPN in 2020?]

Okay first of all I wanna talk about the cinnamon topography of this episode - I love the way the first 5 seasons are shot because you really feel the americana gothic horror aesthetic they were going for (I have a whole ‘nother rant about the first 5 seasons vs the last 10 but thats for another time). Everything is a little washed out and grey-toned, the camera angles generally serve to make Sam and Dean appear even taller than they actually are (larger than life - again, another post for another time), and there’s honestly a LOT of shots from the ‘monster’s’ perspective, which is really neat! I’ve said it before (on another blog - YES i have a dedicated spn rant blog, don’t @ me hdjfhfjfh) but the episode that really got me hooked on spn back in the day was the second one, about the w*ndigo. Yes, it’s a racist, culturally appropriating shitstorm, but the way its SHOT is fantastic. I’m honestly not a horror fan, but that episode could have easily relied on jumpscares and they DIDN’T and it was scary as all fucking hell and just - fuck okay getting off topic. 

In “Changing Channels” we get that distinctive grey-washed tone in the beginning and the very end of the episode, but the middle? When they’re in TV Land? Everything is bright. Almost comically so, I mean - okay look at these two shots of Sam (apologies about the crappy phone pics, netflix won't let me screenshot)

This one is from the start of the episode, in the "real" police station

And this is from a little later in the "TV" hospital

Ignoring that my phone is washing him out a lot in both pics, you can still see the warmer tones in the hospital shot as compared to the cold greyness in the police station one

Okay, now look at this picture

Dean inside the Impala, and those warm tones are back. Why? Because even though Sam and Dean believe that they’re back in the “real” world, they aren’t - so instead of the grey-washed shots that we’re used to, its the bright and warm shots that we see in “TV Land”! So the viewers pick up, even if its just subconsciously, that the boys aren’t out of the woods yet - everything is still too bright to be the in-universe reality we’ve come to expect from SPN by season 5

Which is also why i love this shift so much

These shots are literally SECONDS apart. The first is in "TV Land" and the second is in the "real" world. I have some red strip lights behind my bed, which are reflecting off my laptop screen - notice how much brighter they seem in the second picture? That’s because literally all of the warm colors have been drained out of the shot. As soon as Gabriel snaps them all back into “reality,” things get so much colder.

Okay, so the second thing I want to talk about is some of the very pointed dialogue choices within the “shows” the Winchesters take part in. Not between Sam and Dan and Gabriel, but from the, for lack of a better term, NPCs within the shows.

In the hospital, Dr. Piccolo tells Sam that he is “the finest cerebrovascular neurosurgeon I have ever met - and I have met plenty! So that girl died on your table; it wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anybody’s fault. Sometimes people just die.” Standard cheesy soap opera dialogue - but lemme just swap some words here and - 

“You are the finest hunter I have ever met - and I have met plenty! So that girl died on your hunt; it wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anybody’s fault. Sometimes people just die.”

Or even - 

“You are the finest hunter I have ever met - and I have met plenty! So Jessica and Mary died above you; it wasn’t your fault. It wasn’t anybody’s fault [but Azazel’s]. Sometimes people just die.”

Keeping in mind that the NPCs are basically Gabriel’s mouthpieces, its easy to see why so many people ship Sabriel. I’d actually love to see a fic that explores them talking about this moment in particular later on and the kind of gentle forgiveness that Gabriel can give Sam... getting off topic again.

In an abrupt about-face, the herpes commercial (much meme’d within the fandom) is straight up Gabriel shaming Sam. Because if you replace “genital herpes” with “demon blood” it’s.... dark. And very intentional.

So that’s what I did! (I combined all spoken lines to make the message easier to read, rather than splitting them up across 3 speakers as in the episode)

“I’ve drank demon blood. I tried to be responsible... did I try. But now, after being forcibly detoxed, I fight my addiction every day to reduce the chances of passing back into that toxic mindset. Ask your loved ones about a demon blood intervention today. [...] I am doing all I can to slightly lessen the chance of drinking demon blood again. And that’s a good thing.”

Like... the subtext throughout this episode sure is. Something.

Okay this is getting ridiculously long so I wanna wrap up by talking about The Best Scene In The Whole Goddamn Show

I’m talking, of course, about Gabriel’s Confession

“Max,” you might be saying, “there are so many better scenes out there, even within the first five seasons!” and to that i say, again, no audience participation, please. Also, you’re WRONG and here’s why!

Gabriel’s confession hits every goddamn emotional chord that the fandom begged for on this show - fear, rage, grief, pain, guilt, and even, yes, absolution. 

Okay, here’s the scene again for those of you who don’t think about it at least once a week like me

Now this video is missing some of the conversation, but most of it is there, enough for you to see what I’m talking about. Gabriel up to this point has been, essentially, a nameless antagonist - this is the third episode he appeared in, and before this, we didn’t even know he was going by Loki. He was just referred to as ‘The Trickster’. But here, not only do we get a name (a real name at that), but we also get a glimpse of his backstory and a hell of a lot of character development in less than 5 minutes. I mean, Sam didn’t get this much character development throughout the entirety of season 1! There’s a good reason Gabriel has been a fan-favorite for a very long time, and I think a big part of it is this particular scene.

Because here, we get to see Gabriel being vulnerable. And we even see Dean show a little vulnerability, as he can empathize being the third party to explosive arguments between the two people who mean everything to him.

I mean... okay, it will never see the light of day, but I wrote a little bit of a Reverse ‘Verse fic (because I’m a sucker for Reverse ‘Verse) and this was the scene I started with. Not s1e1, not even the resurrection in s4e1, but this scene. Because this scene, more than any other, is critical to the way not only Gabriel’s (first) arc plays out, but also to how Sam and Dean conduct themselves for the rest of the season (and maybe a bit beyond, it’s been a hot minute since I watched s6 and later). Dean is angry but determined, he has a point to make, he is going to save Sammy and if he can’t do that, then he’s going to damn well die trying. But Sam... it’s after this episode that we start really seeing how bone-achingly tired Sam is. It’s after this conversation - where one of the other archangels, one of the few beings who can truly understand how powerful Michael and Lucifer are - says that there’s no other way around this that Sam seems to start inching towards giving in. Saying yes.

Sure, in the actual episode, he seems outraged by the idea, practically scoffs at it - “you want us to say yes to those sons of bitches?” - but it’s after this where Sam really seems run down.

I mean, look at the episodes before and after (HAH you thought I forgot about that first point I made at the very beginning of this post! I did, briefly, but I’ve circled back to it, thanks for being understanding). In “The Curious Case of Dean Winchester,” Sam behaves much as he did since the start of s4, which is to say, ‘annoying little know-it-all brother tossed into the middle of the apocalypse and just trying his best’ and it works well for the mad scramble for any scrap of information that’s happening in s4/early s5.

But in “The Real Ghostbusters” it’s different. This is another funny meta episode - except, while Sam and Dean are technically aware of the joke, they aren’t as amused by it as the audience is. And it’s not because of the ghosts. It’s because they’re just... done. Especially Sam. Dean has that nice little moment with the cosplayers at the end of the episode, but Sam... threatens to shoot Chuck. Sam ‘goes darkside’ more often than pretty much any other character in the show, but that moment is different. It’s a flat promise, not a threat. He’s not being an asshole, like he is after losing his soul. He’s just... done. And it’s obvious to see.

Gabriel’s confession is the turning point for Sam in s5, and it informs a lot of his behavior through the rest of s5, and possibly beyond! Like I said, I haven’t watched past s5 in a very long time, so I don’t feel confident enough to analyze that specific sort of character line, but I feel confident in saying that hearing one of the most powerful beings in the universe basically say “it doesn’t matter what you do - your destiny is unavoidable” and then he’s proven right (Sam says yes to Lucifer, and Dean eventually does say yes to Michael down the line!)... like, that’s really gotta fuck up your world view that was built on free will and throwing off the shackles of fate. Sam managed to avoid his ‘destiny’ in s2... but then it turns out that that wasn’t ever his destiny. Lucifer was his destiny.

Talk about an obscured view of the inner self.

#thebisexualmandalorian #jesse #max answers #spn #naturally super #changing channels #im having some THOUGHTS yall

[silverhandsass]

Can You Feel The Sun (Pt.2)

Took me being mega emotional over V and Johnny to finally finish this one but, shit picks up fast y'all OwO

— SPOILER ALERT - this is post-game stuff, read at your own risk —

Read on Ao3

— — — — —

Walking up those steps to the Columbarium was the most difficult thing she had ever done. V had been avoiding it for an entire year, having promised herself she would visit regularly but never doing so. She couldn't.

Perhaps it was time to finally stop ignoring the truth and the hurt. V took a deep breath and stepped into the Columbarium, knowing the path to the niche like the back of her hand. She did not look at it right away, her eyes fixed to the floor, the walls, the sky—anywhere but his name.

Her gaze had brushed over Alt's first, sending a chill down her spine at the thought of the irony behind its placement. There they were, the two names stuck so close to each other after their parting from this world—unbeknownst to everyone that ever knew them just how accurate of a depiction it was.

He was right there, but not quite beside her. One panel higher. He was there with her, but not quite. Another chill ran through her spine, particularly when she glanced at his name so absentmindedly, she hadn't realized what she'd done until it was too late.

Robert John Linder

A son of a bitch who never gave up. A legend among legends.

V took a deep breath, her vision blurring over as she read the next line.

The man who saved my life.

It was all she could do not to crumble into nothing right then and there, but she did not hold back her tears. Soon, her shoulders began to shake and her chest heaved as a heartbreaking sob broke through. V brought a few fingers up to the niche, tracing the little tray right where his name was displayed. The hologram danced around her fingers as they went through, not quite making contact—also eerily apt.

"You really were a son of a bitch, you know that?" she hissed, sniffling hard and wiping at her face with her sleeve. "You shouldn't have let me leave. I would have stayed with you. Whatever happened, I would have stayed..."

Her free hand moved past her jacket and into the collar of her shirt to pull out a silver chain. She palmed the tags and held them tightly as she wept. It was unclear how much longer she ended up staying there after that.

—

Visions began to form in distorted waves, slowly turning into memories as his mind tried to catch up to his consciousness. He began to recognize a few things; the medical equipment, the incessant beeping of a machine that only grew faster and faster each time, and the yelling of doctors and whoever else around the room before he lost consciousness once more.

It wasn't the first time this had happened and it was clear to him now. Clearer than ever as his head hit the table with a hard thud, neon lights sending him off to the abyss for another long stretch.

—

Had this place always smelled like shit? Sure, she remembered it smelling terrible, but it wasn't that bad. V stepped over corrugated sheets of metal and whatever passed for a path that lead her where she needed to be. When the old blotch of concrete was visible, she could feel her stomach drop at the sight. All those underlying feelings of turmoil and regret began to bubble up to the surface the closer she got.

By the time she arrived, Val's hands were uncontrollably shaking. She lowered herself down onto a familiar metal slab and took a deep breath. With a quick scrape of fingers through her hair, she leaned forward and hung her head, trying hard not to let her emotions tear into her just yet—what Misty had told her continued to ring in her mind like an endless echo of a broken record.

Celebration; harmony; union—reunion.

"Reunion..." her lower lip quivered and she grimaced, the venom in her heart finally surfacing. "If only it was a proper reunion... but we can't have that, can we?" Val shook her head and buried her face in her hands. "We never were a fortunate pair, were we?" She took a breath, "From the moment we met, shit just wouldn't let up. Coulda been slotted into some other gonk's brain but you had to be in mine, didn't you?"

Val dropped her hands from her face, then traced one along the carved surface beside her. JS2023. "Don't know a soul that earned himself two graves... But fuck you went out with a bang each time." There was that cold, sudden ache in her chest that snaked its way up to her throat. Her eyes stung a little at the sensation. "You know, people thought I'd be happy to hear I was back in my own body, alone in my head again... no one understood why I grieved so much. Everyone's been tryin' all day to take me out for drinks and get my mind off things... Except maybe Misty, and Kerry. He'd never admit it to you, but he did grieve for you. Told me so himself in the days after I came back. Everyone else..."

Sitting up straight a little, V let out a dry, humorless chuckle into the air. "Everyone else still thinks of you as the bastard who ran my well dry and left me for dead. They... think of you as the asshole from 2023, the terrorist of the 'saka bombing, the rockerboy-gone-rogue.'" She scoffed, attempting to suppress the bubbling anger. "They never got to see the man you became. Who you were at the end... who you were to me..."

The little memories began to flood her mind; those times that he'd jokingly rest his legs upon hers, the times she'd do the same with him for comfort, the hours they'd spent in the garage or out in the pier. The way the engram and her mind would simulate his fingers running through her hair—god how she hoped she would get to see the day they would do these things in person.

She had hoped for too much.

Mikoshi had been as close to a level field between them as it had ever been. Val sat up straight, her cheeks damp and glistening in the flames of the fields.

"Say something," she called softly, knowing it was pointless but she did anyway. "Anything?" Her voice cracked and her throat constricted. A choking sob racked out of her as she hunched over, her face buried in her hands once more. "I can't do this..." She cried, "how the fuck... Is this a reunion?" She sniffled, wiping her cheeks away with the sleeve of her jacket. "A real reunion would be me fucking launching myself past the Blackwall again, but that-that—"

Oh.

That wasn't doable... It wasn't... It wasn't.

No. No, right? No.

Her eyes darted side to side as her breathing quickened. Her crying came to a screeching halt and she wiped off the fluids on her face with a sleeve as she stood up. Brows furrowed, heart pounding and eyes still trailing around in thought, V marched for the Porsche.

—

His eyes fluttered open once more, his body waking up a little faster this time. His pounding heart is enough to get him to launch himself up to a seated position, but the sting of leather caught him first. His head hit the back of the—whatever he was on, a table or bed of some sort—with a hard thud, causing him to groan.

"Good morning!" A loud and clear voice rung out in the chamber. That's when he noticed. There were no nurses or doctors or anything around. The room was silent otherwise. "My, you've been causing a fuckton of trouble around here, haven't you? Just can't stay down."

"Where the fuck am I?" Shaking and straining against the leather straps, Johnny growled into the air. "Show your fucking face!"

Slow footsteps resounded as the man moved about the room—not closer, but still present. "Not until you calm the fuck down." That seemed to rule him up even further, so the man chuckled. "If you behave I might let you out—"

"What year is it?"

The man paused, the sound of him shuffling in place carrying over to Johnny's ears making him try to push his head up to see the guy. All he could see was a nondescript form of the man from the brief glimpse he caught at an angle too painful to maintain.

"It's the year 2078," the man told him, and Johnny's heart shattered.

His head slammed back against the slab once more as his eyes shut tight. "Fuck..." He shook his head.

"You miss a birthday or something?" The man jested.

No. 

He missed whatever time V had left before she'd die. The time that Alt had promised her. He did not dare to hope that she might still be alive. He could not. He lost her once, he couldn't bear to think of losing her again. She was probably already gone and he hoped she took half the city down with her. She never did do things half-assed or quietly—wasn't her style.

But either way... She was gone.

Too late.

"What, Johnny? What is it, where'd you go?" The man insisted, taking a step closer.

"Fuck you, fuckin' 'saka piece of shit," he let out a dry chuckle, shaking his head. "This isn't real, I'm not really here." His voice... It was truly his own, he felt. His left arm had that same vagueness about feeling where his fingertips did not, and he was familiar with the feel and response of this body—felt different than how alien it was in Val's. He stopped himself from thinking further on that.

"You think you're at Arasaka?" The man asked.

"Never left Mikoshi, so only one place I could be," he replied. "Stuck in some sim or something."

"Guess again, genius," the man told him before finally walking forward and into the light. That face, Johnny knew that face— "Bryce Mosely. I believe we've already met."

Johnny hadn't, but V certainly had. The man she spared from the Voodoos back in the day. Johnny's eyes stuck onto the man's features as he leaned a hand against the slab to look down at him. "No, can't say we have."

"Sure we have. You were in her head after all, weren't you?" His lips curved into a crooked smile. "Wasn't sure what I picked up when I had access to her port, but the second we found you, a quick cross reference and here we are."

Fuck.

"So, what—you brought me back, in the flesh?" Johnny asked.

"In your flesh, to be exact," Bryce corrected.

"Bullshit," Johnny spat, looking away as though he couldn't feel that nagging craving of nicotine coursing through him, or the familiar ache of one side of his jaw when he clenched it in anger.

"We did take you from Arasaka. They're still a mess after a lone Merc walked in and singlehandedly unraveled everything they had been building here in Night City, but... Didn't expect to find you in Mikoshi of all places, though..." Bryce explained as a way of asking.

"Assholes liked their trophies, what can I say," Johnny passively replied, his eyes shutting momentarily.

"But you left, right? Had to have left if you wound up in V's head—which I still don't get how that happened... And how you wound back up in Mikoshi," he took a step back. "Did V return you? Did she have enough of your antics or... What, did she use you to get to Arasaka?"

"Give up, corpo-dick, I ain't telling you shit. None of this shit matters," Johnny looked up at the agent.

"Course it does. Because if you talk, you might just get your freedom. Don't you want that?"

His freedom? With whatever leash they must have planted in his body? He had spent enough time with V to learn her caution, to learn when to bite his tongue and bide his time, when to keep fighting and when to shut up. He stopped to think for a moment and knew that this was a loaded scam and a half.

"Find someone else. Only person I'd talk to is dead, I got nothin' left to lose, so go ahead, make me sleep again."

"Can't do that. You see we need you. We're pretty sure Arasaka's—"

"Oh, Arasaka, Arasaka—fuck Arasaka, fuck you, and fuck this, they've already fucked things up enough. You said they're unraveled? Good enough for me." Johnny was beginning to raise his voice as he rattled against the straps, shaking the entire bed with him. "I'm no fucking corpo dog, you won't get shit from me so either let me out—"

"Johnny—"

"Or fucking put me right back where you found me!"

The more that Johnny fought against his restraints, the more it was apparent to Bryce that Johnny was unwilling to answer. From the corner of his eye, Johnny could see Bryce motion toward a large mirror across the room. The doors soon opened and nurses began to filter into the room. Needles and bottles clanking, a nurse hurried over to his IV, pumping what seemed to be the culprit of his daze—and a large dose of it too.

A familiar buzz whooshed through his head as he relaxed into the bed, letting the tingling numbness take over. He might have blamed the bruises and chafing underneath the leather after so much fighting, or maybe the intensity of being back in a body again, but he could not hold back the singular tear that escaped him as he shut his eyes.

He would be no one's puppet.

Before light and sounds fully dimmed around him, he could hear Bryce's voice echoing in the chamber. There were some incoherent orders, but some words did come through. Words he did not know how to process. They played over in his mind again and again until there was nothing but silence.

Find that Merc.

#eventual fluff #angst #mentions of character death #ROMANCe #THERES ROMANCE I PROMISE YOU JUST LOOK AT THESE TWO #YOU KNOW WHAT'S GONNA HAPPEN #not how but #yknow #fluff #feels #emotions #cyberpunk 2077 #cyberpunk 2077 spoilers #my fics #can you feel the sun #johnny silverhand #valerie rose palencia #val / johnny #Val / johnny silverhand #bryce mosely #ekfhjehfjfeh #silverv

[danurso]

Colorguard christmas

(As per usual, my post for the celebration is late, but whatever, im still awake so it means christmas is not over for me yet, which techinically means im still on time)

Fun fact: every time i imagine adult RWBY, i imagine their 3.0 versions.

Pyrrha: so? Everything ready?

Perseus: *7y/o boy with red hair and blue eyes* *putting down a cup of milk* milk, okay!

Rouje: *7y/o old boy with blonde, red-tipped hair and silver eyes* *putting down a plate of cookies* cookies, ok!

Ruby: you didn't ate any of the cookies, did you?

Rouje: *with cookie bran around his mouth* nope, not a single one mommy!

Weiss: what about the lights?

Frost: *7y/o girl with icy blue eyes, white hair and blonde tips* *turns on the tree lights* lights, ok.

Yang: *with yin sitting on her shoulder* what about the tree?

Yin: *7y/o girl with blonde hair and red eyes* *placing a star on top of the tree* aaaand. . .done! Tree is ok!

Blake: so, is everything ready?

Kyara: *7y/o girl with black hair, a pair of cat ears, one eye blue and the other amber.* i think it is mom.

Ruby: great! Just a few more minutes and it will be christmas!!!

Perseus: i just wished dad was here to celebrate. . .

Rouge: me too.

Weiss: we all wanted that, but jaune had to go on that very important last time mission.

Pyrrha: but don't worry about that, he's going to be home tomorrow very early, so it will be just like usual.

Frost: well, at least he's going to be here tomorrow.

Kyara: *nods*

Yin: can't we at least call him?

Blake: unfortunately, no. Your dad is on a very serious mission and he can't risk receiving calls right now.

RFKYP: *expression drops*

Blake: but, he did let a video-message for you.

RFKYP: Really!?

Yang: here. *syncs her scroll with the TV and plays a video.*

Jaune: *on the TV* they there kids, merry christmas!

RFKYP: Daddy!

Jaune: sorry for not being able to be there with you today, but this mission i had was really important and daddy really couldn't pass on it.

RFKYP: *vision drops* we know daddy.

Jaune: and that's why i asked a friend of mine to pay you guys a visit while i'm out, he's a bit busy tonight so he can't stay for too long, but i know you all will love him.

Yin: who is daddy talking about?

Yang: *shrugs with a knowing smile* no idea.

Jaune: he should arrive at midnight, so you all better he nice to him, okay? I love you all, see you tomorrow. *video ends*

Rouge: daddy's friend is arriving at midnight?

Frost: but it's already midnight.

Weiss: *staring at the clock* would you look at that, it really is midnight.

Ruby: i wonder where this mysterious friend is. . .wait, are you guys hearing that?

RFKYP: . . . *listening carefully*

???: *footsteps coming from the second floor* HO-HO-HO!

Rouge: wait, that sounds like. . .

Jaune: *coming downstairs, dressed as santa.* HO-HO-HO! Where are the kids my dear friend jaune told me about?

RFKYP: SANTA!!! *tackles him*

Jaune: *on the ground* HO-HO! what strong kids you all are.

Yin: you're really santa!?

Jaune: why, yes. Of course i am!

Perseus: what are you doing here?

Jaune: *getting up* well, i was about to start my night and deliver the presents to the well behaved kids when i remembered that my friend jaune had asked me to visit you all today since he couldn't be here.

Rouge: *disappear in a blur before coming back with a cup of milk and a plate of cookies* here Santa! We made these for you!

Jaune: really? Thank you very much *eats a cookie and drinks some milk* hmm, this is great, you really are amazing kids, just like jaune said.

RFKYP: *smiling brightly*

RWBY/Pyrrha: *chuckles*

Jaune: which reminds me. *pulls the bag of his back* which one of you behaved this year?

Yin: ME! ME!

Rouge: ME TOO!

Kyara: i think i behaved well this year.

Perseus: i think i did it too.

Frost: *proudly* i was the most well behaved this year.

Jaune: really? Well, that mean you all deserve a reward. *pulls out several gifts, placing them under the tree* tomorrow morning, you will all be able to open them, if you try and peek at them, you won't receive presents next year, okay?

RFKYP: okay!

Jaune: well, now i need to go, there are many houses i need to visit today, and remember to always listen to what your parents say, okay?

RFKYP: okay! Bye santa!

Jaune: HO-HO-HO! Goodbye kids! *leaves*

Yin: wow, i didn't knew dad knew santa!

Yang: your dad is full of surprises. Now let's get to bed y'all, it's late and the sooner you go to sleep, the sooner you'll get your presents.

RFKYP: roger that! *runs upstairs*

*a few minutes later*

Jaune: *walks back in*

Yang: *waves* hey there santa.

Jaune: hey girls. So, are they asleep?

Ruby: yup, soundly asleep.

Jaune: *sits on the couch and lets out a relaxed sigh*

Pyrrha: it was really nice of you to dress up as santa for them.

Jaune: *sheepishly* i just saw the costume on the store and had the idea to do this, it wasn't anything much. Though the bread is really itchy. *scratching his fake beard*

Blake: but i think it was worth it, the kids got really happy after seeing you.

Jaune: *grinning* what can i say? There isn't anything in this world that i won't do for my kids or my beautiful wives.

RWBY/Pyrrha: *with a light pink on her cheeks*

Jaune: *chuckles* no matter how many years pass, i still love to see you all blushing like that.

Weiss: s-shut up, you're such a dolt.

Jaune: and you all still love me and married me, making me the happiest man alive.

RWBY/Pyrrha: *blushes*

Jaune: *grinning victoriously*

Yang: speaking of happiness. *sits on jaune's lap*

Jaune: . . .what are you doing?

Yang: im sitting on santa's lap, it reminds me of my childhood, only this time santa is toned hot guy that really makes me wanna play around. *starts rocking her hips*

Jaune: *pink* e-err. . .yang, c-can you please stop?

Yang: *grinning* why? I've been a good girl the whole year? Can't i get my present now? *attacks his neck while inserting her hands under his coat*

Jaune: *red* g-girls, a little help p-please?

Pyrrha: sorry jaune, but we can't do that.

Blake: you weren't the only one planning something nice for christmas.

Jaune: *looks back the the girls, now wearing only thin negligees* uhh. . . *blushes with a nosebleed*

RWBY/Pyrrha: merry christmas santa~

Jaune: *dazed* m-merry christmas for me.

Yin: *standing on the corner with a cup of water in hand* . . . *walks upstairs, entering her room* hey, guys. . .

RFK_P: *sleepy* what?

Yin: santa is back.

Rouge: why?

Yin: *smiling* mommies are giving him a christmas present.

Kyara: that's nice.

Perseus: yeah, he himself probably doesn't get many presents.

Frost: great, now let's get back to sleep, it's late and i'm tired.

Yin: sure *lays on her bed* night guys.

RFK_P: night. . . *falls asleep*

Yin: . . . *drifts away*

*ten years later*

Rouge: *sleeping* . . .

Frost: *sleeping* . . .

Kyara: *sleeping* . . . 

Perseus: *sleeping* . . .

Yin: *sleeping* . . . *jolts awake, sitting up*

Frost: yin? *rubs her eyes and sits up* what's wrong?

Yin: they were fucking. . .

Frost: what?

Yin: santa was fucking our mothers! He's literally a motherfucker!!!

Frost: . . . *sigh* i'm too tired for this. *lays on the bed* goodnight.

Yin: wait! I'm serious! Santa was having sex with our mo- *gets four pillows on her face*

RFK_P: shut uuuup!

#rwby #jaune arc #ruby rose #jaune x ruby #lancaster #yang xiao long #jaune x yang #dragonslayer #blake belladona #jaune x blake #knightshade #weiss schnee #jaune x weiss #jaune x weiss rwby #pyrrha nikos #jaune x pyrrha #arkos #rwby whiteknight #rwby white knight #whiteknight #white knight #jaune x harem #colorguard #jaune x rwby #yin arc xiao long #rouge arc rose #kyara arc belladona #frost arc schnee #perseus arc nikos

[marvel--queen]

Hear the Music || Armitage Hux || Part One

Fandom: Star Wars

Word Count: 1,441

Warnings: few swear words, thats like it i think?

Description: (Y/N) is a grey jedi who used to train under Luke Skywalker with Ben. After surviving Ben’s attack on the temple, they lived life successfully on the run from Kylo and the First Order, until Kylo finally found them and offered them a proposition. 

Masterlist

Hear the Music Masterlist

A/N: ahhhh im alive!! happy star wars day! i love this funky man named domhnall gleeson. this has been in my notes forever and i finally got the motivation to finish it. hoping to turn this into a series but we know how well i am at finishing things(hint: not well at all) please enjoy. more interaction with hux to come next part. also i’m trying to keep it as gender neutral as i can so everyone can enjoy it :) also any feedback y'all can give would be great, what did you like about it, what can i do different, what do you think will happen? i'm a sucker for attention

THIS IS NOT MY GIF. GIF CREDITS GOES TO THE OWNER(I tried searching for whoever made this gif but I couldn’t find it! If anyone knows please let me know so I can properly give credit)

--

You loved how free your life was. Sure sneaking past the First Order checkpoints aren’t ideal to freedom but the exhilaration of almost getting caught fuels you on. It reminds you of the time you and Ben would sneak out of your huts at night to have fun and be teenagers. Many nights spent by the flowing river as you used the force to chuck a multitude of stones at Ben or after you both crafted your own lightsabers, choreographing your own fight scenes, dancing around each other's glowing blades. But those moments were short-lived.

You wish you could say you were surprised when Ben snapped but that boy had so much pent up anger, it was bound to explode one way or another. You were lucky enough to escape with a few burns and a broken arm. Unfortunately, the majority of your peers weren’t as lucky. You had limped away from the scene, clutching your arm with tears burning in your eyes as you followed Ben with only anger set on your mind. Before you could get very far, Master Skywalker stopped you. And that was when you parted from the damaged temple. 

Traveling on your own was an adjustment. Fighting for your life just to live another day, it only furthered your ideal as a Grey Jedi. Even as a kid, you had issues seeing only a good side and a bad side and to this day, you refuse to believe there is only good or only bad. But now you’re free, free from the constant preaching of goodness and the blindness of the evil. You were finally at peace. 

But peace can only last so long. You should’ve known when you felt the shift in the force, that it was time to pack up and trek on, but you were stubborn. Which made your current position much more irritating. They came into your home at night, you fought the best you could with sleep clouding your mind but there were too many of them and you were just too tired. After years of successfully avoiding the First Order and Kylo Ren, your past caught up to you and it was time to hear the music. 

So there you laid, strapped to a First Order interrogation bed. You thought you’d be angrier when the time came but you just laid there, eyes closed, calm, waiting for the little shit to arrive so you could spit in his face. You could feel him in the area, following his footsteps in your mind until it stopped, in front of your door. 

You called out to him, with your mind, smirking, “How does it feel to finally successfully kill a master, Ben?”

The door whooshed open to show the angry face of your old friend. “Get out of my mind,” He childishly yelled, pointing a threatening finger at you.

“You’d think after so many years, you would finally grow up,” You challenged him with a raised eyebrow.

“Shut up!” He glared, “When were you this,” He struggled to find his words. “Infuriating?” You picked the word from his mind and he tried to push you out, to which you only laughed. “I was always stronger in the force than you, Ben.” “It’s Kylo,” Kylo narrowed his eyes at you angrily. “And yet here I am more powerful than you could ever be.”

You rolled your eyes, “I’m not calling you that childish name.”

“Then Supreme Leader,” He crossed his arms, “Which is why I searched for you. Join me.”

You choked on air and threw your head back laughing hysterically. This only enraged him even more, “Why are you laughing?! Join me, be my enforcer, my right hand. We can rule this galaxy together.”

“I-I’m sorry,” You laughed, raising your hand to your chest to control your breathing. You had released yourself from the restraints not too long ago. “But you want me to join you on the ‘Dark Side’” You made air quotes as you said “Dark Side” sarcastically. “This is priceless, but the answer is no.” You crossed your arms.

“Then you best get comfortable,” Kylo turned to leave but you weren’t content with his last word. 

You raised your arm and yank it to the side, slamming Kylo’s body against the walls and pinned him there. “You may have more power, but I’m still stronger, Ben.” You spat out as Kylo struggled against your force. “I was living a peaceful, free life and you, yet again, ruined it”

The door to the right of you swiftly opened and you reached out your right hand, ready to attack whoever entered. A pale man entered, head down looking at the datapad resting on his arm. 

“I don’t understan- oh?“ He started speaking before looking up, surprised but also smug to see Ren’s position. “As delighted I am to see someone best him, could you please release the Supreme Leader.”

You smiled at the General, taking note of his uniform, before turning to Kylo, “Ooh, I like this one,” You nodded your head to the man, before forcing Kylo to the ground and releasing him. You turned back to the General with a flirty smile, “Got a name, General?”

“Hux,” The man, you now know as General Hux, responded, amused with the interaction he’s witnessing. Behind you, Kylo stood up and brushed the dust off of his clothes, before charging to subdue you.

“General Hux,” You tested the name, tapping your chin, “Don’t tell me your first name is General.” You casually sent Kylo flying away from you as you teased the General. 

“Armitage,” He sent a fleeting look to Kylo as he flew and slumped on the floor, groaning. 

Your smile widened, “Nice to meet you, General Armitage Hux.” You lent your hand out for a handshake, which Hux accepted, eyes locked together. To the side of you both, Kylo braced himself against the wall before readying himself for another go at you. You rolled your eyes, excused yourself, and turned to Kylo with a glare, “Will you behave?! I’m trying to have a pleasant conversation with General Hux.” You turned back to Hux with a mysterious glint in your eyes, “You’d think he’d give up after so many failures, I’m sorry you had to deal with him for so long.”

Kylo’s face flushed red from anger at your jab. “General, you’re dismissed,” He sent a glare to you, "I’ll deal with the prisoner.”

Hux sent Kylo a side look before nodding, turning to leave. 

“Don’t be a stranger, General,” You tell him, shamelessly admiring his back profile, “I got a feeling I’ll be here for a while.” Hux turned briefly, catching you checking him out, only for you to send him a wink and Kylo to glare at the man to leave immediately. You watched him leave until the door closed. “Nice man,” You turn to Kylo with a grin. 

“Are you done?” Kylo deadpanned, unamused with your behavior. 

“Never,” You teased, pinching his cheek. He retaliated by smacking your hand and gripping your wrist hard. 

“This isn’t a fucking game,” He sneered through gritted teeth as he roughly released your wrist, to which you rubbed gingerly and glared at him. 

“Relax, Ben. If I wanted to hurt you, I would’ve done more than just toss you around the room. You’re too serious.” You hopped back onto the bed and looked at your old best friend, waiting for his next move.

After a beat of nothing, you rolled your eyes, leaning back onto your hands you placed behind you. “Honestly, now I see your appeal to the ‘Dark Side’” You shifted your weight to one hand to air quote “Dark Side”. “If all the men looked like that,” You whistled, eyes focused on the door the General left through. “Too bad, I don’t believe in the Dark Side. Doesn’t mean I can’t admire,” You smirked looking at Kylo as you swung your legs.

Kylo grimaced at your comments, “Do you ever shut up?” You smirked and opened your mouth to respond but he cut you off by raising his hand, “Never mind, don’t answer that.” He moved towards the door, opening it and looking at you, “Maybe some quiet will do you some good. Think about my offer.” 

He steps out of the room and before the door closes, you shout after him, “Please tell the General, he’s free to visit anytime!” 

Kylo flipped you off as he stormed down the hall. You giggle to yourself, pleased with everything that unfolded. Maybe your break at peace wouldn’t be so bad, especially after meeting that red-headed General you’re already fond of.

#hear the music #armitage hux x reader #general hux x reader #armitage hux #general hux #kylo ren #ben solo #star wars #star wars x reader #star wars imagine #marvel--queen

[hoseokslefteyebrow]

The Baby Project || M.YG || 20

Pairing : Min Yoongi X Reader

Genre : Fluff

Summary : What happens when you and Yoongi are supposed to take care of a baby for a month?

Wordcount: 1.2k

The Baby Project Masterlist | Next

Taglist :

@joyful-jimin @kisskissshutmydoor @nanie5 @jayhope88 @peachymochimochi

You put in your earrings before staring at your reflection. Remember when you told yourself you looked like a shiny potato in the dress? Now, with your mother's jewelry which you had picked up allong the way earlier, and the dress, you looked like a potato twister with paprika seasoning, you were hot. 

You winked at your reflection before stepping into your dress and putting it on. Your arms were quite flexible, so you didn't need any help in getting it on.

" Hey." You cheekily greeted your boyfriend as you stepped out of the bathroom attached to his room.

He turned around to greet you, looking up for a moment from buttoning his shirt to greet you, but taking a double take when he realized just how fine you looked.

" Damn, you look beautiful love." Yoongi smiled as he licked his lips.

" You look quite handsome yourself." You smiled back at him, helping him button up his last few buttons, leaving the last one open.

Yoongi was wearing an all black suit with a navy blue blouse which he had randomly found in his closet earlier allong with a black vest for underneath the black blazer.

" Thanks. By the way, there's something I need to warn you about for the party." Yoongi said, his smile slowly falling from his lips.

" What is it?" You asked.

" There's going to be press outside of the building. I'm going to need you to not leave my side while we're out and to not let the press get to you, okay?"

-

" Mr Min, is this your girlfriend?-"

" Wow, mr Min, you got a good catch.-"

" This is really the best you managed to find, mr Min?"

" Ceo Min,  is this your son's first official lover?"

Yoongi glared at all the press, disliking how they were trying to bring you down. Yet he stood tall and held you close to him as you were walking on the red carpet into the hotel where party was held at. You looked absolutely beautiful tonight, and he just hoped that he looked worthy in beauty standards for standing by your side. 

The two of you stopped to pose for a moment, and Yoongi felt proud at how you were handeling the situation. You didn't give a damn about them, and the only attention the press has recieved was you running your eyes over all of them coldly, as if you owned them. Yoongi was pretty sure you did.

Unknowing to him, Jimin was only a few steps behind the two of you. Him and his 'girlfriend of the week' were having a tough time. His girlfriend, Sega, was trying to deny being Jimin's plaything, yet Jimin was ignoring both her and the press, once in a while sneaking a curious look at you. Who were you and why did you seem to own everyone around you with that sharp gaze of yours?

-

Yoongi's father didn't know what to do. He didn't like his son's girlfriend, yet you seemed more suitable for his boy than the girl he had planned to introduce Yoongi to in this party. The girl who was supposed to marry him had been a few steps in front of Yoongi's father, who had tried not to cringe at how she was behaving. That girl might've been from one of his business partners, but she was certainly a shame for the family. She had not been handeling the press well, and she was practically raised to. Yoongi's father wouldn't admit it, not even to himself, but he was proud of his son for choosing someone who handled everything this effortlessly.

" Would you like a drink miss?" A random waiter with champagbe stopped by you and Yoongi's table.

" No thank you." You smiled gently at him.

The waiter nodded in respect and turned to Yoongi, who did take him up on his offer.

" Yoongi hyung, Y/N! nice to see you two again." Jimin smiled as he joined you and Yoongi's table. ( Yoongi's father was already out of Yoongi's eyesight as you two had entered, and Yoongi decided that his father will go look for the two of you himself if he decided to be seen with you.)

" Park." You nodded at him, Yoongi raising his glass as greeting.

" You know you don't have to keep calling me by my last name right? " Jimin pouted as he looked at you.

" Where's your girl of the week?" Yoongi asked casually as he gulped down the first sip of his drink.

Jimin shrugged.

" Went to redo her make up I think."

" Poor girl." You mumbled, not realizing you said that out loud.

" Hey! She's blessed by dating me." Jimin scoffed offended.

You raised a brow at him.

" Can I take a sip?" You asked your boyfriend, who grinned and handed you his glass.

Jimin huffed.

" Damn this stuff is strong." You scrunched your face up in disgust as the burning liquid flowed down your throat, Yoongi smiling fondly as he took his glass from you.

" Hey Jiminie! Who are you?" Sega joined you, Jimin and Yoongi at your table, throwing you a disgusting look.

" Baby~ Relax, this is his girlfriend." Jimin purred to her.

" Ew. You could've done a little more about your appearance you know." Sega looked at you with a disgusted look.

Well, that certainly hurt your feelings, you really felt pretty for tonight.

Yoongi opened his mouth to say something but you beat him to it.

" Thank you for sharing your unasked opinion, but I'd rather hear it from someone who actually looks pretty." You smiled fakely at her.

Yoongi smirked in satisfaction before turning to glare coldly at the girl.

" She's right, you know? Also, don't talk trash about my woman, girl. She's more beautiful than you'll ever be." Yoongi said sharply.

Sega turned to look at Jimin for help.

" Sorry, but hyung's right." Jimin smiled a little too sweetly.

The girl glared at Jimin before storming off, throwing an 'you're an ass Jimin' behind her back.

" She'll get over it." Jimin sighed.

You blinked at him.

At least the girl was right about one thing, the male in front of you was certainly an ass indeed.

" Care to join me for a dance?" Yoongi asked, suprising you.

As far as you were concerned, Yoongi did not dance.

" Hyung's going to dance-"

" Shut it Park." Yoongi cut Jimin off with a glare.

" I'd love that." You smiled and took his hand.

-

Yoongi's father was watching you two gently swining to the soft music from afar, having made a decision. He's been a bad dad for long enough now. 

[ A/N: I'd like to tell y'all that both Yoongi & the Teader are over whatever age (depends on country) to drink legally. Else this story would've been real crazy. ( Honestly fellas whi trusts 16 year olds in one apartment room with a child?)]

* Also, this is the dress I had in mind :)

#bts #bts x reader #idkeitherman #min yoongi #bts housemates au #min yoongi x reader #bts fluff #bts ceo au #bts baby

[kali-tmblr]

Problematic Atlas Quotes: Volumes 1-3

All of the places on Remnant put together have not produced as many jarring incongruities and mixed messages as Atlas. These are all quotes relating to Atlas that really stood out to me at the time and have stayed with me since.

Volume 1

Penny: I am combat ready! (Yeah, but are you ready for anything else? And who would send out a cute girl robot who was ONLY ready for combat?)

Weiss: The innocent never run, Yang! (Karmic law says that one will come back to bite your ass, Weiss.)

Penny: I don't have a lot of friends, but if I did, I would want them to talk to me about things. (We haven't seen this one come back around to Penny yet. Blake, yes. Penny, no.)

Volume 2

Ironwood: But ask yourself this: Do you honestly believe your children can win a war?

Ozpin: I hope they never have to. (Note that Ozpin believes they can. It's having to fight he considers a failure. Later revelations would make his view even more tragic.)

Ruby: But why not let us know you were okay?

Penny: I... was asked not to talk to you. Or Weiss. Or Blake. Or Yang. Anybody, really.

Ruby: Was your dad that upset?

Penny: No, it wasn't my father... (Ironwood speaks next. An early sign of Ironwood's controlling nature.)

Penny: I'm the world's first synthetic person capable of generating an Aura. (Tell me more.)

Penny: One day, it will be my job to save the world (The whole world? Seriously, tell me more.)

Penny: It's okay, Ruby. They're not bad people; I just don't want to get you in trouble. (And why would talking to you get Ruby in trouble? And why send her to a festival that encourages students to talk to each other if you won't let her talk?)

Penny: Just promise me you won't tell anyone else my secret. Okay?

Ruby: I promise.(If she HAD told Pyrrha, the whole debacle might not have happened. Will this come up again?)

Roman: As some of you may have heard, this right here... (Taps the giant mech) ...is Atlas's newest defense against all the scary things in the world. And thanks to my "employer", we've managed to snag a few before they, uh, "hit the shelves".  (Damn, Atlas, y'all got a lot worse security problems than Ruby.)

(The image of Penny dancing by herself at the ball surrounded by uniformed guards. Say what?)

Ironwood: Ruby, I feel it's appropriate to let you know that I think what you did last night is exactly what being a Huntress is all about. You recognized a threat. You took action. And you did the very best you could. (Ah well, that's nice. Doesn't entirely fit in with the rest of your character James, but it's nice.)

Ruby: Wait. You think this girl is connected to Torchwick and the White Fang?

Ozpin: It's possible. But we still lack the required evidence to link the two together.

Ruby: Actually, I... I think I remember her saying something about a hideout, or something, in the southeast. Just outside the Kingdom.

Ozpin: Interesting.

Glynda: I thought you said the intruder never—

Ozpin: Thank you for your cooperation, Ruby. Why don't you go and spend some time with your team? You have a big day ahead of you.

Ruby: Any time.

Ozpin: And Miss Rose, please try and be ... discreet about this matter.

Ruby: Yes sir. (This tells Ironwood several things. It tells him that Ruby will lie for Ozpin, that Ozpin will cover up Ruby's lie to protect her, and most importantly that Ruby and Ozpin TRUST EACH OTHER.)

Glynda: Why must your answer to everything involve a triumphant display of military bravado!? You treat every situation like it's a contest of measuring di—!

Ozpin: Glynda!

Glynda: Well, he does. (Tell me more, Glynda.)

Ozpin: You're a general, James. So tell me, when you prepare to go to war, which do you send in first? The flag bearers, or the scouts? (Why is a civilian Headmaster schooling a general with a lesson taught to greenhorn Lieutenants? And why does he have to?)

Ozpin:  We fought for countless reasons, one of which being the destruction of all forms of art and self-expression. (SOME kingdom has control issues.)

Glynda: You're a good person, James. You've always done what you think is best for the people, even against strong protest. It's admirable. But it's high time you stopped talking about trust and started showing it. (So Ironwood's trust issues are not new. Tell me more.)

Councilman 1: You've left us no choice! The Vytal Festival tournament cannot be broadcast, let alone held, if we are unable to ensure the safety of the citizens.

Councilman 1: Ahem... Therefore, we have reached out to the Atlas Council and together have decided that the best action is to appoint General Ironwood as head of security for the event.

Ironwood: Thank you, Councilman. Our Kingdom is happy to lend as many troops as it takes to ensure that the event runs smoothly and safely as possible.

Councilman 1: And we thank you, General.

Ozpin: Will that be all?

Councilman 1: For now. But after this festival comes to a close, we are going to have a serious discussion about your position at Beacon Academy. General Ironwood's reports over the last few weeks have left us somewhat... concerned. I am sure you understand.

Ironwood: This is the right move, Ozpin. I promise, I will keep our people safe, you have to trust me.(Damn dude, what did Glynda just say about trusting people? And why do you expect Ozpin to trust you when you clearly have tattled behind his back?)

Ironwood: You brought this on yourself. (Yeah, he did. By trusting you.)

Volume 3

I have already written a detailed post on the vast discrepancies between how Winter Schnee behaves and what she is trying to convey in her first scenes, titled "Snowbirds of a Feather". Suffice to say Ironwood isn't the only Atlesian sending mixed messages.

Ironwood: If you were one of my men, I would have you shot!

Qrow: If I was one of your men, I'd shoot myself.(So y'all have an acrimonious history as well. Okay.)

Goodwitch: While I wouldn't condone his behavior, retaliating like you did certainly didn't help the situation. ("Call yourself a grown-up? I've seen better behavior from first-year students! Why do I even have to say anything to you? Don't answer that.")

Qrow: You sent me to get intel on our enemy, and I'm telling you, our enemy is here.

Ironwood: We know.

Qrow: Oh! Oh, you know! Well, thank goodness I'm out there risking my life to keep you all informed!

Ironwood:Qrow-

Qrow: Communication's a two-way street, pal. You see this? That's the SEND button.

Winter: They had reason to assume you'd been compromised. (So, Ironwood, explain to me WHY, if you seriously think Qrow has been compromised, you haven't brought it up with HIS BOSS before now? Isn't that information kind of important?)

Qrow: Despite what the world thinks, we're not just teachers, or generals, or headmasters. The people in this room, the leaders of the other two academies, we're the ones that keep the world safe from the evils no one even knows about! It's why we meet behind closed doors, why we work in the shadows. So you tell me, James, when you brought your army to Vale, did you think you were being discreet, or did you just not give a damn!?

Ironwood: Discreet wasn't working. (Explain.)

 I'm here because this is what was necessary. (Explain.)

Qrow: You're here because Ozpin wanted you here! (Is it just me, or does anyone else think this sounds like it was an unpopular decision?)

Ciel: Ruby Rose. 15. Hails from Patch. Leader of Team RWBY. Status: Questionable. (Daaaammmn son. We need to talk. You ordered a full background check on a teenage girl just because she talked to your android? And then you gave it to your android's handler? And on top of all that, a gifted honor student from a multigenerational Huntsmen family who leads Beacon's first-year star team, who Ozpin clearly trusts, only rates as "Questionable"? Who doesn't rate as "Questionable"? Oh that's right. Qrow is also "Questionable", and so is Ozpin. Tell me, do you rate yourself as "Questionable"?)

Ciel: Penny? I believe it is best if we move on to our next location.

Penny: Could we have just a minute to talk? (No seriously, is Penny now not allowed any free time?)

Ciel: It's been precisely one minute, ma'am.(Apparently not.)

Penny: Ruby, there's something I've been wanting to talk to you about. I want to stay at Beacon.

Ruby: Penny, they'll never let you do that.

Penny: I know, but I have a plan.(Tell me more.)

Yang: You're from Atlas. What could we expect?

Weiss: Well, seeing as their Kingdom, academy and armed forces are all merged as one, I think we can expect strict, militant fighters with advanced technology and carefully rehearsed strategies.  ... Or whatever they are.(So even other Atlesians think Atlesians send mixed messages.)

Ironwood: For the past few years, Atlas has been studying Aura from a more scientific standpoint; how it works, what's it made of, how it can be used. We've made... significant strides. And we believe we've found a way to capture it.

Qrow: Capture it and cram it into something else. (Dude, exactly WHERE did Penny's Aura come from?)

Ironwood: What I believe and hope this to be is nothing more than the result of stress and adrenaline. When you're out on the battlefield, your judgment can become clouded in an instant. Sometimes you see things that simply aren't there. Even after the fight is past... (That answers that question. You don't trust yourself either. What happened to you?)

Ironwood: Ozpin, the girl... I-I can explain! (You've got a full scale Grimm invasion going on and you're more terrified of OZPIN? What did you do to create Penny, James? How ELSE have you betrayed Oz?)

Ironwood: Qrow! This isn't my doing! (Why did you automatically assume Qrow is attacking you instead of looking behind you? Guilt?)

This post is long enough already, so I'll finish later. While I may be overreacting to some of these statements, that doesn't explain all of them. It's looked from the beginning like there was something fishy going on in Atlas, especially having to do with Ironwood.

#rwby #penny polendina #rwby ruby rose #james ironwood #weiss schnee #yang xiao long #ozpin #glynda goodwitch #ciel soleil

[the-lupine-sojourner]

The Tale of Astoria Kenobi [Chapter 1] [Obitine and Anidala featured] [Dad!Obi-Wan/Daughter!OC]

I hope you guys like it!

I'll put the same disclaimer I did last time; I am not an expert at all things Star Wars. I'm sorry if I make any mistakes but I'm still learning. Just bear with me. I did so some research to make sure I had the basic timeline right before I got too far into this story though.

Alrighty! This Right Here is the prologue to this story for those who haven’t read it yet. 

Now for the taglist: @elite-guard-hardygal​, @forcearama​ (who created the Scandalore/Secret Marriage AU I’m using), @sunshineisdelightful​, @fwtcanimelover​, and @babycollectiondragon135! Thank you all for being so amazing and supportive! :)

One more thing; Would y'all be mad if I started writing in 1st person from Astoria's point of view? I just realized that doing 3rd person will get a bit difficult.

Also, um...does anyone have scene suggestions for the ten-year gap between this and Attack of the Clones? Cus, looking at the timeline of everything, that's how long it takes to get from this point we're at currently (not long after Phantom Menace) to Attack of the Clones.

Anyway, I'm gonna let you guys read the story now and hope you all enjoy!

God Bless and Good Day!

~The Lupine Sojourner

“Can you believe it?” Satine murmurs, settling her few bags down in the room she’d been loaned. It was rather small and spartan, but Satine had known far harsher living environments and couldn’t complain.

Obi-Wan smiles. “Indeed. The Counsel are rarely so conceding.”

“They even allowed me all day tomorrow to make absolutely certain Astoria will adjust well to life here.”

“Yes, though they more than likely expect the generosity returned, should we have need of it.” Obi-Wan points out sagely. 

Satine nods. “Oh, I’m well aware. We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. Perhaps, dear, you could request to be given assignments to Mandalore? Since you're the most...experienced in Mandalorian affairs?” 

Obi-Wan smirks, rising to her challenge.“Darling, is this your way of saying you want me home more often?”

“’More often’ implies you’re at home sometimes.” Satine snips, crossing her arms and looking away petulantly, though she wasn’t truly angry with him. The mood shifts regardless and Obi-Wan gently spins her to look at him.

“Satine...you know I would never stay away intentionally.”

“I know, Obi-Wan, but..." Now that Satine had said those words aloud, she realized she did mean them, angry or not, "surely you could manage a few visits? Astoria gets to see you so rarely...she misses you.”

“I miss her more.” Obi-Wan replies softly, easing Satine’s hair from her face. “And you, as well. I meant to leave, you know. But…” The unspoken words ring in the air as if they’d been verbalized.

Obi-Wan would never abandon Anakin, and Satine would never ask him to.

“I know, Obi-Wan.” Satine rubs his arm comfortingly. “I know.”

The pair are content to simply hold each other then, the door shut against any surprise visitors.

=#=#=#=#=

Astoria was nervous, fiddling with the sleeves of her Jedi robes.

She liked her new clothes, plain though they were. They were fairly soft and comfortable, if a little thick for the warmth in the Temple.

The reason she was nervous was that she was waiting outside a chamber Uncle Obi told her his superiors were in.

When she asked what ‘superiors’ were, Obi-Wan had explained that they were the ones that told him where to go and what to do.

And Astoria was going to meet them!

“Don’t worry.” Came a voice behind her, and Astoria turns to see a young boy, not much older than her, standing there smiling. “The Counsel don’t do much. They just ask a lot of questions and sit there.”

Astoria feels a little better, returning the boy’s smile as she extends a hand in greeting. “Thanks. My name’s Astoria Kryze.” She introduces.

The boy shakes her hand. “Anakin Skywalker.” Astoria decided she liked this boy, though he was older than her.

From around the corner came Obi-Wan, having finished whatever had called him away. He smiles in greeting at the two. “I see you two have met. Good.”

Astoria grins. “Yeah!”

Obi-Wan crouches before his daughter, absently straightening her robes. He felt a mixture of pride and sadness that his child was already wearing the Jedi robes, hardly remembering that she was older than most Younglings when they were brought to the Temple. “Now, Astoria, just be polite and everything will go smoothly, alright? No need to be nervous.”

Astoria feels her stomach swirl a little as her nerves started to come back, but felt them leave again when her uncle squeezed her hand and stood up, smiling at her.

Without another word, Obi-Wan hit the button to tell the Counsel they were waiting, and soon enough a deep voice inside told them to enter.

=#=#=#=#=

“Should I be concerned our daughter has such a penchant for fighting?” Satine asks coyly.

The settling of Astoria in the Temple was going rather smoothly. Astoria took to life in the Temple like a duck to water, though Satine suspected her departure for Mandalore the next morning would spell trouble.

Obi-Wan chuckles, distracting Satine from her thoughts. “Darling, she is Mandalorian.”

“Half Mandalorian.” Satine corrects, playfully smacking her husband’s shoulder.

“True, true.” Obi-Wan side-hugged his wife, watching with a large smile on his face, though the smile faltered when he saw that she seemed genuinely a little concerned. “It’s alright, Satine.” He assures her, “She’s just begun her training. She won’t have these violent tendencies for long.”

Directly down the hall from them, Astoria was playing with Anakin. Their playing had quickly dissolved into wrestling and Astoria tended to use more aggressive strategies, Satine noticed.

The thing stalling the adults from intervening was the laughter ringing in the hall.

Anakin had not had it easy in life and Obi-Wan was rather hesitant to stop his Padawan’s fun.

Obi-Wan recalled the meeting with the Counsel not two hours ago. Astoria had charmed the Jedi almost immediately and performed remarkably well on the small tests Mace Windu gave her.

Obi-Wan had even had the fortune of putting the braid in Astoria’s hair himself, missing Fisto’s smirk entirely as he worked.

No one else had said a word when Mace Windu asked who would braid the new Younglings hair, so Obi-Wan came forward, motioning his daughter to him and beginning the braid, instructing her to remain still.

“I am almost sad, seeing the braid in Astoria’s hair.” Satine muses, sighing. She had smiled and encouraged Astoria when the girl proudly displayed it for her mother, but Satine’s heart clenched knowing what that braid meant.

“And yet it means hope.” Obi-Wan reassured Satine, rubbing his wife’s shoulder comfortingly, “She won’t be far out of either of our reach here, darling.”

Satine nods. “Of that, I am certain. But...I won’t get to see her grow up.”

A teasing smirk reaches Obi-Wan’s face and he chuckles. “Now you know what I went through.”

Satine whirls to glare at him, drawing away from her husband's side. “Oh, really, Ben! The nerve!” He knew then that, though her tone and body language conveyed annoyance and perhaps a bit of anger, she was teasing on the inside. She only called him Ben when she was teasing him.

“I have plenty of nerve, my dear.” He counters, daring her to continue their game as he grabs her hips to draw her back in.

Instead of replying, she kisses him boldly on the lips. It’s only through the Force that Obi-Wan had enough warning to withdraw reluctantly from Satine and call for Anakin before Plo Koon rounded the corner.

As a result, the approaching Jedi saw nothing but the children halting their wrestling match and the adults taking the children’s hands. If it weren’t wearing the rebreather, everyone would see his smile as he watches Astoria take her mother's hand.

So this was the new Youngling. He’d been en route to Coruscant when she’d been given her braid, watching her through a hologram as Obi-Wan volunteered to braid the girl’s hair. It was one thing seeing her in a hologram, it was quite another thing seeing her physically.

“Pardon the intrusion.” Plo Koon calls. “I was on my way to the library.” Astoria loved libraries and runs over, still riding the adrenaline of nearly winning her match against Anakin.

“Library?” She asks eagerly, bouncing in front of the Kel-Dorian, who takes her youthful giddiness in stride. “Can I come with you?”

“Yes, little one.” Astoria squeals in delight and before Satine can scold her, Plo Koon takes her hand and guides the excited child down the hall.

Anakin goes to catch up to his new friend, not for the destination, but because he liked her company already and didn’t want to say goodbye yet.

Obi-Wan and Satine follow in the rear, their hearts singing with joy that already their child was making friends.

=#=#=#=#=

Jocasta Nu was pleasantly surprised when Astoria walked up to her, now calm after a few words from Satine about behaving herself, and asked to see some maps of the galaxy.

“Well, dear, we have many maps. Are you looking for anything special?” Jocasta was slightly confused as there were no adults with the child, though she could hear people within the library. Luckily, Satine then came around a bend, spotted her wayward daughter, and approached the librarian apologetically.

“There you are, Astoria.” She takes her daughter’s hand. “Apologies, madam. She’s still young.”

“No need, Duchess.” Jocasta assures Satine patiently. “It’s not every day a Youngling comes in and asks to see maps.”

Satine smiles. “Yes, she is rather curious to see the galaxy. She’s never left Mandalore before.”

Jocasta offers her hand to Astoria and, after once more telling Astoria to behave herself, Satine allowed the kind librarian to lead her daughter away, staying where she was.

Satine was trying to ease Astoria into not needing to be around Satine as much as she could.  After seeing Astoria engrossed in picking out a map, Satine slipped out of the library to pack her things. Come tomorrow morning, Satine would no longer be allowed in the Temple.

Plo Koon, for his part, was watching Astoria with piqued curiosity. There was something about that girl...but he couldn’t quite place what it was.

He supposed he had plenty of time to figure it out and began the task that had led him to the library in the first place.

Obi-Wan helped Jocasta educate Astoria on the various planets the girl asked about and spent a pleasant half an hour this way before Anakin, bored of watching them, wandered off.

Obi-Wan then had to excuse himself. He had to be Anakin’s Master, not Astoria’s father, though he yearned to stay where he was.

Anakin was looking at records of various lightsabers. He still called them ‘laser swords’ and Obi-Wan had yet to fully iron out that habit.

The group spent a pleasant afternoon in the library while Satine, heart growing a little heavier with every item packed, was alone in her room.

She knew full well now that Astoria would be very happy here, would grow into a Jedi that would make her and Obi-Wan prouder than they already were, if that were possible.

And yet Satine would miss her daughter terribly. She knew there would be visits and calls as often as could be helped, but it wasn’t the same as having Astoria in the palace with her.

It never would be.

Obi-Wan found her nearly packed after escorting the Younglings to the evening meal. He’d slipped out with two portions, one for him and one for his wife.

He knew this was hard on her and regretted that he had to put his duties before his family. “Take a break.” He calls as he enters. “I brought food.” Satine turns and walks over, heart lightening a little at seeing him.

“Thank you, Master Jedi.” She says, glance teasing as she took her plate.

They sat on her bed and all was quiet for a few minutes. “Satine, I wish I could say it gets easier, missing her day in and day out, but I’d be lying.” He murmurs, knowing full well the source of the weight on her shoulders.

“How do you cope?” She asks miserably.

“You learn to treasure the moments you see them, hologram or in person, and memorize the little things, the tidbits that make the person who they are.” Obi-Wan says softly, wrapping an arm around Satine as she leans her head on his shoulder. “You memorize their voice and let the memories surface when you feel the loneliest.”

“Seems a rather dull way of life.”

“We’ve known worse.”

“That we have, darling.” Satine finds a small strength in that revelation. Yes, she had survived worse than separation from her daughter. "It’ll be a hard conversation, explaining all this to her.” Satine sighs, leaning on her husband for support in more ways than one, her head against his shoulder.

Obi-Wan nods, leaning his head against Satine's. “Yes. Do you want me there?”

Satine nods her head. “That might be wise. You are her father and a Jedi. You can explain the things I can not.” Her tone was sad, resigned. The matter of leaving Astoria and having to explain to her why Satine was leaving still weighed incredibly heavy on his mind.

“Satine, it’ll be alright. You’ll see.”

=#=#=#=#=

Astoria washes down her food with a few gulps of water, grimacing a little.

The food was satisfying to be sure, but it really didn’t taste like much.

Anakin told her he wasn’t overly fond of it, either, but it was better than what he had on Tattoine.

That prompted an eager discussion between the children about where they each were from.

That is, until Obi-Wan appeared and informed them it was time for evening meditation and bedtime. Anakin groans and heads off with the other Younglings they’d been eating with, but Obi-Wan grabs Astoria’s shoulder and silently leads her to Satine’s room. He’d talk to her about meditation later.

Astoria was wondering where her mom had gone, about to ask where she was when Obi-Wan came to guide her to Satine’s room after her bland meal.

It doesn't take long to get to the room.

“Hi mommy!” Astoria cheers, missing the sadness in Satine’s eyes as she hugs her mother.

“Hello, dear. Did you enjoy dinner?” Satine asks, settling Astoria beside her.

“No. It didn’t taste like the food back home.” Astoria replies, wrinkling her nose.

“Well, you have to get used to it.” Satine says gently.

Astoria wasn’t paying much attention; she was more concerned with why her mom’s bags were packed. “Are we going home already?” She asks. “We just got here!”

“Darling…” Satine winces, drawing Astoria into her lap. “You have to stay here. I have to go back to Mandalore.”

Astoria’s eyes go wide, head tilted in confusion. “But...but Momma, I thought…”

“You remember your mother telling you about my job?” Obi-Wan chimes in, feeling his heart ache at the troubled look on his daughter’s face and the sadness in his wife’s eyes.

“Yeah, but...Uncle Obi...that’s your job.” Astoria points out, not understanding why she was staying when her mother was returning to Mandalore.

“And you will be helping me.” He says.

Astoria frowns. “Really?”

“Yes, in a way. You will stay here, learning what the Masters teach you, and in time you will help me with my job.”

“But why can’t Mommy stay, too?” Astoria asks, lip trembling a little as the weight of what was happening was beginning to occur to her.

“Because, sweetheart, I don’t work here.” Satine explains simply. “It was through the kindness of the Counsel that I was allowed to come with you in the first place. But they can’t let me stay. This place...is special.”

“I’ll miss you.” Astoria whimpers, going to hug her mother tightly. “I don’t want you to go!”

“Oh, Astoria, I’ll miss you greatly, as well. But don’t lose heart; you can call me sometimes when you’re allowed. And maybe you can even visit me once in a while.”

“Really?” Astoria asks, hardly daring to believe it.

“Yes, Astoria. Now...I have a lesson for you before bedtime, alright?” Obi-Wan interjects, reluctantly cutting the moment short. Satine was well aware she was on limited time with Astoria, but smiles at her daughter encouragingly.

Astoria slowly gets off the bed. She then turns back around. “Are you leaving now?”

“No. I’m leaving first thing tomorrow.” That comforts Astoria and she hugs her mom again, kissing her cheek before leaving with Obi-Wan. The two are quiet as they walk toward her new bedroom.

It wasn’t far from Anakin’s, which would make it easier for Obi-Wan to check up on her when he could.

“What’s the lesson?” Astoria asks once they’re in her room.

“Sit.” Obi-Wan says simply and crosses his legs. Astoria grunts and struggles to get her legs crossed. Obi-Wan chuckles and leans over, helping her get into position.

“This hurts, Uncle Obi.” She grumbles.

“You’ll get used to it. Now, I want you to take deep breaths and close your eyes. Think of something that makes you feel at ease.”

Astoria tilts her head. “What does that mean?”

Obi-Wan reaches out with the Force, sensing her connection easily. It was turbulent and unruly, like most Younglings. She’d have much work to do calming this flurry of thoughts and emotions.

He helps her begin that process slowly, easing his way through the storm to the center. There, he calms the pulsing ball of energy he finds, very very slowly. If he dimmed the ball too much, he’d risk harming Astoria.

“Like this, young one." Obi-Wan says, eyes still closed. Astoria sighs contentedly, sudden exhaustion causing her to yawn.

“...I think I like this, Uncle Obi.”

“Good, remember how this feels, and try to quiet your mind even further.” Obi-Wan instructs, withdrawing his presence in his daughter’s mind.

“I don’t know how.” Astoria replies, coming back to her senses a bit and feeling embarrassed she didn’t know.

“It’s alright. Just breathe and relax. Don’t let your mind wander. Imagine putting it to bed.”

“...” There are several moments of quiet before Astoria groans, and Obi-Wan feels the progress he’d made vanish as she comes out of her attempted meditation. “It’s not working.”

“Patience.” He replies softly, his mind calming as he talks. “It doesn’t come without practice. Try again.”

Astoria does, with the same result, but Obi-Wan had felt a subtle change. It was clear she was trying, but she was still overthinking things.

He smiles at her and decides that was enough practice for tonight. “Alright, Astoria. Let’s go to bed.”

“But I didn’t do what you wanted.” Astoria protests as he helps her stand.

“That’s alright. You just started learning. No one learns meditation right away. I struggled with it, too, but with time and patience, I was able to master it. One day, you will master it, as well.” Astoria nods, going to brush her teeth.

“Can I say goodbye to Momma tomorrow?” She asks once she’s getting under the thin cover on her bed.

“Yes. I’ll wake you so you can say goodbye, but then it’ll be breakfast time and we’ll have to go eat.” Obi-wan explains.

Astoria nods, yawning. “Thanks, Uncle Obi.” She murmurs sleepily. Obi-Wan has to fight the urge to kiss her forehead. He knew better than to confuse the girl by being overly affectionate just yet.

“Goodnight, Astoria.” He whispers from the doorway, closing the door quietly and leaving.

=#=#=#=#=

“It was quite the honor, having you as our guest, Duchess.” Kit Fisto says genuinely, walking beside Satine on her way to her ship.

“And I am most grateful for the opportunity.” She replies, just as genuinely. “I don’t think I would have left Astoria here if I couldn’t see for myself what the Temple was like. When Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon were my protectors, Obi-Wan would describe his training as intense and the conditions in the Temple as spartan at best.”

“Perhaps he was exaggerating, or perhaps he assumed you were used to a life of luxury and thought the Temple would not suit you.”

“Perhaps.” Satine concedes, unsure herself what he had meant, but content with either explanation.

“If I may be frank, Duchess, I suggested your visit to let you see Obi-Wan again. I understand you two are...close.”

Satine’s heart skipped, but she remained calm outwardly. “Yes. A year on the run together tends to make people close.” She muses.

“I’m certain.” Is Fisto’s careful reply. He knew for a fact she was hiding just how close She and Obi-Wan were, but he was not willing to upset her by revealing he knew of their relationship. “If it helps at all, I will do my part to look after Astoria. I may not control which Master will one day train her, but I assure you whoever it is will take very good care of your daughter.”

“Thank you, Master Fisto.” Satine replies. She quite liked Kit Fisto. He was more approachable than other Jedi, more...relaxed and almost carefree.

By now, they were near her ship, and the pair turn when they hear running footsteps behind them.

“Astoria, wait!” That was Obi-Wan's voice, sounding far away, and soon enough, Astoria came into view, stumbling haphazardly around a corner and barreling toward her mother, eyes wide and desperate.

“Mom, don’t leave yet!” She cries, pumping her legs as fast as she could and it’s only through Kit Fisto kneeling and sticking an arm out that Astoria was prevented from knocking her mother clean over.

“You must learn restraint, young one. You would have hurt your mother running into her like that.” He cautions, letting Astoria go so she could jump into her mother’s waiting arms.

“Sorry, Master!” She squeaks with the good grace to look sheepish now that she had accomplished her goal.

She’d made it before her mother left. That was all that mattered to the girl. 

Obi-Wan walks over, panting. “She just took off after I woke her up. She was so worried she'd miss you leaving.” He explains with no small amount of exasperation. Satine smiles.

“Thank you for escorting her, Master Kenobi.” She replies, refusing to acknowledge Fisto’s smile that seemed too knowing.

“Of course, Duchess.” The two then remember that they weren’t alone and walk to the ship, a respectful distance between them, Fisto trailing a bit behind, highly amused that they thought they were successfully hiding their feelings for each other.

Astoria didn’t move her head from her mother’s shoulder till they were at the landing ramp. It was so hard for Astoria to understand why she had to stay, but she had to say goodbye to her mother now. “I’ll miss you, momma.” She whimpers, sniffling and slowly leaving her mother’s arms when Satine hugs her again, kissing her daughter’s cheeks and forehead.

“Darling, you’ll see me again before you know it.” She insists, smiling sweetly at Astoria and gently lifting her chin so the child was looking at her. “Be strong, dear, and learn everything you can, alright?”

“Alright.” Astoria replies thickly.

Reluctantly, Obi-Wan calls her from his position a few feet away. “Astoria, come on. Your mother has to leave.” Astoria runs to her ‘uncle’, a few tears running down her cheeks. Out of sympathy, Obi-Wan crouches and lets Astoria hug him briefly as he waves to Satine subtly.

The ship then closes with Satine on board and Astoria sobs as Obi-Wan stands, unable to carry her and continue the comforting hug with Fisto nearby.

“Astoria, remember what your mother said. You have to be strong. No more tears.” Obi-Wan felt so proud when Astoria obeyed, wiping her eyes and squaring her shoulders.

“...Can I get some food?” She asks meekly. “I’m hungry.”

#Fanfiction #Star Wars #SW #Tale of Astoria Kenobi #Obi-Wan #Satine #Obitine #Anidala #SW OC #OC #Original Character #Original Female Character #Jedi OC #Uses both Clone Wars and the movies

[writethehousedown]

Bottled Up Feelings, Chapter One (Cheryl/Blu) - Zyan

a/n: hi! it’s me, I’m back, after having failed at doing ficmas due to some shenanigans with my wifi, I’m determined to finish the Be Mine Week - this is a threat.

So this whole fic was inspired by a prompt I saw in @dailyau: "You’re a genie and you said I could wish for anything. I, of course, wished for infinite wishes. Oh, wait, does that mean we’re stuck together forever?“ with a thing or two changed. Also - I didn’t know wether to leave Sum Ting’s name like that or not, so I just used her real name, but she is a cisgirl in the fic. Hope that kind of makes sense.

Thanks to Frey and Grapefruit for beta-ing, and to Winter for brainstorming with me. Love y'all. Hit me up at @chachkisalpaca if ya want!

Chapter One: Crisis Chocolates.

One of Cheryl’s biggest prides was her dance studio. She’d worked her whole life to be where she was, and nothing made her happier than seeing her students become skilled dancers.

She especially had a soft spot for the little ones; she taught ballet classes on the kids, Wednesdays and Fridays and it was the highlight of her week. They were always full of imagination and stories to tell, brightening up her days by giving her a good laugh.

Another class had gone by, and Cheryl was trying to get the kids to behave while they waited in the main hall for their parents to pick them up. They were all around her, telling her about their holidays and what they’d done. She listened to every single one of them with a smile and replied as enthusiastically as she could.

She loved her children, and her children loved her back.

“Miss Cheryl! Miss Cheryl!” One of the kids called, tugging on her skirt. Cheryl turned to see Lily, secretly one of her favourite students.

“Yes, love?”

“Mommy told me to tell you she can’t pick me up, so my auntie will come instead.” Lily stretched her arm looking for something in her backpack and pulled out a note. “Here.”

Cheryl read the note trying to not roll her eyes. She knew Lily’s aunt, but they weren’t on the best of terms. She nodded with a forced smile and soon Lily was back to chatting with her friends.

She took a deep breath and swore she wouldn’t let Vivienne’s presence affect her. She’d just come, pick her niece up, and then she’d be gone. It wasn’t that big of a deal, right?

Cheryl tried not to worry about it, until the kids started leaving, one by one, and at some point Lily was the only left and Vivienne was nowhere to be found.

She sat next to Lily on the floor by the entrance and let the little girl ramble about her dolls and how she’d performed an important surgery on one of them, and now missed playing with her, but she obviously had to rest to get better. Cheryl listened to all of her occurrences with a big smile, forgetting, for a moment, that it was closing time and Vivienne still hadn’t arrived.

Finally, she appeared bursting through the door and trying to catch her breath, looking as if she’d ran all the way from her office to the studio.

“I’m sorry I’m late!” She breathed out, leaning on the nearest wall to catch her breath.

Lily stood up with a jump and Cheryl followed her, adjusting her bag and searching for her keys in her pocket.

“I’m so sorry, Lily love, but I had a very important meeting. You think you can forgive me if I let you eat candy before dinner?” She offered and Lily nodded, beaming, and then Vivienne’s attention fell on Cheryl. “Thank you for staying with her, I promise it won’t happen again.”

“Don’t worry, I love this small bean, so it really wasn’t any problem.” She winked at Lily and they followed her out of the studio. “I will have to talk with your mom when she picks you up on Friday, though, if you’re planning to be Fairy number one at the Valentine’s Day Show.”

Cheryl turned to see them once the doors were locked and saw Vivienne pursing her lips, shoulders tense and her grip on Lily’s shoulders a bit too tight.

“Yeah, actually, since Lily’s mama’s got a raise in her job I’m gonna be picking her up from now on. I thought my sister had already told you…?” Cheryl blinked many times before she acknowledged what Vivienne had just said.

“Oh.” Was all that came out of her mouth. She chewed on the inside of her cheek until she rearranged the thoughts running in her mind. “That’s perfectly fine, so I’ll just talk with you on Friday about the cost of Lily’s costume and you can tell Emma. All right?” Vivienne nodded, her grip on Lily loosening.

“All right,” Vivienne repeated, taking Lily’s hand, clearly wanting to escape from the conversation, but she turned around one last time, much for Cheryl’s annoyance. “By the way, I’m sorry I never texted you back. I’m… Still thinking about it. See you on Friday.” She and Lily waved at her, leaving Cheryl frozen in her spot with a blind anger taking over her, as she saw the pair walk down the street.

*

Cheryl didn’t usually drink in the middle of the week when she had to get up the next morning for work. But this was a special occasion - she tried to convince herself as she poured glass after glass, until the wine bottle was half empty.

Why had she been stupid enough to think it’d be a good idea to mess with one of her students’ emotionally unavailable relative? And the worst part was that she never even planned it, never intended to actually make a move on Lily’s hot aunt — it just happened that they frequented the same bar and drunk Cheryl wasn’t the same as sober Cheryl.

It just happened, and six months after spending their first night together, Cheryl very much regretted it.

She sighed as she ate what she liked to call her “crisis chocolates” saved up for moments like these. Tomorrow she’d for sure regret it, but right now there wasn’t anything else that could cheer her up.

Well, except the marathon of El Bahiano, her favourite soap opera. It was from Argentina and the dubbing was awful - much like the acting - but it was Cheryl’s biggest guilty pleasure. Besides, it had drama and lesbians, so what else could she ask for?

Cheryl was finishing another glass of wine when the soap opera took yet another turn, and before she noticed one of her favourite characters was throwing herself off the cliff. Familiar “To Be Continued” credit rolled around and a voice told the viewers to tune in next week for the big finale. Cheryl spit out her drink.

“What? How dare they end the marathon there?! I need to know what happened with Lorena!” She exclaimed offended, trying to blindly reach for the remote with her free hand, as she kept cursing the TV. Then, she heard a loud crash and the place got significantly darker.

Cheryl froze, slowly turning to where there once was a lamp lightning up the living room. She left the wine glass on the table and cursed herself, stumbling to look for the broomstick.

Definitely it had been a bad idea to drink a whole bottle alone — it had been a bad idea to drink, period.

With an annoyed groan, she made the mental note to swing by Vinegar and Bo’s shop tomorrow to buy a new lamp.

*

“Hey girls, is anyone here?” Cheryl exclaimed as she wandered around the antique shop.

Antique Shock was owned by two of Cheryl’s best friends, Vera - commonly referred to as Vinegar - and her girlfriend Bo. They’ve had it since they graduated from college, both girls thinking it was a great use for their history diploma — besides, they loved vintage things, so why not?

Cheryl hung out at the shop all the time when she was just beginning with her dance studio and she was still learning how to cope with the attention span of her five year old students. Nowadays she barely went to visit them every other week, but they were still pretty close.

“I thought I could smell bad spray tan,” said Vinegar from the counter. Cheryl smiled as she approached her, blowing air kisses at her. “How are you, baby? It’s been a minute since I’ve seen you around.”

“Oh, please, I was here before Christmas, don’t be so dramatic.” She looked around, trying to find something resembling a lamp. “So, yesterday I may or may not have gone into a drunk rampage ‘cause—”

“Oh, please tell me it didn’t have to do with Vivienne or El Bahiano,” Vinegar cut her off and Cheryl rolled her eyes.

“Y’know, I hate when you think all of my drunk rampages are either because of Vivienne or El Bahiano,” she began, Vinegar cocked a sceptical brow. “This time, it was both.” Vinegar let out a loud laugh and Cheryl folded her arms offended.

“What happened and what did you break this time?” She inquired with an amused smile and Cheryl rolled her eyes.

In all the years Vinegar had known Cheryl, she came to know that drinking when she was pissed was a tendency of hers, getting clumsier with each drink. Vinegar could say without an ounce of doubt that during Cheryl’s early years as a dance teacher she’d helped pay their bills with the amount of things she’d broken in her flat as a result of this.

“Lorena throws herself off a cliff! And they dared to end the marathon right there! I might just sue them, honestly,” she said with a tone so exasperated you’d think she was talking about real life events. Vinegar laughed again. “Ugh, I’m not in the mood for talking about Vivienne right now, like, I even ate all of my crisis chocolates, so figure out yourself if what she did pissed me off. I can tell you I need a new lamp, though.”

Vinegar pursed her lips and disappeared behind a door for a moment, coming back with a dusty box.

“We got these around Christmas, I think. We planned on fixing some of them, but we totally forgot since we have our hands full with this wardrobe we bought a few days ago,” she commented while opening it, pulling some lamps out.

The majority were tiny and had cracks here and there, some lacked a shade or a spotlight; overall pretty minor stuff. Cheryl peeked inside the box to see if there were any left, and she found one pretty weird looking.

“What about this one, V? How much?” She asked taking out the lamp. The base resembled the figure of a woman with her arms up, the paint was blue and the shade was a bit worn-off, but other than that, it looked fine.

“Huh, weird, I don’t remember this one,” Vinegar commented, lips slightly pursed. “Fiveteen pounds.”

“Deal.”

*

Cheryl sighed in relief when she got home, wanting more than ever to take a warm bath, eat dinner, and go to sleep.

She put some leftovers from her lunch in the microwave and sunk into the couch, looking over her unopened texts. Most of them were from the parents of her students, a couple from her friends, and one from her sister, asking if she was coming home for the weekend. A tiny part of her was disappointed there wasn’t a text from Vivienne — just a tiny bit.

A weird noise came from somewhere in the apartment, taking over her attention. Cheryl cocked a brow, looking around. She saw the box where the lamp she’d just bought was and remembered she had to clean it, the weird noise suddenly forgotten.

Cheryl took it out and wiped the dust off with an old cloth, the lamp quickly getting a shiny blue tone. She smiled, pleased with how it looked and turned around to check on her dinner.

Suddenly, there was a cloud of white smoke and she started coughing desperately, not being able to breathe. She turned back around and instead of the lamp she saw a woman sitting calmly on the table. Cheryl nearly had a heart attack.

“Shit, I forgot this was part of the deal,” the stranger said, waving a hand, trying to dissipate the smoke.

Once it cleared out, Cheryl was able to see her. The woman was short, with long orange hair pulled up in a ponytail, milky white skin and the weirdest clothes she’d seen in a while.

She turned around, almost as if she was looking for something, and locked eyes with Cheryl. Her eyes were as blue as the ocean.

“Who are you?” Cheryl managed to ask. The stranger hopped off the table and gave Cheryl a smile.

“My name’s Blu without an E, and I’m the genie of the lamp. I’m here to grant you three wishes.”

#rpdr fanfiction #blu hydrangea/cheryl hole #blu hydrangea #cheryl hole #vinegar strokes #zyan #bottled up feelings #lesbian au #genie au #slow burn #be mine 2020 #day 1: chocolate #submission

[hearteyes-for-killmonger]

Say Something

Erik watched intrigued as his four-year-old godson Nasir, completely ignored his favorite show playing on the iPhone in favor of pretending to fix a customer's iMac that was sitting on the table. He was pushing the power button like it would do something. The computer was unplugged and even if it weren't, it had crashed.

"I'll fix this one and you fix that one," he instructed in his small voice with confidence.

"Oh you gone help me fix the graphics card," Erik teased watching the boy click the same button and stare at the dark screen before hitting keys on the attached keyboard. "I might have to hire you.. Aight, you work on that one. I'll leave it to you."

Erik was in the process of diagnosing a Dell laptop when his phone rang, muting the show.

"Nooo," Nasir complained.

"Hello?.. Yeah I do smartphones, is it an iPhone?.. Bring it by I can take a look at it." Erik hung up returning the phone to its previous position next to Nasir, letting the boy press play and turn up the volume. It was amazing to him how quickly kids caught on to technology. His attention switched to the glass front door as it opened triggering the bell overhead. Customers.

"How can I help you today?" Erik noticed the macbook in the black kid's hand.

"It stopped working and my essay is on it. I don't care what you gotta do I need this shit back up as soon as possible. My paper due Wednesday," he stressed. Erik counted. That was four days. "Sir, my teacher will fail me if I don't turn in this essay on time. She don't give a fuck about broken.."

Typically he'd have to let the customer know he'd need more time since he's always working on at least three different things at once and he's only one person.. the fixer, the receptionist, the accountant, and the boss. However, this black kid seemed to be in a true bind and if Erik had the power to help break down a barrier in a kid's education, he'd be damned if he didn't use it.

"I got you," he said taking the macbook. "The diagnosis is free. You'll get a quote once I find out what's wrong with it, but this type of thing happens all the time especially with Mac computers.. I'll have it up for you by Tuesday."

With folded hands, the boy bowed in gratitude. "THANK you." It felt good to help a young black man up.

Setting the macbook aside, he made eye contact with the young black woman who stepped up with a cracked cell phone screen wanting it replaced. Easy work. She snickered and he followed her eyes looking to see his godson grinning at her with all of his eighteen baby teeth. It must've been her shirt. She had on a graphic tee with the Avengers and Captain America was his favorite character, hands down.

"Captain America," he grinned approaching her breathily, his fingers in his mouth. Here we go.

"Yesss! You like Avengers," she smiled stretching her shirt for him to see more clearly.

"Captain America..," Nasir clarified quietly, "...I wanna marry him."

"Oh really," the girl gasped. "That's so cute, you just might!"

That was the first time Erik thought that his godson might be gay. He didn't know what to say in that moment, so he didn't say anything at all. He simply took the girl's phone and gave her the option to wait or come back. She decided to wait.

Two Years Later

Erik carried his gift through the group of kids who scattered around his calves running outside. There must've been fifteen children in the house and ten outside in the backyard. Parents gathered in various Avengers decorated rooms and out in the yard to chaperone and eat from the table of food provided by his mans Leon and his mans' wife Tori. They both greeted Erik immediately tasking him with the job of watching kids in the living room. Paw Patrol was on, of course, and Nala had just run into the room, cheesing when she saw him. He noticed immediately that she wore a Happy Birthday tiara with a blue denim shirt, blue jeans, a rainbow tutu and sneakers.

"ERIIIIIIIK!" She yelled rushing over to hang onto him tightly, dropping her weight. He picked her up and swung her in a full circle placing her back on her feet ignoring her silent plead for him to do it again.

"I just put your gift on the table with the rest. You got a lot of presents and a big cake mama."

"Look at my nails! Momma did it," she yelled jumping excitedly, showing off sparkly pink nails on her small hand.

"It's pretty!" Erik smiled feeling her joy. It was contagious. The simplest things made her ecstatic. Add that to the joy kids tend to feel simply because it's their birthday and she was definitely the happiest kid at the party.

His ears perked suddenly, hearing a certain slur he'd come to loathe just in the past two years. It was almost like a trigger now. The word was nearly inaudible since it was a whisper not intended to be heard, yet he'd heard it and to him it was unacceptable. Thankfully, Nala didn't hear it. Not that she'd fully understand it if she did, but she'd understand it one day and that day didn't need to come today on her sixth birthday. Hopefully by the time she was old enough to truly understand, the world would be a different, safer, and more accepting place.

He decided to let it slide since it was a birthday party and he didn't want to be the one to cause a scene. It was a talk he'd received a lot from his mans and Tori.. 'Don't cause a scene.. Let it go.. They're not worth it..' Time and time again, Erik had been seconds from snapping on ignorant muhfukkas in the name of his little goddaughter but held back like a pitbull on a chain.. with Leon and Tori selflessly holding said chain. Why anyone gave a damn about what a six-year-old wore or called themselves was a mystery to him. On top of that, Leon and Tori were the best and most loving parents he knew other than his own, so for anyone to insult their parenting style... he took it personally.

Still, their words echoed in his mind. 'Erik, let it go.'

The party progressed with kids running wild, high off sugar like miniature crackheads. The time came to gather around the Avengers themed cake with Happy Birthday Nala written in pink icing. Tori started singing and the kids joined in along with a few parents.

"Happy Birthday to youuu. Happy birthday to youuu!"

Erik chewed on swedish meatballs listening closely for variations while watching the adults.

"Happy Birthday dear Nas-Nalaaaa!"

A few kids got it wrong, but fixed it. It wasn't intentional... so close enough.

"Happy Birthday to youuu!!!"

Nala happily blew out the candles and started started clapping. It was time for cake.. as if the baby crackheads needed anything else sweet. He watched Tori wipe up frosting and sweep crumbs, not complaining once. She was a damned saint. That same voice cut above the others in Erik's ear again. His eyes zoned in on two black men.. fathers of a couple of the children in attendance, he presumed. He made eye contact and one nodded like shit was cool. It wasn't, but Erik would stay silent like he'd been asked to in the past. Or at least, that was what he planned to do until he overhead them talking shit again. He couldn't just do nothing. He started his walk toward the two men, stopping short when a young black woman stepped in front of them.

"Y'all should be ashamed of y'allselves," she whispered angrily as they stared at her unperturbed. "That is a child! How would you feel if someone talked about your blackass kids like that? The only reason Tori hasn't kicked y'all out of her house is because she doesn't want to punish the kids for their parents' ignorant behavior which says a lot that children behave better than you!"

She moved on and switched up their conversation, but it wasn't good enough for Erik. When they left, they'd say the same shit. Their kids would eventually pick up their toxic ideas and repeat the cycle. 'There's nothing we can do about it," Leon had said once when Erik was especially furious. "People will be cruel and think what they want to think," he said and Erik could feel the pain in his words.

"Our job is to love Nasir and build him up as best as we can so that he's ready for the world," Tori added. That was before Nasir decided that he preferred to be she and that she wanted her new name to be Nala like on Lion King. In respect of their child, Leon and Tori agreed and it'd been that way ever since.

Finally, it was time to open the gifts. There were a variety of toys, big and small, some with a lot of little pieces. It was a six-year-old's dream. When she unwrapped the Captain America figurine and kid-sized shield Erik had bought, she about lost her mind.

"Happy Birthday," he smiled.

The next gift was a bratz doll from a little girl who looked excited for Nala to see it. Nala grinned giving the girl a hug as cameras flashed capturing the moment.

"--Child abuse.. It's a boy. Putting a skirt on him doesn't change that," the voice whispered again and Erik looked at Nala. It didn't look like she'd heard but he knew for a fact that other parents had.. maybe some of the kids as well. Looking at Leon, he'd definitely heard and the Oakland neega looked to be on the verge of jumping out of him. When they made eye contact, Erik gave him the look. Just say the word, he thought, ready to cut loose, though he knew his friend. His friend was one of them good, wholesome niggas who believed in chances. He'd never drop the leash.

But Erik was getting sick of these niggas.. and now they were ruining his goddaughter's party? He had to do something. They had to go. He couldn't live with it if he didn't at least say something.

The kids who were still at the house moved into the living room sitting everywhere. The couch, the floor. Paw Patrol was still on, a marathon apparently and it brought the room of six year olds under control like they were being hypnotized.

Seeing his chance to speak up without making a scene, he decided to go over calmly and just talk to them. He made his way to the two men in the room, standing next to them with his red plastic cup of soda before they could make another ignorant comment. He'd spotted their kids and they were glued to the screen just like the others.

"Ay," he whispered getting the men's attention. "What's y'all issue with my goddaughter? Y'all really pissin me off."

"Nigga. That's a boy. You can't give him a girl name and expect him to be a girl, that's still a boy," the second guy whispered back as if Erik wasn't understanding.

"Nah, this nigga probably...," the first man tilted his hand back and forth, "That's why that boy ended up that way," he balked dismissing Erik with his eyes. Now they were flipping it on him. He had to laugh. These niggas had the nerve.. and he trying to be patient.

"Niggas think 'cause I'm soft with kids I'm pussy," he smirked staring at the screen up ahead. "I'll kill y'all both after Paw Patrol." They looked at him like he was tripping until he flashed a glimpse of his piece and they straightened up quick. He walked back to his original position, eyes meeting theirs.

Like the model parent she was, Tori made sure each kid got a gift bag before leaving the house, including the kids of those two men who ain't say shit about Nala for the rest of the party, which was a short time in comparison to their string of bullshit, but still. Erik's only regret was that he'd done what he did sooner.

"Aight," he said hugging Leon goodbye and shaking Tori's hand out of respect. Nala had crashed and was knocked out on the couch. There were only two kids still there and it was because the moms were talking. "Good party. I'll see you."

"Aight man, take care. Be safe," Leon said closing the door as Erik walked his car holding two full plates of food.

"Wait, wait, wait.. whew," a voice called after him. He turned. It was one of the moms from inside.. the same one who'd spoken up before he had. She'd come dashing out after him. "Glad I caught you," she smiled stopping a foot away from him and his car. "I actually.. I saw what you did in there. I wish more people the guts to say something."

He shrugged. "You were quicker."

"Perhaps. But you got the job done."

He looked her over. He wasn't gonna shoot his shot out of respect because it was Nala's party and she was there with her kid, but she was fine.

"I gotta get my kid," she said suddenly backing toward the house again before turning to walk back to the door.

"Ay," he called watching her stall and turn slightly, just enough to see his face.

"..You.. you like bowling?" Bowling, wtf? He didn't bowl.

"Bowling?" Her tone echoed his thoughts, but she smiled and that smile told him he'd done right by stopping her. "Yeah, my daughter and I like bowling," she stressed. He smiled. He could already tell she was a good mom.

"Maybe I could take you both sometime."

"Maybe...," she grinned. "You know Tori?"

"Leon's my nigga. Nala's my godchild," he nodded. That seemed to impress her.

Just then, they looked up at the same time to see a little girl running from the house.

"Mommy," she called running to the women's side and looking to Erik.

"I've gotta go," the woman said heading to a black car.

"Wait," he called after her, setting the plates on his hood to follow her. "What's your name?" He watched as she secured the small girl in a car seat.

"Shamidi," she said standing to face them. He nodded before facing the little girl who was still watching him. She had two thick puffs and looked just like her momma. "And what's your name, cocoa puffs?"

"Imani," she whispered. He was sold. Beautiful mom. Cute kid. "Do you mind if I take you and your mom bowling," he asked. Her face lit up.

"That's cheating," Shamidi sighed, humoured.

"Maybe," he shrugged playfully. "It got the job done."

"Clever," she smirked opening her car door. He watched as she got in, started the car, and began to pull off with a smile on her face.

"Hold up. What's your number," he yelled. She pulled out slowly and he followed the car as she got onto the street. He kissed his teeth when it looked like she really planned on leaving like that. Then she rolled down the window, the car never stopping.

"I gotta go! Get it from Tori," she yelled driving away. He watched as the car disappeared around the corner. He didn't expect this to happen. He came for a six-year-old's birthday party, not to play stepfather for a woman and her child.

However.. he wasn't mad at it.

Tucking the plates into the passenger seat of his car, he walked back to the house to find Tori.

The End

A/N: If these names are familiar to you that's because Shamidi and Imani are characters in Crowning Glory, another fic I wrote. This is kinda like a prequel.

@muse-of-mbaku @imaginewhoever @goddessofthundathighs @panthergoddessbast @thadelightfulone @misspooh @marvelmaree @youreadthatright @theunsweetenedtruth @bidibidibombaclaat @myboyfriendgiriboy @dameshaemonique @blackpantherimagine   @vikkidc @hidden-treasures21 @mysidefanting @hold-me-like-a-heart-beat @syndrlla97 @winteroflife @thotyana-in-this-hoe   @texasbama @gingerylimonte @princessstevens   @magic-madness-heavensin @wawakanda-btch @scrumptiouslytenaciouscrusade @wakanda-inspired @blackgirloneshots @thegucciwaffle @thiccdaddy-mbaku   @drsunshine97 @purplehairgawdess @trevantesbrat @indigoxsummers @cccccx1   @dynastylnoire @iamrheaspeaks @blowmymbackout @fonville-designs @they-call-me-le @theblulife   @raysunshine78 @sheisexcellent