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nomsfaultau · 8 months

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Fault!Tubbo prosthetics +thoughts

I’m still not completely sold on the design I’m using, and have been workshopping it for months at this point. Feedback is encouraged, though as a note Fault!Tubbo is a traumatic double below-the-knee amputee who possesses neither proper materials, medical knowledge, nor human biology. Below the cut is essentially an outline of my thought process. It’s kinda long given I’ve been planning/researching for a few years about this plot line, and wanted to consolidate information for Fault.

The construction: The Blade first set upon the project of creating the prosthetics with his usual level of intensity that he brings to all tasks. Wilbur ‘gathered’ most of the materials as their chief dirty crime boy, and Tommy painted them with his TI-Red. Philza offered welding abilities and also some experience from a few decades he spent as a pirate. But for the most part, the project was the collaboration between The Blade and Tubbo, going back and forth in planning and implementation. The ability for the pair to cooperate was a huge step in their relationship, even if (despite what The Blade hoped) this in no way meant Tubbo forgave him for the injury. Cause. Duh.

The materials available were severely limited, cobbled together with stolen cans, belts, wood, and a pair of shoes. With little outside resources or information, the design was both crude and imperfect. Lots of testing was required, particularly to suit the irregularities of Tubbos’ biology.

One advantage of being a skin suit pilot by a swarm of bees was that Tubbo could pour bees into their purposefully hollowed-out prosthetic, allowing increased control of movement. One major difference between Tubbo and a typical human amputee was that they couldn’t wear a shrinker sock (even if they had one), and couldn’t rest their stump in the prosthetic. The ability to hover helped this particular challenge to some degree, but constant flying was exhausting and negated the intention of the prosthetics. It made for a big design hurdle, but everyone’s particularly cautious about it given the last time they restricted the stumps Tubbos’ gradual regeneration collapsed inward and left them with permanent nerve damage. Additionally, SBI have to refit/rebuild the prosthetics far more often given the slowly lengthening limbs that they don’t want to interfere with. I reckon this would make prosthetics extremely difficult once they’re getting to ankle/feet territory, but since that won’t happen for an estimated half a million words, it’s not my problem yet. Tubbo will have to utilize a number of different designs, likely further stressing the scarce supplies the anomalies can muster.

General details:

Tommy painted the prosthetics with crimson stars and flowers in reference to an earlier scene where Tommy helped Tubbo through a crisis, wherein both of them managed to find a hope to latch onto, both in each other and the future. Freedom to always see the stars; a return to the field of flowers that Tubbo called home.

Tubbos’ adjustment period was pretty rough, given no one knew what they were doing, and were also dealing with a lot of other problems. Tubbo definitely did not get the recommended slow increase in usage time as the group tends to walk approximately 7-10 hours daily to avoid the Foundation. This greatly frustrated them, but the rest of the group (especially Philza) made sure they didn’t push themselves too hard.

They had to add more straps than typical to better secure the prosthetics, as where usually gravity would keep them more secured, Tubbo kept accidentally hovering away and leaving the prosthetics behind.

Tubbo was annoyed at being forced to wear shoes for the first time since they were 5, but it was easier to use them in the design for balance.

When other Hivemind members front they don’t know how to use the prosthetics because they’d never had practice. Rhodes felt they were inconvenient, but Jasmine didn’t care because she just flew everywhere anyway.

The prosthetics made flying more cumbersome because of their weight and the limited space to put bees inside compared to Tubbos’ original legs.

The cloth used to cushion the stumps had dinosaurs on it for Jasmine.

Tubbo tended to prefer them off, which brought them at odds with ‘sleeps in his shoes’ Wilbur, who insisted it’d be safer to always have them on considering how often they need to jolt into action to avoid the Foundation.

They often accidentally left them in weird places and then used a swarm to fly the legs over.

They got very grouchy and snappish on bad pain days, and Tubbo, Wilbur, and Tommy commiserated together when the weather messed with their scars.

As a final note, Tubbo was intended to lose their legs from the very beginning of Fault, long before I even decided to make it a fic and it was still in its infant comic phase. Given the years-long endeavor this was (and still is), alongside my own personal growth as an author/person and the research I did in an attempt to more accurately portray Tubbos’ disabilities, I realized the problematic trope of a ‘disability cure’ that was embedded in my story through Tubbos’ ability to gradually regenerate the body they inhabit. It was impossible to write out the injury, given how deeply it affected their planned actions, relationships, and character arc. Furthermore, isn’t that the problem of the trope to begin with? That disabilities are written out, glossed over, ignored, much like people attempt to do in real life. The regeneration likewise had narrative purposes, particularly in the Foundation’s experimentation with it. So I had a problem on my hands.

The main way I attempt to address this is in a series of short and long-term accompanying effects to avoid depicting a full cure.

Short Term:

Phantom pain

Not having legs for the vast majority of the fic, ie months.

Another trope of course being a professor X figure. I.e., using telekinesis/flight to negate the disability. Tubbo has this to an extent with their swarms/literal wings. Part of my response to that was during the escape they lost significant portions of their hive. This has actual meaning since I’m the type of person to mathematically pinpoint the approximate amount of bee population needed to move a flesh-honeycomb structure mimicking a human body.

Their capacity to lift a weight lowered significantly to the point that moving around their own body was taxing, particularly in flight. No doubt this was me projecting my own chronic fatigue onto them but psh no one’s gonna notice.

Long term:

Scarring

Even more trauma

Nerve damage/chronic pain. The last major long-term effect comes around as a result of failure to properly manage their traumatic amputation. Given they had approximately fifteen minutes of professional medical intervention and then were shoved into a siege situation followed by living on the run, there was little knowledge or supplies. Tubbo proceeded to poorly cope via a combination of intensive pain medication, heavy disassociation, and ignoring the problem in favor of bigger, flashier problems. Given they didn’t have blood or flesh, the ignored injury luckily didn’t get hella infected and kill them. But due to the aforementioned healing factor, the regenerating leg couldn’t properly grow while bandaged, instead growing inward in a way that caused further health problems. Amateur surgery was attempted by Wilbur to clear out some degree of damage, resulting in further growth being unhindered but leaving Tubbo with scarring and nerve damage that never goes away.

The goal is to attempt to portray their disabilities to the best of my ability with regards to the fantasy elements present in the work. While on a surface level the amputations are “healed” there are many complications associated with it. Temporary disabilities of course also exist, and most people will at some point encounter one in their lifetime. My goal is to portray a mixture of short and long-term symptoms, as well as how Tubbo messily copes with them. I don’t intend to get into the emotional aspects here but OH BOY. Are there many!

As with most major (and admittedly incredibly minor) aspects of this story, research is an ongoing process. I’m not sure that there’s much purpose in this, other than the autistic urge to write papers about my own stories.

#disabled characters #writing disability #scp tubbo #tubbo #sbi scp au #prosthetics #Fault au #I’m trying to do by best with writing this #I hope im not messing up in some way I hadn’t even considered #tubbo fanart

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fortheloveofwonderland · 3 years

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A Memory Locked In The Heart - Spencer Reid x fem! Reader

A/N - Requested by the lovely @overduelibrarybooks I hope this was the kind of thing you were looking for!

Find my masterlist here.

My taglists are open and requests are open.

Requested: Yes l No

Request: "could u ever write a spencer reid x reader where reader def works for the cia but more as a translator who’s kinda forced into doing agenty things in order to gather intel and on a mandated break she finds out the UNSUB before the team does so she uses herself as bait, and shoots the guy all very badass fashion n then gets interrogated bc ms girl just shot him coldblood and halfway thru she recognizes spencer bc her mother and his mom lived in the same care facility??? idk sorry my mom has paranoid too so it just hits different but u don’t have to write this if u don’t want to i love ur writing <3"

CW: disclaimer: I know next to nothing about the CIA and what they investigate so please go easy on me here. This is all made up so hopefully it makes some kind of sense. Mentions of violence and sex work, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, some swears. Mentions of drug use and overdose. Spanish used towards the end is from Google Translate so I apologise if it isn’t completely accurate. Italics indicate flashbacks.

Plot: Eighteen years ago you met a boy named Spencer Reid whilst visiting your mother at Bennington Sanitorium. This time you are meeting under entirely different circumstances; across the table of an interrogation room.

WC: 5.3K

—————————————————————

How did I end up here?

That was a question you kept asking yourself as you rolled into your third hour of sitting in that cold, dimly lit interrogation room at the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia.

Well you supposed you’d have to go back to the beginning to truly work that out.

The CIA and FBI joint task force for a country wide sex trafficking ring they believed to be operating out of DC.

When your team at the CIA had started investigating it was estimated that the ring had close to a hundred women who had been abducted and forced into the sex industry.

A lot of women were believed to have been taken trying to cross the border. Your job as a translator had involved spending a lot of time in Mexico, helping interview witnesses and family members who didn’t speak English.

The FBI involvement had come when women believed to have been part of the trafficking ring started turning up dead.

At last count they were up to twenty bodies. The Behavioural Analyst Unit had given their profile of the man they believed to be running the show.

White male in his mid to late forties. Bilingual. Possibly born in Mexico or an area surrounding the border but grew up in DC, they assumed based on his knowledge of the area. He’s attractive, charming and has a good level of education, he’d need to be able to charm the women into trusting him. He doesn’t have a full time job because he wouldn’t have time for one. All his time and focus goes on his girls. He was tech savvy, incredibly so, he’d have to be, to be able to set up the network on the dark web which enabled his customers to pay for his services.

It hadn’t been going well. Bodies kept dropping and the task force was no closer to catching the person responsible.

This went on for six months. Everyone was exhausted. You kept hitting brick wall after brick wall. It was demoralising.

Your boss had called for mandated time off. You’d all argued but she had been absolutely adamant. You’d all been working yourselves to the bone and she didn’t want you burnt out entirely.

You’d argued but your words had fallen on deaf ears.

“Can I get you a glass of water or something?”

The voice startled you out of your thoughts. You looked up to see the lanky, messy haired agent who called himself Doctor Reid, sticking his head through the door.

“Is coffee an option?”

He smiled brightly at you, a smile you swear you’ve seen before.

“Coffee is always an option.” He told you. “How do you take it?”

“Strong and black. Please.”

“I’ll be right back.”

With that the door closed leaving you to your thoughts once more.

There was something so familiar about the Doctor. His dark yet sparkling eyes, his awkward smile and the way he dressed. You couldn’t place it. But there was definitely something about him that stirred some memory buried deep in your brain. You just weren’t sure what it was.

He returned a few minutes later, bringing your coffee into the room and placing it on the table in front of you.

“Hopefully you won’t be stuck here too much longer. It’s just standard procedure.” he spoke sweetly, his voice stirring the hidden memory.

“Yeah I know. I get it.” you sighed as you spoke, wrapping your hands around the coffee. “Thank you for this.”

“You’re welcome.” he smiled before he started backing out of the room. You wished you could ask him to stay because you felt so much more at ease with him around. But you knew you couldn’t.

He turned to you in the doorway.

“You look cold in that.” He smiled a little sadly at you.

You’d forgotten about your outfit choice. No self respecting CIA agent dressed like you were right now.

“I guess I am a little.” You shrugged.

Spencer instantly shrugged his blazer off of his shoulders and laid it in front of you on the table.

“Thank you Doctor Reid.” you spoke again before he disappeared out the door.

“Goodbye Agent Y/L/N.”

The door closed, his voice reverberating in your ears, dragging you into a long forgotten memory.

As you slipped his jacket on, your eyes fluttered closed, his scent wafting up your nose.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Spencer. Spencer Reid.”

“Y/N. Y/N Y/L/N.”

Your eyes shot back open, a frown on your face.

“Spencer?” you muttered under your breath. “Spencer Reid.”

Where had you pulled that name from? And why did it feel oddly connected to Vegas?

You tried to push the thought away, you already had enough on your mind. There were much more pressing things to deal with than a vague memory from your hometown an undetermined amount of time ago.

***

You’d been instructed to switch off. Your time off should be used to recoup, relax and not to think about the case.

Easier said than done you thought.

Before you’d left the office on your mandated leave you’d taken photocopies of some files and slipped them into your bag. You knew you’d be in trouble if you were caught but you couldn’t help yourself. You wouldn’t be able to relax with this case still open.

As far as you were aware the BAU was still working on it but it provided you little comfort. In your time with the CIA you’d never gotten to be involved so heavily in a case. Your skills were mostly utilised in interview capacities and then you were sidelined.

You’d never had the privilege to work on a joint task force or investigate a crime so brutal.

You felt personally invested in this case. You thought if you could just find that one missing puzzle piece you could crack this case wide open.

And then you’d found it. The golden ticket. The smoking gun. The missing piece.

It had taken five days of your leave and copious amounts of coffee but you’d connected the dots no one else had.

You knew how to draw the unsub out. And you were going to do it tonight.

***

“Let’s start again from the beginning shall we?” Agent Rossi linked his fingers together on top of the table as he looked across at you, still slowly sipping your coffee.

“Oh goody.” You sighed. “Could Agent Jareau not fill you in what I’ve already told her?”

“Humour me.” The old man shrugged.

You didn’t have any ill will against him. Far from it. You were actually a big fan of David Rossi. But you were sick and tired of being treated like a criminal.

“Tell me how you managed to work out how to find him.”

You took another long sip of the coffee.

“All the pieces were there, they just hadn’t been put into place.”

“And how did you piece them together?”

“There was a pattern to where the women had been last seen. It was a guess more than anything. A lucky guess.”

“And the pattern was?”

You sighed in frustration.

“As I told agent Jareau,” you sipped your coffee. “The bars they were last seen in all had ties to Mexico. I’m not a native to DC but I know the area like the back of my hand. They were all either Mexican owned, had a Mexican name or were previously establishments such as Mexican restaurants. I made an educated guess that he frequented places such as these looking for his targets. I just got lucky I picked the right one.”

***

You felt incredibly exposed, but you supposed that was the point.

If you were going to get this guy's attention, you had to do this right.

It was a long shot. Just because Western’s bar was known for its famous tacos did not mean it would be the place he chose to pick up girls.

You just had to hope.

You wore a skimpy skirt that barely covered your ass, knee high boots and a crop top that accentuated your assets.

Your firearm was hidden in your left boot.

Your outfit garnered a lot of looks as you headed through Westerns towards the bar.

You felt men’s eyes on you from every angle, making you feel extremely self conscious. But you needed to keep your cool, exude confidence.

If your guy was here he needed to see you shine.

You ordered a soda to keep your head clear and sat at a table over the far side of the bar. From there you had a good view of the entrance and most of the room. And more importantly, the room had a view of you.

Three hours you sat there nursing your soda. It was a huge stab in the dark, you weren’t really surprised.

You finished your drink and headed out onto the cool DC street.

You made it five steps before you felt a presence behind you.

Just as you were about to turn, something covered your mouth.

You struggled against a pair of strong arms.

A smell wafted up your nose seconds before you lost consciousness.

Chloroform.

***

“Why didn’t you tell your unit chief before you went in?”

“Because I thought it was a long shot.” And because she would have been furious I was working the case.

“So you chose to use yourself as bait?”

“Yes.” You shrugged nonchalantly.

“Do you know how dangerous that could have been?” Rossi raised an eyebrow at you.

You had to refrain from rolling your eyes.

“Yes agent Rossi, I’m well aware. But I had a lead and I wasn’t going to ignore it.” You pulled Doctor Reid’s jacket tighter around your scantily clad body.

You caught his scent again. Coffee. Old books. A hint of peppermint.

Another long shut off memory wormed it’s way to the surface.

“So are you here visiting someone?”

“Yeah.” You smiled sadly. “My mom.”

“Oh.” He returned your sad smile. “Me too.”

“Agent Y/L/N?”

You were brought back by Rossi’s concerned voice.

“Hmm?”

“I said, what happened next? You were chloroformed and then what?”

You shook your head, your mind clouded.

“Can we take a break? I could really use some air.”

Rossi sighed with a small nod.

He stood from his chair and motioned you to follow him.

You got some odd looks from his fellow agents as he led you to the elevators. They all recognised what you were wearing as Spencer’s jacket.

You followed Rossi into the elevator and he pressed the button for the ground floor.

“Agent Rossi, can I ask you a strange question?” You asked as the doors closed.

He gave you a curious look.

“I suppose.”

“Doctor Reid. As in Spencer Reid?”

“The one and only.” Rossi frowned unsure what you were getting at.

“Where is he from?”

Rossi’s frown deepened, not sure he should tell you such things about his team. But you were an agent and you didn’t pose a threat to the team.

“Vegas I believe.”

Vegas. Of course.

“Ok.”

“Why do you want to know?”

“I don’t know.” You chewed your lip. “I think I might have known him.”

“Oh?”

You wished you hadn’t opened your mouth. This was not the time or place.

“I’m probably wrong. Just forget I said anything.”

The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened. As you stepped out you pulled Spencer’s collar to your nose and sniffed it.

No you weren’t wrong.

***

Las Vegas, Nevada - 1999

“Hi again.” You smiled at the lanky man, Spencer you’d met a few days ago. “How’s your mom?”

“Still angry at me.” He shoved his hands in his pockets and stubbed the toe of his shoe on the floor.

“She came in recently?”

“Yeah a few months ago. I turned eighteen and I was able to have her put into care.” He blanched, clearly feeling guilty for his decision.

“Do you want to grab a coffee?”

“Uhm sure.” He shrugged.

He followed you through to the day room. It was late and there were only a few patients inside and a few nurses milling around.

You got two cups of coffee from the machine and the two of you sat at a table together.

“Do you mind me asking what’s wrong with your mom?” You dared as you slid him the drink.

He sighed heavily, gnawing on his bottom lip as though his life depended on it.

“She’s a paranoid schizophrenic.” He spoke clinically, words he’d had to say too many times in his life. It was as though he’d distanced himself from it. Like he was giving a patient a diagnosis rather than talking about his own mother.

“Mine too.” You gave him a wry smile. You had something in common, just not something you would like to have in common.

“How long has your mom been here?”

“Three years. She got really bad and my dad couldn’t take care of her anymore. She’s been doing much better since she moved in here.”

“That’s good.” Spencer nodded. “I hope my mom realises I did this for her. For her well being. At the moment she’s just so...angry.”

You reached across the table and placed your hand on top of his. He seemed a little startled by the physical touch but you didn’t move your hand.

“This is the best place for her. I assume from what you said earlier your dad isn’t in the picture?”

He used his free hand to sip his coffee with a sad shake of his head.

“He left when I was ten. He couldn’t handle mom's illness.”

You gave his hand a small squeeze.

“I can’t imagine what it was like for you to have to look after her by yourself. It was hard enough with my dad there. Really makes you grow up fast.”

“It really does.” He agreed. “I’m not sure I ever got to be a kid.”

“I know that feeling.”

After that you spent hours chatting about anything and everything until way into the night. It wasn’t until a nurse came and asked you politely to leave that you realised how late it was.

“I’ll probably see you around?” You spoke as you stepped outside together.

“Maybe. In a few weeks I’m heading out of state. I’m working on a PhD.” He didn’t want to tell you it was actually his second PhD.

“Oh. Ok.” You tried to hide the disappointment from your voice.

Despite the circumstances you’d enjoyed talking to someone like minded, someone who understood. You didn’t have anyone else your own age you could talk to about this kind of thing.

“Maybe we could exchange numbers?” You blushed a little.

“I don’t have a cellphone.” He shrugged.

“Oh.”

“It’s not an excuse.” He sensed you didn’t believe him. “I’m not so into technology. I don’t even have email.”

Normally you would have thought it was just a bad excuse to get out of seeing you again but the look on Spencer’s face told you he was being genuine.

“Ok.” You gave him a shy smile. “Well maybe I’ll see you again before you leave.”

“I hope so.” His eyes sparkled as he looked at you on the dark street.

There was an air between you, some kind of thick tension but you didn’t know what it meant.

“If I don’t see you again,” you spoke trying to ignore whatever it was. “It was really good to meet you and I hope your mom gets used to the facility.”

“You too.” He smiled so genuinely at you, it made your heart skip a beat.

And then you went your separate ways.

***

“Ok, so what happened next?” Rossi wasted no time once you were back in the interrogation room.

“Well I blacked out after I was chloroformed so excuse me if I don’t remember.” You gave him a sarcastic smile.

“What’s the next thing you do remember?” He reworded his question.

“I woke up in a large basement. It was gritty and dingy. And there were other women there too.”

“How many?”

“At least twenty.” You sighed letting your mind travel back to the basement you never wanted to go back to. Not even in your mind.

***

You woke with a start, your head pounding. You gasped for air as though you’d been drowning.

You blinked your eyes trying to adjust to the dark room you found yourself in.

It was cold and damp and you could hear a pipe dripping in the distance.

You tried to roll over but your arm wouldn’t budge. You were met by a loud clanking sound when you tried.

You tugged your arm, hearing the same sound and being met with a sharp pain in your wrist.

“Good luck.” A woman’s voice scoffed. “They don’t come loose.”

You blinked a few more times, looking over to your left arm. There was a heavy metal cuff right around your wrist that was attached to a metal bed frame.

That’s when you realised you were laying on a small cot on top of a ratty, itchy blanket. You were still dressed, thank god.

You suddenly remembered your firearm concealed in your boot. You patted your left calf and sure enough you felt the hard weapon still inside.

That was something at least.

Oversight on their part.

You remembered the voice you’d heard before and turned as much as you could with your arm cuffed to take in the rest of the room.

There were at least forty other cots close together lining the walls, with at least half of them containing the body of other women.

The voice you’d heard belonged to a woman in the cot next to you. She gave you a smile but it didn’t reach her eyes.

Her eyes were broken.

“Hi,” you croaked. “I’m Y/N.”

“Delilah.” Her accent was Spanish. You were sure Delilah wasn’t her real name either.

“How long have you been here?”

She sighed, playing with a strand of curly black hair.

“What month is it?”

“September.”

“Oh.” She frowned. “Not that long then. I’ve been here since July.” She looked confused as though that couldn’t be long enough.

“Delilah?” You narrowed your eyes on her. “What year do you think it is?”

“2018…” she saw your face drop and knew instantly it was no longer 2018.

“Oh gosh.” You felt for her, tears welling in your eyes. “It’s 2020.”

“Oh.” Her face fell. “Wow.”

“It’s ok.” You lowered your voice. “I’m CIA. I’m going to get us out of here. I promise I’ll keep you safe.”

***

“Delilah.” Rossi opened the file in front of him. “Was that Roberta Suez?”

He pulled out a photograph and slid it across the table. You averted your gaze.

“Yes and please I don’t need to see it, I was there.”

“How did she end up in hospital fighting for her life?”

“You know how.” You huffed. “Look I’m starting to get fed up with this now.” You folded your arms. “Carlos Ramirez was a sick son of a bitch. If I hadn’t done what I did he would have killed all those women. I don’t regret what I did.”

“How did she end up in hospital?” He repeated.

“Good lord.” You grumbled. “I’ll talk but I don’t want to talk to you.”

Rossi narrowed his eyes on you.

“No? But I’m so compassionate.” He spoke sarcastically.

“I won’t say another word unless it’s to Reid.” You looked up to the two way mirror. You didn’t know why but you had a feeling he was there.

Sure enough it was barely twenty seconds before the door opened and Doctor Reid himself stepped in the room.

“I got this Rossi.” Spencer told the older man who stood up with a shrug.

Rossi left the room while Spencer took the seat he’d been occupying.

Did he remember you? It had been close to twenty years since you’d last seen each other. Had it not been for the olfactory memory that struck you when you put on his jacket you might never have remembered him.

But you knew the rest of his team was behind the two way glass, or at least some of them were so it didn’t seem an appropriate time to ask such things.

“So agent Y/L/N,” he smiled softly at you. “Can you please tell me how Delilah ended up in hospital?”

“You already know the answer to that Doctor but since you asked so nicely,” you leant your elbows on the table, entwined your fingers and rested your chin the little bridge you’d created. “She had a drug overdose. But you and I both know it wasn’t her who administered the drugs.”

“And who did?”

“I did.”

Your words hung in the air between you and Spencer. He knew the answer, the whole team did. You’d already told Agent Jareau everything.

This was a huge waste of time.

“I administered the drugs because he told me if I didn’t he would kill me. I needed to stay alive so I could save those women.”

“Who said he would kill you?”

“I don’t know his name.”

“It wasn’t Ramirez?”

“No.” You shook your head. “If it was Ramirez I would have shot him. But it must have been one of his right hand men.”

“How would you know that? You’d never met Ramirez correct?” Spencer had a soft tone to his voice which made his line of questioning easier than Agent Jareau’s.

“I’m not a profiler but I’ve been to enough seminars over the years. He didn’t fit the bill. He was young, scatty, he didn’t strike as much fear into the other women as I thought the boss would. I made an educated guess and I was right. If I’d shot at him I would have blown my chance at getting Ramirez.”

***

“Shit shit shit!” You pulled yourself as close to Delilah’s cot as possible with your restraint. “Delilah, keep breathing, try to breath. Fuck I am sorry.”

Tears rolled down your cheeks, the empty needle you’d been made to inject in her vein between your cots on the floor.

He’d held a gun to your head and said he would shoot you if you didn’t do it. You didn’t think he was bluffing.

“It happens a lot.” A woman opposite spoke up. “You’ll soon find out. If she wakes up she’ll have the pleasure of returning the favour.” She gave you an almost manic grin.

If she wakes up. It was the if you were having the issue with.

“Who’s in charge around here?”

She shrugged.

“Don’t know his name. Big guy. Tattoos. Mustache. You can’t miss him.”

“Does he come down here often?”

Again she shrugged.

“Being down here you have a way of losing track of time.” She clicked her tongue. “But he’ll be here for you later. He has to test his new girls.”

Your blood ran cold.

“Test?” You swallowed, pretty sure you knew what she meant.

“He can’t very well expect you to make him money if he doesn’t know how good you are.”

Oh god.

Your heartbeat raced. No, it was not going to come to that. You were a CIA agent and you were armed.

It was not going to come to that.

***

Spencer’s face paled a little at your words. You hadn’t told Agent Jareau that part.

“He was going to...he didn’t…”

“No.” You cut him off, pushing the memory back down. “I had a gun, remember.”

You offered him a wry smile.

“So you know what comes next.”

“I’d like you to tell me.”

The way he said it was more like he was a therapist than an FBI agent. As though he wanted you to tell him so you could get it off your chest, unburden yourself, rather than for interrogation purposes.

“Ok.” You nodded. “He came for me later that night. And that’s when it happened.”

***

“Ahh look at you.”

A deep, Spanish voice woke you.

Your eyes fluttered open and landed on a strong, tattooed man with a mustache standing over your cot.

This must be him.

“Tan hermosa.”

So beautiful.

You tried not to shudder.

You sat up wiggling your legs in your boots to make sure you could still feel your firearm. You could.

“Su nombre es Rosa.”

Your name is Rosa.

Guess again.

“Su nombre es Y/N.”

“Tú hablas español?”

You speak Spanish?

“Si.”

“Eres perfecta.” He grinned menacingly. “My clients will love you.”

He reached in his pocket and fished out a key chain. He reached over you and unlocked your cuff.

You rolled your wrist to try and get your blood circulating again.

“On your feet.”

You complied and stood up. Your legs were shaky.

He grasped your wrist, hard enough so you couldn’t wriggle free but not hard enough to leave a mark. He started dragging you across the room.

With his free hand he undid the four locks on the large steel door and pulled your through it. Once on the other side he took care to lock them all again, keeping a firm grasp on you the whole time.

You were dragged down a long, narrow corridor towards another steel door, this one with just one lock on.

He slid the key in and opened it, pulled you inside and locked it behind him.

The room was much smaller than the one you’d been held in and only housed a single cot.

He licked his lip as he looked at you. His large, thick fingers stroked your cheek and you had to try and hide your disgust.

“En la cama. Ahora.”

On the bed. Now.

You had to pick the opportune moment. You had to plan this just right. You had no doubt he had a gun on him so if you faltered even slightly, he would kill you.

“Qué tal esto.”

How about this.

You made a show of licking your lips and then dropping to your knees in front of him.

“Whoa, feisty. I like it.” He grinned, his meaty hands going to his belt buckle.

Yes. Right where you wanted him.

While he was fumbling with his belt, you reached your hand back into your left boot, drawing your gun in one swift move.

You head butted him in the crotch, sending him stumbling backwards, crying out in pain.

“Mierda!” Shit. “Usted puta!”

You whore!

You were on your feet in a second, your gun trained on him.

“You will never hurt another woman again.” You spat, furious tears suddenly streaming from your eyes.

He looked up at you, his mouth opened to speak.

But the words didn’t come out as your bullet hit him between the eyes.

“Who’s the puta now?”

***

“I would say,” Spencer chewed his lip. “You did what you had to do to survive.”

You breathed a sigh of relief.

Thank god.

“Thank you.” You smiled softly. “And I did. If I hadn’t shot him, who knows how many other women would have died.”

Spencer pushed his chair back and stood up.

“Just so you know, we got word from the hospital a little while ago. Roberta Suez, Delilah, is going to be just fine.”

“Oh thank god.” You felt tears brimming your eyes.

He opened the door and turned back to you.

“Are you coming?”

“I can leave?”

“You were never under arrest.” He smirked at you.

You couldn’t help but laugh.

You got up from the chair and Spencer motioned you out of the room.

“I’ll walk you out.” He showed you across the bullpen towards the elevators. There was an awkward air between the two of you.

Did you say anything? It didn’t seem as though he remembered you, was it worth reminding him?

He motioned you into the elevator first and he followed, pressing the button.

The elevator started its descent.

Time was running out.

“So uhm…” Spencer turned to you and turned too. “How’s your mom?”

A smile broke out on your features.

“I didn’t think you remembered me.”

“Are you kidding?” He laughed. “I recognised you the second you walked in.”

“It’s been twenty years.” You laughed.

“Eighteen years, seven months.” He corrected you. “But I could never forget your face.”

You blushed a little, averting your gaze.

“My moms doing ok. Thanks for asking. How’s your mom?” You looked back at him.

“Recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.” He told you sadly.

“Oh gosh I’m so sorry.”

“It’s ok. These things happen.” He shrugged. “Made it to thirty without having a schizophrenic break but now I have to wait until I’m older to find out if I’ll develop Alzheimer’s.”

The doors to the elevator opened and you stepped out, Spencer close behind.

“I really am sorry Spencer.”

“It’s ok.” He shrugged. “Is your mom still at Bennington? I used to see her when I went to visit my mom but I moved her out a little while ago.”

“Yeah she’s still there. She likes being close to my dad.”

You both hovered by the exit, not ready to say goodbye.

“Can I take you for coffee? If you don’t have anywhere else to be.” Spencer blushed as he spoke.

“I’d like that. A lot actually. But I’d really like to shower and change out of this getup.” You laughed. “How about dinner?”

“Dinner sounds perfect.” He grinned at you.

You gave him a smile and turned to leave but before you made it to the door Spencer spoke again.

“Y/N,” he called your name, his voice cracking a little. “You uh...you forgot something.”

You turned to face him curiously.

He walked closer to you and without a second thought, placed his hands on your face and kissed you.

For a second you stood frozen, in shock of what was going on.

But after a few moments you wrapped your arms around his neck and opened your mouth to deepen the kiss.

When the kiss ended you were both smiling at one another.

“What was that for?” You asked softly.

“Oh you know…” he shrugged with a coy smile. “Just something that needed to be done.”

“I’ll meet you back here in a few hours.” You told him, touching his chest briefly.

“Ok.”

“Bye Spencer Reid.”

“Bye Y/N Y/L/N.” He croaked.

And with that you sauntered out the doors but not out of his life.

***

Las Vegas, Nevada - 1999

“Spencer?” You’d only made it a few paces away from Bennington before you stopped in your tracks, calling his name. “You uh...you forgot something.”

He turned to face you curiously.

You walked closer to him and without a second thought, placed your hands on his face and kissed him.

He stood frozen, in shock of what was going on.

It was just a brief kiss, Spencer was too confused to do anything but stand there dumbly.

“Wh-what was that for?” He swallowed.

“Just something that needed to be done.” You smiled. “Bye Spencer Reid.”

“Bye Y/N Y/L/N.”

And with that you sauntered back down the street, hoping that one day, the universe would lead you back into each other’s lives.

—————————————————————

Taglist (let me know if you would like to be added) -

@muffin-cup

@andiebeaword

@mggsprettygirl @measure-in-pain

#spencer reid #spencer reid fanfiction #dr spencer reid #criminal minds #criminal minds fanfiction #david rossi #jennifer jareau #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x you #spencer reid x fem!reader

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characteroulette · 3 years

Text

well all rightie then, it’s time to analyse how DGS1 handles grief really well in my opinion

(once again, spoilers for all of DGS1)

(also some spoilers for the original trilogy games) (and a little of DGS2)

okay So my thesis statement here is that Asougi’s character in DGS1 is the vessel through which Ryuunosuke and Susato’s grief is explained. Everything about how they relate to Asougi is their dealing with their grief in a simple message: Loss hits hard, but you have to continue to live and love. Life Goes On, shaping that grief into yourself if you allow it.

We start off with Case 1 as our baseline. The set-up. It’s a routine to show what life is like for Ryuunosuke before tragedy. (Fitting for an AA protagonist to have their baseline of normal being accused of murder.) This case does a really, really good job of setting up Asougi as our friend, our partner, whom we might spend the rest of the game with.

(I mean, the death flag’s kinda obvious if you’re genre-savvy; the mentor must die so that the student may grow into their own. But Asougi’s so likeable! He’s confident, genuine with Ryuunosuke, comfortably teasing, and looks at you with the same eyes as Klavier. What’s not to love? Also that small hint of something deeper is so tantalising that for it to go unresolved is pretty unthinkable.)

It’s important for us to see how much Asougi means to Ryuunosuke, how much the two really are best friends. This set-up is pivotal to what happens next in Case 2: the drop.

The way Ryuunosuke reacts to learning about Asougi’s death is real. He tries to deny it at first, can’t bring himself to believe it. Especially since he’s been accused of the crime! But the moment he sees that photo of Asougi that Sherlock took, that’s where the truth of it hits and he can’t run from it anymore. All he can do is try to push past that biting grief to at least solve his friend’s murder and set things right.

Susato’s own grief is portrayed really well here, too. She’s so angered and clouded by it that she totally ignores the fact that Asougi and Ryuunosuke are best friends and believes Ryuunosuke to be the murderer. Really, she just blames Ryuunosuke because it’s easier that way, since the wound cuts just as deep for her.

What really strikes me, though, is how the whole case isn’t just a one-note misery. Like real life, the two slip into sadness when they remember their dear friend, but they’re still able to joke around. They still get upset or sarcastic or excited. Because, though their grief affects them immensely, the message is that life continues. It can’t just stop for them like it did for their friend; life goes on. Not out of malice, but out of necessity.

Also, the way Sherlock acknowledges their grief is pretty great. That felt hugely validating to me, how he tells them that their mourning is important and how his jovial, joking tone was never properly taking that into account. The way he continues breaking in at the end to lighten the mood, too, is his own genuine way of trying to help, exhausting though he may be. It’s appreciated, at the least, to keep us the players from breaking down into tears as the conclusion rolls with no real satisfaction at the mystery being solved.

That final conversation between Susato and Ryuunosuke, at least, is hugely cathartic to make up for that. It sounds like it should feel rushed, honestly, dealing with the majority of the grieving process in just Case 2, but it doesn’t at all. It seems properly healthy, like the two are doing their best by confiding and taking comfort in one another in order to celebrate Asougi’s goals, to keep going where he can’t. Ryuunosuke and Susato both form their resolve here to continue to live, not just for Asougi, but for themselves as well. For life’s sake.

Because, again, life goes on.

(A brief tangent: Seeing the contrast of this story versus the original trilogy is also a really neat sort of view into Shu Takumi’s growth as a writer. Or the AA series’ growth as a whole. How Edgeworth handled his grief by never really acknowledging it in AA1, how he basically ran away from it by refusing to live as a sort of punishment against himself, is really sad. Then Phoenix handling his grief in JFA by turning to anger and resentment is just as heartbreaking. Phoenix disavows himself from it, trying to spare himself the pain by denying it, which only hurt him more and he had to have everyone around him break him out of that awful mindset. Then in T&T it’s Godot’s grief which drives the plot, as he turns his anger on Phoenix unjustly. He blames Phoenix for Mia’s death and lashes out at everyone instead of allowing himself the time to properly grieve.

And then DGS1 comes along to say that maybe the answer is just that life goes on and we have healthier ways to reconcile with our grief and it’s just real neat to see!)

In Case 3 and 4, we can see through Ryuunosuke’s discussion with Lord Vortex (/Stronghart) the continuation of his handling this grief. It’s a burden, one Ryuunosuke doesn’t fully understand, but he fervently takes upon himself because we want to live for those we’ve lost. (It is the Wright way, the Naruhodou way, to take on the aspirations of the friends you’ve lost. To mimic their mannerisms, their ambitions, in order to keep them close to your heart.)

(That’s a whole other can of worms I could dive into, honestly, how their decision to give Ryuunosuke all of Phoenix’s poses for the whole ancestor vibe while ALSO making it clear that Ryuunosuke took them from Asougi to begin with, it’s just. It’s good, it’s perfect, it’s the same brand of gay the series is known for and I’m love it.)

You also see, as the trial of Case 3 progresses, how Ryuunosuke is basically just living off of ‘what would Asougi do?’ as Susato coaches him along and it’s fun and bittersweet all the way through. Case 4 is where he gains more confidence in himself, but he still defaults to thinking of Asougi’s unwavering trust in him to help him and every time it’s handled with tenderness and shows just how much Ryuunosuke loved his friend.

And, if you’re like me and take every opportunity to examine Asougi’s badge and present it to Susato (/others), you see how they continue to grow with their grief. It starts off with both of them being unable to say much, still weighed down heavily by Asougi’s loss. Though they are continuing and life goes on, it’s still a wound too fresh to approach and hard for them to properly explain.

By Case 5, though, the two of them are more conversational. They’ve found their words, they’ve mended that wound as much as possible so that life won’t leave without them. It still hurts, of course, but it’s easier to think about. It’s easier to reconcile when they’ve been working hard and making friends and continuing to live. It’s small, but the progression is there and I really appreciate it.

Speaking of Case 5, though, everything about this one, in regards to Asougi, is pure catharsis. It really is like they’re looking their grief right in the face and accepting it as a part of themselves. Ryuunosuke looks back on his friend not just with fondness, but with gratefulness that Asougi could make such a big impact on his life.

(This is similar to the whole Phoenix and Mia thing, I feel, since Phoenix often thought of his mentor with the same sort of tone. At least, I think so. Remarkable how Phoenix’s grief can mirror the finalised version of Ryuunosuke’s with the help of spirit channeling! /joke)

Ryuunosuke and Susato have etched Asougi into their hearts and their persons and it’s just really, very good I like it a lot.

(okay time for a few paragraphs on DGS2 and Asougi)

Case 1 one DGS2 is a neat look into Susato’s mind and thought process. You can definitely tell she’s still just a 16-year-old with the mistakes she makes and how she tries to handle her own arguments, which is very cute. We also get to see her actually talking to Asougi’s grave and then see how her own relationship with Asougi has influenced her style (/poses) and aspirations. (Ryuunosuke, too. It’s cute to see how she’s ended up a mixture of both of them.) And it’s a great rug pull moment for the player, since the way that the grief is handled in DGS1 is so good and (almost) final that hearing Asougi might not actually be dead is a bit like digging up old wounds. I mean, we went the entirety of the first game coming to terms with his death, what do you mean his body went missing??

(Case 2 serves as a reminder. Like haha remember how Susato and Ryuunosuke both love Asougi and are sad about his death? Here’s the baseline again, get ready to have it wrecked!)

And Case 3 is phenomenal, too. The way Van Zieks is so understanding in his response to showing him Asougi’s badge is just. It’s perfect, he’s so gentle and empathetic that it shocks Ryuunosuke (even though Ryuunosuke did the same understanding and concern for Van Ziek’s situation Ryuunosuke please). Then the way that Ryuunosuke sees Asougi, disguised in a cloak and mask, and immediately recognises him. To me, that really shows how much he loved his friend. He knew Asougi for about a year and it’s been about nine months since Asougi’s death, yet Ryuunosuke recognises him just by the way he carries himself.

But, to him, Asougi is dead. He’s made peace with that. So, even if it plays on his mind, he can’t allow himself to think that. He puts it out of his mind completely and doesn’t think on it again.

At least, until Susato (who reacted very realistically by shutting down the possibility that Asougi might still be alive because that means Sherlock lied and she couldn’t take having that hope break her worse than before) sees the exact same thing just as immediately and shouts after him. The fact that they both see this disguised man and know it can be no one besides Asougi is insane. It’s love. It makes me cry, I wish they could’ve hugged him during the big reveal (though I know Japanese culture’s just not like that).

Anyway, DGS2 diatribe over. Back to the conclusion.

The whole of DGS1 is just a masterful example of how grief doesn’t have to destroy you, of how life can go on and that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, and how channeling that grief into motivation to keep their memories alive can be powerful. That it’s okay to still feel grief even as you heal, that it’s okay to have fun and keep living even as you mourn. Life is a mixture of levity and tragedy and, to me, DGS1 nails that mixture with perfection.

Absolutely legendary. Join me next time when I dive into the main theme of DGS2, which is literally ‘the dead will come back to life to haunt you’ thanks for coming to my essay talk

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nincompoopydoo · 3 years

Text

PAIRING, BAGELS, REPEAT

— US AGAINST THE WORLD ; PART 4 / ?

( credits to @animusrox for this gif )

PAIRING: Bruce Wayne x reader

WORD COUNT: 2247 hot diggy dog

SUMMARY: You have a heart-to-heart conversation with one of your students before the play and you're hit with the realization that your love for Bruce may be more than meets the eye. hence, you’re starting to wonder if it was a mistake you can never fix.

A/N: This one’s long and kinda depressing. I’m in an angsty mood now whoops. Nevertheless, thank you for reading this series, the bagels will make its appearance and enjoy this one folks.

WARNINGS: Anxiety, depressing thoughts.

MASTERLIST ; MASTERPOST

The night of the show arrived quicker than you anticipated. The flurry of theatre kids rushing about backstage is quite the sight, feeling the incredible sense of pride of a mother for her children. Yet in prayer, you ask Mrs. Wilson for the gift of strength and ability to manage a bunch of highly-strung teenagers. It’s only Shakespeare after all but you knew that wasn’t the genuine nature behind their stage jitters. With all tickets sold out within a week, it has easily become the biggest event of the year aside from homecoming. It may be a little pretentious for a high school production of an over-performed Shakspeare play to emerge as the highlight of the year, but you know it will help with some of the students’ portfolios for acting school.

The clock ticks—thirty minutes before showtime and panic starts to creep.

Your fingertips dance along the selvage of the extensive drapery of the stage as lighting queues are being run through for the last time. The urge of curiosity lets you crack open the curtain as you peeked at the rest of the theatre. The bustling crowd made up of mostly teenagers with seats rapidly being filled, it’s certainly a sight for sore eyes. Amongst the settling audience, you spot Bruce, seated between Mr. Walken, the principal, and Mr. Huckleberry, the vice-principal, likely being shamelessly asked for donations. He looks engaged, but his posture and the gaze of his eyes tell a very different story—Bruce is barely listening to a word they’re saying.

He then turns in the direction of your hiding spot and despite the distance, he catches your eye, immediately recognizing it’s you spying from behind the curtains. You watch the curve of his lips turn up into more of a smirk, swiftly sending a wink your way. You instantly disappear behind the curtains, cheeks burning.

You sometimes find it hard to believe you’re sleeping with the man with no strings attached because you’re incredibly attracted to him.

Someday, you’ll burst out into an exaggerated love confession, and you know it’s going to be ugly. It’s a reality check and right now, it’s the last thing you want. Running away from your problems is more of a habit than a choice as you would rather live in the world your mind has created, where miracles are made and defects cease to exist. Anyone would trade the cruelties of reality for a perfect one yet getting too caught up in a daydream will eventually evolve into toxicity. Bruce orbits the very core of your problems and daydreams. You want to run away from him and allow yourself to be engulfed by his presence at the same time.

You just need...to breathe. Hence, the second dressing room has a weird stench to it. It’s a mess but it’s empty. Yet, it seems you aren’t the only one in need of space, away from everyone else. Shaniqua is seated at the far corner of the room on a crooked metal chair, dressed in a somewhat modernized version of an Elizabethan era dress. Very elaborate and theatrical. Despite her introverted character, she was constantly bright-eyed and keen during your classes. She had a drive like no other. Hell, she miraculously memorized all her lines in two days.

You’ve never seen a furrow of the girl’s brows, until now, and it worries you. Even her glitter-covered eyes could not conceal the dismay they portray with prominence. Gingerly, you made your way to her as she stared at her fidgeting hands. It was only when you settled on the opposite dusty old chair when she finally noticed your presence.

“Stage fright, huh?” you casually asked, resting your arm on the dressing table. She mirrors your posture, heaving a deep sigh, and shakes her head. “No, it’s just,” A pause, her gaze finds yours. You nod, flashing her a smile. It’s a simple gesture that you’re here to listen. “It’s about Oscar...” You catch a hint of a smile as she trailed off and in an instant, your brow raises with curiosity. Oh? Another beat of silence, her eyes dart around the room. You sit quietly with patience because you knew she had more to say.

“It’s just that doing this play has got me thinking a lot about my feelings. I mean, if Romeo and Juliet could be lovers, despite their feuding families, then it must be easy enough for me to admit that I like Oscar.”

“You have a point.” You chuckle, eyes crinkling with amusement. Sometimes she thinks too much for her own good. She reminds you of Bruce. Shaniqua flashes you a faint smile, lips pressed with doubt. “But why am I finding it so hard to just tell him that?”

You stayed silent for a moment or two, mind deep in thought. The chair creaks as you shift in your seat. “Well, could it be that you aren’t sure if he likes you back?”

A hum in response, shrugging coyly as she mumbled a ‘maybe’. Although it was clear as day to you that Oscar liked her back, you wondered if her doubts emerged due to their differences in character. The familiarity of the situation is beginning to feel a lot like deja vu.

“How do you know that someone is the one?” Her sudden question catches you off guard because, in all honesty, you aren’t confident if you knew the answer. A straightforward question, commonly seen in the pages of teenage magazines, written for innocent eyes. You knew its true nature and it terrifies you. The image of Bruce charges through your thoughts like rushing water, memories of times when the two of you were younger clouding your mind. You forcefully push back your university days, buried back deep into your conscience.

“I don’t exactly know the answer to that but in my opinion, it’s—it’s the feeling of completeness when you love them and know they love you. They may be different from you, but it doesn’t make you love them any less. There’s no conflict or strife; it’s just the two of you against the world.”

Those words were raw and genuine, carefully crafted directly from the heart. You weren’t surprised by your words because you’ve thought about it a lot, especially on nights you slept on Bruce’s bed. Maybe, you do love him, and that's a huge ass problem. It’s amazing how unexpected situations tend to encourage apprehension on large issues you never knew existed in the first place. Perhaps it was your astonishing lack of discernment when it came to matters that could potentially alter your life.

Tonight, a sixteen-year-old girl did just that.

Amid your growing anxiety, you manage to catch sight of the wall clock, hung on the other side of the room. It’s now eight minutes until showtime. Your eyes are now wide as you sprung up from your seat in the sudden realization that everyone should be at their respective positions two minutes ago. “Oh God, we’re running late. Shaniqua, word of advice—don’t end up regretting something you didn’t do,” You shoot her a pointed look, index finger stretching towards her. “Now, you really need to go, or we’ll have to delay and you know Mr. Walken hates waiting.”

It’s a quarter to nine, and the theatre is empty. Outside, the foyer and the hallways are buzzing with the remaining audience, lingering and sharing inane conversations as others wait for a car to take them home. You had only just finished rearranging the costumes in the wardrobe of the dressing room. You tried to sweep the scatter of glitter all over the floor but it deemed a task as impossible; you’ll deal with it next week.

You’re sitting in the seat at the front row, nearest to the aisle with a large box filled with props on your lap. Alone in transcendental silence, feeling as empty as the theatre itself. It was partly the conversation you had with Shaniqua that hit you with the reminder of all the mistakes you made that have led you to this unchanging world of a blur that takes the blame for the wretched feeling in your chest. Yet, as the show progressed, hearing the words of affection from two lovers had sent your mind reeling. You were desperate to head home, crawl into bed and potentially cry yourself to sleep but the growing anxiety forbids it, you don’t even think you could drive home.

So, you stillness of the theatre reminds you of Edward Hopper’s painting, Solitary Figure in a Theater. With eyes shut, you pretend you are the figure in the painting, sheathed in black, sitting alone in the cavernous dark.

You hear the door of the theatre squeak, swinging open followed by the shuffling of feet. You don’t look at first, too tired anyway. You’d assume someone had either forgotten something or it was the janitor that you’re sure is going to be upset over the glitter massacre in the dressing room. It looked like a crime scene, except it was the murder of a literal unicorn. You made a mental note to send an apology sandwich of some sorts next week.

It was the familiarity in the whiff of cologne that made you snap your eyes wide open, looking over your shoulder to meet with the sight of Bruce, ambling down the aisle towards you. He smiles, and you mirror him, shifting in your seat and nearly toppling the box to the ground. “What are you still doing here?” He smiles, and you mirror him, shifting in your seat and nearly toppling the box to the ground. “I could ask you the same question.” He settles in the seat next to you, elbow brushing against yours. Your head tilts, gesturing to the box. Bruce merely hums and nods thoughtfully.

“So, how was the play? Does it get a Wayne seal of approval?” There’s a hint of teasing in the curve of your lips as his eyes drift to the stage. “I liked it. The kids have talent.” Your eyes glint with amusement, your smile growing wider. “I never knew you were a fan of romance.” His laugh comes out more like a huff of air, crinkled eyes meeting yours, and nudges you lightly. “Well, now you know.”

He recognizes the way your smile doesn’t quite reach your eyes and the way you’re fussing with the edges of the box on your lap. Something is bothering you and he knows it. He nudges you once more. “Penny for your thoughts?”

You blink once. Then twice, face wincing instinctively. You keep forgetting how well Bruce can read people, especially you. You exhale slowly as he watches you struggle to pick the right words.

“It’s really nothing. It’s just-” you say after a long minute, cutting yourself short. Then, you turn to Bruce. “I’m growing older, and I’ve spent my entire life in a fog with so much fear for reality, I’m afraid it’s too late to fix all my mistakes and regrets.” Your voice dwindles with every word that escaped your lips. You were young, naïve with the notion that time was extensive to make decisions without thinking it through. To know that you could never take back the things you did. Saturn’s rising, it’s a wake-up call now that you’re older and the fear that you would never change creeps onto you with every passing birthday.

Bruce defines the epitome of the sinking feeling in your chest whenever you lay in bed at night and let your mind reel about your existence. Yet, it isn’t as simple as you want it to be. The boy you met at university has grown into a far more complex and entangled mess of the grief of his parents, the responsibility he held over this city and the drive to just...keep moving on. For the longest time, it was him against the world, and a part of you wants to believe that it doesn’t have to be that way. That maybe, you could be enough for him.

He glanced away from you, trying to hide the despondency in his eyes. He holds back a sigh as he speaks, “Do you regret us doing this?” As vague as his question is, you know what he exactly means. He remembers the time the two of you used to exchange senseless conversations and laughter so vividly that it scares him. Juvenile friends, lacking the knowledge to know what love really was. Hence, the agreement—it was just two friends, messing around. Nothing could go wrong. Now, the hole has been dug in too deep, with no way of getting out.

“I don’t,” you reply and with just two simple words, his chest feels like fire. It was the way you had said it, with so much confidence and assurance, despite the intricacy of this relationship. For the first time in a long time, you were extremely sure about an answer. You could never regret Bruce. Never.

It’s almost hesitant in the way his hand finds yours, but it represents his care for you, even if you may not know it. The warmth of his hand feels like fire. Hell, your chest feels like it’s on fire, heart burning for the man beside you. “I’ll drive you home,” he whispers with a squeeze of your hand. You flash him a grateful smile as the two of you drift into a comfortable silence. Silence so eloquent that you don’t feel so empty anymore. No longer a solitary figure trapped in a painting but now two, hand in hand, against the world.

TAGLIST

@raineeace

#bruce wayne x reader #bruce wayne #batman #batman x reader #justice league #batman imagine #bruce wayne imagine #pining bagels repeat

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captains-writing-desk · 3 years

Text

Changes of Winter

Universe: Harry Potter

Character: Severus Snape

Type: F!Reader Insert (You, Yours)

Words: 4,020

Prompt: Hello- Idk if you're still taking requests for Snape but could you possibly do one kinda based off the song Heather by Conan Gray? Like reader and snape are students and she likes him but hes too hooked on Lily to notice? Maybe even ending with like some fluff and them getting together in the end? Idk- up to you! And sorry if you weren't taking requests I dont mean to be a bother. (Sometimes I mix posts up where people say they are taking requests and not) 😅

Notes: Am I obsessed with snow and winter??? Maybe... Are y’all obsessed with Snape? YES, I HAVE SO MANY SNAPE REQUESTS! 😂 I haven’t proofread this guys I’m sorry! Some platonic Lupin in here for you too!

Enjoy!

“Are you cold?” You were torn from watching your breath disappear with the cold but gentle breeze. Your feet shifted and creaked in the snow as you turned to see Severus approach you with a book tucked into his chest.

“Severus,” You gasped softly and smiled, taking a moment to release your breath slowly, “It is snowing.” You stated the obvious as if he didn’t notice and he smirked at your sarcasm.

“I can see that. Where’s your scarf?” He frowned when you averted your eyes then turned towards the lake.

“Out there somewhere.” You shrugged and shivered the cold from your bones.

“Why is it out there?” He ducked to catch your gaze and you glanced sheepishly at him.

“I may have said some things to some people in defence yesterday. So they may have decided to push me and my scarf into the lake...” You smiled awkwardly and he sighed.

“Is that why a certain someone went to the infirmary with a broken nose last night?” He raised his brow.

“Yes. Yes it is. I have detention later so...” You didn’t quite get away with your crimes and he sighed again as he always did when you got yourself in trouble, it almost got longer as each year was passing. You tried to laugh it off but a shiver crept over you instead. Severus saw this and removed his scarf then held it out to you. You stared at the scarf draped over his palms and tried to decline but he stepped forwards and stapled it around your shoulders instead, flicking one end over your shoulder to loop around your neck. His scent immediately filled your nostrils and ran through every fibre of your being as you subconsciously hugged it closer to you.

“Thank you.” You muttered through the fabric, hiding the huge grin plastered across your face. For a moment you had not locked gaze with each other as he earnestly muttered a ‘You’re welcome.’ Yet, as quick as the gaze had lasted, his eyes fell behind you and his whole form softened. You took a moment to register his distraction and followed his gaze to a plume of red hair that fluttered gently against the shoulders of none other than Lily Evans.

Even you were taken aback by her beauty sometimes, you couldn’t really blame Severus or anyone else for that fact in being completely enthralled by her. You couldn’t help the jealousy you felt and how you envied her. You wished Severus looked at you like that. You wished you could distract him simply by walking into his view. You wished you were Lily Evans.

Then again, you watched James trail behind her, pushing every compliment under the sun at her. That you could do without if you were her but you weren’t her and never would be, especially in Severus’ eyes.

Her eyes flickered over to Severus and she smiled, adjusted her course and made her way over. Your chin fell to your chest and you sighed as she greeted you both. Severus returned his sentiments but before you could even half ass some form of greeting, James spoke up.

“Aren’t you supposed to be staying away from me?” He puffed his chest out and you turned and lifted your head to meet him.

“You came to me.” You folded your arms as you stood your ground.

“You did break his nose.” Lily stated, not defensively but casually.

“He pushed me into the lake.” You defended yourself.

“Because you punched him.” She stated again and you stifled a bemused laugh and looked at James who saw he had been caught in a lie.

“Is that what you’re telling people?” You laughed once again, “Is it too embarrassing to tell people that I was standing up for my friend,” You motioned briefly to Severus, “as you belittled him and you got so angry that you pushed me into the lake? So hard that I broke the ice and cracked my wand. Might even have drowned if Remus hadn’t pulled me out.” You stared him down- hard, making him regret ever bringing it up in the first place as Lily turned slowly to him.

“You said it was in self defence.” She folded her arms.

“It was!” He insisted.

“Of what? Your pride?” She scolded him and they started arguing so you turned to Severus again.

“You were defending me?” He spoke immediately.

“Of course. I don’t like people talking about you like that.” You cleared your throat awkwardly. He opened his mouth to say something but his gaze once again wandered over to Lily, which honestly at this point was annoying. She had started walking away, telling James to leave her alone and that she had just wanted to talk to Severus in peace. You looked back to Severus who stared longingly after her, almost pained.

“Go.” You told him and after a beat, he was following her leaving you alone to sigh through the pain you felt.

You understood he had known Lily a little longer than you, but she wasn’t really there for him as much. You assumed that with each passing year he would get over her a little more but not once did his admiration for her dwindle. Even as she got together with James he still felt a burning desire for her.

Now that they were together, Severus had less time to spend with her, uninterrupted time anyway and he would find himself moping about it around you. He would never expressly talk about it, come to think of it he had never even mentioned the fact that he even liked her but you knew it and you knew what pain he was feeling just by looking at him because you were feeling that same pain. The only difference being that he was bitter about it, his pain made him bitter and resentful which was difficult to deal with. Half of the time you would tell him to let things be and not be so bitter but he would either end up storming off or resigning himself to complete silence for the rest of the time spent together.

The more this happened, the more you thought about distancing yourself from him, as painful as it would be it had to be less painful than watch him fall and break for another woman that wasn’t you. There were times you were almost successful in breaking away but watching his heart break with nobody to fall on felt worse. Really you were all he had, not that either of you really knew it.

You found yourself feeling more alone despite deciding to stay close with him still, especially when he would get angry and storm off, leaving you alone for a few days until he decided to speak to you again.

It was one of those days where Severus was off elsewhere, possibly cursing you judging by how your day had gone. Everything seemed to have gone wrong, nothing major but all these little things had built up which in turn built up your frustration. In your free period you decided to sit by the lake to read and breath in the autumn air that was quickly being chased away by the sting of winter.

“Bit cold down here for you to be sat on the ground isn’t it?” The voice of Remus Lupin made you jump and you leapt to your feet.

“I came here for peace until you came.” You put your hand on your hip.

“I came here for peace too.” He took a step towards you and you stepped back. He raised his hands as if he was taking a wild animal. “Calm down.” He chuckled.

“Forgive me for not trusting any of you snakes around lakes.” You weren’t really being rude but you did have a point. You found Remus to be the more tolerable of his little group, he was paired with you in some of your classes and you found he had a pretty decent sense of humour.

“I don’t blame you really.” He laughed and sat down next to where you had been perched against a tree, pulled out a book then patted the space next to him. You rolled your eyes and went and sat next to him, flipping your own book to the page you had been on before. You both read in silence for a while until he sighed.

“I am sorry that they’re rude to you.” He turned to you with furrowed brows.

“So you keep saying.” You spoke flatly, not bringing your eyes away from your book. Truthfully he would always apologise for anything that happened to you on behalf of his friends.

“I do mean it though.” He said sincerely but what difference would that make.

“No offence Remus but it means nothing coming from someone who did nothing. Nothing to me yes, but do you say anything about it to them? I don’t suppose you do. Besides, I’m not the one who should be getting the apology in the first place.” He knew you meant Severus. Severus got it worse than anyone in that school.

“I know...” He whispered and you fell into silence while reading again.

He walked you back to the castle and to your next class with him, then to the hall for lunch afterwards.

Shortly after you sat down and bid your farewells, Severus slid himself into the space next to you.

“Were you just chatting with Remus Lupin?” He asked immediately.

“Welcome back.” You simply said, waiting for his inevitable apology before doing the same thing again a week later.

Winter had come in thick and fast as it did every year, but seemingly quicker this year. Perhaps because it was the final year and not long until you would be done for good.

“Does she even know?” You interrupted Severus’ thoughts as he watched James and Lily dance at the Yule ball.

“Know what? I thought you weren’t coming.” He tore his eyes away from her for a split second to glance at you, taking in your dressy appearance and you sighed.

“You’ve been badgering me all week to come so you wouldn’t be alone. It’s our last year here you know and there’s not much left of it at that.” You twiddled your thumbs nervously as you watched him carefully and leaned up against the wall.

“What are you getting at?” He suddenly snapped his head towards you and you averted your eyes momentarily, trying to bide your own time and calm your nerves somehow.

“I don’t know. It’s just been a long time Severus. Perhaps it’s time to let go.” You barely whispered but he knew what you said, perhaps ignoring it this time because it was Christmas and he did not want to storm off on you now. Though in reality you were perhaps talking more to yourself than you were to him in the first place.

A shadow cast itself between the two of you then and you looked to see Remus stood to the side of you.

“Can I help you?” You asked a little amused at the odd smile that graced his lips.

“I came to ask you for a dance.” He announced almost smugly.

“Is this a joke?” You looked around him for his friends, trying to catch a glimpse of them snickering away somewhere.

“No.” He had a goofy smile on his face that you were still trying to decide if it was genuine or not..

“Drunk?” You narrowed your eyes in amusement.

“A little.” He admitted with a chuckle.

“That explains it.” You laughed and glanced at Severus who still had his eyes on his prize but was listening in for sure because he rolled his eyes at Remus’ demeanour.

“Aw come on, I would actually like to dance with you. I thought we were getting on!” He slurred slightly and you started to wonder where he was finding whatever alcohol he had been getting at, perhaps it would have helped your nerves.

“Yeah I guess you’re right.” You had to admit you had become quite accustomed to his company.

“Yes! And I saved your life once so let’s say you owe me.” He flicked a finger gun my way and I laughed again.

“Alright. So if I get up and dance with you, and it’s all one big joke, you know I’ll break your arm right?” You shifted your body in preparation to follow him.

“I promise you, I just want to dance.” He said earnestly and held his hand out to you. With a quick glance at Severus who was still engrossed elsewhere, you took his hand.

“Don’t say I didn’t warn you.” You pushed yourself from the wall and saw Severus out the corner of your eye finally turn to look at you as Remus towed you away.

That had been the last time you had seen Severus as your friend before school ended, the next time you had seen him you had gotten into a big argument with him about the whole ordeal. He wasn’t happy that you’d made friends with the likes of him let alone danced with him. You said he was being stupid and you defended Remus for not playing a part in the teasing and bullying but as you had said to Remus, he hadn’t tried to stop it, so you supposed Severus had every right to be mad.

If you’d have known he would end up being a Professor at Hogwarts with you perhaps you wouldn’t have accepted the position but then again, Dumbledore practically begged you to come and it couldn’t all be bad could it? It would be easy enough to avoid him or ignore him for the most part, aside from your gut practically kicking you every time you saw him.

There was a full moon out and you needed moon water so you chucked a warm robe on and meandered down to the lake, perhaps your favourite place despite almost dying in it. You opened your pouch of empty vials and crouched by the water, taking your time to carefully bottle the water and take in the crisp autumn air of September.

A shadow came over you and you moved slightly to glance at the reflection in the water.

“Severus.” Your heart stopped for a moment and you almost choked on the breath you didn’t even know you held. You stared at each other through the reflection of the lake for a while, neither knowing what to say. You were shocked he had approached you and perhaps he was a little shocked too, only that he was bold enough to do it.

You studied his features that had grown stronger as he had matured and he studied your own features, each of you coming to rest in the eyes that had not changed really, only that his held a different expression as they watched you now. Mind you it had been a while since you’d seen eachother.

He crouched beside you and held his hand out beside you, after a moment you passed him one of your empty vials which he promptly filled as you placed the bag between you so he could help. A silence fell between you for a while. Not an awkward silence but it was fairly jarring.

Once your vials were full he pulled out a different shape and sized vial and rolled it between his fingers before finally looking at you to tell him what you wanted in those. You looked at the vial then slowly at him, finally seeing not just a reflection.

“Mugwort.” You practically whispered and he raised his brow.

“I have Mugwort you know.” He pursed his lips.

“I like to do my own foraging. Besides I’m willing to bet you’re the kind of man who resents anyone coming to you for supplies.” You mirrored his expression.

“I know.” He thought for a moment, “You’re right, yes.” A very low chuckle escaped him, almost as quiet as a breeze but you heard it and things felt almost normal- too normal. You could feel yourself melting for him all over again, not that you didn’t melt when you saw him around but the acknowledgement of eachother changed the whole thing and it scared you. The small smile that had graced your lips watching him chuckle crept away, as if your memory had been wiped.

“You should know... I..” He trailed off and looked at the ground between you with his brows furrowed as he tried to speak. He took a breath and calmed himself before looking dead into your eyes.

“I really made a mess with you. I wish I hadn’t gotten so angry for no reason.” This was his attempt at making amends- beginning to at least.

“I understand.” You assured him you bore no I’ll will against him for his anger, after all you had understood why he was angry.

“It’s not just that really, I suppose. I wish I’d seen you more.” He was being very cryptic. What he was saying was difficult for him and though didn’t quite know what he was saying, you understood that he was trying to talk sensitively which was hard for him.

“Right?” You pressed him, ignoring the knot in your stomach.

“I’ve missed you.” He sighed, deciding he had said enough for now but it wasn’t the end of it. You on the other hand were lost. You hadn’t expected something like that from him but not only that, all hopes of forgetting him and moving on vanished like a shooting star. Would you let yourself be drawn back in by him? Of course you would. Who were you kidding?

“I missed you too.” You practically clawed for breath trying to respond to him then he smiled. A small smile but it was there, and it was beautiful .

For almost a month you we talking regularly like old friends again but something seemed wrong. There were some things he wasn’t telling you and you knew it. You didn’t want to ask him nor did you want to pressure him but you became increasingly agitated be this niggling feeling in the pit of your stomach that something was off but you pushed it down further and further but you felt the need to be close to him, increasingly so. Perhaps it was your lovesick ways coming back stronger everyday though deep down you knew it was something else. You asked him to spend Hallowe’en with you rather randomly although he knew it was perhaps your favourite time of the year so he agreed.

The feeling you had got worse and worse that week until the Hallowe’en feast came and it disappeared completely. Even the fact that Severus was not in attendance hadn’t phased you much because you would see him that night but the night came and you did not see him. You decided to take a trip to his room to see what was up but on your way there an overwhelming sense of dread and misery washed over you, stopping you dead in your tracks and clinging to the bannister of the staircase for support. You heaved yourself to stand straight and found yourself marching to the Headmasters office where you slumped against the door and knocked repeatedly. The door opened and your arm flew across the frame to keep yourself steady.

“Are you alright my dear?” Immediately Albus’ arms came to support you.

“Something is very wrong. I came to find Severus, I don’t know why I’m here.” You were oddly calm for someone practically panicking internally. It was an odd sensation.

“Come inside.” He led you into his office and sat you down asking why you thought something was wrong.

“I can feel it. I’ve felt this odd sense of dread for a while now until this morning when it left. Not five minutes ago did it come back worse than ever and I feel... Pained.” You thought about the feeling for a moment. Yes it was pain you felt now and Albus’ stared at you for a long time until he closed his eyes.

“It isn’t my place to speak for Severus so you must ask him but I can tell you this, He is going to need you more than he ever has now. Not as a second choice but as the only one he has ever needed truly.” You were absolutely baffled by what he said. It made no sense but all you knew was that Severus needed you.

“Should I go to him?” You whispered and he shook his head.

“I would advise you not to. He will return soon then I will take my leave.” You nodded slowly as he spoke.

“Might I stay here until he returns?” You asked flatly and stared at his desk.

“Of course.” He touched your hand.

You had fallen asleep at some point waiting for him, the numbness putting you to sleep but you woke up to Severus gently touching your shoulder with no sign of Albus.

“I’m sorry I missed Hallowe’en with you.” He sounded exhausted.

“It’s alright. What happened to you?” You had your head tilted back and looked directly into his eyes.

“Come.” He instructed and walked you to his living quarters where he sat you down next to him on a small sofa. He explained to you that Lily and James had been murdered by Lord Voldemort. He continued to explain his own hand in the scheme and some things you’d never expected nor wanted to hear. Though you were glad he seemed on the right path.

“I’m sorry, Severus. I know she meant the world to you.” You gently placed your hand in his in comfort but he flipped his palm up to take hold of your hand instead.

“I loved her, yes. She was not the one for me however. I ignored everything from you, even when it was my own pain I felt being mirrored back to me and I only came to realise that when you left to dance with that Lupin boy. I was angry at myself for not seeing you there all those years and I still took it out on you, as if you hadn’t tried. I suppose I’m telling you this now so no matter what you think about my choices right now, at least one of us got to say something.” You’d never heard him ramble like that before, only when he was arguing but this was a different type.

“It’s a lot to take in, Sev. I can’t deny that I’m happy you told me all that and frustrated that it took so long to get to this moment plus with all the extra information.” You paused for a moment and watched him retract his excitement from the situation. “I’ll adjust though. For now let’s take it one step at a time though?” You proposed and he nodded, a small smile creeping across his face but it was shadowed by the events of earlier.

“I’ll stay with you.” You whispered and leaned over to him, gently wrapping your arms over his shoulders and kissing his cheek. Neither of you knew how long you could stay with him but one step at a time right?

#reader insert #severus snape x reader #severus snape #snape x reader #snape #harry potter #fan fiction

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pretoriafics · 3 years

Text

Russian Roulette - Pt. 3

In this series, you will find: Alternative Universe, Soulmate plot, Angst, Fluff. In this chapter, you will find: You went to the Friday night party, but, yeah, you think you found out about what the ginger lady had talked about with you that day at the restaurant. Word count: 2.020 Pairings: Reader x Platonic! Scott and Stiles; Reader x Derek Original characters of this chapter: Elodie, your french friend, and Au pair; Astrid, your german friend, and Au Pair; Bennie, your host mom; Warnings: English is not my main language <3 Yeah, it was based on Russian Roulette by Rihanna Russian Roulette series: Chapter Two | Chapter Four RUSSIAN ROULETTE MASTERLIST TEEN WOLF MASTERLIST

You thought about that ginger lady all days that week. Her words were so weird and creepy...

But she was right. You were definitely looking for something: you were looking for the truth about your friends. Everything was okay until you met Derek that day in the accident. And since that, a strange woman came to you.

The truth is not what you're expecting the woman said. So, the truth about your boys was not criminal issues? Something inside of you tells that a criminal issue with the boys would be easier to deal with. But if the boy's secrets were nothing related to crime, what the hell are they hiding, so?

You saved the address the woman gave to you, but you didn't read it. You didn't have the courage yet. But you don't want to think about it right now: It's Friday! And you have a party to go to.

Stiles sent you a lot of texts, trying to plan something for Friday night. You know he just doesn't want you to go to that party for some reason you don't know. And that is the biggest reason you definitely should go there.

You wear your red and short dress and then you were ready to enjoy the night. A few friends went to your house, to give a ride for you, and quickly you guys arrived at a huge house. It was full of drunk people, with loud music and dancing bodies. The house is located close to the woods, so there are no mad neighbors to complain about the loud music - which is great. You just want to enjoy the night and forget about the ginger lady and the secret of your boys.

Well, things were being really fun. You were dancing, you met some cute guys, and you drank just two glasses of alcoholic drinks. It was enough to let you "happier". You weren't used to drinking, so you were the joke of the night after being so excited with just two glasses.

You were talking with two other Au Pairs: Elodie, the girl from France, and Astrid, the german one.

"But you drank just two glasses! Come on, take just one more!"

Astrid was putting more drink in a cup for you, but the truth is that you really didn't like to drink too much. You don't trust anyone to watch you when you lose control over yourself, and if you lost control over yourself, anyone could do anything with you.

"No, thank you. I'm done."

Suddenly, you saw through the window behind Astrid something that gave you shivers. It was a pair of red and demonic eyes looking at you from the woods. Your face blushed from the high temperature of your body, became white in fear. You simply can't take your eyes off that creepy eyes.

"Hey girl, do you saw a ghost or something like that?"

Elodie's french accent pulls you to reality again, and your gaze finds her.

"Uh, no... I just think I need some fresh air."

You turn your back, without gave more explanations to the confused girls who are looking at you walking to the front door. You hear Astrid shout for you:

"But how about Stephen? He will come soon!"

"Tell him I'll be back!"

The house behind you was pure fun and party, but despite having fun, you thought that you needed some fresh air. What that eyes was? Maybe just something inside your head. You haven't had drank enough to get out of control, and even if you had, a glass of some random drink wouldn't give you hallucinations.

Well, you would back to the party a few minutes later. Now, you just need some walking.

You took your high heels off and began to walk on the street. The breeze of the night was giving you a gentle hug, and while the sound of the music becomes low, you find out that yeah, you kinda like those night walkings. All that silence, the fresh air, the peace... Wow, you should do it more.

But your peace was gone when you noticed that a man was stalking you.

Crap.

He is high, with large shoulders. You haven't a chance against him. Scared and worried, your walk becomes faster and faster, hoping that the man finally has gone. But when you crossed the street to come back to the house, you saw that the man has gone. Actually, seems like he evaporated in the air.

Okay, the party is over to you. You would come back to the party and ask for a ride for someone. And done.

When you gave the first step in the party's direction, a huge wolf jumped in front of you, roaring in a way that almost did your heart stop. You shout loud.

"What the hell?! Help!"

You began to run in the opposite direction of the party, running from that unreal wolf who was hunting you. Tears were scrolling down your face, in pure desperation while it runs to chase you. You throw your high heels to the thing, and your heels hit its snout. It seems to work because the wolf shook its head, bothered. It gave you time enough to run even faster while you catch your phone in your bag. The first number you tried to call was Sebastian.

"Come on, Bash, come on!"

But then, a voice coming out of your phone says something that fills you with horror.

"This phone is off. Please try again later."

"Damn!"

The next number you had tried to call was Stiles. He could ask his dad for help, and maybe you could be saved. Happily, you heard his voice.

"Hey, you thought about my proposal of-"

"Stiles, call your dad, I need help!"

The wolf roared for you and, suddenly, it jumps. You let out a loud shout and deflect its attack, changing your route and running to the woods.

"What's happening?!"

"There's a huge wolf behind me! Please, I need help!"

"Where are you?! Are you at that party?"

The wolf runs in your direction and jumps again. It pushes its feet into a tree and, then, it flies in your direction. You put yourself down, deflecting again of its attack, but your phone fell in the middle of the leaves. Terrified, you come up with your foot against a rooted tree and fell.

Crying as you'd never cried before, you got up and, tired, you take strength inside of you to run one more time, as a way to delay your imminent death. But seems like that were your lucky day.

A skinny figure jumps in the wolf's direction, and they roll through the leaves on the floor. The wolf got up, and let out a loud roar. When you turn yourself to understand what the hell has happened, you saw Scott stopped in front of the wolf. However, he wasn't the same: His face was bestial. Close to him, you saw another figure you hadn't seen coming while you were running. You recognize that figure too: Derek, with the same bestial face. But just when Scott turns his animal face to you, you got certain that, yeah, that thing was he.

"(Y/N)... Run."

But the Wolf seems stronger than Derek and Scott. With a hit, the wolf throws them into the air, and Derek and Scott hit the trees. The wolf run in your direction and you try to run, but things were different this time. You heard two roars when the wolf hits you with such strength, that you hit in the tree. Everything becomes dark after this.

"Is she okay? You've come in time?"

You know that voice! It was from Stiles. Your eyes opened slowly, but you still were dizzy with the blow. Your vision was completely blurred, but you could recognize the environment around you. You were lied down to what seems like a backseat, and your head was in someone's lap - Stiles's lap. You saw his worried face when you look up.

"She's fine. The Alpha didn't bite her."

That voice was from Scott, you were pretty sure. He was at the passenger's seat.

"How do you know?"

"Because we check her before brings her here, smart-ass. What do you think?"

Another familiar voice. What was his name? Daryl? Devon?

"Oh, really Derek? I thought that, I don't know, after the Alpha's bite, the mark of the bite disappears!"

But then, the voice of Scott is heard.

"Shhh! Guys, I think she's waking up!"

Stiles looks at you, with such concern in his eyes.

"Hey, miss sunshine. You okay?"

But your head was aching so much! You just close your eyes again, becoming so tired suddenly. You heard Derek's voice now, but he seems so far away from you.

"She will not stay awake too long. Luckily, she will think everything was a nightmare."

Scott let out a long sigh.

"I hope so."

That was the last thing you heard before get unconscious again.

You woke up, scared and sweat. Quickly, you sat in the bed, with a heavy breath and confused. Your head is aching a little bit, but you think it's just a silly headache.

You let out a long sigh and get up from the bed. You took your phone from the bedside table and... Wow, you don't remember to let your phone fall for it get a cracked screen. Still, you could saw a lot of messages from Astrid and Elodie. You chose to read the messages from Elodie first.

"Girl, where are you? Someone found a dead body in the master suite!"

"Where are you?!"

"I'll call the police."

"Please, please just be safe. I'm so afraid of what could be happened to you!"

"We will go back to the party's house, Astrid is freaking out. We don't care if it's dangerous, we just want you safe."

"GIRL I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU DIDN'T TELL US THAT YOU'VE BEEN TALKING WITH THAT GUY!! HE'S SO HOT!! HAVE FUN!! You almost made us got a heart attack of worries! Next time advise us."

If that was Elodie's message, you can't imagine Astrid's messages. But... What happened? A body? A guy?

Then, you realize that you didn't remember to come back home from the party. You froze. You gave a step forward, to put your phone on the dressing table, but you felt something aching in your left knee: You were hurt! It was just a silly injury, you probably fell sometime at the party last night. But, then, you remembered.

The giant wolf. The chasing. Scott and Derek. Stiles looking at you.

You look at your phone: Yeah, you let it fall when you were running. Your knee: You fell when you're trying to save your life. Your head: You had been thrown in a tree.

Oh my God.

Scared and trying to assimilate things, you go downstairs and realize that it was 10:30 AM. It was Saturday, your day off, and Bennie was in the kitchen while the girls and Sebastian were running in the backyard. When Bennie saw you coming, she smiled.

"Good morning! Hungry? I did some cookies! But be hurry to eat all of them, you know Sebastian loves cookies, and you just have a few minutes after he got tired of being running with the girls outside."

"Bennie... You know, I think I drank too much last night and..." No, you do not think you drank too much last night "...And I'm not sure about who gave me a ride back home."

"Oh," She gave you a suggestive gaze. "Who would be? Hale, of course! He's a great guy, took care of you! He said that you got really scared after someone found a body in the house, so you got nausea and felt dizzy. And he brought you here. You didn't remember it?"

"Yeah, yeah, now you said it, I think I'm remembering."

You lied, again. But the only thing you have pretty sure, is that tomorrow you would talk with the priest that ginger lady told you.

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atomicblasphemy · 3 years

Text

Eda becomes some kind of flying taxi service

Amity: So I told Malphas he needed to have a talk with Gary about our coffee break space.

Emira: Mhmm.

Amity: I mean, for one, Gary never cleans after himself. Like, I once saw him leaving his mug dirty for over a week. A WEEK. It was disgusting. It was just sitting dare on the table for days. I didn’t want to clean it, I’m not a doormate. But it was dire and I had no choice. And don’t get me started on the fridge situation. My lunch has been getting smaller by the day and I can’t seem to figure out the culprit.

Emira: That’s nice, Mittens. Isn’t it nice, Edric?

Edric: What?

Amity: Will you guys pay attention? I need some advice on...

*Windows cracking”

Edric: What the...

Hooty: AMITY FELICITY BLIGHT! IT IS I, HOOTCIFER, HARBINGER OF THY DESTINY. COME WITH ME AND I SHALL REVEAL WHAT JOYS THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THEE.

Amity: I... What?

Hooty: DOTH THOU DARE DEFY FATE? *Swallows Amity*

Emira: ... What just happened? Wasn’t that Eda’s house demon? You know, the one we met before Grom?

Edric: I think it was. I’m not sure though, he sounded more... ominous...

SEVERAL EMOTIONAL MOMENTS LATER

Luz: It’s early... Do you really have to go already?

Amity: Yeah... I still have to finish homework, and I have work tomorrow. But I’ll come back here tomorrow... If you’re okay with it, that is...

Luz: YES! I mean... yeah, I’d love that...

Amity: Anyway... I guess I should get going, we’re not exactly neighbors after all. See you tomorrow then.

Luz: Wait, I have an idea. *Turns around* EDA!

Eda: *Not stopping her flight practice* What?

Luz: Do you think you could give Amity a lift back to her place?

Eda: Oh? Not walking your girlfriend home? Thought you’d be more chivalrous.

Luz: *Showing that Amity’s tomato like properties are infectious* EDAAA!

Eda: Sorry, sorry. But yeah, sure. *Picks up Amity and flies away at neckbreaking speeds. She soon slows down to a more reasonable pace* So... Amity, before I give you that whole “What are your intentions?” scare there’s something I’ve been itching to ask you. What made you chose to dye your hair of all colors, and how did Odd-alia react?

Amity: Luz... Me... Girlfriend...

Eda: Ugh... Don’t make me regret making harmless fun of young love, kiddo.

ONE AWKWARD TAXI EDA FLYING SESSION LATER.

Eda: *Placing Amity on the Blight Manor’s front porch and looking at the two bewildered faces watching her* Sup. *Turns to fly away* Oh right, I guess purple here is in not in the mental state to give any explanations.

Amity: Small ceremony... Human realm... Only friends and family... Boscha is not invited...

Emira: Are you... Edalyn Clawthorne?

Eda: Last I checked I was.

Emira: You look different.

Eda: Oh right... Look, it was a very eventful night so let me start with the simpler one. King, you remember him, right? Tiny, angry, looks like a cat, was the MC at the last Grom along with Goops.

Emira and Edirc: Yeah...?

Eda: He’s harnessing all the powers of yelling. I guess all children his age kinda do that but he went above and beyond and actually learned how to make things go boom with his voice alone, and that’s why both Luz and your sister are still alive. And now I’m realizing I should probably go hide all those Death Metal records I got in human realm. Can’t risk turning my son into a weapon of mass destruction. Not yet.

Edric: That’s... nice... I guess?

Emira: How about Mittens?

Eda: Right. She and Luz are an item now. It was adorable, I called her Luz’s girlfriend then I think it finally really hit her and that made her go all catatonic on me. Sorry about that.

Edric: WHAT?

Emira: Okay, okay... So came out with it? Ed and I have some scores to settle.

Eda: I... Both, I guess? I don’t know, it was sort of at the same time. But I don’t want to spoil it for when she recovers. So I guess us three are kinda family now, huh? Tangentially at least, like you’re my nephew and niece-in-law or something like that, I don’t know.

Eda: The important thing is: there’s a huge waterway under my house and I think it is actually part of my property. Now I need to figure out a way to find out how big that place actually is without letting town hall know so my taxes won’t go up. Can’t push my tax evasion skills. I mean, can you imagine it? The Owl Lady, the most successful outlaw in Boiling Isles history: arrested for fiscal crimes.

Emira: Okay... That’s... cool.

Edric: Yeah... Not to pry though, but what happened to you?

Eda: Oh... Me? I got very high. Not on purpose. Then I became a Harpy. Also not on purpose.

Emira: ... I’m sorry but I’m not following the cause and effect relation between those thing.

Eda: Neither am I. All I remember is: Hooty spiked some cookies; I revisited that time I gauged out my dad’s eye, also not on purpose; then when I push my ex away (You know, Raine Whispers, current head of the Bard Coven, lead a small revolutionary guerrilla, now under mind control. Oh, yeah, guess they’d make to sure to keep it under wraps, anyway...)

Eda: Then it got pretty weird. I got trapped by this tall hooded sun and moon figure and I’m not sure whether that was an actual memory (I did get arrested a few time after all) or if it was just a hallucinogenics induced manifestation of the subconscious trauma of being persecuted for years by the state. Anyone’s guess to which was it.

Eda: And then I became Icarus, fell into the sea, and became a piece of paper. Then I was at the beach, the piece of paper was also there, but that’s not important... I hope... Anyway, so, my curse was there too an for a moment there I thought we were gonna play some chess, but nah.

Eda: I did have an epiphany though. The sky changed colors and now I’m a Harpy. Gotta a lot of stuff to process right.

Edric: *Wide eyed and mouth agape* Mother of Titan...

Emira: *Same as her brother* Do you... need a hug or something?

Eda: Ehh... Don’t worry, I’ll get through. I mean, I’m a badass Harpy woman now, what else could I want? I appreciate the thought though. Anyway, I’ll get going, Luz has probably been stuck in the same place ever since I left. Was nice seeing you guys. *Turns around*

Edric: WAIT, EDA.

Eda: Yeah? What is it?

Edric: Can you take me flying a little bit like you did Mittens? Pretty please?

Emira: *Elbowing her brother* EDRIC!

Edric: What? There’s a tall and friendly winged lady standing in our front porch and calling us family...

Eda: Kinda family.

Edric: Kinda family. And we only went flying, on dad’s staff mind you, like twice. And I mean, look at her. That’s clearly a person with next to no regard for speed limits or any form of flying safety. *Turns to Eda* I mean that as the highest of compliments, by the way.

Eda: *Nodding and smiling* Well, I’m not one to brag... But you’re on point there.

Edric: *Turning back to Emira* See? It will be fun. *Turns back to Eda while making puppy eyes* So, pretty pretty please?

Eda: Eh... What the heck, why not? I do need to get a better hold of this flying thing after all. Fair warning though, I only had these for about an hour, I’m not taking responsibility for any loss of limb or life. *Picks Edric up and place him on one of her shoulders and turns to Emira.* You sure you don’t wanna come with? There’s plenty of room.

Emira: ... I never said I didn’t want to...

Eda: *Placing Emira on her other shoulder* Alritty then, make sure to hold on tight to my hair, just don’t fall into it. Can’t promise I’ll find you if you do. And up we go. *Takes off at neckbreaking speed*

Eda: So... I tried that to Mittens herself, but she was too lost in elation to form coherent sentences. What’s the deal with her hair color change? Why did she pick that specific shade of... pink? Lavender? Purple? Whatever, I was a tad curious about that choice coming from one of Odd-alia’s offspring. So either of you can shed some light on it for me?

Emira: Eh, what can I say? Our little Mittens is growing up, coming out of her shell. I mean, if you told me a month that she’d have a girlfriend by now I’d call it bullshit. Though I would have guessed Luz as being the most likely candidate. In any case, I’m pretty proud of the steps our baby sister is taking, not gonna lie.

Edric: Yeah... Same. But I can’t shake the feeling that it is at least in part an act of rebellion against mom. She did always have that weird fixation with Amity’s hair after all...

Eda: Hum, I see. This actually takes me to my follow up question. How did your mom react when she saw it?

Edric: *chuckling* Oh, I thought she’d have a stroke right then and there.

Emira: Yup. Never saw mom that mad. You’d think the two of us would be the ones to cause it but nope, Mittens beat us to it. Again, I’m a proud big sister.

Eda: Hehehe Sounds about right. You two are the troublemaking type then huh?

Edric: That’s a way of putting.

Emira: We like thinking of ourselves as practical entertainers however. We are in the Illusions track so it comes with the territory. Buuut...

Edric: We indulge in some prankery every now and then, and there’s no one better at it than us.

Eda: Is that so? Ever get in trouble for it?

Edric: Sometimes... When we (kind of accidentally) cause more property damage than intended because SOMEONE botched their end of the spell and caused Bump’s office to almost go up in flames.

Emira: Awww. Ed, I told you already. Don’t beat yourself over it. Accidents happen. You’ll do better next time.

Edric: HEY!

Emira: Anyway, Eda. Why were you asking about Mittens’ hair?

Eda: Oh... You guys are going to love this. I think. Anyway, did you know that me and your parents attended Hexside at the same time?

Edric: Yeah, I remember mom seeing one of your wanted posters a while back and calling you “Ewdalyn Clownthorne” or something like that.

Eda: Ah, haven’t heard that in a minute, Titan those were the day. Anyway, as you might have guessed by now me and your mother we... had a bit of a rivalry. Unfortunately, I couldn’t top the nickname she gave me, best I could do was Odd-alia. No offense, but Blight doesn’t give much to work with in terms of puns, can’t get funnier than that. Especially when thrown at her.

Emira: None taken. And yeah. I mean, it is fun when people call us stuff like “The Blights of Hexside”. But it is kinda sad to know we’ll never get a nickname as cool as Owl Lady or Lord Calamity.

Eda: Oh, my fame still precedes me huh? You know, I think the three of us will get along just fine.

Edric and Emira: Yup, we sure will.

Eda: Anyway, flattery aside... Part of the reason why I love poking your mom with a short stick was, other than how aggravated she’d get and how surprisingly good at paying in kind she was, the fact that she was in the Oracle track. You see, that made her a challenge. And given how she would actually prank me back (successfully, mind you, I have no shame in admitting that) I feel like like we actually a weird sort of friends, or at least we reached some kind of agreement that we were fair game for each other. And trust me, she was ruthless, and very good at escalating things.

Emira: Wow...

Edric: That sounds nothing like the mom we know. Other than the ruthless or the escalation part, that is still true.

Eda: Yeah, anyway. Part of our little game was keeping it hidden. Neither your dad or my sister actually ever realized what was going on until... well, I’ll get to that.

Eda: Anyway, so some lovely day I notice how weirdly obsessed with her hair Odd-alia was. This gives me some ideas, but I know I have make this the mother of pranks, so I decided to just keep a watch, to figure out what the best way to go about it would be. And I was also making those smaller pranks, something to throw her Oracle powers off-balance, you know?

Eda: Well... Back in the day your mother wasn’t monochromatic as she is nowadays. She’d circle through all colors you can think off on her accessories (which she used an ungodly amount, and no judgement it just never seems physically possible). But I noticed that there was one very specific color that she never got anywhere near her.

Edric and Emira: No way...

Eda: And as I said, she was weirdly obsessed with her hair... And as top student of the Potions track making hair dye was child’s play for me... So... do the math... And guess what very specific color was? I may be bad at color names, but I won’t ever, EVER, forget that particular shade.

Edric and Emira: No... freaking... way...

Eda: Yes... freaking... way... I mean, seriously, the first time I saw Amity’s new hair I had to do a double take. The resemblance was just too uncanny.

Emira: And what did she do?

Eda: Well... For a couple weeks there I thought I’d have to place a restriction order on her or something like that. Ultimately the two of us, along with Lilith and Alador (they were our attorneys, no they were not qualified for the role.) sitting across from each other in a very formal looking table, signing a contract. An actual freaking contract setting clear limits to our mutual pranks, like what was off limits like her hair or my then partner, how long was the maximum period a prank could last, so on. Surprisingly enough that was Al’s idea.

Eda: And let me tell you, that was probably the toughest negotiation I ever been a part of. Shame it was not long before I dropped out so never could really put it to use. You know, sometime I think this actually made Odd-alia realize she wanted to be a business woman. I mean, before that she’d go off about how she’d join the Emperor’s Coven all the damn time.

Edric: Wow...

Emira: I second that. Really, wish I had brought something I could take notes on. You completely blown anything we ever did out of the water.

Edric: No wonder she never told us that. You know what? I think I’m dying my hair that color first thing tomorrow.

Emira: Can we tell Amity this story?

Eda: Are you two actually thinking of antagonizing her? Are you crazy? First off, she’s your mother, she holds power over you. All you’d accomplish is getting grounded. Not to mention that she has decades of experience on you, even if she wasn’t your mom, she’d demolish the two of you. No offense, you’re still young, naive, you lack guidance in the ways of the pranksters.

Edric and Emira: *Dejectedly* Ohh... You’re right...

Eda: Hey... Don’t look so gloomy. I see a lot of potential in you, in both of you. *Sighs* I can’t believe I’m gonna take more kids under my wing... But.... Have you guys ever heard of the Bad Girl Coven Initiative? We annoy our foes into submission.

Edric and Emira: WE’RE LISTENING.

Eda: Heh... We’ll get along just fine indeed.

#THE OWL HOUSE #the owl house hooty #Edric Blight #Emira Blight #amity blight #luz noceda #king clawthorne #the owl house boscha #raine whispers #I lost track of what was trying to accomplish halfway though writing this. read at your own discretion.

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seihun · 4 years

Text

7:53pm // can i be your boyfriend? — a bbh social media au

ϟ prev ◂ part 19A ▸ next

ϟ pairings: byun baekhyun + oc:reader

ϟ word count: ahaha

ϟ notes: i am so sorry for dropping arguably the climax of this whole au and then going ghost for three weeks 😬😬 why you all put up with my clownery is beyond me. i don’t have much to say here except thank you to all to lovely anons who encouraged me and to all the readers who stuck around waiting for this. i apologize that this is completely over the top drama, but hey that’s college. (lowkey inspired by real world experiences haha) enjoy 🥺

Sehun can hear Minseok and Baekhyun asking rapid fire questions behind him, but he’s too busy seeing red to focus on them. He follows behind Johnny almost uncomfortably closely, ensuring that the younger boy is in fact leading them in the right direction and not trying to pull at fast one on him.

Sehun swears on every deity above him that he’ll knock out Jongdae if even half of what Johnny has said so far is true. He couldn’t care less about Minseok reasoning with him to slow down or Chungha telling him to calm down. He’d had it up to here with the games.

It was almost a decade in the making anyway; he’d be the one to knock the lights out of those two one way or another. He doesn’t care to be rational or relax.

Jongdae and Jongin not only had no considerations for your feelings or dignity as a person, but for Kyungsoo’s either—or rather, Baekhyun’s, kinda—either. They’re willing to cross a line—and for what, Sehun’s not really sure. To make a point? Get validation? Piss him off?

At this point, it didn’t matter. Sehun was relishing in just the mere thought of seeing Jongin’s stupid surprised face when he walks in the room. So, imagine his disappointment, when he doesn’t get to see the idiots’ stunned expressions; because you seem to have beaten him to the punch.

“—Are you out of your mind? Jongdae, I’d expect this shit from you, but—”

“[Y/N]?” Sehun blinks, taking in the scene in front of him: your finger pointed at a very nervous looking Jongin, whilst a panicked Jaehyun sunk behind his laptop screen, with Jongdae leaning against a desk—looking far too nonchalant for Sehun’s taste—and Kyungsoo standing just a bit behind you, “Kyungsoo?”

“Sehun?” you question, eyes widening as you look past him to see possibly every person you know at the university filing into the room, all with similar murderous expressions on their faces, “Chung—Minseok? Baekh—what—”

“What are you doing here?” The two of you ask at the same time.

“I—Johnny messaged me,” you explain briefly, “I didn’t believe it, but then I caught Jongin walking into the building, so I followed him.”

Sehun narrows his eyes. “Johnny messaged me too,” he explains, stepping forward and in Jongdae’s direction.

“What a lovely family reunion,” Jongdae sniggers, looking over Sehun’s shoulder, “Junmyeon, long time no see, buddy. You look well.”

“Shut the fuck up,” Sehun growls, stepping directly into Jongdae’s line of sight.

“You all need to relax,” Jongdae lolls, crossing one leg over the other and resting his palms on the desk, “I tried explaining that was just a prank, her little boyfriend over there wasn’t gonna get hurt or anything.”

Jongdae nudges his head in Kyungsoo’s direction, whose eyes are now wider than Sehun has ever seen them before. He looks briefly to you, watches as your eyebrows crinkle together.

“Boyfriend—are you talking about Kyungsoo?” you ask Jongdae, then snap your head towards Jongin, “Is that what this whole thing is about? You think we’re together so you were gonna try and publicly humiliate him?”

Sehun might not have gotten to see Jongdae’s surprised face when he walked in the room, but he thinks seeing the shorter boy’s eyes go wide with horror at your words is even better.

“You’re not—?” Jongin stutters, gesturing towards you and Kyungsoo.

“No we’re not!” you screech, turning swiftly to Kyungsoo, “No offense or anything.”

Kyungsoo shrugs, “None taken.”

“He’s not my boyfriend, you imbecile. I don’t have a boyf—well, I kinda—it’s none of your business, anyway!” You shout, stomping your foot.

“Then—who—but we saw you!” Jongdae counters. Sehun takes a deep breath, counts to three in his head, remembers that murder is a crime.

“It’s called having a friend, you should try it sometime,” Sehun says, in lieu of breaking his jaw.

“[Y/N], look, I—I’m sorry, we—I didn’t know,” Jongin apologizes hurriedly, taking a step forwards towards you. A little too close for Sehun’s comfort; too close for Chanyeol’s too, by the way he pushes forward towards him. “We’ll go and change everything back right now, I swear—”

“That’s not the fucking point!” you cut him off, making him pause in his place, and effectively stopping Chanyeol’s strides too.

“First of all, I don’t know what or how you’d have been changing anything. Yeah, we send them to the TA’s, but then the head TA compiles them into one PDF for the showcase,” you explain frustratedly, “So nothing you changed would have shown up anyway. Not to mention we submit the final versions 24 hours beforehand. It’s protocol to make sure students don’t change anything, and the board can review for plagiarism. I used to think it was a stupid rule, but I guess I was wrong.”

Sehun watches as Jongin, Jongdae, and Jaehyun’s mouths fall into tiny o-shapes. An embarrassed blush spreads across the latter’s face as he attempts to quietly close his laptop screen. In his periphery, he can see Johnny pulling his hood over his head. Sehun rolls his eyes. He’d deal with Johnny some other time; he’s not off the hook in his book yet.

“But you were willing to completely sabotage Kyungsoo on the odds that I was dating him,” you continue, but your tone is different now. Sadder than before; not quite disappointed, but almost somber, like you’d come to a harsh realization, “I tried to get you to come with me to this for two years, Jongin. I can’t even count how many times I’d rambled to you about how much of an honor it would be to give my own presentation—about how many opportunities and important people there are here tonight—and you were willing to ruin that for Kyungsoo? For what? For what! I don’t fucking get it!”

Jongin shakes his head, has a jerk reaction to move forward and try to comfort you. “I’m sorry—it was wrong, stupid! I just… I just wanted to have your attention for a little bit.”

Sehun’s seen this scene before; the one where Jongin upsets you, and then somehow makes you believe he’s the only one who can comfort you from his own wrongdoings. He’s a smooth talker, Sehun will give him that, but he’s seen it all before. It almost hurts him to watch it unravel at this point; he can’t even think to look back knowing Baekhyun’s about to witness it, too.

But it doesn’t play out like that; not like it has before. Jongin doesn’t get close enough, but you’re already stepping back, almost stumbling into Kyungsoo.

“You did all this for attention?” you cry out in disbelief, “You wanted to embarrass me in front of my entire faculty and all my friends, for my attention?”

Sehun watches you ball up your fists, the somber timbre of your voice gone; now filled with a kind of anger and frustration he doesn’t think he’s ever heard from you in regards to Jongin.

“Jongin, when we were together I couldn’t hold your attention for more than a few fucking weeks, and now you want me to give you mine, completely undivided? Are you out of your fucking mind?”

It’s a good look on you, Sehun thinks. He likes what he’s hearing, he likes what he’s seeing; he likes this scene much better.

“[Y/N], I—” Jongin reaches out again, but you’re already moving back. Sehun smiles; you might not even realize it, but ironically your backwards movements were a huge step forward.

“Don’t touch me,” you seethe, turning your back to him. You make eye contact with Sehun briefly, then Chanyeol, then some of the others; you look at Baekhyun the longest, a kind of silent message—before sighing.

Jongin doesn’t hear you though, because he tries again, extending an arm, and aiming for your shoulder; but all he gets is a fistful of his own shirt in Chanyeol’s hands.

“She said not to touch her,” the blonde growls, shoving Jongin backwards, letting him stumble into a few desks before standing upright again.

“I—we have to go,” you mumble, shooting Chanyeol a thankful expression before pulling Kyungsoo with you by his sleeve to the door, “Soo and I should go prepare with whatever time we have left.”

You pause at the door, briefly, looking at Baekhyun again, nervous; but it’s all smiles in the shorter boy’s eyes. “We’ll be out there when you guys are up, promise,” he says to you.

That seems to be enough to put a smile on your face, small as it is, before you and Kyungsoo walk out of the room completely and back to the presentation hall.

It’s quiet with you gone now, a palpable tension in the room with Sehun and Chanyeol staring down Jongin, Chungha grilling Jaehyun and Johnny, and Jongdae and Minseok looking like they’re three seconds away from ripping each other’s hair out.

Sehun kinda feels bad for Baekhyun, caught in the middle like this. He sticks close to Junmyeon, the only other neutral party. Well, neutral enough.

“So you’re the boyfriend, then, huh,” Jongin is the first to speak, eyes aiming for Baekhyun, “Dae got it wrong.”

Baekhyun brings a hand up to his neck, “Uh, well… kinda? Not that—it shouldn’t really matter to you, now, anyways.”

God, does Sehun wish Baekhyun was the trash talking type right about now. He sighs; he supposes it’s for the best that he isn’t.

“Well then you should watch out for blondie, and eyebrows over here,” Jongin warns him, “They never let her think for herself. Not to mention, Sehun follows her around like a lap dog, probably because he’s in love with—”

Jongin doesn’t get the chance to finish before Sehun’s fist collides with his jaw, knocking the older boy over, and leaving him hunching over one of the empty desks. Jongin barely gets the chance to gather his bearings before Sehun’s got his fist in his shirt, and pushing his back into the blackboard.

“This is the last time I’m going to tell you to shut that dirty mouth of yours and leave her the hell alone,” Sehun orders, voice so low it could be a whisper, “Do you understand me?”

Jongin only has the strength to groan in response. “I fucking mean it, Jongin, or so help me god,” Sehun’s mouth twitches, his free hand almost coming up to hit him again, but he’s pulled back by Chungha.

He looks at her, huffing as his resolve washes away, and lets go of Jongin completely, not caring for the way he stumbles around to find a desk for support to hold up his weight. Jongdae looks entirely too un-punched for Sehun’s liking, but he’ll leave him to Minseok. For now.

“Do you fuck around with [Y/N] like that because you’re jealous of her?” Baekhyun asks, his question leaving them stunned.

He directs his gaze to a hunched over Jongin, Sehun stepping out of the way with Chungha at his side to give him a better view. All eyes are on Baekhyun, now.

“You don’t like that she has friends who care about her. And you didn’t like that she might have cared about Kyungsoo like you want her to care about you,” Baekhyun reasons, “She has people who love her in way than one, but it’s obvious you don’t have any real friends. Not anymore, at least.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Jongin replies, voice strained with coughs in-between his words.

Baekhyun frowns, hands in his pockets. Sehun’s never seen him like this either.

“I think you do,” Baekhyun corrects him, “I think you know you fucked up so bad—not just with her, with Sehun, and Chungha, and Chanyeol, too—they were all your friends before, right?”

Jongin doesn’t answer him, but Sehun nods at Baekhyun in confirmation. His lips fall into a pinched line.

“I used to think you and Jongdae were different,” Baekhyun drawls, “But I get it now. You both had people who loved you, but you thought it was unconditional right? You thought no matter how badly you fucked up, they’d forgive you. But you’re wrong.”

“Sehun doesn’t fight for her blindly; she does the same for him, for Chanyeol, and Chungha, too. It goes both way, like any functioning relationship,” Baekhyun continues, “She was even willing to do the same for you. And Minseokie for Jongdae. But they don’t have to, not if you don’t keep up your end of the bargain; love isn’t unconditional like that. They don’t need you, either of you, but you want them to. Badly.”

It’s evident Baekhyun’s words put a sour taste in Jongin’s mouth, but just enough strength for him to pull himself upwards. “And what makes you think you’re so much better that she’ll need you instead?”

“Nothing,” Baekhyun shrugs, “Because I know she doesn’t.”

Sehun finds himself smiling at Baekhyun’s words, looks around to see that everyone else seems to be in agreement.

“Come on,” Chanyeol speaks up, “We have to be out there before Kyungsoo is up.”

They all nod in agreement, everyone filing out the room. He doesn’t think to look back, not caring for the four left behind. Sehun throws his arm around Baekhyun’s shoulder as they walk towards the presentation hall.

“You know your little speech was pretty kickass and all,” Sehun starts, “But let’s talk about the boyfriend title, shall we? Or, rather, lack thereof.”

Baekhyun chuckles nervously, gone is the serious tone in his voice from before. “Well I didn’t want to call myself her boyfriend because I’m not!… Yet… And, also, she didn’t before!”

“Because you have to ask her, dumbass,” Minseok interjects from behind the pair.

“I am going to!” Baekhyun squeals, composing himself as he realizes they’re now inside the lobby, which means inside voices, “Or, well, I was going to. I don’t think now is the time, anymore.”

Sehun frowns, removing his arm from Baekhyun’s shoulder. He’s probably right. With the way things have gone tonight, he doubts you’re going to want to do anything but go home and eat your weight in fried rice when this is all over.

Still, looking at Baekhyun and Chungha groan over the lack of use of their “beautiful masterpiece of a sign” as they take their seats has him smiling. You and Baekhyun are good; official couple terms or not.

As soon as the showcase was over, he and the others met you and Kyungsoo outside of the building, with a mountain of hugs and compliments.

Junmyeon shoves a bouquet of flowers into Kyungsoo’s hand, forces him to take pictures with all of them, and Baekhyun even gets a piggy back ride from his friend for all of three seconds before he’s thrown off of his back. Baekhyun also brought a flower crown for Kyungsoo, but none of them could keep it on his head for more than a minute; now it sits atop Maize’s instead.

Baekhyun also gifts you a flower crown, albeit a little bit bigger, and more expensive than Kyungsoo’s, which you accept happily, along with telling him how much you’d loved his very bright decorative poster.

Chanyeol, Sehun, and Chungha, however make his little grown seem obsolete, as they shower you with baked treats, an expensive looking yellow rose bouquet, a homemade sash that reads “best presentation,” and falling confetti from a small confetti gun that Chanyeol had managed to wrangle into his pockets.

By god do you have some good friends.

“Thanks for the… everything, guys,” you say, speaking for both you and Kyungsoo, “I know we wanted to go out to eat after, but honestly, I think I need to call it a day.”

Baekhyun’s hunch turned out to be right, much to Chungha and Chanyeol’s chagrin; both of whom seemed to be looking forward to eating out as a group. The complaints soon settle into small talk, everyone agreeing that tonight had been a whirlwind of events, and some greasy take out and two respective movie nights at Junmyeon and your apartments would suffice.

You’d all get together to celebrate some time later in the week, and at that point there would likely be even more to celebrate for, as it would be after a joint interview you and Kyungsoo were offered for your work in the showcase.

Baekhyun thinks about the other posted rolled up in the one you’d seen, both currently in Chungha’s possession (who’d promised to keep it safe until he was ready to use it again). He’d have another opportunity to ask you, he was sure of it.

“Hey, I’m sorry,” you snap him out of his train of thought, loosely wrapping his hands in yours. Baekhyun crinkles his eyebrows as you continue, “That tonight didn’t go as planned. With—”

“You don’t have to apologize!” he cuts you off with a light chuckle; however, you seem startled, confused even by his reaction, “Babe, you did absolutely nothing wrong; you have nothing to apologize for.”

“Yeah, I guess,” you reply, unsure of yourself, “I don’t know, I just—if they’d thought to go after you instead, who knows what they’d of done and—”

“[Y/N],” Baekhyun calls—that laugh of disbelief still airing through the syllables—wrapping his fingers around yours more firmly, “You’re not responsible for his actions, you know that?”

“I know, but still,” you frown, “I should have known he was up to something. I know I kinda told him off but I just—I don’t want anything to happen to you as a result of their antics, you know?”

“I think the punch Jongin took to the face should prevent them from bothering you again,” Baekhyun chuckles as you eyes go wide.

“Punch—who punched him! Not that he didn’t deserve it, but I told them not to punch anybody. Was it Chungha?—I keep telling her that’s not safe, even if—”

“No it was Sehun,” Baekhyun fills you in, “I don’t think you could have prevented it. Seemed like a long time coming.”

“Yeah, I—I guess it was,” you say, finally, “I know. I’m sorry—about being sorry for them, then.”

Baekhyun laughs from his stomach this time, removing his hands from yours to wrap an arm around your shoulder, pull you into him, and press a kiss to your forehead. “You’re cute.”

Baekhyun sees that you’re about to open your mouth to reply, when you’re cut short by the flash of a camera. When he looks up he finds the culprit to be none other than Chungha, who’s holding her phone up right, and lets out a disappointed groan.

“Ugh, I didn’t get the kiss,” she whines, shoving her screen in Chanyeol’s direction before flipping it around to face the two of you, “You guys look pretty cute still, though, so you’re welcome.”

“Alright, that’s enough of that,” you say, a worn out lilt in your voice as you slowly pull yourself from his hold, “I need a nap. And egg rolls paid for by Chanyeol, so time to get going.”

“But I just volunteered to pay for the later celebration dinner!” Chanyeol exclaims, pouting excessively.

“Don’t worry, Junmyeon can pay when we all go out to eat,” Baekhyun grins, “Won’t even leave a dent in his pockets, right hyung!”

His comment is enough to make everyone chuckle, except Junmyeon who merely shoots him an unamused glance; but Baekhyun knows it means no harm. As if he’d let anyone else pay for a meal.

This information seems to pique Sehun’s interest, however; as the taller boy finds himself stalking towards Junmyeon and wrapping a friendly arm around his shoulder. “Is that so?” Sehun starts, dragging Junmyeon along with him and prompting the rest of the group to start walking towards the parking lots, “I don’t think we’ve met yet, hyung, I’m Sehun.”

“I think I’ve been replaced,” Minseok lolls, watching Sehun and Junmyeon’s silhouettes as they walk ahead.

You chuckle, finding yourself walking between him and Chungha, Maize on his other side, as you head towards the cars. “Don’t take it personally,” you tell him, “Anyone who’s older with a bank account is of interest to Sehun. At least as far as lunch goes.”

Minseok laughs lightly at that, the four of you making small jokes at Sehun expense about his need for companionship and affection in the form of food. It’s a few minutes later when Chungha jokes that if Minseok really needed a new friend to dote on, he should get to know Chanyeol better.

“Hey, Chan, you hear, Min—” you call out to the taller boy, turning your shoulder to face him, but he’s not there. Neither is Baekhyun—not anywhere near the rest of you, anyway.

You stop completely, and turn around, prompting Maize, Minseok, and Chungha to do the same. In the distance, you can see Baekhyun and Chanyeol; it’s as if they hadn’t seen the rest of you walking ahead. And, unfortunately, it looked like the two idiots were… dancing in the middle of the street.

“You think they’ve been hitting the whoah this entire time we’ve been walking?” Maize questions, staring ahead at them like they’re a spectacle. They might as well be.

Chungha sighs, “Probably.”

“I think Chanyeol and Baekhyun are gonna be a little busy becoming best friends,” Minseok laughs, “It looks like they’re already half way there.”

“What could they have possibly been talking about that led them to dancing like that?” Chungha questions.

You’re next, crossing your arms and shaking your head, too. You have to admit, it makes you smile a little bit. That doesn’t make them any less embarrassing.

“Do you see why I avoided introducing them to each other now?”

ϟ tag list: @artfulbarnes @bat-shark-repellant @baek-byunies @baeklooming-day @bbh-kji @cosmins @etsjusoa @exuwu @elyxion1485 @fifiaaaaaa @haechanspudu @honeyboocal @httpschoisan @junkfoodwriting @just-a-sad-writer @j-pping @joyfulponyoafhuman @kokomaesadie @kkpoptrashhh @littleflowercrown13 @loeytingz @marina-del-rey98 @mangobaek @minseokscock @miraculyfe @mochahyuck @oasissehun @ohwosehun @p-polaroid @peachesyeol @peacherparker @penguinsoo-l @rikachusworld @sakura-uji @shesdreaminginoverdose @sekshi-namjas @smolpeyy @strawberrychannie @takoyakkun @to-all-the-stories-i-love @vaiva @writingindaisies @xiutingmyself @xxbluestrifexx @yourexotextplus @zaez

ϟ more notes: once again sorry about the long wait hehe but i hope you liked it!! also, friendly reminder that the taglist is closed!! also, yes i’m sorry this is part 19A which means there is a 19B but it’s not written so don’t worry you won’t have to read through my excessive commas anymore LOL

#exo smut #exo fluff #exo reactions #exo scenarios #exo imagines #exo fanfic #baekhyun scenario #baekhyun smut #baekhyun fluff #baekhyun x reader #exo fake texts #exo x reader #chanyeol fluff #sehun fluff #sehun fanfic #FINALLY SHE'S HERE #exo college au #jongin fluff #*cibyb

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drazzilder · 3 years

Text

A Hellish Encounter

By Drazzilder

Chapter 7: Getting Better

It has been one year since you first meet Endeavor. It only took you a few weeks to find an apartment. You use the word apartment loosely. Not many people would want to rent to a wanted criminal, let alone one with a demon living inside of him. It was only one room, with chipping paint, stained floors, cracked windows, dim ceiling light, but it was yours. The only reason you put up with it is because you couldn’t stay in Endeavor’s house forever and it did have 2 windows.

Living with Endeavor was awkward to say the least. Even though it was a family, no one acted like it. No one talked to each other unless it was required. Everyone just lived their own lives under one roof, it was very uncomfortable for you as you could sense the emotions were tense.

However, once you moved out, the paperwork finally was in for you to start your training. Endeavor personally trained you on combat training. He was quiet surprised the first time you took over his body, but his will power was stronger than your power at the time and he was able to break free. You also helped Enji with a lot of office work and you often went to lunch together. There was also the basic training of hero work, how to handle paperwork and deal with the rules and regulations. The one non-hero help you got was a therapist. You saw him every week and it did seem to help you with your emotions and memories. They might not go away, but at least you could keep them managed when they did come to the surface.

Speaking of feelings, you try to keep your feeling for Endeavor under control. At first you thought it was just because he saved you but every time your around him, your heart begins to flutter and you’re an emotional wreck. You get excited when he asked if you want to go out to lunch with him even if it is for business. Red is your favorite color and his crimson hair drives you wild. The way his muscles flex under his hero suit, the way the flames frame his face makes you want to just feel him all over. The first time you saw him without his fire mask, you practically passed out, that jaw line of his, the facial hair, everything was too much. Even thinking about him starts to make you feel all warm inside. That’s the best part about him, warmth. All your life you only knew cold and that man is the epitome of warmth. Just being near him was enough for you to relax. Oh, how you wonder what it would be like to be in his arms. You quickly stop your emotions as you know it will never happen.

You look at yourself in a full-length mirror leaning against the wall. All of the training has managed to put some weight on you, but your still only 160lbs, just under 6 foot. Your still covered in scars. Thanks to Zaheer, you are much stronger than you appear. As you continue to look at yourself, you feel a presence behind you and you look in the mirror. A 9 ft tall muscular body appears with red skin, golden mane with beard and golden horns. His face isn’t entire human, complimented with small white tusks. You see a large hand grip your shoulder as the claws dig in ever so little. He kneels down to match your height.

“Are you ok?”

“I’m fine Zaheer.” You look over to him instinctively but you just find yourself in an empty room. You look back to the mirror and he is there again.

“We have a big day ahead of us.” He smiles with a toothy grin. His pure white eyes shut with excitement.

“I know, we finally get our hero costume. I wonder how it will look.”

“I’m sure it will look great.” The demon goes to hug you. You look in the mirror and see he is but you only feel a vague presence.

“We better get going, we don’t want to be late!”

You walk for a little while until you reach your destination. It is one of the best hero suit makers in Japan, of course Endeavor would get your costume from there. You are working for him so he wants you to have the best. Once you enter, you see the man himself waiting in the lobby.

“Good Morning (Y/N), how are you today.” He sounds almost tired but you let it go. He is a hero after all and probably tired from everything he does.

“Good morning Endeavor, I hope you were not waiting too long.”

“Not at all, only a few minutes. Are you ready?”

“Yes!” not at all hiding your emotions.

Right as you said that, a woman approach. “Sir, we are ready for you in the fitting room. Follow me.”

You follow her to a hallway with many rooms. Luckily, because of the help you have been getting this doesn’t bother you at all. Once in one of the rooms, you find a hanger with the costume hanging. “Try it on and come out when you’re ready so we can make any adjustments needed.”

It takes you a few moments to get everything one but once you do, you exit and see Endeavor and the tailor sitting quietly. You step out with black boots most of the way up your calf, with straps to hold them tight. Next there are slate gray cargo pants with a red belt holding them up. You have a black tee shirt on with a demonic symbol on the chest in red. A red hoodie vest over that and the hood is down but there are dark red goggles over your eyes: partly to protect them, partly to conceal them. Finally, you have red and black fingerless gloves that go almost to your elbow. You don’t have any weapons as of yet, but you’re not really a combat hero. Endeavor looks over you as the woman gets up and checks the fit of everything. She is going to have to take make some adjustments as you grew a little since she took the measurements, but overall, she is happy with how it turned out.

“Do you like it?” You ask Endeavor.

“Well, I think it looks great, but how do you feel?”

“I like it!”

“And you Zaheer?”

“As long as (Y/N) is happy, I’m happy.”

“Well,” the tailor interrupts “if your happy with it, I’ll go ahead and take it and have the final adjustment for you by tomorrow. Just one last thing, what is your hero name for the records”

“My hero name?” You thought. You never have given much thought before but one name does come to mind. “Don’t laugh, but I think I have one.”

“What would that be sir?”

“Hellboy.” You state quietly almost expecting a laugh from both of them. “Hell for Zaheer and boy for me. The only reason I thought of boy is because I get called that all the time.”

“I only call you that when I’m angry.”

“Your angry a lot because that’s all you call me.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with it.” Endeavor chimes in. “I kinda like it, it’s short and to the point.”

“Thank you.” You almost sigh with relief.

“Well, that takes care of that. If you could change out of your costume, you can be on your way.”

You both start heading out. It’s around noon now after everything. You start to get hungry.

“Did you want to get some lunch, Endeavor.”

“That’s fine, and you don’t have to keep calling me Endeavor, you can call me Enji when we are not working.”

“Oh, alright Enji. Did you want to get some katsu?”

“Hmm, that does sound good right about now.”

“Great! I know of this great place we can go.”

You walk for a little while until you round a corner to a back ally and go into a small restaurant. “(Y/N)! I haven’t seen you in almost a month, I was getting worried about you.” The older man greets you and Enji. You sit down at the long bar and look over the menu. You get your favorite pork katsu while Enji goes for chicken. You two have some continue small talk. Even though you have seen Enji without flames on his face and in normal clothes, you still find yourself looking at him more. You find him so attractive. You internally try to push the feelings down: he is your boss, the person who trains you. You can’t have feeling for him, but he notices you staring at him and he raises and eyebrow while looking at you. You quickly look back to your food and jam a huge amount in your mouth to distract him from your stares.

After you pay and leave, your about to head to the agency but you forgot your phone at your apartment.

“Can we go back to my apartment real quick, I forgot my phone.”

“You’re always forgetting that phone of yours. Very well, we can go get it but make it quick.”

“Alright, follow me, it’s not far from here.”

You walk about a mile more. As you get closer to your building, you two start going deeper into the more dangerous part of the city. Enji knows that this is where more of the crime happens, he doesn’t believe that you live near here.

“Just a little further, it’s that building there.”

The building has half of the windows broken or cracked, the walls are starting to fall apart and the building overall looks like it should be condemned. Enji is still silent as you enter the building. The smell of chemicals and vomit fill the main lobby. He almost gags as you head up the crumbing stairs and was you walk down the hall, the doors of each apartment slam closed as each resident sees Enji. You open your door and he sees your room. He takes a good look at it as you grab your phone, you turn around and see the shock on his face.

“You can’t possible live here.”

“This is all I could get, not many people are going to rent to a fugitive.”

“How is this building not condemned?”

“I didn’t ask, I just wanted to get a place to live. I didn’t want to stay to long with you; I felt like I would be imposing.”

“You’re coming back with me. I can’t have you living here, it’s not safe.” He grabs your arm as he pulls you out of the apartment.

“But I still have a month…..”

“We are leaving now! I’ll have someone come get your things.”

You two quickly leave the apartment faster than you entered. Enji almost seems mad that you have been living in suck squalor. Secretly, deep in your heart, you’re glad to go back to live with him.

Next Chapter

#A Hellish Encounter #endeavor x male reader #enji todoroki #enji x reader #enji x y/n #my hero academia enji #endeavor fluff #endeavor #endeavor stan #endeavor mha #enji x you #bnha endeavor #todoroki enji

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4ragon · 3 years

Note

can you please expand your thoughts on how aai1 handled turnabout ablaze? I noticed your (rightfully) low ranking of Alba earlier so I’m kinda curious about your opinion ^_^

Okay, before I go into this, I want to say: I love this game. I love all the AA games. Even the ones I have the most complaints about (this and DD) are wonderfully fantastic games with a fun cast and intriguing murder mysteries. You should play the ones you haven’t played yet, even the ones you’ve heard negative stuff about.

That being said, Turnabout Ablaze I think is sort of emblematic of every single problem I do have with AAI.

Ace Attorney Investigations is a little bit of a mess. At its best, it’s a fun murder mystery game with a stellar cast. It introduces Kay Faraday and Shi-Long Lang, it gives us more time playing as Miles Edgeworth, always a treat, and more time with my man Gumshoe. The mystery solving is fun and it offers a new kind of gameplay than the usual point and click style for investigations.

However, it also has a lot of weird pacing problems. Your new assistant and rival don’t show up until case 3 of 5. And Lang isn’t even in case 4, so he’s barely even a presence in his debut game, even though he’s a wildly interesting and fun character. All of his development is shoved into Turnabout Ablaze, and even though it’s welcome development, I kind of wish it was spread out more.

But going more into Turnabout Ablaze: It is long, arduous slog occasionally interrupted by some fantastic moments only to be dragged back down into the deepest recesses of hell. Its midpoint feels like a climax and everything past that point slowly and sadly peters away into a sad mess of one man slowly walking away from you to get on a plane.

To start with, this case in particular has so many different people being accused of murder. Kay, then Larry, then Shih-na, then Franziska, then Alba. AAI has this issue in almost all these cases, but it never feels as pronounced as it does in this one, this meandering, confusing mess of a case. It feels like we’re never really making progress, we’re just running in circles and occasionally hitting a brick wall while we get derailed from some bullshit or another.

I feel like the setup of AAI makes accusing people you care about far less impactful than it did in any of the other games, since that blame can be passed around so quickly and easily. Every single case has at least one moment where a recurring character gets accused, and it feels almost artificial? Like of course we’re going to have to care about Gumshoe and Maggey and Kay and Franziska and maybe not Larry but that’s a personal choice of mine. Yet most of those accusations never really last long enough to have anything meaningful happen plot or character wise, save for maybe Gumshoe in the flashback case? But there’s no tension to that one since we know Gumshoe ends up fine. The rest of the time it’s just an excuse to keep dragging Miles through a constantly meandering plot.

Also, there’re these weird distractions all over the place that lead nowhere. Having to deal with Larry and Oldbag for a few minutes hours even though it has nothing to do with the case at hand is annoying. If we got rid of that second murder, would anything have changed other than a few hours of gameplay? You just have to rewrite a few parts and boom, two hours of my life saved. Or the statue section, did we need to have that statue section? These would be well and good if they were fun to solve, or character building, but they weren’t. They were just there to add time to an already bloated final case.

Adding to that, I was not a huge fan of the Smugglers plot that they were pushing to be the overarching narrative. I feel like it was meant to be this big, intimidating force, but it ended up being so boring and impersonal. And boring. And did I mention boring?

You know what was interesting? Calisto Yew, betraying her friends. Calisto Yew murdering Byrne Faraday, and then Kay’s investment in hunting her down. Then you get to the big climactic showdown with Shih-na, and it’s amazing! It’s satisfying! We’ve been developing this Big Bad for three cases and watching her finally break down, getting to that reveal of who she was, the shootout, all of it was fantastic and wait, what was that? Shih-na didn’t do the murders for this case? She was just a cog in the machine? There’s more game? Oh. Uh. Right. Okay. Whoo.

Also Quercus Alba, uh, sucks? He sucks. He sucks so much. He’s boring and smug, but also he’s this nothing character. He sweeps in at the eleventh hour to be the final hurdle, but he had no buildup other than walking around in the background as this doddering old man we didn’t care about. It wasn’t even in a “Ooo he was always there the whole time” way that Shih-na had, it was just this boring old man doing boring old man things.

And then they have the audacity to make the final confrontation with him last for HOURS longer than it needed to. And every single time it feels like we’ve progressed, not only have we made no progress, but we are actively slamming ourselves into the same brick wall over, and over, and over again.

“Oh, you see, Miles Edgeworth, I have ✨Diplomatic Immunity✨!”

“Ah, well, how about this proof! Proof that you are involved with the smuggling ring! What do you think about that?”

“Well, what do you think about this ✨✨Diplomatic Immunity✨✨ that I still have. Oh well time to go on a plane—”

“Wait! Wait Quercus Alba, what about this new proof! This proof that you could have done the crime!”

“Wowie, my ✨✨✨Diplomatic Immunity✨✨✨ certainly thinks you’re making an interesting point.”

And then Lang shows up to get rid of his ✨✨✨✨Diplomatic Immunity✨✨✨✨ after we’ve been in the same fucking time loop for what feels like twenty years of my life and then suddenly we have to prove without a shadow of a doubt that Alba did the murder?? Why???? That’s not how it works?????? Can someone fucking ARREST THIS MAN???? GUESS WHAT GUYS YOU DON’T NEED TO PROVE HE DID IT YET, YOU HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH TO ARREST HIM YOU’RE NOT IN COURT?????????? END IT!!!! PLEASE!!!!! JUST END IT!!!! FUCK!!!!!!!!

I don’t care about the Smuggling Ring! It’s this weird nebulous idea that has no real bearing on any of the main characters other than Lang. And also like “Oh no, my country’s economy is in shambles” that’s so????nothing???? Again, if we could have anything tying us to the importance of improving Zheng-Fa’s economy maybe that would be different. Human beings as a species don’t really connect that well to a macro level if there’s nothing to make it feel personal, you know? We know nothing about Zheng-Fa and have no connection to Zheng-Fa, and we don’t have any way to conceptualize Lang’s struggle in a way that holds any meaning. Sure it’s important, but it’s not dire to us, and that makes for a shitty confrontation!!!

Let’s look back at the other final cases in this series. AA original: Miles is in danger. His smug mentor is not only trying to get him killed, but did the killings himself. AA2: Maya is kidnapped. It’s a struggle between your ideals of finding truth and justice and making sure your best friend isn’t killed. AA3: Maya is missing, and then later, suspected of murder. You’re confronting this big bad who's been a problem from case one and then also proving yourself to Godot.

They’re all personal stakes. They all matter to the main character, and the bad guy had a DIRECT hand in why. And yes, Alba ordered the killings, but again, it’s so impersonal, it’s like three steps removed so as rendered meaningless. Then you add on top that he’s got no motivation, other than greed and power I guess, he’s not fun, considering how many circles he makes us run in only to get to the same problem every single go around, he’s barely a character, he—!!! I hate him!!! I hate him and not in a fun way!!! Just end the case!!! Please Capcom!!!!

Again, the first half? When we were building to that confrontation with Shih-na? Great! Climactic. Fun. Interesting. But the rest? So deeply incredibly frustrating.

Sorry this was longer than I meant for it to. But I’m not too sorry. After all, I have ✨✨✨✨✨Diplomatic Immunity✨✨✨✨✨

#ace attorney #ace attorney investigations #spoilers #aai spoilers #meta #j

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seanfalco · 3 years

Text

The Going Away Party | Misfits Timeline Anomaly’verse

an oc x oc collaboration between @seanfalco & @super-unpredictable98

Word Count: 5k Warnings: Smut, Jealousy a/n: The quad’s last night in London before starting a new chapter in their lives.

[ masterlist ]

“Okay, so... is that everythin’?” Win’s Nathan asked, trying to peer over Lyddie’s shoulder at the list in her hand.

"I think so, it's not like it's gonna be a ton of people, the flat can’t really fit more ten people sitting down, fifteen, if they’re standing up..." Lydia murmured, checking the list once again, her people-pleasing reflexes kicking in trying to remember what each of their guests liked.

"Good thing Natty told us, I'm so happy to help you guys," she mused, following Win's Nathan while texting Win to say they would be home soon. "I'll miss the Estate. I know we're not going forever, but it feels weird... I've been living here my whole life.

“Yeah, I hear yeh, but it’ll be a nice change of scenery,” Win’s Nathan exclaimed, pushing the trolley for her. “I’m excited for yeh to perform,” he said, flashing her a grin.

"Me too, I think I'm kinda numb at this point, if I actually access my feelings, I might faint," Lydia laughed as she put the groceries on the conveyor. "Do you think that's enough beer? Should I get more?" she mused at the four cases in front of them.

“We can tell people t’bring their own too,” Win’s Nathan’s laughed. “Oh.... shite,” he breathed, quickly ducking down behind Lydia.

"What?" she almost instinctively made a force field around them, but thankfully she held back — that would've been hard to explain. "Is it someone that tried to kill us?" she asked, looking around.

“No, even worse!” Nathan hissed, the checkout girl giving them a strange look. “That’s Win’s evil stepmum. The queen bitch, herself!” he exclaimed, gesturing toward the blonde woman nearby, who bore a rather striking resemblance to her daughter, Delilah.

"Ah, who cares, I'm not scared of her... If she tries me, her and her daughter will have matching scars," Lydia said, bagging the groceries with a chuckle. "Nothing can ruin my mood today, not even the queen bitch supreme."

“Yeah, y’say that now...” Nathan mumbled, eyeing her warily. She hadn’t seemed to see them... yet, but with the determined way Lydia was moving, it wouldn’t be long til she noticed them, having just gotten all her bagged groceries back into her own trolley.

"What is she gonna do? Call the manager and say 'the girl with blue hair assaulted my daughter'? The worst she can do is bore me to death, you shouldn't be scared of a gold-digging slag with ego problems, you're basically a superhero," Lydia pointed out, turning to kiss him before loading the groceries into the car Simon managed to borrow from their parents.

Win’s Nathan spluttered, but accepted Lyddie’s kiss. “I guess,” he muttered. “I don’t always feel like a superhero though.” As soon as the words would out of his mouth he swallowed thickly, Win’s stepmum having clearly spotted him, her head swiveling his way and suddenly her trolley was changing directions. He couldn’t see her eyes behind the dark sunglasses she wore, but he swore she was glaring bloody murder at him.

“You!” she cried, running her trolley right into his shin as he yelped in pain. “You and you!” she amended, venom dripping from her voice as she turned her glare on Lydia. “You’re the miscreants that got my Delilah sent to the hospital!” she cried.

“Oh hi, Karen,” Nathan drawled, “So y’remember me? I’m flattered!”

"Hey, Karen... name suits you," Lydia added under her breath. She was probably the only one able to understand the joke from the future, but she didn't care. "I didn't do anything, Delilah's mouth sent her to the hospital, it wasn't me... and if you touch my boyfriend again you'll see who goes to the hospital next," Lydia growled. She tried to be civil, but seeing her run into Nathan like that was too much.

"You okay, sweetie?" she cooed, running her fingers through his curls as he nursed his bruised shin.

“Oh please, he’s fine!” Karen snapped, giving Nathan a disdainful look as he pouted, rubbing at his shin. “I want you to tell my ungrateful slag of a stepdaughter not to contact us again. Her father was willing to overlook her past transgressions, which is more than she deserved, honestly, but no longer. He wishes to have nothing further to do with her and it’s about time.”

"I'll really appreciate if you wash your fucking mouth before talking about my girlfriend," Lydia snapped back, flashing her a hollow grin before taking Nathan's hand to avoid slapping the woman. "Maybe watch what your own daughter is doing in her spare time. You know, besides committing crimes, terrorizing children... but it'll be my pleasure, I'll tell Win that her shitty family is finally leaving her alone, she'll be enthused!"

Nathan let Lydia pull him away. He knew, though, that she was bluffing. She wouldn’t tell Win what Karen had said, it would hurt Win too much. She’d always held out hope that her dad might finally come to his senses and try to make up for everything, to be the dad she needed him to be, and anger bubbled up inside him.

“But what about me?” he called, catching Karen’s attention once more. “Am I still allowed t’call? I mean, how else are we supposed to continue our illicit affair, Karen? You were the best cougar I’ve ever had! I thought what he had meant somethin’! And now you’re just throwin’ me away like a old rag?” he cried dramatically, drawing more onlookers’ attention and causing a scene, Karen’s mouth falling open.

"Oh my God! You're saying that you're cheating on me with this crusty old cunt?" Lydia cried, dramatically falling to her knees, crocodile tears running down her face. "Tell me now! She's the one who gave you crabs wasn't she? WASN'T SHE?” she sobbed, turning next to Win’s stepmum.

“You homewrecker, I’m pregnant with his child and you stab me in the back, stealing my boyfriend, Karen? You'll pay for what you did, you monster!" Lydia knew that would probably end up somewhere in some tabloid, but Karen's expression was absolutely priceless, totally worth the damage control afterwards.

Snickering, Nathan pulled Lyddie to her feet and jumped into the car, leaving Karen gaping after them as people stared and muttered behind their hands.

“Oh my God, that was priceless!” he laughed. “Lyddie, you were amazing! Absolute perfection!”

He knew it wouldn’t be enough to make up for the fact that Win’s dad was finally cutting her off for good, but it had felt good to humiliate Karen one last time.

"Thanks... I gotta practice for my big Broadway debut," Lydia laughed, taking Win's Nathan's face in her hands and kissing him lovingly. "Once we get home, Winnie can borrow my power and get rid of that bruise — speaking of that! I don't know what to say to her, she's gonna be devastated; I wanted tonight to be perfect for her."

“Maybe... we shouldn’t tell her?” Nathan ventured hesitantly. He didn’t want her to be upset either and he had a feeling hearing about this would completely ruin her night.

"Yeah, maybe it's best, at least for now..." Lydia agreed. "Maybe in New York, if I were to receive bad news, I'd rather be on top of the Empire State than a flat in Wertham."

——

“Jeeze what’s taking them so long,” Win muttered, checking her phone. She and Lyddie’s Nathan were on decoration duty while Lyddie and her Nathan had gone to the supermarket to grab the food. Smart idea, Win thought ruefully. Though Lydia had been teaching her some things, she still struggled in the kitchen and didn’t want to ruin the party with her subpar cooking skills.

With Nathan’s powers and Win borrowing them, it had taken them almost no time at all to decorate the flat for the party.

"They're shaggin', they have t'be!" Lyddie's Nathan groaned, throwing himself down to the couch. "It's almost time for the party and they’re shaggin' in her mum's car!"

“Maybe they just got held up,” Win murmured, sitting down next to him on the edge and running her fingers through his hair. “I’m sure they’ll be back soon.”

"Hey, loves!" Lydia exclaimed, shouldering open the door while carrying two huge paper bags under her arms. "Sorry we took so long, the line was crazy..."

"The line, uh huh..." her Natha teased, getting up to help. "Let's pretend I believe you."

“Oh sure, like you weren’t gettin’ frisky with Win while you were waitin’ for us,” Win’s Nathan teased, carrying the beer in.

"How dare you! We did no such thing!" Lyddie's Nathan gasped. "We've been workin'..."

"I wish we had time for that," Lydia mused, looking over at Win's Nathan, he was really sexy dealing with the whole Karen thing earlier. "But looks like I'll have to wait until after the party, the guests will be here any second."

“Why didn’t we do that?” Win teased, following Lyddie’s Nathan into the kitchen to help unload the food.

"Cause I'm nervous..." he admitted, it was a little scary, every time he remembered he was moving across the world, he felt slightly sick to his stomach. "But after the party I'll take care o'that," he pushed that fear aside and smiled.

“Aw, Nats,” Win murmured, wrapping her arms around him, momentarily surprised at his moment of vulnerability. “I’m nervous too,” she whispered. “But the important thing is we’ll all be together.”

Since the flat was so tiny, they only invited a few people — their closest friends, but Lydia was still freaking out. Being anxious about being a good host, on top of leaving for New York the next day, on top of the unpleasant (to say the least) encounter from earlier made her run and hide in the bedroom for a moment, not sure if she was doing everything right.

“Hey Lyds, you alright?” Win asked, pushing the door open a hair, having noticed her hurry out of the room.

"I-I don't know... I think I'm having a little bit of a panic attack, but I'll be fine," Lydia assured her, kissing the back of Win's hands. "Don't worry, baby, go have fun, I'll be right there."

“Are you sure? I really don’t mind if you want me to keep you company,” Win insisted.

"Maybe just for a second..." Lydia admitted, curling up against Win, trying to breathe properly. "I love you, Winnie. You’re amazing, you know that? If anyone ever says you're not, the problem's with them," she insisted heatedly.

“Oh Lyddie, I love you too,” Win murmured, holding her girlfriend while rubbing soothing circles against her back. “Did someone say I’m not amazing?” she asked with a laugh.

"I just wanted you to know, that's all," Lydia mumbled. "You're the best girlfriend I could ask for, and I don't ever wanna be without you." She said, looking up and placing a gentle kiss to Win's lips.

“Oh babe, you’re so sweet,” Win murmured, kissing her back as she caressed her cheek. “I don’t ever wanna be without you either, Lyddie.” She could hear the Nathans’ raucous laughter from the other room and was glad they were out there entertaining. “Everything’s gunna be alright,” Win assured Lydia. “Like I told Nathan... the most important part is we’ll all be together.”

"Yeah, that's all that matters..." Lydia agreed, getting up. Before opening the door, she hesitated, looking in the mirror to make sure everything was in place. "Let's do this."

"Hey, are you okay, Lyds?" Simon asked, pulling her to the corner as soon as he noticed her coming out of the room.

"Yeah yeah, don't worry, I was just a little scared, but I feel better now," she smiled.

Win gave Lyddie’s hand a squeeze before Simon pulled her off to the side to talk to her and she waded into the small sea of bodies, looking for a tall curly head.

“Hey! There yeh are, Winnie,” her Nathan exclaimed, his twin not too far off. “Where were ya?”

“I was talking to Lyddie, she got a little overwhelmed, but I think she’s okay now,” she murmured, looking around at all their friends. Most of them seemed to know her somehow, more like a faint memory, and though it made her a little sad to think about, it was bearable. At least they knew her at all.

Lydia tried to forget all the foggy thoughts getting in the way and tried to have fun. The Nathans worked really hard on planning the party, she didn't want to upset them by not enjoying it. Grabbing a beer, she sat down with the rest of the gang and her partners. Everyone seemed happy, chatting about anything and everything.

"So, what are you guys talking about?"

"Not much, just gushing about you," Win answered, leaning into her side as she joined them, resting her head against her shoulder for a moment.

"About me?" Lydia blushed, laughing as she imagined what they could be saying.

"Yeah, we were talkin' about your sexual prowess with three lovers," her Nathan mocked.

"Nathan, Jesus Christ..." Simon shook his head with a wince. "How many times have I told you not to do that? I don't wanna know!"

"Actually we were talking about the musical, and how excited we are to be spending time in New York again," Win cut in, giving Simon an apologetic grin.

"It feels so odd to think about it, it's like a dream, I'm really excited, you know even in the future there has never been a female Lonny in Rock of Ages, I have no idea how this happened!" Lydia was always so excited to talk about the musical. She knew she’d never be able to repay them for getting her to audition. "Of course, everyone's coming to the City to watch me when the night comes... I need everyone there," she insisted.

"Of course!" Alisha exclaimed excitedly, grabbing onto Simon's arm.

"Don't worry, we'll make sure everyone's there, Lollipop," Win's Nathan assured her with a grin, his hand resting on her thigh.

"Win? Hey, Win!" A voice through the crowd drew her attention and she looked up to see her bandmate, Max making his way over. She'd been a little surprised that the Nathans' had thought to invite him, but she was glad to see him.

"Max, hey!" she exclaimed, getting up from the couch to greet him with a hug.

"Who's that?" Lydia whispered to her Nathan, feeling just the tiniest hint of jealousy, not that she would ever admit it...

"That's Max, th’other Nathan had the idea to invite him," he explained.

Lydia watched that with an indecipherable expression. She didn't really understand why she felt so off.

"You alright?" Kelly asked, following Lydia's eyes.

"Yeah, sure," she answered distractedly, getting up to introduce herself. "Hey there."

"Hey!" Win exclaimed. "Oh, that's right, you guys have never been introduced before," she remembered. "Lyds, this is my bandmate Max. Max, this is my lovely girlfriend, Lydia," she said, wearing a bright smile.

"Nice to meet you," Lydia murmured, shaking his hand. "Make yourself at home, get a drink, a snack... I think I remember seeing you at the music festival that Winnie and I played at together, is that right?" she asked, taking her seat with a smile that made Simon and Lyddie's Nathan exchange a look.

“What's wrong with her?” Simon mouthed while Nathan shrugged, but he was wondering the same thing.

Win frowned as Lydia hurried away again before even really waiting for Max's response, but she couldn't exactly ask her about it right then.

"Hey, Win, d'you think we could go somewhere quieter?” Max asked, interrupting her thoughts. “There’s, uhh... there's something I need to talk to you about.”

"Uh, yeah, sure..." Win said awkwardly, looking around for a quiet spot. She didn’t exactly like the sound of that.

"I don't like him," Lydia announced suddenly, bouncing her leg nervously as she sat back down. "Not one bit..."

"Aww, is someone jealous?" her Nathan teased, poking her playfully.

"So what if I am?" she demanded, folding her arms.

"I'm sure there's nothing to worry about, Peanut..." Simon took her hand.

"Yeah, the Nathans should be jealous, but you're much hotter than that guy," Alisha assured her with a grin.

"I feel like I should be offended, but I don't exactly understand why," Lyddie's Nathan muttered with a twist of his lips.

"Don't worry, Lollipop, I may have been a little jealous of the guy back in th'day, but he's good people. Surprisingly," Win's Nathan exclaimed.

"C'mon, we can talk on the balcony," Win suggested, opening the sliding door and ushering Max outside. "So, what did you wanna talk about, Max?"

"It's actually somethin' I've been wanting to tell you for a while, and when I heard you were leaving to go to the States... well, I couldn't put off telling you any longer.”

Oh no, Win thought with a grimace. This can’t be good.

“Winrey, I'm in love with you," Max blurted out, taking her hand.

"What?" Win exclaimed in response, nearly ripping her hand from his.

"I've been in love with you for years, don't you remember that night we spent together once? Didn't that mean something to you?"

"Being 'good people' doesn't stop him from hitting on our girlfriend..." Lydia huffed. "Did you see the way he looked at her? I'm telling you, I have an eye for these things."

"Win has three partners, I think that's more than enough," Kelly laughed.

"Wow, Lollipop, haven't seen you like this ever since Ruth..." Lyddie's Nathan taunted. "Remember?"

"Yeah, granny fucker, very funny!" Lydia replied, shifting slightly closer to the balcony to hear their conversation.

"Max, what the fuck are you talking about?" Win exclaimed. “I never slept with you!”

“I know we were pretty drunk that night, but you have to remember.”

“Oh my God,” Win groaned. It must have been the other her, the one originally from this timeline before she showed up.

"I'm already in a relationship. Please don't do this, Max," she begged, saying anything to get him to back off.

"Do what? C'mon Win, I know you feel something for me too."

"Max, I—" Win sighed, unsure what else to say. This was not the conversation she wanted to be having right now, or ever to be honest. Max was her best friend outside of the ASBO group, and she didn't want to lose him, but there was no way she was gunna jeopardize her relationship for him, for something she didn’t do.

"Just, please Win—" Before she could react he leaned in to kiss her.

In a flurry of events the sliding door suddenly flew open and Lydia’s angry voice echoed over the Estate. "BACK THE FUCK OFF MY GIRLFRIEND" she cried, fuming.

The two Nathans looked at each other surprised, Lyddie wouldn't act like that without a reason... she must've heard or seen something they didn’t.

"You come to my flat, in the middle of my party, and you try to kiss my fucking girlfriend? What the fuck, man?" she shouted angrily. The rest of the gang was taken back, Simon’s eyes widening — it had been a long time since he'd seen his sister that angry.

Turns out she did have a good eye for that stuff.

"Get the fuck out!" Lydia snapped, pointing at the door. "I've had a pretty hard day, I don't need this shit. Take the hint and leave."

"But, Win, please?" Max stuttered, hesitating.

"Max, I'm sorry, but you need t'leave," Win said, giving him a pointed look. For a moment she didn't think he was going to, but finally he stormed out and Win slumped into the nearest chair, hiding her face in her hands.

"Very well done, Nathan, brilliant!" Lydia snapped at both of them, thought they couldn't have possibly known this was going to happen. "Very memorable last night in England!" she cried, throwing her hands up.

She wasn't mad at Win, of course not, it wasn't her fault, though the thought of her — any version of her — sleeping with him made Lyddie's stomach churn and she slumped down next to Winnie.

"Hey, it's okay," she whispered. "I'm so sorry this happened, I... wanted tonight to be perfect for you."

"It's not your fault, Lyddie," Win murmured, completely embarrassed. "I'm so sorry, I didn't think he'd... I had no idea he felt that way," she said, squeezing her eyes shut. "I'm gunna... uh, I'll be right back—“ Before anyone could say anything more Win made a b-line for the bedroom, away from everyone's prying eyes.

Lydia was pretty much used to sharing her entire life with the gang, but she’d known them for a long time, Win had only known them since Community Service and she suddenly felt bad for making such a scene in front of everyone. "

“Winnie, baby," Lyddie exclaimed, hurrying to the door and knocking gently. "Can I come in? I just wanna talk and hold you, I'm sorry for all the yelling, I just couldn't help it."

“Yeah, you can come in,” Win said, her voice muffled. As soon as Lydia shut the door behind her Win quickly scrubbed at her eyes, trying to hide her tears.

“I’m so sorry, I had no idea he felt that way... I can’t believe he tried to kiss me— I can’t believe he actually thought I’d leave you guys for him. I’m just... I’m sorry, I don’t want you t’think—“ She shook her head and sank to the bed.

"There's nothing you could've done, baby, it was completely delusional of him to come here and pull this stunt," Lydia joined Win in bed and pulled her close. "I love you, I would never judge you because of that. I was really jealous and I embarrassed you, I'm so sorry about that."

“You were jealous?” Win asked softly, glancing over, a small smile tugging at her lips.

"Yeah, of course..." Lyddie felt her cheeks burn slightly. "I saw th’way he looked at you, I saw you hugging him, I was bloody jealous."

“Aw babe,” Win drawled, her embarrassment forgotten for the moment. “Is it terrible that I kinda like that? It makes me feel special,” she laughed. “I’m sorry, I’m terrible.”

"No, you're not terrible and you are special..." Lydia felt happy for being able to make Win smile after that shitshow. "I just love you too much, and thinking about someone else with you made me lose it, you're mine."

“Someone other than a Nathan?” Win teased. “I like how fiery you got babe, it was pretty hot,” she admitted, sliding her hand along Lyddie’s jaw as she leaned in to kiss her.

"I've never seen you get jealous over me..." Lydia mused, kissing her back, one hand firmly squeezing her thigh. "But that's good to know, I should get jealous over you more often," she joked.

“I’ve been jealous before,” Win admitted softly between kisses. “Though it wasn’t like some asshole was about to try to shove his tongue down your throat,” she said with a small laugh. “But I’ve definitely been jealous,” she said. “It’s usually when fans flirt with you and you don’t realize it, or when guys at the bar check you out...”

"Yeah you're right, it does feel good," Lyddie murmured, using her thigh to part Win's legs, as she pushed her back, grinding against her. "To know that you're scared of losing me, it's cute..." she moved to kiss Win's neck. "I think we might be getting a little outta hand here, do you want me to stop?"

“No, please don’t stop,” Win moaned, tilting her head for Lyddie to keep kissing her neck.

“Win, are you oka—?!” her Nathan exclaimed, cutting off as soon as he saw Lyddie with her. “Oh! I... sorry. I came t’check on yeh... I knew that guy was bad news!”

"Hey, go on, sit down," Lydia bit her lip. "That is if you'd like to watch…” she drawled before turning her attention back to her girlfriend. "Don't worry, we'll be back at the party in no time, but you gotta be quiet, okay, Winnie?" Lydia purred next to her ear, one of her hands sliding under Win's shirt as her thigh kept rubbing against her girlfriend's sex. "Come on, baby, you know what to do..."

Win nodded, careful not to make a noise as she reached for her Nathan who joined them without having to be told twice.

"So beautiful like this..." Lyddie breathed before capturing Win's lips, one hand sliding between her legs, gathering her arousal as lube to tease her clit. "Say you're mine, Winnie," she commanded.

“I’m yours, Lyddie,” she breathed, her breath catching, and she rolled her hips against her hand.

"You're so good, baby," Lydia pumped one finger inside of her while nipping at the tender skin of her neck. "I love you so much."

“I love you too, please Lyddie,” Win whimpered, jumping as she felt Nathan’s thumb circle her clit as Lydia’s fingers pumped into her. “Oh—“ she sighed, writhing at the pleasure that coursed through her at such two simple touches.

"Please what? You wanna come for us? Is that what you want, baby? Cause I wanna watch you..." Lyddie added another finger, moving faster, while leaving a trail of hickeys down Win's neck.

“Yes, please, I’ll be quiet,” Win whined, threading her fingers in Lyddie’s hair, her other hand seeking Nathan’s.

"Good girl, come for me," Lyddie smirked, by now all the anxiety and sadness had faded, the only one she could focus on was Win.

As if Lyddie’s words were a switch Win climaxed, her body tensing as pleasure took over and she was floating for a moment. When she came down from her high, her chest heaving, she looked up at her two lovers and gave a tremulous smile. “I love you both, so much.”

"I love you too," Lydia licked her fingers clean and gently kissed Win's forehead. "Are you ready to go back? Can't leave Natty out there by himself for too long," she laughed.

“Yeah, you go on, I’ll be there in a sec,” Win murmured, sitting up, her eyes trailing over to her Nathan who seemed rather quiet.

"Okay," Lyddie stole one last kiss before leaving. When she came out, she found exactly what she expected: Nathan being Nathan, cracking jokes and pulling tricks that only made everyone roll their eyes, while Lydia laughed.

“Did you ever have a thing with Max?” Win’s Nathan asked quietly.

“No,” Win answered truthfully. “He’s a good friend, but I never thought of him that way. Though, if what he said tonight is to be believed, apparently my clone from this timeline did…”

Nathan nodded reluctantly. “Guess he’s been in love with you ever since, huh? Or at least… well, you know...”

“Yeah, I guess,” Win murmured. “This is just so fucked up.”

“I know,” Nathan exclaimed, reaching for her and Win let him pull her into his arms. “But it’s not your fault.”

“I know, but I’m still sorry...” she insisted, her words muffled against his shirt.

“Y’got nothin’ to be sorry for. I’m sorry he did that t’yeh.”

Win stayed there for a long time, just letting Nathan hold her.

“C’mon, let’s go back out there and put all this behind us, huh? Don’t wanna keep our lovely Lyddie waitin’,” Nathan said, pulling Win to her feet.

“Yeah, definitely not,” Win agreed, seeming better, and they left the room to rejoin the party.

"So you were right about Max after all," Lyddie's Nathan let his head rest on her lap while they all watched a movie.

"Yeah, as usual..." she teased. "But I thought you were used to it by now." She grinned as Win and the other Nathan joined them. It felt so odd to know that tomorrow she would have to say goodbye to all their friends and her home.

"Hey, Simon?" a voice came from the door, Max having left it ajar as he’d left and Lydia looked at her brother, tears springing to her eyes as she recognized the voice.

"In here, dad!" he called.

"I was hoping this was the right address, you know how I am sometimes..."

"Yeah," Lyddie laughed as she shed a tear.

"The car, right... I'll get the keys. Dad, you remember my friend Lyddie, right?" Simon asked, taking her hand as he got to his feet. "She's going to the US tomorrow to perform on Broadway."

"Wow, that's amazing! Congratulations! I remember how talented you are," he exclaimed, holding his hand out to shake hers, but instead Lydia threw her arms around him.

Win watched Lydia hug her dad from her spot on the couch and she was overcome with a sudden wave of emotion. She really wished that Lyddie could tell him the truth about her identity some day. She wanted her to be happy. And a part of her wished that she and her own dad could work things out. For a moment she thought about giving him a call, but what would she say?

"Do you wanna stay? We have plenty of food and beer," Lydia asked hopefully, fixing her hair to cover the birthmark on her shoulder.

"Thank you, but I can't, I'm supposed to pick my daughter up at the library. It's getting a little late, don't want her walking around alone."

"Yeah, that's... yeah, it's dangerous at night, thanks for dropping by," Lydia stumbled over her words.

"Well, congrats again on the Broadway thing," he said, giving Lydia a tender look and waved at the rest of the guests. "Have a good night you lot, sorry for interrupting your party," he chuckled before leaving.

"Goodbye," Lydia waved back, falling into her Nathan's lap. "—Dad," she added softly after he’d already left.

Win looked over as Lyddie returned, slipping her hand in hers without a word and giving her a squeeze. “Can I get you anything?” she asked.

"Just a hug," Lydia murmured, wiping the tears from her face as she took Win in her arms. "Let's just finish the movie, yeah?"

“Of course, babe,” Win murmured, pulling Lydia into her arms. As they watched the movie, the Nathans cracking jokes and quoting random lines Win idly ran her fingers through Lyddie’s hair, feeling strangely at peace, despite how the evening had gone.

———————-

Tag list: @magic-multicolored-miracle @santacarlahorrorshow @messengeronthemoon @the-freckled-luba @firstpersonnarrator @spanishmossmagnolia @salvador-daley @forenschik @a-ghoulish-tale @love-is-dirty-baby @vonkimmeren @violetrainbow412-blog

#misfits #nathan young #nathan young x oc #nathan x win #nathan x lyddie #otp: green apple lollipop #timeline anomaly’verse #collaboration

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reinakahara · 3 years

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Not Even A Storm Can Wash The Tide Away - Chuoku drama track #1 translation

Otome: Is that so. So Nemu-san she… Ichijiku: Yes. Otome: If the effect of hypnosis mic has weakened, we can use the true hypnosis mic to once again- Ichijiku: No, I do not think it’d be necessary for that. Otome: Why? Ichijiku: She sympathizes with our ideology. I believe that she will still be of assistance in the future. Otome: I’m leaving her in your hands then, Ichijiku-san. Do as you wish. Ichijiku: Thank you. *knocks on the door* Staff: Excuse me. Otome: What’s the matter? Staff: I have a message for Ichijiku-sama. Ichijiku: What is it? Staff: The commanding officer of ‘Cleanspeak (Kotosarai)’―Central Crime Department’s Special Forces Unit Keitouin Honobono, has gone to Nemu-san’s room. Ichijiku: Ugh, got it, I’m going now.

*types* Nemu: Hah… What was the predecessor Tsumabira-san doing, not monitoring the perils of each division that need to be kept on a lookout for. I need to take a look at the new data too… Honobono: Nemu-chan, doing good? Nemu: Honobono-san, please knock before you enter the room. Also, can you please refrain from using –chan to call me with? Honobono: My, you don’t have to be so shy~ Nemu: I’ll get angry. Honobono: Ufufufu, you’re cute even when you’re angry~ Oh my, this big sis didn’t intend to say anything that’d warrant that glare of yours though? …Hmm. So these four divisions participated in the final tournament. Nemu: You didn’t know? Honobono: Didn’t have any interest in it, plus I was away on a mission so I had no idea. …Heh, they’re all such fine men~ And the winners from Shinjuku are… eh? Izanami Hifumi…? Kannonzaka Doppo… Nemu: What is it with these two? Honobono: It’s nothing. (Fufufu, I’m becoming more interested~) Nemu: And so, what do you want? Honobono: If you keep working hard like that, you’ll collapse~ Nemu: If I collapse just from something like this, it’ll mean my level as a person is just at that, that is. Honobono: What a strong determination, let this big sis give you a praise~ Nemu: Just say what you’re here for and get out already. Honobono: Regarding that matter on the other day, I have settled it properly~ Nemu: I haven’t received reports of them getting confined in the special prison though? Honobono: Those kids were my type, so I had them dealt with. Nemu: Honobono-san… Honobono: You got complaints, Miss Vice Chief? Nemu: …… Honobono: No, right? After all, I did talk it through with Ichijiku-san, that it’s okay to do things my own method. Nemu: But… Honobono: But? What? Nemu: I… won’t approve your way of doing things… Honobono: My my, Nemu-chan, you sure can say such cheeky words~ Nemu: …… Honobono: Oh well, whatever. Nemu: Is that all? Honobono: Yeah. Nemu: You could’ve just call or text me about it. Honobono: I came all the way here because I’ve something to ask. Nemu: What is it then? Honobono: Nemu-chan, didn’t you go to Yokohama Division the other day? Nemu: Yes, I did and? Honobono: Heard that you went to deal with your brother Samatoki-kun? Nemu: That’s not it, I just wanted to arrest him… Honobono: And then, you failed? Nemu: …… Honobono: Ah, if so, let me go instead~ Fufufufu, that face of his is my type after all. Must be very fun playing with him~ Nemu: Please stop it. Honobono: You even used your position as the vice chief to go and see him but failed, so I’m just being thoughtful and said it for your sake? Nemu: Can you please not do things as you want? Honobono: If it were me, I’d have it done in no time. Nemu: Please stop it… Honobono: What? Did you say something? Nemu: I told you to stop it!! Honobono: Oh my, since you pulled out the mic, that means it’s okay if I fight back too, right? Nemu: *starts mic* ♫「Hah, don’t make me repeat over and over, I’m eliminating the cause of worries through battle, How bad is your hearing that my words are incomprehensible? Now, I cut you down with hypnosis mic, Opening my door at times as if it’s reasonable, Commencing your doxxing manner, You no longer have a part in this, despicable, I absolutely won’t approve of you, never」♫ Honobono: Well then, it’s my turn this time. *on mic* ♫「My, quite full-blooded you are, My hearing is bad, yes so I can’t hear your barks, Challenge accepted, nevertheless you’re a paper doll, Your impudence is nothing but short, I’m a machine gun that rains attack in succession, Going all out, I’m practically a punisher, Be your opponent? It’s right up my alley, My, in that case this fight is quite unlikely」♫ Honobono: Oh, are we done here? Nemu: Not yet. *on mic* *door opens* Ichijiku: What are you two doing? Honobono: And when it was just getting better… Nemu: Ichijiku… -san… Honobono: Nemu-chan attacked me with hypnosis mic so I didn’t have a choice- Ichijiku: Quit the chatter, and leave at once! Honobono: Sure sure, I’m done here then, Miss Chief. Ichijiku: Hmph. …Nemu. Nemu: I’m sorry. Ichijiku: It’s fine, I daresay she’s the one who stirred things up it turned out that way. Nemu: Ichijiku-san… Ichijiku: However, Nemu, you’re at fault too for letting her play on you. Nemu: I’m terribly sorry. Ichijiku: Try your best not to entertain that wacko. If she pokes her nose into your business, report to me at once. Nemu: But, I can’t just trouble you over something like that- Ichijiku: It’s no problem at all. Nemu: Thank you. …Um, I have something on my mind. Ichijiku: What is it? Nemu: How does Honobono-san came to work as the commanding officer of Cleanspeak? She displays that attitude even with Otome-san and you, Ichijiku-san… Ichijiku: Her Hypnosis Mic ability is convenient for us. Nemu: Convenient? Ichijiku: Yes, she has a troublesome personality but she without a doubt executes her jobs well. Nemu: …… Ichijiku: I’m saying this a lot, but don’t get involved with her outside of work. Nemu: Okay. By the way, what can I do for you? Ichijiku: Oh, you haven’t been resting lately right? How about taking a break at once? Nemu: Thank you for your care. It’s just that there’s a lot to do for the next division battle, so I’d like to get it all done.

Ichijiku: Is that so, don’t push yourself okay? If you collapse, you’ll come to nothing. Nemu: Alright. Ichijiku: Ah yes, let’s go have some meal when we’re free next week, there’s a shop I want to treat you to some good meat at. Nemu: Yes, I’ll be happy to go along with you. Ichijiku: Sure, I’ll contact you again later. Nemu: Okay. Ichijiku: *walks out the room* Honobono: Ichijiku-san~ Ichijiku: What? Honobono: Aren’t you being quite nice to Nemu-chan? Why is that? Ichijiku: Hmp, it’s not all that different though. Honobono: How ever I think about it, it’s clearly a special treatment though? Ichijiku: If so, you’re thinking it wrongly. Honobono: I think you know this but, I’m the type that really wants something that other people cherish. That’s why, when you dote on her that much…… it makes me want to break her! Ichijiku: Try and lay your hands on her, I’ll bury you then. Honobono: Ufufu, that’d be a fun turn of events in a way. Ichijiku: *walks away* Honobono: Say, doesn’t Nemu-chan resemble Natsume-chan? Ichijiku: W-what are you saying… Honobono: I don’t need any more words by that look on your face alone. Ichijiku: Natsume…

Staff: Okay, we’re going on air! Ichijiku: Good evening, I’m Kadenokouji Ichijiku. Today’s top news is as follows. This is a follow-up news on the corruption scandal; the exposure of a president of party comrade’s huge tax evasion.

Ichijiku: Well then, I’m taking my leave now! Producer: Ahh, Kadenokouji, wait a minute. Ichijiku: Sure, what is the matter? Producer: I’d like for you to go do some interview if you can… Ichijiku: Interview, with? Producer: Yeah, the radical political party called the Party of Words; here’s some information. Ichijiku: Party leader, Tohoten Otome? Producer: It appears that they’ve been touting some rather insane political ideologies around. Go and listen to what she has to say, I’d like to release it sometime around next week. Ichijiku: Got it. Producer: Ah, one more… You don’t have to look into that corruption case you’ve been at anymore. Ichijiku: Why?! Producer: …… Ichijiku: Is somebody pressuring us into doing so, or something? Producer: Enough and just do as I said. Ichijiku: Pardon my words, but if we reporters succumb to the authorities, the depravity of the country will be worsened. I don’t want to give in- Producer: Shut it, women shouldn’t be snooping around things like that! Ichijiku: …… Producer: Get it? This is an order. Ichijiku: This have nothing to do with being a woman…

Ichijiku: Finally~ Natsume: Sister, welcome home. Ichijiku: Natsume, I’m home. Natsume: The dinner’s ready. Ichijiku: Thank you~

Ichijiku: And then, it seems like someone’s been demanding us to stop. I was scolded and he said “women shouldn’t be sniffing about such things!” too. But I’ll never give in to something like that! Natsume: Mm…… mm. Ichijiku: What’s the matter? Natsume: Isn’t it dangerous? Ichijiku: Um… no idea. But I think it’s something that those involved in the press shouldn’t succumb to. Natsume: I really respect that part of you, but… if you think it’s dangerous, stop it right away okay? Ichijiku: Mm, got it.

Woman: Ichijiku, over here. Ichijiku: Ah… You look worn out, Shimozaki-san. Shimozaki: Ah… kinda. Ichijiku: So, what about that thing? Shimozaki: It’s all in this USB. Ichijiku: May I take a look now? Shimozaki: Yeah. Ichijiku: This is… incredible…! If this is made public, arrest can be made, from the local governor all the way to the Prime Minister. …How did you get this? Shimozaki: I’ve been at it as a freelance journalist for a few decades too, it wasn’t for nothing. Ichijiku: Why are you giving this to me…? Shimozaki: I’m backing out from this case. Ichijiku: You’re backing out? Why? Shimozaki: I have my family. If I go on any further they might be exposed to danger. Ichijiku: Did something happen? Shimozaki: A threatening letter was sent to my workplace. Ichijiku: Threatening letter…? Shimozaki: *sighs* So be it if I’m the one they lay their hands on, but if anything happens to my family… Ichijiku: But… will the government really go that far? Shimozaki: ……This is as far as I can go. Ichijiku, you should be careful too. Ichijiku: Looks like this case is even darker than I thought. Wait, it’s this time already? I won’t make it to the interview if I don’t hurry!

Ichijiku: Excuse me. Otome: Come in. Ichijiku: Do you mind if I put the camera there? Otome: I don’t, go ahead. Ichijiku: Nice to meet you, I’m Kadenokouji Ichijiku from Koyou TV. Otome: Nice to meet you too, I’m Tohoten Otome. Please, have a seat. Ichijiku: Thank you. Excuse my haste, but I’ll be asking you a few questions, I’d appreciate your cooperation. Otome: Of course, do ask me anything. Ichijiku: There’s been support from some people towards the Party of Words, however it’s also been said that its political ideologies are quite wild. Otome: I can’t tell if it’s wild… or anything. From how I look at it, we’re merely publishing things that are a matter of course. Ichijiku: ……The ‘Eliminate men, and establish women as the political power’, you mean? Otome: Yes, quite so. Ichijiku: By ‘eliminating the men’, what kind of aim do you have in mind? Otome: Men are naturally born to fight. There’s no way to leave the country in the hands of those barbaric lots. Ichijiku: I believe there are female politicians around too though. Otome: Even if there are, the male ones are overwhelmingly many, don’t you think? And the leading cabinet are mostly men. For the sake of their self-interest, they indulge in corruption and parachuting, receive dark money. That does not apply only in the political world. You’ve experienced getting oppressed by those kind of people too, haven’t you? Ichijiku: …! Otome: I believe you have, as a fellow female. Ichijiku: Yeah… Otome: That is why, I feel the need to reset the country as soon as possible. If things go on like this the war will repeat, and it can be proven from the history of this country. Ichijiku: …… Otome: With women as the core, we’ll reconstruct the country. Ichijiku: I see, understood. Thank you very much for letting me hear a valuable talk today. Otome: Not at all, thank you too. …Ah, Kadenokouji-san. Ichijiku: What is the matter? Otome: I believe you’ll come to understand one day what I talked about earlier. Ichijiku: Ah…… Please excuse me.

Ichijiku: The leader of the Party of Words, Tohoten Otome… Setting her thoughts aside, she has a curious persuasiveness. Reporter: On to the next news. Today at around 5pm, Shimozaki Karin-san and her family has been found dead at the Kyoto’s canal. Ichijiku: Eh? Reporter: The Metropolitan Police is viewing it as a murder case, and is on an investigation progress. Ichijiku: Shimozaki… -san… Shimozaki: I have my family. If I go on any further they might be exposed to danger. Ichijiku: …! Natsume!

Ichijiku: Natsume!! Natsume! Answer me if you’re around! ……S-she’s not here… *phone rings* Huh? A withheld number… Hello? Man: Good evening, I am a secretary of a certain member of the Diet. Ichijiku: ……! Secretary: Have you noticed that your younger sister isn’t there? Ichijiku: Where is Natsume? Is she alright?? Secretary: She is, still unharmed. Ichijiku: Why are you doing this?! Secretary: Now go to the appointed place and bring along the data Shimozaki Karin gave to you. If you don’t… you know what’ll happen, yes? Ichijiku: ……Understood. Secretary: Then listen well, the place is…

Secretary: You’re here earlier than I thought. Ichijiku: Where’s Natsume…? Where is she!? Secretary: The data comes first. I’m taking it. ……Hm, this is it. Ichijiku: Where is she? Secretary: In that room, sleeping. Ichijiku: !! Natsume! Natsume? Natsume? *realizes something wrong* Natsume? Natsume?? Natsume!!! Secretary: I told you she’s asleep. In an extremely still, eternal sleep, that is. Ichijiku: *wails* Wake up!!! Secretary: You don’t have to be so sad, I’ll send you to the same place as her right away. Otome: This is why men are… *mic on* ♫「Your game is up, you foolish lots, If you don’t wish to die, then you boys begone, Boundless lunacy, wretched, how inferior, I’m a match for thousands, unyielding! 」♫ Secretary: W-what was that, what’s going on?? Otome: Kadenokouji-san. Ichijiku: Tohoten-san… w-why are you… Otome: I was targeting the Diet member who’s deploying that secretary of his. Secretary: ……Who the fuck are you? Otome: I don’t have a name to give to a crude being such as you. Secretary: You’re just a woman, don’t look down on me! Otome: Hmph. *mic on* ♫「You lowly follower, don’t make me laugh, Can you fight back in such a state? Will you die a savage death or will you live? I have no need of you, do not get in the way, Tragic history is repeating, with your foolish acts, Armed yet powerless, it’s the dual wielding of words, Now’s the time for steep karma, Men, if you don’t wish to die, step down」♫ Secretary: *screams*

Ichijiku: Natsume… Otome: She is… Ichijiku: She’s my sister… the only family I have… I… I might as well have killed her… Natsume…! Otome: I’m so sorry, if only I had arrived earlier… Ichijiku-san, do you remember the things I said a while ago? Ichijiku: …The things… you said…? Otome: That “men are naturally born to fight”. Ichijiku: Y-yeah… Otome: Therefore we women should have the power, to govern the boorish men. Use this. Ichijiku: This is…? Otome: A hypnosis microphone. Ichijiku: Hypnosis… microphone? Otome: With this mic, we can fight with words. Please come with me. And then, we will prevent any more victims like your sister. Ichijiku: Yes. …Natsume, I will change this world.

Ichijiku: Natsume… Nemu: Eh? Ichijiku-san, did something happen? You’re just staring off into the space there. Ichijiku: Oh, nah, it’s nothing. Nemu: Ah... Ichijiku: Natsume, your sister is still doing her best.

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translation notes:

Regarding the drama track’s title and Kotosarai, the official english translation was provided in the Hypmic website.

Parachuting here can mean ‘peremptory’, ‘imposition’, and ‘unfair landing into high positions in a corporation etc for lucrative gains, especially those who holds important position outside’. In japanese, it’s called amakudari.

#chuoku #hypmic #hypmic drama track #kotonohatoh #chuoku drama track #hypmic translation #chuoku translation #chuohku

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toomanyfandoms02 · 4 years

Text

Thoughts - Part 1 // Matthew Gray Gubler x Reader

This timeline is set around 2006 because that's when the actually 2nd season of Criminal Minds was going on. So Matthew is about 26.

Summary - Soulmate AU! Once you turn 18, you can hear some of your soulmates thoughts. And when you meet, your thoughts go silent for 30 seconds. Readers soulmate is quite the character. (Anything you see in bold is the other persons thought.)

Word count : 2.1k

This is kind of experimental lmao, lemme know if you like it :)))

"What was your first soulmate thought y/n?" I got this question often, everyone did. This time it was asked by a new friend of mine, we met in our cinematography class this semester at LAFS ( Los Angeles Film School ).

"I think my story is one of the more fun ones."

"I bet mines better." Her eyes held promise, but I wasn't sure she could beat me.

*It was currently 1:15 pm, and I was waiting patiently for my first soulmate thought. I was with my best friend Marley, we sat in the cafeteria of my college, mind you, surrounded by other people.*

*"What time were you born again?" She had asked the question so many times this hour, by the way she was bouncing, you would think that we were waiting for hers.*

*"1:19 pm for the last time Marley." I giggled, nudging her shoulder. I took a bite of the cupcake she had bought me for my birthday. It took no time for the clock to hit 1:19, I anxiously waited to hear something, anything.*

"Now disclaimer." I told my friend, who I now knew as Alex. "I knew that some people had reported that their first soulmate thoughts were kind of, *loud*. But I can tell you that I was severely unprepared."

*Only 30 seconds after my watch ticked past 1:19, I heard a near deafening screech in my head.*

***"What the fuck?!"** The thought was so obnoxious and loud that I spit the fluffy pastry from my mouth and directly onto the back of another person, holding tightly to my ears, this did not help.*

*"What's going on? What did they say?" Marley leaned over to me, rubbing my back with a horrified look. Not long after, the man I had spit on turned around with a furious look.*

*"Hey I'm so sorry." I choked out, waving a hand at the man. "My soulmate thought was painful." The man rolled his eyes with an angry huff, taking his cardigan off and turning back to his table.*

*"What did they say y/n?!" There she went again, bouncing like a dodgeball.*

*"What the fuck." My eyes darted to hers, narrowed slightly. She furrowed her brows at me. "He literally thought, what the fuck, so loudly."*

Alex was on the floor giggling like a fiend, she held her stomache as if her guts would spill out with so much joy.

"Nope, you're right." She could barely speak between laughter. "I can't beat that." She promptly wiped the tears from her eyes, composing herself. "So you haven't met him yet?" She let out a final sigh.

"Nope. When I meet him, I kinda wanna slap him." A sly smile made it's way onto my lips. "The little shit thinks the weirdest things! I have had to deal with his thoughts for 4 years, and I'm ready for the complete silent bliss when I meet him." I laid my head back on the couch.

**I would really like a fruit roll up right now.**

"Speak of the idiot, he really wants a fruit roll up right now." Alex shook her head at me.

"Maybe he will be funny?"

"We'll see about that. What was your first soulmate thought?"

Tonight was Marley and I's 'introduction night.' Similar to a movie night, we have a night every two weeks where we either introduce the other to a new show or movie, alternating turns.

"I think you'll like this one." She plopped onto the loveseat, nearly throwing and spilling the hot popcorn on me while grabbing the remote. "It's a crime show, just started last year so after this season we can just keep up with it. If you like it of course." The show was flipped onto the first episode, it was a man talking about an unsub, or unidentified subject. Then a younger guy walked in, interrupting him.

"Who is that guy?" The words flew from my mouth before I could even think them.

"Spencer Reid-"

"No, I mean his *real* name. He looks *so* familiar." It felt like my brain was eating itself alive, why did he look so familiar.

"I think his name is Matthew Gray Gubler." Marley shrugged, not taking her eyes off the screen.

"Has he been in anything else but this?"

"He models a lot. That's probably where you saw him." She pushed some magazines around on her coffee table and threw one at me. "He's on page 16, Hilfiger Jean's." I flipped to the page, seeing his face again.

"Wow, he is something else. I must have just unknowingly saw him in a magazine somewhere."

"I know! Once I saw him on here, I knew you would think he was cute too. Plus, he's a genius. I figured this would be another Peter Parker situation again." She teased, poking at my giant crush on Spiderman AKA Toby Maguire a few years ago.

"Shut up!" I snickered, throwing a pillow at her head. My own thoughts were interrupted by one that was not my own.

**I wish Halloween would come faster.**

"Its literally May." I whispered to myself, earning a weird look from Marley. This is the typical weird thought, Halloween is big on his mind.

I of course ended up loving the show. ~~And may or may not have had a huge crush on Spencer Reid already.~~

I informed Marley that we would most certainly be catching up on the show regularly, making that out new weekly thing for a while.

Though I could truly not get that Matthew guy out of my head, and I had a weird feeling it wasn't just because I thought he was super hot.

Matthew

**Who is Matthew Gray Gubler?**

The thought nearly made me spit out my coffee as I walked through the set. I knew for sure that wasn't my thought.

*No shit sherlock.*

Now *that* was my thought.

The question swirled around in my head, I really wanted to just think,

*I'm Matthew Gray Gubler!*

Just to make this whole process easier. Who knows if she could even actually *hear* it if I did answer her, or that she would believe me.

So lost in my train of thoughts, pun intended, I ran right into a punch cart.

"Holy shit!" The punch came spilling down right onto my khaki pants. I rested my forehead on the rim of my coffee mug. "I'm so sorry Terry, I was really caught up in my head."

"It's alright." He pulled a towel from his back pocket, throwing it onto the puddle that was forming on the wood floor. "Thinkin' about a girl?"

"Yes actually, thinking about my soulmate. Let me help you with that." I kneeled down on the floor, wiping up the spill. "Sorry again."

"It's all good Matthew." He dragged the cart to the opposite side of the room.

**Why can I not focus damnit?! This trip is suppose to be fun. Focus y/n. Focus!**

Y/n! I've never heard her name before. Maybe shes getting closer to me.

I set my coffee on the table of the reading room, pulling my script out and sitting next to AJ.

"You seem out of it today, are you feeling okay?" She tapped my shoulder. "I saw you run directly into the lunch cart." She clearly tried to suppress a giggle.

"How did you meet Nathan? How did you do it?" My script was not slammed onto the table, my hands pressed firmly on top of it.

"Are you worried about soulmates again? Matthew, she will come to you-"

"She said my name!!" My hands flailed wilding in the air. "I heard her think it! This sucks." I laughed a bit at the end, feeling ridiculous and vulnerable. Ask phone buzzed on the table, interrupting my dilemma.

"Well I hate to stop you in the middle of this debacle, but we have a film class coming in to observe, I guess sit was suppose to be a surprise." AJ shrugged with a pity smile, which is my least favorite version of a smile. I dramatically slammed my head on the back of my rolling chair, groaning like a child.

"Come on Gubler, we don't even have to do anything, we just have to act normal so they can observe. Let's go educate some college kids." She stood above me, patting my head and dragging my seat from the table a few inches. I reluctantly stood up and left the reading room.

To be clear, if it were any other day than the day that I found out my soulmates name, I would be totally in the game. I love teaching people, I love being an inspiration, but all I could think about was how close yet how far I was from meeting the love of my life. I shook it all off, physically and mentally, while heading to the set.

*Time to get my head in the game.*

I hope my soulmate heard that and started thinking of highschool musical.

"Action!" I held my prop gun in my hand while following Shermar, he proceeded to kick a door down that had a camera on the other side to capture it. The class that was observing sat on the other side of the door, seeing all of the behind the scenes that goes on during filming.

To avoid making direct eye contact with the camera, I often look right past it. So instead of making eye contact with the camera, I made it with a girl.

Then it was silent.

I stopped in the doorway, leading AJ to slam right into me on her way through the door.

"What the hell are you doing Matthew?"

"Cut!"

**You have got to be fucking kidding me.**

We did not break our stare, her eyes wide now with the realization.

*Wow.*

The girl sitting next to her was shaking her shoulder violently, but she sat unfazed.

"Can you excuse me for a second?" Bobby Roth, our director for the day looked at me like I was dumb, inevitably giving in.

"Whatever, take 5 guys."

I immediately waltzed past the cameraman and over to, who I could only assume, was my soulmate. The girl next to her was promptly slapping her arm and squealing like a pig, but she was giving her quite the death stare.

*She's my kind of girl already.*

Right as I thought that, she looke duo at me with a large grin and a tilt of the head.

*Shit.*

**Damn, even cuter in person.**

"Thank you." I couldn't suppress the automatic pep in my step meeting her. "I'm Matthew, you must be y/n?" It came out as a question because I was worried I would be wrong, and embarrass myself.

Which I've done, many times.

"You know my name?"

"I uh, I heard you think it." I pointed to my head, nodding awkwardly.

"You are so weird." She laughed, which made my face reddened more 3x more than I'm sure it already was.

"What?" I managed to murmur out.

"Well, you just think about weird stuff, mostly Halloween though." She was slowly smiling more as she spoke of me, which made my heart skip a few beats. She was so much more beautiful than I had pictured her. Her eyes held every intelligent thought that I had ever heard from her, and I knew right then that the eyes were the door to the soul. "Now that I'm here," she finally stood to my level, poking at my chest. "Do you wanna do a couples costume? This year?" She did a cute half shrug, as if I would say no.

"Oh my God, you really are my soulmate." I pulled her into a hug, a tight one, never wanting to let her go now that I'd found her.

"Alright guys! Let's go!" Bobby motioned everyone back to the set.

"Yeah, get out there *Spencer*." She patted her hand on my cheek. I didn't know if I hoped that she *did* see or *didn't* see how much I already liked her on my face, but I could feel the admiration spilling from my features.

"I- I'll talk to you after this!" I stumbled backwards from her, going back to the set and awkwardly running my back into the cameraman.

"Can't wait!" She waved with a flushed face, sitting back down next to her friend who was now shaking both of her shoulders violently.

*This is the best day of my life.*

**Same.**

---------

I've got a few more Soulmat AU ideas if you want more! I just don't know if theres any demand, so LEMME KNOW.

#mgg #criminal minds #spencer reid #dr spencer reid #mgg fanfiction #mgg x reader #mgg fic #mgg imagine #MGG #matthew gray gubler #matthewgraygubler

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gemlinz · 3 years

Text

Fulcrum ch. 3 - Baby Steps (Levi x f!Reader)

Summary: It was a cruel world, she knew. She also knew better than to ask for more than her lot: being a full time barmaid and a part time thief. She helped where she could, bitterly accepted where she could not. Feared the monsters lurking outside the walls. But still - being near him, taking in his strength, his resolve - she couldn't help but hope for more. For herself. For him. For humanity.

Warnings: Swearing, Violence | CH 1 | CH 2 | CH 3 | CH 4 |

Read on A03

As soon as the door shut on the last customer, F/N locked it. She threw her head back onto the wooden frame hard with a groan, eyes falling shut. This was the first time tonight she had to stand still.

“Rough night?” Levi asked from behind his mug. He was sitting in his normal corner, eyeing her exhausted form.

She only grunted in response.

Rough night was an understatement - it was Saturday, and while that always meant a night long rush, the merchants were also throwing a festival. Even when it was standing room only, customers forced themselves into the pub to demand whatever their drink of choice was, throwing money at her before making their way back out into the busy street. On top of that, Louis was still out, so she was entirely alone to deal with it.

The barmaid hadn’t had a second to breathe, let alone dedicate attention to her partner in crime, as it were. Their close encounter with the Military Police had been just over a week ago, though she had seen him a few days prior when he delivered her new assignment.

Levi watched her for a beat longer before saying, “You’re not going to leave this shithole looking like this, are you?”

She cracked one E/C eye open at him before directing her gaze to the rest of the bar. She bit back a curse when she took it in.

As busy as she was, she hadn’t noticed the state it was in. Glasses and alcohol littered the floor, some of it coagulated and starting to become sticky. She counted two tables turned over, and a broken chair leg - it was unclear where the rest of the chair was.

Even the walls had a layer of gunk on them. F/N felt like she was about to cry.

He scoffed when she cast pleading eyes at him.

“Not a chance, brat.” He shot her down, setting his cup down. His table and the area around it remained miraculously spotless, as if his aura just emanated cleanliness.

More likely, she guessed, his aura promised deadly retribution should anyone come too close.

“Please, Levi?” She begged, pushing off the wall to come sit in front of him. “This is totally your thing!” When he looked only nonplussed, she continued “There's no way I’ll get it all done before I pass out….just think of all the spots I’ll miss…”

He rolled his eyes, “Sounds like a you problem - why would I give a shit about what your pub looks like?”

She sighed heavily, giving up on him. The woman buried her head in her arms on the table, groaning.

“Fine, whatever.” She mumbled through her arms, “I’ll do it myself...just need to rest my eyes for a minute. Feel free to see yourself out.”

He shook his head in disgust, kicking the leg of her chair.

“Oi, we’re not done yet - I still need your report.”

“I didn’t have time to write it with Louis being out,” She whined.

“And where the fuck might Louis be? Kinda shitty to leave your dumbass stuck with this crowd alone.”

F/N glanced up just enough to glare at him, “It’s not his fault, I had to fight him to stay home. He’s in no state to be working.”

“What do you mean “in no state”?” He demanded. She looked away.

“It doesn’t matter. Just - don't think lowly of him, ok? He’d be here if he could.”

Levi grunted, shooting the last of his tea before noisily placing the mug back on the saucer. Of course the idiot would defend the man who had sold her out less than a year ago. He studied her for a minute before continuing.

“Fine. I’ll help you.” When her head shot up in surprised glee, he continued, “If you tell me what happened to your face.”

F/N's brows drew together in confusion, but the action pulled on the cut above her cheek and she was quickly reminded. Her hand flew up to the swollen side of her face, flushing. With the busyness of her night, she had totally forgotten.

It looked worse than it was - her cheekbone and right eye were slightly swollen, a shallow scabbed over cut just above the apple of her cheek. The bruising didn’t look as bad as it had a couple days ago thankfully, but still showed as a faded ugly green.

Levi had spotted it the second he walked in, and he had been itching for answers ever since. His irritation only grew when she was too busy to even spare him a greeting, throwing his typical order down in front of him with an apologetic frown before moving onto her next customer.

When she looked like she wouldn’t answer, he prompted, “Is that from the other night? When I-” He looked away, “When we had to shake the MPs?”

“No.” She said, surprised he even cared, "Though you could have been nicer about it.”

He rolled his eyes at her petulant tone.

“I’ll remember that next time we’re about to be caught, interrogated and then executed.”

When the woman wasn’t forthcoming with any more information, he leaned over the table to better inspect her injury.

F/N moved away when he got closer in alarm, but he stopped her with a firm hand on her chin, angling her face for a better view.

“Did someone hit you?” He demanded, gently prodding at her cheekbone. She hissed.

“Not on purpose. I don't think.” She yanked out of his grasp, pushing her chair back so as to be out of range.

“You don’t think.” He deadpanned. “No it was - well, he was aiming for Louis, probably.” When he still didn’t seem satisfied with her answer, she continued giving in. “It was some drunk, ok? He had had too much, and Louis cut him off which only pissed him off. He got belligerent, and we had to kick him out. Louis took the brunt of it, but I got hit trying to tear the guy off of him.”

A beat while he processed

“So what I’m getting here,” Levi drawled, drawing it out like she was a child, “Is that you let some drunk asshole sucker punch you?”

She felt her face heat in indignation. Why was he saying it like it was her fault? "I didn't let him do anything."

He scoffed.

“Tell me you at least broke the fuckers arm.” He said, frustrated.

“What?” She asked, alarmed, “No, of course not - other customers stepped in after that and dragged him out. He was twice the size of me.”

That gave him pause.

“So? Why should that matter? I kick the shit out of people twice my size all the time.”

“Yeah, but you’re you.” She argued, and he felt warning bells begin to go off, “And I can’t do stuff like that.”

He stared at her for a minute, trying to see through a lie. When he didn’t find one, he felt anger start to bubble up, mixed with alarm.

“Can’t do stuff like what?” He asked, voice low.

She shifted uncomfortably, able to sense his mood change but not sure what had caused it. She chose her next words carefully.

“Fighting stuff.” When his gaze only got darker, she rushed to clarify, thinking that her lack of explanation was the problem, “I never needed to so I never learned, and I don’t think I’d even know how to start. I mean, you had to have known this, you had me pinned in seco-” She stopped abruptly when he held up one hand, the other pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed. There was a moment of silence as he processed what she was saying.

“Are you telling me,” He began threateningly, his tone setting her on edge, “That we’ve been sending you, for months, into enemy territory... and you can’t even defend yourself?”

F/N would have been insulted if she wasn’t so terrified.

“I-” her voice cracked a bit, so she cleared her throat, “I mean...yes?”

His hand slammed down on the table and she jumped.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” He growled at her, though she didn’t think the question was necessarily directed at her.

“Look - it's not like I’ll ever need to know.” She defended, adrenaline pumping and pride a little bruised, “No ones ever been able to catch me.”

He looked at her like she was stupid.

“I caught you, you idiot.” His voice was exasperated. Then, more to himself, “How the hell did I not realize...you went down so easy, I just thought I surprised you.”

“You only caught me because you cheated.” She bristled, sitting up straighter. “If not for Louis, the last you’d have seen of me was on that rooftop.”

“And you think our enemies will play by your rules?” He countered, directing his fury back towards her.

“Well - no, but-”

“So what happens next time you're cornered, huh? Next time someone sells your dumbass out and you get hit when your guard’s down?”

“It won’t happen, Levi, you’re not listening to me-”

“Shut the fuck up before I shut you up.” He leaned forward menacingly, and she immediately shrunk back. At her fearful compliance, he sat back. In a calmer but no less cold tone, “You should know how to at least defend yourself. It’s a fucking miracle you’ve made it this far.”

She wouldn’t meet his gaze, staring at her hands as she picked at her nails.

“It’s a moot point, anyway,” She started quietly, “I don’t have anyone to teach me.”

At his silence, icy fear clawed up her spine.

“You’re um-” She began, voice shaking, “You’re not going to tell Erwin, right?”

Tiredly, Levi sized her up. Despite this new development, she was honestly the best thief he had met. Given his history that wasn’t an easy feat - her ability to slip in and out of otherwise off access sites undetected was beyond even his own talents, and had been hugely beneficial to the Corps. But if he told Erwin that she was practically defenseless when they sent her to these places, that if she was ever caught she wouldn’t stand a chance against capture....

A captured spy was a liability, and not one the Survey Corp could afford.

The Commander would cut her out. And then, to tie up loose ends, he’d arrest her - maybe have his strongest soldier eliminate her so she couldn’t talk.

Levi could tell from the stiff way she held herself she realized what was at stake with her question.

He sighed, drumming his fingers on the table with one hand and leaning his head against the other.

“You’re not giving me much choice,” He started, letting her hang for a beat when her eyes shot up to meet his in panic, “I’ll have to teach you.”

The thief’s fear melted into confusion and then into shock. His lips quirked as he saw the emotions play out on her face.

“Wait, really?”

He gave her a blank look, bored. “Just enough to keep you alive.”

She nodded, “Ok, yeah. Ok.” Her brain was still catching up, “Like...right now?”

He shook his head, exasperated.

“No, dumbass. You’re dead on your feet and this pub’s still filthy. I’ll meet you here tomorrow night, after close. ”

F/N groaned as she remembered the state of their surroundings, dragging herself to her feet.

“I almost forgot,” She sighed wistfully, imagining her warm bed. Moving to go get the cleaning supplies, she waved at him over her shoulder. “Guess I’ll see you tomorrow then. I’ll have the report, too.”

“Tch.” He said, standing up and moving behind where she stood in front of the supplies closet, snatching a towel from her hand. “Give me a rag, brat. I’ll start on the walls.”

He ignored her surprised stare as he made good on his promise.

The next night, Levi found himself standing outside the door to Louis’ pub. From the windowed entrance, he could see F/N with her back facing him; she was pushing the bar’s tables to the sides of the room, muscles straining with the effort.

She had changed out of her regular day-job attire and was wearing the clothes he had first seen her in - black head to toe and easy to move around in. Perfect for a spy, and perfect for what he had planned.

As he watched her flit back and forth to clear the room, Levi once again wondered why he was doing this. Reporting her shortcomings to Erwin would be disastrous for her life expectancy, sure, but he wouldn’t ever have to sit in this shitty bar again. He could get on with his life; the Commanders pet project failing didn’t do anything but expose him to significantly less shitty tea.

But even as he tried to convince himself to turn home and right into Erwin’s office, he could only sigh. He knew he wouldn’t do it, just like he knew the countless other times he had this argument with himself on the way over here.

It wasn’t out of compassion for the young thief. If anything, her weakness grated on him, had him itching to just put her out of her own goddamn misery and end this charade. She was barely tolerable and the less time spent in her presence, the better.

No, he had agreed to train her because he saw the potential.

It was a skill he developed at a young age - to see a seemingly harmless object and know that in his hands, it could become deadly.

The way she evaded him that night six months ago was like nothing he had encountered before - she hadn’t been wrong, only Louis tipping him and Erwin off got her caught. Never before had he seen someone know the empty, quiet spaces in the world and melt into them as if she was nothing.

It was impressive, he would begrudgingly admit. But more importantly, if honed, it would be dangerous.

Already was. The information she had stolen for Erwin had brought the Corp back from monetary extinction. He had her to thank for his shiny new 3DMG, traded up from his hand me down last generation model. The person she could become is someone they wanted on their side.

But he also wasn’t an idiot - he wouldn’t teach her enough to kill him, or Erwin. But just enough to give her a leg up should anyone try and fuck with her.

The Captain’s sigh was self deprecating as he watched her trip herself with a chair she was carrying, still not noticing him. His and Erwin's safety probably wasn’t something he would have to worry about.

Levi rapped his knuckles on the glass, the door already locked to keep out any last minute bar flies. She whipped around, waving when she saw him.

“Hi!” She chirped, opening the door and stepping aside, “I wasn’t sure if you’d actually come, but I got ready anyway.”

He grunted in response, throwing his jacket onto the bar counter. She was bouncing lightly on her heels with nervous energy. “You need to calm down.”

She flinched, but stopped bouncing. He narrowed his eyes. If this was going to work, he needed her focused - and right now she was practically quaking.

“If I wanted you dead brat, it would have already happened.”

“Of course,” She stuttered, “I know that. Obviously.” E/C eyes darted above his head, where there was still a bullet lodged.

Levi exhaled loudly in frustration. Fine, he’d just have to show her what distraction would cost her.

“Get over here, stand in the middle of the room.” She did obediently, “Good, now square up. I’m going to come at you and your one job is to not get hit, understand?”

F/N paused with her fists halfway raised, staring at him wide-eyed, “H-huh? Wait, I’m not rea-”

He charged at her. She dodged wildly to the right as he faked a swing with his left fist, only to be met with a kick to her side.

She was knocked over, crashing into the side of the bar hard.

Wincing, she sat up angrily.

“Ow - what the hell was that!?” She yelled, fuming. She recoiled back into the bar as he stalked towards her.

“That,” He answered, crouching down to be eye level, “was pathetic. I knew it was bad, but shit. There's not much to work with. Your focus is abysmal,” he began listing, “You show your hand too easily and you fall like you want to break something.”

F/N did her best to hold her glare, but each new fault he listed broke her down a bit more.

“At least we know where to start,” He sighed, standing up, “from the bottom. Get up, stand in the middle and square up again.”

She hesitated again, fearful at him attacking her. It only took a raised eyebrow before she compiled.

He studied her, before circling around to stand behind her.

“Your biggest advantage is that you’re light on your feet and fast, when you’re not being a klutz. I've seen you do it to dodge the handsy drunks. Use it - don’t stop moving. Widen your stance,” He kicked at her calf until satisfied her feet were in the right spot. Then he turned her with a grip on her hips, “And turn so that your side faces your opponent - you want to take up the least amount of space as possible while still allowing for the greatest range of movement.”

He stepped back, before humming. Coming around to face her again, he nodded once.

“Good. Now, the tough part. You need to learn how to read what your opponent’s doing before they do it.” He rolled his sleeves up, cuffing them at the elbow.

“And how do I learn to do that?” She asked, awkwardly shifting around in her new stance.

His eyes were feral, and she instinctively took a step back when she caught sight of them.

“Experience.”

If she thought the first knockdown was bad, the next thirty or so were much worse.

Levi didn’t let up until just before dawn, when she finally managed to dodge one of his blows, turning to him in glee only to be met with him sweeping her legs out from under her.

She fell hard on her back, winded and glaring up at him.

“Don’t get cocky,” He said, looming over her, “Overconfidence will get you killed.”

He offered her a hand. F/N rolled her eyes, but took it and he hauled her to her feet.

“Better, anyway.” He decided, and she figured it was as much validation she was going to get, “We’ll call it a night.”

The thief nodded, finally letting herself feel the exhaustion rolling over her now that the immediate danger had passed.

Walking towards the pub’s cash drawer, she opened it, sliding out her report hidden under the bills and handing it to him.

He took it, nodding once in thanks.

“So,” She began casually, “now that I can defend myself, you won’t tell Erwin?”

Levi paused in putting on his jacket.

“You think you’re set after one lesson?” He asked, incredulous, “Are you an idiot? I wasn't even going at you with even a fraction of power - even the shittiest MPs would still fuck you up.”

F/N stared at him, mouth agape.

“Then what am I sup-”

“I’ll see you next week, brat. You better not be distracted next time.” He stated as if they had already agreed. Not waiting to hear her arguments, he used the front door to leave.

She could only stare at where he was before moving to lock the door. She stuck her tongue out at his back as she watched him turn the corner.

Making her way up to her apartment, she tenderly prodded one of her many bruises, groaning loudly at the thought of having to do it all over again.

#levi x reader #levi ackerman #levi aot #levi #reader insert #fanfiction #gem writes

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smolbeanethel · 3 years

Text

Ashton (Age: 8)

- Was an only child. It was a miracle that he was even born at all with every miscarriage his mother would have. It was believed that she wouldn’t be able to have children yet she did... Only she had wanted a girl, not a boy.

- While his mother chose to neglect and ignore his existence, his father chose to take out all of his frustrations on the boy. It had really only been physical at that point.

- This changed when he opted to sexually abuse the boy. His father had his own issues and problems with himself, showing more disgust towards himself rather than at Ashton- Ashton was just a vulnerable outlet to take all that stress and rage out on.

- His first ever crush was his own father too. His feelings kinda warping to the point where he didn’t mind if his father would beat or berate him, anything, it never mattered to Ashton anymore. He was getting attention? And being punished like he believes he should be.

- This now just made his father despise him even more.

- Ashton only really had two friends at the time- the little girl in the attic from his neighbor’s house- and the boy who’d always come to play with him through his bedroom window.

- Always bruised super easily.

- He’s learned to associate abuse as attention. If he’s being beaten (or more) then at-least someone is focusing on him.

- Because of his mother’s neglect and occasional comment about him not deserving to be born- he firmly believes he needs to be punished, he’s upset his mother? Clearly upset his father too- it’s only fair that he gets treated poorly? His existence is a crime- anyone should be allowed to harm him.

Theme song: Disperse

Ashton (Age: 16)

- His father died when Ashton hit the age of sixteen, leaving him feeling hollow and kinda unsure what to do. His mother’s silence (punishment) was kinda deafening, he always felt alone around her.

- But that was the age in which she kicked him out, she didn’t want to see his face anymore. Even claiming that she wishes he’d die in a ditch somewhere, maybe all the drugs and alcohol will slowly do him in. He wouldn’t be missed.

- His addiction to drinking and taking drugs had only gotten worse, no matter how many times Alexander would try to get him to stop. There was just no helping Ashton, this was the only thing making Ashton hang on- he would’ve killed himself much sooner if he let them go.

- Ashton did manage to get himself a job after pushing through with his classes, he’d become a nurse’s aide/aide. But that was thanks to Alexander not allowing him to give up on that, soon even Sonia was helping to make sure he stuck around too.

- Doesn’t bother to talk to his mother much, he knows she doesn’t want to see him anyway- she made it clear that she’d rather see him dead.

- At this age, he was more prone to his emotional outbursts but they were only ever harmful to himself- bordering on severely bringing himself pain. It has only gotten worse as he’s gotten older.

Amelia (Age: 10)

- Actually used to really adore her mother, she was pretty much stuck to her mother’s aide 24/7- much to her mother’s delight as the two loved to play games together and paly outside.

- Used to love watching her bio father paint, he was striving to become a famous artist- and used to love painting whenever Meghan and Amelia were outside, to him the sight was beautiful, especially the outdoors.

- Her father eventually had gotten very sick, he had ended up passing away a few months later. From there, everything had changed.

- Amelia was still close to her mother though. Always tried to cheer her mother up whenever she felt that her mother was upset, she was missing her father too, after all.

- New father’s eventually came and went. Amelia was never too fond of them either.

- One stuck around much longer but he was never interested in Meghan, instead focusing his interest on Amelia- one night he had gone way too far and ended up sexually abusing the girl too, threatening to kill her mother if she even uttered what he had done to her, she only wanted to protect her mother, so she had no choice but to accept this.

- Part of her had grown cold and distant with her mother.

- This abuse continued way into her teenage years until she just adapts to enjoying it, even starting up her own ways to earn money.

Theme song: Memories

Amelia (Age: 16)

- Despite being so young, Amelia had grown into being sexually active and started her business off slowly during these years. All the while, she never told her mother anything, leaving her mother in the dark.

- She continued to sleep with all of her mother’s husbands and wives, only a few truly seemed to care for Meghan, and never sought out anything with Amelia, she left it at that.

- Part of her was unsure whether or not she hated her mother but she knows she resents her.

- Gotten into smoking and drinking alcohol. It helped give her a sense of control over herself.

- Pretty decent at lying at this age too.

- Got into plenty of arguments with her mother too, she had said some pretty harsh stuff and even made her mother cry. It didn’t feel good but she felt like she needed to lash out.

- Stolen quite a bit too, though it was always just money or one of her step parent’s things of alcohol.

Sonia (Age: 13)

- Sonia was the older half sister to two younger brothers and one younger sister. Her father had left her mother right as she found out she was pregnant with Sonia.

- Her mother had grown to blame this all on Sonia, the love of her life had left her behind just because this brat was born. Her hatred for Sonia was always made clear, she was never as affectionate with Sonia as she was with her younger siblings, and she always lashed out at Sonia.

- She’d resorted to kicking Sonia in the stomach many times. Even slapping and burning the girl with her cigarette whenever she got the chance. It had gotten to the point where Sonia had started to wonder if she should’ve never been born at all.

- Eventually she was locked away in the attic, whenever she would come home from school, she would be sent up there, just so her mother wouldn’t have to see her or hear her voice.

- Her mother had hated hearing her so much that she wanted the girl to stay quiet whenever she was in her presence, whispering never made her happy. She didn’t want to hear the girl period.

- Sonia was the girl in the attic that Ashton had befriended, though they had never spoken a word to each-other. He had done his best to write out his messages to her, pressing them to his window for her to see- eventually she had started to do the same.

- Always came to school all bruised and upset, she wouldn’t tell her teachers anything, she just kept it all in.

- The only time she ever might’ve felt love was when her grandparents would stop by to visit their grandchildren. They’d never hated her. Even gave her a music box that she still cherishes.

Theme song: The Empty Doll

Sonia (Age: 21)

- She thought that if she succeeded in school, did everything she was told, and got into college- that her mother would finally love and accept her. Yet that turned out to be all for nothing.

- The only way her mother would ever be happy, is if Sonia were to die somehow- in her own words too.

- Now she has moved far away from her mother and step father, she tries not to think of them but part of her still feels pained. She only wanted to be loved. She wanted to be treated fairly.

- Tries to not get angry but... she just can’t keep it in all of the time.

- Part of her wonders if it is even possible to love her, hence why she tends to keep herself guarded and finds it hard to talk to others- especially when she was only ever met with judgement from those her age.

- Used to be friends with Amelia but... Marx kinda ruined that when he had sexually abused Sonia while Amelia was away. She had tried to tell Amelia but... that didn’t go well.

- Still friends with Ashton, kinda spoils him when he stops by the bakery she works at. He’s her first ever friend, she feels attached to him in some form.

Marx (Age: 11)

- Marx was always a problem child. His own mother and father thought the same too, they found it hard to deal with him at times. He only ever wanted things to go his way and hated being out of control.

- He had to be taken to anger management as he would lash out and hurt his mother every single time. They thought he had changed, and maybe he did, but he only ever learned to manipulate his parents.

- Never was kind to kids his age, and if they told his parents, he’d just warp it to make himself look like the victim. That the kids were just bullying him because he was smaller than them. In truth, he was the one being a bully.

- Even as he child, he liked having control and power over others. Marx took joy out of intimidating others and making them do things they didn’t want to do, it amused him greatly.

- To his parents though, he seemed liked a well behaved boy, he had changed, he only ever wanted to make them happy now. Make up for hurting them like he used to. What a huge lie that was.

- Marx was still a jerk as a child, and still a jerk now that he’s an adult. That never changed, he just knows how to hide it well.

Theme Song: Hate

Marx (Age: 24)

- Inherited his father’s business at the age of 24, he had been trained to properly run the place and knew how to run the place. It made his father super proud of him, thinking he left the business in good hands.

- It was, for the most part. But Marx also had another job, he was part of gang that kinda sought to terrorize innocent people. He’d gang up on them while they were alone- and it would go from there.

- Likes to make girls and boys cry- he gets a kick out of it. Gives him a sense of power- he’s completely sadistic towards them and treats them like he owns them. In his eyes, he does own them.

- Spends his money on those he’s with, he still acted like a sugar daddy- but like how it is now, his money being given meant sexual favors would have to be returned.

- Still keeps up the aura of a gentleman around his parents yet he’s far from being a gentleman.

- Money doesn’t really matter to him. He’s always had money on hand, who cares if he decides to throw it around? It gets him what he wants in the end? People love money, he loves sex.

Meghan (Age: 12)

- Grew up in a pretty loving household, her parents had always been super kind to her.

- Loved visiting her grandparents house, they had this beautiful butterfly pantry/house, the butterflies and flowers that were inside, always left her in awe. She loved them so much.

- Met her first love too, they had started as childhood friends which soon turned to lovers as they got older. The two were always so inseparable, even as they’d go outside. He’d follow her outside and claim he would act as her knight, she was his princess. She always humored him with this too.

- Always super honest.

- Loved going to church with her parents (and sometimes grandparents).

- Spent most of her Sundays baking with her mother and grandmother. They always had dinner together, and would bake a dessert to go along with their meal.

- Had a silly sense of humor back then and still kinda does.

- Was better with tending to flowers than her mother, who always ended up killing her plants. It always left the girl to lecture her mother and teach her how to take care of them. It never really worked out.

Theme song: Winter lullaby

Meghan (Age: 25)

- Meghan was married by the time she was 25, married her childhood friend and was pretty happy with her life.

- While he was striving to be an aspiring artist, she was running a flower shop. She never stopped supporting her husband either, was always quick to rush to his side whenever he was being hard on himself, or was about to give up.

- Wanted to make her own butterfly pantry/house, having seen her grandparent’s one always was a huge inspiration for her.

- When she got pregnant with Amelia, she had opted to stay home. Started working on setting that up whilst also setting up Amelia’s room. Meghan was overjoyed at thought of being a mother, she’d wanted to start a family of her own too.

- Continued to support her husband even during her later terms of pregnancy- she never wanted him to take his stress out on himself, or for him to simply give up on his dreams. She wouldn’t stand for that,

- Her family life was perfect after Amelia was born, the three would spend so much time together. They’d visit family, go to parks, to to church, and would continue to bake and eat together just like Meghan’s family had done with her. She wanted Amelia to experience the same things too.

- Losing her husband had been hard on her, she never thought she would lose him yet lost him anyway. She’d try to stay strong for Amelia but it was always hard.

- Everything changed, she’d found love in others and yet- they always left. Her relationship with Amelia had gone cold and distant, Meghan had tried to get to the bottom of it but Amelia never let her.

- Now, she’s married to Marx, and deals with the brunt of his abuse each time. As well, as the knowledge that her daughter is now sleeping with everyone she manages to get with. She feels lost.

Alexander (Age: 8)

- Alexander had to grow up fast for his parents. Being the eldest, a lot was expected out of him. He couldn’t afford to spend him time on useless things, he could only do what he was told to do, and what was set out for him.

- Everything was decided for Alexander, what he would learn, what he would be doing for the entire day, what he would eat, and how much he would eat, etc. He never had much control over his life which frustrated him a lot.

- The time he met Ashton, was the first time he had ever chosen to do something for himself- he’d sneak out each time to come play with the other. Even if it could only be done through Ashton’s bedroom window, and it was pretty risky too.

- Hated getting dirty even as a kid. It would lead him to freak out and throw a tantrum, he didn’t like messes getting on him, or being around messes.

- Affection never existed when it came to his parents. They were always too bust to have time for that, and had flat out told him that if it doesn’t benefit them. What’s the point? He was expected to agree with them too.

- Time had went on and he’d become an older brother to four younger brothers and one sister.

- His parents taught him to show respect to his elders, and that’s stayed with him ever since. He could never entertain the idea of disgracing them with unruly behavior.

- Part of him does want to do his own thing. Not allow anyone to dictate his actions or feelings.

Theme Song: Isolation

Alexander (Age: 16)

- He had finally left his parents and chosen to follow his own path, this action didn’t please them. They’d given him an ultimatum, stay with them and inherit everything, or leave and no longer be their son. He’d chosen to leave.

- He shared a home with Ashton for some time, taking care of the male- he was completely attached to Ashton, he meant the world to him. He still means everything to him to this day.

- Despises anyone trying to control him- he doesn’t have to listen to them.

- Falling in love or feeling love- is new to him? Part of what he parents felt and believed had stuck with him too. Hence his annoyance with himself over falling for his darling, love wasn’t supposed tp matter to him.

- Hasn’t spoken to his parents in a long time, he had left them behind for a reason. There was no way he’d force himself to go back to them, not when he finally feels free.

- Anger and frustration had become common for him, there were so many things he couldn’t understand and people just really pissed him off. He assumed it might be best if he kept Ashton as his only friend.

#Yandere ocs #Tsundere oc #Ashton #Amelia #Sonia #Marx #Meghan #Alexander #dark content

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