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aeoki · 1 month

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SS Finals - Crown: Chapter 25

Location: ES Dome Lobby Characters: Seiya & Gatekeeper

“Gatekeeper”: The Boss began developing a strong desire for “Apostle”. He doted on him like he would his own son and tried to entrust everything to him.

But the one who didn’t like that was “Priest”.

“Priest” was afraid that “Apostle” would take everything away from him. “Apostle” had no intentions of doing that whatsoever, though.

Seiya: …Then the reason why Akehoshi-kun fell to his ruin was because…

“Gatekeeper”: Sorry, but those circumstances are unknown. I suspect that “Priest” must have covered it up, but I don’t have any evidence and the truth is still a mystery.

“Apostle”, who killed someone on stage, was condemned and lost everything. It’s true that he died while being imprisoned – not that I was the one who verified his corpse or anything.

Seiya: …Subaru-kun would be sad if he finds out. No matter what the circumstances are, he would have been happy to know his father was alive.

“Gatekeeper”: He’s dead. “Apostle” would have run straight towards his family if he was alive. That was the sort of man he was.

He would have definitely done that even if he had his arms and legs severed and was locked up somewhere.

He had the skills to do it. He was the sort of person capable of pulling off any sort of miracle. That’s why the Boss chose him to be his successor.

…The Boss also broke down after realising he had forever lost that sort of irreplaceable man. “Priest” was probably the one behind it, but I don’t think he even saw that coming.

The Boss was originally a retired idol who decided to work behind the scenes, but he began hating everything when he went into retirement.

He left everything to “Priest” and I afterwards.

The last time I saw the Boss, he was a wrinkled old man on the verge of death.

I don’t know what happened to him after that.

I have no lingering attachments to a country where the Boss didn’t dwell in and my home was elsewhere – I moved overseas and began starting conflicts there.

I didn’t want to come back to this country. I’m reminded of all the happy memories I shared with the Boss and just breathing in the air gives me a migraine.

It makes me realise just how much I’ve lost and it makes me dizzy.

But “Priest” decided to remain in this country. He originally lurked in the shadows, but he erased all traces of his existence on top of that and worked behind the scenes.

He became something akin to an apparition dwelling in the darkness of the entertainment industry. You know what happened next, Hidaka.

“Priest” is just a body double. He couldn’t fully become a proper replacement for a god. He was lacking in every aspect compared to the Boss.

An inferior apparition could never be a substitute for a god.

He corrupted the entertainment industry the Boss loved and made it fall into ruin. The industry fell into a decline.

“Priest” gathered folks that were similar to him, gave them position and power, and simply indulged in his interests as the mastermind controlling the industry.

He and his followers did whatever they pleased and are still controlling the upper echelon of the industry.

The establishment of ES had combined with that old-fashioned entertainment industry and was even contaminated by that filth.

Seiya: You’re referring to the people who are called the ES higher-ups, right? Letting the original people in power in an invaded land handle the politics is an effective strategy.

But it won’t purify the filth and majority of the people in power, who crave the vested interests, will continue to sit at the top of the industry.

Those sorts of people around CosPro were dispersed because of the scandal that occurred during last year’s “SS”, though.

In the end, CosPro was just a rising force. What was purified was a mere tiny portion of the industry.

The industry’s darkness will linger as long as the hotbed of corruption and the root of evil remain.

“Gatekeeper”: Exactly. The idol industry is a great tree with corrupted roots.

The main culprit behind the corruption this time, “Priest”, was taken away, but it’s all going to start crumbling down, sooner or later.

Seiya: That’s indeed possible but I’m rather optimistic.

Right now, a new tree called ES is using the rotten tree as fertile soil to grow its own branches.

That tree has removed all the lesions and has spread its roots throughout the country through “SS”, and it’ll continue to thrive and flourish in the future.

The ideals Akehoshi-kun held onto will remain as a seed, waiting for the moment to sprout within the idols of the current era.

At the very least, I know several children who are capable of that.

I’m certain it’ll be alright as long as those children exist.

“Gatekeeper”: Is that one of the results from your calculations? The thing you’re good at?

Seiya: No, it’s a personal wish. Just something I hope will happen.

“Gatekeeper”: Well, not that I care. I don’t give a damn what happens to you idols.

The Boss wanted to live out his days in peace and quiet, and I just couldn’t forgive “Priest” for being a nuisance right until the very end.

Seiya: What do you mean?

“Gatekeeper”: There was a diary of the Boss’ found in the temple he was living in. It was simply a diary about his life until halfway through, but things got weird from that point on.

One of the entries stated that “That Akehoshi” – “Apostle” – actually survived and came to visit him.

After that, the entries written by the Boss are discontinued and is replaced by “Apostle’s” writings.

Seiya: This “Apostle” is…

“Gatekeeper”: Not the real “Apostle” – he’s dead.

I thought the Boss was delusional in his old age, but that wasn’t the case. The Boss is the Boss – There’s no way he’d grow senile and start having sweet hallucinations.

I’m certain the Boss was normal right until the end. The Boss was a remarkable and omnipotent man who lived up to his name.

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ← Previous Chapter ᠂ ⚘ ˚⊹˚ ⚘ ᠂ Next Chapter →

#ss finals

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thedivinemsem · 1 year

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This post was going to be about my being triggered....but then I googled and learned that “triggered” generally applys to an excessive reaction to something based on past trauma.

And that’s not what happened today before my yoga class. Rather, we were told that someone in the class before us didn’t come because they had tested positive for covid. Fortunately she’s fine, and also fortunately the classes are small enough that everyone can social distance whether masked or unmasked.

But that information led someone in my class to announce quite loudly that masks didn’t work anyhow - she was a retired nurse and even the surgical masks that they used weren’t that good - and by the way Pfizer had admitted there were problems with the vaccine and she was glad she had only gotten one.

At this point a couple of people gently reminded her that this was a yoga class and we should focus on being relaxed and centered. And I said that personally I was pro-vaccine for all preventable diseases but I certainly respected her right to think differently.

But she didn’t take the hint, and continued by saying what a shame it was that masks were required in schools and that all of the children were suffering because they were unable to see each others facial expressions and that was hindering their learning.

And that is where I started to “lose it” internally....I would have called it being triggered (until I learned what that meant), but whatever the proper term, I believed that her misinformation was not only wrong but dangerous to others and I had a responsibility to speak out.

So, in the most polite tone I could muster, I mentioned that my grandkids were masked at school and in fact, they often chose to mask when they visited me, and I hadn’t seen any ill effects from their maskwearing. I also said that there was a teacher in my family who was happy to wear a mask because kids are germy....and beyond covid there is flu and RSV and other airborne diseases that have been less prevalent in schools since masking started. But again, I understood that everyone makes their own choices and that’s as it should be. And I restated what others had said, that this was a yoga class and a time to relax and look inward rather than discuss controversial topics.

Internally I was boiling..You see, my mother was legally blind and was an awesome student throughout her school career - and she certainly didn’t rely on “facial expressions” for cues. So this “theory” sounded ridiculous and I was surprised that a medical professional would regurgitate it as fact.

She decided wisely to move on.....but instead of stopping - she said “and then there’s the money we are sending to Ukraine”.

At this point I decided enough was enough. I said that my father was Ukrainian, I had family in the country and I was not comfortable debating US support for Ukraine. I asked that we please just focus on yoga.

A couple of other people talked about how sorry they were for Ukraine and the anti-mask/vaxer decided to shut up. About this time the instructor came back from a break and started class and all was well.

And at the end of class Ms Antimask/vax came over and said she hoped I didn’t think she was supporting the war against Ukraine - she was very sorry for the situation there. I said I was glad to hear she supported Ukraine because the US needed to honor the terms of the Budapest Memorandum especially since Russia had decided to violate the agreement.

She looked totally lost....and thats fine with me as long as she keeps her misinformation to herself in the future.

I do my best to respect everyone’s right to have their own opinion. But when they share their misinformation under the assumption that everyone agrees with them.....I’ve decided its important to let them know I don’t agree. Too often in the past I’ve kept quiet when wrong things were being presented as truths.....but I realize now that allowing untruths and misinformation to go unchallenged is being complicit....silence is consent, as it were.

#nomoresilence #misinformationshouldbechallenged #getting feistyinmyoldage

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tophthedaydreamer · 4 years

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I watched Dororo and was kneed in the gut by angst and feels aaaaaa

To compensate, here’s a happy picture of Dororo and Hyakkimaru bein’ siblings

#THEY'RE SIBLINGS DUDE #why did dr. jukai and nui no kata have to die??#also #tahomaru??#please let them retire to the country and be a happy family :'(#this anime is really underrated people need to stop sleeping on it!!!#topharts #dororo #hyakkimaru

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mayabooowrites · 2 years

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Scorpius's letters

Summary: letters Scorpius wrote to you his mother.

Requested: by my friend Lilith who is a monster for giving me this idea.

Dracos POV

Warnings: death and alcohol mentioned

Dear mom,

Dad told me today that you had to go on a trip, I wish you could have said goodbye to me but I'll see when you get back. I love you mommy I'll get daddy to send the letter to you

-Scorpius

Dear mommy,

It's been a month where are you? Dads been crying himself to sleep every night, we went to a funeral today I don't know who it was for, do you know? People kept telling dad they are sorry for his loss, who did he lose? And why did daddy say he wishes you were here? And why did people say y/n which is your name when talking about the person he lost? Do we have another y/n in the family? I don't know, also could you reply to my letters thank you, I love you hope your coming back soon

-Love Scorpius

Dear mum,

Dad yelled at me today after I handed him the letter to give to you, why would he do that? He said stop giving me them, and then started crying. What's going on are you both fighting? Can you please come home and make it up to him? You know so we can all play again, I miss you so much please come home

-Scorpius

Dear mom,

I'm so happy you replied to my letter, dad gave it to me today and I'm so happy, I love you so much too and I also can't wait to see you as well, I was getting scared you left us an weren't coming back, I can't wait when you get back from your trip to the place called heaven. I love you

-Scorp

Dear mom,

It's almost been a year, where are you? Dad ripped up every letter I tried to write to you, he yelled and said she's dead stop giving me these stupid letters, I don't like it when he yells at me. Please come home from heaven dads drinking too much and works too much now. You need to help him mommy he needs you.

-Your star (I love it when you call me your star mommy)

Dear mummy,

Daddy brought another woman home I kicked her in the face and fought her she deserved it, how dare she steal daddy from you. But dad tried to tell me you weren't coming back but I know you are, the trip is just taking a while, you send me letters back saying your stuck in the country and will be home hopefully next year, I can't believe daddy would do that I hate him. Your coming home you have to be please come home I need you, my birthday is soon I'm turning six please come home mommy

-Scorpius

Dear mom,

Hey, it's me mom, daddy says your dead and won't be ever coming back. Daddy also said he wants you back too and he was the one who sent the letters to me pretending to be you, please don't let it be real please tell me it's not real mummy, you can't be dead please come home

Dear mom,

Hey it's me it's been a few years hasn't it? I'm now 30 and I found a box full of the letters I used to send to you when I was 5 and 6 when I didn't understand what death was, they were under dads bed I'm glad he kept them, I've been missing you mom I really do miss you, I got married and have two kids now. I really wish you were here to see it, I've just been missing you a lot lately so I need to write out my feelings, dad has never moved on from you he tried but failed and stopped seeing people completely, he's stopped drinking though and isn't a workaholic anymore so that's good. He spends all of his retirement now with his grandkids, and telling them all about you and how amazing you are, I do the same I sing the song you made up and sang to me as a kid. Dad talks about how he can't wait to see you again one day and the big kiss he's gonna give you when he joins you in heaven. I also named my daughter after you her names y/n, she's named after the best mother I ever had I love you so much mom.

-Your star Scorpius

#fanfiction #harry potter fanfiction #draco malfoy #draco malfoy fanfiction #draco malfoy x you #draco x reader #draco x y/n #draco x you #draco malfoy x reader #draco malfoy x y/n #scorpius malfoy #angst #Draco angst #baby scorpius #draco malfoy angst #xreader fanfiction #harry potter #little Scorpius #malfoy

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outsideratheart · 3 years

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My Gold and My Girl (Julie Johnston x reader)

You had made it to the final, only one thing stood between you and a gold medal, that thing was Japan.

When you got dressed this morning you did it with pride and happiness. You looked in the mirror one last time before leaving the village.

“Interesting jersey choice” Stewie said as you made your way onto the bus.

“I want her to know that I am proud of her” you said looking down at your team USA soccer jersey.

Your were wearing a zip hoodie but decided that you would take it off as you enter the arena.

Julie’s Olympics didn’t end the way she wanted and you knew that she was taking the loss hard. She still had a bronze medal but when you have you heart set on gold nothing compares. When she texted you to say she was going home you were disappointed but you understood.

You saw the cameramen as you pulled up to the arena. As planned you took your hoodie off to make sure that the Johnston on your back was visible. There was no going back after today, Julie wore your jersey to the bronze medal game and the media was quick to report a new friendship saying that it was nice of her to buy one of your jerseys but you knew that they wouldn’t be saying the same after seeing you in hers.

You got changed and did your warm ups just like you did before every game, despite the stakes you didn’t treat this one any differently.

This team was your family and it soon came to you that this will probably be the last time that you would all play together. Rumours were beginning to circle about Sue and Diana’s retirement but you weren’t ready to think about that. The two women have played a big part in your career, they helped you become the player you are today as well as the person you are.

Before you knew it, it was time to get ready for the game. You are Breanna did your pre match ritual just like you did back in Seattle and then your were ready.

It was game time. Time to focus.

The first quarter went by in the blink of an eye.

“Y/N keep it up on the offence and keep riding 88, she is getting tired” Dawn told you and you nodded whilst downing a bottle of water.

You were the type of player that set the pace of the game. The majority of your career you almost always played the entire first quarter so by the end of you were sweaty and out of breath.

You start the second quarter on the bench put soon got put in. You were laser focused, as if the people off the court didn’t exist. You kept passing to Stewie who kept scoring. You knew where to to position yourself for the rebound. There was something about this game, it was going perfectly.

Half time came and you were all in the locker room going over what had happened in the first half.

You sit in your locker and look at your team, proud of them and of the game you had played so far.

“You ok?” Brittany asked as she passed you a towel.

“Yeah, just taking it in you know” she nodded her head before going to her own locker.

You rest your arms on your legs and put the towel over your head. You knew that a gold medal was almost yours but you still had to stay centred.

“Y/N’ you hear Diana saying your name.

“Yeah” you take the towel off and look at your teammate.

“You with us?” She asks and you nod your head.

“Do you mind if I say something?” you ask Dawn.

You watch her shake her head as you make your way to middle of the room.

“I know the game isn’t over yet but I want to tell you all how much of an honour it has been playing with you. You guys are like family to me and I thank god every time I get on that court with you. I don’t know what the future holds” you pause looking at Sue and Diana “So I just want to say thank you and lets go get us a gold medal”

You can’t help put smile as your teammates start clapping and cheering.

When you are walking out to the court you feel two hand grabs you.

“You trying to make us cry in there” Diana asks you.

“I just wanted you to know what it means to me to play with you both”

“Well we still have another half of basketball to play. You ready?” Sue says and you nod your head.

“I love you guys”

“We love you too” They both say at the same time.

The second half of the game you made a point to have fun, truly enjoy your time on the court and before you knew it the final whistle is blown.

You make sure to congratulate Japan on an excellent tournament before celebrating with your team.

You jump on Stewie’s back

“That’s two” You shout

“Yeah, it is!” She shouts just as loud back.

You get down and watch your teammates celebrate before getting called over to do media.

Once you are done you hear someone say your name and you turn around to a staff member handing you your phone, time to celebrate with the fans and the rest of the country.

You feel your phone vibrating and smile when you see your girlfriends picture pop up.

“Hi Baby”

“Congratulations! You did it, you are a gold medal winner!”

You really wish that you could celebrate with her.

“You could have more of a smile on your face” This confuses you as you look around but don’t see a camera on you.

“I am smiling” You lie

You see Brittany coming up to you and you tell Julie that you have to go but will call her later.

“Sorry to interrupt but we have to go get changed” she tells you and you follow her into the locker room.

After getting changed you go back to the court an line up between Stewie and Jewel.

“Come stand between us” Diana says.

You feel yourself getting emotional as you knew what this mean’t.

You all walked out onto the court so the medals can be handed out.

Diana puts yours around your neck and then you put Diana’s around hers. This was a moment that you would never forget.

Everyone begins to take pictures and you take a selfie with your medal and send it to Julie.

“I know you love to celebrate with us but I think there is someone here that really wants to see you” Dawn says.

You look at her confused, what is she talking about. Dawn puts her arm around your shoulder and points to the crowd.

There in the stands was Julie and Megan.

You walk over to her not wanting to bring to much attention to the two of you.

“Surprise!” She says

“How are you guys even here?” You ask.

Megan holds up her press pass and Julie does the same.

“So you guys are members of the press now.

“Something like that” The pink haired woman says.

“I am so proud of you Y/N, you were so good. I really wanted to scream your name but I didn’t want to ruin the surprise” Julie tells you.

“I am so happy your are here” You walk closer to her and look around for cameras.

You watch as Megan and sue kiss wishing you could do the same to your girlfriend.

“Come here” Julie says as she hold her hands out and you take them.

“I really want to kiss you” You tell her.

“I’m not stopping you” she says and that’s all you need to hear.

You reach up as she grabs your face bringing you closer, your lips touch. You are not sure how long you are like that but you feel sue elbow you in your side.

“Cameras” she says barely a whisper.

You begin to pull away.

“I don’t care” Julie says giving you a hug and kissing your forehead “It is time for the world to know you are all mine”

You hand your phone to sue.

“Will you please take a photo? Like she said, time to let the world know”

Sue takes a photo of you and Julie and you post it on your instagram with the captain ‘My gold and my girl”

#uswnt x reader #uswnt one shot #uswnt imagine #Julie ertz x reader #Julie ertz one shot #Julie ertz imagine #Julie Johnston x reader #Julie Johnston imagine #Julie Johnston one shot

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besanii · 3 years

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MA'AM PLEASE that wangxian/xixian ficlet absolutely RUINED me. if you are so inclined, i would love to see wei wuxian's perspective on the whole thing. thank you for your hard work <3 have a lovely day!

[ part one (LWJ) | two (LXC) ]

Wei Wuxian has always tried to live his life without regrets. Everything he does, he puts all of himself into and does not look back, even when circumstances take a turn for the worse. It has caused him some strife in the past, but he's always found a way to come out the other end relatively unscathed.

He's not sure there's a way out this time.

Lan Xichen is kind to him, kinder than he'd had any right to expect from the man to whom he owes his life. The brother of the man who holds Wei Wuxian's heart, the man now laying alone in a watery grave far from home; by all rights, Lan Xichen should have handed him to Wen Ruohan as retribution for injuring Wen Chao. Instead, he had chosen to save him at the cost of Qishan's loyalty.

He looks around at the bedchamber, the sheer silk drapes around the bed offering only minimal privacy to its occupants, and at the curtains made of strings of seed pearls leading to the chambers beyond. He's always pictured his wedding night to be bathed in red and gold, for there to be celebrations and drinking and laughter. And Lan Wangji.

What he gets is a quiet chamber within the Emperor's private quarters away from prying eyes, sparsely but tastefully furnished in the pale blues of the Imperial family. There is no music, no ceremony, no laughter, no wine.

No Lan Wangji.

Let me help you.

Wei Wuxian has not had many dealings with the Emperor before, but he has always thought him to be a fair, impartial figure, involving himself very little in the squabbles between clans unless it has implications on state matters. So why now? Why has he stepped in now to save Wei Wuxian?

For Wangji, if nothing else. He would want you to be safe.

Was it really that simple? Was it really enough to put the throne at odds with one of the most powerful clans in the country? It seems almost absurd to risk a potential uprising for the sake of one man, however much he means to the Emperor's brother. If Qishan did revolt and the country was thrown into civil war, would that not cement Wei Wuxian in history as the culprit who brings strife to the nation?

He contemplates escaping, slipping out into the night and disappearing, and is halfway to his feet when he remembers. If he leaves now, he will be branded a coward and a traitor, an enemy of the state—the Jiang clan, as his benefactors, and Yunmeng as his home will be held responsible. He cannot be selfish.

So he sits back down on the bed, hands curled into fists on his lap, and waits.

Lan Xichen is good to him.

He's good and kind and gentle, a soothing balm on Wei Wuxian's bruised and battered heart. From the moment he walks through the door that night, leaving his servants in the outer chambers so allow them some semblance of privacy, he treats Wei Wuxian with nothing but kindness and respect.

"You do not need to do this," he tells Wei Wuxian when he reaches for the fastenings of Lan Xichen's robes to help him undress. "I can prepare for bed on my own."

"Huangshang, it is your concubine's duty to serve you," Wei Wuxian replies, and slips the heavy belt from around Lan Xichen's waist.

Let me do this for you, he doesn't say. But Lan Xichen must see it on his face because he acquiesces.

"Very well."

So Wei Wuxian sets about removing each item of clothing and accessory with methodical precision, draping the outer robes over the rack beside the bed and placing the golden guan and jade waist pendant carefully on the vanity table. The servants will have to put them away later, when they have both retired--

His fingers falter over the laces of the inner robe.

"Wei Wuxian?" Lan Xichen asks. When Wei Wuxian looks up, his eyes are soft, concerned. "It's alright. Leave the rest to me."

His heart plummets to his stomach. His hesitation must have disappointed Lan Xichen—no, the Emperor. He's displeased him.

"No, no, Huangshang, please allow me," he says hurriedly. "Your concubine was merely distracted by--by the embroidery work on your robes. They are so very fine, you see, much finer than what we see in Yunmeng—"

His fingers are trembling too much to get a firm hold on the laces. If he cannot perform so simple a task, how can he keep the Emperor happy? How can he keep Yunmeng safe? He needs to do this—needs to do this properly—

A large hand wrap around both his, stilling their movements with gentle pressure against the broad chest in front of him. He inhales sharply.

"Wei Wuxian," Lan Xichen says again. "Stop."

He should apologise and beg for forgiveness. That's what people do when they have displeased the Emperor right? He should be—

"Wei Wuxian." A sigh. "You are afraid of me."

"I-I'm not!" Wei Wuxian says quickly, his head flying up to glare at Lan Xichen before he catches himself and lowers both his head and voice again. "Begging your pardon, Huangshang, your concubine spoke out of turn."

Lan Xichen’s other hand slides under his chin, tilting his face upward again to meet his gaze—warmer and darker than his brother’s, more akin to honey than to gold—and the pounding of Wei Wuxian’s heartbeat fades to silence in his ears.

“You do not need to fear me,” Lan Xichen tells him, voice so gentle it sends a tingle down his spine. “And they cannot touch you here. You are safe here.”

The soft, incredulous snort escapes before Wei Wuxian even realises he’s made it. He ducks his head again, breaking free of the hand on his chin.

“Forgive my impertinence, Huangshang,” he says. “But if someone has put their mind their mind to hurting another, there is nothing they would not do—or find a way to do. No place they would not go.”

Lan Xichen raises an eyebrow.

“You would doubt the Son of Heaven?” he asks, voice tinged with amusement as Wei Wuxian moves immediately to fall to his knees. He catches him by the elbows before he can. “I am only jesting. There is no need to kneel.”

He reaches up to brush a stray lock of hair from Wei Wuxian’s temple. The intimacy of the gesture—the touch of warm skin against his sends warmth flooding his cheeks and neck, burning behind his ears.

“I really am very grateful to you, Huangshang,” he says. “If not for your intervention, I would already be dead, or worse. I have nothing to offer you in return except my life—cheap and unworthy as it is—and I will spend the remainder of it repaying this debt to you.”

The corners of those honey-coloured eyes soften and the hand at his temple slides down to his shoulder as Lan Xichen sighs.

“It is what he would have wanted,” he says.

Everything changes with the sunrise filtering through the window the next morning.

The servants who come in to serve them keep their heads bowed and gazes lowered, shuffling about them on tenterhooks. They address him as Wei-xuanyi and help him into fine robes of Gusu blue silk, brushing his hair until it is smooth and gleaming, and rubs creams into his calloused hands to soften them. He follows their careful directions without protest, his mind too numb to comprehend anything beyond the comfort of their practised movements.

He is startled out of his lull when warm hands come to rest on his shoulders and he looks up to see Lan Xichen smiling at him in the mirror.

“Huangshang,” he exclaims. “Forgive me, I was lost in thought.”

“Wuxian,” Lan Xichen says, his smile widening. “I have a gift for you.”

A tray is presented to them by a eunuch standing in the corner of the room. On it sits a long, thin box lined with light blue silk. And nestled within the bed of silk—

“It is too expensive,” Wei Wuxian protests immediately. “Huangshang, I cannot accept such a valuable gift. It should be for the Empress—”

“The Empress has her own,” Lan Xichen tells him, lifting the fazhan from the box and turning back around to face the mirror. The smile has not left his lips, nor has it dimmed in any way. “Now, let me put it on for you.”

Wei Wuxian watches his movements through the mirror with bated breath, all-too aware of the keen eyes watching them from the shadows of the room. Lan Xichen does not seem bothered by their attention, running his fingers leisurely over the length of Wei Wuxian’s hair, as if Wei Wuxian were a creature to be calmed and soothed.

He slides the fazhan into the base of the half-knot in his hair with careful precision and stands back to admire the way the jewels catch the morning sun as Wei Wuxian turns his head to get a better look. The shape and design of it is simple, understated, taking nothing away from the deep blue sapphire on the end, cut into shape of flowing clouds.

“It suits you very well,” Lan Xichen tells him. There is an odd lilt to his voice Wei Wuxian cannot quite place, but it is gone when he next speaks. “It is almost as if it were meant for you.”

It is much too expensive, much too precious. He swallows through the lump that has suddenly appeared in his throat, his eyes hot.

“Your concubine thanks Huangshang for his affections,” he murmurs.

buy me a ko-fi!

more paper-thin fic | verse

Notes

I guess this is a thing now? XD

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lonely-lost-soul · 3 years

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Where Loyalties Lie

(Technoblade X reader)

Request 3: Can we get a little angsty fic or headcanon of Techno trying to get the reader to leave L’manberg?

Requested By: Anonymous

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“Tubbo please take a deep breath,” You followed him around the rubble as he paced restlessly.

“I’m president of a crater (Y/n)!” The boy pulled on his ears with a loud whine, “What am I gonna do. I can’t believe Wilbur blew it up-” He felt your hands touch his own and gently pull them away from his oversensitive goat ears. “What am I gonna do? I-I’m a kid…” You frowned, moving to cup his cheek with your hand. He nuzzled into it desperately, welcoming the comforting touch of someone who he considered family.

“You’re going to get through it because you’re strong.” You told him, “and so brave little ram.” He flushed pink letting out a whine of protest especially because he was still surrounded by most of his friends.

You watch as Quackity walked over to the both of you and placed his hand on Tubbo’s shoulder squeezing it, “We’ll rebuild. We’ll be right behind you Tubbo.” He smiled at the kid and you couldn’t help but smile over at him.

“Thank you both. Truly.”

There was one thing that had you were worried you may come to regret, and that was not taking Technoblade’s hand as he fled from the country. You were close almost touching it, he looked like he wanted to beg for you too but one desperate cry from Tubbo had you pulling away. He looked heartbroken but at the same time, you saw understanding in his deep red eyes.

Family came first.

That day he pulled you close pressing a soft kiss on your forehead, “I’ll be back for you.”

You murmured a soft I’m sorry, turning to find Tubbo to make sure he wasn’t injured or dying. The thoughts of the festival replaying in your head, you couldn’t go through that...not again especially because now Tubbo was officially on his last life. Tommy couldn’t fathom how you didn’t blame Technoblade for what happened that day, but to you, two things were clear: one was that Tubbo didn’t blame him which made it easier on your end to forgive him; two Schlatt was manipulative and overwhelming as fuck you can’t blame someone for something they were peer pressured into doing. Speaking of Tommy you ended up finding Tubbo and him in the rubble that day, the taller male was pressing cloth to Tubbo’s bleeding arm desperately, when you took over and Tommy seemed grateful.

However, you had to push your possible regrets aside and focus on the new nation you’d help build, and build it you did. You worked endlessly for months on end creating a lovely new nation for people to live in, Tubbo had dubbed it New L’manburg. You felt his pride and happiness, he just loved seeing everyone together again and happy once again. Finally, the server felt somewhat normal after all that destruction, even if there was a Techno-shaped hole in your heart. Things changed rather quickly when Tubbo was, in your eyes, manipulated to exile Tommy by Dream. You had tried to argue for the boy saying that not only was he Tubbo’s friend but just a kid. You were shut down harshly by not only Dream but Tubbo as well, the look in his eyes was filled with so much loathing and frustration. It’s the first time he ever snapped and was harsh to you, you felt your own frustration bubble up in your chest. You turned on your heel and marched back up into your house, you were not going to put up with this behavior. When you slammed the door shut, and turned around to find Technoblade standing in your living room, with your cat purring fondly on his shoulders; you almost screamed.

“Heh- why are you scared it’s just me?” The hybrid complained his nose scrunching up, “Don’t be cringe- oof-” Techno grunted as you threw your arms around his waist, the man flushed to the tips of his ears and looked away from you, Taffy hopped off his shoulders disgruntledly, “Yeah, yeah, I missed you too.” He pet the top of your head tenderly and you looked up at him with a smile.

“What’re you doing here Tech? If Tubbo finds out he’ll have your head.”

“Then I guess we’ll just have to make sure he doesn’t find me then huh?” He mused lips, quirking into a smile, and you nodded in agreement. “Other than that just running some errands. I’m in retirement now you know. I have to say that ‘New L’Manburg’ is certainly a name.” He did air quotes around the name and you nudged him,

“Be nice.”

“Boo Cringe. I’m a Blood God starlight. I don’t do nice.”

“Bullshit,” You punched him in the arm, “Tea?”

“Please.” He cracked a smile as you walked over to your tea kettle heating the water and grabbing some tea bags.

“So, you came here to run some errands huh? I almost thought you missed me?” Technoblade shuffled a little behind you, how could you read him so perfectly? It was complete and utter bullshit. You heard him click his tongue distastefully behind you and you couldn’t help but smirk cheekily,

“Get off my back woman.” He stated gruffly as you laughed, “but I guess I do miss you a little bit.” You smiled fondly and softly cooed at him and he let out another scoff,

“A little bit?”

“What is this interrogation? You a cop now?” You placed his tea in front of him and he took a sip,

“Yeah, we’re gonna need to do a strip search. Drop your pants.” Technoblade choked on his drink, face turning the darkest shade of red you’ve ever seen from him. You howled with laughter sliding down in your seat beside the man.

“I changed my mind. I didn’t miss you at all, you’re a terror.”

“You love me, admit it.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah.” He murmured looking at you with a sudden softness that was out of character for him. You didn’t notice the change but it was there, oh if only you knew how much of what you said was true. He did love you. He ran his tongue across his teeth and reached out to interlock your hands within his own.

“Come live with me.”

“Tech…”

“I’m in retirement now. I’m going to get some turtles hopefully, maybe some other pets while I’m at it. There’s a lot of room...It gets lonely all alone you know. It’d be nice to have you there with me.” He watched hesitance flicker across your face again just like the day Wilbur blew up L’Manburg. Your thoughts went to Tubbo and how much he needed you, especially now that Tommy was exiled. However, you were also brought back to a few moments ago where Tubbo snapped at you for trying to help. You took a ragged breath and pushed his hand away, he frowned sadly bringing his hand back down to his lap.

“I need to be here for Tubbo. He’s a kid Tech...way over his head. Dreams sniffing around him like a dog looking for his next victim to manipulate. I can’t let that happen, not to him. I know he’s President of this nation and you hate him for that, but he’s my brother and I love him. He’s a tough kid with a lot of fire, but I can’t just leave him in the dust. I love you,” You reached up and cupped his cheek and Technoblade felt his cheeks burn at the implication, “but I can’t leave until Tubbo is safe.”

“I’ll convince you one day.” Technoblade shot back even though his heart ached, that you wouldn’t be coming home with him. But Technoblade wasn’t known for giving up. He was stubborn as hell, he’d win you over yet. You’d come home with him, he’d confess to you and he’d make you the happiest person in the world. You just...didn’t know it yet.

“I’m excited for the day you do Tech.” You snickered softly, you both were startled by harsh knocking on the door.

“That’s my cue. See you soon Starlight,” Technoblade hummed slipping right out the window, you watched him go longingly. You shuffled towards the door and opened it slowly, on the front steps stood Tubbo who was rocking nervously on his feet.

“Hi…”

“Hey LR...you okay?” Tilting your head to the side,

“Is LR supposed to stand for little ram?”

“Problem?”

“No…I suppose not.” He murmured before clearing his throat and straightening his back, “I wanted to talk with you.”

“Oh?” You raised an eyebrow watching him nod his head sternly, you walked outside and closed the door behind you so you could lean on it. “Shoot,”

You watched as Tubbo swallowed thickly, “First off I’m sorry for yelling at you earlier. It wasn’t fair of me to snap.” He watched you nod a little urging him to continue, “however, I am the President now and you have to respect my authority.” Eyebrows furrowing together in frustration you opened your mouth to counter him but he held up his hand, “Dream has an idea of how to rule. He can steer me in a better direction-”

“Pardon me?” You let out a disbelieving laugh, “A better direction? Tubbo, are you forgetting everything we all fought for, we fought him for independence. He killed us!”

“He might’ve changed!”

“He exiled Tommy!”

“He deserved it!” Tubbo shouted back as your nose scrunched up, “He’ll steer me in a direction that you never could!” He snapped before realizing what he said, he slapped his hands over his mouth eyes widening to the size of saucers. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean that-”

“Go home Tubbo.”

“(Y/n) please,” He reached out towards you and you held up your hand,

“Go reset the day. You need rest,” You frowned, turning back into the house “see you tomorrow.” Inside the house you shut the door on him and slid down onto the floor, you brought your hands to your mouth and swallowed thickly. A part of you wished Technoblade was still here just so he could tell you to get over yourself, he wasn’t skilled in the art of comforting others, but he could make you laugh. To keep yourself sane you reminded yourself that Tubbo was a child and needed you now more than ever, especially if he thought Dream was dishing out good advice. But you were hurt and a selfish part of you wished you could just go live in retirement with Technoblade and not worry about the new country forming, but you couldn’t ditch Tubbo.

Running a hand through your hair you sighed loudly, one might wonder what exactly could Tubbo do to make you listen to Technoblade’s offer. Honestly, you had no idea if anything would make you do that unless of course they just started executing people or something ridiculous like that.

Restless was how you’d describe the rest of your night, you tried to sleep but after a few hours of tossing and turning you gave up. You decided to make yourself a ‘healthy’ midnight snack, a small bowl of mac & cheese, you didn’t care, you were sad. You sighed softly scratching behind your cat’s ears, “It’s just you and me against the world Taffy isn’t it?” Her purrs rang in the air as she snuggled against your hand, distracting you just enough to swipe a noddle from your bowl. “You fat bitch!” You hissed as she ran off back up the stairs, you leaned back in your chair and sighed, literally nothing was going your way today. Just as you finished up your snack you heard a soft ping upon your window, turning to the sound you noticed your neighbor Phil awake in his house. He held up a hand and waved at you through it, and with a small smile, you waved back. He shuffled back into his home, I guess you both were insomniacs together, Techno knew how to pick a certain type of friend it seemed.

You walked back up to your bedroom and slid under the covers once more, maybe you were wrong and things were going to get better.

Months went by and nothing seemed to change much to your disappointment. Tubbo and you were still a little rocky, you had forgiven him for his harsh words but he always put Dream’s and even Quackity’s opinion before your own. When you came back from visiting Niki one day and saw wanted posters of Technoblade all around the country you almost had a stroke. You confronted Tubbo about it and only half answered you before running off when Quackity called him. That worried you, he normally didn’t like lying, especially not to you.

The same day you were walking into the market to get some fresh fruit when a hand shot out from the wanted poster and pulled you behind it. You were held flush against someone’s chest who chuckled gruffly, you recognized that chuckle anywhere. “Techno! What’re you doing here?” You asked looking up at him with eyes filled with concern, “don’t you know you’re a wanted man?”

“I think that just makes this all the more exciting.” Techno mused running his fingers through your hair, “Plus it’s not like anyone here can catch me.”

“Wrong I could catch you.” He dared to laugh in your face,

“Sure you could, and I’m half sheep.” Technoblade mused and he watched you huff cutely, “Don’t get all huffy at me you know I’m right.” You only waved him off, “seriously though I’m here to do some trading with Phil.”

“Oh…” You gave a nod, “Will I see you more frequently then?”

“You could see me all the time if you moved in with me.” Techno joked again and was surprised to see your face fall a little. Are you serious? Was he getting you to crack? “Starlight?”

“Ask me again in a few months and I might say yes,” You teased brushing the question off swiftly, Technoblade didn’t pry but he could tell you were almost convinced. Just what was going on in this country to make you want to leave your little brother? “Now shoo, go see Phil before he gives up on you.” You gave him a little shove and he stumbled off with a huff sticking his tongue out at you in the process.

After that encounter, you didn’t run into Technoblade for another very long stretch of time. About a month or so after that encounter, Tubbo had shown up at your doorstep a complete nervous wreck. He begged you to help him, claiming he needed diamonds for an upcoming project and wanted you to acquire them for him. “Tubbo I don’t understand why I need to go on this trip? I have diamonds I can just give you. You know I don’t care.”

“But I feel bad about it,” Tubbo argued with you “please just do this for me.”

“You know I’ll do anything for you. If you want me to get them this way I’ll do it. I should be back tonight is that okay? Do you need them sooner?” Tubbo looked relieved as he took your hands in his own,

“No tonight is perfect!” The boy chirped sounding more like himself than he has in months, you couldn’t help but smile. You ruffled his hair a little before kissing his forehead,

“Then tonight you shall have them, Little Ram.”

Tubbo helped you gather the materials you needed for a trip down into the mines, Tubbo even gave you some fire resistance potions. You thanked him for the potions before putting on your armor and heading down into the tunnels. As you were down in the mine the concept of time was always an illusion, so when you finally found diamonds for Tubbo and you left the cave you were surprised to see the sun was just setting. You hummed softly to yourself walking back into New L’manburg excited to show off to Tubbo you couldn’t help but wonder what he needed them for in the first place. However, when you entered town you were greeted by a gathering going on at the center. Everyone seemed to be there clad in what looked to be butcher’s outfits, your vibe was immediately thrown off eyebrows furrowing in concern. Quackity was giving some sort of speech and that finally drew your eyes towards the podium, locked inside a cage was a fuming Technoblade. You rushed towards the group, pushing past Ghostbur and a blue sheep, and grabbed tightly onto Tubbo’s arm.

“Tubbo what the fuck is happening?” He tensed turning towards your face. It was no secret that you and Techno were friends, this wasn’t good at all.

“(Y/n)! You’re back early!” He spoke nervously rubbing his hands together as Quackity turned towards you,

“Welcome back!” Quackity hopped off the podium with a smirk, “Fundy grab them.”

“Quackity hey wait a minute-” Tubbo started as Fundy roughly grabbed onto your arms pinning you in place,

“Ow hey! Watch it! Let go of me!”

“Get your hands off them!” Technoblade snarled nostrils flaring grabbing the bars of the cage tightly.

“Quackity you said we’d leave them out of this!” Tubbo argued and your jaw dropped staring at Tubbo, “You promised!”

He waved Tubbo off with a scoff, “they’re just as bad as Phil, Tubbo. She needs to be punished. We can't play favorites when trying to run a country. We’ll execute Techno then deal with the other traitors.”

“Execute?” You choked, “you can’t be serious! Tubbo you cannot be serious, since when are you okay with public executions?” He refused to look at you, his hair covering his eyes, he only nodded his head in Quackity’s direction.

“Do it.”

“Tubbo!” You shrieked watching Quackity grin maliciously, moving over to pull the lever that would allow the anvil to fall and crush the man below it.

What happened next was a cluster fuck, someone began trying to set off TNT, and Quackity pulled the lever. It fell rapidly towards Techno and he pulled something out of his pocket, in a flash of bright colors and bursts of light Technoblade was ripped apart and pulled back together again. He was alive, Technoblade really doesn’t ever die. He hopped on top of the anvil and jumped the bars of the cage, Fundy had long since lost his grip on you, he noticed Dream ushering him inside a cavern and he paused a moment. The hybrid turned towards you holding out his hand one final time, the world seemed to stop a moment and it was just you and him. His face held a desperate look in it, almost pleading you to take his hand within your own. You flashed back to the day Wilbur blew the country up, Tubbo called your name you glanced over your shoulder once towards Little Ram. You reached into your bag and dropped the diamonds you found for him on the ground, you grabbed Technoblade’s hand and squeezed it tightly. Technoblade smiled and yanked you forward, leaving a heartbroken Tubbo in your wake.

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fqjth · 3 years

Text

the art of pining (3)

pairing ➵ benedict bridgerton x reader

summary ➵ a flashback chapter where the origins or y/n and benedicts relationship reveal themselves

warnings ➵ smut, oral (f & m receiving), handjob, fingering, almost some p in v

words ➵ 5160

other parts ➵ part one, part two, part four

✾ ✾ ✾

For the past year, Y/N had been away living with her aunt and uncle in the countryside. Something her mother forced her to do, thinking it would be the last hope to turn her into a proper lady before presenting herself to society. Y/N wasn’t too pleased with this arrangement, nonetheless, she had no choice but to go.

The twelve months spent their made her long for London, something she never wished she would ever do. Yet, when her carriage rolled up to her family’s estate in the city, she couldn’t have been happier to be home. She stepped from the carriage, her mother and father waiting for her on the street.

“Welcome home, sweetheart” Her father said, pulling her into an embrace. Her mother smiled at her. However, this was not a smile of happiness but hope. “Let’s pray that living with your aunt and uncle changed you, Y/N” Her mother spoke before hugging her as well. At that moment, she remembered why she hated living here.

Her parents showed her up the house, not much had changed. Everything seemed to still be where it was a year ago, the only difference she could spot was a few new staff members. Once inside, Y/N made her way up to her bedroom. She sat on the edge of the mattress, allowing herself to take in the fact she was home. Her body began to relax as if she was carrying this unseen weight on her for these long past months. Softly, she let her body melt away onto the bed. Tiredness consumed her.

Suddenly, a loud knock at the door woke her and before she knew it her mother was standing at her doorway. “Get dressed, we are going to the Bridgerton’s for dinner” She announced, rather loudly that Y/N was sure the whole of London heard.

Y/N huffed as her mother exited the room, why did she have to go out and socialise the moment she arrived home? She loved the Bridgerton’s, but did she need to go? Couldn’t they have postponed until tomorrow? Of course not, she thought. Her mother is using today to show her off to their friends before Y/N forget all that she has learnt in the country and returns to her ungrateful self.

The night rolled around rather quickly, as it was late afternoon when Y/N had arrived home. They now stood in the foyer of the Bridgerton estate, being welcomed by Lady Bridgerton and her son Anthony. “Come in, dinner is almost ready,” Violet said, guiding them further into the house. The four of them entered the dining room, a large table sat in the middle. Each member of the Bridgerton family sat at one of the chairs. Y/N sat in the empty one next to Daphne, her long-time friend.

Benedict sat across from her, smiling at her when she greeted him. He couldn’t keep his eyes off her the whole way through dinner, how did she manage to become so beautiful in the past year? Yes, he had also thought her pretty but not as he did now. He felt attracted to her in ways he never had before, and he started to hate himself for it. He couldn’t be attracted to her, how stupid of him. He could tell her mind was elsewhere throughout the meal, as every question shot her way answered with a smile or a sigh. He wanted to ask her if she was alright but couldn’t seem to manage the words out.

After dinner, the group retired to one of the lounges downstairs. The conversation was loud and the music was playing, how a small group of people managed to make such noise, Y/N didn’t know. Every time someone asked her a question about her time with her aunt and uncle, she wanted to scream. She needed to get out of there before her head exploded.

It took her another twenty or so minutes, yet somehow, she managed to escape upstairs somewhere. She walked down the hallway, trying to find a room she believed would be unoccupied. Anywhere she could lay her head for a moment to recollect her thoughts.

Finally, she came across a set of doors at the end of the corridor. Y/N entered the room, the noise from the group bellow disappearing behind the wooden doors. She turned her body, now facing the room before her. However, when she turned around, she realised she wasn’t alone in the room. “Benedict!” She jumped, her hand landing over her chest. “I didn’t know anyone was in here” her hand fell back to her side as she looked at the man.

“It’s quite alright, Y/N’ Benedict chuckled, placing a piece of paper down on the desk. “I’m guessing you too weren’t rather enjoying the festivities downstairs?”. His nerves from before still resting under the surface of the conversation, yet he wasn’t going to allow them to show.

“I’ve never loved these sorts of events, as you are aware”, she laughed. She took steps around the room, taking in her surroundings as she did so. Papers arranged on and around the desk Benedict was now leaning against, his arms crossed over his chest. “But I could also ask you the same question, why are you hiding yourself up here? I didn’t even see you leave”

“I love my family very much, but sometimes they can be a bit- “

“Boring?” Y/N interrupted.

Another chuckle left Benedict’s lips, “Yes, well I just don’t seem to share the same values when it comes to belonging in society”

“I do remember you disappearing a lot when we would be at some stupid ball or dinner party” Y/N took a step around the opposite side of the desk that Benedict was leaning against. Her eyes drifted to those papers again, at a closer glance she noticed they had sketches printed on them. She picked up one, smiling down at it. “Since when were you an artist?” her eyes left the paper and met his.

“An artist? No, it’s just a hobby I’ve picked up” He was now standing right next to her, looking down at the same papers her eyes had drifted back towards. She was impressed by his skill, her smile showing so. Benedict always thought she had a beautiful smile and she did look so beautiful to him at this moment.

A strand of hair had now fallen across her face. Almost instinctively, Benedict reached over and pushed it back behind her ear. She looked at him, his hand still resting lightly over her cheek. Slowly, he pulled her face closer to his, waiting shortly to see if she would pull away. A part of him wished she would. He knew these feelings he had started to develop for her were wrong. Yet, she didn’t stop him. She didn’t pull away.

Their lips collided with a soft kiss, only for a moment or two before they both pulled away. Their faces stayed close. Their eyes closed. “I’m sorry”, Benedict breathed, pulling away as he spoke. “I shouldn’t have done that”.

“Why not?” Y/N pried, watching the man who was now facing away from her. “I let you, didn’t I? I did not stop you.”

Benedict sighed, “you must know I don’t mean you any harm in my actions”. He turned back around, facing her once again. “I care very deeply for you, Y/N. I hope you know that”.

“Of course,” She stated, taking a step closer to him. “I hope you know that I care deeply for you also, very much so”. She grabbed his hand with hers, looking up at him. “Kiss me again”, She whispered.

Benedict didn’t speak. Instead, he leant back down and kissed her once more. This one was more passionate than the last. His hands fell to her waist as hers fell over his shoulders. Y/N had only ever kissed one other person. A boy she had met while she was away in the countryside. It was a horrible kiss, something she regretted instantly. However, the way Benedict kissed her was so much more than she could ever imagine a proper kiss to feel like. The way their lips melded together perfectly as if they were made for each other.

It wasn’t long again until Benedict pulled himself away from the girl. This time not turning away from her but pressing his forehead against hers. “I do hope we can do this again” he admitted, hands still resting on her waist.

“I’m sure my mother is wondering where I am by now, and I’m not in the mood for an argument when we get back to our estate,” Y/N said, looking up at Benedict. “Find me tomorrow night, in the park outside my house”, Y/N whispered, “I’ll be waiting there”. She looked up at him, a kiss planted on his cheek before she decided to exit the room, leaving Benedict alone with the memory of what just occurred.

The next day passed by quickly, night consuming the day. Y/N sat alone against the tallest tree that sat in the park behind her house. It was dark, it felt as if everyone else in London was asleep by how quiet it was. She always loved coming here late at night, to be alone with her thoughts. To be away from her mother. She did love her mother, she was family after all. The two, however, never got along.

Sometimes Y/N wished to have a sibling she could have grown up with, someone who would share the disdain for their mother. However, Lady Y/L/N was never able to fall pregnant again after having her daughter, something she seemed to blame Y/N for.

The sound of someone walking close by startled Y/N out of her thoughts. She jumped to her feet to peer around the tree she had been sitting under. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to frighten you” Benedict spoke in a low tone as if he was worried someone would hear.

“It’s alright, was just lost in thought” Y/N smiled, offering Benedict a place seated next to her under the tree.

They both sat in silence as if they felt too nervous to speak to one another. Neither one of them ever thought they would be in this situation, feeling as if they could not speak to each other out of pure awkwardness. Benedict looked over at her first, watching as she fiddled with her hands. She looked so beautiful in the moonlight.

He managed to build up the courage to grab her hand and hold it in his own, she smiled up at him as he did so. “Not regretting yesterday, are you?” He asked, his thumb tracing across hers.

“Not at all, I hope you’re not” Y/N answered.

“If I was, I wouldn’t have come” His smile made her heart skip a beat. “Tell me about the countryside, I must know what they made you do up there” He pried, genuinely curious about her time away.

Y/N went on to describe almost every little detail of the past year. From her aunty forcing her to take dancing lessons to walking in on her cousin having sex with his sister’s companion. The ladder of which made Benedict laugh.

The two spoke for what felt like hours, the tension that was there when they had first sat down disappearing with each word spoken. Y/N’s head was now resting in Benedict’s lap as he played with her hair. He wanted to kiss her so badly at this moment, as she spoke about all the wondrous things she wished to do one day.

“What are you staring at” Y/N laughed, suddenly feeling embarrassed by her ramblings. She sat up, leaning back so she was facing him.

“I wasn’t staring,’ Benedict answered, straightening himself up against the tree. “I was admiring”.

“I’m not much to admire”

“nonsense,” Benedict reached over and caressed her cheek, “I could admire you all day”.

Y/N felt a lump form in her throat, nerves rushing back as they had done before. His lips landed on her softly, as they had done the day previously. She felt herself melt under his touch. He grabbed her by the waist, gently pulling her closer. Their lips staying melded together Benedict laid her down on the grass, his body hovering over hers.

Her hand's hand moved to his hair, his still resting on her waist. He wanted more than this, he thought about doing things he knew he shouldn’t be thinking about. Not about her, not here. However, he craved her touch as much as she did his.

It was as if she was reading his mind, because before he knew it, Y/N had pushed him down harder on her body. “Kiss me harder” She whispered into his ear. Benedict did as he was told, moving his hand back to her cheek, pulling her harder into the kiss.

His hands began to wander around her body, grabbing at the fabric that was covering her body. He began to wonder if he was taking things too far with her, should he just get up and leave right there. But she didn’t stop him, instead, she guided his hand to her breast. “I want you to touch me” She stated, causing Benedict to pull away from her body.

He hovered over her, his arms holding him up. “Are you sure?” He asked, “Have you ever...” His thoughts trailed off, too embarrassed to ask his question.

“Too myself, yes” She admitted, “But I want to know what it will feel like when you do it”. She bit her lip, nervous that he would think less of her now, allowing herself to let him do things to do.

Benedict looked down at her, scanning her body. He waited a moment before leaning down and kissing her again, “If I go too far, tell me and I’ll stop”.

Y/N nodded. Her stomach knotted as she became nervous as he began to touch her body. His lips attached at her neck, trailing soft wet kisses. His hand found itself under her dress, teasing her as he graced his fingers over the piece of fabric covering what was bare. She gasps as his fingers slipped under the cloth, feeling her wet centre.

“Are you okay?” he whispered, his fingers still dancing around her slit. She nodded, allowing him to continue with what he was doing. “You’re so wet, love” that was the first time had referred to her by anything other than her name, the words sent shivers down her spine. His fingers shifted, two of them now rubbing circles around her clit. “I want to do something” he spoke, “stop me if you start to feel too uncomfortable”. Y/N nodded as she watched the man move down her body, his face now in between her legs.

He looked up at her, looking for a second dose of reassurance. She nodded once more, allowing him to remove the lingerie she had been wearing, placing it on the side of them.

His tongue hit her center with a soft kiss, sending shivers down her back. He looked up at her as he began to slowly devour her core. A small moan left her lips. She had never felt like this before. The feeling was intense as he began teasing her entrance with one of his fingers. He looked at her for reassurance. Another moan gave him the answer he was looking for, and he slowly pushed his digit inside her. she became tense under the pressure.

“Are you alright, love? not hurting you, am I?” Benedict asked as he slowly pumped his finger, asking for permission to add another. “No, no it’s not hurting”, y/n responded, the words barley leaving her lips. “m’feels so good” her back arched slightly as Benedict’s lips reattached themselves to her core, adding another digit as he did so.

The stretch burned as she felt her insides fill. She pushed herself against him, asking for more. Benedict listened, speeding up his pace, and now rubbing circles on her clit with his thumb. he hovered over her, his lips inches from hers. “you’re so beautiful like this”, he whispered as the girl quivered under him. “Benedict”, she moaned, pulling in for a kiss to quite herself.

Her body began to feel hot as this pressure built up inside her. Benedict could tell she was close. He pulled away from their kiss and leant down to her ear, “cum, darling”. as soon as the words left his lips, y/n felt the tension she had been holding onto let go. Her core now throbbing around Benedict’s fingers. He leant down and placed a kiss on her neck before removing his digits, leaving her feeling empty.

“that felt,” y/n could barely get a word out as she laid underneath Benedict, her breathing staggered. Benedict chuckled, leaning back to kiss the girl. “it’s alright,” he spoke softly, “I hope it wasn’t too much for you”.

y/n cupped her hands on both of Benedict’s cheeks, forcing him in for another kiss. “It felt amazing, let me make you feel good as well” she met his eyes, asking him to show her how. he placed a small kiss on her forehead. “not today, love” he pushed a stray hair back behind her ear, “tonight was about you feeling good”.

Two weeks had passed since Y/N and Benedict’s moment in the park. Neither of them had seen each other since.

It’s all Y/N could think about, the way he made her feel. She wanted to return the favour, but she didn’t know how or when. She became desperate, asking her mother when they were to see the Bridgerton’s again, and when she found out they were to see each other tonight for dinner, she couldn’t help but beam for the rest of the day.

She found how she would make Benedict feel the way he made her feel the afternoon before. She had asked a maid, a lovely woman who had two kids, how to please a man. At first, she was reluctant to tell, worried her job might be at stake if Y/N’s parents were to find out. However, Y/N assured her no one would find out, so the women let her know.

She was nervous, not knowing if she would do what the maid had told her. She worried he would think she was not good enough. However, when they arrived at the Bridgerton estate, Y/N felt her nerves rush away. She felt the urge to find Benedict right away, but she knew she couldn't.

Y/N waited for an hour or so to look for the man. She did not want to look suspicious to her family or the Bridgerton’s. She ended up excusing herself from the drawing-room, allowing them to believe she was feeling unwell and needed to go freshen up.

She walked down the halls of the estate until she landed her eyes on the room the two had kissed only a few weeks prior, hoping he was inside. She took a deep breath before opening the doors.

“Y/N, how are you?” Benedict greeted the girl as she entered the room. She didn’t answer. Instead, she approached him and placed a kiss on his lips. “what was the for?” he chuckled as he pulled away, his hands resting on her waist. “well, I was thinking” y/n started, “that I want to make you feel good like you made me feel good the other day”.

“You do not have to do that, love”, Benedict sighed with a smile. “I will not make you do anything you don’t want”

“But I want to” She reassured him, her hand starting to palm his member through his pants. “I’ve spoken to a maid, she told me what to do” She whispered, placing a kiss on his cheek.

Benedict let out a soft moan at the feeling of her hand, feeling himself grow harder as she did so. “Darling” he grabbed her hand, stopping her from her actions. “Are you positive you want to do this?” He asked, kissing her hand. Y/N nodded, her nerves stuck in her throat making her unable to speak an answer. “Let me guide you, then” he whispered in her ear, sending shivers down her spine.

Benedict pulled away from Y/N for a moment, unbuckling his pants. Y/N wouldn’t dare to look. Instead, her glance landed on the ceiling. “It’s alright, love”, he grabbed her hand once more, “we do not have to do anything”.

“No,” she spoke, “I want to”. Her eyes landed back on his. His eyes spoke to her, telling her not to be frightened. She dared herself to look. Benedict stood with his pants now unbuckled, his member on full display to anyone who dared to intrude on their moment. Her eyes widened at his size.

“Here”, he spoke as he guided her hand to grip his shaft. His other hand rested on her cheek, keeping her eye fixated on his. His hand moved from hers once she found the right rhythm. “Just like, darling”, He moaned, his grip around her waist.

“Are you okay?” asked Y/N, worried she was doing something wrong.

Benedict looked down at her, “I’m more than okay”. He kissed her deeply as her hand began to speed up and down his cock. He moaned into the kiss, now roughly pushing her body against hers. “Just like that, love”, he whispered, inching closer to finishing.

Y/N kept her pace, pulling Benedict in for a kiss one last time. He moaned heavily into her mouth as he finished into her hand, resting his forehead on hers afterwards. “I apologise, I should’ve given you a warning that I-“he began but interrupted the girl.

“You apologise too much”, she laughed, “I just hope it felt good for you”.

Benedict leant down and gave her a soft kiss, “It felt amazing”. He smiled down at her as she did back. He began to wonder how someone so beautiful cared for him as she did. “Let me clean you up before people began to wonder where we keep disappearing off too”.

Months would go by, the two of them stealing intimate moments whenever they could. They both knew what they were doing was a huge risk, but it was as if they were addicted to each other’s touch. And at first, Benedict believed his only interest in the girl was lustful. Yes, he thought she was the most beautiful creature he had ever graced his eyes upon, and that there was no one else that ever understood exactly how he felt. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was falling in love with her.

The stolen glances across the room, the way her soft skin felt in the dark, the way she would moan his name. All of these things made his heart skip a beat, his palms become sweaty, and a lump would form in his throat. He wondered how, how could someone he knew his whole life suddenly make him so nervous?

They were sitting across from each other. Benedict and his family were visiting Y/N and her family for dinner, a tradition between the two households.

Whenever they would find themselves alone when staying at the estate, they had to be sneakier with their hidings away. Most commonly, they would spend their time in a tucked-away corner of the house. In a study that no one ever stepped foot in other than Y/N when she wanted to escape her mother’s nagging. However, even though the room was far away from the rest of the house, they had to be quieter than they were at his. Noise travelled far in the Y/L/N estate, and they didn’t want to risk getting caught.

“Tell me, Y/N,” Violet Bridgerton started, “Are you looking forward to this coming out season?”.

“I believe my mother is looking forward to it more than I” Her honesty made Benedict chuckle, choking on his food as he did so. Both his mother and Lady Y/L/N shot him a glare. “Sorry” He apologised, Y/N smiled at him.

“Daphne here is so looking forward to it, aren’t you, sweetheart?” Violet said, looking at her oldest daughter with loving eyes.

These sorts of conversations went on for another hour, boring both Benedict and Y/N. The families decided to retire to the drawing-room, chatting about upcoming events and parties. Somehow, two of them managed to slip away from the group without anyone noticing.

They ran down halls and ducked around corners. Now and then, Benedict would pull her in for a kiss before reached the study at the back of the house. The room was small, just a desk rested in the middle and a bookcase to the side. Y/N guided him over to the table, placing herself on top of the wooden piece of furniture. Benedict positioned himself in-between her legs, his hands on either side of her face. “You are the most beautiful women I have ever laid my eyes on” He whispered before leaning down to kiss her.

“You flatter me, Benedict” He breathed as his lips trailed themselves down her neck. The feeling setting her skin on fire, her core beginning to beg for his touch. For these past months, every time he touched her she wished for more. More than what they had been doing, as much as she loved the way it felt. However, she knew they could never, he would never. Benedict was too much of a gentleman to ruin her completely, he would never put shame on her like that.

“I try my best, love” He whispered back to her before going to his knees, lifting her dress as he did so. He slipped his hands under the piece of lingerie that sat over what he craved. With one movement, he had removed the piece of cloth that was now laying on the floor beneath them. Benedict ran two of his fingers down Y/N’s slit, “Already so wet for me, darling”.

Y/N threw her head back in pleasure as he slowly pushed his digits inside her. Benedict kept his eyes on her, watching her hold back her moans was making him hard. With a smile on his face, he brought his lips to her core, running his tongue around her clit. The action caused Y/N to grab at the man’s hair, pushing him closer to her.

His pace increased, his eyes still locked on hers as she held his head in position. “Are you getting close, love?” He asked, receiving a muffled yes from the girl. Her response caused him to remove his fingers, standing back up to hover over as she sat on the desk. A moan of annoyance left her lips. “Don’t worry, I’ll let you finish” He whispered, “But I need you to touch me as well”. Y/N nodded and reach for Benedict waistband, his trousers falling almost immediately to the ground.

She took his shaft in her hands, jerking it up and down slowly. He leant down and kissed her hard, his hand gripping her thigh. “Get on your knees for me, love” He commanded in a soft voice, Y/N obliged his orders.

Benedict was now leaning against the desk, Y/N on her knees as she looked directly at his cock. She had only ever had him in her mouth once before, something she wished to do more often. Her eyes looked up at him, his hands falling in her hair as he guided her mouth onto the tip of his cock. A moan escaped his mouth as she took him in. She began to slowly bob her head, taking an inch at a time. Last time, she wasn’t able to fit him all in, but she was now determined to make sure she could.

“Fuck,” Benedict moaned, watching the girl below him take him all into her mouth. Her eyes stayed fixated on him as she did so. “You’re so good at that, darling” he whispered, “So fucking good”.

His moans made her want him more. Moving her head with a faster motion now, she took her hand and started to jerk him off simultaneously. This drove Benedict mad, he knew he was getting close. Instead of pushing her head down, as he so wanted to do, he instead grabbed Y/N off the floor. Forcing her back on the desk. “It’d be rude of me to finish before you did, love” He whispered.

Y/N grabbed him and pulled him closer, their kisses becoming hungrier with each one. His hands were grabbing at every piece of her. One fondled her breast while the other rested on her waist, holding him steady. Their bodies felt closer than they ever had before.

“Benedict” Y/N moaned, “I need more of you”. He didn’t answer as his lips attached to her neck, leaving sloppy kisses as he did so. Their cores were now pressed against each other, free of any cloth that would usually be blocking it.

It was as if they had forgotten where they were, blocking out any noise that was happening around them. A sharp pain shot up Y/N’s body as the tip of Benedict’s cocked accidentally slipped into her entrance. She winced in pain causing the man to quickly move away from her body.

“I’m so sorry!” He apologised, “I didn’t mean to let it go that far”. His eyes pleading for forgiveness.

“It’s quite alright”, She assured him, grabbing his hand to pull him closer again. She planted a small kiss on his lips, “It just frightened me, that’s all”

He looked down at her, small droplets of sweat started to form on her forehead. He brushed them away with his thumb. “We must return to our families, they’re probably wondering where we are by now”. Benedict took her hand, helping her stand up from the desk. The two put their discarded pieces of clothing back on, Benedict turning to her afterwards.

He looked at the girl, taking her hand in his. “Y/N I-“his heart began to beat faster than it ever had before, all the feelings he had been trying to suppress rising to the surface. He looked up at her with questioning eyes. “I-I hope you don’t hate me after what just happened?”

“Of course, I don’t” She leant up and gave him one more kiss, “I could never hate you”. Benedict smiled down at her.

The two exited the room, heading back towards where their family was. For the rest of the night, all Benedict could think of was how stupid he was for not telling Y/N how he truly felt about her. A part of him wanted to tell her right there, in front of both their families. But he would never do that. He would never embarrass her like that. Plus, he could feel her mother’s eyes burning into him like fire being thrown towards him. As if she knew what he was thinking.

✾ ✾ ✾

submission box ➵ here

authors note ➵ this was a long one plus i hadn’t written smut in years, so hopefully this made sense!

#benedict bridgerton #benedict bridgerton x reader #benedict bridgerton fanfiction #bridgerton x reader #bridgerton #bridgerton fanfiction #benedict bridgerton smut

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jextraordinaire · 3 years

Text

I know I already reblogged a post about this but the thought of Wilbur going back to writing on the dream smp is stressing me out. I need to stop being protective of Technoblade's plotline and the dsmp plot in general but it's kinda hard. They're a huge part of my life (second to sleep and college) and seeing something I care about be "messed up" would really bother me.

In the interest of organization here's a list of poorly sourced paraphrased things that concern me in regards to Wilbur returning to writing. (In no particular order)

1) Technoblade's excitement about writing

In "a new home" Techno was so genuinely excited about writing. I just want him to be happy honestly

2) The revisions Techno made to Nov 16th

I'm sure everyone remembers how anticlimactic Nov 16th felt after Tubbo was declared president. It was way too easy since everyone defected from Schlatt. The Great President Handoff (tm) started to feel really lame after the dust had settled. All that work for nothing. But then c!Technoblade starts freaking out and goes rogue to fight the new dictatorship. And it was such a climatic ending

But if you remember, Techno said that Wilbur was gonna just have him as another fighter with no significant contributions. No vault, no withers, no Theseus. Maybe he would have managed to make the post president assignment less awkward and anticlimactic but I kinda doubt it. There wasn't much that could be done with it imo.

My point is collaborative story telling gave us Nov 16th not head writer Wilbur

3) Wilbur's cursed canon

The thing Wilbur said about being twins with Techno was never about the dsmp and rather the general family dynamic au that already existed (we know this because Wilbur said that in response to discourse about the au not canon). However the rest of Wilbur's cursed canon is still yikes. Having sex with a salmon, dating a sheep, the refrigerator mother, his references to the family dynamic on the server, etc. When Technoblade says "canon" for the 50th time when Tubbo dies no one takes it seriously. When Wilbur shitposts people update the wiki

4) Techno's commitment to clearing up false info

On a related note Techno's commitment to his characterisation keeps me going. He corrected the family dynamic and comes up with arguments against all the bad takes about his character. He makes fun of Tommy's blame game logic, fights bad character takes by other cc's and pushed for Nov 16th. I trust him to have our back on character and plot nonsense and Wilbur's sometimes opposite demeanor concerns me

5) Wilbur saying he would only come back to be head writer

Wilbur said (before the recent confirmation of him as a writer) that he would only come back if he was the head writer who got the final say. That obviously concerns me because he's coming back now, but the general attitude also feels bad. It insinuates that having his way in the writing is really important to him which doesn't bode well for other writers

6) Wilbur appreciating Tommy not wanting to control his character

Wilbur says (maybe in that same stream idk) that Tommy was super flexible with how Wilbur characterised him while Technoblade wasn't. I can't remember the wording but he sounding noticeably appreciative of Tommy's aquiesence to any sort of writing. Another attitude about writing that I worry won't mesh well

7) Wilbur saying he wanted more geopolitical plot

We have a lot of non geopolitical plot and I'm concerned for how he'd treat them

8) But like seriously Nov 16th??

9) How Philza got into the plot

Not a criticism but Phil got added to the plot and to the smp early because Wilbur wrote him in. What does that say for people Wilbur doesn't know who are running their own story lines. People got really mad over Niki not being involved in the plot like she wanted to and there was no head writer at the time. If you wanted your arc to be important you had to push for it. Now imagine Wilbur not letting someone into the central plot cause he's got his casting already prepared.

10) The exile arc would never have happened

Character driven story telling? Wilbur would never

11) The eggpire would definitely have not happened

Secondary plots that are supernatural and don't involve countries or politics?? No.

12) Techno's retirement arc would be unlikely

Certainly not with the level of development it got

13) -1000% chance of Doomsday happening

Large scale battle to settle conflict?? Not a chance

14) Tommy's hotel bit is cool after all the action

I feel like Tommy in the spotlight just gets repetitive. It's like a tv show desperately trying to make another season. I'm really glad Tommy stepping back from the eggpire arc and giving his character some room to breathe

15) Tommy's non dsmp videos are really good

Another point in the less main character Tommy please column. I personally find the mod videos so much more entertaining than his dsmp stuff. I feel like spending all your time on a server either walk around aimlessly or roleplaying a character someone else made just isn't peak content. Tommy vibing in non plot streams was where his better dsmp content came from. And now he's vibing in videos not even in the server

16) Wilbur plot holes

Despite being a writer before want collaborative story telling, Wilbur's writing has a lot of lore breaking plot holes. The family dynamic obviously, but also the age and death stuff. Fundy's age is a mess and Wilbur writing Phil in as his dad made it so much worse. Is Phil supposed to be 50? How old is Fundy actually? The inconsistency between which lives mattered and which didn't also came about while Wilbur was writing. A fan theory came in clutch but it was very frustrating before that point

17) Wilbur's joke about writing Ranboo out of the story

Obviously a joke but I dislike the implications that he would have that much power over other people's characters

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

In summary no hate to Wilbur he's a super cool guy. Not all of this is his fault; I'm just concerned and wanted to vent. I trust Technoblade to put his foot down about writing but also I fear

#dream smp #Technoblade

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let-me-luve-you · 3 years

Text

I’m Proud of You

Tom Holland x Sister

Summary: The reader is in the military and encourages Tom to take the role of Cherry. Now that the movie is coming out, everyone expresses how proud they are.

Warnings: Not too descriptive but mentions of ptsd and addiction, angst, supportive friends and family, talks of the movie Cherry, talks of military

A/N: Hey guys, this is so late and I’m sorry. Just been going through it a little bit but I’m okay. Thank you to those that reached out. I hope you enjoy this.

MASTERLIST BUY ME A COFFEE REDBUBBLE

When Tom was pulled aside by the Russo Brothers when he was filming End Game and was given the plot line of the movie Cherry, Tom immediately thought of you. You were his baby sister that served in the military. Tom was hesitant to take the role of an army medic that has PTSD and struggles with addiction. This character would hit home in a way.

You had been home leading to Tom leaving for Atlanta to film the final Avengers movie, but you left shortly after he did to go back on deployment. Tom was never fully calm when he knew you weren’t home. He constantly worried.

When the Russo’s came to him, they knew he would have to consider everything from career to personal. They knew you served your country. What they didn’t know was that you were already suffering from PTSD. Tom knew, which is why it took him all of filming to give them an answer.

One morning when Tom was talking to you, he mentioned the role and how he didn’t know if he should take it. It discussed heavy issues. He wasn’t sure if he would be able to bring it justice. You encouraged him to take the role. You told him you knew he could do the role. That he was an amazing actor. You included that doing this movie could help start a conversation about mental health and addiction within soldiers and veterans.

Tom remembered the conversation like it was yesterday. Now the trailer is being released and he is starting the virtual press tour. You had just come home right before Christmas. Your Christmas present to your family was telling them you were retiring from the military. Tom was ecstatic at the news. He hated worrying about you when you were gone. He was constantly thinking that the next phone call he got was going to be his parents telling him you weren’t coming home.

A month later, you were currently staying with Tom until you found your own place. When Tom was sent the trailer to Cherry for him to post on his own social media the next day, he brought his computer to your room. He knocked on the door and opened it when he heard a quiet “come in.”

“Hey Y/N?” You looked up from your iPad when he spoke.

“Yeah?” You asked, confused.

“I have the trailer for Cherry. They just sent it over. Want to watch?” He asked hopefully. You could see the slight fear in his eyes, but you didn’t understand why.

“Sure.” You smiled at him and set your iPad on your night stand. Tom smiled back at you and sat down on the other side of the bed. He quickly made it full screen and hit play. He had already watched it so Tom watched you through the corner of his eye. He noticed that when it showed the war scenes, you tensed.

When the trailer was over, Tom slowly exited out and shut his computer screen. “What did you think? They are going to send over the movie this weekend. Figured me and you could make a movie night out of it with the whole family.”

“I liked it. You look like you did a good job so far. I can’t wait to watch it.” You smiled at him. Tom immediately knew you were putting on your fake smile.

“Everything okay?” He asked, concerned.

“Yeah. I just…” You sighed and looked away from Tom. “Just still adjusting to everything. You know that I’m going to therapy, right?”

Tom shook his head, “No, I just thought you were going to mum’s and dad’s.”

“No. I’ve been going to therapy. I’m at three days a week right now. The nightmares are just too much to handle. Then I hear sounds during the day and it just flashes me back to there.”

“I’m sorry y/n/n. You know you can talk to me. I want you to know you can talk to me. No matter what time. I talked with veterans, I don’t know what you went through, but I know it wasn’t good. After playing this character, I don’t want to see that happen to you. Did they prescribe medicine?” He asked.

You shook your head.

“Okay. If they feel you need to, please let me know. I really, really don’t want you to go through addiction. I don’t even want to risk it for you to even get close to addiction.” He said seriously. You knew he was. You didn’t want the medicine anyways.

“I can’t wait to see the movie.” You said with a smile. “But can I ask if we can start it early? I already know, I’ll probably need to pause it and take a minute when it gets to those scenes.” You said. You didn’t even need to specify which ones. Tom knew already that watching the military scenes were going to be hard for you.

“Yeah. We can. And if you want it to be just us, that’s perfectly okay. I can watch it with everyone else the next night.” He said giving you options.

You shook your head to turn down the new option, “that’s okay. I can watch it with them. Just let them know I will need to pause it.” Tom smiled at you and nodded before kissing your head and getting off your bed. Tom left to go show everyone else the trailer.

After he posted the trailer to his Instagram a few days later, positive comments started flooding his Instagram and Twitter. You scrolled through the comments from Harry, Haz, the Russo Brothers, and more people Tom knew and worked with and like all of them. You were so happy to see them support Tom. He had the right people in his corner.Next you saw a post from Tuwaine. First you scrolled through the photos. They were of Tom as Cherry throughout the different times in the characters life.

It’s funny, cos when I see bae do a role like this, I’m reminded again and again of how talented he truly is. I don’t think the world can look at you the same way once this is out.

He added that the trailer link was in his bio and you smiled. Not many people would do that, but Tuwaine has been one of Tom’s day 1s. You loved Tuwaine like a brother. You couldn’t ask for a better best friend for your brother.

You knew Tuwaine’s words were 100% correct. People saw Tom as a kid. They saw him like he is this sweet, innocent teenager like Peter Parker. He didn’t hate that, but he also hated being seen as a kid. Don’t get him wrong, he loves Spider-Man and he would love to play that character for the rest of his life, but he’s 24. He wanted to be taken seriously and no one takes a kid seriously.

You remember getting the selfie Tom sent to your phone when he was filming. You didn’t get it until you returned home, but he loved to text your phone when things happened so you could stay up to date with him. The selfie Tom sent you was when he was in Morocco. He was in all of his military gear. The text under it was,

I put this suit on and I feel like I’m an imposter. I feel like I don’t deserve to wear this. I’m just an actor, you are the real hero in this world. But when I feel like this, I remember what you told me. “If anyone can play this role, it’s you Tom. You have a connection to the military. You see what it can do to the family and friends around the soldier. You know what it has done to me. If anyone can bring this character to the screen and help start a conversation about PTSD and addiction, it’s you. I don’t know another actor that would take it seriously and give it 110%.” I hope this movie does start that conversation. I hope people see this character and realize the severity of it. Thank you for pushing me to do this role. I love you. I can’t wait to see you again. Stay safe y/n/n. I love you.

You decided to post the picture he sent you plus a screenshot of the text. You wanted them to see Tom as Tom. You were so incredibly proud of him and you wanted the world to see that.

Tom, I honestly don’t know what words to say right now, you know I’m not good at them, but I’m proud of you. I’m proud of you for going outside your comfort zone. You went into this movie to show people you can be more than the nerdy high school kid and to start a conversation. I read all the text you sent me when filming this. I know the hardships you went through. I cannot wait to watch Cherry with you to see all the hard work pay off. I already know you were absolutely amazing in it. I love you and I’m proud of you!

When Tom got the notification that he was tagged in a post by you, he smiled. He smiled even bigger seeing the photos you used and as he read the caption. He was the luckiest brother in the world to have a sister like you. He quickly comment thank you and love you with a kiss and heart emojis.

“Tom?” You asked as you walked into his room to see him lying on the bed.

“Yeah?” He questioned.

“I really am proud of you. Let’s go out for lunch. My treat.” You smiled. Tom got out of bed and walked to you.

“Thank you for pushing me to do this role. I’m really glad I did it.” He said and gave you a kiss on the head. “Now go get dressed, I’m paying.” He said with an arrogant tone and walked towards his bathroom. You left to get dressed while laughing. Knowing it was going to be a fight to see who actually paid for lunch.

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softomi · 3 years

Text

happier

lyric prompt: then only for a minute, I want to change my mind, cause this just don’t feel right to me.

song: Happier (Stripped) by Marshmello and Bastille

pairings: oikawa x reader, osamu x reader

general taglist: @graykageyama

special mentions: @peachysatoru

Thank you for calling Engineering The Mind, please listen to the following options and select the option that applies to you. press one if you are inquiring our Love services, press two if you are inquiring our Mental Health services, press three if you are inquiring our Synaptic Pruning services, please stay on the line for a representative to assist you.

You’ve pressed three, please stay on the line and one of our representatives will be with you shortly.

“Good morning and thank you for choosing our Synaptic Pruning service, could I get your name and date of birth?”

“Actually, I have a question?”

“Yes?”

“If I wanted to erase someone from my memory, am I able to do that?”

“Yes! As long as there is consent from both parties.”

“But can I do it myself?”

“Unfortunately, the procedure requires both parties to consent and participate, the new law states it is considered illegal to synaptically prune another person from your memory without the other party’s consent.”

“Is there a way I can notify the person without personally contacting them?”

“Of course, as long as you know their name, date of birth, and social, then we can reach out to the other party to inform them that you have started the forms for a synaptic pruning procedure and they will have 30 days from the day of their notification to begin their forms.”

“What happens if they reject?”

“If the other party rejects, then unfortunately we cannot move forward with the procedure.”

“Okay. I’d like to start a form and have them be notified.”

“Perfect, let me just quickly get the information of the other party. What is their relationship to you?”

“Ex-husband.”

“Name of the other party?”

“Oikawa Tooru.”

His luggage drags against the airport’s floor, the sunglasses on his face protects against the amount of camera flashes. Oikawa waves to the cameras, waving to fans, momentarily stopping to take in the bustling Japan airport. Home felt so distant for him.

“Is it true you’re here for a procedure?” A reporter is walking alongside him.

Oikawa merely smiles, “No. I’m just here on vacation, I missed Japan so much, the last time I was here I wasn’t able to do many of the things I wanted to. I’d appreciate it if I am treated as any other citizen.”

“There’s rumors that you’re in Japan to possibly be scouted for one of the Japanese teams, care to explain?”

Oikawa stops, staring directly at the camera, “Like I said, I’m here on vacation and on my own dime. I’m here to attend a wedding of a very close friend and have no plans on looking into other teams, but I can assure you, I plan on playing for the Argentinian team for as long as I can.”

“Do you think your previous injury will affect your current position on the Argentinian national team?”

Another reporter manages to squeeze in, “It’s been almost a year since your injury, are you considering retiring your number if your injury doesn’t improve?”

Oikawa laughs. The television screen cuts off. He’s been in Japan for almost a week now, at least that’s all you know of since he had texted you once he had arrived. From what you can gather through social media, he wasn’t in town. He was frolicking through his childhood neighborhood, meeting friends and family who haven’t seen him since the Olympics.

It’s early morning in your home, the sheets hug you with warmth, you’ve been awake for some time and if you were honest, you didn’t think you slept at all. Ever since he’s stepped foot back into the country, you haven’t been able to sleep properly.

The head on your chest stirs and the male’s breathing falls steady back into slumber. His body is entangled with yours, body weight practically all on top of you, and his breathing brings a sense of dread in you for a moment. It feels similar to him.

You lift your arms, holding out your hands in front of you to gaze at the small diamond. It’s tucked between your pinkie and middle finger, it’s bright and beautiful just like he was promising your future with him would be.

He, your current lover; the man you absolutely loved and adored. The man who spent the last five years keeping you sane.

“Osamu.” Your fingers tugged his hair lightly, “It’s time to wake up.”

“Five more minutes.” He tightens his grip around your waist, “I just want five more minutes with you.”

Your finger drags along his spine, “You say that every morning.” You slap your palm on his back and he groans, “You have to open the restaurant soon.”

He hums, eyes blinking, trying to adjust to the darkness. It’s too early in the morning, “You’re going in for a check up today?”

Your fingers that play with his hair stops, “Yes.”

“Are you sure you want to do this?”

It was your decision, something Osamu had reminded you a hundred times. The decision to try and erase someone from your memory; he always found it to be a hard pill to swallow. But it was something you thought about a million times, it kept you awake at night, and even when you called a few weeks ago to start the process, it felt surreal.

Osamu lifts himself, leaning on his forearm to peer down at you, his beautiful bride to be, “I can still close the shop and come with you.”

He was an absolute sweetheart, “I told you I’ll be fine. And you can’t close the restaurant every time I go to the hospital?”

He brings his lips to meet yours, “Is that a challenge?”

You laugh against his kiss, “Go get ready or else.”

“Or else what?” He straddles your legs, pressing kisses on your neck to your chest. His fingers ride up his shirt you’ve declared yours, pressing his lips along your abdomen, “Good morning.”

“Call me if anything happens.” Osamu presses a chaste kiss to your lips at the doorway, “I like you.”

Your lips are in a grin, “and I like you too.”

The door shuts behind him and you’re left alone with your thoughts. If you were correct, you’d be seeing him again. Oikawa should be meeting you at the hospital. You’ve texted him a reminder. It’s marked as read; he doesn’t bother to respond.

The sound of a buzzer makes you jump, it draws you to the look at the video cam that views the front gates. You’re grinning thinking Osamu has forgotten something, but the smile gets wiped off when it’s him. Oikawa Tooru is standing at the gates of your home.

“What are you doing here?” You speak into the microphone.

Oikawa seems to have discovered the camera, “Can’t visit anymore? I thought we could catch up.”

What reason would there be to catch up? If everything goes smoothly, you’ll be without a thought of him in the next few days. You’re reluctant to let him in, you want to tell him to go away, but you’d have to meet him later any way. The gates buzz open and Oikawa enters the front yard of the home.

It’s exactly the same to him, after all, this was his and your home first. The Oikawa residence. He bought the house without your knowledge, saved up as much of his paychecks could get him.

“May I come in?” Oikawa smiles upon seeing you.

You’re holding the front door, still small as ever, like you were guarding the home with your life, “Yes.” Your voice is tiny, giving him room to enter the house.

Oikawa takes in the smell of the place, still the same, still has your scent and he concludes you’re probably still lighting the same scented candles he liked. He wonders if he should be flattered by the information.

“Do you want something to drink?” You inquire, pulling out a mug to pour yourself water and another mug for whatever Oikawa wanted, “Peach tea?”

It was his favorite; you can remember it as clear as day. He’d drink it breakfast, lunch, and dinner. He said it paired nicely with the milk bread and he called it sweet; just like you. You shake the memory as you pour the hot water.

There was nothing but awkwardness between the both of you. You’ve distracted yourself with your morning routine and Oikawa silently sits. If he’s going to fantasize for a second, he’s pretending you’re still his wife. Shamelessly daydreaming like you were his.

“We have to be at the hospital by noon.” You say without looking at him, your head dipping back as you slip the pills into your mouth.

“Sounds good to me.” Oikawa taps his fingers against the dining table.

It brings back memories of dinner with you, on days when he would be able to find a week off practice to see you. You’d eat with him until two in the morning, trying to squeeze in as much time with him as possible before he hopped on a plane back to Argentina, and he would pretend as if he didn’t hear you crying while washing the dishes.

“So how have you been?” Oikawa asks innocently.

You drink the rest of your water, a simple nod of your head, “Fine.” Your gaze falls briefly on his knee, “And you?”

Oikawa instinctively puts a hand over his knee as if that could hide the ache, “Fine too.”

Yet Oikawa and you know, everything was far from fine. It was the same way towards the end of the marriage, communication was blurred, there was too many missed connections, and the only news you’d get of Oikawa was from the sports channels.

“Do you still work at the public library?”

You tilt your head at him, “You mean the university library? When I was doing work study?”

“Oh.” Oikawa rubs the back of his neck, “Guess you’re not”. He’s trying to think why it feels so hard to talk to you again, “How are your parents?”

You freeze and he realizes his mistake. He remembers the arguments, the sadness of the conversations, the way your parents loathed him for proposing so early. Oikawa married you fresh out of high school, he promised you happiness and yet towards the end of the marriage, he shattered your heart.

“They’re great!” You smile, “They really love my fiancé.”

You were purposely trying to hurt him.

“What’s he like?” Oikawa was curious or was he jealous?

“What do you want Tooru?” Your voice is sharp as you set down your mug, “Why are you here?” You know him too well, he doesn’t do things just because; he always has a motive, “Are you here to try and stop me? I want to move on.”

“Then why can’t you do it yourself? Why do you feel like you need to erase me?” Oikawa, he was sad. He had never felt more crushed than when he had received the phone call; you were requesting to remove him from your mind and he’d only accepted to see you again. He wanted you to look him in the face, feel the hurt that he had, “Did you not think of my feelings?”

“No, you didn’t think of mine when you naturalized as an Argentinian citizen.”

It was always the same argument, Oikawa stares at you, it wasn’t that different from years ago. When he blinks, he’s transported to seven years ago. Your eyes red as you looked at him, the fighting was reaching two hours and the bags in Oikawa’s hands signals he’d be leaving for another few month. But this day was different, the fight was wearing you down, especially when you read news of Oikawa becoming a naturalized citizen. Oikawa blinks and he’s back to the sun lit room.

“This isn’t how you move on from a relationship?” Oikawa says, “It takes time.” Time was seven years, since the divorce seven years of broken hearts have passed. Oikawa knows deep down that you still loved him and he knows in his heart that he wants to ask you to run away with him, “You know that this is wrong.”

“But it’s my choice.”

Oikawa’s eyes begin to water, “And you’re making me choose too?” Tears fall from his cheek, “It’s your choice but you’re forcing me to choose also.” His chest becomes heavy, “Please don’t do this.” He openly sobbing in front of you, “I don’t want to stop.” His wail makes your heart clench, “I don’t want to forget what it was like to love you.”

“Tooru.”

“I don’t care.” Oikawa blubbers, “I’m not going to do it.” A pit grows in your stomach, “All I ever did was love you.”

Your eyes glossy, it was like you were going back to the worst nights of your life, “You stopped caring about me.”

“No, I didn’t!” Oikawa stands, “I never stopped. I was doing everything for you!” He was a tearful mess in front of you, “You left me! You abandoned me!”

“You can’t say that when you were halfway across the world!”

“For you!” Oikawa screams, “If you had waited one more year, I could have brought you over.”

You wipe the tears from your face, a sigh on your lips, “Why didn’t you just ask me to go with you in the first place?”

It was always the question that nipped at you. When he was confronted with the opportunity of staying in Japan or joining an Argentinian team, he never hesitated and you waited for him to ask you to go with him; but he left you behind with the house, sending money every two weeks like you were an afterthought.

“It was complicated.” Oikawa’s eyes soften, “I just, I didn’t want you to leave behind your life here. Your friends, your family. You would have had to quit school to come with me, to a place where you didn’t know the language or the place, and with me practicing, you would have no one.”

You shake your head, “No. You were worried about yourself. You made the decision to leave me behind without a second thought because you wanted to focus on volleyball and where has that gotten you; injured.”

Maybe that was why you wanted so badly to erase him from your memories, you still clung to the thoughts of him. Still stayed updated on his life, still worried about his health, still wondering on the what ifs with him. What if you had just left with him? What if you hadn’t gotten married to him? What if you weren’t so hopelessly still in love with him?

“Just let me be happy.” You whisper, “Just let me forget I was ever in love with you.”

The ride to the hospital ached. The cab silent and melancholy. It was only a consultation and yet it already felt like the end of everything. The waiting area didn’t make it any better, the air was thick with tension from other couples. Oikawa’s status had the two of you placed priority and it didn’t take long for a doctor to come into the room.

“I would like to inform you that we use the term ‘erasing memory’ loosely. Our procedure merely detaches you from the other party. You’ll still have the memories, but you won’t feel anything, and you won’t remember them as much as you might today.” The doctor hands you and Oikawa separate forms, “If you both sign the consent forms, we can schedule the procedure as soon as possible.”

The pen in Oikawa’s hands hover over the signature line, he can hear you scribbling against the paper and his heart is shattering. Sloppily, he signs his name on the line.

“Sorry, I forgot to ask.” You look at the doctor, “Is the procedure safe for pregnant women?”

Oikawa’s world crumbles.

“The procedure is set for tomorrow morning.” The receptionist is talking.

You smile, “Perfect, thank you.”

She prints out two different instructions for you and Oikawa to prepare for the procedure. You overlook the instructions, no longer sparing a glance to Oikawa as you walk away.

“Hey.” The voice makes your head snap up. Your fiancé walking towards you.

Instinctively, your arms wrap around his neck, “What are you doing here?”

Osamu presses a kiss to your temple, “I came to pick you up.” He looks over your shoulder, spotting the man he knows too well from various photos, “Hi.” He reaches out to Oikawa, “I’m Miya Osamu.”

Oikawa grips Osamu’s hand, “ Oikawa Tooru. It’s nice to meet you.” Oikawa says bitterly.

Osamu’s hand rests on your hip, in a matter of seconds, he’s leading you away and Oikawa is left to stand all alone.

The night is restless. It’s instructed that you and Oikawa get a good night’s rest, but who can rest soundly the night before a procedure. You sitt on the edge of your bed, your fiancé sleeping soundly, and you stare at the moon. You play with the ring on your finger and a tear lands on the back of your hand. You suck in a heavy breath, trying to quell the sound of sobs.

Oikawa sits knees to his chest on the couch of Iwaizumi’s who was gracious enough to let him stay at his place. The moon is bright, and it shines a spotlight on Oikawa. His eyes are tired, but he stares at the screen of his cell phone, finger swiping continuously through the photo album. Your smiles reflect in his eyes and even when Iwaizumi snags the cell phone from him; Oikawa looks up at him bawling.

Six in the morning, you’re sitting on a hospital bed, Oikawa laid next to you. The silence is deafening.

“I hope you know.” Oikawa whispers, “I’m very happy for you.”

You look at him, taking in what might be the last time you feel love for him, “I love you.”

Oikawa smiles, “No you don’t,” He’s tricking himself, believing that you loathed him, that this was the better option for you, “but I love you too.”

They say, the longer the relationship, the longer the procedure takes. Similarly, the more you loved, the harder it was to subdue the memories. It required patients to stay awake, to go through every little detail, to talk about everything from the beginning to the end.

Your fingers were initially interlocked with his, something to help the anxiousness, or was it to cling to him for a moment.

“I met you when you came to cheer on the volleyball team in high school.” Oikawa stares at the white ceiling, he hears the machinery, the typing of a computer, “You looked so pretty.” The memory becomes hazy.

“He kissed me on the school’s rooftop.” Your lips curved in a smile, “He kept asking me if it was alright.” Your smile slowly falls to a thin line, “I suddenly can’t remember what I said back.”

“It took me a week to find the perfect ring.”

You laugh, “You got impatient, proposed with a paper ring on the school’s rooftop after we snuck into the school after dark.”

It feels empty, your heart feels a weight lifted. Your fingers slowly let go of Oikawa’s. He begins to weep.

“Why are you crying?” You ask.

He sniffles, “Was that the last time you felt happy with me?”

“No.” Your voice soft, “I was always happy when you came home.” There’s another weight off your heart, “You always came in running, always excited to see me. Sometimes, when the front door opens, I think it’s going to be you.” You’re hit with relief.

Four weeks pass in a blur. You honestly don’t remember much of the week after the procedure, but you stare at your loving fiancé. A hearty giggle on your lips as you move to straddle him on the bed. Your palms are squishing his cheeks and Osamu is chuckling. His hand resting on your small baby bump.

“We’re getting married!” You’re kissing him, excitedly jumping on him as though you weren’t knocking the wind out of him.

“Alright.” Osamu sits up, lips stealing your breath away, “by the end of the day, you’ll be Mrs. Miya.”

You laugh into the kiss, “I can’t wait.”

The wedding venue is bustling, everyone is itching to take a picture with the bride and groom. You’re grinning widely at the way Osamu bickers with his brother, the photographer taking photos despite the twins poking at each other.

“May we take a picture with the bride?”

Your smile grows; four men dressed in their best suits approach, “Is this a high school reunion?”

One man lingers briefly behind, your husband presses a hand to the small of your back before leaving. Oikawa takes over the place of your spouse.

“Fancy meeting you here.” Oikawa tilts his head with a beam.

You roll your eyes, “At my own wedding.”

His voice falls to a whisper, “Are you happy?”

Your eyes stare in the direction of your husband and you nod, “Yes.” When you look at Oikawa, there’s a small tug in your heart, it’s tiny enough that it disappears within moments, “Thank you.”

#haikyuu x reader #haikyuu #oikawa #oikawa scenarios #oikawa tooru #haikyuu scenarios #haikyuu angst #hq #hq scenarios #hq oikawa

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glassesandswords · 3 years

Text

Of Wings And Wheelchairs

Pairing: Levi Ackerman & Onyankopon, Levi Ackerman/Hange Zoe (mentioned)

Summary: Levi and Onyankopon sit in a coffee shop, waiting for Gabi and Falco to return from their small detour during their vacation together. Levi reminisces about the old Survey Corps veterans and their times together as Onyankopon listens. Soon, the conversation makes its way to a person the two knew very well- Hange.

Ao3 Link

“Let’s wait here.”

Levi and Onyankopon stopped at a coffee shop. With so many people bustling about, it was hard to find a place to relax for a while, especially with all the walking they had done. Well, at least all the walking that Onyankopon, Gabi and Falco had done- as Levi had been pushed around on a wheelchair by Falco the whole time. But the kids had spotted an ice cream vendor and left together to buy something to eat, and the older men decided to get a quick drink before continuing on with their journey.

The coffee shop had outdoor seating shaded by giant blue umbrellas that flared briskly over the round tables. A florist sold bouquets nearby. The scent of roses and lavenders wafted through the air, mingling with that of roast coffee.

“Are you sure letting Gabi and Falco go off on their own in a foreign land a good idea?” Levi asked as Onyankopon looked around for an empty table.

“They are fifteen now. They will be alright. Us, old men, shouldn’t be interfering with a pair of love-birds, so let them enjoy this vacation on their own.”

“You might be right about that.”

Onyankopon decided on an empty table on the opposite end of the florist and parked Levi next to him as he pulled a chair for himself. “Fifteen, huh?” Levi muttered, adjusting his wheelchair close to the table. “If they were in Paradis, they would have graduated from the cadet corps. But these two- they have had their fill of the battlefield way before that, being Marley’s warrior candidates and all.”

“Yes. That’s why they deserve to live like the carefree and free-spirited children they are right now.”

“Not that any child needs a reason to live like that. They all are equally deserving of happiness.”

“Of course,” Onyankopon called the waiter over to them. “A black tea and a black coffee, please.”

Levi noted how Onyankopon kept his favorite drink in mind and ordered it for him by default. Over the past three years, the two men had bonded over their shared losses and he had been a constant companion for Levi after the war. Onyankopon had helped him start a new life and set up his own tea shop after he retired in Marley, taking care of all the paperwork and technical details required.

“I heard you spent your childhood in the underground district within Wall Sina,” Onyankopon said as he watched the waiter leave with their order. “I wasn’t allowed there due to the restrictions on the volunteers, but I heard it was a rough place to live in.”

Levi raised an eyebrow. That piece of information was hardly common knowledge.

“I think I might have an idea of who babbled to you about that,” the face of a certain four-eyed abnormal popped up on Levi’s mind. “Yes. I was raised as a thug in order to survive that hellhole.”

“Did you have anyone close to you at that time? Your parents? Any siblings?”

Usually, Levi would have found it annoying if people dug into his past. But with Onyankopon, he did not really mind. “I was an only child,” he replied, leaning back on his wheelchair, “My mother died when I was young and the closest thing I had to a father was an uncle who abandoned me as soon as he realized that I could take care of myself.”

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be, it’s an old story,” he waved his pity off, “I did have two close friends there. Farlan and Isabel. They were as good as a brother and sister to me.” A fond remembrance flitted over his face, as if he could see them in his mind’s eye as he spoke. “The three of us thought life above the ground, in a land touched by the sun would be better. Turns out it is all the same.”

It wasn’t hard for Onyankopon to make out that Farlan and Isabel were probably no more from how Levi’s voice dipped. He changed the topic to something lighter.

“But you finally retired from all your duties and responsibilities. How does it feel to go on vacations to foreign countries?”

“I’m surprised you are dragging me along. Not like I could be of any service anyway, after being permanently bound to this wheelchair,” Levi tapped on the metal armrest.

“You are too humble, Levi,” Onyankopon shook his head, “I’ve seen you offering guidance to Armin and the others whenever they need it.”

“I help them as much as I can, but in the end, it is nothing more than an old man’s advice.” Levi sighed, remembering a certain someone’s soliloquy in a forest. “Times have changed and perspectives are different. After the rumbling ended, Armin offered me retirement and I took it. But even if I were in top shape, I honestly don’t think I would want to do anything with the Alliance anymore.”

Onyankopon watched Levi as he gazed at the busy road. The man looked broken, like he had lost way too much in life. He reminded him of some of the volunteers who had seen their families killed and hometowns destroyed in front of their own eyes. For previously being known as ‘Humanity’s strongest soldier’, Onyankopon had not seen Levi in action a lot. But the way he held himself together during that day- exactly three years ago, after Odiha- was a testament to his immense internal strength. The man in front of him was a fighter, but the fight had taken its toll on him.

The waiter arrived with steaming drinks and served it on the table.

“How do you drink that bitter bean-juice?” Levi asked as Onyankopon took a careful sip, trying not to burn his tongue in the scalding liquid.

“Six years and you still haven’t warmed up to coffee, have you?”

“I prefer tea, usually that of my own shop.” He sipped his tea, holding it by the rim with his left hand. “But I have to admit, the aroma of coffee is quite enticing.” His voice went back to its hazy tone. “Mike would have liked it. That guy had a sharp nose for things like these.”

Though Onyankopon did not know the details, he knew Mike was probably one of Levi’s previous comrades.

Levi had a habit of talking about his fallen comrades now and then. He did not seem to care if the other person knew them personally or not. Onyankopon assumed that it was to remember and acknowledge their existence and stories, being the last living veteran from his original group.

He heard about the battle of Shiganshina that resulted in the complete decimation of the earlier Survey Corps and wondered if Mike was one of the people who died there. Or maybe he had been one of the many unfortunate victims who were killed by the hands of the pure titans long before. Onyankopon felt a small stab of guilt for following Zeke, who had caused nothing but pain for Levi and the rest of the Survey Corps, but he had his own circumstances. Choosing sides had blinded them from appealing to their common humanity, until Yelena had revealed to him the plan to offer assistance to Paradis before their first scouting expedition six years ago. He had almost convinced himself that the Paradis military would crush them with their titan power before they could put forth that proposal, but then, a certain Survey Corps Commander gave them the warmest welcome they could have received in the island of ‘devils’.

“Brings back memories,” he hummed over his coffee, “Remember, the first time we chatted was over a cup of tea in that tent?”

“Ah yes,” Levi nodded grimly, “Another one of that person’s stupidly optimistic ideas. It was a surprise that you volunteers actually agreed to it.”

There was a silence as Onyankopon knew exactly who he was referring to.

Levi sipped his tea. “Honestly, they’d come up with the most reckless ideas, that Four-eyes.”

Onyankopon gave a small, sad smile. It seemed safe to talk about them. “I have to admit,” he said slowly, “I was shocked when they pointed the barrel of that gun over their one good eye, even if it was unloaded.”

“You don’t know half the trouble Hange caused back in the Survey Corps,” Levi shook his head disapprovingly. “Always blabbing about their latest hypotheses. Putting my entire squad in danger for another titan capture mission. They’d have had their head bitten off by a titan long ago if it wasn’t for their trusty assistant, Moblit. Hell, they went days without taking a damned bath just because something more interesting caught their attention. Sometimes, when I couldn’t bear the stink, I had to knock them out and clean them myself.”

Onyankopon chuckled at his ramble. He had observed Levi and Hange’s inseparable relationship from his time at Paradis. Maybe it was because they were the last ones to survive from their generation, or maybe it extended a little deeper than that. Onyankopon was not completely sure. He gazed at the long scar across Levi’s face, crossing through his one blind eye. If Hange were there, the two of them would have made quite the one-eyed pair.

But Hange wasn’t there as they had sacrificed themself so that he and Levi could sit in peace under a blue umbrella, drinking hot beverages on a sunny day without worrying about anything else.

Levi was still rambling on, “...all those stupid naming ceremonies for the captured titans. At least three Garrison guards used to throw up after each of their experiments. The tantrums they’d throw in Erwin’s office whenever he denied their requests. That Four-eyes once talked to me about titans and their planned experiments for two days straight after we first found out about Eren’s abilities. Can you believe it? Two days!”

There was a bitter aftertaste in Levi’s mouth and he knew it had nothing to do with the tea. A memory of Hange floated in his mind, of them carefully dabbing medicated cotton over Eren’s face after he had kicked the hell out of him in the courtroom all those years ago. He remembered Hange chiding him for having gone too far and declaring that they’d never kill Eren.

His stomach twisted at the irony of how everything played out in the end.

Onyankopon’s voice stirred him out of his thoughts. “It must have been hard for them to pursue their scientific research after they became the commander.”

“It did take a huge toll on them,” Levi agreed, “Erwin’s shoes would have been hard for anyone to fill. But he himself chose them as his successor and they did their job well, even if all odds were against them.” He gave a short sigh through his nose. “But over the years, they changed too much.”

Levi had noticed all the times when Hange had faked a smile to cover up their exhaustion. They tried to maintain their cheerful façade through all the uncertainty to keep their subordinates from becoming concerned about their mental well-being, but from his time with the past two commanders, Levi knew the bone-crushing pressure they were under.

He had spotted the missing tea from his shelf during all those late nights when Hange had fallen asleep on their desk after pulling multiple all-nighters. Although they weren’t new to burning the midnight oil, the commander’s work was grueling. Adding to that, the knowledge and responsibility of dealing with an entire world full of potential enemies weighed them down incredibly. Only he knew how tired and defeated Erwin had looked during his last moments with him. In a way, the role demanded much more from Hange than it did from Erwin himself.

“You mean they were more excitable before?” Onyankopon asked, “I really did not think they could look more starry-eyed than while they were being introduced to all the new technology from Marley.” He chuckled, “The way they whooped after the success of the new improved 3DMG test session was unforgettable.”

Levi set down his empty cup. “Hange was always a vocal advocate for technological advancement. Their inventions helped to get rid of all the pure titans in the island without much loss of human life. When they were given the hope that the rest of the world was not as cruel as we thought it was- but a place where they could learn and discover- that was when I saw them truly happy for the last time. They hoped to make peace when we left off for our first Marley visit. But we both know how that ended.”

Ah, yes that Marley trip, Onyankopon thought as a tense silence settled between them, The time when everything spiraled out of control. To ease the heavy pauses, he decided to bring up some good memories from back then.

“Remember the time when Hange bought that lollipop from that clown just so that he’d stop stalking you? And the time when they tried to feed carrots to a car?”

Thankfully, it seemed to work as Levi snorted. “Shitty-Glasses was supposed to be the smartest of us all,” he said, “Yet, that was still better than the way they squealed after the camera flash the first time we took a picture in Azumabito's place. Now that was just plain embarrassing.”

Onyankopon smiled. When Levi's squad was out drinking, he had insisted Levi and Hange to take a photograph with himself and the Azumabitos as a keepsake memory of their first official trip outside Paradis. Hopes were ripe that night, with the peace conference scheduled for the next day. To keep their optimism up, they had a small dance session in which Hange had dragged Levi with them and had successfully managed two rounds around the ballroom before Levi remarked that it was ridiculous and sulked in a corner for the rest of the night with a wine glass on hand. After which Hange teased him and invited Onyankopon to give them company instead.

When the camera was ready, they were all suited up- with hats placed on their heads despite the fact that it was evening- just for the sake of the photograph session. Onyankopon knew that the Paradisians had never taken a picture before, so his eyes were on Levi and Hange instead of the camera.

Their reactions did not disappoint.

Hange squealed as the flash lit up the room and Levi flinched, grimacing at its sudden brightness. The photograph was quite comical when it was developed: Hange with their mouth slightly open, Levi with his eyes half closed and Onyankopon’s lips in an amused half-smile as he gazed at them.

“To be honest, you looked quite shaken at the flash yourself,” he pointed out to Levi.

“Yes, but I did not wake up everyone in a fifty mile radius within the building.”

“It didn’t seem to wake the kids up, though.”

“What do you expect? Not even Hange can wake up a bunch of hungover brats who had drank all night and ended up passed out on each other.”

“The three of us had to carry them back, didn’t we?”

“Only for Sasha to puke all over the new suit I wore for the photoshoot.”

Onyankopon laughed at that memory. The waiter came over with the bill and he paid it before Levi could reach for his own wallet.

“I told you before,” he said to Levi as he handed over the money, “This vacation is entirely on me.”

“Thanks,” Levi kept his wallet back inside his pocket, knowing that arguing about it would not change Onyankopon’s mind.

They sat in silence for a while, gazing at the people walking around, exploring the shops. Levi got a few quick stares now and then because of his heavily scarred face, but he did not care. He was used to people staring at him; the annoying looks of envy and awe when he was considered as humanity’s strongest soldier, glares of anger from the military higher-ups after he had brought back Armin instead of Erwin during the battle of Shiganshina, and gazes of pity after he had been severely injured due to the thunder spear, thanks to that shitty monkey.

“I wonder what happened to that photograph,” he murmured, his mind wandering back to that day in Marley.

“It was left in Paradis,” Onyankopon replied, “The militants probably disposed of it along with the rest of our belongings after we were declared traitors. It’s been three years after all.”

Levi’s heart sank. That was the last piece of Hange he had left, apart from the scars they had stitched across his face. If everything was disposed of, that would mean that the badges he had collected from the uniforms of his former comrades, his letters, Hange’s research notes, Moblit’s sketches from the night they visited a bar after work, all of their personal belongings- everything had been burnt or destroyed. Apart from Erwin’s grave, there was nothing left for him back in Paradis- the place the Survey Corps dedicated their lives and hearts for all those years.

He masked his bitterness, “It was just a piece of paper anyway.”

Onyankopon did not say anything. The cost of freedom had been incredibly heavy for both of them.

“It’s been three years, huh?”

“Yeah.”

Levi remembered that moment when the spirits of his comrades appeared in front of him as he sat battered and broken. The old Survey Corps, with whom he had spent so many years fighting, resting, experimenting and pushing through every loss, every death and every failure together. He had finally finished their job. He had taken all of their dedicated hearts with him and won for them.

His final salute both crushed his soul and set him free.

A part of him wanted to depart with them. His duty was done, Zeke was killed, the rumbling was stopped and the world was finally free of titans. What use would he be to anyone anymore?

But he knew that the others would want him to live the life that they couldn’t. To explore the world and all it had to offer. To make the dream of world-peace come true.

So, he decided that he would go on, and when his time finally comes, he would stand tall among his noble comrades and tell them stories of the world they never got to see.

Levi hesitated for a moment before turning to Onyankopon.

“Do you think they’re still watching over us?”

Onyankopon didn’t miss a beat.

“I’m sure they are.”

Gabi and Falco reappeared from the crowd, with half-eaten ice cream cones in their hands. The brats had grown so much since the first time he had seen them, all beaten up and bruised on that zeppelin three years ago. Now they looked happy and content, their eyes shining with hope, optimism and love.

Hange’s words from all those years ago played in his mind.

I want everyone to feel safe again soon. I want this to be a world where people can live without fighting each other.

There was still a long way to go for that, but with the threat of the titans gone, they only had humans to negotiate with. Though that probably did not make it any easier, peace was still an option. He’d leave that to Armin and Historia.

Erwin and Hange would have loved it here. All the new places and technology, exotic food, new discoveries; it would have blown their minds. Sometimes, he wondered what would have happened if that bastard Floch did not show up to shoot holes in that fuel tank. Hange would have been alive, they would have boarded the plane together, they could have seen the flying titan and the previous titan shifters. It might have probably returned them to their normal, curious self again.

They could have survived together.

What would Hange have done now that the titans, their life’s work, were gone forever? The two of them had never really discussed such situations, for they never imagined such a day would actually come to be. For them, a world without the threat of titans was a distant fantasy. But if Hange were alive, they’d have probably headed the peace talks. They were never the one to stay out of the action anyway.

“Sorry, we were a little late,” Falco said as he approached them, “Shall we go?”

“Sure, no problem.”

Falco popped the rest of the ice cream in his mouth before silently pulling the wheelchair by its handle without being prompted to. He was a sweet kid. Erwin, Hange and the rest of his old squad- Petra, Oulo, Eld, Gunther- would have liked him.

Levi picked up a newspaper from a vendor, to see if there were any mentions of the peace committee who had set sail for Paradis earlier that day. As they made their way through the street, he winced as the wheel stumbled over a small pothole.

“I’m so sorry,” Falco exclaimed.

“No, that’s fine,” he rubbed his back. “Times like these are when I really miss Four-eyes.”

Onyankopon laughed, “They’d have come up with a crazy convenient wheelchair, custom-made for you.”

“Knowing them, they would have probably attached an engine and the 3DMG trigger-anchor system complete with a safety belt into the wheelchair,” he shook his head. “Then again, I think they might have also pushed me down a slope as a test run, so maybe I’m safer this way.”

A distant hum of an engine made all of them look above.

A plane, similar to the one they had taken off from in Odiha, flew past the sky, its shadow falling on them as it streaked by.

For the kids, it was just another ordinary plane they stared fascinated at. But for him, something about it felt reassuring.

It was almost as if…

Levi glanced at Onyankopon, who gave him a knowing look.

So, they were watching us after all.

#levihan #levi ackerman #hange zoë #onyankopon #snk 139 #snk 132 #onyankopon and levi drink coffee and tea together in a vacation #featuring plane-san #retired levi #the sc vets were the best characters tbh #i miss them #fluff #snk fanfiction

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lorelylantana · 3 years

Text

A Blindsided Engagement Chapter 2: Engagement

Chapter 1

Chapter Rating: G Overall Rating: G

Ava Vanguard was surprised to see Link return to Hateno a full month ahead of schedule. She was a bit disappointed when she read that her husband and son would assist in clearing the damage of Calamity and it would be some time before she could see her family again, but the relief that they survived was enough to keep her content. News that her family still stood was all she could ask for as a military wife and mother. She was just sitting down to lunch when none other than her son walked through the door.

Link seemed well, better than she’d ever seen him, in fact. He was dressed smartly in boots she recognized as standard issue for the Royal Guard and the Champion’s tunic he was so fond of. Ava was a bit perplexed at the circlet gleaming on his forehead, but shrugged it off. After slaying Calamity, her son no doubt received gifts of all kinds. Link carried a garment bag in his hands, which he hung on the hook by the door before hugging her tight.

“Hi, Ma.”

“Let me look at you,” she said, taking his face in her hands. She was glad to see a quiet joy in his eyes that she hadn’t seen since he drew the sword that hung over his shoulder. It made her happy to see bits of the son return to her after he walled himself off. “Tell me everything.”

Link managed to explain the story of Calamity’s downfall between bites of their split lunch, which is how Ava knew he was nervous. Now that Calamity was soundly defeated, there were very few things that Ava could think of that would cause such reticence.

Did her son find a significant other? Had he come to ask for permission to bring someone home?

“You're earlier than expected,” she prompted, gauging her son’s reaction, “Is there anything you wanted to tell me?”

Link cleared his throat, hand coming up to the back of his head.

“I’m engaged.”

Well, she wasn’t that far off.

Ava gasped, “I had no idea you found someone special! You should have written!”

“It was really sudden,” he admitted, “Honestly, I’m still shocked she said yes.”

Ava laughed, made euphoric by relief. She was aware of and lost countless night’s sleep over the walls her boy had put around himself. Her heart broke to see that forced apathy in his eyes. Yet here he stood, joy written in every line of his face, no sign of restraint in sight.

It was a shame she couldn’t stop to admire it, as not a moment later her son straightened.

“I have to go, the wedding planning’s been keeping me busy. I thought I would invite you to the engagement feast personally, but I have to be getting back,” he nodded toward the garment bag, “I thought you could wear that to the banquet. A tailor in the castle can alter it if it doesn’t fit.”

With a hug and a kiss to his forehead, Link was gone. Vanished out the door, and once again she was alone.

For a moment, a bittersweet moment, she was still. Her little boy had grown up, and she didn’t get to see it. Still, the melancholy thought was drowned out with the elation that came with the knowledge that her son, amid the chaos, found a safe harbor to bare his soul to.

Ava shook her head and moved to the garment bag. She had a nice dress, so she didn’t know why he gave her a new one.

At least, that’s what she thought before she opened the bag.

She had never touched a fabric so fine. Her fingers glided over deep velvet and silk, gazing in awe at the gold detailing along the sleeves. A dress fit for royalty.

Ava smiled to herself. Her son was always such a sweet boy, though perhaps she should scold him. There was no need to spend so much money on her.

It’s not like she could wear such nice clothes very often.

Captain James Vanguard wasn’t really surprised when he received an invitation to a banquet and instructions to wear his dress uniform. He’d been expecting it. His son was the Hero of Hyrule, of course he’d be invited to the victory celebration. He was taken a bit off guard when the footman informed him that said celebration would be held that very evening, but James Vanguard was a soldier through and through. It took him a quick thirty minutes to change out of his armor, scrub the day’s grime from his body, and slip into the red and blue suit that had been issued upon his knighthood and he was ready for the grand occasion.

Despite his quick response time, the party was already in full swing when James entered the Sanctum, lit up by blue flame, giving the ancient hall an ethereal glow that was at once new and old. For a moment he was silent, letting the fact that they were at peace sink in at long last. Perhaps now he could retire without the guilt of letting his country down. Spend his days holding his wife instead of just thinking of her.

The King’s approach snapped him out of his reverie. James bowed, “Your Majesty.”

“Good evening, Captain! Are you enjoying the festivities?”

“Yes, Your Majesty, I can’t imagine a better way to celebrate the occasion. More than I expected, to be frank.”

The King threw his head back and laughed, “I can imagine. You must be proud of your boy, hm?”

“Of course. He’s exceeded every hope I had for him. That said, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried for him.”

James had lost many nights’ sleep thinking of how his little boy seemed to curl under the weight of his destiny. In his more fanciful thoughts, he’d believe that the burden would be lifted, but his years as a soldier had taught him that it wouldn’t be so simple.

He knew that the physical scars were the easiest to overcome.

King Rhoam hummed, “I can imagine, but I’m sure our children will pull through. We’ll be there to advise them after all.”

And with that, the King was gone, off to speak with the other guests. James shook his head. This was a happy time, and he was told Ava was here. His energy should be spent towards finding his wife.

Ava looked around, completely unprepared for the grand scale of the celebration before her. She was told her husband would be in attendance as well, so she searched for him, feeling like a fish out of water.

“Mrs. Vanguard, it’s so lovely to finally meet you!”

Ava turned to see none other than Princess Zelda herself, walking towards her in a fluttering violet gown the exact same shade of the coat her son now wore. The Champions likely coordinated their attire. Ava hurried to curtsy the best she could, but the Princess merely waved a hand.

“Oh there’s no need for that, please. I’ve been eager to finally speak with you. You must be so proud of Link, I certainly am.

Ava blinked, pleasantly surprised that the Princess held her son in such high regard. Eager as she was to finally discover who her son’s bride was, Ava wasn’t about to refuse a request from the Golden Princess, so she talked for hours about her favorite moments of Link’s childhood.

“You must tell me what Link was like as a child, and spare no details!”

Ava wasn’t about to deny a chance to relay some of her fondest memories, especially at the princess’ request. They talked for what seemed like hours. She wasted no time telling the Princess about Link’s childhood escapades. She was just about to explain how five year old Link rode a bear through the village street in nothing but shorts when Princess Zelda was called away for a speech.

Ava sighed, alone once again. Perhaps she could spot her son in the crowd?

“Ava!”

She turned, a smile growing on her face and her husband’s arms wrapped around her. She kissed him, alight with affection and relief at seeing James and feeling his beating heart against her chest.

The war really was over.

“I missed you,”

“I missed you too.”

As blissful as the moment was, it was cut short by the King addressing the crowd.

“I hope all of you are enjoying the evening. I can’t think of a better way to mark the end of the Calamity’s reign than with an engagement, and so we gather to-”

Confused, James leaned into his wife’s ear.

“Who’s getting married? Anyone we know?”

Ava turned to look at him with that expression she wore whenever he said something stupid, which he thought was unwarranted for once given the situation.

“It’s Link, James.”

“What?”

“What did you think this party was for? It’s to celebrate Link’s engagement!”

“His what?”

“Our son is getting married,” Ava said, “Since he’s one of the Champions, the royal family was kind enough to celebrate with him.”

Vanguard was reeling, “Who’s he getting married to?”

Ava tutted, “He didn’t mention her name, I was going to ask him tonight, but Princess Zelda wanted to talk and I’ve been sidetracked all evening. She really is such a lovely girl.”

Before he could ponder this revelation further, King Rhoam commanded the room’s attention.

“I would like to thank you all for celebrating this wonderful occasion with us. After such dark times, it gives me great joy to hold this feast in anticipation of a union I have no doubt has the support of all Hyrule-”

As the king spoke, the Captain scanned the Sanctum, trying to spot his son’s mystery bride. Could it be Mipha, they had spent some time together as children, and he wouldn’t be surprised if it grew to something more. James thought better of it as soon as he spotted the Zora in question. She was beautiful, dressed in her Champion blue, but there was an air of melancholy about her that was impossible to ignore. Captain Vanguard hoped his future daughter in law wouldn’t look so forlorn at the engagement party.

“-and now, without further ado, I ask that you all join in as we celebrate the upcoming nuptials of my dear daughter, Zelda Lana Hyrule, and her loyal Champion, Link Vanguard!”

Wait a minute.

His son’s name was Link Vanguard.

Captain Vanguard blinked as the room erupted with applause, looking up to the man standing beside the Princess and king.

Well, there he was, standing where the Princess’ fiance was supposed to be with his arm linked with. Before he could process the implications of these observations, a butler came by to guide James and his wife to a private banquet hall. They sat down next to each other and were told to wait. It was strange, to be sitting at a table he’d spent countless hours guarding. James shifted in his seat.

“To clarify,” James began, “Our son’s going to marry Princess Zelda?”

Ava nodded, “I think so,”

Link and Zelda walked smiling through the door, and the room descended into chaos.

#Zelink #zelda #botw zelda #aoc zelink #botw link #botw zelink #fanfic #A Blindsided Engagement #LantanaLore

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