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madmansan · 3 years

Text

28 Days

Fantasy au - Demon!San x F!Reader

Trigger Warnings

Mentions of death and blades.

Labyrinth - part 1

Aldbarrow. A village known for it's hunters, jewellers, bakers and smiths. But most famous of all, was the Labyrinth that lay just outside the village.

From the outside, all one could see was a large stone wall, that would tower above even the tallest man's head. However, lurking inside was the castle of the Demon King.

Guarding the castle were his loyal demon subjects, that skulked around the Labyrinth to feed on the souls of any human that dares to enter. Or so it was believed. You see, no one had ever entered the Labyrinth and returned. It was a mystery that people were terrified to discover. But not me.

You paused, the ink from your quill blotching on to the page. You bit your lip in frustration, grabbing a bit of cloth and gently dabbing up the small puddle. You placed the quill back into the ink pot, shuffled the parchments into a neat pile and placed them under the false bottom of one of the drawers in your desk.

You were planning on observing the Labyrinth, maybe even entering, so that you could write a book about it. It was a good idea at first but you soon realized that your parents would kill you if they found out.

'Your Auntie entered that Labyrinth and never came back! Don't even think for a second that I would let you anywhere near it. I don't care if it would help the village! You're. Not. Going.' Your Mother would always say. That's why you had to hide it.

Every night, once your parents had gone to sleep, you would sneak out and examine the wall. Running your fingers along the rocks, comparing plants that grew between the cracks to the ones in the village, you even scaled the wall once to try and see over but it was far too dark to see anything.

You heard the door creak open and turned around to see your little sister swinging from the door handle.

"Good morning, Roslyn." You smiled at her, closing the drawer.

She hummed in response, slowly plodding her way over, carelessly swinging her teddy bear back and forth. "Whatchya doin'?" She said, running one of her little fingers along your drawer.

"Why are you asking?" You replied, giving her a playful smirk.

She looked up at you with a hint of mischief in her eyes, "There's a question already on the table, y/n!" She's surprisingly cheeky for a six year old.

You threw your hands up in defence, "Alright, you got me. I'm starting to write my book about the Labyrinth. I plan on sneaking out tonight to see if I can find out anything about the demons inside." The little girl's eyes widened with excitement.

"Really!" She yelled, quickly cupping her mouth, as to not alert your mother and leaned in closer. "You're really gonna go? What if something bad happens? No, nothing bad will happen. I'm sure it will be great. Can I come?!"

You placed your hands on her shoulders trying to cool her excitement, "Nothing bad will happen because I would be cautious. I can't say that much for you." She sulked and you laughed, picking her up and spinning her around. "It'll be okay. I'll report back to you every detail of my observations." You placed a hard kiss on her cheek and watched as she wiped it off, squirming out of your grip. You giggled as you watched her run off down the stairs.

❁

You grabbed your bag, flinging it over your shoulder and heading out the front door. Roslyn came tumbling out behind you, chasing after her friends whilst still putting on her shoes. You sighed as she stumbled and you bent down to tie her laces properly before letting her run off again.

You had a burst of energy as you marched to the forge. You had commissioned a dagger from the village blacksmith, and one of your best friends, Mingi. If you wanted to enter the Labyrinth, you knew you would need something to defend yourself with.

You clutched the metal handle, swinging the wooden door open with a hearty 'Good morning!' You heard the joyful-sounding greetings of more than one voice down the hall and you could only assume, Mingi's jeweller friend Hongjoong had come round to visit.

You entered the small forge, Mingi hammered a glowing red metal rod against his anvil whilst Hongjoong sat in the corner gently fiddling with some wire and gems.

"Is it ready?" You asked, barely masking your excitement.

"Ah! The dagger!" Mingi exclaimed, placing the rod back in the hearth and removing his thick, tattered gloves. He walked to a desk behind Hongjoong's seat, who's eyes followed him before spinning back round to you.

"Why are you in need of a dagger?" He asked, a bright smile painting his face. You hadn't really spoken to him before, apart from the occasional 'good morning' when seeing him on the street or in Mingi's forge.

Before you could respond Mingi cut in. "She's being an idiot. As per usual." He walked up to you and you gave him a slap on his arm. He laughs at your weak attempt to hurt him and you huff, knowing that you couldn't win.

You turned your attention back to Hongjoong, who sat patiently, his smile not faultering at all. "I'm going to the Labyrinth!" You said, your pride filling the room as you pushed out your chest.

Hongjoong started to laugh but it soon faded when he realized you were being serious. "Wait, seriously?!" He yelled, his smile dropping to gape his mouth in shock.

"Don't worry, Hongjoong. I thought she was crazy when she first told me as well." Mingi laughed, handing you the blade like he was giving you some sort of award. You snatched it from his hands and stuck your tongue out at him.

"I've been studying it for a while. I want to write a book about it. It would most likely be less of a threat if we knew more about it." Hongjoong's eyes lit up, mouthing a small 'wow'. You proudly looked back to Mingi, who huffed at his friend taking your side. He still held out one of his hands, expecting his payment. You reached into your bag and pulled out a paper envelope that contained the money for his work.

He opened it, inspecting the amount inside. You sighed, "Come on, Mingi! You really think I would swindle you? He closed the envelope and looked back up at you.

"You can never be too sure." He said, eyeing you suspiciously, a playful grin appearing at the corner of his lips.

Suddenly, loud yells came from outside and all of you bolted to the door to see what was going on.

People were running wild, shouting out various things but one stood out to you the most. The yell of your little sister's name.

Panicked, you grabbed a person on the street and asked them what was going on.

"Y/n! Two of Roslyn's friends came running to us saying that her and Erina went missing whilst in they were playing in the woods."

Your heart sunk. A cold shiver ran up your spine and left you with an overwhelming sense of dread. You pushed through the crowd, desperately screaming out the names of the two missing girls, whilst Mingi and Hongjoong followed swiftly after.

The crowd went silent, curved around the base of the hill that lead up to the woods and - you felt your throat tighten at the thought. The Labyrinth.

You pushed your way through the people, with gentle apologies coming from the two boys tailing you. In front of everyone you saw Erina, Roslyn's friend and only one of the two missing girls.

You knelt down in front of her and made sure she was alright before you asked her what happened.

"Me and Roslyn went further into woods."

"How far?!" You quickly responded.

"To the Labyrinth."

"You went to the Labyrinth?!"

"She wanted to observe it to help you!" She exclaimed, starting to panic.

"Where is she?!" You asked. She didn't respond. "Erina!" You clutched on to her shoulders.

Her face dropped, "It's all my fault."

You froze for a moment, each breath you took being less controlled than the last. You started to run towards the woods, tears pouring down your cheeks, screaming out your little sister's name again and again.

Some of the large men in the village grabbed you and pulled you back as you fought against them. You shoved out of their grip for just a couple seconds before being grabbed again.

Eventually, your muscles weakened and you fell to the floor in defeat. A strong hand squeezed your shoulder and you looked over to see Mingi, who sat on his knees next to you.

"I know it hurts, y/n, but ... ' he trailed off, watching your tear stained face stare at him, lip quivering, "there's nothing you can do." You started to sob once more, falling into his chest as he wrapped his arms around you in a tight hug.

❁

You couldn't bring yourself to tell your mother, but it inevitably came to her attention.

You sat at your desk and stared at the ripped up pile of parchments that lay on the floor. She had asked to see them after finding out Roslyn's motive. She blamed you, screamed at you, ripped your work to shreds, she didn't care that you were hurting too.

You finally got out of your chair and started to pick up the pieces, when one of them caught your eye.

'It was a mystery'

The Labyrinth was a mystery. Nobody actually knew if Roslyn was dead. Your body burned with anger, fists clenching around the pieces of parchment before slamming them to the floor and striding towards your bed. You reached under, grabbing your bag and starting to pack some necessities.

The village thought she was dead, but you were going to find out for sure.

❁

After getting a couple hours sleep to see you through the day, you climbed out of you window and started to head in the direction of the mountain.

It wasn't a long walk to the Labyrinth, but your dedication to save Roslyn was so strong, you ended up there in under ten minutes.

You had been up there dozens of times before, but this time was the only time you felt absolutely terrified. The wall seemed ten times higher, ten times longer, but knowing Roslyn was there just the day before, you knew that you couldn't turn back.

You were entering that Labyrinth, and you didn't care if you weren't going to come back out.

You heard some twigs crack behind you, followed by a small rock landing at your feet.

You turned to see Hongjoong poking his head around one of the trees, "Oh, hi." You said, awkwardly. He cautiously looked around him before stepping out into the clearing, joining you by the Labyrinth wall. You bent down and picked up the rock he threw, "Was this really necessary? No one's around." He scratched the back of his neck and looked at the ground awkwardly. "Let me guess, Mingi sent you to convince me not to go in. Well, I'm not going to listen so-"

"Mingi didn't send me." He cut you off, bluntly.

You looked at him quizzically as he reached into his pocket. "I'm not here to stop you either. I just want you to have this." He held up a thin silver chain, with a small heart pendant in the middle. "I remember reading somewhere that demons are deadly allergic to silver. I can't be too sure if it's actually true, but it's best to be safe anyway. May I?" He moved his hands towards your neck and you leaned forward, nodding your head. Your heart warmed knowing that he was trying to help you and not drag you back to the village.

He clipped it around your neck and leaned back, running his fingers along the chain, admiring the small heart before his cheeks flushed bright red. "I-I didn't mean to make the pendant a heart! It was one I made a while back. It's the first one I pulled out when looking through my silver necklaces for one to give you." He trailed off still mumbling to himself.

You placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, "Thank you, it's extremely kind of you to do this for me. May you find happiness, Hongjoong." You smiled at him and he quickly returned it. He awkwardly stepped away and waved you goodbye, wishing you luck.

Once his figure had vanished into the woods you turned your attention back to the wall. You had to go. No turning back.

To be continued

Author's note: Ahhhh the new story!! I've been really nervous to post this but here we are! This is only the first chapter and the others probably won't be out for a while, but it'll be nice to see what people think! Thank you so much for reading this and I hope you have a great morning/night, wherever you are in the world! ❤❤

#ateez headcanons #ateez #ateez imagines #ateez reactions #ateez x reader #ateez scenarios #choi san #ateez san #san x reader #san x y/n

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xo-phile · 4 years

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Tides (M!Mer x Fem!Reader) p1

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Excerpt: “Listen,” he started, “If it makes you feel any better, I’m sure there are plenty of people who have lived next to a body of water their entire lives and are still afraid of it.”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be so afraid of the water if it stopped producing such obnoxious mermen.”

Word Count: 5.8k

Warnings: thalassaphobia, emetophobia (just in case, no actual vomiting), situational anxiety, almost drowning

Author’s Note: Hope you all enjoy! If you did, please harass me to finish part 2!

Part 2

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༻✦༺　༻✧༺　༻✦༺

Morning light filtered through your windows, casting shadows of tree branches onto the walls of your art studio. The room was quiet except for the soft scratching of your charcoal against the rough paper of your giant sketchbook and Teddy, your massive Newfoundland water dog, snoring by your feet. You stopped your sketching to rifle through a stack of photographs that you used for reference of the old church in the woods.

The photographs showed a lone brick building, church bell and all, that would have been unobtrusive in design if it weren’t for the fact that it was the only building in the middle of Saggitaria Woods for miles. The chapel’s warm brick exterior and defined architecture stood in stark contrast the surrounding lush greenery. You couldn’t forget the way the trees seem to slowly close in on the stone intruder, while the building stood stoically, seeming to welcome nature’s embrace.

When you looked back up at your sketch, the lines you scratched onto the page didn’t evoke the same balanced contrast. It just looked like trees and a building with a cross. You sighed exasperatedly and threw down your stack of photographs with a hard thump. Teddy awoke with a startle at the sound, and let out a disgruntled huff, looking up at you with disdain.

“Sorry, buddy,” you laughed crouching down to ruffle his massive brown head. The Newfie lolled his gigantic pink tongue in a doggy smile and leaned into your hands in forgiveness. Outside, the sound of a boat’s motor approached and cut off. Teddy jumped up to gallop out the door, with you snatching a cardigan off your chair to follow behind. From your porch, you saw Romero and Willow, old childhood friends, waving excitedly on the dock. Squealing in delight, you broke out into a run down the path from your home to the wooden lake-front dock.

“My two favorite gremlins!” you cried excitedly throwing yourself into Willow’s arms.

The sound of two girls screeching in delight made Teddy start to bark excitedly. Romero, a six-foot-nine lycanthrope, picked the both of you up for a massive bear hug, swinging you two around like rag-dolls. Seeing your childhood best friends’ faces for the first time since their wedding made you realize how long you had been cooped up with just Teddy for company.

“What are you guys doing here?” you asked, “I thought you guys were gonna move into the new house after you got back from your honeymoon.”

“Well we were, but Dresden asked us to check on you,” Romero said, bent down giving Teddy what looked like the world’s best tummy rub. You looked at Willow in confusion and she rolled her eyes.

“He said he hadn’t seen you take the ferry in like a month,” she said accusingly, arms crossed over her chest, “We wanted to make sure that Teddy didn’t make a snack out of you.” At the mention of his name and the word “snack”, Teddy tilted his head comically. It was your turn to roll your eyes.

“Well you can tell Dresden that I’m up to eyeballs in projects right now and that he doesn’t need to worry.” Willow and Romero gave each other a look before turning back to you.

“How about you tell him yourself? We’re meeting him at the buoy, tomorrow. Think of it as a welcome back party for us,” Willow offered.

The thought of being out in the middle of the lake made your stomach dropped. Willow must have seen the look in your eyes and grabbed your hands to hold them comfortingly.

“It’ll be completely safe, I promise. We won’t go swimming or anything. We’ll just hang out like old times,” she assured. You gave an awkward smile.

You knew your friends were just looking out for you. They constantly ribbed you for your workaholic nature. If you had a dime for all the times they joked about you painting nature more than being in it, you probably wouldn’t have to paint again for the rest of your life.

“I don’t know guys… The gallery opening is coming up soon and I’m nowhere near where I need to be in the collection to be goofing off,” you tried with a sheepish shrug. You were lucky enough that your online presence grabbed the attention of a curator willing to display a series of never before seen works. The idea of blowing this amazing opportunity, whispered menacingly in the back of your head.

Romero looked at you for a moment and then smirked.

“Oh, that’s too bad. Micah was gonna show us his new boat…” he mentioned casually.

At the mention of Micah, you felt your ears warm at the tips. Willow side-eyed your reaction and added,“He’s been asking about you, you know…”

“Micah?“ you asked skeptically, "What does his girlfriend have to say about that?”

Willow rolled her eyes in response.

“Who cares about her? Micah said she’s not coming. Homies only outing,” she responded waggling her eyebrows.

These little shits, you thought. She knew that was the final nail in the coffin so with a groan, you acquiesced and smiled in defeat. Willow and Romero cheered in victory while Teddy ran around in circles excitedly.

༻✦༺　༻✧༺　༻✦༺

With your eyes closed, all you could hear was the sound of Romero’s boat, Lobo del Lago, cutting through the waters of Lake Obsidian. The wind whipped past your face and through your hair as the Lobo navigated through rogue waves. When you finally opened your eyes, the sierra mountains that surrounded Lake Obsidian were in clear view. Surrounding redwood forests made the scenery look like something right out of an old postcard you’d find at a gift shop.

Lake Obsidian stretched out for miles around the boat, the water glittering in the afternoon sun. For most people, being out on a boat with friends in gorgeous weather would have made for a perfect day. Unfortunately for you, being this far out on the lake and not knowing how deep below Lake Obsidian reached, made your stomach flutter. Instead, you focused on the horizon of the lake and the surrounding forests passing by in the distance to distract yourself. Next to you was Teddy, who, unlike yourself, stuck his head over the side of the boat, mouth open wide, his tongue and ears flapping in the wind.

At least one of us is enjoying themselves.

"You doing okay, sweets?” Willow asked, sitting down next to you. Her hazel-blonde hair was wind-swept perfection and she looked like an old movie star in her giant sunglasses and strapless one-piece. You, on the other hand, opted for jean shorts and comfortable flannel, not exactly fit for swimming or water sports. You saw in the reflection of Willow’s sunglasses your hair was sticking up in all different directions from the wind and your complexion was looking green. She handed you a bottle of ginger ale and you took it gratefully.

“So far, so good. As long as I don’t think about the bottomless infinity of this godforsaken lake, I think I’ll make it,” you replied, trying to suppress a grimace.

“Well, you’ll have a pretty good distraction soon enough,” she chuckled, giving you a knowing look.

When you felt Lobo start to slow, you looked up to see a cruiser, Siren, approaching. Its pilot, Micah, a sandy blonde Minotaur, was at the helm, waving excitedly. The Siren circled some laps around Lobo causing the breaking waves to rock the boat. The motion caused you to clutch at the railing, knuckles turning white. Teddy was barking madly next you at motion of the boat, excited to see a familiar face.

“Hey Micah, stop showing off!” Romero yelled from the helm as the Siren finally slowed to a stop.

“Sorry, Rome,” the hulking Minotaur laughed from a distance, “Just made some upgrades and she drives like a dream!”

When both boats finally anchored, you willed your face to not look completely sea-sick. Micah hopped over to Lobo as gracefully as a 285-lb Minotaur could and went to give hugs to Willow and Romero. When he came to you, he lifted your whole body effortlessly, into a warm embrace.

“Hey stranger,” Micah smiled infectiously. You couldn’t help but grin back despite the anxiety in your stomach rising even further. You weren’t sure if it was seeing your childhood crush or the fact the you were five feet in the air, rocking in a boat. When he put you down, you took several sips of ginger ale. Teddy started hopping on his hind legs, pawing at Micah, wanting to be carried like you were. Micah just laughed and lifted the 145-lb dog into a hug like he weighed nothing at all.

“I was starting to get worried!” Micah said as he smiled down at you. His large figure was so broad and tall, he blocked the bright light of the afternoon sun from your eyes. He set Teddy down for him to run off somewhere to get his toy.

“You know how it is,” you tried sheepishly, “the work gets away from me…”

“Well it’s good to take a break once and a while,” he said with a big furry palm warm on your shoulder, “It’s nice to have the whole gang together again.”

“Not the whole gang. Looks like somebody wants to show up fashionably late,” Romero said working on unloading paddle boards.

“No worries, let’s just get out on the water while we wait.” Micah started to take off his shirt to reveal a thick, sturdy torso and giant, muscular shoulders. You pretended to look for Teddy instead of openly staring.

“You gonna come out with us? My board can probably hold both of us…” Micah offered with a smile.

“Uuuuh…” you started to say before Willow cut you off.

“Sorry Mic! She’s gotta help me take some pictures for Instagram first,” Willow lied, hooking her arm through yours. Micah’s face fell for a moment.

“Maybe later then?”

“I actually forgot my bathing suit today,” you tried without looking at his eyes. Micah gave you a consoling smile and a shrug.

“No worries. Maybe another time, soon. Gotta make sure you still remember those lessons,” he said with a wink.

Micah had given you paddle boarding lessons in shallower waters before so there was no reason for him to think you couldn’t be out on the water. The words warmed something in your chest, but you felt bad for lying to your friend.

“Thanks, Willow, seriously,” you confessed gratefully to your friend after the boys were out on their paddle boards. You watched Micah’s powerful back flex as he pulled himself through the rocking waves on his board. You wondered what it would feel like under your hands.

“No worries, sweet-cheeks. I was serious about those Insta pics though,” she laughed. The two of you took turns taking pictures in the brilliant, sunny day. The scenery was no doubt, gorgeous, perfect for would-be social media influencers and artists, like yourself. Today, however, you promised your friends you wouldn’t bring work with you, so you ended up lounging on the platform on the back of Lobo, throwing a tennis ball out into the water so Teddy could swim after it. You were on something solid and the waters were somewhat calm, so you were actually able to enjoy yourself.

You were about the throw the ball again, when Teddy started barking at a form in the water. Out of the corner of your eye you saw a long fishtail shimmer as it swam by. It raced over to where the boys were paddle boarding and you saw Romero’s board shake and flip with him on it. When Romero finally surfaced with his hair plastered to his face, Dresden’s head popped up out of the water howling with laughter.

“Dres, you little shit, I was about to win,” Romero deadpanned.

Micah ended up laughing so hard, he fell off his own board with a gigantic splash. The merman and the Minotaur high-fived, still howling with laughter.

“It’s okay, Dresden,” Willow yelled from the boat, “He desperately needed a bath!”

“Sorry Rome, I’ll make it up to you I promise,” Dresden sniggered. He ducked his head underwater and resurfaced again right in front of you.

“There’s our little recluse! I was beginning to think that monster you kept as a pet ate you,” he said pulling his body halfway out of the water to reveal lean, muscular shoulders and strong arms, toned by years of deep-water swimming. He shook the water out of his dark curly hair like a dog, and sprayed it all over you.

“As always, it’s such a pleasure to see you, too, Dresden,” you greeted sarcastically.

“Oh, you wound me. Be nice, or I might change my mind about your present,” he countered, hazel eyes glittering.

“Presents? Oh, well now you’re a man after my own heart,” you smiled, reaching out your palm with a gimme motion. He pulled a satchel bag that was hung across his broad shoulders and threw them onto the platform next to you. You reached in the to pull out a a flat rock the size of a dinner plate. When you flipped it over, you found a perfectly preserved ammonite, embedded into the stone. The white shell shifted hues in the light as you moved it, turning blue, green, and then orange, opalised by time.

“Dres, this is beautiful…” you gasped, as you ran your fingers over the ridges of the fossil.

“Eh, it’s not big deal,” he shrugged nonchalantly, though his complexion and fins framing his face seemed to warm at your praise.

“What!? I want something pretty too!” Willow came out from behind you to start rifling through the bag herself. She pulled out a giant abalone shell, the mother-of-pearl iridescence shining rainbows across its surface.

“Dibs!” Willow declared before running to hide her newly acquired treasure. You and Dresden looked at each other for a moment, and broke out into chuckles. You looked up to admire how the scales framing his eyes shimmered copper and green as he laughed.

“Guess, Willow likes hers,” you snickered, “Must have taken some effort to find this stuff.”

Dresden watched your hands as you traced the ridges of the ancient fossil.

“Like I said, it’s not a big deal,” he said and looked up at you through long, dark lashes, “Consider it a reward for coming out today. Figured if you got some positive reinforcement, you’d want to come out with us more often.”

You sighed and looked up at your friend with annoyance. Dresden put his hands up in apologetically, knowing he touched a nerve.

“I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but you already know how it is for me,” you retorted trying to keep the frustration out of your voice. You looked over to where Romero and Micah doing backflips off the Siren, Micah’s laughter ringing through the air. As you sat curled on the edge of the platform, you felt a pull in your chest for not being able to fully enjoy the day with him. Dresden saw your look and made a face you couldn’t quite interpret.

“Listen,” he started, “If it makes you feel any better, I’m sure there are plenty of people who have lived next to a body of water their entire lives and are still afraid of it.”

“Maybe I wouldn’t be so afraid of the water if it stopped producing such obnoxious mermen.”

“You say obnoxious, others might use the word ‘charming’.”

“Charming, huh? Doesn’t sound like anybody I know…”

“Give me a chance, and maybe I’ll show you what they mean,” he replied, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

“Ew, who even are you?” you laughed, “Keep talking to me like that and I’m gonna have to bop you one.”

“Oooh, those are fighting words. Why don’t you come down here and say that to my face? Oh… wait…”

You must have given him your meanest glare because when he saw your face he started laughing uncontrollably. He started to float on his back still shaking with laughter, when you got an idea. You took the tennis ball from out of Teddy’s mouth.

“Hey Dres! Heads up!” you called and tossed the neon yellow tennis ball to the merman who caught it swiftly with one hand. He looked down at the ball confused and looked up to see a gigantic mass of brown fur about to land on his face. Dresden’s girlish shriek and the gigantic splash of water made you double over in laughter. You were starting to catch your breath again when a huge form stepped up onto the platform next to you.

“What’s so funny?” Micah asked, watching Dresden tease Teddy into doggy-paddling in circles to chase his precious tennis ball. You stood up quickly and tried to straighten yourself out.

“Ha… it’s nothing, just Dresden being stupid,” you said with a small smile. Micah took a moment to observe your face and your ears warmed under the attention.

“You know… It’s good to see you out with all of us. I get worried about you sometimes,” he remarked, watching Dresden continue to tease Teddy in the water. Your thoughts paused for a moment as a warm feeling bloomed in your chest, heart fluttering like a bird. You liked knowing that he thought about you, even if it was just out of friendly concern.

Shouldn’t you be thinking about someone who was actually your girlfriend?

“I’m used to it,” you replied, “Not all of us can have a doting partner to keep an eye on them.”

Micah seemed to cringe at the reference to his girlfriend.

“Actually, me and Becca broke up…” he confided. You turned your head to look at him in shock. There was a sort of dejected look in his big brown eyes. The two of you sat in silence and you thought about his bright, beautiful girlfriend…

No… ex-girlfriend…

Becca was a vibrant personality, energetic and friendly. When you were all younger, Micah and every other teenage boy in town couldn’t help but be infatuated with her. The summer you left for university, Micah had finally built up the courage to ask her out. Four years and one art degree later, when you finally returned to your hometown, it seemed like this gorgeous couple were well on their way to getting married. You nursed this crush for years, never entertaining the idea of actually being with Micah because he always seemed just out of reach…

Until now, I guess…

You reached out to grasp his big furry hands with your smaller ones when you saw the sad look on his face.

“Micah, I’m sorry,” you apologized. He gripped your hand in response and smiled a small smile at you.

“Hey, it’s not your fault. Things don’t work out sometimes,” he sighed. You both looked at each other for a moment in a silence that stretched out a little longer than was comfortable. You looked down and you were still holding his hand and your palm was starting to sweat. With how hard your heart was starting to beat, your were afraid that he was going to notice your pulse quickening. Your mind raced to fill up the awkward silence with something… anything.

“Hey, you wanna race?” you blurted out before you even thought about the words coming out of your mouth. Before you could register the situation you put yourself in, Micah’s face lit up with a big smile.

“You’re on. Winner has to buy loser a case of beer!” he exclaimed as he went to unload the spare paddle board.

Shit shit shit shit shit.

Willow’s gentle voice called your name, snapping you out of your panicked fog. She must have overheard your conversation because she looked just was panicked as you did.

“Hey, um, what’s this about you paddling with Micah?” Willow asked, alarmed. You saw Micah approaching with the boards and paddles.

“I don’t know, Willow, I just blurted it out,” you whispered. Willow looked at you and then at Micah, who was already setting up the boards.

“Okay look, you already know what to do. Micah already taught you. Just don’t look down and you’ll be fine, okay?” Willow coached you before you felt a warm hand pull gently at your wrist.

You barely registered where you were, until a paddle was pushed into your hands and you were standing on the board out in open water. Your eyes were parallel to the horizon the entire time you waited for Micah to push himself out as well, but you couldn’t help but notice how dark the water was below you, stretching down so far, light couldn’t even penetrate it. You’re heart was pounding in your ears.

Somehow, you managed to paddle yourself out and follow Micah on his board, even though you gripped the paddle so tight, your knuckles turned white. Micah turned around to give you a big grin and call your name.

“Better catch up! I can already taste that beer!” He called over his shoulder. You did your best to smile back despite the nausea rising up in your stomach and your heart thumping heavily in your chest.

I will buy you fifty cases of beer if it means I’ll never have to do this ever again, you thought as you moved the paddle mechanically.

You focused on keeping your eyes forward and paddling the way Micah had taught you. It seemed like you were doing okay, too, following Micah’s form toward the designated finish line until a random current caught you and pulled you away from the boats.

Stay calm. Don’t panic. Stay calm. Don’t panic.

Looking up to see the boats getting smaller as you drifted away, you heard a loud buzzing in your ears as you felt panic rise up through your spine. Suddenly, a random wake surged upwards in front of you, causing the nose of your board to tip up and backwards. The last thing you heard was Willow screaming your name and the ringing in your ears reaching a fever pitch before your back hit the water.

You gasped as you sunk and started choking on the water filling your lungs. The sudden chill of the water paralyzed you, even though you did everything you could to will your numb arms and legs to move. The world around you was just about to dim until you felt a pair of arms wrap around you and swiftly pull you to the surface.

When you reached the open air, you started coughing up all the water that you had swallowed. Your hair was pressed flat and wet against your face, blocking your vision, not that you could see, anyway, with the way your head was spinning. You clutched at broad shoulders and felt an arm hook your legs around a waist. A familiar voice- Dresden’s voice was repeating your name.

“I need you breath in and out really slow, okay? We can’t have you hyperventilating. Big breath in. Big breath out.” You breathed slowly like he instructed, your body clinging to his like a blind koala. You felt one arm hold you tightly against a firm torso and a big hand gently brush wet hair, plastered to your face, out of your eyes. He then cradled your cheek, keeping your head still, looking into your eyes with his striking hazel ones. Dresden’s defined jaw was clenched and his eyes were devoid of its usual mischief.

Why so serious?

You giggled a little bit, panic turning into hysterics.

“There she is. Hey, you’re okay. I got you,” he spoke softly, relief in his voice. His vibrant eyes were still flicking back in forth between your own searching for something. For what, you weren’t sure but the funny way his face looked made more giggles bubble up through your chest.

“I don’t think giggling is a symptom of a concussion, so we’re probably good,” the merman observed, “Hold on to my back and I’m gonna swim you back, okay?”

You nodded wordlessly in response and unhooked your legs from around his waist. He twisted around in your arms and started swimming towards Lobo. Dresden’s powerful arms sliced through the water propelling the two of you forward, but he was careful enough to make sure to keep your head above water. When you approached Lobo, Romero pulled you out of the water and Willow wrapped you up in a thick beach towel. Your fully drenched clothes didn’t help the shiver that wracked your body despite the warm weather. Micah ran up from behind your two friends.

“What happened out there?! Are you okay?” He asked, rubbing your arms furiously over the towel, trying to warm your shaking body. Before you could say anything you heard Dresden’s voice interrupt you from the water.

“She got swept out by a current. When she fell, the undertow caught her. Maybe instead of dicking around, you should have kept an eye on her,” he ground out, angrily. Micah’s eyes flashed to Dresden, anger and confusion bleeding into his face.

“What the fuck, Dres? How is that fair?” Micah retorted, volume of his voice rising.

“Enough!” you yelled before your two friends could start hurling more insults at each other.

Dresden let out a curse and dove under the water, swimming away. Your shoulders drooped and you started to pinch the bridge of your nose in frustration. At the awkward silence around you, you closed your eyes, not being able to stop the tears from welling up. Willow wrapped her arms around you as you cried silently on the way home.

༻✦༺　༻✧༺　༻✦༺

Through your high windows you could see the light of the waxing moon shining dimly through the redwood trees surrounding your house. You were on your father’s old corduroy couch, wrapped in your thickest cardigan, with Teddy’s big head resting in your lap, softly snoring away.

Willow and Romero insisted on staying the night with you to make sure you were okay after your fall, but you told them you didn’t want to ruin their day more than you already did. When you finally promised that you would go to the neighbors if you felt strange, they took their leave. Hours later, you felt nothing but exhaustion and embarrassment at what happened.

You leaned your head against the cushion, closing your eyes to listen to the lo-fi music playing softly from your laptop. Distantly, if you focused, you could also hear the gentle push and pull of the tides breaking in front of your home.

Your mind drifted to the confusion on Micah’s face when he saw you pulled from the water and grabbed one of the cushions to shove in your face to muffle a groan.

Seriously? What the hell was I thinking?

You then thought about Dresden and the way his voice sounded when he yelled at Micah. Dresden almost always had a confident smile on his face, making crass jokes and pulling pranks. To see him so upset formed a knot in your stomach.

Gently lifting Teddy’s head, you got up from the couch to walk to the art studio. You knew it was too soon to try to start working again, but you needed to feel the charcoal in between your fingertips- to feel like there was at least something you could control. You found the photograph of the old church and set it up next to your easel, making sure there was enough light on both the blank sketchbook and the reference.

Using the general shape of the building and the mass of foliage surrounding it you started sketching out general locations of where everything was. Then, you started adding in rough detail shaped as a guideline for how to paint. When you looked back at the photograph, though, something felt off. The trees in you sketch didn’t carry the same presence as it did in the photograph.

Is it the proportions? The shading?

You flipped a page to start over, determined to capture the ambience that you felt when you found the hidden church. Again, you sketched the general outline, but started with detailing the church. By the time you managed to sketch out most of the building, something in the proportion was off. You rubbed your charcoal dusted fingers on your forehead, willing away the frustration you felt growing behind your brows.

Before you could throw down your charcoal and call it a night, you heard Teddy whining from the other room. When you rounded the corner, your dog was pawing at the door, eager to get outside. Before you could even fully open the door, his massive form pushed his way out and made a break for the dock, barking ceaselessly into the night. You sighed in exasperation before running after your giant dog to stop him from waking the neighbors.

When you caught up to Teddy, you found him laying on the edge of the dock, nose sniffing at something swimming in the dark depths of the water, tail wagging wildly. Teddy gave another loud bark at a splash and you shushed him.

“Teddy, you’re gonna get us in trouble,” you chided, tuffing at his collar to bring him back inside.

“Gotta say, he’s got a pretty good nose,” came a voice from below the dock that made you yelp in surprise. Dresden swam out into the moonlight and you let out a breath that you didn’t realize you were holding.

“Jesus, Dres! Can we keep my near-death experiences to once a day? Thanks,” you breathed, unclenching your fist from your rumpled cardigan.

“Heh, sorry,” he let out, rubbing the back of his neck sheepishly.

You went to sit at the end of the dock next to Teddy, legs hanging off the edge, toes dipping into the water. Neither of you said a word until you both looked at each other to smile awkwardly. Dresden almost always had something to say, so his silence unnerved you.

“What are doing here so late, Dres?” you asked, breaking the long silence. Dresden floated for a moment worrying his lip between his teeth and then finally spoke.

“I came to check on you…,” he stated, “and to apologize.”

Your brows furrowed and you wrapped your cardigan tighter around your body. You watched him for a moment, observing his face without saying anything.

“So,“ he started, breaking the uncomfortable silence, "Are you doing okay?”

You thought for a moment, stroking the downy fur of Teddy’s ear.

“Yeah, I’m doing okay…” you said, picking your words carefully, “Are you?”

Dresden looked at you in confusion.

“Yeah…? I’m not the one that almost drowned today,” he chuckled, albeit nervously. You let out another deep sigh, this time in exasperation.

“How am I supposed to know? You yell at Micah, who didn’t do anything mind you, and then you just left all mad! I’m not the one that needs an apology, Dresden,” you argued. This time you held his gaze, almost daring him to look away. Dresden did his best to match your stare, but then ran his hands across his face and his hair in frustration.

Before he could get a word in edgewise, you interrupted, “You guys are literally best friends and I already feel bad enough for ruining everybody’s day. I don’t want to be the reason why you two stop talking to each other.” You shifted your weight to lay on your stomach and rest your chin on your crossed arms, not unlike how Teddy looked, next to you. Dresden disappeared beneath the surface of the water and popped up again at the edge of the dock, pulling himself up out of the water enough to be at your to eye level. You pointedly held his hazel gaze until he rolled his and sighed in defeat.

“I’ll talk to him tomorrow and apologize. For you. Satisfied?”

Both of you stared at each other for a long moment before sharing a big grin. When you two started snickering like little kids with a secret, a weight lifted from your conscience.

“I never got a chance to thank you for saving me out there,” you said after the soft chuckles you shared subsided, “Thank you. And I appreciate you not telling Micah what really happened.”

Dresden made another incomprehensible face, but you could almost anticipate his next question.

“Why don’t you just tell him you’re afraid of deep water? I doubt he’d care,” he asked, his turn to look you straight in the eye. You looked away as you tried to figure out how to best articulate your response.

“The thing is, is that I care,” you tried, but he just cocked his head to the side in confusion.

“You said it yourself, I’ve lived at Lake Obsidian my entire life, it’s completely irrational!” You buried your face in your arms, thumping your head against the wood deck. “He’ll think I’m a freak for hiding something like that for so long.”

You kept hiding your face in embarrassment and heard a soft curse. Dresden muttered under his breath, “I can’t believe I’m doing this…”

You lifted your head, “Sorry, what?”

“I’ll help you get over your…” he waved a hand in your general direction and said, “issue.”

You were mildly offended and confused.

“And why would you want to do that?” you asked.

“I’ll be sleep better knowing that the next time you try to impress Micah, you won’t end up at the bottom of the lake. Gods know that Micah’s big ass can’t swim as well as I can,” he concluded.

You flushed bright red at Dresden’s blatant remark.

Was I being that obvious?

“Okay then, let’s do it,” you promised before you could talk yourself out of it. Dresden gave you his signature cocky grin.

“Micah’s really lucky. I’ll see you tomorrow before sunset by Driftwood Beach. Bring a paddle board,” he instructed before disappearing beneath the dark water.

“Good night to you, too…” you muttered as stood up, watching the waxing moon’s reflection ripple in the water.

As you and Teddy walked back up to your house, you replayed the conversation over again in your head. That night you dreamed of a warm hand cradling your cheek and voice distorted by water whispering Micah’s really lucky.

༻✦༺　༻✧༺　༻✦༺

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#exophilia #monster boyfriend #monster boy #my writing

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fandomrewrites · 4 years

Text

Season 1, Episode 5: The Tell

Hi everyone! I’m a day late for my update, sorry about that! I was really busy these past few days and lost track of the days. Anyway, I hope you all enjoy this chapter and as always constructive criticism is appreciated.

Season 1, Episode 5: The Tell

Pairings: Scott McCall x Twin Sister, Lydia Martin x Best Friend, Nate Wilson (OC) x Reader

Warnings: nothing in this one

Word Count: 1,888

Season 1 Masterlist

I was sitting on Nate’s bed with my history book open in front of me. Nate was downstairs grabbing snacks, “Nate sweetie...” I looked up to see his mom in his doorway, “Hi Mrs. Wilson. Nate’s downstairs.”

“Thanks, doing homework?”

“Yeah, history.”

“I’m sure I’ll see your mother at the parent-teacher conference tomorrow night.”

“Yeah, she’ll be there for Scott and me.”

Nate then came up the stairs with a bowl of popcorn and two water bottles. “Hey mom, did you need something?”

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m working the night shift today, I had to fill in for Debby.” Nate nods as he places the water bottles and popcorn beside me, “Behave you two.” She smiles at the two of us then heads off to work.

Nate sighs then sits next to me and closes my history book. “Hey! I need that.”

“Take a break, we’ve been doing homework all night.”

“Well sorry that I actually want to do well in school.” I roll my eyes playfully.

“Ha ha. You can take a break babe. Let’s watch a movie. We’re almost done with the homework anyway.” I sucked in a breath but nodded and put my school things on the floor. I sat back against his headboard and waited for him to pick out the movie.

As Nate came to sit beside me, The Other Guys popped up on TV. By the time the movie was done, I was half asleep and decided to head home.

*_*_*_*_*_*

I’m sitting beside Danny in Chemistry, Jackson who is sitting across from us doesn’t look so good. I’m assuming he’s freaked out from last night. He won’t tell s anything but Lydia stayed home today too. I was planning on heading over after school to check on her.

As soon as class starts I notice that Scott isn’t here. I look towards Stiles and he seems to be wondering where my brother is too. I quickly pull out my phone and send him a quick text asking where he is.

Mr. Harris speaks up, “Just a friendly reminder: parent-teacher conferences are tonight. Students below a C average are required to attend. I won’t name you since the shame and self-disgust should be more than enough punishment. And has anyone seen Scott McCall?”

Mr. Harris looks in my direction, “He left the house with me but I don’t know where he is now.” Mr. Harris nodded then continued, “Everyone start reading chapter 9. And Mr. Stilinski try putting the highlighter down between paragraphs. It’s chemistry. Not a coloring book.”

Stiles slowly caps his highlighter then leans towards Danny, I glance up listening to their whispered conversation.

“Danny? Can I ask you a question?”

“No.”

“I’m going to anyway. Did Lydia show up in your homeroom today?” Of course, he would ask about Lydia.

Danny sighs, “No.”

“Can I ask you another question?”

“The answer is still no.”

“Do people know what happened to her and Jackson last night.”

Danny looks upset now, “He wouldn’t tell me.”

“But you’re his best friend.” Danny just shrugs, trying to get back to the reading. “One more question.”

“What?”

“Do you find me attractive?”

Before Danny could answer Stiles leans too far off his chair and falls to the floor. Everyone in class turning to look at him. Danny and I glance at each other and shake our heads, finally going back to our reading.

*_*_*_*_*_*

I have my free period, usually, I spend this time with Lydia but since she isn’t here I decided to head to the library. Before I headed that way I stopped by my locker, putting some books away. As I shut the door and turned to walk away, I paused.

The hallway was empty but I thought I heard someone. I slowly turned around and frowned when I didn’t see anything. When I turned back around Derek Hale was in front of me.

I jumped in surprise and put my hand against my racing heart, “God, don’t do that!” I took a deep breath, “What are you doing here?” I glance around as I ask, afraid that someone will see us.

“You’re friends with Jackson and Lydia, right?”

“Um, yeah.”

“Do you know what happened to them last night? Did they see anything?”

“They didn’t tell me anything. Why? Was it the Alpha?”

Derek sighed, “Yes, I’m trying to figure out if they know anything that could help.”

“Well Jackson probably won’t say anything. But I’m going to Lydia’s after school. I can let you know if she tells me anything.”

Derek nods in acknowledgement.

In the blink of an eye, Derek was gone and once again I was alone in the school hallway.

I continue on my way to the library without noticing a figure standing at the corner of the hall, watching the interaction between Derek and myself.

*_*_*_*_*_*

At the end of the school day, Stiles and I headed to Lydia’s together. When we got to her house her mom led us in. “You know where her room is darling, you can head up.”

“Thanks, Mrs. Martin.” I smiled then started leading Stiles towards Lydia’s room.

As we walked in Lydia was in bed with her eyes fixed on the ceiling.

“Hey, Lyds,” I announced our presence as we made our way over to her bed. “We wanted to make sure you were okay.” I kneeled beside her bed as Stiles sat on the edge.

I smiled at her as she looked between Stiles and me, “I feel faaantaastiiic” She slurred, the medicine clearly getting to her.

I bite my lip trying to hide a smile as I brush her hair out of her face. Stiles glances at the prescription bottle on the nightstand then says, “Bet you can’t say I saw Susie sitting in a shoeshine shop five times really fast.”

Lydia rises to the challenge as she begins to speak, “I saw Shusie... I shaw... I saw...”

She begins to trail off, her mood changing instantly. I immediately become worried and lean up to get a better look at her, “What did you see?”

“I saw something.”

“What was it?” Stiles asks, also leaning closer.

“Something.” Is the only word that comes out of Lydia’s mouth.

“Was it a mountain lion?” Stiles prompts.

“Yeah. A mountain lion.” She confirms.

“That’s what you definitely saw. Or did the cops tell you it was a mountain lion?”

Lydia nods, “A mountain lion.”

I glance at Stiles, both of us knowing that it wasn’t a mountain lion.

Stiles reaches over and grabs Mr. Cuddles, a teddy bear I gave Lydia for her 8th birthday, “What’s this?”

“A mountain lion.”

Stiles and I both sigh in defeat as he places Mr. Cuddles back down.

I stand up from my spot on the floor, “I’ll be right back.” Stiles nods as I head downstairs to get a glass of water and refill Lydia’s

When I walk back in, two glasses of water in hand, Stiles is standing with Lydia’s phone. He glances back at me then gulps, “You need to see this.”

I place the glasses down then look at the screen. Staring back at me is a perfectly captured image of a dark and monstrous silhouette on two feet with glowing red eyes.

I quickly grab the phone from his hand to get a better look. Before I can stop myself, I text myself the video and then quickly delete it from her phone.

I put her phone back on the nightstand and get my phone out, “I’ll text it to you. Show Scott when you get the chance. I’m going to stay with her.”

Stiles nods then heads out the door, leaving me with a sleeping Lydia.

*_*_*_*_*_*

I sit in Lydia’s room working on homework as Mrs. Martin pops her head in, “Is she still sleeping?”

“She woke up once to go to the bathroom but fell right back to sleep.”

Mrs. Martin nods, worried about her daughter, “I’m heading to the parent-teacher conference, did you want to come with me? You could meet your mother there?”

I bite my lip and look over towards Lydia, “If it’s alright with you, could I stay the night?”

“Sure, but you don’t need to stay by her side. She’s going to be alright, (Y/N).”

I gently smile at her, “I know. But she’s my sister. I don’t want her to be alone.”

Mrs. Martin smiles back, “She’s lucky to have you as a friend.”

“I’m lucky to have her too.” Mrs. Martin walks out of the room. I quickly pull out my phone to let my mom know that I’m staying with Lydia for the night.

A few moments later a breeze blows my paper, I quickly place my hand over it to stop it from moving and look up to see Derek.

I stand up and grab Derek’s wrist dragging him out of the room, “How did you know I was here?”

“You weren’t at your house. Did you find anything?”

I sigh, “She’s been out of it all day. She keeps saying it was a mountain lion, but Stiles and I found this on her phone.” I pulled out my phone and showed him the video, pausing on the Alpha.

He grabs the phone from my hand to study it more closely, he groans in frustration handing it back to me, “Was that it?”

“Yeah, judging by your reaction it doesn’t help.”

“Not even a little bit.”

“I wish there was more I could do.”

“Talk to her when she gets up. Maybe when she’s not drugged up she’ll be able to answer.”

“Sorry Derek, but I’m not going to ask her a bunch of questions when it’s clear she doesn’t want to remember. She’s terrified. If she wants to believe it was a mountain lion, then I’m going to let her believe that. You should leave before she wakes up.”

Derek clenches his jaw but doesn’t say anything else as he leaves her house, just as quickly as he arrived.

*_*_*_*_*_*

About ten minutes later Lydia wakes up. She slowly blinks her eyes open then turns to look at me, “What are you doing here?”

“Your mom is letting me stay the night. I wanted to make sure you were alright.”

She lazily smiles at me, “I will be. Just a little spooked about last night.”

I smile back, “I don’t blame you, I would be too. I’m glad you weren’t hurt.”

“Yeah, me too. And thanks for staying, you didn’t have too.”

“No, but I wanted to,” I start standing as I continue to speak, “Let me grab us some food, we can watch chick-flicks and gossip.” I head out of the room to grab some popcorn and drinks.

When I get back upstairs Lydia has he movies laid out deciding on which one to watch. Finally, she reaches over and puts in Titanic, laying down beside me. By the end of the movie, the two of us are laying side by side under the blankets sound asleep. My arm carefully draped across Lydia’s stomach, nothing but the sound of TV static in the room.

#Sister McCall imagine #teen wolf imagine #lydia martin imagine #series rewrite

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midwinter-fox · 5 years

Text

Paint

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

Days passed like a strangely pleasant dream - the kind that makes one wonder when the nightmare would rear up and shatter the tranquility. Every waking moment Dettlaff spent either with his flock or in the arms of his lover. The sudden change had Regis in a state of titters when he found out, so delighted was he that his dear friend was finding a place for himself that wasn’t secluded in a dark cavern in the mountains. When Dettlaff expressed his desire to stay with her, it was all the better for all three.

Regis was absolutely elated for his friend, and while Leonore was just as happy, it also meant they had to make her practically empty home a little more livable for more than one person. She expressed her desire to purchase more furniture - including a much larger bed - but Dettlaff convinced her that it wasn’t necessary. When his newfound lover departed for work, he took to his craft with renewed vigor. Never had Dettlaff been both so excited nor so anxious about his artwork, but now he had to earn Leonore’s approval for the furniture he planned to make himself. It was better this way, both so he could make everything a comfortable size for a man of his height and so he could hopefully receive his beloved’s praise. He’d be a liar if he said he wasn’t doing this solely for her admiration.

He’d had to ask her what she required for her house, but only because he wasn’t entirely certain what was and was not necessary in a typical home. Regis’ wasn’t much of a reference considering there were additional pieces of furniture in place of usual ones to accommodate for both his medical and cosmetic professions. The bed was a given, but had she not expressed her desire for an actual dining set, he’d have probably neglected to make one. After all, he ate in his room or with his pack, and Regis ate while he worked. On top of that, she was in need of a separate wardrobe to accommodate his clothing, but when he actually thought about it, a sudden realization hit him.

He was leaving.

To live with Leonore.

Even with Rhena, he’d only ever lived with his pack or with Regis. That both were so close was a great reassurance, but something akin to fear was rising up and he didn’t know how to calm it. Rather than dwell on what could be causing these tumultuous feelings, he busied himself with preparing to build the necessary furniture for what was to be his new home.

The basement of Regis’ house was both where the distiller for his mandrake brew was kept and where Dettlaff saw fit to keep the tools of his trade. There was a little workbench where he would keep the toys and trinkets he worked on as well as various tools for larger projects. There wasn’t much any more after abandoning most of his belongings in Beauclair, but that no longer bothered him. With the death of Rhena, he almost never felt any desire to do much of anything any more, least of all anything that would make him happy. That had begun to change since meeting Leonore, which was quite evident with his insistence that he provide for their home.

Theirs. He wasn’t sure why the thought almost overwhelmed him.

Dettlaff wiped away the dust from a stack of papers, all of which contained sketches of various items he’d repaired and, at times, small doodles that he just didn’t have the heart to toss. The books he’d purchased to mend were here, but being recent additions, they were still free of grime for the time being. Those he would try to work on later if he still needed something with which to distract him from his usual dark thoughts and repressed memories.

After a bit of sifting through the various carving instruments he kept, he found the ones he searched for beside a worn and torn teddy bear. Every tool he kept in here had been acquired after departing from Toussaint, but only because Regis wasn’t quite as gifted when it came to woodworking; as such, repairs were usually made by Dettlaff’s hand. Tools found, he turned to go back up the stairs leading out of the cellar, but his eye caught something lurking in a far corner.

It was a canvas, the last one he’d attempted to use upon settling in Dillingen. Someone had removed the sheet he kept over it, revealing the half-painted silhouette of his past lover. As loathe as he was to be reminded of her transgressions, he could never dispose of the damned thing. There was too much sentimentality that kept him from doing anything more than letting it sit in the basement and collect dust. Maybe one day he might get some new materials with which to finish it or maybe even the heart to finally rid himself of it, but not until he could look at it without his gut twisting horribly. So far, that had yet to happen.

With a shake of his head, Dettlaff returned above ground and ventured around the side of the building to where a pile of wood sat. It would take a while to have it all finished, but if he started with the bed, he could have the most important pieces done by nightfall. The day was warm and quiet, so he removed his coat, rolled up his sleeves, and set to work.

Regis watched his companion from a window, though he wasn’t sure if Dettlaff knew whether he was being watched. It was always a treat to observe such an artist at work, and to see how skillfully the wood was inspected, cut, and carved reminded him of just how talented his friend was. Such a shame such talent went to waste those days, for Regis could remember many times in which new paintings would be proudly displayed upon finish and how happy Dettlaff would be with the results. The barber-surgeon really didn’t need another reason to curse Syanna’s name, but here it was. He hadn’t seen a new painting since the unfinished piece hidden in a dark corner of the cellar, and even then it was of the very woman that had become Dettlaff’s muse then crushed his heart.

A knock at the door distracted Regis from his thoughts momentarily, but now he wondered who would be there so unexpectedly. There were no appointments for that day, so that he would have a visitor was unusual. Upon opening the door, he couldn’t help but grin.

“You know, Dettlaff is actually outside at the moment. You can go around the side to find him,” Regis commented to a smiling Leonore, though her arms were full of parcels. “If you’d like, you can set those down in here before you go to see him.”

“Actually, I’m here to surprise him,” she whispered, knowing full well that if Dettlaff was anywhere nearby, he’d have no problem hearing her.

As soon as Regis stepped aside, she walked in to set the packages down on a table. To protect her little secret, he went to the window out which he could clearly see the other vampire and drew the curtains closed. Curious, he returned to Leonore to see what she’d brought.

“I take it these are for him?” he asked, to which she nodded. “May I ask what’s in them? I warn you, Dettlaff is incredibly receptive to gifts. You’ll not be able to keep him away from you if you plan on presenting these all at once.”

“I’m not opposed to that,” she shrugged, “but I told him I’d be getting these for him anyway. I don’t think he’s expecting it though, which is why it’s a surprise. I finished my deliveries especially quick today so I could bring them.”

“You still haven’t said what they are.”

“Oh! Sorry.” She blushed. “It’s painting supplies. Brushes, pigments, and I’ve got an easel here too, but he’d have to put it back together first. I also got about a dozen or so eggs so he can make his paints himself.” When Regis’ expression fell a fraction, she frowned in response. “What..? You don’t think he’ll like it?”

“Oh no, I think he’d adore anything you gave him, but I’m afraid he hasn’t touched a brush since we arrived here a few years back.”

“Oh, I know. He told me he’d lost his muse, but I thought that maybe if he actually had the supplies, when he does feel the desire to paint again, he actually can. And, if he decides he’d rather not for the time being, then you have eggs you can eat.”

This brought a smile back to his face. She was thoughtful, though a bit irresponsible with her funds. With how many small parcels were there, he didn’t doubt she had spent nearly a fortune on it all. There were about five packages there, but he didn’t see anything that could hold a small canvas.

“Did you happen to bring something on which he can paint..?”

She stopped and stared at him for a moment, face slowly getting ever redder. That answered his question quite effectively before she even had the chance to groan and smack herself in the forehead. The display made Regis snort.

“I’m such an idiot! I’m standing here all proud of myself and I forgot the damned thing he’s supposed to paint on in the first place!”

“Oh, I’m sure you two will figure something out. He’s still bound to be grateful that you got him anything in the first place.” He was still chuckling at how hilariously adorable she looked when angry. Her cheeks made her look like a grumpy chipmunk, but he wouldn’t say as much.

The sound of a door opening shook her from her internal punishment of herself, but Regis just stood and smiled as Dettlaff strode into the room, wood shavings stuck to some of his clothes as well as the hair of his forearms though he’d tried brushing most of it off. Upon seeing Leonore there, he paused.

“What are you doing here..? You were not to be back before dusk I thought.” The confusion written across his face was concealing his underlying concern. Why would she be back so soon if not for something important?

“Would you like some privacy? I’m sure you know where his room is by now,” suggested Regis, knowing full well just how emotional Dettlaff could get when given gifts. After all, he’d been the one to give his friend the first he’d ever received.

“Sure,” she responded briefly before gathering up the parcels and trotting off down the hall in which the room was. When Dettlaff hesitated, she poked her head around the corner. “Are you coming?? I’ve got something for you!”

Dettlaff exchanged looks with his friend, but when Regis shrugged and grinned, he decided to follow, bits of wood shavings leaving a small trail on the floor as he went.

“You wanna close the door?” Leonore asked as Dettlaff walked in the bedroom, though her back was turned to him as she set up the packages on the covers of what was soon to be his old bed. He shut the door behind him, but eyed all of the parcels now set out with a sort of wonder.

“What is all of this?”

“It’s for you! Go ahead and open them. These ones here would probably be best first,” she gestured to the smaller two, “or you can save them for last. It’s up to you.” She was radiating excitement with how she bounced on the balls of her feet and smiled at him expectantly. It was effectively rubbing off on him, for he was smiling before he even knew what it was that lay within the parchment packaging.

Carefully, he used a claw to tear the paper that covered the first parcel. It was the smallest, but it was about a foot in length. As soon as the wrapping fell apart, he picked up the paint brushes that lay within like they were made of glass. The larger handles were polished and yet shaped in a way that they fit perfectly between his fingers while the thinner brushes were sturdy despite being perfect for the most intricate of details. Vair hair bristles tipped each brush; the mere thought of how smooth the lines would be with each stroke made him all too eager to test them.

“You.. bought these..?”

“Well, yes and no. Some things were easy enough to find out in nature, but yes, the brushes were purchased.” Leonore picked up a second parcel and held it out to him. “This one I was able to gather myself.”

This package was larger, and when he tenderly set aside the brushes to take it, he noticed it was lighter than it looked as well. He opened it much quicker this time, then lifted the wooden lid of the box that lay inside. There were several compartments inside - about ten in total. Each one held a different colored powder.

“Pigments. How did you find such a vibrant purple?”

“Wild indigo, dried and ground. That one was probably the hardest to find simply because purple is such a rare color. I hope it works well.”

Awed, he slowly closed the box and set it just beside the brushes, but he didn’t bother opening another gift. Rather, he took Leonore by the arms and pulled her to him, holding her against his chest in a crushing embrace. She did her best to return it, though her arms were pinned to her sides.

“Thank you, truly,” he murmured against her hair, voice thick with emotion. “You’ve no notion of how much this means to me.”

“You’re very welcome.” Her voice was a bit strained considering he was making it hard to breathe, but as soon as he heard it, he released her and apologized. “It’s fine, love. I told you I’d keep an eye out for more art supplies for you.”

“Yes, and you said you would make me aware if you found anything so I may procure it for myself. I did not think you would go so far as to acquire any of this, let alone for me.” He hugged her again, though this time he was more careful about it by winding his arms under hers. This allowed her to hold him in return.

“Alas, I forgot to grab a canvas for you. I even grabbed an easel, a palette, and some eggs for you to make the paints, but you’ve nothing to actually paint on..”

For a moment, he remembered the unfinished painting downstairs, but that wouldn’t do. No, he wanted nothing to do with the memory of his heartbreak - not when he wanted nothing more than to hold and love the woman in his arms now.

“You’ve spoiled me as it is, liefje. Think nothing of it.”

“Well you deserve to be spoiled! I’ve never felt so wanted nor appreciated as I have with you. This is just my way of thanking you for being, well, you.”

Ah, if only she knew what she was doing to him. There was no way he could be more sentimental than he was in that moment. He almost wanted to cry. Too choked up to say anything, he instead buried his face in her shoulder and held her close, relishing in her smell and her touch when words utterly escaped him.

“Don’t you want to open the rest of them..? You may not have a canvas, but we can still do some painting I think.”

When he pulled back to look at her, she smirked back up at him. Her eyes were suggestive, but what she was getting at was lost on him.

“What would you suggest..?” he asked, which made Leonore’s smirk turn into a grin.

“You’ll see. Get something we can use to mix paint in. It’ll get a bit messy, soooo you might want to take off your clothes.”

She removed herself from his embrace and picked up the largest of the packages carefully. While she took to opening it, Dettlaff decided to do as she said. When he returned with a handful of small bowls (though Regis initially protested, he promised to clean them once finished), she was already pulling out some of the eggs.

“How many did you grab?”

“Eleven; one for each color, some water, and the egg whites. The colors can be mixed on the palette for other hues.” When he set them on his nightstand, she noticed that one did, in fact, already have water in it.

“Good. Give me the empty ones.” And so he did.

She was right about one thing: this was truly a messy affair. Initially, Dettlaff planned on being very careful with such a project, but she had little regard for cleanliness. He was grateful he’d shut the door again, for she was quick to remove her blouse when she accidentally spilled some egg white on it. Alluring as the sight was, he was far too amused by her childlike excitement with helping him make paints. Before long, they had both discarded most of their clothing and had nine bowls of paint with a prepared palette. Somehow, Dettlaff had managed to keep at least his trousers clean, but Leonore had to undress down to just her undergarments. Her pale skin ended up with flecks of paint in various places thanks to her own clumsiness.

“Liefje, how are you so careless..?” he asked as he wiped a bit of black from her cheek, but she responded by dipping a finger into the red and wiping a smear across her own chest.

“Because I’m your canvas.” He raised an eyebrow at her when she grabbed one of his new brushes and handed it to him.

“You.. You wish for me to paint on you?” He was incredulous, but he took the brush and eyed her almost completely nude form with renewed interest.

“Why not? I feel bad for getting you all of this and then you not being able to use it. So, problem solved. I’m about as pale as a canvas, though admittedly I’m probably not as smooth..”

“You are perfect.” The words were automatic, like they were already on his tongue before he had to think of saying them. It effectively left her flustered. “But what would you have me paint..? This is not my preferred medium, but I will not deny that it is more exciting than the conventional means.”

“Well.. I already started it for you I guess.” There was a faint blush to her cheeks, her eyes avoiding his as she suddenly became bashful. “You um.. I mean, you may as well start with red I suppose..?”

With that as a starting point, Dettlaff dipped the brush into the vermilion paint on the palette, but on a whim mixed it with a bit of white. Since he had no real plan, he instead let his hand move of its own volition. When he touched the pink bristles to Leonore’s skin, he could see her visibly shiver.

“You are not uncomfortable, are you?” He only asked as a courtesy; his mind was already starting to wander as he envisioned what he wanted to create upon her skin. “You will have to lay here for a while and remain still.”

“I’m alright, take your time. This feels good, actually. Do you need me to remove my underwear?”

“Only if you do not wish for them to be accidentally painted.”

Briefly, she shifted so she could remove her last article of clothing, but as soon as she did, she laid herself out on the ground for him. Presented as she was, she looked beautiful in his eyes - then again, she was always beautiful to him, inside and out. She was so trusting of him, and it warmed his heart. His human canvas still once again, he once more ran the brush across her skin and watched as she closed her eyes and sighed. It seemed she truly was enjoying it, and with that reassurance in mind, he let himself paint freely.

After an hour, he’d only just barely finished her chest, the beginning of a sunset landscape spreading down from her collarbone. A few times he had to stop and get some clean water for his brush, and each time he would come back to her snoozing peacefully on the floor. As soon as the bristles touched her skin again, she’d hum and sigh in contentment. There were a few spots he found to be ticklish, so he made sure to be quick as possible so as to avoid accidentally smudging anything. This was far more engrossing than he’d initially thought, and so he was beginning to be invested in this particular piece.

It was with some difficulty that he managed to paint across the swell of her breasts, especially when her breathing kept hitching the closer he got to her nipples. As frustrating as it was as an artist, as a man and her lover, he wanted nothing more than to close his lips over each bud and lavish affection on her with his tongue. Part of him wondered if this was what she’d planned - to have him tease her with the brush then take her with his body. However, this was the first time in a long time that he actually wanted to paint and had an image in mind of what to create. Thus, he kept his mind off of the smell of her arousal and on the task at hand.

By the third hour, her torso was completed. It was fairly quick when compared to his previous works, but painting on skin didn’t allow for as much detail as he would like - not when it was a medium he was unused to. She kept fidgeting when he tickled her, so he had to be quick lest she make a mess of both of them.

He tried to limit how many colors he used initially, but the more he painted, the more ideas came to mind. Nostalgia was what inspired him, particularly the memories of Nazair as day gave way to night. The view of the setting sun behind Rhys-Rhun castle from across the Muredach was one he remembered fondly, especially when one was just high enough to view the garden that once flourished past the keep’s walls. He could recall when that garden had been full of life before the castle had been abandoned and fallen into disrepair. Now, he viewed that very scene across the expanse of his lover’s torso which ended just past her navel.

“Have you finished..?” she asked, drawing his eyes to hers. “May I move now?”

“Yes. It is unfortunate that at some point you will need to wash it off. Remind me to recreate this on a true canvas. Admittedly, you made a fairly poor one.” She rolled her eyes at him.

“I’d like to see you do any better,” she retorted before dipping a finger in the blue paint and flicking it at him. “It doesn’t help that you painting my breasts made me incredibly horny.”

“I was thinking more on the moments in which your laughter shook the brush as I attempted intricate details, but I noticed your arousal as well.” There were specks of blue in the coarse hair on his chest now, and though he tried to wipe it off with his thumb, it was far more stubborn than it was on Leonore’s body. Now they had a mess to clean up, much to his chagrin. Cleaning was his least favorite part of making art. “Will you help me clean before washing yourself..?”

“Nope. I’ve got something much better in mind.”

“It would have nothing to do with you painting me, would it?” He cocked a brow at her as she sat up and looked down at herself.

“Have you ever tried finger painting?” When he shook his head, she grinned. “I’m certain I can get you to like it.”

His curiosity got the best of him; rather than begin tidying, he watched as she dipped her fingers into the blue again and trace them along his naked abdomen. The hair that trailed down his stomach textured it rather oddly from his perspective, but he enjoyed her touch even with cool paint being left in her finger’s wake. The thought of having to clean himself wasn’t a very comforting one, but he would accept it in favor of his lover’s hands on his body. This time when she went for more, she took a handful of the green and let it drip from her palm before pressing it to his chest. When her hand trailed upward toward his shoulder, the droplets of paint rolled down his body and made him shudder. The liquid was slow and cold and thick, but the sensation made him hum in approval knowing it was her hand that caused it.

“Remove your pants.” The simple command was obeyed immediately; Dettlaff stood so he may remove the offending article of clothing, though there were already flecks of paint splattered across them. That wasn’t his lover’s concern though.

Her hand was once again being dipped in paint, this time the purple. She didn’t even wait for him to finish pushing the waistband of his trousers past his hips. As soon as his semi-erect member was freed, she ran her tongue across the head and pressed her hand to his pelvis to allow the paint to drip down and around the base of his shaft. As alien as it felt, he couldn’t help the involuntary moan that slipped from his lips. This was perhaps one of the oddest activities he’d partaken in, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

For only a moment, she suckled at the slit that tipped his member, but just as his mouth fell open in another, more silent moan, she stood and claimed his mouth with hers. Purple was smeared up across his stomach and chest, blending now with the blue and green, before the hand bearing the paint cupped his cheek. The paint on his lover’s body was still wet, and so that too ended up coating his skin when she pressed herself flush against him, but he cared for nothing other than Leonore’s tender affections. He broke the kiss to finish removing the last of his clothing, but then immediately took her wrist and dragged her down to join him back on the floor.

When he took her breast in his palm, he ran his hand up to mirror her earlier actions, now cupping her cheek with a painted hand. She pulled back to smirk at him.

“Told you I could get you to enjoy it.”

She was silenced by his mouth on hers again, but there was no protesting on her part - not when he was further messing up his masterpiece on her chest with his groping. They were both grateful that he’d not painted any lower, else their joining would be fairly uncomfortable. When his hands moved from her chest to her hips, she helped guide his cock to her entrance and sank down onto him with a low, pleased groan.

They moved and moaned together, the paint only further smearing across their bodies whilst she rode him. Dettlaff tried to take her slowly, but with how her hips rotated against him, he was quickly losing composure. He ended up laying back completely so he could better thrust upward into her, delighting in how her eyes closed in ecstasy and breasts bounced in time with their pace. His hands covered her breasts once more, fingers pinching the painted buds tipping them to make her moan ever louder. How he adored the sounds she made, but he was also focused on the sight of the multitude of colors mixing on her skin. It was entrancing though the original product was ruined beyond recognition.

Without warning, Leonore reached for another paint - the charcoal black - and poured some of it across his chest. When she leaned down to kiss him again, it was pressed into his chest hair and spread between their bodies. When she sat back up again, she ran her hands through it and up to his neck. There was no pressure applied, but the sensation of her wet hands gripping his throat made him involuntarily whine.

“I.. I’m close, love.. F-fuck– Ah~!!” Her exclamation was followed by a final press of her hips and a drawn out cry, she seated herself fully on him as her orgasm washed over her. Once again he gripped her hips, but only so he could thrust into her a few more times then follow her climax soon after. When she collapsed on top of him, he immediately ran his hand across her back and traced soothing sunset-colored circles into the skin.

They lay in bliss as the paint dried and they came down from their pleasurable high. Neither one wanted to move, but they knew they eventually needed to clean the awful mess they’d made of each other and the room. It didn’t help that the paint that was caked onto their skin was beginning to itch and crack, but Dettlaff wasn’t about to allow his lover to go walking nude through the house with another man living there, no matter if that man happened to also be his closest friend. It was all the more reason he needed to finish their furniture, but this distraction had been a very welcome one. Eventually, Leonore removed herself from his body, his seed causing further mess for them as it spilled from between her thighs. She just snorted in dry amusement.

“At least it isn’t more paint.” Her lover rolled his eyes at her humor as he stood.

“Remain here and I will draw a bath for us, though we may need to take more than one..”

“Hey, it’s more time I get to spend with you and be completely naked at the same time. I think that’s a win for both of us.” Her light-heartedness in spite of all of the cleaning they had to do made it hard not to smile.

Upon leaving the room, he made sure to close the door behind him to allow Leonore some privacy. As he made his way to the washroom, Regis spotted a multi-colored mass from the corner of his eye while he tended to dinner. The sight was, for lack of a better word, remarkable.

“Dettlaff?? What the hell happened to you?!” He dropped what he was doing to get a better look, unbothered by the other’s nudity and more concerned by the fact that it looked like a black mass was attempting to strangle him then ended up vomiting a rainbow down the front of him. Dettlaff grudgingly turned to face him.

“We.. Mh, we got carried away.”

“Please tell me you at least plan on cleaning up whatever horror of an aftermath you left behind.” The look of both disgust and unease made it clear that Regis was displeased with the situation, but Dettlaff’s nod didn’t make him feel any better.

“We do, once we’ve finished bathing.”

“If you finish bathing. I’m going to assume she looks just as bad?” Regis asked, but only got another nod in response. It appalled him how this man had no shame sometimes. “Well, I’ll ask that you try not to make this a common occurrence until after you’ve moved out. I was planning on making your room into an examination room, but if the mess is as awful as I think it is, I suppose it’ll have to wait until you two finish cleaning up after yourselves.”

“It will be done, I assure you.” Dettlaff turned to go back to setting up a bath, but paused for a moment. “I also apologize for causing you such distress. I will do what I can to remedy the issue.”

“I’m certain you will, my friend. Now please, you smell of eggs and sex, and I would really like to forget that I’ve ever had the misfortune of encountering such a foul odor.” Before Dettlaff disappeared into the washroom, he called out as an afterthought. “And wash out the tub when you’re done!”

When he heard the door close, he shook his head and sighed then went back to preparing dinner. As much as he enjoyed having the other vampire staying with him - especially when it helped his heart heal - inwardly, Regis was grateful that such sexual escapades would be restricted to Leonore’s home instead of his own; he’d no doubt be finding paint in the spare room no matter how many times he scrubbed the floors now.

#Dettlaff #dettlaff van der eretein #OC #My Tales #multi chapter #ufw

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chyrstis · 5 years

Text

Nice try (but it won’t work twice)

It’s Whitetail Mountain time, and also time for Jess and Jacob to say hello.

Rating: T Word Count: 5.7K

Link to AO3!

___

As it turns out, earning Jacob’s attention doesn’t take much effort at all. A fact that the Deputy wishes weren’t the case.

______________

The F.A.N.G. Center had been home to all sorts of creatures.

Not necessarily the fanged kind – cue Sharky’s audible disappointment – but it hadn’t been out of bounds to expect to see wolves, wolverines, and even bears resting and healing up within its walls. One bear in particular had been the singular draw, and Cheeseburger was as adorable as a full-sized grizzly bear with maximum mauling capacity could get.

With the cult in charge, its focus had been redirected. Repurposed for something much, much worse, if what she’d heard about the Judges was true. Wolves were dangerous enough on their own. Adding bliss to the mix was a possibility that she didn’t even want to entertain.

So, when Dutch had called in, saying that one of the caretakers of the place had been holding out, looking for help, Hana made a little detour. It hadn’t been hard to convince either Sharky or Hurk – the latter of which was just itching to dig into any kind of mayhem in general – and she pulled up on the outskirts of the center so the three could find a way in.

Just because said way involved rockets didn’t mean it was entirely a bad one, but it was far from quiet, and soon enough, the entire place was on fire, literally and figuratively.

When she wasn’t choking on smoke, or stomping out the flames threatening to climb up the leg of Sharky’s pants, she was trading fire with the handful of Peggies stationed there, none of which actually had Judges to back them up. That had been a small blessing in and of itself, and she gave the universe a mental high-five before digging for a spare stick of dynamite.

The rest fell into place after that, leaving the F.A.N.G. Center singed, but standing.

She asked Dutch to put out a call to see if they could get some people to the center to lock it down, and with that resolved, the three had settled in to wait for them.

There was one outstanding problem, however. Cheeseburger wasn’t on the grounds, and hadn’t been seen since he was released.

Cheeseburger’s caretaker, Wade, pointed them all in the direction of where Cheeseburger had run off to, not even fazed by the fact that an actual bear was on the loose. The cult had been interested in seeing what could be done with the animal, possibly by dosing it with bliss as well, and he’d let it go shortly before the center had been taken.

With that as the alternative, she found herself agreeing with him. She hadn’t seen any of the converted wolves yet, but a blissed out megabear did not need to be added to the mix.

Sharky and Hurk had opted to bear hunt, while she decided to hold down the fort. She made the two swear up and down that they would yell for her if things went south before leaving, and hoped like hell they would actually take her up on the offer instead of winging it.

The souvenir shop she hadn’t had a chance to visit while it was all intact and operating before, and looked better suited now to a spot from an apocalypse film. The work they had done to clear the place out hadn’t helped, but the wind was technically blowing the fires in the opposite direction of this building, so…at least it wasn’t going to add to the look.

Hana pushed the door open, listening to it creak as it swung inward. It was a small building, and most of the items on display had been scattered across the shelves and the floor.

There were the usual items, like t-shirts and postcards, but the stuffed cheeseburgers and teddy bears drew a smile from her as she walked past them. She came to a dead stop when she saw it, however.

The bobblehead stared back at her from its place on the shelf. The bear itself had a giant smile, one bordering well on goofy, and when she picked it up to get a closer look, nearly dropped it when it started to speak.

“You smell just like a cheeseburger! Yum!”

The voice laughed, and she shuddered. “Hello, nightmare fuel.”

That sound likely haunted many a small child’s dreams, and wasn’t just limited to the toys. The speakers outside kept on playing other recorded phrases on repeat, all of which followed a similar theme. For people aiming to bank on selling merch, they could not have done a more severe disservice to a beloved mascot.

She set the bobblehead down with the same care she’d use for fine china, and slowly backed away before moving on.

Nearby two wanted posters were hanging up on the wall. One for an Eli Palmer, and the other was torn, only leaving the bottom edge with the name remaining. That one was for Jess Black.

Figures Jess would be a total mystery. Dutch hadn’t described his niece’s appearance, and she hadn’t asked, so Hana was going to have to hope that if she did run into Jess without warning, she’d be able to introduce herself before the bullets started flying. Dutch had said she was up near the lumber mill which they had cut around to grab Hurk. Swinging back to check for her made sense while they were well within reach. The statue had been her driving goal for the last few days, but it could wait.

Eli, on the other hand, she could get a good look at. Or as good of a look as the image presented showed. The long hair and beard definitely gave off the great outdoorsman vibe, and she found it difficult to tell his age because of it.

So, this was him, eh? At least she had a face to the name, even if it wasn’t looking likely she was going to meet him any time soon, if at all.

Dutch had mentioned he was the head of the group giving Jacob the most push-back up here, the Whitetail Militia. Though, he hadn’t sugarcoated any of his words when it came to how well they were doing. Pressure from Jacob had come non-stop, and the long-standing endurance fight was one that had been wearing them down for a while now.

It was only a matter of time before the Resistance could kiss the Whitetails goodbye, so even if she couldn’t link up with them officially, she could at least take some of the attention off of them. That, she was getting to be quite good at.

“Still,” she mused, crossing her arms as she thought over the events of the day, “maybe you might wanna dial this back a little, eh? Guy’s not going to want to talk if you’re busy setting fires on his doorstep.”

“Deputy, do you copy?”

The radio at her side cracked as Dutch’s voice came through, and she picked it up. “Yeah, Dutch. I’m here. Everything okay?” If she had to ask, the answer was no, but she wanted him to confirm it first.

“Where are you right now?”

“In a room full of cheeseburgers, if that’s any clue.” She took a look around the souvenir shop again, her radio in hand, and crept over to one of the windows. “I’m at the F.A.N.G. Center right now. Why?”

“There’s been some talk on a few of the other channels about an explosion near there. Multiple.”

She winced. “You don’t say?”

“Bet I can shoot right between that gap in the bars, tagging both of those Peggies while threading the needle like a maestro.”

The gap in question she checked out with her binoculars, looking like a tight fit. “With a rocket?”

“With my one and only,” Hurk said proudly.

Sharky only served to back him up, standing right by his side as the three huddled close. “Cuz’ll get it. He’s a pro at this kind of shit.”

She thought it over for a grand total of ten seconds before saying, “Do it.”

“Uh, there might have been some noise. Maybe more than intended, but nothing was hit that didn’t deserve it. Should be quiet from now on.” She paused, considering both herself and the company she was currently keeping. “Quieter, at least.”

“Not quiet enough.”

That was not Dutch.

“Looks like someone is playing at being a soldier.”

This was not a friendly. Not when speaking with an edge like that, and that narrowed down the potential list of people calling her to one.

“So, that doesn’t get me a sparkling seal of approval from the man himself, huh?”

“No,” Jacob replied, the response flat. “You’re a problem. One that I’ve been told needs solving.”

When John had contacted her like this down at the Woodsons', he hadn’t dismissed her outright. Had even traded a few comments with her as she tried sniping at him right up until he mentioned sending people to get her.

Jacob was not John, however, and trying that same method with him was quickly looking to be a huge mistake.

“There’s work to be done, and what you are doing is counter to our progress. What threatens the Project, threatens us, and I don’t have time for games. There’s no use in running. You won’t get far.”

Only static filled the air after that. She stared at the radio for a few seconds, her finger hovering over the call button, and eventually cracked when no one else spoke up. “Dutch?”

“…ey! Kid, respond! Are you still there?”

“Yes.” The word sounded smaller than intended, and she cleared her throat before speaking again. “ETA on the guys headed here?”

“Last I heard, they’re about fifteen to twenty out. A group of Peggies tried to cut them off, but they’re still coming.”

Along with whatever Jacob was planning, and here she was, practically alone - short of having Wade nearby - swearing to herself next to a pile of teddy bears and burgers.

“Oh, this is bad. This is bad,” she muttered, giving the empty store a quick scan before holding the radio up again. She needed to call the guys back. Now. “I’ll figure it out. Just tell them that-“

A small, piercing sting to the back of her neck cut her off mid-word.

She slapped at the spot, hoping to swat the damn bug that had bit her. Instead her fingers closed around a small object. One that stung when she plucked it from her neck, and brought it in front of her face to examine.

A dart. A red dart.

“Are you fucking serious…?” she said, her words slurring.

She fell to the side, her sunglasses clattering on the tile below, and a set of hands grabbed her roughly before she could hit the floor. There were two figures in the shop with her, both with their faces covered, but their eyes exposed.

A disappointed sigh was the last thing that left her, as her eyes slid shut.

---

“Hey.”

Hana’s eyelids fluttered, then closed.

“Hey!”

She felt a flick to her shin, and she tensed, sucking in a breath through her teeth. “Ow!”

When she opened her eyes, the woman crouching down beside her backed up, one hand tucked close to the pockets of her green overshirt, and the other curled around a small knife.

Her hood was pulled up over her head, tangled dirty-blonde strands spilling out of it, and her eyes remained set on Hana as she watched her closely.

Hana slowly rubbed her hands over her aching leg, not wanting to drop eye contact just in case that would be the thing to set her off. Her legs were stiff, however. Unable to be moved apart.

When she glanced down to see what was locking them in place, she noticed the ropes, wound tightly around her ankles. The two were in an isolated spot, somewhere in the forest proper, surrounded by trees, and no other voices could be heard within range off them.

Slowly Hana raised her hands in surrender as the seconds ticked on, and tried not to let too much of her nervousness show.

“Don’t,” the woman said, rolling her eyes. “I’m not here to hurt you.”

“Says the woman with the knife.”

“I was in the process of cutting you loose. I saw you moving and thought it’d be better to let you know now instead of during, so you don’t fucking kick me.”

She noticed the large compound bow slung over her back, along with the words painted onto her clothes. All of them were a stark white against the green fabric, all of them roughly written, and as Hana took another look at her, she tried not to focus on how deep some of the scars on the woman’s face were.

“Thanks,” she said, swallowing the lump in her throat. “I think I owe you one, then. Sorry for being….well, me.”

“And who are you?”

“Oh, uh. Shit. I’m Hana. Or if you want to be formal, Deputy Vao, the asshole running around stirring up trouble.”

The woman gave her a curious look. “Deputy.”

“Yeah, Deputy.”

“Yeah, I did hear about some asshole of a deputy running around. Just not up here until now.” She leaned down and grabbed for the ropes, her knife glinting as they sawed through them. “Chatter’s scattered, but there.”

“Gotta love it when your reputation precedes you. And you are?”

“Jess. Jess Black.”

“Holy shit. Dutch was…he told me to keep an eye out for you here.”

“Did he?” She helped Hana unwind the cut ropes from her legs, and tossed them aside. “And here I was wondering if I’d ever get to meet you. He’d only been talking you up ever since this shit started. How the cult’s having a fucking crisis over just how much damage you’ve done, and that’s just the something we need more of around here.”

“Well, I aim to please, and anything that makes their lives that much worse, I’ll gladly do in spades. So, if you have any suggestions, name it. I meant it when I said I owed you.”

Jess thought it over for a few seconds, studying her face this time. Eventually she gave her a small nod. “I’ve been tracking patrols. Looking for any of Jacob’s pet Chosen that would report back to the Cook. I was following a new route, but saw the men dragging you back to the VA Center, and no one that goes in there comes back out. And if they do, not right. Not after hitting the Chair.”

“And here I was thinking I had shit luck.”

“Still was if they got you. He’ll try again.”

That was not something she was looking forward to, but for now she’d take it. “Of course he is. The Seeds really have a problem taking no for an answer, no matter who I’m talking to. …Who’s the Cook?”

Jess’s mouth twisted into a sneer. “He’s a twisted fuck. One that should’ve been put down a long time ago. Instead he’s here, playing into Jacob’s ‘cull the weak’ bullshit, and using it as an excuse to do things that-“ She took in a shaky breath, her hands shaking slightly, but on the exhale they stilled. “To do things to people that no fucking person would ever think they’re capable of.”

Hana shifted, watching as Jess’s gaze which had been locked on her not even five minutes ago, shifted to the bushes surrounding them instead. “All of those things are solid reasons,” she replied, crossing her legs under her. “What do you need me to do?”

“Just get me close enough to kill him. That’s all that matters.”

“Done.”

Jess looked over at her and snorted. “You don’t need much convincing, do you?”

“You saved my life, and the world could always use one fewer motherfucker in it, so…” That got her the briefest of smiles, and Hana couldn’t help her grin in return. “Yeah, I’m in.”

Hopping to her feet, she patted herself down, wondering what had been left on her, only to notice her bag resting nearby. The relief that hit upon seeing it was immense, and Jess sighed when Hana hugged the gear to her chest.

“They didn’t bother to remove it before dragging you along, so you got lucky.”

“Hell yeah, I did.” Kissing it would’ve been overboard, but as she went through it, she was tempted to. Especially when she found her radio, banged up as it was, but still intact. “So damn lucky.”

“Come on.” Jess tilted her head to gesture out towards the woods. “Daylight’s burning, and we need to head past the lumber mill before dark.”

“Hey, uh, Jess? You didn’t happen to see two guys wandering around close to the F.A.N.G. Center, by any chance? One in green, loves fire, but hopefully isn’t on fire, and the other leaning really hard into the whole ‘America, fuck yeah!’ theme?”

The next look Jess gave her stopped Hana in her tracks. “You were with them? No wonder Jacob was able to find and pick you up in record time. They’re like a herd of fucking elephants.”

“Hey, I’ll have you know they don’t set off every alarm.”

“Just most of them. You too, if I’ve heard right.”

Hana’s face flushed as she recalled just how big one of the explosions had been back at the F.A.N.G. Center, taking out the incoming trucks as she’d reached over to high-five Hurk. Jacob’s call had come not even five minutes before she’d been tranq-ed, and she’d been handling souvenirs for God’s sake.

They’d played right into Jacob’s hands, and lucky for all of them, she’d been the only one taken. If Jess hadn’t found her… God, where would she be right now? Would anyone have known?

Each thought that followed was worse than the last, and when Hana did finally reply to Jess, it was after letting out a long breath through her teeth. “Touche.”

“You want to radio them, go ahead, but if you want to do this, I need you quiet. I will not lose him again.”

“If I’m going to be honest with you, I’m kinda crap at the whole stealth thing too, but…I’ll try. I owe you that.”

“Good. Follow me.”

---

They had a lot of ground to cover. While the mill hadn’t been too far from the center by car, going by foot was a different story. Jess made it look effortless, cutting through any paths in the brush without interference, and didn’t let anything slow her down.

She, on the other hand, was a city kid. This was not her schtick, though Hana did genuinely think at times that she was adapting pretty well. Just not when she was forcing herself through bushes, and snagging herself on branches, while stepping on every brittle leaf known to man.

Jess told her to stay close, but distance did end up creeping between them. She would check back, throwing one hell of a dirty look at her when it seemed like she was going to get left behind, but there was no waving Jess on ahead.

The other woman refused outright, and Hana couldn’t argue with that either after the second time Jess doubled-back to find her. After being drugged and taken three times now – and counting - she couldn’t afford to be alone out here, no one could, and eventually Jacob was going to want to know where she went.

And she still hadn’t been able to get ahold of Sharky or Hurk. She’d tried radioing the two along the way, the signal unclear as she gave it a few solid smacks. It’d taken a beating, but hadn’t completely crapped out yet. At least, she hoped it hadn’t.

Shit, what if their radio was out? “Hello?” She let go of the button, then spoke again when no one answered. “Shurky? Hark? Whatever team name mash-up you two decided on, copy? It’s the Deputy. You guys still out here?”

Static came through, but she could hear voices as they faded in and out. This was bad. She’d try again later, but hopefully this wasn’t going to stick.

Jess stopped, holding up her hand.

She raised an eyebrow at her, but didn’t budge. A sound rose in the air, a howl, growing louder by the second until tailing off.

“Judges,” Jess drew her bow, and crouched down low in the grass.

Reaching for her rifle, Hana watched as Jess all but disappeared, blending into the woods surrounding them. A lump was growing in her throat, and she worked to swallow.

“-copy, roger-“

She slapped at the radio at her side, switching it off. Every hair stood on end as she turned in place, and when she heard the charge, heard the crashing through the brush it was almost too late.

Something quick flew past her, and she darted to the side, jumping clear of the spot where the large wolf would’ve pounced. With white fur, this wolf was larger than the others, its snarling jaws wide as it whirled to stare her down.

The handgun by her side was the quickest choice, and she fired, watching as the Judge shot forward, going for her. It was on her, it would reach her like this, and she tumbled back, screaming as she kept on firing.

Two arrows buried themselves in its side, and it cut away, leaving Hana scrambling back away from it. She didn’t wait this time. She saw the flash of white, saw the red streaked across its forehead and down its nose, and ran.

Distance. She needed something between her and it, other than air.

Her handgun tumbled to the ground, her fumbling making her miss her holster, and she grabbed for her rifle. Tucked it close, as she heard the animal bearing down on her with heavy breaths.

Turning now would be a mistake. Turning now with no clear shot would be a serious mistake.

A quick look over her shoulder told her what she knew. The Judge was there, white stained red, but it branched off from her, darting back into the bushes.

She skidded to a stop and fired, sending a full burst of shots into the woods. The howling stopped, cutting off sharply, but she heard movement still. Not just her own nervous pacing as she ducked behind a tree, her attention jumping to anything and everything.

She sucked in a breath, her heart hammering, and looked for Jess.

“Jess?”

No answer came. In fact, the only sound she could hear now was her shaky inhale.

“…Jess?”

She broke into a run, getting up from her position only to scream in pain as something sharp drove into her left thigh. It sent her down to the ground, her mind yelling at her to move even as her body rebelled against her.

She twisted on the ground, trying to push herself up as she took in the arrow jutting out of her right thigh. An actual arrow, stuck deep.

The shock of it took a few seconds to sink in, but when it did, panic welled up fast.

Oh. Oh, fuck. So this is what happens when the tranqs fail.

Each stab of the metal lodged in her leg was agony as she moved, but after a few seconds, it was no longer as sharp. As present. She set her head down on the ground, her breaths slowing as she rested there, drifting.

She shouldn’t have. Knew she should keep moving, but just couldn’t bring herself to.

---

Her eyes were open. They were open, but there was nothing to see in front of her. Not at first. Only blurred shapes as she felt hands lift, and set her down.

Her head rolled as she leaned back in the seat she was placed in, her eyes trying to adjust to the dark. A light flashed, the image bright against the back of the room. It was almost too much to look at, but Hana let herself focus in on it, seeing the image for what it was.

Someone took her wrists in their hands, placing them one by one on the arms of the chair. The light behind them made it difficult to see who it was at first, and she held her eyes shut for a few seconds, before opening them again.

The realization of just who was standing in front of her hit hard enough to leave her gaping up at him, struggling to say something. Anything. “…Stace? Oh, God,” she whispered.

The bags under Pratt’s eyes were dark, his face drawn and thin. He was unable to focus on any one spot for more than a second at a time, and she winced when he strapped her wrists down tight.

This wasn’t the guy that had dropped a huge stack of papers on her desk in the middle of the day, telling her that the documentation was wrong and needed to be hand-corrected one by one. This wasn’t the guy that had called her Probie whenever she’d trip up on something basic and make a small mistake in front of Whitehorse. This wasn’t the guy that complained when she’d bought them all coffee one day only to remind her he’d asked for a damn latte instead.

This was another man. One that curled into himself to seem smaller, his hands trembling as he stared deep into her eyes, unblinking, as he withdrew. “You shouldn’t have come for me. You shouldn’t have.”

A voice was speaking, the words coming to her clearer now as she shook off the last of the drowsy feeling, but she didn’t turn her head towards it. Hana looked at Pratt instead, mouthing, I’m here for you, before trying her bonds. He’d locked them down securely.

The look he gave her in return he held for a few seconds before dropping his eyes to the ground. He backed away, clear out of view.

The whirring of the projector’s motor hit her ears then. As did two words. Weak. Soft. Neither of these things the voice spared his distaste for.

She took in the room they were in, the click of the projector drawing her attention as the image in front of her changed. She wasn’t alone. Others were seated as well, all of them restrained as they watched.

“…our heroes used to be gods. They did not give in to doubt. To let go of their ideals, when convenient. They did not lose what it meant to survive."

The owner of the voice took his place in front of them, still speaking, still facing away. He was wearing a camo jacket, marking him as either military or a guy set on copping the style as he paced forward, the bones of the animal on-screen now scattered across his back.

“These heroes, the ones we would follow now, are no gods. They are weak, feeble, diseased.”

But she did know this voice. Had heard it before, had seen a flash of this person before, and it wasn’t going to take her three guesses, let alone five to tell her just who this was.

When Jacob Seed turned towards them, he didn’t wait for them to answer, or to respond. Only continued as the images in front of them grew more violent.

“They use this power to guide us forward with no direction, the many, leading the few, but they forget what history has taught us. That sacrifices must be made.”

The wolf on screen was tearing at a fallen deer, its flesh coming away from the bone.

“That we must cull the herd so it stays strong.”

Hana counted the clicks, watched the slides change, and watched as Jacob turned towards her. He still spoke to the room as a whole, but it was different now. He knew where she was, and there was no hiding here.

“Over and over, the lives of the many have outweighed the lives of the few. This is how we’ve survived.”

The lights and images were distorted as he came closer. Every step, highlighting or hiding him until he was right in front of her, staring down. He was a tall man to start, but from her current position she felt so much smaller, her eyes wide as he zeroed in on her.

Her hands clenched into hard fists, her nails digging into the palms of her gloves.

“This, we’ve forgotten, but now the bill has come due.”

She’d hardly prepared herself when Jacob leaned down, and she felt the legs of the chair drag across the floor towards him. The burns were easier to see up close, the skin on parts of his face rougher and heavily scarred.

And as he intended, his eyes held her.

“With the Collapse, there can be no doubt. This time the lives of the few outweigh the lives of the many, and when they realize what they’ve lost, that this time there’ll be no one to save them from madness, hunger, or desperation, we’ll be ready.”

He let go, standing at his full height again. Her jaw unclenched as distance was re-established between them, but when he reached for a small box on a nearby table, she didn’t know what to do next.

“We will cull the herd.” He started winding a small lever on its side, attention still set on her. “We will do what needs to be done.”

It opened, and her whole body tensed.

Music played, the words to an old love song coming to mind.

She gasped at the sudden pounding in her head, at her response, and saw red.

Only red.

Only you.

She squeezed her eyes shut, only to feel the sensation recede as her senses went into overdrive. Opening her eyes, everything narrowed into focus. It was the same room, the same chair she had been strapped to, but they were alone now.

Her bonds were gone, removed from her wrists.

The wolf flickered on the screen in front of her, snarling around the viscera in its jaws. Seconds ticked by in her ears, the sound echoing in the small room as she stood up from her seat, rooted to the very spot.

What, what am I…?

A gun rested on the desk in front of her, and her heartbeat quickened, her attention on the two men still strapped to their chairs up front. They pulled at their bonds, and they came loose.

She stared down at her hands, watched as they trembled, and felt a pull. An urge.

Arm yourself.

They stood, whirling on her, guns raised, and the buzzing in her ears reached a fever pitch. Her fist shot out, punching one squarely in the throat. He went down as the other fired, and she tried to sidestep around him. The shot grazed her upper arm.

Again.

She gasped, pain shooting through her system, through her thigh as she placed her weight on it, and fought him for the gun, turning it on him. It went off, the flash blinding her briefly, but soon her vision came back, the edges of it tinged red. Only red.

Keep moving.

The room opened up, the doorway ahead leading to a hall.

She ran down the corridor, reaching for the weapon presented to her, her nerves on fire. She couldn’t stop. Couldn’t relax. Three men had the upper hand above her, perched high, all of them training their weapons on her. Only her.

Do it. Cull the herd.

Cull the- Pain lanced through her again, making her clutch her head. Bullets hit the barrier in front of her, and she pushed ahead once it cleared, climbing up towards those hiding there. They would get her. Find her. Hunt her down. Kill her.

She fired, again, and again, and again, listening for the voice. Waiting for it to let her continue.

Again.

The room changed, resetting her position in space. She took the offered knife, and continued through the maze.

She fell, clawing through the dirt as the person above fired.

Pushing up, she ran towards them and sank her knife into their chest. She repeated the motion over and over until they crumpled at her feet.

She stared down at her hands. At red, so red.

Good.

This was-what was she doing?

Her body quaked, sickness running through her.

Move.

It settled deep into her stomach, and she gagged.

Keep moving.

Sucking in a breath, she squashed the feeling down, spitting bile out onto the floor.

Up ahead she had to climb. To rise. A man slammed into her as she was standing up, forcing her to bring her knee up to kick him back. Her muscles screamed, but she couldn’t have them fail. Not now. Not while the clock was ticking.

She grabbed her holstered gun and dove in close, pistol-whipping him hard enough across the face for blood to fly. That didn’t stop when he hit the ground, and she let it go. Any measure, any degree of restraint.

It bled out through her limbs, through her body onto the floor. That wouldn’t help her. That wouldn’t save her.

Excellent.

Her hands were slick, a dark, deep red as she stood up and walked through the doorway, down the same hall she had traveled before.

This time she didn’t look down at them. She didn’t waver.

Ahead she needed to climb. She gripped the steps, pulled herself up as the clock kept on moving, kept on ticking.

Before her, was the end. Before her was the only path left, leading down a long chute.

She jumped, and didn’t feel a thing as she hit the bottom.

---

Hands grabbed at her chair. Righted her, pushing her up to sit.

Red flashed in her vision. The only thing that she could connect to before. To the room. To the chair. To the music.

She could hear people speaking. One, two, three. Maybe more.

A projector flashed in her mind, showing Staci, then Jacob. He held a box. A small brown box.

Why can’t she-

Her cough came out as a harsh rasp.

“Holy shit!”

She was dropped, the chair clattering to the ground, and her breaths came fast as her chest grew tight.

“-we’ve got a live one! Quick get her out-“

Why can’t she remember it? Any of it?

“She’s looking bad, hurry-“

She doesn’t know.

She doesn’t.

#far cry #far cry 5 #deputy hana #jess black #jacob seed #fanfiction #fic series: you'll be okay I promise #Sharky and Hurk are here too just running off after Cheeseburger #and poor Pratt also has a moment #just not the best of ones #FC5 fanfiction

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insanely-creative-things · 5 years

Text

Big Hero 7 Special: Obake’s Origins

(WARNING: THIS TWO PARTER CONTAINS ABUSE(PHYSICAL, EMOTIONAL, MENTAL), LOSS OF A FAMILY MEMBER, MURDER, INCREASED INSANITY, AND HORMONES FROM TEENAGERS. TREAD CAREFULLY)

Big Hero 7 Special

(long post)

In an island far off the western coast there is a village hidden in the leaves in a island; a village that no one had ever seen or heard of outside its world. It was a mix of tech and tradition in terms of style, with houses resembling the ones at San Fransokyo but with solar energy roof tiles, cars not possessing wheels but instead levitating via magnetic suspension, and most notably a large and imposing castle near the entrance of the mountain. The villagers passed their time working and passing their lives in peace. But unknown among them is that there is a new face that they have never seen: a little boy with messy black hair and light blue eyes just four years of age entering the city, his eyes widening in curiosity and wonder. He sees people start their day working and greeting others with smiles and jovial attitudes. Course, this didn't mean he should approach them easily and carelessly for he is an outsider. The reason he was there in the first place was because he had snuck abroad a ship carrying supplies they couldn't make on their own while running away from the orphanage he grew up in.

When his tummy growled he decided he had to find food and quick.

But he also knew that if he wanted food, he has to have money. Which is something he does not posses. Before he had time to process this he sees two figures walk into town.

One was a tall man with long black hair tied to a slim ponytail, possessing dark brown eyes, and a goatee. He appears to be a man who could be described as powerful. The woman next to him is as tall as him, equally imposing, as she looks around the village to which the others slightly bowed their heads in respect. She was definitely a beautiful woman; her hair black as night, red rose lips, pale skin...and the eyes...it was brown but it had hints of dark red. It made her look more mystifying and alluring. When he saw a coin purse just peeking through the woman's sleeve he saw his chance.

So he cautiously walked behind the couple, his eyes glimmering at the thought that he would finally get food in his tummy after days of scraps living on a ship towards the island. The little boy's hand was finally within reach of the purse-

"And just what do you think you're doing?"

His eyes widen in fear just as the woman's hand caught his wrist in a tight grip. He yelped in response of the pain as he looks fearfully at the woman looking at him with venom in her voice and eyes soon growing the flames.

"Answer me boy."

The young child couldn't utter even a stutter, fearing for his life as his hand is in pain from the vice grip of this woman.

"Nozako, what are you doing?"

The little boy looked up to see the man joining the woman's side, no doubt at this point her husband, and flinch as he expects the same anger the woman is showing.

"Let go of him."

"This little thief tried to steal from me. Do you have no regard for my wellbeing?"

The man looked at the little boy again, seeing the fear in his young face and quickly noticed the following. This boy was not native to the village, after all he mostly familiar with the citizens and on good terms. Second was his poor state. Aside from being filthy he clearly has not eaten in days considering how thin his arm is. Finally he grabs Nozako's hand and pries it off the little boy's own, which lead to a incredulous look in her brow and slight relief to the villagers watching this scene.

"My name is Isamu Mizichio, and that woman is my wife, Nozako. What is your name little one?"

Isamu's voice, in contrast with his wife, was strong yet kind. The little boy opened his mouth to respond but his stomach responded by growling louder than before, which caused the little boy to flinch as his hunger pangs.

" I suppose you're in need of a good meal. Would you like join us for lunch?"

The young boy's eyes widen as he hears the offer and soon nods his head excitedly. Isamu smiled as he gently holds the boy's hand. Soon the three of them start walking the opposite direction towards the couple's home. Though the boy becomes confused as they pass by the houses which he presumed would be one of their own. But he soon gets his answer as they arrive at the largest castle he has ever seen. Once the man enters a code they enter inside and the boy's eyes widen in wonder. There was a large and beautiful garden with flowers and trees more beautiful than anything he could ever see, and the building is beautifully structured as a Japanese style castle housing perhaps hundreds of people. He sees people in yukatas working through as they look at the couple and then the young child.

"Who is that little boy?

" Is he a nephew?"

"He's very cute!"

The young boy heard the whispers of the servants and blushed. When they enter inside Isamu turns to the boy and speaks towards him.

" There are matters to which I have to attend to so I will have to leave you be."

The boy's brow furrowed in worry as he looks at the woman briefly before looking down at his feet.

"Don't worry little one. You don't have to be with her for now..."

As he spoke this his eyes turned to his wife, slightly glaring to which the wife simply remains stone faced.

"But there is someone that I would like you to meet. And I think he's better suited to look after you."

The young child tilted his head in confusion as they walk upstairs and into a hallway. He took notice that while there where doors of sliding doors and regulars doors, the hall is decorated with oddities of tech he had never seen before in his life. Finally they stop in front of a door where the man smiles warmly at the boy. When he did open the door the little boy's eyes widen.

The room is large and spacious, with walls decorated to suite a child's room. And in the middle of the room sitting on a rug is a another little boy. The boy was playing with his stuffed bear as he gives hums quietly.

"Hello Mizuchi."

The boy named Mizuchi looks up and his eyes widen as he gasps, smiling widely as he drops his teddy bear.

"Papa!"

He stands up and runs towards the man, now revealed to his father as the man hugs him in return.

"You're back!"

Isamu chuckles before he turns to the little boy, who is now hiding behind him. Mizuchi then notices the little boy and walks towards him.

"Papa, who's that?"

"Mizuchi, this is...actually..."

The man kneels down to face the child.

"What is your name little one?"

The young boy furrowed his brow as he pouts his lips before responding.

"Bob Aken."

Mizuchi tilts his head in response as he bluntly speaks.

" You don't like your name do you?"

Isamu turns his head towards his and speaking in a slight warning tone.

"Mizuchi, mind your manners."

But the little boy nods as he mutters a quiet no in response. The man finally clears his throat as he turns to his son and looks at him in the eye.

" There are some matters I have to attend to as of now and I can't leave this young child alone. So I'm asking you to keep him company."

While the boy pouts at the thought of his father going away so soon, his face brightens as the thought of having a playmate to keep him company.

'' Really Papa? Can I play with him too?" grinned Mizuchi

"Only if he wants to; you have to be courteous of his feelings and not force him to do anything he doesn't want to do. Understand?"

Mizuchi nods happily in response.

"Yes papa!"

With a large smile the man closes the door behind him, leaving the two boys alone in the room. Bob looks at Mizuchi, finally taking notice of his appearance. Unlike himself he is properly fed and clean, his cheeks rosy pink and his hair, while neat, is fluffy and dressed somewhat of a little Japanese prince. Bob looks at his own filthy and ragged clothes and blushes in embarrassment. But the thing he notices was the eyes: He had the tall woman's eyes. But unlike the cold and sneering dislike she had on him, Mizuchi's was kind and warm. He snaps out of his thoughts as he sees Mizuchi brings out a bunch of toys from stuffed animals to toy cars and places them in front of him.

"You can play with any of the toys if you want! Friends have to share things right?"

For a moment, Bob's heart stopped before it fluttered.

Friends?

The boy in front of him, who is dressed in riches, never known a hungry day, considers someone like him a friend? He thought back at the orphanage, where the other children gave him funny looks, how they whispered behind his back, where the older children bullied him? No one had offered to be his friend...

Mizuchi tilts his head when he sees Bob sob as tears left his eyes. Mizuchi then grabs his teddy bear and grabs a tissue. Bob looks up to see Mizuchi holding the bear's hand holding a tissue. He warily grabs it and wipes his eyes before blowing his nose.

"Thank you..."

Mizuchi smiled softly as he waited for Bob to calm down.

"Did you two have fun?"

"Yeah!"

Bob merely nodded after Mizuchi answered his father. They're currently sitting at a long table where across them is Mizuchi's parents. They had been called to the dining room as they were playing a game earlier. While it took a bit of coaxing from Mizuchi's part, Bob slowly but surely played with him and soon enjoyed his time with the other boy. Soon enough their food arrived.

"Yay! Its Ramen!"

Isamu chuckled at his son's excitement as Nozako slightly rolled her eyes. Bob looked at the bowl, finding himself drooling at how delicious it looked. And so excited he is to eat that he grabbed the pork with his bare hands to eat, only to yelp at the heat.

"Are you OK?"

Mizuchi looks at Bob as he shakes his head while he blows his burned hand to cool it. Isamu sighs quietly as he walks over to the boy's side. He brought a pair of chopsticks with him and gently placed them in the boy's hands.

"Your fingers should be holding the chopsticks like this. If you still have trouble we can ask for a fork."

The little boy nodded as Isamu went back to his seat, which strangely enough was far from his wife, who did not seem to notice. Mizuchi looked at the little boy before he turned his head away in case his father sees that he's staring. After a few moments of hesitation the little boy picked up the slice of meat again, which for a minute begin to slip from the chopsticks before he holds it firmly and bites it.

"Yay!" cheered Mizuchi, throwing his hands in the air.

Bob blushed as he hears Mizuchi's cheer over something this small when he looks up to see Isamu smile at him, which caused his heart to flutter in happiness. Soon he returned eating his first bowl of ramen, slurping at times as he never had food this good. then he gave a small burp to which Mizuchi giggled. Isamu stand up as he gestures Nozako to come with him, whispering to her about something. They both stand up as they leave the two children, but gestured a robot who appears to be Mizuchi's Nanny and went by the boys' side. The afternoon soon turned to night where Bob is currently waiting for Isamu to return as he sits down at a chair. He looks at his feet and wonders what will happen to him next. Will he contact the orphanage and send him back? A part of him didn't want to go back there. Not to the bullies and apathetic care takers, not back to being alone and called a freak. And he did like Mizuchi, who asked if he can see him again once the nanny took him to his room for bedtime. Finally he saw Isamu walk towards him and kneels down to look at him directly.

"I've recently looked up information about you while you were playing after dinner...did you live at an orphanage? Answer me truthfully."

Bob muttered out an quiet yes in response with an even softer whisper.

" I don't wanna go back there."

Isamu's eyes burrowed in thought as he heard that, then he looked at Nozako, who seemed to be getting what he is thinking but clearly not liking it. None the less he looks at the boy again.

"Would you like to spend the night?"

When he heard his question Bob nodded eagerly, happy that he could stay a little longer. Soon after he is bathed and changed to spare pjs, to which he kept sniffing since its the first time he got fresh, clean and soft clothes. He is lead to Mizuchi's room who is already fast asleep, where he is gently placed next to him. Bob buries his face into the pillow next to Mizuchi, not used to the comfort of the bed and warmth. He soon falls asleep next to the boy with a content smile, for the first time since his whole debacle, dreaming.

When morning came he is awakened by a nanny, gently shaking Mizuchi then himself. Mizuchi yawned loudly as Bob rubbed his eyes to wipe off the sleep. When the nanny brought out clothes Bob half expected to see his old clothes to tell him to go back to the orphanage. But he is dressed in clothes similar to Mizuchi's and given the care the people had gave to Mizuchi. As of now Bob and Mizuchi are lead to the dining hall for breakfast, to which Mizuchi looked around for his father, hoping to see him before he goes to work. Finally they see the man enter the room followed by his wife, both already dressed for the day. Bob turned his gaze away from Nozako, his stomach tightening in fear of the woman. He couldn't fathom why Nozako, a beautiful looking woman, be so cold and hostile and married to the kind man. Or how she is the mother of the boy next to him, who has been sweet and caring to him despite his appearance. Well... at least if he goes back to the orphanage, he'll remember their kindness and warmth, even if it was for a day. That's when the man changed his life forever.

"After some consideration...would you like to be my son?"

Bob's eyes widen as he gasps, his heart pounding as he tried to sink in the question he asked. He wanted him to be his son? He could have him as his father? Mizuchi hears this and soon smiles widely as he bounces up and down.

"Really? He can be my Brother that's so cool!"

Bob's face glowed with happiness and he smiled brightly.

"Yes!"

Mizuchi hugged Bob happily to which the little boy froze until he realized this was not hostile, it was loving.

"So little one...do you want to change your name? So your adoption is official?" Asked Isamu, smiling at the scene between his sons.

The little boy pouted his lips at he thought about his new name, something that was cool.

"Kage."

The boys looked up to see Nozako as she sighs after drinking her tea.

"Kage Mizichio...does that sound pleasant?" said Nozako.

Isamu blinked at Nozako's suggestion, finding it a surprise that she would suggest a name for him after what happened. Isamu turned to the little boy who nodded.

"Yes! I am Kage Mizichio!"

Isamu gave a bemused smile at the little boy's shout, finding it adorable at the first name given to him and adopting it as his own. Bob Aken, the little four year old orphan dressed in rags and filth, is now Kage Mizichio: The second son of Isamu Mizichio and brother to Mizuchi: The leader and heir to the Mizichio Yakuza clan.

"Settle down boys! Do you want me to tell you the surprise or not?"

"Yes Father!

"OK!"

Isamu chuckled at the two boys who are now settled on their own bed. Its been 3 years since Bob Aken, now Kage Mizichio, had been adopted into the family. He was rather impressed by the boy's growth; when he had first joined the family he had been shy, kept to himself, and mostly expressed his thoughts to Mizuchi. But as time passed he had gotten more comfortable with the others and had started calling him father. The shyness and worry melted off to reveal a sweet and caring little boy, curios about all the technology the island possessed. It was around that time that they realized that Kage is far more intelligent than any other boy would be his age. They had discovered his intellect when he had solved rather advanced equations one of his scientists had left over by accident. Instead of being frowned upon like Kage worried, it was encouraged. He was given projects that help him better understand the material and continue to feed his curiosity. While Mizuchi was happy over his brother's intellect, it would be a lie if he said he wasn't a little jealous. Mizuchi has been a little slow in his studies, struggling most with math, which had been a small relief when Kage decided to help his big brother with his mathematics to catch up. Language and music are his favorite as he learned different languages, to which was expected as the heir so he can communicate with potential business partners. And for music he turned out to be skilled at the shamisen, eagerly learning new songs and hummed along. Kage turned out to be skilled in piano and singing, to which Mizuchi always cheered which would make Kage flustered; and that's because he was always bullied for his intellect and liked singing, calling him nerdy birdie and girlie. To find that he can be praised for doing something that's feminine is reassuring. Another thing that Mizuchi is surprisingly acrobatic, being able to climb up with ease, especially Kage on his back as Mizuchi would attempt to climb up a tower, which would usually result in Isamu scolding the boys for endangering themselves.

"Alright now, children behave. You see, we three are going on a special trip on Mizuchi's tenth birthday."

"What is it father?" Asked Kage, excitement mirroring his brother's.

"We'll be going to San Fransokyo and visit the sites our ancestors helped rebuilt."

Mizuchi bounced up and down at the thought of the special trip while Kage smiled as he thought about the stories related to San Fransokyo. He had heard that its technology is impressive, though not as much in their village in comparison.

"There's plenty of fun places to visit in San Fransokyo. We could even get Ube cake.~"

He raises a cocky eyebrow and smirk as he looked at the reactions of the boys, both of them practically drooling over the possibility of getting Ube cake, which they dubbed their all time favorite dessert, next to chocolate.

"I wish my birthday would come sooner so we can go now!"

"I know Mizuchi, but patience is a virtue. And with patience the time will pass by before you know it. Now goodnight you two."

He gives a goodnight kiss to both boys before he leaves the room, shutting off the lights but leaving a soft glow of a holographic version of the galaxy to soothe them. Mizuchi turns to his brother and whispers.

"Hey Kage."

"What?"

"Do you think this means we can go see the world? Father and Mother always traveled, so does that mean we can go to?"

“ I think so!”

That places excitement in his thoughts. While they do love their island, they want to see just what else is there in the world. Perhaps it would be and adventure where they would find buried treasure. Or discovering a rare cure, and perhaps an adventure where they would gain friends. They did not have many friends outside their family, especially since the villagers' children are taught to leave them be in respect, which saddened the boys a bit. At least they had each other for company. For Kage its a protector and best friend, for Mizuchi its was a trusted friend and brother who can change the world. While he knew he would lead the clan when he grows up, his brother will accomplish amazing things. And he couldn't wait to see what it is.

"Night Mizuchi."

"Night Kage."

For the first couple of weeks afterwards it went on as normal with their studies and playtime along with time with their parents...But it wouldn't last forever.

"Father do you really have to go?" Whimpered Mizuchi. His father had to go on another business trip towards Japan, leaving him and his brother alone with the servants and their mother.

"Its something that can't be avoided at times. Mizuchi, you will look after your brother and protect him from any harm and continue working hard to prove yourself. Do you understand?"

"Yes Father.."

"And Kage."

The younger brother looked at his father's eyes.

"Be a good boy and help your family anyway you can. You're smart and you can do amazing things."

"OK father."

"I love you boys."

"We love you too." Said Mizuchi and Kage.

Isamu hugged his sons tightly as they did before letting go. Mizuchi couldn't help but sniff as he sees his father walk out the door; Kage sighed as they headed back to their studies. Even if their father's reality is going away on business trips they still couldn't help but feel saddened by his absence. As Isamu walked out he spotted his wife Nozako, dressed in her usual attire, remaining stone faced.

If there is one person Isamu distrusted it was his own wife.

When he was introduced to his then fiancée he was admittedly impressed by her intellect and skill with a sniper gun. And it helped that she was beautiful and graceful. But after they were wed he started to notice something about his bride. If a servant were to make even the smallest mistake Nozako would tear them apart with her sharp tongue, did not hide her disgust for certain people and at times take out her frustration on the lesser servants by slapping them if they dared questioned her orders. It gotten worse when their son Mizuchi was born. When he first held his son he was overcome with joy and love at the healthy little boy brought to the world. But after he handed his son to Nozako to feed him, there was no Mother's love present in her eyes. They were hollow with a mixture of interest and apathy.

She would at times push away their son when he wanted hugs or even the slightest attention and scold him openly for any damage he could have done. Isamu was the one providing the love and care she should have been giving, especially towards their adopted son. And Nozako was especially colder and hostile to the younger son; when no one looked she would sneak-fully push him or say things that would hurt him but claim to be a joke that he took too seriously. The last straw was when Nozako ripped the arm of Kage's favorite teddy bear for touching her hand which caused Kage to cry. Needless to say Isamu had a servant fix the teddy bear and he and his wife fought all night. Isamu feared that if she continued behaving this way his sons would suffer under her. Which was why he told her last week that they are going to be divorced. Of course Nozako objected to it, saying that it will mean that she would be kicked out of the island and never return, how she would be left penniless on her own. The only reassurance to her was that Isamu would give her a small portion of money so she could get an apartment. Isamu had been planning to talk to the boys after he returns and plans on looking for a step mother for his boys, and so far he found a candidate to be his bride and mother to his children.

"I will return two weeks time. By then I expect you to leave this island with what you can carry and never return. Farewell..."

Isamu stepped into the car where it would drive him towards the dock to sail to Japan. But after he left she gave a small but malicious smile at his car.

While he was away he met the bride that would be better suited to be their mother, their business had been running smoothly with minor bumps on the road and they were heading home. But when they got on the car and start driving towards the docks on a rainy night he suddenly lost control of the stirring wheel.

When the boys have been told of their father's death by their nanny at bedtime, they wailed and cried.

That night the boys lost their father and Nozako was a widow.

The funeral was quiet and somber, nobody daring to speak as they saw the coffin lowered down. Mizuchi sniffed as he holds Kage's hand tightly, afraid that if he let go he would collapse. Kage could only stare numbly at the sight, a part of him refusing the reality of his father's death. What would happen to them now? By default Mizuchi is the leader of the clan as the first born son, but because of his age it was decided that the one to run the clan before his marriage would be-

"Come along children."

The boys looked their mother, dressed in black and umbrella carried by a servant. They boys slowly walk over to Nozako as they head inside. Mizuchi sniffs some more before Nozako speaks.

"You're still crying? Its only natural that a parent dies before their child. Its science."

Mizuchi looked his mother's cold expression and suddenly a feeling of dread is planted within his core. And when Kage saw it the same plant is placed, remembering the beginning on how Nozako was when they first met.

"Not to worry Mizuchi. I will guide you on running the clan."

The mother takes her son and walks faster, leaving Kage to follow faster until he slips and falls on the wet grass. Mizuchi looks back and tried to let go to help him but the look in her eyes had him frozen. A servant leads Kage back to Mizuchi, looking at the widow with contempt for the young boy next to her son. At that moment, the servant knew that with Nozako having power, no one would be safe...

Not even her own children.

It was a day before Mizuchi's tenth birthday where Mizuchi and Kage gathered the courage to ask Nozako if they can go to San Fransokyo for his birthday. In response Nozako looks at them in the eyes and spoke.

"You two want to go outside? Mizuchi you are the heir of the clan. You know how your father died outside. Imagine if you perished, there would be no one to lead. You would disappoint your father greatly."

His heart became numb at the response and his eyes turned blank. She was right. He's the leader after Nozako, if he left and something happened to him he would let everyone down. He didn't want to disappoint his father and leave his brother vulnerable if he was killed. Kage put his hand on Mizuchi's shoulder to comfort, gulping as he gathered his courage.

"We understand Mother. But if we had body guards we would we OK. We'll be careful on our journey...and its Mizuchi's birthday tomorrow. Can't we go please?"

Nozako's calm demeanor remained but her eyes were a raging inferno at the boy.

"Are you speaking back to your mother boy?"

Kage gulped as he looked at Nozako.

"Answer me!" Her tone, while low, had laces of fury.

When Kage couldn't respond Nozako ripped Kage off of Mizuchi and drags him away.

"Wait!" shouted Mizuchi.

"Mother hold on! Stop!" pleaded Kage.

"Wait!" shouted Mizuchi, even louder this time. He tried running to them only to be blocked by the servants in the door. Kage struggled to free himself as Nozako dragged him through the halls, the other servants trying to avoid her eyes as to protect themselves. They arrive at a dark door made with Vibranium a rare and strong metal Isamu discovered at the edge of Wakanda and ported it back home. Nozako entered a code to which it opened to show a toilet and sink and nothing else. There were no windows or even small light bulbs. Before Kage knew it he is thrown inside and the door immediately closed on him. The darkness surrounded the boy to which set a feeling of fear, unable to tell which way is where. He felt around until he was certain it was the door and began pounding it.

"Wait! Mother let me out! Let me out!"

But his cries went unheard as Nozako left already and give orders that he will only be let out tomorrow for Mizuchi, lest she will have to endure Mizuchi's whining about Kage.

The next day Mizuchi waited for his brother to join him for his birthday, looking around to see a glimpse of him. He then sees his mother enter the room, a small present in her hands.

"Kage is currently engaged in something, but he'll join us later. I brought his present for you...Happy Birthday Mizuchi."

Mizuchi looked at his birthday present as he held it close. Meanwhile the servants opened the door per Nozako's instructions and let him out. Kage immediately ran outside, breathing heavily as his eyes squinted after being stuck in darkness for 24 hours. The servants led him to bathe and change his clothes to join his brother's birthday celebration. After he was changed he was led to the hallway where Mizuchi was waiting. He smiled and went to hug him but his mother stops him, wagging her finger as to shush him.

"Hello there Kage, so nice to see you again. Mizuchi was just getting tired of waiting for you...did you have trouble with your chemistry set?"

Kage looked up with disbelief at Nozako. She knew full well what happened to him, but flat out lied to his face and his brother.

"None the less, we appreciate you finally joining us."

Mizuchi looks back and forth between his mother and brother, sighing before he revealed his present, still unopened.

"I waited for you to see me open your present."

Kage gave a small smile at Mizuchi's reaction: A small music box containing his favorite song called 'Familiar'.

"There now, isn't it much better than being outside?" smiled Nozako, her grin sickly sweet. The boys look up at their mother before they gave slow nods to her, trying to appease their mother.

"Mother must I do this?" asked Mizuchi.

"Of course, it is your physical. Its important for a child to be healthy, especially since you are the heir to the clan." replied Nozako.

Mizuchi had just turned 16 while Obake was 14, waiting at the scientists' lab for their health check up. When Nozako took over she had every say on what the boys would do, ranging from their studies, their recreational activities, and even time with each other. Their time together had been forcefully pushed from each other. Now Mizuchi is taking more classes to prove himself as the next leader, but it had also been in physical tests where he is tasked from jumping to climbing and boxing. While Isamu had taught his sons self-defense, this kind of training was far more intense than Mizuchi had ever been through. Kage's time was far more intense: While he wasn't put through the physical trials his brother had, his tutors had been more distant and cold and giving him far more work than normal, to the point where he had skipped meals. They even left him alone, with no other projects to do except wandering around looking for something to do and hopefully spend time with his brother. Each time he did it was met with silence and the constant responses of how busy Mizuchi is as the heir or how he shouldn't bother any one's of this Kage would snap at others due to the lack of food or sleep, and while most of the time it was spat at his tutors...when he spat his venom at Nozako, he was immediately locked in the dark room. Days he would stay there until she deemed it necessary. Each time Kage came out he became weaker and paler, at times barely able to walk.

But even with the attempts to separate them, Mizuchi pushed back in small ways to connect with his brother. He would make sure he rests after the time at the dark room and be fed his favorite meals. And each time he would simply hug him gently and stay quiet. Kage appreciated these moments, happy that he is still someone important to a person.

But Nozako was doing a good job at tearing him apart. Her sniding comment about his appearance to dehumanize his value to then being praised on his test scores and intellect; how she got him the bets tutors to educate the boy who otherwise would have stayed living in the streets starving and homeless with no one to ever love him. He hated the comments about Mizuchi the most. He hated being told that Mizuchi didn't see him as his brother and equal, but as a pet to play with and eventually get bored. Each time it happened his smile lost meaning little by little. Mizuchi saw the change but didn't know what to do...and now he is at the mercy of his mother for her experiment.

"Now then, Mizuchi, these doctors will here will hold you still while I get a very special object."

Mizuchi's eyes widened in fear at the thought. His mind went through the times where after he suffered a broken bone, she would replace it with metal that would grow as an organic bone. So far its his left leg and both arms that had been replaced. Before he knew it he was tied belly down, feeling the back of his shirt being ripped and exposing his back.

"This brand is something very important Mizuchi. It will connect deep into your metallic bones and strengthen it. You will be able to accomplish great feats of strength...and this will pass on to your children and their own children after. This shall be your legacy as well as theirs..."

Kage was walking to his room from his studies just outside the door when he heard the scream. Kage immediately covered his ears and shut his eyes, trying to block out the pained wailing as he heard sizzling heat meeting flesh. After what seemed to be an eternity the screams stop, and soon Mizuchi is let out, his arms wrapping his own body as he shivers. Kage held back a horrified gasp as he sees the brand.

It was their symbol. A scorpion mix of a crab, making it look like a creature from hell as to strike fear into their enemies and rivals. He also noticed that water is dripping down his body, which he assumes was to cool down the scar on his back...along with rivettes of blood.

"Make sure he gets the food he needs and ice down his burn..." Nozako looks to her right to see Kage staring at Kage's back with Horror.

"Oh my!" Nozako chuckled, " Have you been peeking inside? Then again you are a growing child. Its natural for boys to be curios about others."

Kage gulped as he backs away, but still looking at his brother as he passes by to recover.

"Look how thin you gotten! You're practically skin and bones here."

Kage felt her hands around his waist, freezing up as he felt her hands run up and down, feeling his ribs as his heart pounds. Her hands are beautiful at close perspective, but over time he saw her hands resembled more like claws. Her long, black painted nails were the worst of her hands. When their fights got physical her nails would scratch his skin to the point of bleeding. After she lets go Kage lets out a deep breath as he calms down.

"You better eat more. No person in their right mind would ever consider you a boyfriend... and that's excluding your poor frame."

She chuckled at her own joke, to which Kage blinked before he self consciously hugs himself for comfort. Nozako calls over a servant near by and points at Kage.

"Make sure he has a proper meal...no use spending good money on a small coffin."

A servant went by and directed Kage to the dining hall, quietly asking for what he would like to eat, but those words echoed in his head. While he had his meal of ramen, his comfort food, he thought about her actions. This was clearly not how its meant to be. He and his brother can't continue living as animals for her amusement, to play around and scratch at. But what can he do? Everyone at the island and at the castle are too afraid to stand up for them, fearing for their lives despite of the pain she's forcing them too. After eating he went to his room where he pulled out a box containing his prized possessions. It was the stuff he had received form his father and his brother, ranging from the robot gundam of Shinji's eva to the teddy bear he got for his first birthday with his family. It was among his favorite things that he saw a postcard Isamu showed them to explain what kind of city San Fransokyo is. He taps the button to where it shows San Fransokyo in all its glory, a city filled with promise...and a city he will never see so long as Nozako reigns...unless...

That night he went to his brother's room, carefully sitting by as his brother rests from the trauma and burn.

"Mizuchi?...do you remember how Father said we could go to San Fransokyo one day?"

"...Yes..."

The monotone reply and clouded eyes of his brother slightly broke Kage's heart as he sees his sweet brother be so broken.

"I think I have a plan...brother... I want to go to San Fransokyo."

This causes his brother to sit up with shock in his eyes. Fear filled his eyes as he looks at his brother.

"A-Are you sure Kage?"

Kage nodded, but his hand wring together as an unconscious clue that some part of him held doubt.

"I-I know it sounds crazy and dangerous, but I think that if I go to San Fransokyo I could find someone to help us, or maybe do something to get us out of here!"

"But Brother, if Mother finds out she'll kill you!"

Kage looks at his hands then back at his brother and took note of their appearances. He thought after he had been adopted he would never experience hunger, loneliness and cold ever again now that he had a home. But now here they are...both damaged by the woman meant to love them as a mother.

"I know its scary...but I have to try! And I promise you Mizuchi, I will make sure you get out of here so we can make a name for ourselves... like Father wanted."

Mizuchi bit his lip as he thought over his brother's plan, mixed feelings spinning around his mind. But as he looks at the eyes of his brother he managed to get a glimpse of his little brother; the hopeful and sweet inventor that he met all those years ago and cherished. He deserved to fly away from this hell. Mizuchi slowly reaches out his arm to wrap around Kage, to which the younger stiffened up before he calmed down, glad to receive a warm hug.

When they heard that Nozako will be going out of the island for a few weeks Mizuchi and Kage set their plan in motion. After getting two of the servants that still saw them as people to help them with the plan to send Kage to San Fransokyo. When the morning came it was foggy and cold. Mizuchi gave him money to support himself. Kage looked hesitantly at the small ship, his heart pounding. This is the first time in years since he had stepped on a ship to head to the unknown. Mizuchi gives a small smile to encourage him to go. And with that Kage Mizichio ventured through the sea to finally see San Fransokyo. During the whole trip Kage tapped his foot excitedly as he fidgeted his hands, waiting for any sign of land. His mind wondered where would he go in San Fransokyo, but found it frustratingly blank.

"Young master...San Fransokyo is up ahead."

Without even blinking Kage stood up and ran up to the helm where the fog parted ways to reveal the city that he and his father dreamed of, the city their father had promised to take them when they were children. When the servant went to check the boy, his eyes started to water as he saw a hopeful glint in the young man's eyes.

It was a look that he thought he would never see again since Nozako took control. And perhaps if Kage is smiling now, its hope that their Mizuchi would smile as well.

When they landed at the dock Kage immediately ran out the ship and started exploring around the bay.

"Kage! Hold on!"

But Kage was so taken in by his excitement that he could hardly hear them, his eyes swallowing the buildings in front of his. The two servants soon joined his side as they talk over where to go and what to do, trying to calm him down so he wouldn't wander around the city and therefore get lost.

"Now Kage, where do you want to go?"

"SFAI!"

"If that is what you wish, young master."

With that the three servants walked through the city of San Fransokyo, taking in the sights more closely as they walked to their destination. Kage remembered the stories Father told him about Gozaburo and Lenore Shimamoto...or at least the beginning of their friendship. They had met in the aftermath of Shimamoto's catastrophe, looking for loved ones that hopefully survived. Back then it was a town call San Francisco, where it was predominantly white with minorities living separately. While Father told this story as a warning, he had to admit that perhaps Shimamoto's disastrous experiment led to a better city where the previously mistreated minorities are now equals, thus allowing their city to prosper and grow. Perhaps he could finally invent something that could hopefully set the world to a better future...just one where it didn't cost thousands of lives.

"We're here young master."

Kage looked up to see the campus of SFAI, where in the middle is the statue of Lenore Shimamoto. He looks around to see other people walking around, talking to each other and doing what they want. While he smiled at the scene he couldn't help but feel jealousy's sting. They were all living their lives blissfully as the days goes by, unaware of the pain and suffering he is going through; He wanted to have that sense of peace and happiness, he wanted it back for himself and his brother. Back when Father was alive. But now the sun is shining through the parting clouds, giving the Earth warmth and light, warmth he hadn't experienced since years. At that moment, he couldn't help but laugh happily as he starts running through the grass, a huge smile as he realized that he could actually do what he wanted. For the first time ever he was completely free. He ended up falling back on the grass and laid there, staring at the sky, his heart growing as he stared at the sky. The two servants smiled at the boy's giddiness, happy he can have his moment of happiness. He finally stood up as he started looking for the parts of the campus that his great grandfather had constructed with Lenore Shimamoto. As he did he noticed that all it ever mentioned was Shimamoto's accomplishments...but it didn't show the story of how she contributed to the destruction she made. He raised an eyebrow when he looked further in the history plaques as he saw no mention of the Mizichio Clan. Shouldn't they be getting the praise? Why don't they exist in the stories told about Lenore Shimamoto?

"Young Master, we just heard that there's a fellow college that is hosting a science showcase just near us?"

This intrigued the young man's mind, his love for science resurfacing.

"Really? What's the College's name?" Asked Kage.

"I believe its call 'San Fransokyo Institution of Technology', its one of the best schools in the country."

Kage's eyes widened in excitement as stars sparkled in his eyes. Soon enough they arrive at SFIT where Kage gives the same breathtaking expression at all of the inventions and projects the SFIT students are showing.

"You seem very happy Kage." said one of the servants.

"I really am! Its more than I ever dreamed of." smiled Kage.

"I'm glad you are enjoying the experience for you and your brother."

"My brother?...Oh..."

With that his heart sank a little as he realizes that his brother is still at the island, alone with their mother. He suppose he could always share his experience with him, to let him know that San Fransokyo, despite not mentioning the Mizichio Clan, is everything the had hoped for and more. When Kage looked up he saw a small booth where it seemed to be a competition; once he got a closer look he saw that it was to construct a rover from Steele mechanisms. And so far every student there is trying but they couldn't seem to fit the parts. He walked over and immediately his mind went over drive as he begins to picture the mechanisms and parts to construct the rover properly. His hands flowed smoothly as he instinctively grabbed the tools and bolts to build the rover. So focused he was on the rover that he did not notice that the students attempting the rover had stopped as they realize that a young teen is constructing an advance rover with ease, so focused and dedicated to completing the rover to see the world around him. The servants grew worried over him as they realize he was getting attention from the people in the showcase. It even reached to the professors of the school. Kage gave a small gratified smile as he saw the rover activate and moving.

"Excuse me young man, how did you do that?"

Kage's eyes widened as he finally realized what is going on. He hesitantly turned around to see a tall African American woman with gold earing and necklace, dressed in red and blue with a lab coat over it.

"OH um...Y-you see I just put the p-parts together..."

"You certainly knew what you were doing for you to build the rover in such short amount of time. What is your name young man?"

Kage froze as he saw the other people staring at him, which caused his stomach to drop as his thoughts turn rampant. All he could say was silence, unable to answer the woman until the two servants stepped in to help Kage.

"We're so sorry Ma'm, but its time for us to go home now."

"Go home? But he just won an entrance to SFIT!" said one man.

"...What?" Muttered Kage.

"This was a small entrance exam where students are tasked to build a rover in groups, and the group who complete a functional rover first will be accepted to SFIT." Explained the woman.

Kage felt at that moment that he done screwed up. He didn't mean for this to happen! He was enjoying his time at San Fransokyo, enjoying himself for his first time outside his home. But then he thought about his brother and his promise...if he goes to this school, the best one in the country, it could mean that he could flourish outside the island and improve his skills. There is an open opportunity to go constantly and provide an escape. Now, having his mind made up, took a deep breath as he looked up to her eyes.

"So.. when do classes start?"

After much discussion with his brother and the servants, it was decided that its best that Kage will attend SFIT in secret. And in good timing too since Nozako decided that its best that both of her sons do not spend time with tutors...especially if they got any ideas to go against her wishes. Another thing was that now her focus is solely on Mizuchi for his training, leaving Kage be without any attention. Despite the pain Mizuchi knew this was a small blessing in disguise for it means that Nozako will not bother to even look for Kage for whatever reason it may be. With that Mizuchi made sure to spare no expense for his brother's education, personally supplying him with text books and new clothes so that he could attend school prepared and clean.

For the first few weeks of his first semester could be well described as...hectic. Kage had been used to being alone and ignored, letting him be in peace even when he needed physical affection the most, to which his brother would do his best to deliver when he can. So when he was first bumped from behind he screamed very loudly, frightening others and the professor asking if he was alright. And the times when he had been stuck in the dark room for days without food or light was evident at lunch time as he would eat everything on his plate; as for the food he couldn't finish he put it on napkins to save for later. He would always have a lamp beside him if the room turns dark to keep him company. However there had been someone who had helped him gradually adjust to his scenery; and that person happened to be the same woman who had noticed him at the showcase, who's name he later learn to be Professor Grandville. When he had her as his professor she was lively and caring, willing to hear out her students and explained her lectures with high energy. Needless to say she became his favorite teacher as time past by. And as it did Grandville saw immense potential in the young man as he eagerly learns the material in front of him with his jovial attitude growing slowly but surely. She had also been close to him over time, encouraging him to go towards his goals while keeping an eye on him, making sure he had plenty to eat and rested well during his time at school. Even making sure she communicated with his 'guardians' about his needs.

When Grandville and the two guardians conversed about Kage's schedule should he be late or wanted to stay after hours due to certain...situations at his home. While accepting, Grandville had a developed an uneasy feeling about it; while Kage at times would talk about his father and brother when he could but when the subject turns to his mother he would turn be visibly uncomfortable and would become mute for the rest of the day. Of course they didn't tell her about Kage's lineage to the Mizichio Yakuza clan or Nozako's abuse in order to keep her safe, but made sure that they contact them instead of his mother should anything happen. Perhaps this was why she had gotten close to Kage, and he in return bonded with her. If someone outside SFIT would see them they could almost mistake them having a mother son relationship, something Kage never had growing up aside from the occasional hand maidens that would try to fill the gap only for Nozako to 'talk' to them and never speak to him again. He enjoyed his time at SFIT, he loved his teachers, and he loved San Fransokyo. And he would tell his stories to Mizuchi so he can know what is going on and how wonderful it would be to finally leave the castle and see SFIT and introduce him to Grandville, to which the eldest would laugh full heartedly and smile brightly at his brother's happiness. It seemed like everything is slowly falling to place for him, and despite the fact that he only bonded with Grandville, was content with what he had.

Even smiling at a particular rainy day.

He walked through the streets holding his books on one hand and an umbrella on the other. But before he knew it there was a blast of wind that forced his umbrella to fly off his hand and slip on the wet sidewalk, dropping his books. He groaned as he quickly picked up his papers before they would be ruined. When he reaches his final paper he noticed a pair of shoes in front of him and the rain stopped falling on his head. When he finally looked up his heart skipped a bit. In front of him is a girl his age with Strawberry blonde hair, green eyes, slightly tanned skin with freckles.

"Hey."

Kage couldn't respond, as he just slowly stood up, holding his books and papers close.

"Hmmm...so...I think I found your umbrella."

She pulls out the umbrella that flew out of his hand and he immediately snaps out of it once he realized he had been staring her a bit.

"Oh!..Thank you..Sorry I just..Lost in thought."

"It's OK." Replied the girl.

"I'm Kage!" Blurted out Kage, immediately blushing as he realized how flustered he looked to the pretty girl. Then he heard a light hearted giggle from the girl, which caught him off guard.

"I'm Chara."

When they heard thunder, the two jumped before they calmed down.

"I know a coffee shop not too far from here, wanna hang over till the storm stops?"

"Sure."

They both walked quickly to the coffee shop which happened to be called Lucky Cat Café. They sat down at a table near by as a young waitress around their age entered.

"Hiya! I'm Cass and I'll taking your order today! Any requests?"

"Just a vanilla cream coffe please", said Chara, giving a small smile. When Cass turned her attention to him he just shrugged and asked for the same thing. After getting their order and Cass leaving they were left in silence. It was then Chara's turn to be surprised as Kage spoke.

"So... how's life?"

Chara blinked in response which Kage internally face palmed for asking such a dumb question.

"Well, I would say OK. Highschool has been quiet the warzone with all the jocks and plastics."

"Plastics?"

"Girls that make themselves look older than they should and possibly suck off Jocks for popularity."

This surprises Kage.

"Really? Wow.. I don't think SFIT would ever do that."

"SFIT? You mean that college nearby? Probably, and I can't wait to graduate. And probably you too."

"How come?" Asked Kage, curiosity rising.

"You're the type that studies alone. You're the jocks and plastics favorite tool to screw around with...figuratively and literally. If not you'd be beaten constantly, and that's only cause you're smart." replied Chara, with a hint of snark.

"Wow... Then I'm glad I'm at SFIT instead of high school...no offense."

"Wait you're at SFIT? You actually go there?" This time it was Chara's turn to be surprised. "You're barely older than me! You must be super smart to be going there right now!"

"Thanks...I guess." Said Kage.

"Here's your drinks!"

Cass placed two cups of Coffee in front of them as she went back to serving others.

"So when do you think you're graduating?" Asked Kage, raising his cup to drink.

"Hopefully with all the advanced classes I should graduate by them time I'm 16."

"Then I guess you're smart too." said Kage, slightly impressed.

"I guess, though that meant those people would try to bribe me to do their homework. And sometimes I had to otherwise I would be left in the bottom feed."

"Well that's not fair.. what did the staff do?"

"Nothing, they value physical strength and football games over music and the arts, with the occasional dabble in science. They don't do anything to fix the problem, they would just sweep it under the rug."

'They sound like dicks." Said Kage, to which he blushed as he realized he cussed in front of her. But she laughed as she heard it.

"Definitely."

That's when Kage noticed that the sun is parting through the clouds, the rain now dissipating. They sat in silence before Chara spoke up.

"Well, looks like the rain stopped."

"Yeah..."

"...Its interesting that you go to SFIT right now...think we can go here tomorrow and talk more after school?"

When he heard that Kage looked up and let out a small yep. He realized how he responded and then chuckled at his own behavior to which Chara joined in.

"Well, see ya later Kage."

After paying the cashier and drinking the rest of the coffee, Chara stood up and walked out of the door, leaving Kage at the table alone, where for the first time in his life...his heart began to pound loudly and yet feel lighter than helium. He didn't know what exactly it is...but he knew that he liked this feeling. And wanted more...

To be Continued

Here is Part one of Obake’s origins! I’ll post the second part soon after I draw the cover. but beware... this is the part where Kage Mizichio/Bob Aken will become like..

A love SIcK, inSANe MoNSteR

#Big Hero 7 #Big Hero 6 fanfic #Obake #Bob Aken #Bob Aken x OC #Kage Mizichio #Professor Grandville #Grace Grandville #wendy wower #Ren seto #Aunt Cass #Nozako Mizichio #Isamu Mizichio #Mizuchi Mizichio

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chantelle-x0x · 6 years

Text

Cabin Kisses - Steve Rogers x Reader

Masterlist

A/N: I honestly don’t know how good this is. I tried really hard to make this as fluffy as possible but I also thought I’d add some fluffy-angst at the start just to get it going, but I really hope you enjoy this fic and it wasn’t a complete waste of reading time. But I don’t really know how good this one is given I am really busy with real life and I’m trying so hard to get my writing out still so, enjoy! If you can. Most importantly though, this is my entry for @barnesrogersvstheworld who held a kiss challenge and let me have the prompt ‘At a cabin in the mountains’. Thank you so much for letting me be part of this!

Permanent tag list: @glorious-fandoms, @rousetta, @fuckyourgondola

Steve Rogers tag list: @alepowell @kaitlynw011 @get-loki @i-just-wanna-live-gc Disclaimer: **All characters besides Reader, belongs to Marvel (MCU)**

Word count: 1,543

Pairing: Steve Rogers x Fem!Reader, Platonic!Peter Parker x Reader

MCU Characters: Steve Rogers, Tony Stark, Peter Parker, Natasha Romanoff (mentioned), Bucky Barnes (mentioned), Clint Barton (mentioned), Sam Wilson (mentioned

Rating: General (15+ maybe?)

Warnings: A fluffy panic attack (if that’s a thing if not then), Stevie being a giant teddy bear and helping you through a panic attack at 2AM. Also, is HYDRA a warning? Because it’s mentioned. And lastly, implied stuff but nothing happens at all! Clean content xx

Summery: You have a really bad nightmare and it effects you worse than normal, so Steve has new plans for you instead of going on a mission.

After a mission failed, you went back to the compound with your teammates. Tony and Steve were already talking about going back with more than four people and training even more so you’re all prepared for the worst. You had a gash in your arm but you tied it up with some cloth to prevent bleeding too much. Steve kept checking on you but you promised you were feeling okay and that you’d be alright. As you got to the compound, you went to the med-bay and got stitched up before thanking the nurse and exiting, heading to your room. After changing into your pyjamas, you take your laptop and sit on your bed putting on ‘To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before’. You’re about 20 minutes into the movie when there’s a knock on your door.

‘C’mon in.’ You say warmly, sitting up properly. Steve entered your room, closing the door gently behind him. He moved over on your bed smiling at him as he takes place next to you.

‘How are you feeling?’ He asks as you close up your laptop. You shrug in response and sigh.

‘The pain meds are wearing off now so I’m starting to feel the pain, but other than that, I’m doing just fine.’ Your voice was quiet and you looked really tired. Steve cuddled up closer to you and wrapped an arm around your shoulders. Before long, you slumped against him and fell asleep. He places a kiss to your forehead then picks you up bridal style and places you into your bed and covers you up. You sigh but open your eyes a little and pull on his arm gently, whispering, ‘Stay?’ He nods and goes to the other side of the bed pulling the covers over himself.

You and Steve had been dating for a couple of years, you just hadn’t gotten a room together. Sometimes you needed your own space for a little while and Steve understood that, so you both agreed you wouldn’t move in together; anywhere. Not for now anyway. More than space though, you had major trust issues from past relationships, Steve would never hurt you and you knew that, but it wasn’t easy to just pick up and leave with someone especially when you have an ongoing doubt that you might do or say something that’ll cause a problem.

At about 2 AM, Steve wakes up. He feels your non-stop movements, like your feet kicking air and your hands gripping and letting go of the sheets. Your sleeping grunts, as well as your sweating and light shaking. He whispers your name, gently shaking you awake. You wake up and it takes you a moment to realise where you are.

Every time you, Steve or someone else you cared about dearly got hurt during a mission, you'd have either a nightmare where they’d get really injured and end up dying, tearing your heart apart or, you’d die and you’d have to watch the people around you slowly start to forget you and it would get to a point where they didn’t care about or remember you. When you wake up, you cry and basically have a panic attack. And that’s exactly what happened.

Once you adjust to where you are, your eyes well up in tears and you start to cry really hard. Your breath comes short but not for a second were you alone. Steve’s warm arms wrapped around you and he whispered sweet things to help calm you down. He continuously kissed your forehead and rocked you back and forth in his arms. After calming down you realised how bad everything really was today.

‘Everything is okay doll.’ Steve whispered as he wiped your tears away. You sniffled before holding on tightly to your boyfriend. When morning came you found that you were alone in your bed. You knew Steve had probably gone for his morning run so you went down to get some food. Tony called you into a meeting and you found everyone there.

‘The mission from yesterday failed as we all know, thankfully most of us didn’t have anything terrible happen. We need to go in again tonight. Cap, you’ll be paired with Y/N. Help her train and then when we get there, go undercover as HYDRA interns. Barton and Romanoff you guys are together, Barnes and Wilson, you guys pair together and don’t mess this up.’ Tony kept giving out what everyone needed to do, but your head was elsewhere. The meeting ended and you chose to quickly slip into your room, leaving Steve with Tony.

Steve met you near the Quinjet but before you got on, he guided you wordlessly to a small plane. ‘What are we doing Steve? I thought we had to go with them, then we’d split up.’ Steve opened the door letting you in first.

‘That was the plan, but now we have to leave separately.’ He said and you nodded. You two fell into a comfortable silence, but after a while, you started heading towards a runway in a mountain.

‘Steve, where are you going?’ You ask.

‘We’re not doing the mission.’ He informed.

‘Why not!? I’m completely fine!’ You were frustrated. It’s happened before, sure not this badly, but it’s happened.

‘You’re not. It hasn’t happened like it did last night and I don’t want you to get hurt.’ You decided you’d give him the silent treatment for a while. He waited to tell you and you were actually looking forward to being a HYDRA intern for a couple of days. You entered the cabin without a word which made Steve chuckle.

About an hour passed when Steve gave you a cup hot chocolate and wrapped a warm blanket around you. You smiled at him and thanked him. ‘She speaks!’ He said euphorically. You laughed and rested your head on his chest since he took place next to you.

‘I love you Steve. Thank you for taking me away. I guess I never knew how stressed I could actually be.’ Steve smiled and placed two fingers under your chin before pressing his lips to yours. You melted into him almost automatically. You placed your cup down on the floor before wrapping your arms around Steve’s neck. His tongue slid along your bottom lip asking for entrance which you happily gave him. He laid you on the couch. You smiled into the kiss and before pulling away, you pulled on Steve’s bottom lip. You both took a moment to breathe, his eyes no longer bright blue like before. You went to kiss him again when you heard a knock on the door. You both eyed each other, but there was another knock.

‘Stay here.’ Steve said sternly, picking up his shield and heading to the door. You didn’t follow his instructions and quietly followed him taking the gun from the table near the couch. Another knock echoed through the room. Steve opened the door ready to attack when a young Peter Parker was standing outside.

‘Woah. Sorry Captain. I-I uh, I went to help Mr Stark but he sent me here because he said it’s too dangerous. Hi Y/N!’ He said waving to you. You smiled and went to the door and hugged your young friend. Steve shut the door after Peter and you got him a cup of hot chocolate.

‘You scared me Peter!’ You exclaimed. He rubbed the back of his neck and apologised.

‘You’re here now kid so you should be safe. We’ll head back in a few days. You can find your room right? With your spidey-sense.’ Steve tried to get the kid out off the room.

‘That’s not how it works but yeah. Thanks for letting me stay here Captain.’ Peter said smiling.

‘I’ve told you before Peter, call me Steve.’ Steve said with a smile, while trying to usher Peter away.

‘Right. Well thanks guys!’ Peter said before leaving to find an empty room.

‘You don’t like to listen to orders when you’re off duty, do you?’ Steve asked, taking you by surprise. You then realised what he meant.

‘Long answer, if something happened to you, I wouldn’t have been safe and if you needed backup, I’d be there to help.’ Steve cocked an eyebrow and had an amused look.

‘And short answer?’ He asked.

You step closer to him, wrapping your arms around his neck, smiling up at him whispering, ’No.’ A slight shake to your head. ‘No, I don’t like orders when I’m off duty, but you should already know that, captain.’ Steve smirked at your words and a slight blush dusted his cheeks. Before anything could progress however, Peter came back into the room with a smile on his face.

‘What’re we watching?’ He asked, you laughed and pulled away from Steve’s embrace.

‘Soon.’ You whispered to Steve, he instantly understood what you meant and smiled. ‘Your choice Peter.’ You smiled at the teenager before sitting next to him on the couch.

You had to admit, although you didn’t want to be away from the “fun” mission, you were quite enjoying the time with Steve and Peter. You were all safe and away from danger. That’s what you always wanted for Steve.

If you’d like to be part of my permanent Marvel tag list or an individual character tag list, let me know!

Constructive criticism and general feedback would be awesome as well! Thanks for reading x

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becuzpurple · 5 years

Text

Father’s Day

(an Ed & Kate one-shot)

21 June 2016

Lucy brushed some dirt and debris from the surface of the stone, clearing it for me to place a half dozen red and white tulips across it. Nathan staked 3 mini Cubs pennants into the soil at its top. Then we sat, mostly quietly, surrounded by a sea of trees, flowers, and grave markers. It was a beautiful first day of summer - the peaceful setting lending itself to quiet contemplation. It was Father’s Day.

When I was a child, and my parents took us to the cemetery to pay respects to our deceased relatives, we’d clean up the gravestones, plant flowers, and say some prayers. Since Jason’s passing, though, I’ve found that reciting prayers at his gravesite just doesn’t work for me. It feels almost forced, as if it’s expected, but it holds no actual meaning for me - they’re just empty words. I completely understand and respect that others find doing this to be very meaningful and comforting, but it just isn’t for me.

I talk to him instead. Sometimes I’ll talk to God, too, but more often I talk to Jason - not out loud, but in my head. I tell him about our lives - stuff with the kids, our family...and I talk to him about Ed, too. As weird as that sounds, I find it to be therapeutic. It gives me a way to sorting out my joys and worries, my hopes and fears, all without judgement. Sometimes I can imagine his reply.

It helps.

On that Father’s Day, I shared a secret with him - a big one, that no one but I knew, yet. That would change soon enough, I supposed. It was strangely comforting to think that I no longer held the secret entirely alone, even if it wasn’t with anyone currently alive.

“Do you think he can see us? Or hear us?” Lucy was pulling random weeds and dandelions from around the stone as she spoke, eyes focused downwards.

I paused before answering her. It’s something I wonder about, too.

“I don’t really know. But I like to think so. You know, sometimes, in my head...I talk to him.” She did look up at me then, and I grimaced in a self-deprecating way...trying to keep things from getting too heavy. “Is that weird?”

“No, I do that, too.”

Nate had been quiet, but was nodding in agreement, as well.

Oh, my babies

“I guess...it’s comforting to think that he might hear us.”

“Yeah…” Lucy nodded and resumed weeding.

I glanced at Nate, who watched us curiously, also nodding.

“I think he does,” he added softly.

---

We didn’t stay much longer - cemetery visits tend to be emotionally exhausting for us. From there we met my parents at The Pancake House for a Father’s Day brunch. Filling up on family and sugary, carby comfort food helped us transition from our melancholy moods.

My dad is the best. I’ve literally never met anyone who didn’t love him. He’s smart and funny, yet on the quiet side. He’s a hard worker and a devoted family man. He loves baseball, sci-fi, and giant jigsaw puzzles. He’d do anything for us. He really stepped up to be there for the three of us after we lost Jason, and I’m so grateful for that. There is no better father or grandfather out there, so celebrating his awesomeness (on Father’s Day, fur sure, but at other times of the year, too) has become very important to me.

“When does Ed get back, Kate?” I have to smile at how my mom’s face lights up at the mention of his name - even when she’s the one saying it. She loves him, and it’s adorable.

“Today, in a few more hours.”

“Ah, good. I hope things went well for him out there.”

“Yeah, he said they got a lot done,” I shrugged. “He sounds pretty happy with everything.”

He’d been away for a week, in southern California, working on the next album. From how he described it, it sounded like they were in an absolutely beautiful setting - a gorgeous chalet in a wooded area, a river nearby, and distant mountains. He’d been with some of his favorite people in the business - people he considers dear friends - and they seemed to have had an abundantly creative and productive week. He was really pumped about it.

He’d wanted me to go with him, but my schedule just wouldn’t cooperate. The kids started their summer sports and art camps, I had a few looming deadlines for work that couldn’t wait, and I had a doctor appointment mid-week that I didn’t want to put off. It’s too bad, too - I would have loved to have witnessed their collaborative songwriting in action.

---

That night after the kids were in bed, we’d finally caught each other up on everything - his stories of the last week were much more interesting than the mundane details of my suburban mom life, but, lovely man that he is, he wanted all of them, anyway. Ed genuinely loves things like that - anything involving family. Which is a good thing, considering what I was about to drop on him.

“So, I have something for you, but I left it in the bedroom.” I stood and wagged a finger at him, grinning at his curious, wrinkled brow. “Don’t move, I’ll be right back.”

I left him there on the family room couch while I jogged to our room to grab the small, gift-wrapped box I’d been keeping hidden away.

Without a doubt I was dying to finally tell him, but at the same time I almost felt a little sad that it would no longer be my secret. I laughed to myself at the idea of being possessive of it. But I’d had a whole week for that - it was time to spill the beans, and giving him the little gift was how I planned to do that.

As soon as I re-entered the room Ed’s eyes zeroed in on the small, prettily-wrapped box in my hand. Before I even reached the sofa I could see that he was starting to look a little freaked out. Maybe he had an idea of what this was about. He knew what day it was, and there I was with a gift for him - it wasn’t a difficult jump to make. But I know him well enough to see that he was trying not to psych himself up, in case he was wrong.

But he wasn’t wrong.

I re-joined him on the sofa, mirroring his pose by sitting with one leg tucked under the other, our knees touching.

“What-what’s this, then?” He tried to appear calm and casual, but between the stutter and the wide eyes, it was clear that he was not feeling calm.

My plan had been to not give anything away before he opened the gift, but that all went to pot because I was way too close to falling into a fit of nervous giggles. This was more than obvious to Ed, who was eying me dubiously, waiting for me to say something.

“Umm, this is for you.” I gave him the neatly wrapped present, about the same size as a watch box. But there wasn’t a watch inside, nor any other jewelry.

He held it in his hand, just staring at it, eyes wide. He glanced at me a few times, finally asking, “What is it?”

He was nervous, watching me with barely reined-in wide-eyed excitement.

A few giggles finally spilled loose from me, and I couldn’t stop smiling - I was just as anxious as he was. Attempting to calm the both of us, I placed my palms flat on his lap, just above his knees, tapping my fingers before murmuring, “Ed. Open it.”

He took a calming breath and looked down at the box in his hands, again. Smiling to himself, he began pulling off the ribbon.

“I - I might know what this is about...maybe? But I also have no idea what’s actually in here.”

“That’s...probably completely accurate.”

“Jesus…”

“Open it.”

“Yeah.” He wore the cutest little grin, and kept shooting small glances at me as he carefully unwrapped the paper from the box. How he wasn’t tearing it apart I’ll never know. Maybe he wanted to savor the feeling of anticipation. Maybe he was a little scared, too. I know I was.

He removed all of the paper and turned to me with a look of pure bewilderment, holding the unopened box.

“I - I’m nervous to open it...fuck’s wrong with me?”

I gently shook my head, unable to stop grinning. “Nah, you got this.” I gave his leg a little squeeze, as my hand still rested on it. “Please open it, though, because I can’t take this much longer.”

He laughed, and then finally opened the lid. He just stared for a few seconds - no response whatsoever. I’m not even sure he remembered to breathe. He blinked several times, and then he smiled - a slow-growing, tentative expression of stunned wonder.

“It’s a pick.” His eyes lifted to meet mine, his voice barely more than a whisper.

I nodded.

“A ba- we’re gonna...you’re pregnant?” His voice broke on the last word.

I nodded again, my heart pounding with nerves.

“Bloody hell, I knocked you up?!” He found his voice again, and his accent was much more pronounced than usual. He looked at me in complete astonishment.

I hiccup-cry-laughed all at once. “Yeah, you did!”

He glanced down again at the custom-designed guitar pick I got for him while he was away. “January...”

“My due date is January 12th.”

“January the 12th. Holy shit, this is for real...”

“This is real, Teddy.” We shared a tender look at my use of the phrase he’d once used to reassure me when we first started dating. “We’re going to have a baby.”

We’re gonna have a baby.” He repeated the words slowly, trying them out for the very first time, himself. “I…I’m going to be a dad.”

There was a sweet shyness in the way he said it, a self-consciousness in saying the words out loud - I’m going to be a dad.

Nodding again, I cupped his jaw in my hand, bringing his earnest, deep blues back to me. “You’re going to be an amazing dad.”

He was quiet, eyes still on mine, listening.

“Your parents did good raising you and Matthew, right?”

“They are literally the best parents, yeah.”

“You’ve been learning your whole life from the best, then. And I’ve seen you with kids - my kids, your godchildren...Ed, you were meant for this.”

His tentative smile grew, his eyes lit up, and soon his entire body was practically humming with hyper energy. It must have been contagious, as I was nearly vibrating with giddiness, myself. I’m sure we looked completely ridiculous beaming at each other like that. Or just deliriously happy.

He tilted his head to the side, eyes on me curiously and gave the sweetest, closed-mouth smile. “You’re happy Kate?”

“Oh, yeah! I - well, I’m feeling a lot things right now, but ‘happy’ is definitely at the top of the list.”

My thoughts had been going in so many different directions over the last few days - I was absolutely over-the-moon. I never thought I’d have any more children, and I was thrilled to get this chance - and with Ed! It made my heart feel whole and complete.

But I’d be lying if I said I had no worries. I’m older now, and that brings more risks to a pregnancy. Also, there was the fact that Ed and I aren’t married - we’d only been together for six months at that point. I didn’t know if that would be an issue or not, but I knew it was something we should probably talk about. I also worried that he might not be thrilled with the timing of the pregnancy, relative to his career.

“Me, too! It’s crazy, right? I can’t even keep up with everything going through my head right now.” He huffed out a breath, surely still trying to wrap his head around the news.

“I know. I mean, the timing isn’t great, like with your work, and-”

“-Oh, no, no,” he interrupted. “this is everything, and it-it’s perfect. Like, work is well and good, but this? Family? Is what we’re all really here for, right? To love, and to teach our children to love. I feel like I’m finally about to really start my life, now - the most important part of it, and I get to do it with you? I'm - I’m so fucking in love with you, and I'm just...really chuffed right now...”

His voice caught as it trailed off. He took off his glasses, wiped at his eyes and cleared his throat, and that’s when I started to lose it a little bit, too.

“Baby, stop.” I sniffled as I shifted closer against him. He pulled me in even more so that my legs were across his lap, his arms secure around my waist.

I don’t know how he does it - he has a knack for saying the very thing I need to hear, and even better - he means it every time. I sent a quick word of thanks to the universe, or maybe it was God (I’m not entirely sure there’s a difference), for somehow bringing us together. “How’d I get so lucky?”

He pulled back just enough to see my face and wipe a stray tear from my cheek with his thumb. “I ask myself that same question every single day, sweet girl.”

“I love you, Ed.”

“I know,” he answered, grinning cheekily.

I couldn’t even pretend to be annoyed. I adore him and I’m happy to say it for the rest of my life. But there was something else I wanted to say, too.

“Oh, and one more thing…” I grinned.

“What’s that, love?”

Happy Father’s Day.”

---

just a friendly reminder that I’d love to hear your thoughts on this! Send me likes, or reblogs, or send Anon questions/comments - these are the only ways I know what you like.

Thanks, guys!

#becausepurple #becuzpurple #ed sheeran #ed sheeran fic #ed sheeran fan fic #ed sheeran fanfiction #ed sheeran fluff #one shot #Ed & Kate #Ed & Kate love story #Happy Father's Day #why do I hurt myself like this?

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surveys-at-your-service · 6 years

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Survey #112

“i’m like a jesus crisis.”

Have you ever kissed someone who was drunk? He wasn't wasted or anything, but I'm pretty sure he was drunk with how ungodly talkative he was, and was way more expressive of emotions than he naturally was. Do you like going to weddings? I do again now. Although I haven't been to one since recovery, I'm sure I'd handle it fine and actually be happy this time. I need to get more comfortable in that setting since I'd actually really like a big part of my hopeful photography career to be weddings. Such a big celebration of love is something I adore. I already just like taking pictures of couples. Who was the last person you know who became pregnant? BECAME pregnant, uh, I think a person I'm actually doing pictures for in January. Beach, city, or mountains? M O U N T A I N S. DAMMIT they're so beautiful. You get a call at 2:00 a.m. - your first thought is: My instinctive answer to this question is, "is something wrong with Sara?" I live with my mom and sister, so it wouldn't be them, and it's not like Ashley calls me if there's trouble, she'd call Mom. Dad would call Ashley. She's pretty much the only thing that would come to mind if someone called me at 2:00 A.M. Future names of your children: I'm not having kids, but I'd absolutely name my daughter Alessandra and my son probably Luther, Vincent, or Victor. How much does your mother know about your sex life (or lack thereof)? She's aware I'm a virgin but have "done things." Are any of your siblings married? What are their spouses’ names? Nick and very recently Joshua. I don't know if one's married or anything whatsoever, two are in relationships, idk about my brother. Do you think age matters in relationships? In romantic relationships, yes. What brand of face wash do you use? Biore. What’s the last letter of your last name? S Did your parents give you an allowance as a kid? No, we couldn't afford to do that. Would you ever consider moving to another country for your career? No, and that's the reason I'm not pursuing being a meerkat biologist. Do you have any lingerie? Lol no, no one wants to see me in that. What was the shortest amount of time you knew someone before dating them? A few weeks. Maybe a little less than a month. What is your favorite app on your phone? Fuckin' thanks Sara, DragonVale. I love Pinterest more when I actually go on it, but I don't use it a lot. Which of your pets were you closest to in your lifetime? The dog I have now, Teddy. Who are you most proud of? Myself. I don't mean that in an arrogant way, but seriously. I don't over-exaggerate what I've been through, but I don't make it sound lesser than what it was, either. I know I should be proud. When you’re eating pizza do you add anything like crushed peppers, parmesan cheese or hot sauce to it? No. Jason got me into adding hot sauce to jalapeno pizza (we wanted death, I know), but I don't do it now. Loved it, but I think it being slightly less hot was more enjoyable. When was the last time that you plucked your eyebrows? I've never plucked them; I used to get them waxed, but no longer do. Don't see the point- they're just going to grow back, and quickly, and I'm not wasting money on that maintenance. It's not like normal eyebrows are hideous anyway. Do you ever argue or debate with people about your beliefs? I will avoid this at all costs. I hate it. When’s the last time you had Sunny D? Holy moly, I couldn't tell you. But it used to sometimes give me heartburn, so I could only fucking imagine drinking it now if I hadn't taken my heartburn medication. Would you turn a family member in if you see them commit murder? Duh. Would you risk your life to save a total stranger? A total stranger, honestly, no. I don't know anything about that person. Could be a piece of shit. Have you ever embarrassed someone intentionally in public? I don't remember ever doing so, and I never could now. As someone with AvPD, I know how fucking awful embarrassment can be. Plus it's just rude to try to make someone uncomfortable like that. Are you more likely to believe a man or woman? I'm perfectly aware this is wrong, but a woman. I'm afraid of and don't trust men. Are you satisfied with the picture on your ID card? Hell no. Thank God I look like a totally different person now. What fruit did you last eat? Hmmm, maybe strawberries? What font do you use most? I prefer Garamond for basic things. Are you allergic to anything? Pollen, big time, and silver. Where is your dad from? Ohio. ... Or maybe he was born in Michigan but grew up in Ohio. Idk. Aside from your own, whose house did you last set foot into? Ashley's co-worker's. What was the first thing you learned how to cook? Scrambled eggs. And it's still the only thing I know how to cook lmao. What are some wild animals commonly found where you live? Squirrels and birds are the only things you commonly see. But you'll see a deer sometimes, too, and more rarely a rabbit. I think I've seen a fox once in my entire life. Oh yeah, you'll see possums and raccoons sometimes at night. Does it take a lot to make you cry? Noooope. Well, yes to physical pain. What’s the longest hospital stay you’ve had? For what? Uhhh I think I was there for two weeks. Mental stuff. Do you know any same-sex married couples? Hm... I actually don't think I personally do. Have you ever had a best friend who was of the opposite sex? There was a point where we dated, Jason was like my only real life friend lol, so he was. Now I call my girlfriend my best friend, but if you don't include s/os, then my current one would be a guy. Skim, 1%, 2% or whole milk? Eh, probably 2%. Was the last person you kissed physically attractive? Personally, I wasn't physically attracted to him. But he's definitely not an ugly guy or anything. Do you prefer to say “haha” or “lol?” I'd say I use them just about the same amount... maybe "lol" more? How many stories does your house have? One. Were you dreams very vivid as a child? Yes. Do you eat meat? If you do, what is your justification for it? Yes. One, the human diet is meant to contain meat. It's much easier for our bodies to receive the nutrients it needs with meat. Two, it's part of population control. Yes, I know, you could argue the exact same for humans, but it's not like a sane person's gonna start eating humans. Three, it's just the food chain. Humans are on top of it. The process of killing an animal for food seems horrible and cruel, I know, and I doubt I personally could do it unless it was a survival situation, but I don't see it as morally wrong. Do you think that time travel is a possibility? I don't think it's possible, really. And if it ever happened, you can bet we'd fuck shit up. Do you enjoy night or day better? I've actually gotten to where I enjoy day. I strangely have a much higher chance of experiencing anxiety at night, which has kinda turned me away from it. Plus I have more energy and am generally in a better mood over all in the early day. Have you ever been to a protest? No. But the more and more passionate I get about gay rights, I'd absolutely partake in a *peaceful* protest regarding that subject now if one was nearby. Worst decision you ever made? Let a heavily flawed person essentially become God to me. Do you like to hang out with friends one-on-one or in groups? Eh, depends on the mood of those who would be involved, including myself. Bambi or Nemo? Nemo. I've actually never seen Bambi, but I love Nemo. Lil cutie. Do you have any of your exes as friends on Facebook? Don and Aaron, yeah. Well wait, Juan too, but I barely even consider him an ex. Has your partner ever accused you of cheating, when you actually didn’t? No. If your hair is long, would you ever think about having it cut short? Or, if it’s short, would you like to grow it long? I have a short portion on the left and then the rest is shoulder-length. After seeing myself with a bit of short hair, I'm thinking of getting a purely short haircut eventually. Built my confidence up when Mom said she thought I'd probably look nice with a short hairstyle after seeing my new haircut. It'd be something different. What area of science interests you the most? Genetics. Have you ever been in an inflatable bouncy house? Yeah. Do you think there will be a WWIII? Yes, eventually. I don't think humanity's going anywhere too soon, and there's too many militant people. What are things you’re exceptionally good at? Uh. Going into full-blown panic mode over stupid shit?? That's my specialty. Do you have any good book ideas? I think a ton of the stories within my friend group's RP would make amazing novels, but I highly doubt any of us will ever actually make books about it. In all honesty, can a person be too nice? Mixed feelings. I just don't think some people deserve being nice to, but a part of me says you should treat everyone with kindness regardless, all the while not letting people get away with shit. Is mental abuse really as bad as physical abuse? Fuck yes it can be. Some people will take one worse than the other, but both are fucking awful. Both can ruin someone's life. Zelda Twilight Princess or Ocarina of Time? I have zero interest in Zelda. Do you own a rosary? I'm sure I have one somewhere. I was raised Roman Catholic, and essentially every Catholic has one. What's the hardest game you've ever played? Fucking Dark Souls. I gave it a good effort, but did nooot get that far. The difficulty honestly drained all the fun out of it. The hardest game I've ever beaten, uhhh... omg. Maybe it was just my age/when I played it, but "The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night" was so. Fucking. Hard. It literally took me a year or so playing it on-and-off to beat it. Fantastic game, but my god it was hard. "Parasite Eve" was also pretty damn hard (mostly thanks to the last boss, jc), but I definitely beat it faster. Would you ever try Fear Factor for one million dollars? Why or why not? No, wouldn't see the point in wasting the time. I KNOW I would never get past the second day where you eat some crazy shit. Nope. Couldn't do most things they do due to me being a germaphobe, either. If you have a camera, when do you use flash? I never do because I hate the lighting personally, plus the red eyes are just no. I'd need to learn more about properly using it. What do you call your grandparents? Grammy and Grandpa. What color do you usually paint your nails? I don't paint my nails. Do you look better with red lipstick or black lipstick? I personally think black. It fits me better. How many times have you actually been in love? Once. I'm not to that point in my current relationship, but I most certainly love her. There's a difference. How many pills do you take a day? Five. Have you ever been around someone who was high? Yeah. Do you want a church wedding? Definitely not, that's way too traditional for my taste. Have you ever met any celebrities? Lol you don't meet celebrities among my interests in NC. One day. Have you ever tried archery? No, but I was interested in it once. Favorite foreign food? Hm. I'm not sure. Were your ancestors royalty? I only know of Queen Victoria. Does your house have air conditioning throughout, or do you have one that sits in your window? Throughout. Would you ever move to Canada? Sure. I mean it wouldn't be my first pick for sure, but there's beautiful landscapes, and it at least seems to have way less drama than here. What about Kansas? Tornado Alley? Fuck that shit. When you go swimming, do you put your hair up or down? I keep it down. What do you think is the coolest piercing on someone else? Ohhh. This really depends on the person. Coolest... probably collarbone dermals. If mine were actually prominent and dermals didn't make me nervous, I'd probably have them. They're beautiful, but seem super painful. And risky. Are you attracted to girls? I've pretty quickly realized I'm more attracted to them than men both physically and emotionally. Growing up what were your favorite cartoon characters? I loved both Pikachu and Ash. Do you know anyone in a wheelchair? I don't believe so. If heaven or hell didn’t exist and wasn’t a reward would you still make an effort in being a good person? Duh. Do you want your kids to go to church, synagogue, temple, mosque? Why? If I had kids, I wouldn't force them to go. I don't even go. Do you think starting a gofundme is begging or helpful? It can be either depending on the reason and person's honest intentions. Could you put your dreams on hold to support your bf/gf pursuing theirs? On hold? Yes. How long should sex last? It depends on the couple and how they're feeling. But once one person wants to stop, you stop. Five year plan? Go! Move out and have a stable job. Those are the main two things. Other things will fall into place. Can you be content if you are physically uncomfortable? I couldn't be. Do you have pictures of your friends, and family in your bedroom? No. How old were you when you went on your first date? That was like 7th grade, don't know age. Me, Aaron, and I think two other friends went to a roller rink. It was enough of a date for middle schoolers lol. Have you ever had surgery, if so for what? Tubes put in ears when I was 2, pilonidal cyst surgery July this year. Have you ever seen a shark, and if so, were you scared? Never in the wild, just in aquariums. They never scared me. Such majestic creatures. Now if I saw one in the ocean, yeah, I'd be scared. Have you ever gone fishing, or is that totally yucky? Fishing with Dad may just hold my all-time favorite childhood memories. One of my most cherished memories is this time Dad, Nicole, and I woke up really early to go out on the boat at the nearby river to fish 'til around noon, when activity slows down. So peaceful and beautiful out there, I'd love to fish there again with him. I remember it so clearly that I can recall I packed those tiny 3 Musketeers chocolates and Nicole brought Snickers, lol. Didn't have breakfast since we left so early. Man... so many good memories related to fishing. Do you enjoy museums, or think they are totally boring? I. LOVE. Museums. Do you think illegally downloading things is wrong? My conscience says yes. You're stealing. Yet I still download music. Oops. Have you and your friend ever liked the same guy/girl? Not that I know of. Do you tell your best friend everything? I tell Sara just about every little thing. Ever taken any lessons for anything? Guitar lessons, yeah. Do you call it pop, soda, or fizzy drink? Soda. Do you like french fries, cheese and gravy mixed together? Uh, that sounds horrid, even without the fact I hate gravy. Do you live in a house, apartment, or what? House. How hot does the temperature get in the summer where you live? Mid-high 90s, low 100s. Sometimes high 80s. When was the last time you had a headache? What about stomachache? Headache, a couple days ago or so. I get them a lot. Stomachache, not since I got sick two or so months back. Where is your second home? Uh. I guess my dad's? Honestly, could you live without your computer? Honestly, after being exposed to one for so long, I couldn't live happily, no. Not unless I just adjusted to not having one after a very, very long time, but I don't even know if that would happen. What is more annoying, people who take forever to reply to texts or when they only say ‘K’? I stg do not reply to me with just "k." Is family the most important thing in your life? If not, what is? My definition of family is different than the traditional. Just like friends, for me, you pick "real" family. Say I'm related to an absolute asshole; by actual definition, they'd be family, but to me, nope. I can put other people above "actual" family, so to answer the question, not necessarily. After taking a shower, do you change in the bathroom or the bedroom? Bathroom. Are you completely over your last relationship? There was nothing to get over. I never got to where I loved him and doubt I ever could. It was just awkward. Last 3 movies you watched? "Monster House," "Corpse Bride," and uhhh... pretty sure "Coraline." Do you get stage fright? Well, when I used to dance, it wasn't that bad since I was with others. Now, I'm not so sure how I'd be. When was the last time you read a whole book, to the last page exactly? February. Did you ever actually have a rubber duck? Pretty sure yes. Do you love your computer? MY laptop, yes. The one I currently have to use, ew. Is there an outdoor movie theater where you live? No. Have you ever seen your mom or dad drunk? Both. Mom claimed she wasn't, but I think she was. Do your parents vote? Mom does, idk about Dad. What’s your favorite thing to eat during a movie? Popcorn. Do you like cherry Pepsi? I like cherry Coke. Would you rather live without your Facebook or Tumblr? Facebook. What Lisa Frank character is your favorite? Ohhh, the angelic cat. If you inherited a large sum of money what is the first thing you’d buy? A train ticket. What did you do with your baby teeth when they fell out? Mom kept them. What is the last thing you took a photograph of? My snake. <3 Do you have a bookshelf? If so, just one or how many? It's technically a bookshelf I think, but we store our DVDs there. If you answered yes to the above, are your books ordered in a special way? The DVDs are in alphabetical order. If dinosaurs could be tamed, would you want one as a pet? If they were guaranteed to not attack their owners/be docile and I could care for it appropriately, sure, I'd keep a smaller raptor. What type of souvenir do you usually purchase when on vacation? It's not consistent. If you could choose only one thing from Walmart, what would it be? Hot fries or Takis, depending on my mood. Would you rather get highlights or dye your whole head? Dye everything.

#survey #quiz #questions

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infinitywartorn · 6 years

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International Incident Part 3

Part 2

Somewhere in the Himalayas, a snowstorm befalls a single man. Zane Yama has been making his way through the mountains in pursuit of a single item. The Ruby of Cyttorak thought to be lost long ago, now resurfaced. The Zane feels drawn to it. This nagging thought consumed him. Unable to do anything until he could satiate this feeling, he dropped everything to come here. He finds himself here trudging through the snow, almost in a trance. But for a moment he regains lucidity, he just wants to be done with this journey. He has traveled across the globe, miserable and alone. And like an answered prayer, a red light pierces the ground before him. He falls and finds himself inside what seems to be an old temple. The red light shines in his face like a sun. As his eyes adjust, he sees the ruby. At long last.

Zane: It’s real. I’m not crazy. It’s really here!

After brushing himself off, he runs up to the altar. But he finds himself stuck on some kind of webbing.

Pavitra: Took you long enough. Thought you were never going to show up. Billy, this is the last time I get a ride from you.

Scarlet Spider. Web Warrior. Actual name Pavitra Prabhakar, but don’t tell anyone that!

Billy: Hey, I sensed an imminent magical threat. That’s my whole shtick.

Billy Altman. Sorcerer Supreme. But you can call him Warlock.

Zane looks above him and a man crawls down the web. His uniform is mainly red and black. A black spider symbol emblazoned on his chest at an angle. His large expressive eyes narrow as he approaches. Another man with a flowing red cloak floats down holding a staff with a large green eye atop.

Pavitra: Hey bud, you are a long way from home. Let’s get you-

Zane: I NEED THE RUBY!

The man struggles in the webbing. It is almost the texture of sticky glass noodles. As he struggles it is almost the web expands and he becomes more encapsulated by it.

Pavitra: I wouldn’t do that if I were you. That’s expanding web, gets worse the more you move.

Billy: Zane you need to calm down, you are being drawn by an evil entity. You do not want this.

Zane: YES. I. DO!!!

Some red energy begins to emanate from the ruby and zaps Zane. He busts through the webs and manages to grab the ruby. Blinding red light fills the room, Warlock and Scarlet Spider avert their eyes. As soon as the light subsides, Zane has become twice the size he was before, covered head to toe in red armor.

Pavitra: This is not good.

Billy: Calling in the cavalry now. Backup please!

Pavitra: Zane! Can you hear me?

Zane: There is no Zane, only JUGGERNAUT!

The hulking man picks up the altar and tosses it toward Scarlet Spider and Warlock. Spider senses kick in and Scarlet Spider dodges out of the way. Warlock doesn’t move but the altar smashes against a force field.

Billy: I don’t want to hurt you Zane. You need to fight the influence.

Zane: I. AM. JUGGERNAUT!!!

The new Juggernaut is immediately attuned to his abilities. He dashes forward but both men are able to dodge out of the way. Despite his size, Juggernaut is surprisingly fast. Zane demolishes the temple around them in order to make the battlefield more favorable. He runs through column after column. Pavitra and Billy are dumbfounded as to what he is trying to do. Before Scarlet Spider and Warlock realize his plan, columns begin flying at them. Warlock is caught off guard as he dives out of the way. The temple continues to crumble. Billy is about to be crushed by a falling support beam, but a glowing fist smashes through it. A woman in the traditional mask of the Iron Fist, her cuirass bearing the mark of Shou Lou the Undying, is before him.

Pei the Thunderer. The Immortal Iron Fist. Has better things to do.

Pei: So you stop by, the valley of K’un-Lun just down the block, and you don’t bother telling me you are here? Disappointing Billy. Good thing I brought friends.

Torunn: HAVE AT THEE!

Torunn. Daughter of King Thor of Asgard. Actual Thunderer.

Hisako: What she said!

Hisako Ichiki. Armor. Leader of X-Men Red. Seasoned Juggernaut fighter.

Torunn is clad in golden armor and a red cape. She chucks her claymore at Juggernaut but it bounces off. Torunn is amazed, not used to material being able to hold up against an Uru sword. Meanwhile, Hisako forms her own glowing red armor and charges toward Juggernaut. Her yellow and black X-Men uniform still showing through the translucent energy form.

Hisako: You know, I fought a guy with this exact same gimmick when I was a teenager. What makes you think-

Juggernaut bashes Armor back with a piece of debris. Torunn managing to catch her before she goes flying out of the temple.

Torunn: He doesn’t seem like much of a talker.

Hisako: To think I might actually miss Marko.

Nearby, Pavitra has found a quiet corner. On his visual display, he is skimming through multiple files and several videos of heroes fighting the Juggernaut are playing simultaneously. Warlock flies up next to him.

Billy: Hey Spidey, are you going to help anytime soon here?

Pavitra: I am accessing Horizon Industries files on the Juggernaut. There has to be an optimum strategy for defeating him.

Billy: You work on that. Hey Pei, watch my back. I am going Astral.

Pei: Gotcha.

Juggernaut has his hands full between Armor and Torunn. Spidey manages to program his suit to look for weaknesses in the armor. During the fight, his suit extends mechanical spider arms out and fires little spider-sized drones onto Armor and Torunn. Thought the drones, he begins relaying instructions to the ladies fighting him.

Pavitra: Pei, I need your help!

Pei: But Billy-

Pavitra: I got him. For now, I need you to give him your best Shoryuken when you see an opening. Believe me, you’ll know.

Armor goes dashes at Juggernaut, which he responds with his own charge. But before he makes impact Spidey fires a couple of web blinders on him. Armor slides underneath and kicks him straight into the air. Torunn awaiting her target, takes a massive lightning powered swing at his legs sending him spinning clockwise toward Pei. In brilliant coordination, she leaps into the air with a pink glowing fist and smashes off Zane’s helmet.

Juggernaut: Arrrgghhh!

Astral Billy: Time to sleep.

In Astral form, Warlock is able to go into Zane’s head and shut him down.

Torunn: What a glorious victory!

Hisako: Okay goldilocks take it down a notch.

Pei: Now what?

Pavitra: Unfortunately, now that Zane has bonded with the Ruby there is little we can do for him.

Billy: The Scarlet Spider is right, I thought we could stop him before he got hold of the ruby. But Cyttorak is a powerful entity. It is very much unstoppable like the Juggernaut. If it wanted this man to get the ruby, then he was going to get it. Dammit!

Pavitra: At least we tried Billy. Sorry it didn’t work out.

Torunn: So what of our foe?

Billy: I put his mind in the astral plane. Should slow him down. Meanwhile, I will place his body in a pocket dimension until we decide what to do with him.

Warlock snaps his fingers and Zane’s unconscious body falls into a dark void.

Hisako: Speaking of, we are probably going to be late.

Torunn: I got this.

She brandishes her blade and slices through the air creating a spatial rift. She has everyone go through then herself. The group finds that everyone else has already clustered on one end of the large boardroom table.

Torunn: Now we can begin!

Author’s Note

Unfortunately, Zane Yama will start off as an adversary. I know he is a hero in the MC2 universe and he may get to that point, but Cyttorak is an inherently evil entity. So for now, Cyttorak will be his guiding light. Also, who better to take on 5 heavy hitters than Juggernaut? But even someone as powerful as the Juggernaut will not do too well against 5 seasoned heroes.

Speaking of which, first up is Pavitra. He is changed quite a bit from his comic counterpart. I think he can be fleshed out better and doesn’t have to be a glorified Parker clone. I will definitely be highlighting him as the story goes on. My main note is that he has a highly advanced spider-suit. So mechanical spider arms, liquid metal adaptive armor, spider drones, the works.

For Billy, I gave him Teddy’s last name, mainly because I want his parentage to be a surprise. His powers are a lot more reliable now that he is older and paired with some magical tutelage he is a force to be reckoned with.

The only note on Hisako is that the X-Men’s Red Team is like Scott’s extinction team. The heaviest hitters of the X-Men only brought to the field in extreme emergencies.

Torunn is the another Next Avengers character I will be using for this story. Nothing much to change, she’s great as is.

Finally, we have Pei! A character that I hope Marvel let’s grow up and be the Iron Fist proper. She is just such a great character with loads of potential.

#Marvel #Sorcerer Supreme #Scarlet Spider #Billy Caplan #Iron Fist #Hisako Ichiki #Fanfic #Earth 605

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chloeandgregoztravels · 7 years

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For Greg’s 25th birthday I decided it would be perfect if we could tick off another state in Australia and flew us to the often forgotten paradise of Tasmania. We flew out at 7am for Launceston (pronounced Lorn-ses-ton) unfortunately it was so foggy when we arrived that the plane had to circle for over an hour to wait for it to clear, they even announced that we might have to land in Hobart instead! Luckily the pilot managed to successfully land and recieved a full round of applause from the passengers.

We picked up our hire car and drove to our hostel in town, there appeared to be no one around so we grabbed some juicy burgers for lunch and headed over to Cataract Gorge just outside of town. It was a little cloudy and cold to start but it was still beautiful and after walking round we warmed up. For the first time ever, we spotted these little marsupials called Pademelons, they are a smaller fatter version of a wallaby. So cute!

Cataract Gorge

Pademelon

Suspension Bridge

In 1940 they built a suspension bridge which boasts an incredible view up the gorge thats dotted with little waterfalls. Just as the sun started to appear we decided to take a ride on the chairlift, it was quite relaxing and slowly moved us over the lake, still a little scary when it wobbles! We were still tired from our flight and made our way back to the hostel for a quick dinner and an early night.

Along with the holiday I booked 3 tours and our first one was to the Bay of Fires on the East coast. When our guide David picked us up he informed us that we would be the only ones on the tour! Nice, our own private day out! Dave was amazing, whilst we were driving he gave us thoroughly interesting talks about Tasmania and its history. I’ll sum up some of what he spoke about as I thought it was great, but if you’re not into history skip this paragraph!

As Tasmania was originally connected to mainland Australia, the Aborigines walked across to Tazzie and over the (thousands of) years they developed differently to mainland aboriginals. Firstly they never learnt how to build their own fires, so they relied on a lightning strike to start one which they would then use to create more and they would keep them burning constantly! They also never learnt how to build boats/canoes/rafts, so to go fishing they had to wade out into the cold Antarctic water and spearfish. Furthermore unlike their cousins, they never made boomerangs which meant hunting animals was a lot more difficult.

The weather in Tasmania is ever-changing and seasonal making the Aborigines nomadic, and following the seasons depending on where the food, weather or shelter was best throughout the year. When the first explorers came they thought the island was uninhabited as they arrived in the West where the weather is much more wet and aggressive. When explorers eventually made it to the East, hundreds of years later, they explored the Bay of Fires, people think it got its name from the orange fire-like lichen over the rocks but in fact they named it such as the 30km of coastline was lit up with smoke columns!

It was the arrival of the British that sadly resulted in the genocide of the Tasmanian Aborigines, this is an awful story that deserves to be properly told so I will leave that to your own research, but it was truly horrendous.

Tasmania was originally called Van Diemen’s Land after a Dutch governor (the first europeans to land in the East), and eventually ended up as a destination for convicts, some of which would be sent due to repeat offences on the mainland. After the convict era, the stigma with Van Dieman’s Land meant people didn’t want to emigrate there, so they renamed it Tasmania, after Abel Tasman the Dutch explorer.

Dave also told us about the industrial progression over the years and about how badly the forestry industry was affected through politics, taking it from the second highest industry in Tasmania to the lowest. Unexpectedly mining takes first place, followed by agriculture then tourism, which he also gave us an engaging talk about. What I found to be most surprising was that Tasmania is the biggest exporter of medicinal opium poppies in the world, due to it’s prime location and supplies more than 50% of the Worlds medicinal opium.

We learnt about more of the local animals, a surprising amount of the fauna is endemic to Tazzie. This includes the well known Tasmanian devils and another marsupial called the Eastern Quoll. There’s also a peculiar marsupial called an Antechinus (anti-ky-nus). It is as small as a mouse and only lives for one breeding cycle, as the male just keeps going until its heart gives out and after the female gives birth the young basically keep taking the milk until she is drained completely! Crazy.

Dave gave us this history lesson throughout the day, stopping every time we arrived at a destination, first up was a lavender farm. unfortunately its winter so the lavender isn’t a bright blooming purple so we definitely want to visit again to see it in it’s prime, but it was still a good stop. The farm is huge, the biggest, privately owned, organic lavender farm in Australia, Dave showed us the different types of lavender and even though they were dead you could still smell it strongly. The gift shop was full of these purple ‘Bobbi bears’, which is very popular in China and there’s even a TV show about him, but he’s just a wheat bag teddy bear to keep you warm and the lavender helps you sleep.

Lavender Fields

We made a stop for a short rainforest walk. The first tree he showed us was the Myrtle tree, he explained that they have survived for about 60 million years, I misheard him and thought the tree he was pointing at was that old… A serious face palm moment. The species managed to survive ice ages because even though they are huge trees the millions of leaves are only a few millimetres across and could never completely covered in snow so they were still able to photosynthesise where othertrees died out. He also pointed out that the Sassafras tree is lazy and relied on sapping nutrients from ferns for nutrients and even leaning on them for support. The rainforest walk was only 15 minutes or so but enjoyable nonetheless. As we walked through Dave asked us if we were aware that we were breathing in some of the cleanest air in the world, due to Tasmania’s latitude it is unaffected by the heavily polluted countries and as a state they are very environmentally aware.

Rainforest Walk

We stopped for lunch at Binalong Bay, a beautiful, long beach where Greg flew his drone for a while, taking some sweeping shots along the beach which I will do my best to edit soon. Just around the corner we witnessed the famous orange lichen topped rocks, you’d think the Bay of fires is named because of these fiery orange rocks, but for those of you who didn’t read the history paragrapgh, it’s name comes from when the European explorers first witnessed the 30 kilometre coastline it was all lit up with hundreds of columns of smoke, as I mentioned earlier the aborigines didn’t learn how to make fire so they had to keep them all burning. The water is crystal clear and in the sun the water is brilliant blue, we were so lucky that even in winter we were blessed with a sunny day.

Binalong Bay

Oyster Tasting

Feeling a bit nervous we pulled into Launch 65, an oyster farm, I knew I couldn’t turn down the opportunity of having the freshest oysters I will probably ever try. Dave talked us through the process of growing and farming the oysters and how they are some of the top rated produce because of how fresh the water is. When he asked us how many we wanted I thought to myself just one, he recommended half a dozen and smiling ear to ear he brought them over. I was ready to put on a brave face when he explained that these were so fresh we should chew them, I really didn’t think I’d enjoy them but I can honestly put my hand on my heart and say that they were unbelievably delicious! We even ordered more! Unreal.

Since we had the tour to ourselves, Dave asked if there was anywhere extra we wanted to visit, what an amazing coincidence! I found out that my Dad’s father lived near the Bay of Fires in St Helens and although I never knew him while he was alive he had a strong passion for sculpture and was very talented, so it was of course exciting for me to have a chance to see his work. A small museum in the visitors centre called ‘The History Room’

My Grandfather’s work

displays some of his work, it was a shame the staff were rather unhelpful and I later found out I only saw two of four pieces of his work but nonetheless his sculptures are in wonderful condition considering they were donated in 1996. One is a working replica model of some kind of stamping machine used in mining and the other a much larger scale model of a water wheel from an old tin mine in the area, because we were short on time we didn’t learn the significance they have but it was amazing that you could put 20c and they all still operate perfectly, it was a strange feeling to see this work my Grandad had made in action.

On the drive back to the hostel Dave recommended a fish and chip shop for our dinner, he even went the extra mile to order for us and let us pick it up before dropping us home! Note to people visiting Oz, if you order flake, it’s actually shark!

A huge thanks and recommendation to David Luttrell and his tours from Coach Tours Tasmania who is on Facebook for those who would like to book with him!

The following morning, we had heard of a snow warning and were daunted at the prospect of skipping out Cradle Mountain if the roads were closed so we checked out of our hostel and had a bimble around a few local art galleries and museums while we waited for any snow to clear.

The drive is only about two and half hours but we stopped at a few places along the way, if we ever came back I’d definitely want to spend longer doing a food tour. There are so many wonderful places where you can buy food or stop for free tasters. We stopped first at a raspberry farm, treating ourselves to pancakes, scones, hot chocolate and a smoothie, I should mention that virtually everything on their menu comes with raspberries, even savoury meals like poached eggs on toast came with raspberries! We sampled various tasters but my favourite were the dark chocolate coated raspberries. The cafe was full to burst and when we ate the food it was clear to see why people came, delicious. Next door was a creamery which we made the mistake of visiting as after a little taster it was too good to turn down a scoop.

Pancakes

Scones

We left very full and our next planned stop was a honey farm (to carry on our search for chocolate honey, which Gregs mum had bought him one year for Christmas), but on the way I saw a sign for a salmon farm, we didn’t want to miss a free taster of Tazzie salmon! We enjoyed our tasters and the friendly guy running the shop informed us that the honey shop was closed on Saturdays so we headed straight to Cradle Mountain stopping only to take in some of the breathtaking views and giving Greg’s drone another flight before entering the national park where they are banned by the Tasmanian government.

Along the road we saw our first glimpse of snow in a few years and soon the landscape was coated in a white sheet of it, I felt ready for Christmas. I think Australians simply can’t pass up this rare opportunity to build a snowman as there are dozens of them dotted along the roadside which made for good entertainment.

We arrived at the hotel as night fell bathed in the luxury, especially compared to our cold backpacker hostel the night before, after a long day we ordered room service and had an early night.

For photos please head to my Flickr page HERE!

Van Diemen’s Land For Greg's 25th birthday I decided it would be perfect if we could tick off another state in Australia and flew us to the often forgotten paradise of Tasmania.

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