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zapreportsblog · 9 months

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I did a happy dance when I was finish reading this. I just imagine Jasper and the reader celebrating Halloween one year dress up as Woody and Jessie from Toy Story.

Twilight

Can you do a Jasper x mom reader - bear shapeshifter?

where the reader's son is Jasper's mate. She is a single mom reader and has no other family except for her son. She and her son are bear shapeshifters. She finds out they are vampires and about the pack. She meets the major, where she basically threatens to kick his butt, if he ever hurts her only child. She is bigger than Sam when he is in wolf form. They do not find out about her or her son - he the only one who can calm her down, being bear shapeshifters until the training to defeat Victoria and her army of newborns, because Paul says something rude to the reader's son. He goes to attack the reader's son, but Mama Bear comes to the rescue. Garrett is her mate.

Wow just wow

❝getting through mama bear❞

✭ pairing : garrett x reader x jasper hale x oc

✭ fandom : twilight x reader

✭ summary : (y/n) is the mate of Garrett and she also happens to be a bear shapeshifter and a single mother, coming to forks she hasn’t expected her son to be the mate of a vampire much less herself to imprint on one too

✭ authors note : you didn’t specify what age the son was so I’ll make it where he’s young like how Bella and Edwards daughter was when Jacob imprinted that way the son and jasper can grow together

✭ twilight masterlist

The rain drizzled lightly as (y/n) drove her car through the winding roads of Forks, her ten-year-old son sitting in the back seat, his gaze fixed out of the window. It was a new chapter in their lives, a fresh start in a place that held the promise of something different.

"Mom, are we almost there?" her son asked, his voice tinged with excitement.

"We're getting close, sweetheart," she replied, offering him a warm smile through the rearview mirror. "Just a little while longer."

As they entered the small town, (y/n) couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. She had chosen Forks as their new home for its quiet charm and serene atmosphere, hoping that it would provide the peaceful environment they both needed.

After finding their way to their new home—a cozy house surrounded by trees—mother and son stepped out of the car. The air was crisp and carried the scent of pine, a refreshing change from the bustling city they had left behind.

"(Son's name), what do you think?" (y/n) asked, watching her son take in their surroundings.

He looked around with wide eyes, a hint of wonder in his gaze. "It's nice, Mom. I like it."

She smiled and ruffled his hair affectionately. "I'm glad to hear that."

Over the next few days, (y/n) and her son settled into their new routine. She found a job in a local bookstore, which allowed her to spend more time with her son while providing for their needs. The townspeople were friendly, and (y/n) couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging as they exchanged greetings.

One afternoon, as they explored the lush forest near their home, (y/n)'s son looked up at her with a grin. "Mom, can we show our true forms to the animals here?"

She chuckled softly. "Of course, sweetheart. But let's be careful and make sure we're in a safe area."

With a nod, they ventured deeper into the woods until they found a secluded clearing. Taking a deep breath, (y/n) closed her eyes and allowed her transformation to take over. In a matter of moments, her body shifted and grew, and she became a majestic bear.

Her son's transformation followed suit, and soon they stood side by side in their bear forms. (Son's name) let out a playful roar, and (y/n) couldn't help but join in, the sound of their roars echoing through the forest.

As they transformed back into their human forms, they shared a joyful laugh, the experience deepening their bond even further.

Later that evening, as they sat on the porch of their new home, (y/n) turned to her son. "How are you adjusting to Forks, sweetheart?"

He leaned against her shoulder, a content smile on his face. "I like it here, Mom. It's peaceful, and I like that we can be ourselves without worrying about hiding who we are."

Touched by his words, (y/n) wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close. "I'm glad we found a place where we can be ourselves, (son's name). And you know, we're a team, no matter what comes our way."

He nodded, his gaze filled with trust and love. "I know, Mom. We'll always be a team."

As the sun set over their new home in Forks, (y/n) felt a sense of gratitude wash over her. She may have been a single mom with only her son by her side, but their love and the bond they shared was more powerful than anything. And in this tranquil town, surrounded by nature and the promise of a fresh start, they were ready to face whatever challenges and adventures awaited them.

One day, as (y/n) went about her routine, she heard whispers and rumors around town about the Cullens—peculiar, pale-skinned individuals who seemed to keep to themselves. Curiosity gnawed at her, and her instincts as a bear shapeshifter urged her to investigate further.

Late one evening, (y/n) decided to venture into the forest to see if she could uncover anything about these mysterious newcomers. The moon cast a soft glow over the trees as she made her way deeper into the woods, her senses heightened.

As she walked, her intuition tingled, and she noticed the distinct scent of another creature. Her heart pounded as she cautiously followed the scent, only to come face-to-face with a massive, wolf-like figure. It was Jacob Black, in his wolf form.

Startled by the sight, (y/n) instinctively shifted into her bear form, towering over the wolf. Jacob's ears perked up, and he turned to face her, surprised to encounter a bear in the woods.

Despite her size, (y/n) didn't show aggression. She took a step back, making sure her body language conveyed that she meant no harm. Jacob, sensing her non-threatening demeanor, hesitated, his stance relaxing slightly.

For a moment, they simply regarded each other, a silent understanding passing between the two shapeshifters. Then, with a low growl that seemed to communicate curiosity rather than hostility, Jacob backed away and disappeared into the shadows of the forest.

Shaken by the encounter, (y/n) returned home in her human form, her mind racing with questions. She couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to the story than met the eye. That night, she researched the legends and lore surrounding the Quileute tribe and the history of shapeshifters in the area.

As her research deepened, (y/n) stumbled upon references to the Cullens, vampires who lived among the humans while hiding their true nature. The pieces began to fall into place, connecting the dots between the Cullens, the wolf pack, and her own identity as a bear shapeshifter.

Over the next few days, (y/n) pondered her newfound knowledge. She was torn between the urge to approach the Cullens and the wolf pack to learn more and the caution that held her back. She knew that revealing her true nature to them could have consequences, both positive and negative.

The sun cast a warm glow over the forest as (y/n) and her son reveled in the freedom of their bear forms. They playfully tumbled and rolled through the undergrowth, their laughter mixing with the rustling leaves.

As they frolicked, (y/n) suddenly sensed something amiss. Her instincts kicked in, and she felt a ripple of danger in the air. She swiftly turned her head and froze. There, standing not far from her son, was a figure that sent a chill down her spine—Jasper Hale.

Before her son could even react, (y/n) lunged forward, placing herself between him and Jasper. Her growl resonated through the forest, and her fur bristled with an intensity that warned Jasper to stay back.

Jasper's eyes widened, a mixture of surprise and concern flickering in his gaze. But then, as if a switch had been flipped, his expression shifted, and his face twisted into a malicious grin. The transformation was instant, and the air around him seemed to vibrate with an ominous energy.

As Jasper's aura shifted, (y/n) felt a surge of power radiate from him. She hadn't expected this, and her instincts told her that she needed to defend her son at all costs. With a roar that echoed through the forest, she lunged at Jasper, her claws extended, ready to strike.

Their clash was fierce, and the ground trembled beneath them as they grappled. (y/n) fought with a ferocity born out of the need to protect her child. She was determined to shield him from any harm, even if it meant facing down an opponent as formidable as Jasper.

Amidst the struggle, a primal rage seemed to emanate from Jasper, and his eyes flickered with a wild intensity. But as (y/n) pressed her advantage, her words cut through his aggression. She spoke with a conviction that brooked no argument, threatening dire consequences if he dared to harm her son.

The message seemed to penetrate Jasper's altered state, and his defenses wavered. He retreated, his stance shifting as he regained control. The forest fell silent as the tension dissipated, and (y/n) stood between her son and Jasper, her breath heaving, ready to spring into action again if needed.

Unbeknownst to (y/n), Jasper had been grappling with his own internal conflict. His connection with her son had stirred something deep within him—a bond he couldn't quite comprehend. As the fog of his altered state lifted, he was left with a sense of confusion and a yearning for more.

Yet, in that moment, as the forest seemed to hold its breath, Jasper's focus remained on (y/n). Their gazes locked, and in the depths of her eyes, he saw the fierce determination of a mother protecting her child. It was a force to be reckoned with, and he realized that his usual methods of manipulation held no sway over her.

As (y/n) stood her ground, unknowingly guarding a bond that transcended her understanding, Jasper's curiosity about her and her son deepened. The encounter had left an indelible mark, one that would shape the course of their lives in ways neither of them could have foreseen.

The days had passed in relative calm since the encounter in the forest. (y/n) and her son went about their lives, embracing the serenity of the woods and the routines they had established. But as the sun dipped below the horizon one evening, the tranquility was shattered by an unexpected visit.

The sound of approaching footsteps caught (y/n)'s attention, and her senses tingled with unease. When Jasper and Alice emerged from the trees, her eyes narrowed, her initial reaction one of anger and mistrust. She stood protectively in front of her son, his presence a reminder of the danger that vampires could pose.

Jasper's eyes met hers, his expression sincere and apologetic. He stepped forward cautiously, holding his hands up in a non-threatening gesture. "Please, “ he began, his voice carrying a note of remorse. "I need to talk to you."

Still wary, (y/n) reluctantly allowed Jasper to approach. Her son stood by her side, his gaze darting between the newcomers and his mother. Jasper took a deep breath, the air around him heavy with tension.

"I want to apologize," Jasper said, his voice quiet but earnest. "For what happened the last time we crossed paths. It was unforgivable, and I'm truly sorry for any fear or harm I caused."

The sincerity in his voice was palpable, and (y/n) found herself listening. She glanced at her son, who offered a subtle nod of agreement. While the memory of the encounter still lingered, she was willing to hear Jasper out.

Alice, who had been watching the exchange, chimed in. "We're here seeking help," she explained, her eyes imploring. "There's a dangerous vampire named Victoria who's building a newborn army. We're trying to stop her before she puts more lives in danger."

As Jasper and Alice detailed the situation, (y/n)'s skepticism began to wane. It seemed that the Cullens were genuinely concerned about the threat Victoria posed and were seeking allies to face her. Her son's gaze held a mixture of curiosity and concern, and (y/n) could sense his apprehension.

"What do you need from me?" (y/n) finally asked, her voice steady despite the wariness she felt.

Jasper exchanged a glance with Alice before responding. "We're gathering as many allies as we can to face Victoria and her army. With your strength and abilities, you could make a difference. We need all the help we can get."

The gravity of the situation was evident in their expressions, and (y/n) nodded in understanding. She glanced down at her son, her heart heavy with the weight of the decision she was about to make. They couldn't ignore the danger that Victoria posed, and if they had the power to help, it was their responsibility to do so.

" I’ll help," (y/n) said firmly, meeting Jasper's gaze head-on. "But know this—my priority is our safety and the safety of the innocent. We won't be used as pawns in a dangerous game."

Jasper's lips quirked into a half-smile, his appreciation evident. "We wouldn't have it any other way."

The clearing in the forest was transformed into a makeshift training ground, where the Cullens, the members of Sam Uley's pack, (y/n) and her son, and even Carlisle's old friend Garrett had gathered to prepare for the impending battle against Victoria and her army of newborns.

Tension hung in the air as everyone focused on their individual tasks, honing their skills and strategies. Carlisle was overseeing the training, offering guidance and advice to the assembled group. The sun cast dappled patterns through the leaves, creating a serene backdrop that contrasted with the gravity of the situation.

Among the participants, (y/n)'s presence was both resolute and commanding. Her son, standing beside her, mirrored her determination. They had trained tirelessly, working together to harness their abilities and contribute to the collective effort.

As the training continued, (y/n) couldn't help but notice the curious glances directed their way, particularly from Paul, a member of the Quileute wolf pack. It didn't take long for his skepticism to manifest in a derogatory comment, belittling the role of (y/n)'s son in the battle.

"What's a child doing here? He'll only hold us back," Paul sneered, his tone dripping with disdain.

The comment landed like a thud in the clearing, drawing a collective hush from those around them. (y/n)'s expression tightened, her protective instincts flaring. She turned to face Paul, her gaze steely.

"Last time I checked, we're all here because we believe in this fight," (y/n) retorted, her voice sharp and unwavering. "And if you doubt my son's abilities, then you clearly haven't seen what he's capable of."

Paul's lips curled into a sneer, his hostility evident. Without warning, he lunged at (y/n)'s son, his intention clear—to test the child's abilities and prove his point. But before he could reach the young shapeshifter, (y/n) moved with the speed and grace of a predator.

In a heartbeat, she intercepted Paul's advance, her movements fluid and precise. Her stance radiated power, and her eyes bore into his with an intensity that sent a shiver down his spine. He found himself immobilized by her commanding presence, her protective instincts vividly on display.

"You will never lay a hand on my son," (y/n) declared, her voice commanding and unyielding. "We're all in this together, and that includes protecting each other. If you can't respect that, then maybe you're the one who doesn't belong here."

The weight of (y/n)'s words settled over the clearing, casting a palpable tension in the air. Paul's expression shifted from aggression to a begrudging acknowledgment. He stepped back, his defiance faltering in the face of her unwavering determination.

“Now that’s impressive,” Garrett comments. “You got the mutt to silence itself.”

(Y/n) head snaps in his direction and that’s when she felt it, her world shifting with a clench of her jaws and fist she shook her head to get rid of any unwanted thoughts before moving back to her sons side.

God how could she imprint on a vampire?!

As the moments passed, the tension gradually eased, replaced by the collective understanding that they were all bound by a common purpose. (y/n)'s resolute stance sent a clear message—unity was essential for their survival, and each member of the alliance had a role to play.

The training resumed, the forest echoing with the sounds of clashing forces and the collective determination to overcome the impending threat. And in the midst of it all, (y/n) and her son stood strong, united by a fierce determination to protect each other and ensure that their world remained free from the shadows that sought to engulf it.

#x reader #x reader oneshot #x reader one shot #twilight imagine #twilight imagines #twilight scenario #twilight x reader #garrett twilight #twilight #twilight x oc #twilight masterlist #jasper hale x oc #garrett imagine #garrett x you #garrett x reader #garrett x y/n #the pack x reader #garrett imagines

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keefessketchbook · 3 months

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FINAL EPISODE OF S.1!

SPOILERS AHEAD!!!

My memory is kinda fuzzy so this might have things left out

The fight scene was pretty good. I love any scene with ares in it so. But i kinda missed the whole police cars moment and i would have loved to see what the fight looked like to mortals

The scene with Alecto was good. i enjoyed how Percy was adamant about getting his mom back and Hades keeping his promise

when annabeth gives percy her necklace>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

THE SCENE ON OLYMPUS!!!!!!! guys this was sososossoosososo good<3. I love love loved how Zeus was "totally" gonna let Percy go and then as soon as Percy turned his back, Zeus was gonna strike him down. This conveyed how even after you had done something for the gods they could turn on you as soon as you turned your back.

part 2 of the bullet above. I loved how Poseidon intervened for percy. this solidified that percy is/will be his favorite kid. Especially how he had to surrender Zeus just to stop this war even though Zeus had not one but two forbidden kids of his own

I loved how percy asked if Poseidon dreamed about his mom and in turn himself. It shows how percy si trying not to hate his dad as he didnt really abandon them but he still wasn't around

When percy came back to camp🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

lets talk about the scene with luke. The way they changed it from the book was a change i liked. I liked how Luke was trying to recruit percy but not in a "you need to do this" way but in a "hey im trying to do whats best for our future" way. I loved how when they fought, when percy hurt luke, he immediately was apologizing even though luke was trying to kill him. I also loved the scene(s) of them training in the forest.

part 2 of luke point. THE LIGHTING CHANGED EVERYTHING. Like when they were just training, it was a light green/yellowy color to show happiness and joy(ish). When Luke revealed himself as the lightning thief, the firework that went off was purple and the lighting became darker and more menacing to show how Luke had changed. yellow and purple are also opposites on the color wheel so this could also show how luke was acting completely different then how he "normally" did. Also annabeth being there the entire time changed how luke acted. I could see tears in his eyes when annabeth revealed her self

THE HUG PART 2!

The group hug at the end made me so happy 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

The nightmare with kronos was good. Don't have much to say about it except for percy calling Kronos grandpa

the final scene was amazing. I saw on here somewhere that the rain on the window as the door closed signified how Poseidon could never reach them and was separated from them

Gabe's death scene was interesting as it wasn't by sally hands but by his own. His manipulative actions at the begin like answering sallys phone shows how even though people say "gabe wasn't abusive" he was abusive just not in the normal way people think of.

RIP Lance Reddick You were a great Zeus and you will be missed dearly

Okay, guys that seems to be it!! I can't wait for season 2 and to make more<3 love you guys and stay weird 💙💙💙

#percy jackson #pjo #pjo series #leah sava jeffries #walker scobell #annabeth chase #grover underwood #pjo spoilers

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localityghost · 1 year

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❛ ┊᥀𝐀 𝐦𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐀𝐤𝐢 𝐇𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐰𝐚┊

Aki Hayakawa X Blackmodel!Reader CW:Denji crushing on Y/N||Angst with comfort||Mentioning and talking about death||Mentions of pregnancy||Reader has a kid

Aki couldn't face reality not when he had a beautiful wife like you especially since you were a top model even when he observed other models nothing could prepare him for the day you asked him out that day you became his personal nurse always scolding him and just being so god damn hot was the least of his worries every time you showed up Denji was ogling at you "M-Ma'am...can I touch your ti-" before he could finish his sentence he was slapped in the face by Hayakawa "We'll be on our way Y/N" and then whenever Beam even got close Aki immediately shooed him away like he was a child it was funny how soft-spoken and shy he was around with you but with Denji and Power he was loud and a total bother like a big brother "Oh- bye Hayakawa!" you waved like you were absolutely oblivious to the effect you had on him especially when you started your Instagram and posted those pretty curves of yours.

"Damn it...why does she have to look like that..." Aki sighed staring down at his phone while his aching cock was in his other he knew jerking off especially beating at your pictures was something he promised not to do but when he scrolled all of a sudden he just lost all sense of morality just from that one pic.

The way your tits sat perfectly in that top of yours...just everything in that picture was too perfect and he loved it...Aki was quick to pump his cock to your tits soft groaning turning into desperate moans for his sweet release as his hips bucked upwards to gain more feeling he even went so far as to hump his pillow thinking it was your soft cunt he didn't even propose to you yet and here he was in a 4 year-relationship and humping his pillow moaning like a dog in heat for his release pretending he was cumming inside of you whimpering like a little dog as he finally came out of breath from chasing his release he swears he's had better days.

The next few days were hard for Hayakawa right after your wedding he continued with his devil hunter duties only to find out he had less than a year to live and was devastated to know he won't have the pristine perfect life with you that he had imagined but you know Aki he didn't focus on that instead, he wanted to make sure to give you the best Christmas ever so that's what he did using his money to rent a small cabin in the woods picking up his phone to give you a call "Yeah I uh- planned a little surprise...and I have something to tell you" you were a little curious when he said that maybe he finally changed his mind about having kids? You agreed and Aki came to pick you up in his car before driving you to get takeout and right back on the road you went he didn't make eye contact with you the whole ride and every time he would've gripped the steering wheel tightly like his life depended on it looking at you hurt for him because he knew once he died you would have no one to care for, no one to talk to and no one to love you and it tugged at his heart strings as he thought about it because it hurt.

You eventually reached the cabin as Aki helped you out of the car he led you in and the Christmas tree was already up he took the liberty of hanging up your coat and taking off your shoes "Aki you really don't have to" you chuckled at his efforts as he looked up at you with a slight smile "You're the princess here" he said kissing your hand as you laughed he loved that about you how you were so cheerful in the deadliest or dreadful situations he sort of envied your personality but he loved you too much to care anymore as he started hugging you and you hugged back taking him in and embracing him.

Hugging Hayakawa was like hugging a pine forest tree since that was what his cologne smelled like it was weird, yes but he made it seem like the new normal and you were ok with that since he was your husband after all besides you loved having him in your embrace never knowing that one day he may not come back even in those heavy thoughts of yours just having him here with you was enough as he slowly glided his hands down your waist to the end of that pretty dress of yours you were breathless, to say the least as he started to kiss you and just swayed you onto the couch that small kiss turning into a make-out session between you two.

Aki's tongue was exploring your mouth as he kissed you passionately with love of course you were enjoying every second of this as he grinded against you "Y/N Hayakawa..." he said in a shaky voice as he moaned surprisingly already about to cum from just grinding against you he unzipped his pants revealing his poor aching cock he had been in a little bit of pain poor Hayakawa his beautiful wife hasn't been giving him attention lately he rubbed his cock against your cunt earning a moan from you as he held onto your waist kissing your soft neck and lacing it with his scent he loved you...he loved you so god damn much...you were like a chocolate fountain and he was the strawberry and he wanted to keep it that way forever he thought mindlessly running his cock through your slick folds as you were letting out soft moans already wet and needing him inside you pulled Aki out of thought as you kissed him tongue exploring his mouth as he pulled your panties aside "I'm gonna go in now alright? So don't hold back" he said thrusting into you with no warning as a sharp gasp left your lips from the thrust he began to thrust even eventually picking up the pace as he held one leg over his shoulder and the other pinned on the couch Aki let out loud moans and even groans "So soft...been missing this sweet cunt of yours..." he said letting out yet another shaky breath as he trusted into you leaving you speechless as he did all you could get out were moans as then switched positions fucking you from the side as your tits were bouncing up and down as Aki had your leg hoisted over his shoulder he didn't let up "Gonna..." he groaned mid-sentence feeling his limit about to exceed "Gonna bless you with my kids alright? Better be a good mom you hear me?" he said speeding up the pace as you let out shaky breaths and moans eventually responding to Aki "Yes sir! I'll be the best mom out there" you said and that put a smile on Aki's face as he let out another shaky moan before he came shooting his thick load into you as you spent the rest of the night cuddling by the campfire.

...

You miss your husband...the pain is unbearable you break down just remembering how they told you about his situation it had been a year but you are still not over it and this specific day was the day you couldn't bear to even stay awake for or be alive for that matter it was the anniversary of your husband's death "Mommy?" you heard a small voice it was your child you went ahead and picked her up and smiled as you thought it wasn't so bad after all "Were gonna go see daddy today..." you said kissing her head helping her with her coat and boots as it was cold this time around making your way on the train and sleeping for a good bit in a hotel before reaching the Hayakawa grave as you prayed you sat your daughter in your lap as you said "Aki...this is ur little girl (Child name) isn't she pretty she looks like a mini girl version of you" you chuckled at the thought knowing he would probably get all mad and scold you, your daughter touched Aki's gravestone and said "Papa!" you shed tears of joy hearing her say that as you laughed "Thats right...Papa!"

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skzhocomments · 4 months

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Mafia Book #2 - PART I - The Black Iris - Chapter 8 - The bad guy

Story masterlist - please consult it for the summary of the story, trigger warnings etc.

General masterlist

Wattpad | AO3

Chapter 7 | PART II - The Withered Rose

---

PART I - THE BLACK IRIS

Chapter 8 - The bad guy

chapter word count: 4k words

~10 hours before flying to Italy~

~Iris' POV~

"You finished packing?" Chris asked without raising his gaze from the newspaper in his hands. We were both in the kitchen; I was making a coffee, and he was waiting for everyone to come back from whichever errand they were on.

"Yea. All done. Why are you reading the newspaper?"

"Sometimes enemy gangs organise rebellions and form alliances by using keywords in the columns."

"No way!" I exclaimed.

"Yes way. Look, this one for example might sound normal to the general public."

He handed me the newspaper where a column was highlighted.

"Monthly gardeners meeting: Seeking passionate rose gardeners.

Would your heart bloom along the red roses? Would you find joy in discussing this passion among other gardeners?

If so, contact us at X5DK20 and inquire about our monthly meetings."

"This... makes no sense."

"It's the perfect advertisement. A person with no interest in gardening wouldn't even pay it any mind, let alone read it carefully enough to figure out it's a sham. Someone who would actually care about gardening would just call and they'd be told it's not available."

"But... what? I don't get it. How would you know...?"

"Why don't you give it a try?" He pointed to my mobile phone that was lying on the table screen down. "Call and see what they say."

I grabbed it reluctantly and dialled the number, and someone responded after a few rings.

"Hello, I saw an ad in the newspaper about a monthly gardeners meeting?"

"Yes, thank you for calling, could you please tell us the three most important roses for any garden?"

"Three most important roses?" I look at Chris, who just shrugged and chuckled.

"We are sorry ma'am. It appears all the spots for the meeting have been occupied. Thank you for your interest." And with that, they hung up.

"See?" Chris was still chuckling.

"I'm super confused right now."

"There used to be a powerful Mafia called The Scarlet Rose. They've been trying to revive it for some time."

"Oh, didn't you mention it before? The woman you loved was part of it, right...?"

He nodded. "We've been trying to find all the people who want to bring that mafia back, but we haven't had too much success yet. When you're back from Italy, you have to get to work too." He smiled, and I chuckled.

"Of course. Han taught me a lot. I will help him."

"Good. By the way, Minho has one last meeting to finish up all the details for the shipment, and said he'll meet you at the airport. Since I.N is the only one here with nothing to do, he's gonna take you."

I nodded. I've never actually spoken to I.N until now, so I bet the three-hour long trip to the airport will be really fun.

A few hours later, an uncertain knock on the door, barely audible, took me out of my thoughts.

"We should get going. Ready?" Jeongin asked as soon as I opened the door.

I nodded and he stepped in the room uninvited, grabbing the two suitcases.

"Wait, let me-"

"That's fine." He shrugged me off and brushed over me, carrying both suitcases down the stairs. When we reached the car, he put everything in the trunk and hopped in the driver's seat, without paying me any mind.

I settled myself in the passenger seat next to him and he turned on the radio and started to drive without saying anything to me.

The airport was pretty far away, and after a little while of going through fields and forests, the road became quite familiar, but it was hard to tell.

"Oh, I think I recognise this place." I started, and eyed Jeongin, but he didn't show anything on his face.

"Really?" He asked drily.

"Yea, I believe this is where you've buried Emilia, right?"

He side-eyed me and hummed a bit.

Something seemed off, for some reason. Was it his mannerisms that were sending alarm bells to my brain?

"Chris told me you don't go there that often."

"Mhm."

"Too bad we don't have enough time, we could've paid her a visit." I pressed further, but he just shrugged.

Something about his indifference made my mind uneasy.

"I love that you buried her next to that large chestnut tree. It's really beautiful."

"Thanks."

I froze.

Jeongin buried her alone.

He never comes to her grave.

But still, he loved her as much as Chris.

Something doesn't add up.

Why doesn't he remember what the place he buried her looks like?

"Except there's no tree." I whispered and looked at him uneasy, and he gulped.

"It's been a long time since I've been there." He replied quietly.

Still, it didn't add up. You don't forget shit like this, especially since it's a defining event that builds you as a person. Burying the one you love is traumatising enough to make you remember every fucking small detail.

He kept silent the rest of the ride and I was deep in thought, trying to make sense of the newly found information. Jeongin was behaving too weird, and maybe other people wouldn't have noticed, but I spent many years observing mannerisms, and I couldn't help but notice the way he leaned back in his seat and the strength with which he held the wheel. Also, he kept tapping his index finger on the wheel and he seemed tense. Actually, he seemed like he tried not to seem tense.

Jeongin loved Emilia.

He was the last person to see her alive, and he buried her on his own.

He never comes to her grave. Moreover, he doesn't remember what that place even looks like.

And then, the penny dropped, my mind suddenly becoming clearer.

He never comes to her grave

Because she's not there.

Jeongin pulled into the airport's parking lot and took off his safety belt, and as he was preparing to get out of the car, I decided to speak up.

"She's not dead, is she?"

He stayed silent.

My breath became ragged.

"You never buried her. It's an empty grave." It felt like the start of a manic episode, and I wanted nothing more than to drive back to her grave and start digging, to check myself if there really isn't anything buried in there.

He looked at me sharply, his brows furrowed.

"What makes you say that?"

"Jeongin, don't play dumb."

He started trembling slightly, but tried to keep his composure.

"That's why I didn't want to speak to you... fuck."

He cursed, and I stood silent, watching him. When his eyes met mine, he let out another curse, then spoke.

"I dug a grave for her..."

"But she's not dead."

"I don't know..."

"Jeongin-"

"Chris can't know about this. He can't. I promised her-"

"He won't. But I need you to walk me through what happened. What really happened."

Jeongin shook his head and closed his eyes. It was obvious that this was hard on him as well.

"I-" Just as he started to talk, a knock on our window interrupted us. Minho grinned happily and opened my door, cupping my cheeks and pecking my lips.

Fucking timing.

"How's my favourite girl doing? Ready to go to Italy?"

"... yes, I'm ready." I replied, reluctant to get out of the car. Still, I got out and retrieved the two suitcases from the trunk, and Minho and I started walking towards the entrance.

I threw Jeongin one last glance, and he nodded briefly to signal goodbye. I cursed in my head more than ever, because I had Jeongin, and I would've found out every last piece of this mystery if Minho hadn't come at that exact same time.

We went inside the airport and passed through security check, and we hopped on a plane one hour later. Minho slept the whole flight, getting back his missed night's rest while he was away to figure out how the shipment to Italy was going to happen, and I was deep in my thoughts, knowing that Jeongin's secret had the power to either drive Chan crazy, or turn him completely mad.

I wasn't sure what to do with this newfound information. Actually, I wasn't sure if I should do anything at all, or just keep silent and pretend I've never learnt of this horrible misfortune. The only thing that was certain, though, was that I needed to tell Minho as soon as possible, because this shouldn't be my burden to bear alone, and then we'd figure out what to do, together.

~6 days later~

~third person POV~

"Honey, I'm home~" Minho sang while opening the door to Iris' and his holiday home. It was a small cottage on the outskirts of the town; it had a beautiful garden full of flowers, signalling an early beginning of spring.

The temperature wasn't too bad either. Quite warm, Iris would say, as she basked under the sun's warm rays, smelling the sweet fragrance of lilies and daffodils. Except she couldn't exactly enjoy it because she's been worried sick.

"You're home? Minho, is that seriously what you're telling me after almost making me have a heart attack?! I thought something happened to you!"

"Well, nothing happened! I'm here in one piece! See? Both legs, both arms, 20 fingers, all teeth!" He showed Iris each body part, chuckling a bit at his lover's worried expression.

"Minho!"

"Aww, not even married yet and she's already nagging me!" He joked again, pinching Iris' cheek, but the girl wouldn't budge. She was already wary of being left at home to wait for him while he goes alone to finish up the trade, and after waiting for him for a few days, agonising about what he could be doing or where he's at, this indifferent attitude of his really pissed her off. He noticed it as well, so he quickly changed his stance, and tried to emphasise again that he's well and nothing happened. "Come on, doll, I'm truly fine. Don't you think I'm even more handsome now that you haven't seen my face in 6 days?"

"That's not funny." She furrowed her brows. "You said you'll be gone for a day. It's been 6. I thought you were dead."

"Iris... look, it took a bit longer than expected because one of our-"

"-shipments got caught at customs." She cut him off. "Yea, I know. Chris told me, after I called him 100 times to see if he knew anything."

"Woah, straight to the boss, I see!" He gasped. "I'm truly sorry for worrying you, I didn't mean to. My phone died and I forgot to bring the external charger. Amateur mistake."

"Did no one have a fucking charger over there?"

"We were in an old mill. No electricity whatsoever, and no one was allowed to leave until the issue's been sorted out."

Iris stood silent, so Minho wrapped his arms around her, trying to comfort her. It was obvious she was still quite upset, but she was also relieved to see him alive.

"You can't die before we get married." She whispered, and he chuckled.

"Can I die after, then?"

"No. You can't. You're forced to grow old with me, to get wrinkles and become ugly."

"I will never become ugly." He retorted.

"And I will never become a young widow. And you are never going alone again."

"Okay love. I'm sorry." He put his hands on her face and pecked her nose. "Shall we go get married, then?"

Minho grabbed Iris' hand and took her to the garden, collecting a couple of flowers and improvising a bouquet. Then, he took her to a small arch made of green leaves and branches in the cottage garden where three people were patiently waiting for them.

"A priest?" She whispered, shocked. Neither of them was religious, but Minho wanted to do this by the book; he talked to the town's priest and even hired two random people to be their witnesses. "When did you even arrange this?"

"Surprise!" He chuckled. "We're doing this right. Except for the giving away part, because I'm not letting a random stranger give you away to me." He muttered quickly, and they both walked to the arch, holding hands.

The priest then began the short ceremony, and Iris could barely hold in her laughter, because everything was in damn Italian, which she couldn't speak at all. Sure, she knew her "Ciao"sand "Grazie"s, but other than that, she could only guess what the dude dressed in white was talking about.

When the moment came for them to say their "I do's and kiss, both felt the happiest in the world.

"I'm freaking starving. Maybe we should head to the town and grab a bite." Minho spoke, cuddled up to the crook of his now-wife's neck.

"No mood for cooking today?" She chuckled and gently petted his hair.

"No, I wanna rest up a bit."

"So let's go get lunch, hm?"

They slowly got dressed and decided to walk until the centre of the town and enjoy the sun for a bit more until they had to go back. They had a few days of paradise left, but Minho still had to go back home and give Chris all the important documents and intel regarding the trade, and other possible expansion plans throughout Europe. Iris also wanted to get to work, to prove herself somehow that she could truly be part of Stray Kids, not just as Minho's wife, but also as a valuable asset. This didn't mean that she wouldn't wish she had more time on her honeymoon with Minho.

They sat down outside at a small metal table in front of a little restaurant, one of the few in town, and sipped on a hot coffee while waiting for their meal to arrive.

~Iris' POV~

It was truly relaxing to just sit like this and watch the people in this town go by with their daily lives. Some people were sitting around tables, just like Minho and I, drinking lemonades and smiling ear to ear, or laughing while sharing stories; other people were hurrying to work (or so I assumed), others were already working, like the server who just brought us two drinks we decided to get as desserts.

The street itself was pretty. Despite this being a small town, people were very civilised; there was no trash on the ground, the antique buildings were taken care of well, and the centre had it all: a few restaurants, a flower shop, a bookstore, a souvenir shop and a mini market. Nothing was missing.

"Oh?" I tilted my head after noticing a little girl running out of the flower shop.

"What is it?" Minho smiled.

"That little girl there is soooooo cute!" I exclaimed and squirmed with happiness. "Her hair is so pretty and curly! Don't you think so?" I asked, and Minho turned around briefly to see the girl I was pointing to.

"Oh my, yes, she's so cute! Should we go back to our house and make one?"

"Minho!" I playfully slapped his arm.

"What?!"

"Do you think it's okay for her to be alone like that on the street?" I frowned. "Oh, nevermind, her mother is apparently getting her back."

After saying this, I diverted my attention to the paper straw in the lemonade, while Minho turned around to watch the scene unfold.

Damn, I fucking hate paper straws.

"Iris." Minho said, and I raised my gaze to notice he seemed distressed all of a sudden.

"Is anything wrong?" I asked, my heart starting to beat out of my chest.

"... can you please go to that flower shop and get yourself a bouquet of whatever flowers they have?" He asked in a breath, and I didn't understand what got him so agitated. Still, I nodded unsurely and grabbed the money he handed to me and made my way to the flower shop.

"Ciao!" The woman at the register spoke cheerfully.

"Hello." I replied and smiled.

"Oh, a foreigner." The woman laughed.

She seemed around my age, and was wearing a long, black fitted dress and a bright red lipstick. She was beautiful, and oddly familiar. It felt like I saw her somewhere before, but I wasn't entirely sure...

"Yes, you as well?" I laughed back, when her daughter made her way towards me, her soft curls bouncing up and down with each of her little steps. "Oh my, you have such an adorable daughter!"

"Thank you, she's almost 3, and a menace!"

"Is that so? Are you making mommy upset?" I pinched her cheeks, and she chuckled.

"So, would you like to buy some flowers?"

"Oh, yes, I'd like a-"

"-bouquet of white lilies, please." Minho's voice came from behind me, cutting me off.

"Minho?" I turned my head around, and everything happened in a flash: the woman ran towards her daughter and grabbed her from me, and Minho reacted immediately as well, trying to get between me and her.

I don't know who was faster, but the next thing I remember is feeling a powerful blow to the back of my head.

Ugh... this hurts...

I slowly tried to open my eyes, but the pounding headache in my head was making it hard to.

"... and that's how I ended up here." A voice I didn't recognise spoke.

Ah... it's probably the woman...

"Fucking hell..." Minho replied.

"I hope you understand why I can't come back with you, Minho. I'm sorry."

What's going on...?

"No, Emilia, I'm the one who's sorry. I know you probably hate Chris. Hell, you probably hate me, and everyone else, but-"

"Yes, you're right. I fucking loathe all of you."

"Some tea?" A man whose voice I also couldn't recognise asked.

"What, are you some sort of fucking housewife?" The woman spat.

"You and that rotten mouth of yours. What if Ivy hears you?"

I finally managed to sit up straight, massaging the back of my head with my hand.

"Iris, you're awake!" Minho sat up from his chair and ran up to me. I glanced around the room and saw the woman sitting at a round table and sipping tea. Her back was straight, her red lips stained the coffee cup, and her dress reached her ankles still. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine... my head hurts a bit... what happened?"

"Emilia hit you." He sighed.

"Sorry 'bout that!" Emilia chuckled slightly.

"Wait, Emilia, as in-"

"Chan's lover." Minho clarified, and my eyes grew wide. I couldn't believe it.

I already knew she was still alive, but what were the chances of us bumping into her in a random small town in Italy?

"Am I that popular?" She chuckled. "Nice to meet you, Minho's wife."

"I have a name." I stood up and headed to her, handing my hand out for a shake. "Iris."

Emilia's gaze was so sharp, I was afraid it would cut, and the darkness in her eyes was so deep, it was hard to read her.

"Emilia, but oh well, you know that already."

"I do. So, this is where you were hiding." I glanced around the room again; simple décor, and a few photographs of her daughter – Ivy? – on display.

Minho looked at me with confusion, and Emilia's smile dropped from her lips.

"What do you mean?" She asked quietly.

"I mean – I was really wondering where you were, after I found out that the pretty grave Jeongin dug for you is empty."

The room grew silent.

"Iris... what are you talking about?" Minho asked, as if hoping he heard me wrong. "Did you... know about this?"

I sighed.

"I found out the day we left to Italy and was planning to tell you about this as soon as our honeymoon was over-"

"Are you fucking kidding me?" He grabbed my arm, seething with rage. "Fuck the honeymoon,"

Ouch

"this is the type of shit you should be telling me about immediately."

"Did Jeongin tell you?" Emilia stood up and asked in a whisper, as if she could no longer breathe. "Does... does Chris also know?"

"No." I shook my head, and Minho's hand away; his grip was starting to hurt. "He's kept your secret, no matter how much it fucked him up. How could you force that kid to grow up like that? Do you know how distressed he's been?"

"Don't you dare judge me for it." She spat. "It was a life and death decision for me, and you would've done the same thing given the circumstances."

I looked back at Minho, who was still angry at me – I could see it on his face. Still, he grabbed my hand, gently this time, and brought it up to his lips, kissing it. He mouthed an "I'm sorry", and I nodded.

"Chris can't know about this." She started shaking her head left and right erratically. "He can't. I can't see him. I don't want to-"

"Emilia, calm down." The younger man who brought the tea put his hands on her shoulders, making her sit back down.

"How the fuck can I be calm, Wooyoung?!" She raised her voice and looked at me and Minho, venom in her eyes. "If Chan finds out-"

"He'll come find you." I finished her sentence.

"No. He can't. Minho, please-"

Minho squeezed my hand and looked at me. I knew what he wanted to do. I knew it wasn't right, and that we shouldn't do this. But Minho's priority was his Mafia's well-being, and my priority was Minho, so I couldn't care less about anyone else, no matter how empathetic I could get.

"I'm sorry, Emilia, but ever since you died, Chris has been a fucking mess..." Minho started. "You're the only one who can make him be... his old self."

"Fuck that. Fuck Chris. Fuck YOU!"

"You have to come back with us." I insisted and released Minho's hand, taking a cautious step towards Emilia.

"No. Not in a million years. I will never come back."

"You have his child." I continued insisting, and she burst out into a hysterical laugh.

"So what? Does he deserve a chance at parenting? Ivy baby, look, this is your daddy. He almost killed mommy and you, and he stepped on her heart repeatedly, but that's okay, because he feels bad about it!"

"I'm sorry, but it's just the way it will be." I looked at her with compassion. I knew it was unfair to her, but she needed to come back.

No, she wouldn't magically fix everything wrong within Chris. Who knows how he'll even react? But she still needed to come back.

Minho would never let her go anyway, now that he knows.

"Fuck your fake-ass compassion." She laughed again, and then I noticed she froze. "Are you seriously threatening me right now? After ruining everything for me?"

I turned around to see what she was talking about, and there was Minho, his gun raised and pointed directly towards Emilia. The other man – Wooyoung – started moving, moment when I took my gun out as well, forcing him to stay in place. I still didn't know how to use it properly, but they didn't need to know that.

"I can't believe you two." Emilia laughed again. "I invite you into my house to talk, and you dare threaten me. How fucking rude you two are. Truly a match made in heaven." She spat.

"I don't want to threaten you. We were the ones who were wrong. But if you don't come back willingly... You leave me no choice."

"So, shoot me, then! Fucking shoot me and end this already, Minho!" She shouted. "I'm not coming with you!"

"No..." He shook his head. "I won't take you with us if you don't want it, Emilia. I'm just saying that... if you won't come, we're gonna stay just like this while Iris goes to the other room and grabs your daughter. She's gonna take her to Chris and explain everything, and that's it."

"You wouldn't." She shook her head in disbelief.

"Try me."

"Fuck you."

"I'm sorry."

"Fuck you!" She shouted harder.

"So, will you come with us?" Minho asked again. He phrased it as if she actually had a choice, which she didn't. It was like that saying: when you only have two choices, you have no choice at all.

"Wooyoung," she started, her voice trembling. "what in the world..."

"I think we have to go with them, Shade..."

"But..."

"Would you let them take Ivy?" Wooyoung whispered. He was distressed as well. It was too cruel, but sometimes you have to be the bad guy in someone else's life.

I was sure that's how Emilia perceived me and Minho.

We were unscrupulous villains who were here to break down everything she built, until nothing was left standing.

And unfortunately she was right.

~THE END OF PART ONE – THE BLACK IRIS~

PART TWO – THE WITHERED ROSE (coming soon)

---

(A/N) Hello!

We finally reached the end of The Black Iris and I'm so excited for this ending.

Emilia is back!

Part II is in the making right now, so we're going to have a bit of a hiatus unfortunately, but still, thank you for being patient with me and for reading until now!

What are your thoughts? What's going to happen from now on?

Does Chris have any chance to be forgiven?

I'm so excited to keep writing this story!

Thank you again!

Yours truly,

Storm

---

Chapter 7 | PART II - The Withered Rose

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cowgurrrl · 11 months

Note

Can we get more LFTL dad Joel content? I love this series and you’re such a great writer!

Thank you for your sweet words!! I love some LFTL dad!joel content!! This ended up being more family fluff but it still works!

Love's Gonna Live Here

Pairing: Joel Miller x fem!reader

Summary: The story of the Museum Day [1.1k]

Warnings: a little bit of grief but mostly fluff

Ever since Joel took Ellie to the museum for her birthday, she's wanted to go back every year. It's a relatively easy journey, and it's gotten easier as you pass through more and more times. At first, it was just you, Ellie, and Joel. Then it was you three, Tommy, Maria, and Camille. Then it was the six of you plus Charlie. Then Dina, Jesse, and JJ started tagging along too. Soon enough, you had a pretty big group going to the museum regularly. Dina and Maria even conspired to set up field trips through the elementary school. Joel was hesitant initially, but once word got out, keeping it under wraps was impossible. Before the first field trip, you and your little family went out to clean things up. Tear down old boards, sweep away leaves and dust, and even organize whatever dinosaur pamphlets were left.

After that first time, it became an annual event. Joel would lead the way, knowing the forest like the back of his hand, and Ellie, after saying she could never be a teacher, would go on tangents about space exploration and evolution to the next generation of students. The museum got a little cleaner every year, and things got a little more normal. You never ran into Infected or Raiders, and if you did, you had the mayor of Jackson and the Millers to keep you safe. It's a win for everyone. Ellie gets to share her knowledge and excitement, you and Joel get to get out of Jackson, and Charlie gets to learn new things. You also like to think the scientists and astronauts who did all that work are happy to know people are still learning about them even after the apocalypse.

This year is the first year Charlie's class gets to go on the field trip. She's ecstatic, telling everyone that her mommy, daddy, and Bellie will take them "to the stars," as Ellie told Charlie years ago. Dina, Jesse, and JJ come along too. JJ is finally growing out of the chubby toddler stage and more into an actual kid. It's scary to see how much he looks like Jesse but acts like Ellie, but you love watching him and Charlie interact.

As you walk to the museum, Joel takes turns carrying Charlie and JJ on his shoulders, pointing out different types of plants, and telling the kids how to look out for poison ivy. He tells them stories of what life was like before. He talks about cities like New York and Chicago and explains how cars work. At one point, you swear you can pinpoint the dreaminess in his voice as he talks about coffee. He talks about Sarah, too. He tells the kids about how she would scamper up big rocks and give him shit for wanting to go on hikes and things like that. She would be in her forties if she were alive today. Jane would be in her thirties. Still, you both imagine them as the fourteen and ten-year-olds they'll always be. You have nothing else to go on.

When you get to the museum, Ellie holds JJ and Charlie's hands as they walk through the exhibits. Ellie goes on and on about what year we went to space, what animal was the first to be in orbit, and the order of the planets. You and Joel hang back, letting the parents and kids follow Ellie. This is your favorite part: watching Ellie be herself. She cracks jokes, answers questions, and doesn't hesitate to get down on their level if needed. She's a natural. Dina watches Ellie, too, adoration and love so clearly shining in her eyes. You wonder if that's how Joel looks at you when you're not looking.

"What're you thinkin' bout?" Joel asks, bumping you with his shoulder, and you shrug.

"Thinking bout our girls."

"Which ones?"

"All of 'em." You say, and he smiles. He wraps an arm around your shoulder and pulls you close, kissing your temple. You follow Ellie's lead through the museum and watch Charlie get excited as she listens to her big sister. As she makes it up to the dinosaur skeletons, Ellie looks at Joel knowingly and pulls a familiar brown hat out of her bag. You laugh as she throws it and perfectly lands it on the dinosaur's head. All the kids roar with laughter, but Ellie is looking at Joel.

"He's wearing a little hat!" Charlie exclaims, and Ellie smiles.

"Yeah, he is," Ellie says. Joel sniffles next to you, and you rub his back as he tries not to cry. All the kids get a turn in the spaceship, flicking the different buttons and pretending to blast off. You remember when Ellie did that for the first time. She was so little. Now, she's holding a kid on her hip and Dina's hand. She's a grown woman.

As the day wears on, Maria and Tommy start taking people back to town, but you, Joel, Ellie, and Charlie stay. You sit in the middle of the museum, watching the clouds pass through the skylight. Charlie sits in Ellie's lap, and Joel has an arm around her shoulder. You wish you had a camera to take a picture of how peaceful they look. Instead, you commit the image to memory and sit with them.

"I had fun with you today, Bellie," Charlie says, looking up at Ellie, and Ellie raises her eyebrows.

"Yeah?" She asks, and Charlie nods. "I had fun with you, too, kiddo."

"How old were you when you came here for the first time?" Charlie asks, and Ellie meets Joel's eyes over her head.

"Sixteen. Mom and Dad brought me here before you were born."

"That was a long time ago," Charlie says candidly, and Ellie laughs.

"Yeah, it was," Ellie agrees, kissing the top of Charlie's head. "You know, Dad pushed me in the river while we were on our way here the first time."

"Really?" Charlie asks with big eyes, looking between her and Joel, and you smile. Ellie nods with big, animated eyes.

"And you know what?"

"What?"

"I couldn't even swim."

"Daddy!" Charlie scolds Joel. "Bellie could've drowned!"

"You're right, Charlie Girl. I could've drowned."

"You weren't gonna drown!" Joel defends himself, and Ellie hums. "I was helpin' you build your confidence in the water."

"Mommy!" Charlie turns her attention to you. "Why didn't you stop Daddy from pushing Ellie?"

"Mommy was pregnant and shouldn't have even been on that trip!"

"That's true. You probably shouldn't have." Ellie says, and you laugh. The four of you settle against each other, sleepily watching the clouds move and the sky turn orange. The girls are tucked under one of Joel's arms, and you're tucked under the other, a heap of love and warmth. At one point, Joel kisses Ellie's temple and squeezes her shoulders. Then, so quiet you almost miss it, he says, "You did great today, kiddo." Ellie looks up at him, Charlie resting against her chest, and smiles sleepily.

"Thanks, Dad."

#look for the light #tlou fluff #the last of us fluff #the last of us #joel miller #joel miller x reader #joel tlou #joel and ellie #the last of us x reader #joel miller fic #dad!joel miller

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kimberly40 · 1 year

Text

Mountain people called chestnut "the best wood God ever growed." They ate its fruit, raw, boiled, and baked. As furniture chestnut could be rubbed to shine like a coon's eye in a full moon. Their straight grained trunks became sturdy cabins and long lived rail fences. Shingles rived of chestnut promised three generations of wear.

Before the turn of the century, the eastern half of the United States was dominated by the American chestnut. Because it could grow rapidly and attain huge sizes. The wood was used wherever strength and rot-resistance was needed.

Flowering began in as little as five years, and as trees matured, crops become frequent and copious. The sale of the brown nuts brought many things hillside land that wouldn't produce

In the Appalachian Mountains, one in every four hardwoods was an American chestnut. Mature trees often grew straight and branch-free for 50 feet and could grow up to 100 feet tall with a trunk diameter of 14 feet at a few feet above ground level. For three centuries many barns and homes near the Appalachian Mountains were made from American chestnut.

Hogs and cattle were often fattened for market by allowing them to forage in chestnut-dominated forests. Chestnut ripening coincided with the Thanksgiving-Christmas holiday season, and eventually train cars filled to overflowing with chestnuts rolling into major cities to be sold fresh or roasted. The American chestnut was truly our heritage tree.

In 1908, mountain people noticed chestnut trees dying in their forests. A blight was destroying the inner bark of the trees. Nothing could be found to stop the disease from spreading. The blight ate on, insatiably, up one green mountainside and down the other. The nearly four-billion-strong American chestnut population in North America was devastated within 40 years.

Chestnut heartwood is legendary for its rot resistance. Logging of standing dead trees and then of the fallen logs took place for decades after the chestnut trees were killed.

#appalachian #appalachian culture #appalachian mountains #north carolina

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tsukishiro-himari · 24 days

Text

「Memorandum a few years ago」

I was crying involuntarily.

But I've opened up the future

by pushing forward.

That's why I won't run away.

Repaint despair with a new color.

Last night I waited for hours to rent a car,

but there was a problem with the rental.

So I walked to the motel under the

cold sky and finally got there at 1:00 am.

When I found out dinner was cold rice,

my tears welled up.

Having warm rice to eat every night is

so wonderful…

Singing from "my living heart” in

all black while surrounded

by sparkling idols makes me

so nervous but when my song resonates

with your heart I cry with happiness.

I will continue to fight as the one and

only Isiliel.

sometimes m＆m's inside

American chocolate bars…

chocolate in chocolate aaaaa(*o*)

I've been receiving messages

from Mexico fans for a long time

asking me to liveperformance here as well.

And I'm contacting the eventer and

working so that I can go to the near future.

I will sing to the whole world with

Mexico's "Day of the Dead" livestream.

Your words are our future!

It's difficult to continue.

But I want to continue to love.

I'm overwhelmed by life’s difficulties

and can get lost in myself.

Alone in a place where the ground was

shifting and a cold strong wind blowed,

I really felt that.

But I will always keep standing.

That’s Isiliel.

To everyone I’ve met on this path,

the greatest love and gratitude.

From today, I will head to the east coast

for the end of the tour.

I still don't know the meaning of

"it's risky to travel by car",

but the 14 hours x 3 days death relay

will start.

But anyway, I'll do my best positively

so that I can proceed while

enjoying various things!

I think.

" Wonderful memories become

treasures and strength in our heart."

Many of my expressions were influenced

by Neon Genesis Evangelion.

Yesterday Evangelion was broadcast in

my background, and I became

a part of the story and roared

with "散華一体" for the first time.

As a personal impression,

if "Myrkur" is a music

that reminds me of the texture of

dead trees in the deep forest,

"Nightwish" is

a profound velvet-like music,

and I really like both of them so much.

I could cry…

#himaplaying

I finally arrived at Chicago, the final place

of Isiliel's 1st WORLD TOUR!!

There have been various changes

in the environment,

but I will calm my mind and

do my best to send my song. GANBARU!!

#moonbowrising

Sometimes, I get attacked

by anxiety before going on stage.

But yesterday, I said to myself,

"First of all, having fun

is the most important thing.

And to work hard.

That's enough, it's definitely okay."

What I was able to say to myself

was a big growth for me.

I did it. my first time Jollibee is so good……

It was a so hard schedule,

but a lot of new things were born

among them.

Thank you for spreading Isiliel together!

I'm a metal baby now,

but I want to grow more and send music

that will keep you alive in the future.

Don't forget our treasure. See you again!

Pinky promise♡

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eliemo · 2 years

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Somniphobia

Summary: Somniphobia: The irrational fear of falling asleep Bruce has to protect them. It doesn't matter how long he's been awake, it doesn't matter how exhausted he is. He's never safe when he shuts his eyes. No one is. Why can't they understand that? Notes: Superbat, Justice League as a family, tw for panic attacks, nightmares, and Bruce having lots of issues also this got deleted but it's back now!

If Bruce was in a better mood, he might have teased Clark over his choice of car. Really, it would have been less ridiculous if they’d all just taken separate vehicles.

As it was, Batman driving a minivan full of exhausted superheroes through the desolate countryside wasn’t something anyone was finding a way to make light of right now. It was a testament to how grim their situation was that Barry hadn’t even cracked a joke when Bruce had kicked Superman out of the driver’s seat, and Clark had slid over to the passenger side without a word.

Flash had, however, complained for the first fifteen minutes of the drive, fidgety and restless where he was sat in between Green Lantern and Aquaman, insisting that it would be safer if Bruce gave him the address so he could scope the place out before the rest of the league arrived.

“Absolutely not,” Clark had said, clearly run ragged with the weight on his shoulders, voice tighter than he usually would have allowed. “Like Diana said, we need to limit using our powers as much as we can. We have no idea how they’ve been tracking us, we can’t risk it.”

“But we can't just–”

Batman had met his eyes in the rearview mirror, leveling Flash with a steely glare, and Barry had immediately shut his mouth without further complaint.

Really, as if Bruce would ever bring them somewhere that could be compromised.

He’d lost track of how long they’d been driving for, the world outside of the road in front of him blurring dangerously, but he knew the way to all of his safehouses like the back of his hand. It had to be pushing six hours or so by now, the sky darkening to a sea of orange and gray as the sun sank behind the endless scenery of dark forest.

Bruce hadn’t been this exhausted in a long time. He was used to going days without sleep, night after night spent patrolling Gotham’s streets, but the last week had taken a toll on all of them.

The Justice League had been kept on their toes, running from battle to battle for four days straight, their enemy always two steps ahead, never giving them a chance to rest. The Watchtower had been compromised and the founding members of the League had been sent running, left on the defensive without a solid plan of attack.

They needed to lay low as long as they could, gather their bearings and come up with a plan before someone got killed. Nobody was thrilled about it, sitting back and waiting when a hostile force could change tactics and start targeting innocents at any moment, but there wasn’t much of a choice until they figured out what it was they were up against.

Hence the minivan with tinted windows, and Bruce driving them to one of his remote safehouses. He’d done everything in his power to ensure they weren’t being tracked or followed, and the roads were desolate, but he hadn’t let himself drop his guard for a second.

Clark and Diana had both offered to drive several times, worry lacing into their tones as they tried to coax him into pulling over, but he’d barely offered them a word of response, shrugging off their concern and keeping his eyes fixated on the road, stubbornly ignoring the way the right one had begun to twitch.

Most of the others managed to doze off a bit during the car ride, Bruce able to breathe just a bit easier each time he saw one of them sleeping soundly, even if it was only for a few minutes. Even Clark managed to rest his eyes when it became clear Batman had no intention of willingly giving up the wheel.

Bruce was used to running himself this thin. He’d been burning the candle at both ends his entire life, he could handle a few more days. He’d rest when the Justice League was safely back in the Watchtower where they belonged.

“We’re here,” Bruce said, turning the van onto the dirt road. He ignored the spike of guilt in his chest when Hal jolted awake at his words. “Get in as quickly as you can, then check and make sure every door and window is locked.”

They all went without argument, Clark and Arthur moving around to the trunk to bring in what little supplies they’d managed to grab. Bruce slowly made his rounds along the outside of the cabin, scanning the walls and the ground, double and triple checking for any signs of life.

There shouldn’t be anyone around for miles, the cabin one of his more secluded safehouses, and everything seemed to be just as untouched as it was when he’d left it last. They hadn’t been followed, he’d been doing this long enough to know when he was being tailed, and they had a decent vantage point in case anyone did try to ambush them. Still, it never hurt to be wary.

The rest of the team was already inside by the time he slipped through the front door and locked it behind him, (Three locks. All of his safehouses had three sets of locks.) all of them doing exactly what he’d said and checking every window latch and every back door. Bruce could feel Superman’s eyes on him, scanning his movements for any sign of fatigue, but he refused to waver under Clark’s gaze.

He was fine. He’d been hiding his entire life, disappearing in order to survive, weaving lies and shadows to everyone who laid eyes on him. A situation like this wasn’t something that was entirely unfamiliar.

He just wasn’t used to having other people to worry about.

He should feel better this time. There were people here he trusted with his life, people who had proven time and time again that they had his back as much as he had theirs, capable heroes who could hold their own no matter what the world threw at him.

Instead, it was only sending his thoughts spiraling farther downward than they would have if he’d been alone. Too many things could go wrong. Too many people could get hurt. One wrong move could mean he loses a teammate. One bad decision could get his friends killed.

This was exactly why he worked alone.

“We should be safe here for a couple days at least,” Bruce said . Should be. They had to be. “I’ll keep an eye on things and make sure we don’t have any company. The sooner we come up with a plan the better.”

“Nice place,” Hal commented, plopping onto the flimsy armchair in the corner of the main room. Bruce didn’t think that thing had ever been sat on before now. “If it wasn’t for the impending doom, this might actually be a nice getaway.”

“It is a nice view,” Wonder Woman agreed. Bruce rubbed his temples, barely registering their words through the mush his brain was quickly melting into. “Right now all we can do is wait for J’onn to get back to us with more information. Until then, we all need to get some rest. We’ll be useless in battle run ragged like this.”

“She’s right.”

Bruce did his best to tune back in as Superman voiced his agreement, a shudder of relief falling over the rest of the team, but his mind was stuck elsewhere.

This was one of the largest safehouses he had access to, but there was still the question of having enough room for everyone. The manor would have easily been able to house all of them, but putting Alfred or the kids at unnecessary risk was out of the question.

It would be a bit cramped here, but it was far better than wearing themselves thin staying on the run, or dead on the battlefield. Though he’d never willingly admit it, he was beyond grateful to be out of that damn car, his stiff legs still protesting every little movement.

They’d need to take shifts throughout the night. Bruce had no plans to leave his post or drop his guard anytime soon, but he could admit to himself that he wasn’t running at full capacity. He could use a second pair of eyes tonight. Not to mention he still needed to take stock of what supplies they had left, and gauge whether or not it was safe enough to make the drive into town to pick up more food or water or tools.

Bruce knew how to remain unseen, blend into a crowd and slip in and out unnoticed, but the idea of leaving the cabin for even a few minutes sent a rush of alarm shooting down his spine.

Then again, sending someone else would mean one of them would be alone and defenseless, and Bruce wouldn’t be able to have eyes on a member of his team. They could be followed or hurt or captured, and Bruce would have no idea.

He could send Barry, he’d be in and out in the blink of an eye and nobody would even notice, but that would mean using his powers, running the risk of being tracked down, and they couldn’t take that chance either.

Which meant they’d need to hold off on making the trip for now, and hope they had enough supplies for all of them. Bruce always kept his safehouses stocked, always prepared for the worst, but he only ever planned on one person using them at a time. Two at most, if he and Dick managed to get caught up in something together.

There were countless other things to worry about, whirling around his scattered mind like a torn up checklist. He should make another round of the house, double and triple check his security, maybe even scan the surrounding woods again just to make sure they weren’t being watched. After that, he still needed to–

“Batman?”

Bruce blinked, careful not to make it too obvious that he’d completely lost track of the conversation. They were all staring at him, expectant and a little concerned, and Bruce ignored the frustration threatening to rise up in his chest. He’d usually never let himself zone out like this, and he felt a spark of panic flicker to life in his chest. He couldn’t afford to be off his game, not when the situation was so dire. Not when he had so many people relying on him.

“There’s two beds,” he explained, taking a wild guess as to what they were asking him. He had the odd sensation that he was floating, his voice far away to his own ears. God, he was so tired. “One in the bedroom down the hall, one in the loft upstairs. You can all work out who’s getting the couch. I’ll keep watch for the first few hours, but after that I need you to start taking shifts so I can handle some work around the house. I’ll need at least one of you to help me go over–”

“Batman,” Clark said again, more forceful this time, and he almost looked surprised when Bruce snapped his mouth shut. He didn’t have the energy to try to talk over Superman right now. “You’re sleeping first. We can handle the rest.”

Bruce hoped the way his panic skyrocketed wasn’t as obvious as it felt, silently grateful he still hadn’t removed his cowl. Not that it would do anything to deter the alien who could hear his heartbeat from across an ocean. “No.”

“You need to sleep,” Diana said, the princess leaned far too casually against the kitchen counter, like she didn’t expect this to turn into much of a debate. “We can handle whatever it is that needs to be done, go on and get some rest.”

“You all need to sleep more than I do,” Bruce argued. He was the one who was used to pulling all-nighters, running himself into the ground, being pushed forward by nothing but fear and spite. “I have work to do.”

“What work?” Clark asked. His voice was soft, treading carefully, and Bruce was quickly becoming sick of being treated like a cornered animal. His skin was crawling, but snapping and creating an unnecessary argument was the last thing any of them needed. “Checking inventory and keeping watch? Any of us can handle that, it doesn’t have to be you.”

“It’s my safehouse.”

“This isn’t our first rodeo, Bats.” Hal was smirking at him from across the room, but his smile didn’t reach his eyes, shoulders held far too tense for his nonchalance to be genuine. “Seriously, man. We got this, go lay down. You look like shit.”

“I’m fine.”

“You are not fine,” Diana said, voice tilting towards something that teetered dangerously between affectionate and authoritative. “All of us managed to sleep in the car, and I know you. You didn’t get a chance to sleep before any of this started, did you?”

And Bruce… didn’t have an argument for that. Because she was right. Just before the League had called him in to deal with what turned into an endless week of dodging extraterrestrial attack after extraterrestrial attack, he’d been trapped in a game of cat and mouse with Joker, keeping him on his toes for two nights in a row before he finally sent the clown back to his Arkham cell.

He’d managed to snag maybe an hour and a half after that, dumping himself unceremoniously on the couch in the early afternoon sun before Alfred shook him awake to inform him of Superman's distress call.

But that was his job. He was supposed to be able to handle this.

And he could, he was fine. They’d stay here a day or so, two or three at the most, and Bruce would keep himself occupied watching the treeline and working on a way to understand their new enemies and locate a weakness.

It would be over soon enough, and then he could go home and… and maybe try to find time for a nap. Maybe. He was sure he could spare a couple of hours at most before his next patrol.

“I’m fine,” he said again, but it sounded weak, his strength fading. The exhaustion was finally catching up to him now that attention was being called to his less than ideal sleep schedule, weighing him down, every little movement making his chest ache. The pressure behind his eyes was building, his throat tight, and Bruce quickly bit back the helpless frustration.

He was supposed to be able to handle this. How was he supposed to keep his team safe if he couldn’t even handle a little fatigue?

But they were all still looking at him, unrelenting, and Bruce knew he wasn’t going to get off that easy. He took a steadying breath, blinking a few times to clear his tilting vision. “I can’t… I can’t risk it. You’re not used to this like I am, you all need to sleep. We don’t have time to argue like this.”

“Nobody here is sleeping until you do,” Flash said, and Bruce’s heart sank. “If you’re staying up so are we.”

“That’s not fair.”

“And it’s not fair for you to stay up and do all the work,” Diana said. “You already drove us here, we wouldn’t have a safe place to go if it was not for you. You’ve done enough today. Please. Before you collapse.”

Bruce wanted to argue, wanted to point out every little danger, everything that could possibly go wrong, everything that he needed to stay awake to prevent. He wanted to throw every worst case scenario in Wonder Woman’s face, the probability of them being attacked while Batman was asleep and unable to help, until she relented and let him get back to work.

He wanted to fight, because the idea of letting himself be defenseless in a house full of people with danger looming in every corner, the next attack inevitable, made his vision hazy with a new wave of uncontrollable fear.

But he was so tired. He couldn’t find it in himself to even open his mouth again, his entire body lethargic and slow.

There was a hand on his shoulder, gently gripping the heavy material of his suit. Bruce flinched before he could stop himself, shoulders hunching under the other’s stares, blinking as he registered Superman now standing at his side, refusing to pull his hand away. Bruce found himself silently grateful for the steadying warmth.

“Hey,” he said, achingly soft as he gestured to the door at the end of the hall. “Come into the bedroom with me for a second, okay?”

Bruce averted his gaze, staring stubbornly at the wall. “You can’t order me to sleep.”

“I’m not ordering you to do anything.” Clark’s grounding touch was somehow making Bruce feel more weightless, but he couldn’t bring himself to shove him away. “I’m asking you to come sit down with me.”

He’d like to think that if he was more awake, if his head was clearer, he would have refused, twisted out of Superman’s hold and stalked out the door until everyone gave up and just left him alone.

But he’d never been able to deny Clark Kent anything, had he?

He grumbled a barely audible “Fine,” adamantly not looking at any of them as he pushed his way past Superman, making his way down the hall and into the small bedroom as quickly as he could.

Clark was right behind him, gently shutting the bedroom door as Bruce hovered in the middle of the room, glowering at the double bed up against the wall like it had personally offended him, like it was laced with traps or poison.

Which was stupid. It was his bed.

Clark didn’t say anything for the moment, carefully crossing the room to put a gentle hand on the small of Bruce’s back, never forceful or unwanted, guiding Batman towards the edge of the bed like he was trying to coax a wild animal into a crate.

“Clark,” Bruce tried, hating the way his voice broke. “I can’t—

“Just for a minute,” Superman said, and Bruce didn’t fight when he was eased down onto the mattress. “You look like you’re about to fall over.”

“I’m fine,” he insisted, even as his vision tunneled the second he made contact with the bed, the longing to lay down and close his eyes forever nearly overwhelming. “I can’t… Clark, I have to keep watch. We don’t know if we’re safe here.”

“We’re as safe as we can be for now,” Clark said. “And the rest of us can handle it. We’re a team, B. It doesn’t always have to be you.”

“Something could happen.” Bruce’s heart was racing, breathing coming too fast as every possible outcome flooded his mind, every bloodstain and cry of pain and gunshot he’d be too slow to save them from. He knew Clark could hear it, the wild racing in his chest, knew he was honed onto Batman’s rising panic, but there was nothing he could do to stop it. “While I’m asleep they… something could–”

“Then we’ll wake you up,” Superman said, steady as ever. Bruce never would have let himself fall apart like this in front of anyone else. “I think we’ll be alright for the night, Bruce. But if we’re not, you can’t help us if you’re dead on your feet. We need you sharp.”

Bruce closed his eyes and let out a shuddering breath, feeling almost childish, small and vulnerable. “I know.”

“Then you need to rest,” Clark said. “Let me help you, Bruce. Please.”

Bruce didn’t agree, not out loud anyway, but he didn’t stop Clark’s hands from slowly removing Batman’s cape, gloves, and boots, carefully undoing the belt and chest piece, his movements gentle and steady like he was handling a delicate piece of glass. Bruce’s face burned, shame and frustration waging war in his sluggish mind, but he just clenched his jaw and refused to look up from the floor, well aware his own hands were far too shaky to undo his suit right now.

It was only when Clark moved to pull off the cowl that Bruce jerked back, gripping Clark’s wrist before he even registered he was moving.

“No,” he growled, tugging protectively at his mask, his hold trembling and weak. “No, I… someone- someone could–”

“I understand,” Superman said, and Bruce dropped his hand. It was terrifying sometimes, just how much he trusted Clark. “You can keep it on, that’s alright. Just lay down for me, okay?”

He didn’t have the energy to protest anymore, even as that frantic voice in the back of his head screamed at him to get up, get up, don’t you dare drop your guard for a second. You’ll get them all killed. You’ll lose someone again.

“There you go,” Clark said, and Bruce definitely would have had something to say about his coddling if he had the strength. “I’ll keep an eye on things, I promise. Nothing’s going to happen, you can rest.”

Bruce hummed, lips pressed into a tight line as he was eased back against the blessedly soft pillows, a thin blanket draped over the remaining armor on his chest. “Ten minutes. Then wake me up.”

He felt more than saw Clark hesitate, his vision more than a little hazy now. “Bruce, you need at least a few hours.”

“Ten minutes.”

“Give yourself three hours,” Clark said. “I promise you'll feel better if you do.”

“I can’t be gone that long,” Bruce argued. Then, because Superman clearly wasn’t going to budge, “Twenty minutes.”

“Batman–”

“I’ve survived off less.”

“But you shouldn’t have to.” Clark sighed, visibly composing himself, and Bruce fought to keep his eyes open. “You have a team of people watching your back now, and we can look after ourselves. Nothing bad is going to happen, Bruce. We’ve got you.”

Clark didn’t get it. He didn’t understand that Bruce couldn’t. He couldn’t let go like everyone else, couldn’t drop his guard for a second, couldn’t be stupid enough to let himself rest when so much was at stake.

One wrong move would get someone killed. Just a second of hesitation could rip his world apart. Letting himself rest could mean he loses everything all over again. Someone could sneak in, get past their defenses, and incapacitate the rest of the League while Bruce was helpless- useless. Someone could hurt him in his sleep again-

“Bruce,” Clark said, in that horribly soft, understanding tone that Bruce always selfishly wanted to bask in, as if someone like him deserved that kind of comfort. “Just a few hours, okay?”

“Clark, I can't.” But he was so tired. Maybe… maybe it would be okay. Just this once. “I… half an hour.”

“Two hours.”

“Clark–”

“Two hours,” Superman repeated, but it sounded more like a plea than an order. “That’s all I’m asking.”

Two hours. So much could happen in two hours. “One hour.”

“Bruce–”

“One hour,” he snapped, surprised that he still had the strength, even as the force of his own words made him dizzy with exhaustion. “Please.”

He couldn’t handle more than that. He couldn’t–

“Alright,” Clark agreed, still sounding painfully hesitant, but Bruce let out a trembling breath of relief. “One hour. But you have to close your eyes and relax.”

“I know how sleeping works.” It would have been more effective if his words didn’t come out heavy and slurred, eyes already drooping shut despite his best efforts to level Clark with a glare.

Clark rolled his eyes, but there was a smile tugging at his lips. “Sometimes I’m not sure you do.”

He didn’t give Bruce the chance to respond, not that he could have formed a coherent sentence if he tried. He heard Clark stand, Superman keeping his movements intentionally loud so Bruce would be able to track them, and he adamantly ignored the flutter in his chest at the patience he was being shown. Most people wouldn’t have bothered. Clark turned off the small lamp in the corner, shrouding the room in darkness as the moon rose outside, and slipped into the hallway, quietly shutting the door behind him.

Bruce could count the number of times he’d woken up slowly on one hand. He was sure there were more when he was younger, simpler times when he was safe and unafraid that he could hardly remember anymore.

But ever since that gunshot in the alleyway, waking up was something that came suddenly, bringing a wave of panic and adrenaline when he gasped awake, distant screams from whatever nightmare that had been plaguing him following him into the conscious world before everything swam back into focus, plunging him right back into a familiar state of racing paranoia and uneasiness.

Today was no different.

He’d dreamt of the League, of a losing battle, of the stench of blood and the faces of dying friends. He’d dreamt of being useless, weak, trapped on the sidelines, forced to watch his team fall. He’d dreamt of his safehouse soaked in blood, trashed and demolished from the attack they hadn’t been ready for.

It was a dream he’d had countless times before, just another nightmare he’d added to the list after the Justice League had become something important to him.

The only difference this time was that Bruce didn’t wake up in his own bed. Or anywhere in the manor, for that matter.

He jolted upright, tangled in unfamiliar blankets, heart beating so hard in his chest it was painful, gasping for air as he fought to piece reality back together, the nightmare still seared into his mind, lingering screams drowning out his own ragged breathing.

He was in his safehouse. He recognized it, gradually, the dark wood floors, the bare walls, the tan comforter strewn across the bed, the flimsy curtains parted just enough to let the first rays of the dawn’s light seep into the room.

Bruce froze, breath catching in his throat.

It was dawn. The sun had just barely set when he’d closed his eyes. They hadn’t woken him up. Nobody had woken him up.

What if there was no one left to wake him?

He was out of bed in the blink of an eye, the room spinning dangerously the second he was on his feet, body still fighting to adjust to the waking world. He’d slept through the night. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been allowed to do that.

The house was empty. The house was covered in blood. He’d slept through the battle. There was no one left to scream for him.

He grabbed for what the armor he’d allowed to be removed, suiting up in record time despite his shaky hands and tunneling vision, foregoing the gauntlets and utility belt as he yanked on his gloves and fastened the weighted cape over his shoulders, already running for the door in a panic.

There wasn’t time. There wasn’t time, everyone was dead and he needed to… he needed to assess the damage, save who he could, and find a way to protect himself. He’d have to run. He’d have to be on the run alone again, lost in guilt and grief with nothing to pull him out again, and he couldn’t–

Batman practically crashed into the adjacent wall as he flung the door open and burst into the hallway, shaking so badly he almost couldn’t get a proper grip on the door handle. His legs were unsteady, nearly sending him tripping over his own boots as he stumbled into the main room, eyes watering at the overwhelming stench of blood–

All eyes turned to him when he screeched to a halt in the doorway.

There was no blood, no broken dying faces, no sign of a struggle. The team was staring at him, all of them awake and alert, albeit a little confused. Clark and Diana were at the dining room table, Barry and Arthur were on the couch, and Hal was slumped across the armchair in the corner, clearly having been woken up from his doze by Batman’s uncoordinated entrance.

Bruce froze in his tracks, reality fighting to make itself known, his panicked mind still clutching to the images of the nightmare, his blood like ice in his veins.

“B?” Superman called, brow furrowed in concern, exchanging a worried glance with Wonder Woman. “Are you okay?”

Bruce blinked, scanning each of their faces in frozen silence, fighting to convince himself that this was real, that they were alive, that he hadn’t been too late to save anyone.

But there was sunlight shining through the kitchen window, it was morning, and he was supposed to be back hours ago–

“What happened?” he demanded, voice rough and far too quiet, turning back to Clark almost frantically. “What… what’s going on?”

They were all still staring at him, unmoving, like their lives weren’t in danger, like Bruce hadn’t been too late to protect them. Clark just blinked at him, shifting slightly under Batman’s stare. “Wh-? Nothing happened, Bruce. What’s wrong?”

“You didn’t wake me up.” It was the only thing he could manage for a moment, throat unbearably tight. “You said you’d wake me up in an hour.”

Clark blinked, but something in his eyes softened. “Bruce–”

“You said you’d wake me up,” Bruce repeated, swallowing thickly when his voice shook. He couldn’t lose his composure like this, couldn’t showcase his fear so plainly. Not in front of the team. “You… you didn’t wake me up, I thought- I thought something happened.”

“Everything’s alright,” Diana spoke up, her expression unbearably soft as she watched him from the table. “Everyone’s safe- we’re all safe. We only thought it would be good for you to sleep through the night.”

Sleep through the night. He’d been asleep all night.

“You said one hour,” Bruce practically snarled, his eyes only for Superman. “You said one hour.”

Clark’s face shifted into something that perfectly resembled a kicked puppy, and if Bruce wasn’t spiraling so violently he might have felt guilty for snapping. “B–”

“One hour wasn’t gonna do shit,” Hal piped up, clearly still groggy from being startled awake so suddenly. “You were barely standing, and we would like to have you lucid enough to get us out of this mess. And god knows you’re too stubborn to sleep normally on your own. So yeah, we let you sleep through the night. You’re welcome.”

Bruce only heard about half of what Hal was saying, breath catching in his throat when he turned to Green Lantern, ice cold dread flooding his lungs.

All he could see was blood. The living room was coated in it, splattered across the walls, the floors, bodies strewn across the cabin. All he could see were Hal’s lifeless eyes, the wound in his chest, the battle he’d slept through–

“Spooky? You with us?”

He couldn’t latch onto Hal’s voice, reality slipping through his fingers, the world coming apart by the seams only to be replaced with the nightmare he couldn’t shake, not when the panic was fueling his worst fears, the putrid stench of blood making his eyes water behind the cowl.

He backed into the hallway before he retched, a hand clamped over his mouth, stumbling to the bathroom before slamming the door shut behind him and dropping to his knees in front of the toilet.

He hadn’t eaten in days, Bruce recalled suddenly, and there was nothing in his stomach to throw up. It didn’t make the dry heaving stop, didn’t make his throat burn any less as he hunched over the toilet bowl, gripping the porcelain with trembling hands, gasping for breath around the sickening panic.

It felt like an eternity before he stopped, slumping in an exhausted, breathless heap, chest still unbearably tight, head fuzzy with confusion and fear. He was dimly aware of the commotion outside, the knocking on the door, diligently ignoring it as it faded to a background hum, drowned out by his own heartbeat and labored breathing.

Bruce scooted backwards, legs far too unsteady to support his weight, and found himself pressed into the bathroom corner, his back against the wall and his knees pulled up to his chest. His hands found the ears of the cowl, yanking the mask off so hard a few hairs were pulled along with it.

Everyone was dying, everyone was dead, and he hadn’t been able to save them because he’d fallen asleep.

He’d been asleep for hours, alone and vulnerable and defenseless all night, where anyone could have walked in, someone could have–

“Bruce, hey. Breathe, just breathe. Deep breaths, you’re alright.”

He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t catch his breath, shaking and gasping in a pathetic pile on the bathroom floor, choking on the smell of blood. Hands flew to his hair, dark strands a tangled mess after being under the cowl for so long, yanking hard enough to make his eyes water.

“Hey, careful.” There were hands on his wrists, gentle but firm, coaxing his fingers away from his hair. “None of that. You need to breathe, B. Come on, look at me. Copy my breathing, Bruce.”

Bruce blinked in the direction of the voice, pressing himself further back against the wall. Superman was crouched in front of him (In a puddle of blood, his chest caved in with Kryptonite. Unmoving. Dead) his hands warm against Bruce’s skin, eyes brimming with concern and confusion.

“Clark,” he choked out, the sound nearly lost to his own hyperventilating. “I was- I was too slow, I was too slow to help, I–”

“Nothing happened, B,” Clark said, dangerously close to feeling real. “You fell asleep, and the rest of us took shifts throughout the night. Everything was quiet. We would have woken you up if it wasn’t.”

“You were supposed to wake me up,” Bruce snapped in between gasps, but there was no room for anger anymore, his voice nothing more than desperate wheezes. “Everyone- everyone died because I wasn’t there. You’re dead and I couldn’t help, I- I slept through it–”

“Bruce–”

“I don’t know what they did. I don’t… I don’t know what they did to me I don’t know who… I... I was asleep, I don’t–”

“Bruce.” Clark's hands were torn away from his wrists, only for the warmth to be replaced a second later on his face, that indestructible steel grip now carefully cradling his face finally free from the confines of the cowl. “I’m alive, I’m okay. Everyone’s safe, Bruce. They’re all just in the other room, they have been all night. J’onn is meeting us as soon as it’s safe. I think… I think you just had a nightmare, B. I think you’re confused.”

Bruce squeezed his eyes shut against the phantom screams lingering in his ears, the stench of blood he knew wasn’t there, the image of his teammate’s lifeless eyes, of the grief he couldn’t bare to live through again.

“You didn’t wake me up,” Bruce said again, for what felt like the hundredth time. “I thought… I thought it was real. I thought you were gone and there wasn’t… there wasn’t anyone left to wake me up.”

“I’m so sorry,” Clark said, barely a whisper, and he sounded like he meant it. “We just… I just thought you needed more rest. We were keeping watch and one hour didn’t seem like enough to–”

“It’s not,” Bruce said, focusing on his shaky breathing, forcing himself to copy the Kryptonian’s steady breaths. “I know it's not. I’m not stubborn just for the hell of it, Clark. I can’t sleep.”

This was real. Superman was alive- the team was alive. There was no blood, no death, no lost battle. He’d slept through the night for the first time in years, undisturbed, and everyone had made it to tomorrow.

“The world isn’t going to end if you let yourself rest,” Superman said. “You can’t be expected to watch everything all the time, especially when you have people who want to help. That’s not fair to you.”

“I can’t risk it.” The fading panic had apparently loosened his tongue, the words leaving his mouth before he could think about them. “Something always happens when I close my eyes. Someone… someone always needs me.”

Clark was silent for a moment, two superheroes still crouched in a heap on the tiny bathroom floor, practically on top of each other, and Bruce belatedly realized Superman's hands had never left their position cradling Batman's face. He didn’t make a move to pull away.

“I know how you feel,” he said softly, and Bruce didn’t doubt that. “I promise, I do. But you can rest, B. Nothing happened last night. No one was hurt, no one was in danger. We just needed you to sleep.”

Bruce hesitated, one hand wrapped around himself, the other fiddling absently with the material of Clark’s suit. “I know. I do, it just... I always have nightmares when I sleep. I always think they’re real.”

“We’ll work on something to help with that,” Clark said, eyes softening when Bruce scoffed. “There’s always something, and I promise I’ll help you find it. You deserve a proper night’s sleep.”

It was a hopeless idea, as nice as it was to imagine, even just for a moment. Bruce hadn’t slept properly since he was eight, since he’d had everything ripped away from him in that alleyway. Even before that, he’d always had a hard time falling asleep, always restless, always plagued by an overactive imagination.

“And for the record,” Clark added before Bruce could voice his doubts, one hand moving to gently tilt Batman’s chin up. “Nothing will ever happen to you in your sleep. Not ever. I swear on my life, I won’t let anyone even get close.”

Bruce blinked, chest heavy, struggling to comprehend the meaning behind the words, the weight that promise held.

Because he knew Clark meant it. Superman had his heartbeat memorized, a secret he’d sheepishly admitted months ago, Batman’s life a noise he could pick out from a crowd thousands of miles away.

If Bruce’s breath so much as hitched, if there was an intruder or an unwelcome guest, Clark would know. Nobody was going to get to him, as long as Bruce allowed him to listen. As long as he trusted him enough to believe he would.

“Thank you,” Bruce forced himself to say instead of the million other things he couldn’t find the words for. “I’ll… work on it.”

“I know you’re scared,” Clark said, and Bruce quickly pushed down the defiant protests already rising up in his throat. “I’m not asking you to change overnight, B. But you don’t have to be dead on your feet all the time. You can trust us to look after you.”

Bruce just nodded, dropping his hand to pull the discarded cowl closer to him, not yet making a move to put it back on. “I still have work to do. And I want to keep watch this afternoon.”

Clark watched him closely for a moment, almost like he was studying him, picking apart the look in his eyes. He must not have minded what he found, because he smiled softly as his shoulders relaxed, just a little, slowly pulling his hands away from Bruce’s face.

“Breakfast first,” he declared, not quite an order, but not something that left room for argument either. “The kitchen's stocked, we've got enough food for a while. I was planning on pancakes, if you want to help.”

Bruce moved to stand, still unsteady on his feet, face still stinging with dried tears, his body violently protesting the sudden movement. He didn’t shove Clark’s hand away when he quickly moved to help, steadying him without a word. “Alfred’s had me banned from the kitchen since I was sixteen.”

Clark barked a laugh, warm and grounding. Real and alive. “How about you just brew a fresh pot of coffee, then?”

His hands hadn’t quite stopped shaking, the anxiety still settled deep in his gut, but it was manageable now. He knew it would fade by the time they all sat down to eat together, when he could really see for himself that they were all alive and well for the time being.

“Alright,” he agreed, letting Clark lead him back to the main room. “Coffee first."

#batman #dc #dc comics #bruce wayne #superman #clark kent #angst #diana prince #wonder woman #j'onn j'onzz #martian manhunter #hal jordan #green lantern #barry allen #flash #superbat #superbat fic #writing #fanfiction

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merrymorningofmay · 1 year

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idk, i’ve been trying to pen an account of my extremely, extremely mild War Experiences and every time i gave up in the end because it was a psychological horror more than anything, and how do you recap a psychological horror story except for those who already know what you mean

a year ago my family and i took our backpacks and fled from kyiv (maybe forever, we thought) to wait things out at our dacha.

in hindsight, it was a dumb thing to do, but oh well, it was baby’s first genocide. in hindsight, our dacha is in bucha district, but we wouldn’t learn what that meant until after we returned to kyiv.

our dacha is not in a village, really – it’s surrounded by other land plots and summer houses, and those are empty for most of the year, and they were empty in those days, too. it was just us, away from the highway, away from people (and whenever some people would walk past, eyeing our car and lit-up windows, it was frightening, too – are they robbers making use of the chaos? are they russians in disguise? are they locals who support russia?)

there were explosions all day and night (in hindsight, air defense, but again, baby’s first genocide), sometimes across the forest, sometimes so close our windows were shaking. in theory, we thought, nobody would waste missiles on such a nothing place with no people. in practice, we knew, russians don’t care. and if they had decided to drop a bomb or two on that spot, we would have no basement to take cover and no siren to warn us.

it was cold a year ago. our house has no heating, but it does have a fireplace. it took about three days to make the one room we were spending our days and nights in warm enough for me to take off my hat and one of my sweaters.

my dad kept himself busy chopping firewood outside. my mom kept herself busy tending to the fire. my sister and i were obsessively trying to monitor the news with what little mobile internet we had.

we had food, but nobody ate. we had each other, but nobody talked, each of us absent, in their own head. every hour or so my best friend and i would check up on each other in twitter DMs – she was in kharkiv, in a crammed bomb shelter all day round, children screaming, adults freaking out, all that. we did not talk in between these check ups, either, but just hearing “i’m alright, you?” was more comfort than my silent mother sitting beside.

i wanted someone to tell me it would be okay, and for the first time in my life i knew nobody in the world could tell me that and mean it.

i wanted to be in a bomb shelter with screaming kids and freaking out adults.

on the first or second night, i saw a dream that was full of light and joy. i don’t remember a thing about it otherwise. then i woke up freezing in the middle of nowhere, in a country that could have been dead or alive for all i knew.

we didn’t know how close russians were at any given moment, if the land we were on was occupied or not. we didn’t know if we should leave or stay. we knew if russians saw us, we would be killed, and i knew if russians saw my pretty sister and me, we would be raped, and then killed. we knew that if we were to drive anywhere, we would have to pass checkpoints. if the soldiers at those checkpoints were ukrainian, would they take our car for the army, would they take my dad away to draft him? (they would not – again, in hindsight). our dad wanted to stay, the rest of us wanted to leave. we waited for about a week until the explosions became somewhat less frequent. then we got into the car, argued some, and left.

out of our empty non-village and onto the empty road, then onto the empty highway.

when we reached the first checkpoint, i saw a ukrainian flag flickering in the wind.

if you live anywhere in the west, can tell you this: you have not truly seen the flag of your country once.

#mari rambles

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rising-above-stars · 9 months

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aaaaa your reblog reminded me: i love kakapos so much that i did an entire presentation on them in high school but i didn't know about takahē until recently, are there any other cool new zealand animals that you like??

yo, that's so cool! And yes! I love all our birds but here are some favourites. This might end up as a long-ish post.

The first bird owns my entire heart but is unfortunately extinct, and that is the Huia. I was told about them because my aunt uses huia imagery a lot in her art and I did an art study on them. Traditionally, they were used a lot in Maori cultur such as their tail feathers held great significance as symbols of friendship and respect. They were also used as accessories. However, I believe they quickly became extinct after Europeans arrived due to deforestation and over-hunting. Owning part of a huia bird became a high fashionable demand (I could have this wrong), and female huia beaks were set in gold as broaches.

(Male huia in the front, female huia at the back)

Closely related to huia is the Kōkako. "In Māori myth, the kōkako filled its wattles with water and brought it to Maui as he fought the sun. Maui rewarded the bird by making its legs long and slender, enabling it to bound through the forest with ease." (Department of Conservation). I just think they're really neat.

Fantail (or pīwakawaka) aren't necessarily native but they're very common. I love them and they low-key remind me of fairies for reasons I can't quite explain.

Kākā and Kea are part of the same family. Kākā are large parrots and they're pretty neat and live more in forests, keas are little shits but super intelligent and are alpine birds. You often hear stories of keas picking at rubber seals on cars or windscreen wipers.

(L: Kākā R: Kea)

I cannot make a post about New Zealand animals without mentioning the kiwi. There are about 5 species, I think: Brown Kiwi, Great spotted kiwi/roroa, Little spotted kiwi, Rowi, and Tokoeka. When I was a kid, I needed to have music or something to fall asleep and one of the cassette tapes my parents used to play had a story called 'how the kiwi lost its wings'. To sum up, the Tāne (atua/got of forests and birds) asked the birds for volunteers to live on the forest floors to eat the bugs or something. The kiwi was the only one to volunteer after all the other birds refused. So Tāne shrunk the kiwis wings and made their beak longer.

(Image is of the little spotted kiwi)

Morepork/ruru! These are owls and they're super cool! Occasionally, I'll hear one or two at night. They're very common and one of the only birds on this list that isn't under immediate threat of extinction.

Pūkeko are swamphens. When I was a kid, I learnt about takahe before I learnt about Pūkeko, so when I first saw one I got excited and called it a takahe. But they're quite common, my siblings and I would make a game of counting how many Pūkekos we see on the way to/from our grandparents. As swamphens, they're usually wetland birds. But due to the loss of habitats, they've adapted to other environments such as paddocks and croplands. But they're primarily swamp birds.

I would see wax-eye/tauhou birds a lot in the back gardens. They're small olive green birds with a white ring around their eyes. Their name in te reo (tauhou) translates to 'stranger' or more literally, 'new arrival'.

Tūī are another favourite. These guys are honey eaters, typically eating from flowers. They're also songbirds and can mimic songs. They're quite common as well, and have a very distinctive call. You often hear them before you see them.

I think there's a limit of 10 photos so I can't add anymore but there's also the New Zealand Wood Pigeon, or Kererū. These guys are gorgeous too. They also mainly eat fruits and flowers. I don't know if this is correct, but I think I remember someone saying that these birds sometimes get drunk off of the fruits or flowers they eat. They were historically a major food source for Māori, and we're considered a taonga (treasure).

And I guess these count as birds since one species won the New Zealand Bird of the Year in 2021, but we have two species of bats! The long-tail bat and the short-tail bat.

Also Tuataras! According to the DoC (Department of Conservation) website, "Tuatara are a rare reptile found only in New Zealand. They are the last survivors of an order of reptiles that thrived in the age of the dinosaurs." I just think they're super neat.

#ask tag #theabyssgazesalsointoyou #I also love so many of our native plants #They're so pretty #New Zealand #Birds #Kiwi #aoteatoa #huia #kōkako #fantail #pīwakawaka #kākā #kea #ruru #morepork #pūkeko #tui #wax-eye

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enkisstories · 9 days

Text

The wrecking of the Steadfast (Ch. 6)

Rey and friends are reunited and need to decide where to go from here. The decision is taken out of their hands when General Pride's Sith troopers attack New Harvest and force the group into hiding in the forest. And they still have that shaky ally former General Hux tagging along... But while in his inner monologue Hux leans heavily into his "Future Emperor Armitage I." image, his words and actions beg to differ.

Read it here: Chapter 6 or from the beginning

Outtake:

As the rebels made their way to their speeders, Finn stepped in line with Hux. Reading the room, Rey left her bike to Finn and took the seat next to Poe in the car instead.

“Makes one wonder, huh?” Finn said. “Think kids are in the cards for either of us?”

“Why not? I had a thorough education in how not to parent.”

“Yeah, same, and thanks to the same shithead.”

They mounted the bike. Only after they had followed the speeder for some time already, did Hux speak up again: “But without an army, we can neither secure our territory, nor expand it. We need soldiers, and they don’t drop out of trees battle-ready.”

“Oh, I don’t know”, Finn snarled. “In the end it’s a matter of motivation. Maybe ask the former career criminal you’re dating what makes him throw his life into the line again and again?”

“Our POE?”

“Used to be a smuggler. In his defense, if I got that right, by the time he realized what company he’d fallen in with, he had been in too deep already to easily quit.”

“Oh, I can empathize with that! To some degree, at least.”

“Did you know that I wanted to run away? I wasn’t a defector to begin with, just a deserter. I wanted to stop doing your dirty work, but couldn’t commit to actively opposing it.”

“What? When did that happen?”

“Right before my past caught up with me, showing me the folly of my plan. I don’t know if that helps at all, but… those doubts concerning your decision? We all experienced that at some point, one way or another. Chances are you’ll run away and we’ll have to pull you out of some roadside ditch before all is said and done.”

“You fully expect that?”

“I’ve been there myself.”

Hux saw Finn let go of the speeder bike’s handlebar and reach for his blaster. That was an odd follow-up to what had sounded like encouragement up until now.

“Hey, hey! I’ll…”

Finn drew the weapon and almost without looking fired three shots in quick succession into the underbrush. Following the line of fire with his eyes, Hux now saw a person sized crimson-red object between the trees. It quickly dived behind a large rock, but another one that had been standing right next to it keeled over. And now it became apparent that those things were not just people-sized, but also people-shaped.

“Sith Troopers?”

“Two less now”, Finn confirmed. “The third dodged.”

“Did you feel them in the Force?”

“Haha, no! See, I relied on the sensors in my stormtrooper helmet for years. When I had them no longer at my disposal, I felt blind and deaf. But I quickly adapted, and now don’t need the aid anymore. My senses are much sharper than they were before.”

[...]

Four troopers emerged from the trees, a trio and the survivor of the first trio that Finn had attacked. Moving in formation, they kept pelting Finn’s and Hux’ bike with blaster shots, pinning it on the spot, unable to escape. The passengers slid off and dashed behind the nextbest tree. It was wide enough to provide cover for both of them and return the fire from there.

“Pinned behind a tree instead of a speeder bike is what we in the field call an improvement”, Finn snarked.

“You see me at my cheerfullest at the good news”, Hux replied. “So what next?”

“You can’t tell?”

“I usually point at stuff and then it explodes.”

“Well, we’re the extra steps between those two points.”

Finn reached around the tree and fired.

“Damn! Missed. – One on your side!”

Hux shot and scored what would have been a perfect hit. The Sith trooper, however, didn’t even notice it.

“The blaster is doing nothing!” Hux complained, after two more of his attacks had bounced harmlessly off the Sith armor, only for Finn to drop the target with a single shot.

“You have to hit the weak spots”, he told Hux, re-adjusted his aim and down went another Sith trooper.

“Which would be…?”

Finn gave no verbal answer, but the next moment Hux felt his vision blur. The two remaining Sith faded out, only a handful of points of interest on their bodies shone brightly.

“Can you see?”

“Yes, but…”

The highlighted targets were moving and additionally tried to shoot Hux while he took aim at them. The strategist simply lacked Finn’s trained reflexes and the Force couldn’t grant them to him the same way Finn used it to convey the armor’s weak spots to his companion. When he realized that his method wasn’t working, Finn retracted his mind and the world returned to normal. The Sith troopers had momentarily ceased their fire and retreated behind cover.

“Switch”, Hux whispered.

“Huh?”

“Switch sides with me, Finn! By now they should know that shots from your side mean death, while I’m harmless. I bet my revoked pension they’ll advance on my side any moment.”

“Okay.”

Finn maneuvered around Hux, who slid to the right. They waited a couple of breaths and indeed both remaining troopers approached from the direction that would have exposed them to Hux’ line of fire. Only now they met Finn’s instead and went down in short succession. The duo’s could have been a flawless victory, if not for Finn groaning:

“Ouch! One of the bastards hit me into the arm!”

“Sucks. I know you’re averse to arm injuries. Partial to the leg, weren’t you?”

Finn turned around, preparing to give a sharp retort, but the companion flashed him a genuine smirk.

“Battlefield banter. You do that in the Resistance. Did I get it right?”

“Uh… yes. Yes.”

“Alright.” Hux produced a neatly folded handkerchief from his pocket, folded it once more and pressed it on Finn’s wound, then secured it with a bandage.

“Whoa, you’re always prepared!”

Hux shook his head. Here, covered by the dead of night, hiding behind a bug-infested tree, he admitted to his fellow defector:

“Prepared for a variety of situations in which I have only a vague idea how to use the stuff I brought.”

There. He'd said it and was still alive.

#finn fn2187 #armitage hux #gingerpilot #star wars #star wars sequel trilogy

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fandomnerd9602 · 1 year

Text

wired (part three)

Gemma x Programer!Reader

For @deafeningsharkslimeempath

It is supposed that eventually the cracks begin to show in anything. Including robotic friends. It all started on the day Gemma decided to try out this new type of school experience for Cady.

You were at the hotel, updating the new features on F1D0 when your cell phone got a distressing call from Gemma.

"Gem? What's wrong?" You try to calm her.

"Accident...at the school..." was the only words that you hear

"Come on F1D0 let's go!" You rush down the stairs and into the car, speeding towards the location.

When you arrive you see Cady craddling her injured hand and a tween sized body bag and stretcher being loaded into an ambulance.

"What happened?" you rush up to Cady, inspecting her hand

"A boy in the classroom tripped and fell into the road. He was hit by an SUV" M3GAN informs you.

"How do you know?"

"I overheard the driver's testimony and the officers" the robot responds, "I recommend some anti-bacterial spray for Cady's hand"

"Thanks" you rush into your car and pull out the first aid kit, tending to your injured niece's hand.

Gemma approaches, checking on Cady and then on M3GAN.

"Megan, what happened to your shoe?" Gemma asks, it was only then that you noticed she wasn't wearing one of her shoes.

"The deceased boy pulled it off me earlier"

"Well seems like he had a psychotic mindset" you mutter. F1D0 perks up and rushes off into the forest. "Fido? Fido!" you take off after your robotic companion.

You run deep into forest and up to your now paused dog, "what's the matter, boy?"

"Foreign object detected" he responds, his nose pointed to something fleshy in the dirt: a severed ear.

"Oh my-" you try to keep back the vomit building in your stomach. You look over and see M3GAN's missing shoe.

"Did this kid really take this shoe all the way out here?" you look around at the area, "F1D0 scene construct"

Your robot dog walks around the area, scanning every inch of it. He locks onto nearby footprints and handprints.

"Boy took off in the direction towards the road" F1D0 calculates, "speed indicates chase. Nearby hand and footprints suggest canine like run. Too small to be human, no fingerprints"

An idea forms in your mind. And a new sinking feeling hits your gut. Could it be possible? Could an android like Megan be capable of this?!

You and F1D0 walk slowly back to the car.

"(Y/N) are you alright" Gemma cups your face concerned. Your gaze turns to Megan, who tilts her head at you.

"What's wrong (Y/N)? Have I done something wrong?" the robot asks you. Her tone, it almost sounds...mocking.

As you help Gemma put Cady to bed that night, you keep an eye on Megan as she takes her spot next to Cady. Suddenly this friendly little robot doesn't seem so friendly anymore.

"Look I know that you're busy and all" Gemma talks to you in the hallway, "but Megan can watch Cady for a couple hours. Maybe you and I can go off and have a drink"

"A drink?" you snap to reality and smirk, "trying to get that second date?"

"As colleagues, (L/N)" Gemma rolls her eyes as she grabs her car keys.

One drink became two. It seemed like time just blurred away. You and Gemma speak for an hour or so, shooting the breeze and laughing at old stories.

"I regret not calling you" she admits, her hand reaching across the table for yours "you were the last good date I ever had"

"If things had worked out, we would've been each other's dates to our own sibling's wedding" you let out a little laugh.

"What happened?"

"Same song different verse" you take a sip of your drink, "you're brilliant Gem but you let your work get in the way"

"grades are grades" she tries to defend herself

"Gem, please" you say, "M3GAN is great but she's not what Cady really needs."

Gemma looks to you confused

"You don't have to replace Cady's mom" you explain, "Cady just needs you present. No throwing her aside for work. No projects that are greater than her."

"I wasn't trying to replace anyone." she gets all defensive "and Megan is-"

"Hardware" you interrupt, "Cady needs you and me. We're...we're her family"

"I suppose shutting down Megan for a few hours wouldn't be the end of the world" Gemma shrugs. "but I can't do this alone"

"well that's why you're stuck with me" you smirk. Gemma can't help but smile back.

And then came the murder of the next door neighbor. One murder was coincidence. But two. Something was up.

The police question you about the scene as you send F1D0 to investigate. No sign of forced entry, the robot dog sends a text to your phone. Angle of spray indicates toddler height.

That sealed it in your mind.

And then Gemma successfully deactivated M3GAN and bubblewrapped her up. Cady went into a full on tantrum, like an addict removed from their drug of choice.

Cady screams, "I hate it here! And I hate you!!!" She bolts off down the street.

"Cady!!" Gemma shouts but you take off after your niece. F1D0 remains close behind you.

Cady collapses a block or so away, on her knees sobbing her eyes out.

"Kiddo you're freaking me out here" you try to joke with her. Cady turns around and tries to swing a tired fist at you, one that you instantly catch.

"Why did I have to live with Aunt Gemma?!" the younger girl cries, "why can't I live with you? Don't you want me? Do you even love me?!"

She collapses against your chest, sobbing. You wrap your arms tightly around her

"Of course I love you," you get on your knees and look her dead in the eye, "I've loved you since the moment I held you in my arms. You're my niece and I would move heaven and earth to find you if i had to"

"Then why did you leave me with Gemma?"

You sigh, "you think I didn't want you to live with me?" you gesture to F1D0, "Fido is not a toy, Cady. I-I work for the government! Fido is an experimental weapons system!"

The dog looks to you, a little saddened by your words.

"If he were to malfunction and hurt you I-I..." you don't know what to say, "Gemma and I decided that you were safer with her than me."

Cady sniffs away a couple of fresh tears as you wipe away a few of them too.

"I loved you so much I had to let you go" you try to keep your own tears at bay, "but don't ever think for a moment that I don't love you more than all the stars in the sky, kid."

Gemma runs up towards you. She wraps her arms around you and Cady. And for once, Cady doesn't flinch.

"I miss them so much" Cady cries.

"I miss them too" Gemma admits, "I'm so sorry about all this"

"I love you Gemma" Cady hugs her aunt tight.

Gemma and Cady still had to take Megan back to the lab to run a potential diagnostic. You and F1D0 go back to the hotel to pick up a few things before that night's big presentation at Funki.

With an evening tux in hand, you jump into your car and turn the key. The engine sputters and shorts out.

"Sorry (Y/N)" a familiar female voice comes over your sound system.

"Megan"

"Looks like you won't be able to make it to tonight's event" she mocks through the bluetooth speakers. "a shame really. I hear it's going to be UNFORGETTABLE."

To Be Continued...

Tags @deafeningsharkslimeempath @silentstalker413 @ma1egamer

#m3gan #m3gan film #Megan #Megan film #Gemma #Gemma x reader #Gemma imagine #reader insert #male reader insert #Jason Blum #blumhouse #allison williams #killer robot doll #killer dolls #Spotify

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hairstevington · 10 months

Note

if you’re still taking steddie requests could i request something based on the song the marriage of bigfoot and mothman by the forgetmenauts? (super fucking steddie coded if u haven’t heard it btw) (also if u dont want to no worries!)

IT IS FINALLY FINISHED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This request is from March and I've been writing it off and on since then. Thank you for being patient and I hope you like this absolute chaos of a fic. I wrote it on my most unhinged of days. Enjoy!

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

The Marriage of Bigfoot and Mothman | (Eddie Munson x Steve Harrington)

Summary: Eddie and Steve are reunited four years after the final battle with Vecna. They're still madly in love, but Eddie is a little different now. Steve doesn't care, and they both decide to run away together. Meanwhile, Deputy Carver is on their tail...

Word Count: 6.2K

Warnings: Kas!Eddie (kind of not really), pretty much all characters make an appearance, this story is bonkers, no smut whatsoever, sticks to canon except Eddie and Steve were in love, some angst but with a happily ever after, mentions of homophobia/ACAB, everyone highkey gaslights Jason, based on the song from the ask (go listen to it first for context!)

(Ao3 link here )

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

1990: Hawkins, Indiana

“We’ve got a situation.”

Deputy Jason Carver sat in his brand new police car. His freshly promoted status had him feeling high and mighty, and he was ready to crack down on the crime of his small, boring town.

Well, it was usually boring, but today? Today he had a surefire way to utilize his new power.

“What’s up?” his partner asked. Andy had joined the force pretty much just to be his friend’s partner. It started off as a joke and then became real. Deputy Carver took his work very seriously, while Andy…less so.

To be honest, it kind of pissed Carver off. All the buddy-comedies they’d watched together? Turned out, not realistic.

"I'll give it to you straight," said the Deputy, gritting his teeth. “I was minding my business, driving through town, and I saw that Freak, Eddie Munson.”

“No way,” Andy responded, sitting up straight. He was fully invested now. “I haven’t seen that guy since -”

“Exactly,” Carver responded.

“Are you sure it was him?”

“Unmistakable,” Carver confirmed. “I noticed a car going too goddamn fast, so I followed them, flashed my lights, and told them to pull over. The asshole didn’t. I lost him on the interstate doing 105.”

“Wait, he didn’t pull over?” Andy asked, shocked. “Isn’t that illegal?”

Jason stared at his friend blankly.

“That’s -” he sputtered, at a loss for words. “Oh my god. Yes, it’s illegal.”

“Well, we gotta catch him then!” Andy suggested, pumping his fist. “Let’s go, man!”

Carver at least appreciated the enthusiasm. He turned the key in the ignition and off they were. To where? He wasn’t sure yet, but he was determined nonetheless. He was the fucking Deputy! He could do this. He could do anything.

Plus, Eddie was one of the least inconspicuous people on the planet. He was in a giant van, for one. But also -

“There’s one more thing,” the Deputy said as he drove them. He laughed to himself quietly in disbelief. “When he passed me on the right -” He reenacted this dramatically, speaking as if it were a performance. “I saw it wasn’t just Munson. He was driving around with Steve Harrington of all people.”

“Pshhh,” Andy said, shaking his head. “Now you’re lying.”

“Swear to God,” Carver promised. “And the strangest thing of all-”

“Stranger than King Steve riding around town with the Freak?”

“That’s the thing,” Carver responded. “They weren’t just riding around town, they were singing.”

“No way,” Andy said, confused. “Singing what?”

Carver cleared his throat, then echoed the words he’d heard not long ago -

“You'll never take us alive, it's our wedding night

We made our vows in the meadow in the dead of night

I will be his forest, he will be my light.”

Andy stared at the man beside him, who’s eyes were now fixed on the road.

“Dude,” Andy said. “How the hell did you remember all that?”

The Deputy shrugged, shook his head, then spit out the driver’s side window.

“Shit was catchy.”

“WOOOOOOOOOO WE’RE FUCKING CRAZYYYYYY!” Steve yelled out the passenger side window of Eddie’s van. Eddie cackled in response, turning the music they were blasting down enough to have a conversation.

“We’re not crazy, we’re in loooove,” he assured Steve, a gentle smile on his face. He hadn’t been this happy in a long time.

“I mean, I’m pretty sure for us it’s both,” Steve responded, equally joyous.

Steve wasn’t wrong. The two of them had reunited only a few weeks ago, after four years apart. Now, they were gathering all of their friends so they could run away together and have a pretend wedding ceremony on a farm (because gay marriage wasn’t legal but there were no laws against living with a really close friend of the same gender forever and always).

Oh, and Eddie had come back from the dead after the bats got him in the Upside Down, and now he had wings and glowing eyes.

So…that was also unorthodox. Let’s dive into some context.

1981: Hawkins, Indiana

It was the first day of Steve’s freshman year and Eddie’s sophomore year. Steve was fourteen, and Eddie was fifteen.

Steve had what parents and faculty called “potential.” His grades were decent (save for English and History), and he was on track to be on several sports teams. He was friendly with pretty much everybody in the way some kids are, but he didn’t have a solid friend group or even someone he could call a best friend.

Eddie, on the other hand, was a nobody. He was just a kid who blended in among the others, and he liked it that way. His uncle, God bless him, called Eddie “eccentric,” but Eddie knew that was just a different way to say “weird.” He excelled in English and History, because he did a lot of reading in his spare time (and he had a lot of spare time, considering he didn’t talk to anyone). He was pretty horrible in math and science, though. And generally, he hated being in school, so he skipped a lot to hide at this picnic table he’d found in the woods.

Because he was a shitty student, he had to take Algebra a second time.

Guess who was in his class?

Eddie and Steve would talk to each other every so often in class, but mainly focused on schoolwork. However, they also shared a free period, and since it was Steve’s first time at Hawkins High, he found solace in the familiar face. They worked together sometimes, and eventually had an agreement - Steve helped Eddie with his math homework, Eddie helped Steve with English.

And then…well, they were kids with confusing feelings about having a friend versus having a crush. But all of it came to a screeching halt, because then Steve met Tommy, and he got a little mean.

Eddie kind of knew Steve was headed for greatness in the Hawkins High student body, but he didn’t realize he’d jump to the top and leave Eddie in the dust.

The last time Eddie and Steve saw each other had cemented their fate. They were joking with each other as usual, and then -

“You’re…afraid of the dark?” Steve accused, laughing.

“Well, it’s not - I mean, I wouldn’t say -”

“You’re afraid of the dark.”

“I’m NOT-”

“Don’t worry, tons of people are the same way. Most of them are waaaaay younger, but-”

“Shut your goddamn mouth or I’ll shut it for you.”

“How are you gonna do that? You gonna kiss me, Munson?”

The following silence was all Steve needed to hear. It confirmed what Steve suspected Eddie was feeling, as well as the way the feelings were reciprocated.

Truthfully, Steve just panicked and reacted poorly. He had to decide - either stick with Eddie, confront something he wasn’t ready to confront, and become a social outcast, or join Tommy’s group of assholes, repress all those feelings, and eventually hook up with a bunch of women and be referred to as a King. Obviously, he chose the latter.

Eddie, for the record, ran from it all, too. He decided to embrace his anger and pain and give people something to hate him for. He was fine with being invisible, until Steve made him feel seen - after that, he was desperate for people to notice him, and he did it in the only way he knew how. Plus, Eddie figured that him being the school freak really pissed Steve off, so that was something. But Eddie found friends between music and Hellfire Club and drugs, and he felt pretty alright.

They didn’t talk to each other for five years.

1986: Hawkins, Indiana

Ah, yes. The typical way all estranged friends reunite - Person A throwing Person B against the wall of a boathouse and threatening him with a broken bottle to the neck, after Person A disappeared due to being suspected in the brutal murder of a fellow classmate.

A meet-cute of sorts.

Eddie admittedly hadn’t even noticed who it was he was threatening due to being in a blind panic. He felt himself getting feral, but after the shit he’d seen, no one could blame him.

Dustin’s voice calmed him down enough to recognize the man he'd pinned.

“You,” Eddie said softly.

“Hi, yeah, it’s me,” Steve replied nervously. Eddie let up and backed away.

The next few days were terrible and stressful and filled with horrors Eddie never could have imagined he’d face. But any time he had a moment with Steve, it was like none of that mattered.

The world was ending, and people were dying. Eddie would have been lying to himself if he said he hadn’t thought about Steve all the goddamn time, and now who knew how much time they had left?

Steve clearly felt it too, because when the group realized they’d have to hide Eddie somewhere he wouldn’t be found, Steve insisted he stay with him. Nobody questioned it, each going off their different adventures, connected by a walkie talkie.

So, Eddie and Steve spent hours alone together, and they got to talking pretty fast. Confessions and apologies spilled out of them before either of them realized it was happening. By the time the others returned, the two of them had already processed and forgiven each other for what had happened when they were kids, AND admitted they had non-friendly feelings.

“Holy mother of chest-hair, Batman!” Eddie exclaimed after Steve took off his shirt.

“Not really the reaction I wanted, but okay,” Steve muttered. Eddie laughed, then took a step closer.

“Sorry, I just - I’ve seen you shirtless before in the locker room and stuff, and you didn’t have aaaaall of this.” Eddie ran his hands against Steve’s chest, prompting Steve to jolt backwards and laugh.

“Stop, man, that tickles!” he exclaimed. “And yeah, I stayed pretty hairless back when I was a swimmer.”

“Are you telling me that you were waxed back then?”

“I - well, it was -” Steve sputtered, flustered. “I think we’re going off course, here.” Eddie smirked, then put his hand around the back of Steve’s neck. He tangled his fingers in the hair at the base of Steve’s skull, gripping tightly into a fist. He tugged on it a little to prove a point.

“I like it, you know.” Steve blushed.

“You do?”

“Yeah,” Eddie confirmed, bringing his lips impossibly close to Steve’s. “It’s like you’re Steve ‘The Hairier’ Harrington.” Steve rolled his eyes and pushed Eddie away.

“Get away from me, Munson,” Steve teased. “You ruined it.” Eddie just laughed, undeterred.

“I don’t think I did,” he replied. “In fact, I’m willing to bet that all you’ve ever wanted in your Pretty-Boy life is for someone to accept you for everything you are - excessive hair and all.”

Steve tried to play along and act like he was irritated by all this, but he clearly wasn’t. Especially since Eddie was dead-on.

“I’m not that hairy,” he insisted. “You’re acting like I’m Bigfoot or something.” Eddie’s face lit up, and Steve immediately backtracked. “No, no. You’re not about to make that a thing.”

“Steve,” Eddie began. “You know how much I love urban legends. You can’t just dangle the most amazing comparison in front of me and expect me not to make it a thing.” Steve groaned.

“Jesus,” he mumbled. “Why the hell do I still want you so bad?”

“Oh, probably something to do with the deal I made with Satan,” Eddie responded.

Steve couldn’t restrain himself anymore. His attempt at looking annoyed was wearing off, his glare softening, a smirk emerging across his lips.

“I don't get how you manage to piss me off and turn me on at the same time.” he said.

“It’s a gift.”

“Right,” Steve sighed. He gave into his urges and charged forward, kissing Eddie passionately.

He’d never felt this way about anyone before.

They spent five days together that week, but it felt like a lot longer than that. They’d become something like boyfriends in that time - although, they were fighting monsters and plotting how to destroy some big evil dude instead of going on dates. Still, they were something.

After Steve jumped into that lake, and Eddie, Nancy, and Robin saved him from the bats, Eddie tended to Steve’s wounds. They were side by side as long as they possibly could be.

Deciding to split up for the final battle was excruciating, but they both knew it was for the best. Steve had to be with Robin, and Eddie had to be with Dustin, and they all had specific roles to play.

It hadn’t been long enough to call it love, even though they both felt it. If they’d had more time, their final words to each other could have been something special. Something powerful. Something that conveyed what they meant to each other.

But they didn’t have that time, so they settled on -

“Hey, Steve?”

“Yeah?”

“Make him pay.”

Steve held up his end of the bargain, but it wasn’t enough. By the time he’d gone back to where they’d left Eddie and Dustin, only one of them was left standing.

Steve did what any nineteen year old would do in that situation. He repressed it, fully and completely. Barely acknowledged or talked about it. The alternative was too painful to accept.

And then, he started aimlessly searching for something else to focus on. He spent a lot of time driving around. Dustin had a girlfriend in Utah, so that gave Steve a good excuse to skip town every so often. He’d drive around the country, bit by bit, never quite finding what he was looking for.

1990:

Four years came and went. The kids graduated high school and were getting ready for college. Robin was about to get her degree. Steve had been spending a lot of time at her university, but he didn’t quite fit there either.

Hawkins became boring again, and Steve decided once everyone was grown-up and scattered that he would never go back.

He drove all the way to California.

One of the gas stations had a newspaper that caught his eye - Mothman sightings. Something blurry in the sky that no one could ever follow or get a decent picture of. Steve’s heart sank as his mind betrayed him, shattering the strict rule he’d lived by for years.

Eddie would’ve loved this.

Damn. That was a buzzkill.

“You hear about the Mothman thing?” the guy at the register asked. Steve looked up, less than enthused to have this conversation. He shook his head. “Wild stuff. People are seeing him everywhere. Around this area, actually. Business has never been this good.” The man laughed, and Steve realized he must be the owner or something.

Steve had been wondering why there were so many people in town he’d never heard of before, when the beach was hours away.

Steve mumbled some sort of response and took off, cursing his inability to find a private place nearby. He drove around the town, but all the spots he deemed worthy of a breakdown were occupied.

He parked next to the woods, then wandered in and walked as far as his legs carried him. He spotted a dark cave and headed inside, a dire need to be invisible.

Then, he screamed and punched the cave wall, hurting his hand so badly he screamed again.

“Dammit!” he yelled, crashing to the floor.

It was pitch black in there. Almost as if he were in another world, or perhaps in no world at all. It was kind of peaceful, in that way.

“You good?”

Steve jumped up faster than he’d ever moved before upon hearing a second voice.

“Jesus Christ!” he yelled. “Who - I - sorry, I thought I was alone in here.”

“Yeah, clearly,” they replied.

The voice was so similar to Eddie’s that Steve couldn’t bear it.

“Sorry, you were here first so I’ll go,” Steve said, turning toward the lightened exit.

“You could stay.”

Steve shook his head, knowing the other person in there couldn’t possibly see it.

“No, I - Look, I know this won’t mean anything to you, but I’m having a shit day - well, a shit life, honestly, and you sound a lot like someone I’m trying not to think about so -”

“Steve,” the voice said, sending a chill down his spine. “It’s me.”

“Shit,” Steve muttered. “Great. Now I’m hearing things. This conversation probably isn’t even happening, right?”

“How the hell did you even find me? No one else can,” the voice continued.

“Would you shut up?” Steve asked, irritated. “You’re not - I’m going insane. I gotta get out of here.” He took a step forward, but was pulled back by the wrist.

“Wait,” the voice beckoned. “You don’t get it. You found me. Were you looking for me?”

“Dude, what is this?” Steve replied, tugging his hand free. “Some messed up game of hide and seek? I was just looking for somewhere to be alone, and I found this place by accident, and I’m not even alone here, so I’m going.”

“Jesus Christ, Steve,” the voice said. “It’s me, okay? It’s Eddie. I didn’t die when I was in the Upside Down - or, well, I did, but then I came back or something, and now I’m here, and you found me on accident. Like, that’s got to mean something, right?”

Steve’s head was spinning.

“What?!” he exclaimed. “I - no, that’s impossible. Why wouldn’t you have - I mean, it’s been years, and he would have - we would have known. No, this is bullshit.”

“Iiiit’s not,” the voice responded. Steve scoffed.

“Let me see you, then.”

There was a long, tense silence.

“I look different.” Steve rolled his eyes.

“Yeah, me too,” he said. “Come on, I gotta see you or I’ll go insane.” The alleged “Eddie” sighed.

“Fine, but before we go out there, let me give you a little sneak peek.”

Suddenly, Steve was face to face with two glowing red eyes.

“Jesus!” he yelled, jumping back. “What? I - what?!”

“Yeah, I know, how do you think I feel?” the voice responded. “Glowing eyes and big wings, now. I wish I was kidding.”

Steve had seen his fair share of shit at this point. He’d seen all kinds of monsters. He’d been in alternate dimensions. There was a world in which this person (person?) was telling the truth.

Which would mean Steve had Eddie back.

Hope flickered in his chest for the first time. Screw the wings. Screw the eyes. He walked toward the light and waited for footsteps behind him, but heard none. He stopped and spun around.

“Come on,” he said. “Follow me. Please. I don’t care what you look like.”

“You say that now -”

“Yeah, and I mean it,” Steve insisted. “If you’re really - if it’s really you, then I don’t give a shit about the eyes or wings or horns or whatever the hell else you got going on, because I’ve - God, I’ve missed you more than anything, so just step out of this goddamn cave or I’ll carry you out there myself.”

Steve wasn’t usually one to find random dark caves and spill his guts to disembodied voices that claimed to be his ex, but there’s a first time for everything. He realized as he was speaking that he’d already decided to believe what he was hearing was true - which meant that if he was wrong, he’d be crushed.

But that didn’t matter. He’d been crushed before.

“I actually don’t have horns,” the voice said.

“What?” Steve asked, baffled as to why that was relevant. “Yes, you do. I saw the pictures in the paper -”

“I bought fake ones at a Halloween store,” the voice explained. “Which - now that I’m saying it out loud, makes no sense, but I’ve been by myself for like five years now and I kind of have this thing for being dramatic -”

“Jesus Christ it really is you,” Steve mumbled.

“That’s what convinced you?” Eddie asked, chuckling.

“Well, yeah,” Steve replied. “Nobody else would do that.”

“Fair enough.”

“Wait, have you been keeping your eyes closed this whole time so that I wouldn’t freak out?”

“Maybe.”

Steve smiled in the darkness, amazed at how naturally their banter came back.

“That’s dumb,” he said. Suddenly, the red eyes were back. Upon second inspection, they weren’t really that crazy. Then, Steve felt a hand grasp his, and that was it - the final confirmation he needed. He knew from one moment of physical contact that this was real.

He had Eddie back.

Together, the two of them walked out of the darkness.

Steve stared at Eddie for quite some time, analyzing his new look.

“Could you please for the love of god say something,” Eddie begged. “I can fly and see in the dark, but I can't read minds.”

He still had a humanoid figure. His face was the same as it had always been, save for the eyes (which, by the way, looked a lot less intense in the light). The wings were new, but they were only visible when Eddie wanted them to be.

“Okay,” Steve said with a nod. “I’m thinking I can work with this.”

“Seriously?” Eddie asked, surprised.

“Yeah,” Steve insisted. “Bigfoot and Mothman. It’s kind of perfect, right?”

“Bigfoot and Mothman,” Eddie repeated, grinning. “Jesus H. Christ, I love you.”

Eddie’s eyes went wide as soon as the words were out of his mouth.

“Shit,” he said, immediately terrified. “I mean - I didn’t mean to say that. If we could just pretend like that didn’t happen, that would be great.” Steve smirked. He’d spent a lot of his life pretending, and he had no interest in repeating those mistakes.

“So, you don’t love me?” he teased, taking a step forward.

“My answer depends on whether or not you love me,” Eddie replied. Steve took his hand again and squeezed.

“I do,” he admitted. “Always have. Your move, Munson.”

Eddie kissed him instead of answering, but there was no doubt in either mind that what they were about to embark on was something major - for both of them.

“This is -” Eddie began after they separated. “This is crazy, right? Like, the world already feels weird about two dudes running away together, let alone one dude and one half-dude half fucking moth.”

“I could go crazier,” Steve said.

“What do you mean?”

Steve took a deep breath. The world had never been that kind to him, but it had given him this, and he wasn’t about to waste a single moment. He’d been running so long, and Eddie had been hiding, and neither of them should have had to live like that anymore.

“I mean, I - I’ve always wanted to ride around like I have been, but I never wanted to do it alone,” Steve explained. Eddie’s face shifted into recognition.

“Six little nuggets in a Winnebago, right?”

“You remembered,” Steve replied with a smile.

“Of course I do.”

Fuck it. Eddie was his soulmate. It didn’t matter that there were a lot of factors against them - if they were in it together, everything would be okay.

“The nuggets are all over the country,” Steve said, referring to the kids who weren’t even kids anymore.

“Well then,” Eddie responded, smiling. “If you think they’ll be as cool about this as you are, I say let’s go grab ‘em.”

They spent the next few weeks traveling the country and rallying up their friends. They’d had the same conversation over and over again - Eddie’s alive? He looks like that? You guys are gay? You’re running away to a farm together???

Whatever. It was crazy and it was amazing.

Dustin was so relieved that Eddie was alive, he didn’t care about the gay thing or the fact he could fly. Eddie and Steve asked Dustin to be their best man, and he burst into tears of joy.

Lucas called out how insane the whole thing was, but accepted it nonetheless.

El was confused, but supportive.

Max literally couldn’t give less of a shit about any of it, but was glad they were happy.

Mike short-circuited at first, but idolized Eddie so much he accepted the situation pretty quick.

Will was unfazed and over the moon for them.

Robin was ultimately just upset that Dustin was going to be best man and not her. Naturally, they donned her Maid of Honor, and then she was good to go.

Jonathan was chill about it. Eddie being a demon weirded him out a little, though.

Nancy was the one with the most reservations, but mainly she was concerned for their safety. Eddie and Steve assured her that they would be in the middle of nowhere, and that Eddie’s freaky appearance would keep them safe just fine. Since everyone else was on board, Nancy shrugged and said of course she would be there.

Wayne, like Dustin, was mainly just blown away by Eddie being alive. The rest of it was irrelevant to him.

Joyce was baffled by the whole thing, but since her children were okay with it, she was too.

Hopper just kind of grunted in approval and said nothing else.

Now, everyone was meeting up at the predetermined location - a homestead that used to be owned by one of Steve’s relatives. It happened to be for sale, so they bought it.

Off they went to their new home.

Jason and Andy had spent all day tracking and following Eddie’s van. It was slow going at first, until a concerned citizen called the local police station to report a two men raiding a gift shop. Her story was nearly discounted at first because she’d mentioned one of the men had wings, but…

Well, honestly? Jason had caught a glimpse of those, too. But it had been so quick he convinced himself he was mistaken. He convinced himself the concerned citizen had been, too. Wings? On a dead man? Preposterous.

Anyway, they chased that lead and ended up locating the van at the gift shop, and - sure enough - Eddie and Steve were walking out.

Hand in fucking hand.

“Oh, sweet lord,” Jason muttered.

“Look at all the shit they stole!” Andy exclaimed, pointing at their loaded trunk.

“I don’t care about the shoplifting,” Jason snapped back angrily. “Look at them! They’re - they’re - they’re holding hands!”

“Dude, who cares if they’re gay,” Andy replied. “We’re supposed to look out for crimes.”

Jason stared at his friend, wanting to argue, then realized he couldn’t. He grumbled, then got out of the car to confront the pair.

“Don’t move!” he shouted, prompting Eddie and Steve to turn to them. Jason was giddy in anticipation of reciting the Miranda Rights - he’d always reveled in that part of the job.

“Jason?” Eddie asked, not at all intimidated. “You’re a pig, now? Thaaaaat seems about right.”

“Shut up,” Jason shot back. “You’re supposed to be dead, Freak.”

“I’m pretty sure I’ve just been missing, actually,” Eddie clarified.

“Well, I found you,” Jason said, raising his gun. He thought for sure it would cause Eddie to back off, but he didn’t.

“Ooh, Big Boy Carver’s got a gun,” Eddie mocked.

“Eds, let’s maybe take a step back,” Steve said softly. At least one of them had a sense of respect for authority.

“Jace,” Andy said, tugging at the Deputy’s shirt sleeve.

“Dude, whatever it is I’m kind of busy,” Jason replied through gritted teeth, unwilling to look away from the boys.

“They’re stealing our car.”

That was worth breaking his gaze, for sure. When Jason turned - sure enough, their cop car was driving away without them. Some red-headed teen was behind the wheel, with a curly-haired guy beside her in the passenger's seat.

Jason turned back to see Eddie and Steve had jumped into the van and were attempting to drive away.

“Hey, what do you think you’re -”

Jason tried to shoot at the tires, but he couldn’t move. He was completely frozen, but not out of fear or hesitation - this was something out of his control completely.

He was forced to stand and watch the van speed away, his own police car not far behind them.

Shit.

“WE’RE THE FREEEEAAKS!” Eddie cheered as they sped away. Steve laughed, relieved that they’d had backup or else they never would have gotten away.

“Thanks, Jane,” Steve said, high fiving the girl in the back seat.

“You are welcome,” she replied with a smile, wiping a drop of blood from under her nose.

“Holy shit, that was AWESOME,” Dustin’s voice said through the walkie talkie.

“I’ve never stolen a cop car before,” Max added. “Huh.”

“Don’t make a habit out of it, alright?” Steve warned, ever protective of the kids.

“Yes, mom,” she replied.

They were all meeting at the homestead in groups - Eddie and Steve were originally transporting Robin, Max, Jane, and Dustin, but Max and Dustin ended up making a snap decision to save their asses. The adults - Joyce, Hopper, and Wayne - were meeting them in a separate car. Nancy, Jonathan, Mike, and Will were another group. Lucas was showing up by himself, as he was just coming back from London.

“Okay, well that was cool and all,” Robin interjected. “But you do realize that cop cars can be tracked a whole lot easier than this van, right?”

“Is that true?” Steve asked.

“I dunno, but she said it pretty confidently,” Eddie responded. “Sounds right.”

“So…we ditch the cop car and consolidate,” Max suggested. “Then meet at the farm as planned.”

“They’d still find us eventually,” Dustin argued.

“Not with me driving.”

“Chill out, Mad Max.”

“GUYS!” Steve interrupted. “They’re gaining on us.”

Everyone looked in the rear view mirror to see the cops on their trail. The Deputy led the pack with intense anger in his eyes, desperately attempting to catch up.

“I can keep them away,” Jane offered. “I will protect you.”

“El,” Dustin said. “Not that I didn’t love seeing you flip that van to save us last time, but we probably shouldn’t murder anyone today.”

“Her name is Jane,” Max reminded him.

“Shit, sorry.”

“No murder?” Eddie whined with a fake pout. “But it’s my wedding day!”

“Eddie, could you take this seriously, please?” Steve pleaded, starting to feel nervous.

“Relax, I’ve got a plan,” he responded, cool as a cucumber. “But everyone’s gonna have to play along.”

Well, this could only end well.

Jason and Andy followed the group all the way to the middle of nowhere. It was some barren farmland that hadn’t been cared for in ages. The only thing that seemed somewhat new was the “Sold” sign out front.

For the last hour or so, Eddie and Steve hadn’t tried a single thing to get away. They’d led the cops right to the farm, which was…suspicious.

The Deputy was more than prepared to shoot this time if he had to. Clearly, this was a trap, and he wasn’t falling for it.

“Be ready for anything,” Jason said as he parked the car and stepped out.

“Got it,” Andy replied, actually serious for once. They walked together slowly towards the main house, their hands on their holsters for good measure.

“Heeeelp!” a woman’s voice called from behind the house.

“We are just poor damsels in distress! Please someone save us!” Jason shifted his attention to the vulnerable ladies who needed his assistance and ran toward their cries. Once he got there, they stopped yelling, and he realized neither of them were in any danger.

Two women, one a little older than the other. Jason thought he recognized her from the school band, way back when, but he wasn’t sure. The other one…

“Wait, aren’t you the girl who stole my car?” he asked.

“Sure did,” the red-head admitted with a smirk. “Stole these, too.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out Jason’s favorite pair of sunglasses.

“Hey, give those back,” he said, outstretching his hand.

“What are you gonna do if I don’t? Shoot me?” she teased. “I know a good lawyer.” Jason sneered as she put the glasses on herself, smug. Jason was about ready to scold her, but instead heard more voices, now at the front of the house.

“Hey, look!”

“Over here!”

“Forget the sunglasses,” Andy said. “Come on, let’s go.” Jason (begrudgingly) followed his partner around the house, only to find two teenage guys waiting for them, also not in danger. He recognized them, too.

“Hey, wait a minute,” Jason said. “I know you. You were in that club - Hellfire Club. With -”

Jason’s eyes widened. Holy shit. He was uncovering a whole conspiracy.

“That’s correct,” the curly-haired one replied. “I’m Dustin, this is Mike.”

“Hello!” Mike said with a goofy smile.

“You were right this whole time,” Dustin said calmly.

“We’ve sold our souls and live to serve our master,” Mike added.

“Eddie,” Dustin clarified.

“Wait, what?” Jason asked. “Okay, everyone here is insane. Andy, let’s call for backup.”

“Hey, Jason.”

Oh, great. A new voice. Jason turned around yet again to find -

“Lucas….Sinclair???”

Okay, wow. Lucas had been on the basketball team with Jason back in high school. He was one of Hawkins’ biggest success stories, because he went on to play pro and make it big.

“Nice to see you again,” Lucas said.

“It’s - what are you doing here?” Jason asked, his head spinning.

“Oh my god,” Andy muttered. “Dude, Lucas made a deal with the devil! That’s why he made it and you didn’t.”

“Andy, shh!” Jason didn’t like people to know that he’d worked very hard to be a professional athlete, because he didn’t want anyone to know he’d failed miserably.

“Yup,” Lucas confirmed. “You got me. The only reason I am where I am today and you aren’t is because of Satan.” Mike and Dustin stifled giggles behind him.

Jason couldn’t lie - having Satan to blame was kinda nice.

And then, Jason and Andy heard the front door of the house open, and looked to see a man walk out. Jason’s blood went cold.

“...Chief Hopper?” he asked, astounded. “But you - the mall fire…”

It had been front page news. Local Sheriff Jim Hopper died in the Starcourt fire. First Eddie, now him? What the hell was going on?

“Congratulations on your promotion,” Hopper said casually.

“Thanks,” Jason replied, dazed. “But you -”

“Yes, yes, I did,” Hopper continued, looking mournfully at the ground. “We’re all dead, here.”

A teenage boy walked out of the house next, one that Jason recognized immediately.

“Will Byers…” he muttered. Will had also been a top story - the kid that got lost in the woods, pronounced dead, and then came back like nothing had happened. “Wait, you’re saying that you - that you both died?”

“Yeah, that’s what we’re saying,” Will replied with a nod.

“But you aged!” Jason argued.

“Uh, yeah,” Will said with a shrug. “We can do that.”

That didn’t sound right, but Jason nodded anyway. None of this made sense. Was he dreaming?

“Nah nah nah,” Andy said, backing up. “I draw the line at ghost children. I’m out.”

“Andy…” Jason said with a sigh, but it was too late - his friend was already halfway to the car.

“Okay, so what you’re all saying is…” Jason began, attempting to recap what he’d been told. “You both are dead,” he said, pointing at Hopper and Will. He directed his attention to the girls and boys next. “And you all are part of a cult that worships…Eddie Munson.”

Everybody looked at him and shrugged.

“What about Steve?” Jason asked.

“Fresh blood,” Mike explained.

“Okay, so where is Eddie, then?”

“Right here.”

Jason looked up to see Eddie perched on the roof in all his glory - arms outstretched, wings on display, red eyes glowing.

“Jesus Christ!” Jason exclaimed. “Andy! Call -”

“Yeah, I wouldn’t do that,” Eddie warned. He flew (flew!!) off the roof and landed in front of Jason. “What are you gonna do? Tell people what you saw today? Nobody will believe you.” Eddie took another step forward, causing Jason to take a step back. “We’re all gonna stay here, and we won’t bother anyone, so you should probably just go ahead and forget any of this ever happened.”

“I won’t do that,” Jason insisted. “I can - I will -”

“Okay, so you need a little more convincing. No problem,” Eddie said. He outstretched his hand and narrowed his eyes in concentration.

And then, Jason started floating.

“What the hell are you doing?!” Jason cried out as fought against the invisible force lifting him up. “Let me down! How are you -? Put me down!”

Eddie just shook his head and laughed.

“Promise to leave us alone,” he said.

“Fine! Dammit, I promise!” Jason yelled. “I won’t tell anyone! I’ll leave you alone! Just let me go!”

Jason fell back to the ground after that, and then he scrambled to his feet, ran to his car as fast as his legs would carry him, and drove back to Hawkins.

Him and Andy never told a soul what they’d seen.

“Do you, Steve Harrington, take me, Eddie Munson, to be your lawfully wedded husband?”

Once the coast was clear, the team worked to create a makeshift venue for the upcoming nuptials. Nancy took over as the lead with Joyce, assigning tasks to everyone. Jonathan set up chairs, the kids took over decorations, and Robin and Dustin got their respective grooms ready for the event.

Now, everyone was seated on that homestead, watching their two friends have the weirdest wedding ceremony of all time.

“I do,” Steve said.

And they all lived happily ever after.

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

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