#they'd kill and die for each other but never even met each other's parents

[meatbricks]

this one is related to something blu (i think) asked a few weeks ago that i forgot about until just now (and also because i get anxious about messaging or sending asks to people lol).

we know what will happen if the reader dies, but what about if bruteforce or the painter died? would the other dude act / grieve kinda the same or would it be worse? i NEED some fucking angst to think about man.

OUGH.. THIS REQUEST... i've actually thought about it a lot before but man... :') (also thank you so much for requesting!! ^^ i know this probably doesn't help any but you shouldn't be anxious about sending me stuff; i love to hear from my followers & people who read my blog in general, and it makes me really happy to know that someone likes my stuff so much to send in several requests/messages/literally anything LMAO)

ANYWAYS. onto the Large Sad™

warning(s): major character death, grief, self-harm via self-neglect, suicide, mentioned canon-typical violence, suggested necrophilia, codependency, unhealthy relationships, uhhhh. unironically the most depressing thing i've ever written for this fandom

hcs are under the cut!!

if either of the guys died, the other's grieving process would be. so much fucking worse

to put this into perspective (and idk if i mentioned this anywhere else, but still), these two have essentially been in each other's orbit (so to speak) since they were really young.. like. since painter was 7 and since bruteforce had literally just been born. sure they might not have ever interacted before that night at the bar but painter had been stalking bruteforce since he began existing on this mortal plane

...so naturally we'll start with how he'd react to bruteforce dying!!

upon initially finding out that his object of obsession since 7 years old and literal only friend ever is dead, i think he'd just. break

it would take a minute, especially if he wasn't in the room when it happened, but once the realization hits him he just loses his shit

all the work he put into the relationship they had, everything they'd been through up until that point, the things he'd planned for him (and both of them, really) in the future... just. gone. gone in an instant.

i don't think he'd really be able to speak coherently at all for a while, so many thoughts are racing through his mind.. why did this happen? how did this happen? could he have stopped this? he's mad. he should be mad, and someone needs to pay. god himself needs to pay. but he can't fight god. he's going to fight god, even if it's impossible. but he doesn't know how, and he'll never know how. there has to be something he can do about this. this can't have happened. this didn't happen. but it did. what is he going to do now? who's going to take care of him now? who's going to help him?

those last thoughts hit him like a bus. he realizes that without bruteforce he's essentially homeless again, with no accomplice to help him; right back to square one.

needless to say, it'll take him months, maybe even years to get back to his status-quo.. maybe he'd just stop doing what he's been doing altogether and just never leave the house

what he'd be doing? watching the tape from PIGS over and over again, just lying in bed, staring listlessly at the screen.

as a little bonus, though, if painter was in the room with bruteforce when he died, after trying and failing to get him to wake up he'd just.. sorta.. lay next to him for a while, as close as possible, even if just to pretend that everything is fine

and if painter died? well, plain and simple, bruteforce would just.. kill himself

his initial reaction would just be.. blank. with or without painter in the room, he would just.. stare. the only difference between scenarios is him carrying painter's corpse if he's there with him, or really just kind of. lifting him off the ground and holding him

he'd give him a proper burial, even though he'd like to keep him around for a little longer; it just wouldn't feel right to keep him there any longer

he'd bury painter with all his art supplies, and might debate on putting his paintings in the grave too before ultimately deciding to keep them around because it's what painter would have wanted

his general behavior after that still involves getting out of the house as much as possible, but eventually after coming home to an empty house enough times he'll decide he's had enough

he isn't ever going to be the same after this, he can't go back to just living normally after what he's done and he can't go back to killing people either because every time he'd see someone die the only thing he'd be able to think about is painter and how much he would've loved this if he were there. and he isn't.

he hasn't been sleeping, he hasn't been doing much of anything at all, he doesn't really want to go outside but he doesn't have much of a choice because he just can't stand being in this fucking house anymore but he can't leave, that would be too difficult, and whenever he does go out people notice that something's wrong and ask what it is but he can't tell them because that'd give him away as a serial killer

the only way he can see to leave is to die, and so he does.. he takes the gun he stole from the fords' place, goes out to where he buried painter, and shoots himself there; either lying on the grave or right next to it

no matter which one of them dies, the other one inevitably dies shortly after, whether it's passively or actively; and no one would find either of them on account of their house not even really legally existing

#this is the answer (ooc) #this is the answer #these are the headcanons #this is the writing #🖌 #🪓 #🖌🪓 #urbanspook #the painter urbanspook #urbanspook analog horror #actually almost cried while writing this wtf #i think i dont put enough emphasis on how completely intertwined these guys' lives are?? which i mean #its understandable because most of the stuff that gets requested here is x reader-related things #and i have no problem with that!! it's all really fun to write!! #but i'm really happy to get a chance to put their codependency on display here because. man.. #they literally can't live without each other but they DON'T EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER'S NAMES..... #they'd kill and die for each other but never even met each other's parents #everything one does revolves around the other but they hesitate to even call each other friends.......... they dont know what they are #but they're definitely something #man i can't wait to write more about them as. a couple? i guess? #and im really hoping more people request stuff with them together #because for as much as i see the fandom ship them i dont think i've ever gotten any requests specifically for them being shipped #also i think this might be the first mature post on my blog that isn't saucy LMAO

[melonminnie]

I was enchanted to meet you

Agriche household x Cupid! Reader (prologue? Idk idk)

Warning!: Reader enjoys watching people die, Causes it too, Mentions of death (not explicit)

Symptoms <3: Being granted the title of Cupid due to your ability to make people fall in love, You decided to grant the one household who would go into chaos

Authors note: I was rlly bored so take this piece of trash Ty 🫶🫶 I’ll try coming up with better shit next time☹️

Everyone knew the name when they heard it, It wasn’t foreign nor unknown, The name belonged to one of the most beloved people in the entire empire.

Anyone who was lucky enough, Would be able to get you to grant them one wish, And that one wish, Always had to be love related.

it didn’t matter what kind, As you had never cared as long as it didn’t go over your rules you were fine with it, Being called Cupid knowing you weren’t one.

Infact, If someone just touched your buttons right, You can ruin everyone and everything they’ve loved, Wither it was criticizing how you granting wishes related to such a stupid concept, Or talking about you behind your back, You had eyes and ears everywhere.

You were deemed an angel, Why wouldn’t they tell you some lowly noble was talking shit about you!, Overtime people started to lose interest in you, Which hurt and was quite dissatisfying, Knowing lowly people could throw you away like trash?.

You easily made everyone who you’ve granted a wish too hate each other so much, They’d want to kill each other, And so it went on with each empire that lost interest, They'd no longer exist.

People started calling you a demon, But who cares?, As long as people still know your name your more than happy to let children see their parents kill each other finding their corpses in the morning.

To you it was what they deserved, They had deceived you thrown you away, When all you granted them was love and peace, No one should know about love, No one should learn of it as long as you exist.

Till you heard of the family name that everyone either despised or feared, Deemed they were the most terrifying by what people had heard, You just had to witness this oh so terrifying family.

Then by mere coincidence, You’d met one of their children, Charlotte the girl said that was her name, Honestly you didn’t ask but you could careless.

That was for a few seconds, Till she started screaming about how she was going to make you her toy, Rambling on and on about how her sister would steal the pretty ones.

How she was going to keep you as her toy and her toy only!,That her sister couldn’t even steal you from her even if she wanted too, But compared to you she was tiny, And you were taller then the girl by a lot.

So unless she somehow knew how to capture you, You took her words as mere jokes and walked away leaving the red haired girl mad and causing a tantrum.

You were here for one thing, That was to see the head of the family, As people have told you, You couldn’t possibly ruin someone who hasn’t felt love in his entire life, So how about ruining his life by giving him love?.

If you were known as an angel, You might as well change it to become the devil himself, You wanted to destroy everything and anyone that’s ever felt happiness.

Even if they’ve never felt it, It was your mission to make this place hell on earth.Starting with the agriche family, The family of hell, The people who’d kill anyone and everything if it meant they’d get what they want.

Why not tag along just for once, Just to see how they’d react, Hopefully it will work out the way you want it, Everything works out the way you wanted to.

#roxana agriche #roxana x reader #dion agriche #dion agriche x reader #jeremy agriche x reader #jeremy agriche #charlotte agriche #lante agriche #twtptflob #roxana #manhwa x reader #historic Manhwa x reader #historical manhwa #Manhwa #-Azuwritess

[rocicrew]

Hiya! From prompt list. Roci family dynamics. “I am home.”

this took a bit of a different turn than what i originally intended to write but i'm personally quite satisfied with that, and i hope you enjoy too anon ! Angst/fluff Prompt List, accepting

When he picks the crew of the Scopuli, Holden doesn't know that they have one thing in common.

Alex is a great pilot, Naomi and Amos could keep a rust bucket afloat with only a couple of tools, and Shed's their medic. It's simple as that. And if they do run into trouble, the distress call seems like, Amos is someone you want on your side. It's logical, not personal. Common values play no role and, at first, it doesn't seem like they have any. Not in the way they can't decide on a joined course of action.

But, they've all been running from home.

He didn’t know and didn't care about their past. Everyone on the Cant was running from something. It only mattered who they were now.

On a particularly hard night, he wonders if Shed was too. If he'd be one of them, close as they are now.

A part of him struggles at accepting this is true for himself. He grew up with open fields and trees and eight parents all over him. What right does he have to be running from home? For home, a paradise to others, to be something he runs from?

But is sure of one thing. He wouldn’t trade their little ship for anything in the system.

Every time he hears Naomi's laugh and gets lost in her lips. Every meal Alex prepared in the galley. Amos clapping him on his back as they pass each other in the hallways. Bobbie wordlessly points out things he's missed in a tactical report. Clarissa fixing the coffee machine before he has time to notice and leaving a cup brewing for him, saying her apology even years after.

Every time he sits next to them, laughs with them, breathes the same air, touches, hugs, lives with them. He knows that's truly what home is and everything else fades away.

──────────────────

Naomi grows up without a home.

Her mother has a contract that doesn't allow children on board and she's never met her father. She's been raised in stations and ships, by tios and tias, by the Belt. Always moving, never looking back. The promise of a home being all too distant and yet always burning in her. Sixteen years old and thinking she finally found it, only to fall into a trap that she had to kill a part of herself to escape.

Those scars fade over the years but they never leave completely.

Long hauls become a solace but they're never home. She doesn't get attached to people or to places and she likes it that way. It's safer that way. Then, she understands a thing or two better about the way she was raised.

Wanting more is dangerous and she can't let that happen again. She fears the cost will be too much the second time around. But before she realizes it, she loses another home.

If you ask her, she wouldn't describe the Cant as her home, but after watching the first ship she allowed herself to stay longer than two hauls become unidentifiable debris, the loss feels entirely too familiar.

She also doesn't realize that it gives her another home. Her true home.

Naomi still can't trust it, no matter how right it feels. (Holden pulling her into an embrace when she's upset. Alex making her a cup of tea when she's too focused on a specific problem. Amos wordlessly working by her side to keep their home in one place.)

She nearly loses it. With her decision, their behavior, Clarissa's revenge, a missile sending them right into the Ring. She nearly loses it, because this time it has to be a home and not a cage. Because she was raised by the Belt and has blood in it, and that has to mean she has a place there too.

She tries everything to make sure this time, she has no regrets. And the only place she has in thirteen thousand systems is a stolen Martian warship.

The regrets catch up to her anyway.

Because she'd die for them and they'd die for her. Did die for her.

When she and Bobbie share a bottle of brandy, of her making, in the galley trading stories about Alex, and Claire helps her make a pot of red kibble, balancing the spices and saltiness between their tastes, she knows she is home.

One that changed, but is able to hold her changed version as well.

──────────────────

Amos isn't looking for a home.

Amos isn't sure he knows what a home actually is. At least, in the full sense of the word, when people talked about it fondly. Home to him is the bunk he sleeps in. Doesn't matter the job, or the ship. Occasionally home is a well-run brothel in the station he has his shore leave.

If he has to guess, that last one is closer to what people talk about when they think of home. If anything, it is familiar.

He never goes looking for one. His focus had always been survival first and foremost.

But first came Naomi, and after the destruction of the Canterbury, Alex, and Holden. Three people that as time passes, he knows he'd do anything to protect. They aren't like him, but they care for him anyway. He doesn't always understand it but he doesn't argue.

Their journey isn't one without ups and downs. It's more like keeping a ship afloat. Parts come and go. People walk into their lives and leave. Some hold more importance like Prax, and others that are just passing, like Monica and Cohen. Things break apart and are glued back together. His relationship with Naomi rings close to that.

Alex always calls the Roci home, but he doesn't always believe it. The word family is a big word. He's not familiar with that either, it's easier to reject it all.

But as time passes again, he understands more and more how Alex is right. He's not a person that wants things. But little things pile up. The sound of Alex's music always brings a tingling feeling to him. Naomi's absence pulls at the cave in his chest. The faith and trust Cap has in him are unfamiliar. Bobbie always pulls him back at himself either by sparring or a word. Caring for Clarissa unlocks something in him. A realization of what home is and what he has already. Of what he wants her to have.

He's still not entirely sure about home, but one thing he's certain of is that he'd die to protect each and every one of them.

──────────────────

Alex has a home.

Mars and his family and an honorably discharged career in the Navy. He's a model citizen. Did everything right for the good of Mars and what was expected of him.

None of it had been enough when everything pointed that it should be. He lives the greater part of his life as someone that wasn't entirely himself.

He'd flown ships since he was barely an adult, but in those twenty years it hadn't been the kind of flying he had always dreamt of. When his honorable discharge comes, his dreams of flying in battle, crash. And Mars' domes feel more suffocating than the ships he's worked on.

He doesn't fly but he flees to outer space with the excuse of finding a home job.

The first time he flies the Roci, everything he'd thought of as home pales in comparison. He'd be beyond happy just sitting in that chair for the rest of his life.

But that's not all there is. He finds his people too, and it's not Mars or a traditional family unit. It's placing stupid bets with Amos. Having Holden check up on him every time he stays a little too long at the cockpit. Cooking for all of them, his way to take care of them. Keeping contact with Bobbie because Mars might not have been for him but it still means something.

It's risking it all for Naomi. Because whatever she's been through, is certainly hell and he won't let her die all alone in a death trap.

It comes with a cost.

But he spent the greater part of his life not living. Dying for the people that gave him a life he actually loved... It's worth that last flight.

──────────────────

Bobbie has Mars and the MMC.

It feels right. The kind of right you're supposed to do for your life. She's fighting for her planet. She has her team.

They end up being expendable and she's the only one that survives.

It flips her life upside down and she gets a view of the other side. Avasarala gives her a perspective she hadn't been able to see but she still doesn't give up on Mars. She gives everything to Mars.

Her team, her work, her morals, herself.

But as much as she's trying to hold onto it, Mars is dying. And the whole system goes to war. Grief put on a pause to do her job. The only job she's ever done. To be a soldier.

Turns out it involves a lot more politics than she likes, but it also sends her right into a former Martian ship.

It's not the first time they ship together, but this time, something is different. Everyone's grieving for one, but- that's not it. It feels permanent, when before it felt drifting. Mars is dying. She never had a place on Earth, anyway. (Even if she cares for people- a person, there.)

The ship is an option. Something martian, turned anew. After everything that happened, it might be home.

Despite the arguing, she comes to realize they already treat her like crew. Holden doesn't question her authority when she first comes on board, just listens to her tactical plan. Naomi isn't particularly warm, but she sits to explain every modification they'd done to the ship over the years when she takes over as pilot. Clarissa stays mostly in the shadows, but every time she stops Bobbie from trying to steal food while she's cooking, the playful bickering warms her. (As an apology, she sets the table.) And she's pretty sure Amos might've saved her life. He has her back that's for sure.

Alex... Alex's absence takes a while to get used to but she thinks he'd be happy she's here.

The drifting feeling fades. If she has a place in the system, it's right here.

──────────────────

Clarissa feels like an outlier.

She had a house with riches most people could only dream of, but she didn't have a home. Not truly. Not with a functional family.

She ruined her life to prove the opposite. When love is absent from home, a child will try anything to gain it.

She's not proud of who she was or what she'd done, but she gets another chance anyway. She doesn't go looking for it, it's given and that might be the hardest part to accept.

But the thing is, she tried to destroy this family and their home. What right does she have to be a part of it?

The others don't question it as much as she does. Well, Naomi does, but she understands that. For the first month, every time they happened to cross paths, she sees the metallic hand she had on Naomi's throat.

So she puts her head down and does her job. Nothing will be out of place on the ship, nothing creaking or squeaking. It's the least she could do.

Somehow, they warm up to her little by little. Amos is obvious. He's the one that gave her the chance in the first. She'd chosen to reach out to him and some days it feels that's all it took. Holden does too rather quickly if you take into account that she tried to destroy and kill him. Still, he nearly falls trying to steady her whenever she stumbles. Even if she could never get hurt to the degree she tried to hurt him. Bobbie is easier. They don't have the same past, and a large part of it comes from being able to repair her Goliath suit after the Ring battle.

Naomi is last, but it's still more than she ever expected. She's apologized already, even if she knows that's not enough. It's early in the morning, still, when Naomi leans close to her to tell her it's nice she's not the only woman on board after Holden and Amos do something juvenile. It's on the border of a joke and telling the truth. She doesn't look into it any further.

It's more than her father would ever do for her. These people have been kind to her, kinder maybe than she deserves.

She'll cherish the fact they let her into their home until her last breath.

──────────────────

"I'm home," Holden calls from the intercom as he enters the Roci with a duffel bag. 

It takes three seconds for Naomi's voice to cut through and give him the reply, "In the galley."

He should expect that they'd all be gathered in the same place with Naomi's reply, but seeing them all together in one place and chatting over their assortment of teas and coffee warms him up. 

Now, he's home and so are they. 

"Hey, Mr. President," Bobbie teases the moment she notices him stepping into the room. 

"Ex-President," Clarissa corrects and he smiles at her while he heads straight for the coffee machine.

How they have the energy to tease him after the multiple rounds of alcohol they had after his press conference the other night is beyond him. "Why am I the only one still nursing a hungover?"

He probably shouldn't have asked that because it's Amos that replies. "Because you're a lightweight."

Before he has time to flip him off, Naomi takes an interest in the bag.

"What's all that?" she asks. 

Oh. Right the bag. Regretfully he leaves his coffee on the counter, to rummage through it and pull out two uniforms. 

"It's for you," he says to Bobbie and Clarissa as he hands over the fabrics.

"You're telling Avasarala paid for these with that stunt you pulled the other day?" Bobbie asks with narrow eyes.

"I'd already ordered them, beforehand. And, they came from our cut, actually." He'd run it by Naomi and Amos, sometime between negotiations. As a way to make the officially crew. Amos was confused given how he was supposed to become President of the Transport Union but agreed, and Naomi who knew, thought it was a great idea.

After giving them some time to let it sink in, Holden sits next to Naomi and takes out the other object from the bag. A bottle of Ganymede gin. 

On any other occasion, they'd probably crack a joke about his hangover but Naomi and Amos know the true reason behind the bottle.

"I thought maybe we could all cook together some dinner," he begins explaining, "and have a toast to celebrate you joining us and..." but his voice falls short.

"Remember family that isn't here," Naomi continues off of his words and he squeezes her hand in return. Both as a thank you and for the price that has on her.

"Sure thing, Cap," Amos says loudly, clapping him on his back and taking some of the weight of the room.

He groans in return, placing his head on the table. "No Captain either," he huffs out, "I'm putting you all in change and not touching my hand terminal for the next three to five business days."

The room erupts into laughter and various forms of teasing in his way. As long as he hears them laughing, he'll take the gentle mocking.

──────────────────

Later during the night cycle, they all still gather in the galley with the bottle. Trading stories, and emotions and being more open and intimate than they did in the months before. Outside the meals, another tradition is born.

It's not easy to grieve or heal. To find a way to move forward. But families change and sometimes they give their way to new wonderful things. It'll be alright, as long as they have each other.

Because they are home.

#the expanse #mine : fics. #roci crew #if you'll excuse me i'll go cry for the rest of the night #james holden #naomi nagata #amos burton #alex kamal #bobbie draper #clarissa mao

[saiibeo]

[ tom collins ][ long island iced tea ] / @skepticxsm cocktail quiz status: accepting ! !

which living person would they most want to meet?

so if we're talking their BNHA verse since this is definitely heavily dependent on which we're talking about, it's not a celebrity or a famous hero. corvus would want to meet their twin brother crane. considering their entire timeline quirk and the fact they're not even supposed to be in the canon timeline (especially since their canon timeline counterpart is actually dead and them randomly being seen alive does later cause them more than a few problems) they would be more than happy to meet that version of crane who is actually still breathing. they miss their twin brother more than they could even express to anyone. the connection they had with him was incredibly important to them because growing up they only had each other.

crane is still very much alive in the canon timeline. being stuck there, they often wonder if they'd be able to reveal themself to him without causing him any stress or causing trouble in general and that would be hard considering he himself is a pro-hero. so far though, all they can do is watch out for him from afar and hope someday they'll be able to reunite with their brother. even if it's not the crane they knew, it's still a version of him and therefore still their brother.

if they had the chance to redo their life, what would they do differently the second time around?

going with their main verse here too, but in corvus' main story they have a villain of their own that ends up taking the life of their best friend ash, their twin brother crane, and their close friend/sidekick aito. he's the very reason why aito is stuck in their body and the reason why their entire life was turned upside down. i haven't had a chance to write a lot of that up in more detail, but i'd say the biggest thing they would change if they could redo it all is running into fault(the villain) in the first place and making any attempt to go against him rather than leaving it to everyone else.

that sounds absolutely selfish, but they lost everything because of him. they lost their brother, their best friends, and a close friend they had feelings for (aito who even though is still with them it's definitely not in the way they wanted) because they were in the wrong place at the wrong time. something fault even states when corvus asks him why he's doing it and what they had ever done to him. they didn't do anything, rather, they just got 'unlucky' in his words. they simply chose to try and stop him and that alone had made them and everyone they love a target. they ended up somewhere completely different due to chasing him down because that specific quirk of theirs is harmful to their body too so if they made any attempt to return it would kill them. they ended up losing everything and never being able to return home. even if they had the choice there was nothing more than abusive parents to return to.

that would've been the only thing they would arguably change, but to be honest considering the friends they've made in the canon timeline if someone asked them if they would go back given the chance to change it, corvus wouldn't be able to answer that question directly nor with confidence. they don't regret anything other than playing some part in their deaths and corvus tends to be the type of person to say 'what happened led me here to this point' when thinking about the new friends they've come to care for.

it's a very touchy thing for them because on one hand, they had loved ones die and they should want to change that, but on the other they've met new ones and losing them would hurt just as much.

#// ty ty!! this actually gave me a chance to spew about their backstory a little bit #☠⟼❛ꜱʏꜱᴛᴇᴍ ꜰᴀɪʟᴜʀᴇ. ᴘʟᴇᴀꜱᴇ ʀᴇʙᴏᴏᴛ.❜ / asks #☠⟼ꜰɪʟᴇ: ❛ᴘᴀɪɴᴛ ᴍᴇ ᴀꜱ ᴛʜᴇ ʙᴀᴅ ɢᴜʏ❜ / main #☠⟼❛ɪ'ᴍ ɴᴏᴛ ᴛʜᴇ ᴏɴʟʏ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴ ɪɴ ᴍʏ ꜱᴏᴜʟ.❜ / headcanons #skepticxsm

[kaelasloane]

Is that MADISON BAILEY? No, that’s just KAELA SLOANE. They were born on 10/10/2004 and are a DRAGON living in Northknot Town. They work as an EMPLOYEE AT EASY AS ABC. Some say they're RESOURCEFUL and SPUNKY, but I’ve heard others say they're INDECISIVE and SELF-DESTRUCTIVE. When you think of HER, don’t you think of MESSY BUNS, OVERSIZED HOODIES & CROOKED GLASSES?

Name: Kaela Ellory Sloane Nickname(s): Kae Birthday: October 10th, 2004 Age: 19 Zodiac Sign: Libra Sun Gender: Cis-Female Pronouns: She/Her Species: Dragon Orientation: Pansexual Occupation: Employee at Easy as ABC Faceclaim: Madison Bailey

HEADCANONS

She has three cats; a tabby, a tuxedo and a black cat named Draco, Saphira & Rhaegal

She moved to Northknot alone on her 18th birthday

She's always loved reading books. She never got to travel much growing up so she'd travel in her readings

She writes fan-fiction for fun and actually has quite a following on her stories.

She works at a bookstore but wants to go to school to become a therapist

APPEARANCE

She wears glasses although she doesn't need them. She rarely wears dresses unless it's for an event. You'll usually find her in sneakers, jeans and a crop top. She wears her hair down in curls or in a messy bun. When it's cold, you'll find her in hoodies rather than a coat. She can be shy but really opens up once she feels comfortable.

AESTHETIC

Crooked glasses - Messy buns - Oversized hoodies - Bracelets up and down arms - Big jeans - Little shirts

CONNECTIONS

Older Brother They grew up together but didn't really get the chance to bond when they were younger as they were eight years apart. Though they didn't really get the chance to know each other, they lived very similar lives and have similar stories about their childhood.

Best Friend They met when Kaela was seven and were inseparable until they moved out of the neighborhood when Kaela was starting high school. They are a shapeshifter. Their family moved to Northknot where eventually they met Kaela for the second time and now the two are inseparable again.

BIOGRAPHY

TW: Suicidal Ideation, Drinking & Drug Use

Kaela was born to a small family of three in Atlanta, Georgia. To most, they appeared like a normal human family except for the fact that they had to keep little Kaela hidden from the world until she could shift into her human form. There were some close friends that knew they were dragons but beyond them, they pretended to be human. It was hard for the young girl to hide her identity. She had trouble making friends so she usually kept her head in books. Those were her friends until she met a young shapeshifter who moved into her neighborhood when she was seven.

"Keep the ones that heard you when you never said a word."

The two were bonded at the hip. They'd do everything together. The two were inseparable. You couldn't find one without the other. The two went on like that for years until her neighbor's family said they were moving. It broke Kaela's heart to lose her best and only friend. She was just starting high school, her brother had moved out and was scared to navigate the halls alone. She started acting out, hanging out with the wrong crowd and even dyed her hair a fiery pink. She started using drugs and drinking; all so she could feel like she wasn't alone.

“That which does not kill us makes us stronger.”

When her parents found out about the drinking and the drug use, they sent Kaela to a mental hospital where she got down to the root of her problems. She felt like she didn't matter nor that she deserved love. Her parents worked all the time and were never home. Her brother moved to a new city and she had no friends. Sometimes she wanted to die. She felt so utterly alone that it felt like she didn't belong. It wasn't until she met another girl who went to her high school at the mental hospital and the two bonded over their loneliness. They became good friends and stayed friends when they were discharged.

"I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light."

Kaela went back to school with a friend and it felt good to have someone in her corner. She graduated high school with honors and picked up a habit of smoking weed. When she turned eighteen, she knew it was time that she left home. She transformed into her dragon form and flew to a town she heard of had people just like her. She flew to Northknot. She got herself an apartment near the college that she hasn't decided whether she wants to attend and got a job at a bookstore nearby. Kaela's only been in town for a few months but she's made a couple of friends. She hadn't met any other dragons but it felt good that she didn't have to hide who she was anymore.

#nktintro #tw: drugs #tw: alcohol #tw: sucidal ideation

[luxmaeastra]

Rizz was 24 and he'd probably seen more violence than these posh fae had in their many lifetimes.

He had grown up in Midgard a loving middle class family. But he'd hid his identify for as long as he could remember. He'd been an outsider even if he'd worn their face.

Then he'd gone on a feild trip info the Wetlands, where he'd met Nott. She'd introduced him to their people, into the world his parents had tried to leave behind.

They'd chosen to assimilate instead of revel in the gift their God had given them. Changelings could change their form almost as easily as the Asteri. They rejected the idea that the Asteri had made them.

The more he'd learned of their existence, the injustices he'd seen and read of. The rage in him had sparked and he'd undergone the Ordeal to Make his Bones.

He remembered that first kill, how he'd had to push his knife more into the Magisterium Fae than he'd anticipated. He remembered how hot the blood had felt under his hand as it had spilled. The way his small knife had hacked at the neck to server the Fae male's head.

His parents had turned their back on their Family - he wouldn't like be them. This world would never respect people like them so why try? Why be anything but what they were?

Cutthroat monsters.

Rizz wiped his blade on the pant leg of the corpse. He looked to Raelyn, his body lithe and always poised to spring into motion.

The tattoo around his wrist shining black. Made from the crushed sands of the volcanic rock deep in the mountains. A cuff, he was bound to his mate, to his family and clan. He would die and break to protect them. He swallowed the sneer remembering how his parents had broken their cuffs to run.

He wondered if they'd die or if they'd repent and beg to come back. They always did say they'd do whatever they could to protect him.

"A war? How is this so called war different from the one you all are always in?"

He had reveled in this violence since he was 14. What was different from this war than any other he'd participated in and wrought?

/Rizz wanrs to say he grew up on Rigelus's world but also that he met Raelyn when they were around the same age? Unless Changelings were oppressived in Lemuria even before Rigelus? Oh he says yes!//

Blood had been their first introduction to each other, the fallen body of a male who had clearly deserved every blade and cut that had desecrated his body. It had been the crack in the shell of her own sheltered life that had pushed her forwards, which had made her study and learn.

Rizz had always been brutally honest from the moment they had met, she never blamed him for the ire he had intentionally thrown her way. Gradually they fell into an unease truce, which evolved into a bond she would call friendship.

After all, he knew the truth. It had been with him that she had broken through the shell of the mask that her parents had made her believe, as the false face of fae had broken into the darker depths of Asteri. Blood had been their introduction, it continued to be at the base of their friendships.

Raelyn's head tilted slightly as she regarded the blood that now stained the ground, the scent thick in the air as she felt a shiver course through her. Her fingers toyed with a small trinket that had been given by her own Fated, a grounding reminder to her when she found herself slipping. Violet eyes snapped toward Rizz when he spoke to her.

Yes, a war. "This one will be different because we will fight for the injustices of your people, we will fight and free them from oppression. It will be the war for your people, not one forced upon them by another race to act as soldiers on their behalf."

#Muse | Raelyn

[hugheshugs]

for blurb night, 41 and 62 with jack hughes? thanks💞

hihi !! these prompts make me weak for protective!jack. im also in a brother!jack mood so this includes that bc it warms my heart. this one went a bit over 1k, my bad. i hope you like this one <3

contains: olderbrother!jack (and quinn and idk you can choose lukes age it doesnt rlly matter)

warnings: brief mentions of anxiety, physical assault (grabbing), creepy dude being weird and touching readers arm.

y/n/n = your nickname

"he shouldn't have touched you like that."

"can you take a deep breath for me, hm?"

your brothers were always really protective over you. especially quinn and jack. luke was a bit cautious, already having been a victim of his brothers' tyranny. he didn't want to make it even worse for you.

but they were all against you going to this party. it was the first one you'd ever been invited to so you really wanted to go. it didn't help that your parents were out of town and they were in charge of you but you were old enough now, old enough to make your own decisions. of course in their eyes you were still a baby.

you didn't listen to them. you knew they were smart, you didn't know how you managed to sneak out without getting caught but you did, and now you were here — and you hated it.

there had never been a moment in your life where you wanted to leave more than you did right now. it was crowded and sweaty, bodies were crashing into each other as they drunkenly stumbled across the room, music was pounding in your ears.. you hated it all.

by now you would have expected your brothers to have caught on but you hadn't received a single call nor text. you debated whether or not you should risk outing yourself by asking one of them to pick you up.

they were smarter than you gave them credit for, though. they knew you were going to sneak out and obviously they'd followed you to the party. they were waiting in the car, having some sort of a stakeout as they waited for you to leave the party house before confronting you.

"it's been like two hours, man! i gotta piss," luke complained from the back seat.

jack turned towards him while quinn rolled his eyes. "we're waiting here as long as we have to."

luke groaned as quinn sighed, rubbing his temples. "i'm worried about her. you think we should go in there?"

"yes," luke replied immediately, receiving a glare from the other two.

"i think one of us should go. it might be a bit overwhelming if we all go in there at once," jack spoke.

"fine, you go."

jack's eyes widened. "wha— why me?"

"you suggested it," quinn shrugged, unlocking the doors for him. "go on."

"if i die today, i'm gonna fucking kill you."

quinn snorted at his words. "yeah, okay. we'll see about that."

"fucking hate parties. i fucking hate y/n, today's her last day on earth, i swear to.." jack mumbled incoherently as he stepped out of the car and slammed the door shut.

back inside, you were panicking. some dude was chatting you up and you hated it. his words went in one ear and out the other. you couldn't care less about anything he had to say, the only thing on your mind being an escape plan.

while caught up in your thoughts you felt his hand brush against yours. your breath got caught in your throat and your gaze met his.

you hadn't realized at which point of the conversation his eyes got dark.

"what are you thinking about, pretty girl?"

you swallowed the forming lump in your throat, taking note of the tattoos running up his neck and the rings on his fingers. it all happened in an instant. you didn't reply and you could see the smoke fuming out of his ears.

he grabbed your arm and you couldn't stop him as he dragged you somewhere unknown. his grip on you was tight and it hurt, bringing tears to your eyes.

"let go of me!" you shouted. your voice was drowned by the deafening beat blaring through the speakers. no one could hear you and everyone was in their own world to notice.

you should have listened to your brothers, you knew you should have called them earlier but you didn't and now you were in trouble. as he made his way towards the staircase another hand connected with your arm, roughly removing the boy's grip on you.

"where the fuck are you taking my sister?"

your eyes widened. oh my god, you thought to yourself as your eyes found jack.

your heart pounded rapidly against your chest as you wrapped your arms around him, shoving your face into his chest.

"none of your fucking business."

"listen, pal. if she wasn't here right now i'd knock the shit out of you. watch your fucking back," jack spat, holding you close to him.

you could sense a stare down going on but you were too scared to care even the slightest bit. you felt your chest closing up, almost like you couldn't breathe. you just needed to get out.

"hey, you okay?" jack asked just loud enough for you to hear.

he felt you shake your head and went into full big brother mode, trying to find a quiet place to calm you down. he knew if he took you back to the car you'd freak out even more. deciding to take a chance, he kept you tight to his side while making his way towards the first room he saw.

he opened the door and shouted at the sight, making sure to keep your head hidden from the makeout session he'd witnessed. after a bit of back and forth he'd surprisingly got the couple to unwillingly leave the room.

"hey, hey," he got your attention, cupping your face in his hands. "can you take a deep breath for me, hm?"

you listened, shakily breathing through your nose with him as he showed you what to do.

"yeah, just like that. keep going, y/n/n, you're doing great.

you both sat down on the bed and you grabbed his hand while breathing together. you followed him and after a couple moments all that was left were the silent tears falling from your eyes.

"you alri—"

"i'm sorry," you cut him off. "this wouldn't have happened if i listened to you guys, i don't know what i was thinking."

"no," he shook his head immediately. "he shouldn't have touched you like that."

"but—"

"shut up," he pulled you into another hug, soothingly rubbing your arm. "i'm gonna kill him."

"i don't doubt it.. thanks jack, you're the best."

"i know."

#jack hughes #jack hughes blurb #jack hughes x reader #jack hughes imagines #jack hughes imagine #nj devils blurb #nj devils imagine #nhl blurb #nhl imagine #hockey boy blurb #hockey boy imagine #hockey blurbs #hockey imagine #riri's blurbs #protective!jack #brother!jack #hughes brothers being brothers

[northoftheroad]

Ultimate What if Ask ahoy;

In your opinion, what if Dick had never been taken in by Bruce Wayne at all after the ‘accident’ at the circus? What would be the consequences for both Dick and Bruce had they never met each other?

Oh, Bruce would die early! Either because Robin wouldn't be there to watch Batman's back at one fateful moment or because he didn't have a reason to stay alive.

And Dick... Well, everybody and their aunt know that I'm not a fan of the Chuck Dixon version from the Robin annual, where Dick was placed in some horrible youth centre. I prefer stories like Batman Year Three, where he spent time at a pretty nice orphanage, or where he's placed with Bruce Wayne straight away because the man has the safest home in Gotham. But in this case, Bruce wouldn't be involved, so Dick would stay longer at an orphanage.

Of course, it could very well end in Dick being killed too - if Zucco & gang wanted to get rid of him as a witness. Or if he got careless, looking for his parents' murderer. (Dick has not done that in every origin story, for instance in BYT. Granted, in several versions, Bruce promised he could help early on so he didn't have to feel he had to go out on his own.)

But if Zucco felt safe enough, especially if Batman didn't go after him, Dick would either stay at the orphanage or be placed with another foster family. Unless he was permitted to stay with the circus; there could be people there who were willing to adopt him, after all.

Then there's the Court of Owls and dear old great grandpa, of course; if your imaginary Dick lives in a world where they exist. The Court in New 52 didn't intend to take him until he was about 15; an eight to ten year old is likely to small and weak for their intentions. The Talon Calvin Rose was approached at the age 13. I guess they'd prefer to wait, even in this scenario. Anyway, I guess a lot of the would-be talons are killed in the process...

Dick being killed before he's an adult is, all things considered, the most likely scenario. But it's nice to imagine a scenario where he survives and can find some constructive outlet for his grief, and without getting grabbed by the Court. Without a vigilante occupation to take most of his focus. "Regular" Dick takes whatever job is convenient because being a vigilante is his priority; non-vigilante Dick would hopefully focus on some occupation where he could help people.

There are very few DC stories that explore what would happen to Dick if he didn't end up with Bruce. I can only think of the BTAS tie-in comic Batman: Gotham Adventures # 33, where Bruce is showed a world where his parents lived, and he never became Batman. There, Dick stayed with the circus and he didn't do well. Both Dick and Tim (the Tim-Jason amalgamation) become crooks in this world.

There was also a what if-story in the Silver age, where Bruce thought Superman had killed his father; when Dick protested, he erased Dick's memory and shipped him to an orphanage. (World's Finest Comics # 153)

#dick grayson #bruce wayne #batman #robin #nightwing #what if

[arson-the-ace]

Okay but Dark Marauders Au

Sirius was never kicked out nor disowned. His parents didn't want to lose such a powerful wizard, so they thought of another method to get him to stop rebelling. They used the Imperius Curse to get him to take the Dark Mark.

The next school year starts, the Marauders sit in the same compartment together and they notice Sirius acting closed off. They worry and ask him and with tears in his eyes he pulls up his sleeve to show them the tattoo now resting on his forearm. He tells them what happened, that he never wanted to, that his parents forced him.

Later, James, Remus, and Peter corner a Slytherin they heard bragging about having the dark mark. They had been keeping their ears out for that, for someone to mention the rising dark lord. They demand he takes them to Lord Voldemort, or else they'll take him straight to the Aurors.

The Slytherin reluctantly agrees, knowing damn well they would. The following day the Marauders task Regulus, Narcissa, and Andromeda to keep Sirius distracted while they go meet Voldemort.

They meet the dark lord, and tell him they want to join his army. Remus, despite not wanting to, reveals his werewolf status. James bargains that Dumbledore trusts them, points out the obvious favoritism to the Gryffindors. He says they can be spies for him, better than any of the other Death Eaters. Dumbledore wouldn't expect to get betrayed by people so close to him after all.

Voldemort is wary but agrees anyway, and that same night the remaining three Marauders get the dark mark.

They return to Hogwarts, where they're met by Sirius. After a but of questioning, they reveal the dark marks on their forearms, matching the one on his.

Sirius stands there, completely stunned and speechless. Before he breaks out of his shock, James explains hurriedly why they did it.

"Siri, you know you, me, and Pete were planning on becoming Aurors after Hogwarts. The Ministry would never let you, not with the dark mark. Even Remy planned on joining the fight in any way he could, but we were going to be on opposite sides.

We wouldn't be able to handle that. We've seen the aftermath of attacks. We've seen how brutal Lord Voldemort can be. If you tried to spare us or show mercy on us in any way, he would kill you.

We never wanted to be death eaters, truly, but this way we'll be on the same side. None of us would be able to handle going against each other. We grew up together, We've done everything together. And we're doing this together too."

Peter and Remus stand there, silently agreeing. They did this so they'd still be together. This way, if they still somehow found a way to join Dumbledore's side, Sirius wouldn't be the only one at risk: they all would be. They did everything together since they minute they met: and should they be killed, they would die together too.

#dark Marauders #harry potter sirius black #sirius black #harry potter remus lupin #remus lupin #harry potter james potter #james potter #harry potter peter Pettigrew #peter pettigrew #hp #harry potter marauders #hp au #harry potter au #Marauders #marauders era #marauders au #au #death eaters #dark au #villain au #lord voldemort #Dumbledore #death eater sirius black #death eater remus lupin #death eater peter pettigree #death eater james potter

[stevetonyweekly]

SteveTony Weekly - May 2

I know I say every week that I read a lot this week but I have been indulging in my favorite coping technique and so this list is ridiculously long. Twitter encouraged me. Blame them. 

**Indicates my recent favs 

~*~ 

On the inherent homoeroticism of cake decoration by welcoming_disaster (616/8K)

“She’s matchmaking, Barton,” Carol sighed.

“We,” Thor corrected, thumping himself hard in the chest, “art matchmaking.”

“Who, Cap n’ Tony?” Clint asked, his mouth full.

“Cap and Tony,” Janet confirmed, cutting herself a thin slice of egg and gently depositing it on her whole grain avocado toast, “it’s getting ridiculous.”

“Wait, I thought they were—“ Clint frowned, glancing around the room as though to confirm. Nothing but confused faces met his questioning gaze. “Huh. I really thought they were fucking.”

“And there is the crux of the issue,” Jess licked a bit of spaghetti sauce off her lip.

“Aye,” agreed Thor, “there’s rub.”

-----------

The team tries to set up Steve and Tony. Things don't go as planned.

Baby lovers like you and me (never say die) by FestiveFerret (Old Guard AU/7.5K)

The Avengers. They'd found him frozen in the ice, told him he was immortal, of all things. And with the way he'd lived through seventy years deep in the Atlantic, he found himself inclined to believe them. They'd also been very… convincing.

Without question, they integrated him into their unit - The Avengers, a secret team of unkillables seeking wrongs around the world and making them right, supported and housed by an enigmatic billionaire named Tony Stark. Their immortality, it seemed, was a secret to everyone but him.

Ready, set, bake by ChocolateCapCookie (Great British Bake Off/11k) 

The Avengers are on a nationally televised baking competition, but nobody seems to have warned the producers that the Avengers, while they save the world everyday and put their loves at risk doing so, are a) insanely competitive, and b) absolutely terrible bakers. Steve Rogers, especially, has a competitive streak a mile wide, and he's determined to win this competition, but it's not easy when his only real opponent is also the man he's been in love with for years.

***To make flowers grow (in this barren heart) by SoldiersShield, KakushiMiko (Hanahaki AU/16K) 

“You hide yourself away in your technology, but you are just as human as the rest of them. Your heart betrays your desire to possess.” Her gaze falls to the arc reactor, and Tony's blood runs cold in his veins.

“The Earth will reclaim what we have lost,” she says, dragging a hand over the chestplate of the armor. “It is you, and your kind-- your greed that pulls life from the soil as if it were nothing. You will reap what you have sown, Stark. The avarice in your heart will strangle the very life out of you.” Arna meets his eyes once more, a serene smile on her face as she leans forward.

“I hope he is worth dying for,” she murmurs, before digging her hand into his ribcage.

(Tony Stark falls in love with Steve Rogers. A rogue enchantress ensures he pays for it.)

Shelter from the storm by silkspectred (KidFic/5k) 

Tony adopts a baby. Guess who's Majorly Fucked Up™ about it.

Keep on beating by itsallAvengers (Domestic Fluff/6K) 

There were an awful lot of things Steve loved about Tony. But one thing in particular Steve could never get enough of was his heartbeat.

The good or bad thing by petreparkour (Multiverse/10k) 

 “It’s the metal suit,” Thor informed Steve, his normally-booming voice tinny over the SHIELD comms. “What did Stark call it—Iron Man?”

“But he’s down here,” Steve protested as the Hulk roared in Stark’s face, startling him into waking with a shout. “How could—”

“It’s damaged,” Thor reported. “But it looks different. More advanced. And he—ah. He’s carrying you, Captain.”

“Please tell me nobody kissed me,” Stark breathed out, and then Stark’s voice suddenly came over the comms, but the man lying next to him hadn’t moved.

“Guys, come on, you’re killing me here. What is it, 2012? God, I hate time travel. First, I'm fighting Thanos. Now, I have to deal with my past self and Thor's bad haircut? Oh my God, Cap, yes I hacked their comms, they’re my comms.”

Steve nearly opened his mouth to protest that he hadn’t said anything when he realized that this replica of Tony Stark wasn’t speaking to him.

***The tipping point by nightwalker (Domestic Fluff/7K) 

Tony has a few quirks. Steve's still trying to figure them all out.

We two, how long we were fool’d by glassessay (Soulmate AU/9K) 

Steve Rogers comes into the world as unblemished as his mother. When Anthony Stark is born, his soulmark is an obvious pattern of ink across his tiny chest.

It only takes a century, two names, and a shared love of Walt Whitman for them to find each other.

The tape in the cave by betheflame (Canon Divergent/5K) 

Steve had no idea what was happening.

“You think I didn’t know that?”

Tony was staring Zemo down as though the Sokovian was actual vermin - which, Steve reflected, he kind of was.

“You think that I,” Tony continued, not hiding the sneer in his voice, “Anthony Stark, who has more powerful technology in my literal fingers than most nations have, that I wouldn’t know everything possible about how my parents died? That I wouldn’t know it wasn’t an accident, that your silly little HYDRA Nazi knock-off pals are the ones who murdered them? Please, you are pathetic.”

Happy ending by Robin_tCJ (No-Powers AU/28K) 

 Steve is a mobile massage therapist, and Tony is a stressed billionaire. What could go wrong?

With a decent happiness by torigates (Teacher AU/16K) 

Tony Stark is Iron Man. Steve Rogers isn't, and never was Captain America.

Or, the one where everything is the same except Steve is a kindergarten teacher.

Nothing left but scars by SailorChibi (MCU/6.7K) - Reread

Steve wakes up to the fact that no one ever compliments or even says thank you to Tony, and that he has fallen into the same trap of painting Tony with a specific paintbrush.

This is how he showers a very confused Tony with praise to make up for it.

Our hearts should remember and follow by frostfall (MCU/5K) 

Steve hums. “I didn’t know you could play. Or sing. Don’t think I’ve heard anyone mention it before.”

Tony shrugs. “It’s one of the few things, skills, I don’t flaunt. Not something people are interested in, anyway. Not gonna sway any board members by playing fucking Für Elise for them. Sides’, there’s a high chance I wouldn’t even play. Well, maybe if you get me drunk enough and near an instrument. Then, I might reconsider.”

(After a dream leaves Tony rattled, he turns to the piano as a way to distract himself.)

Finally, you and me by pensversusswords (Multiverse/10K) 

Because in every layer of time, in every conceivable dimension, he was always meant to love Steve.

By some miracle, Steve was meant to love him back.

***Full disclosure not required (but appreciated) by Potrix (Identity Porn/16k) 

The one where Steve knows more than he lets on, Tony knows less than he pretends, Clint has a big mouth, Bucky is a little shit, and everyone learns why keeping secrets never ends well.

Almost never, anyway.

Heartlines by nanasekei (MCU/7.9K) 

“Let me,” Tony repeats. He regrets it deeply, so much, he wants to stick the words back into his mouth again, and it must show, in the way his voice wavers. He feels exposed, all of a sudden, as if he’s asking something bigger than what he can actually say. Let me touch you, let me take care of you. “Just… Let me do it.”

i found a way to let you in, but i never really had a doubt (marriage series) by quidhitch (Marriage Series/16k) 

Tony Stark doesn’t believe in marriage. It’s nobody’s fault. —Well, it’s Howard's fault, probably, but Tony doesn’t like to think about that for too long, finds that it dredges up all sorts of issues he’d rather keep buried under a mountain of strategically employed sarcasm, humorous self-deprecation, and the occasionally effective substance abuse.

***Hide your love away by sineala (Soulmate/33K) - Reread

Tony has suspected for a long time that the soulmark on his chest matches Steve's -- but he's never told Steve about it. And then it's too late to tell Steve anything at all ever again. In the wake of Steve's death, the Skrull invasion, and Norman Osborn's rise to power, the identity of his soulmate is just one of the many things Tony cuts out of his memory forever.

When Tony returns to consciousness, he's forced to deal with the aftermath of a war he no longer remembers fighting, not to mention a Steve Rogers who can barely stand to be in the same room with him. Surely the last thing Tony could ever need in his life is more amnesia. But that's what he gets. And Tony's new missing memory just might be the key to finding out the truth of his soulmark... as well as his chance to make things right once and for all.

Break the chain (can’t live in circles again) by orphan_account (FWB/19K) 

There had been seven amazing weeks of dating Steve Rogers before Tony realised that they weren’t dating at all. And then it was a scramble to adjust to the situation as it had always been: being Steve’s friend-with-benefits.

And if Steve seemed a little confused and bewildered by the way Tony was acting, well. Tony was probably just misreading that, too.

Five times steve and tony (tried to) bail each other out of jail by Teyke (MCU/6k) 

Twice before Civil War, twice after, and once during. For very loose definitions of both 'bail' and 'jail'.

Cracked hearts under iron ribs by XtaticPearl (Established Relationship/14k)

Rhodey is away for almost six months now and comes to meet Tony after the mission. He doesn't understand the domesticity of the whole Tower and unknowingly sets off a whole truck of insecurities which make Tony crawl back into being a Stark instead of just Tony. The team is not at all happy and Rhodey joins them in trying to figure out a way to help their resident genius feel better in his skin.

The single biggest problem with communication by BlossomsintheMist (616/108K)

In the wake of Steve's return from the dead and the end of Norman Osborn's reign of terror, the superhero community is recovering--Steve has taken on a new role and Tony is trying to put his life back together. Things are still awkward between them, but they're determined to put things to rights. But when a discussion about their feelings leads to further misunderstandings, they discover that might be more difficult than either of them realized. Set in the early Heroic Age after the end of Dark Reign, this is a get-together story about crossed wires--and second chances.

What are friends for? by bobertsmallismydad (MCU /2.8K) 

In which Steve is targeted by a virus. Will the Avengers be able to save him in time?

Starving by festiveferret (Vampire AU/2K) 

Steve woke up starving.

***Everybody wonders (What it would be like to love you) by SoldiersShield (MCU/3K) 

“...Is that what this is about?” He asks slowly. Steve blanches.

“Oh my god. It is.” Tony has no right looking as giddy as he does. “Steven Grant Rogers, are you jealous?”

--

Or: Steve and Tony have been dancing around each other for a while now, and Steve's rather content with it. Attending a gala together just might change that.

Re(A)d all over by brandnewfashion, MusicalLuna (Drunk Flirting/3k) 

Contrary to popular belief, Tony Stark can blush.

It just takes Steve getting drunk on some magical Asgardian mead for it to finally happen.

***The Do-over Proposal by nightwalker (Established Relationship/1.2k) 

Steve wants to go on a journey, Tony doesn't think it's a good time, and Bucky needs to beat some sense into both these idiots.

A Winter’s Ball by alliejowrites (Victorian AU/3.8K) 

Steve moves to London in search of a patron, so that he can finally devote himself to painting. He is not expecting everything he finds upon meeting Lord Stark. A fluffy little Victorian AU. One-shot.

What’s a fanfic by starksnack (AvAc/1K) 

Kamala introduces Tony and Steve to the world of fanfiction. There is a surprising amount of content about them being gay.

#stony #superhusbands #stevetony fic #stevetony weekly #stevetony #fic recs #steve rogers #tony stark #iron man #captain ameria

[friendly-philosopher]

Forbidden Feelings and Hidden Corners: Draco Malfoy X Reader

Finally! I've posted this for your request! Thanks for requesting. I don't know if this was what you expected, but I hope you'd like it. Happy reading!

"I am asking you for the final time boy! If you don't accept the mark from the dark lord, I'll have to find ways to make you accept it." The Lestrange woman sneered at her nephew.

Narcissa Malfoy stood hidden in the darkest corner of the room, blending with the darkness, making Draco doubt if she was really there. He knew she wanted to help him, but the wizarding laws, the wedding laws, and the way she was brought up made her unable to speak against her sister who was obsessed with the dark lord, nor her husband who had his arms crossed, staring at his son, who had become the biggest disgrace to the Malfoy bloodline, with disgust.

"Are you taking it or not?" Bellatrix snapped once again.

Draco let out a shaky breath, closing his eyes. The moment he did, all he could remember was her – his sunshine.

He could remember all the beautiful memories with her. Her stunning smile, her radiant face, her ethereal beauty, her angelic laugh, her soft kisses, everything about her, only her!

He remembered how she would interlock her fingers with his. He remembered how she would cuddle with him. He remembered how she would run her fingers through his hair. He remembered how she would hug him from behind, announcing her presence. He remembered how she would make him lay his head on her stomach, hugging him and falling asleep on the couch. He remembered how she would hold him, when everything became too much for him to handle. He remembered how she would hint soft kisses on his head, forehead, nose and finally his lips. He remembered how they both would spend their nights in the astronomy tower, star-gazing.

Finally, he remembered the way she would mumble "I love you"s in between the kisses. Now, he wished he could have told it back to her. He had always been a very private person, building walls. She was the first one to break many of those walls. Yet, he was afraid to tell her that he loved her.

But she waited. She knew how he was when it came to feelings. She knew expressing emotions weren't his strong suit. So, she was patient enough to give him the time he needed, and he appreciated it.

But now, he regretted taking too much time to just state a fact - the fact that he loved her to the moon and back , she was his everything and he wanted a forever with her.

"No!" he heard himself whisper.

"What?" Lucius snapped.

"No! I'd never take the mark nor become a death eater." He stated firmly and felt proud of that bravery.

Lucius glared at him but Bellatrix just laughed an evil, cold laugh that could rival her master's.

"We'll see my dear!" she told him in a sickeningly sweet tone and left Draco's room, motioning his parents to join her.

***

(Y/N) (Y/L/N) missed Draco Malfoy. If someone had told her that she would miss him so badly that her heart will ache for him, four years before, she would have laughed at them. But now, after years of getting to know the true him and loving him, he had become everything to her. She had caring friends and was really grateful for them, but she missed him.

True, their relationship was a secret one, and no one knew about them. But it didn't mean she loved him any less. She loved him all the same and she knew he loved him too, even if he wasn't so vocal about it. She loved spending time with him, and wasted all her days anticipating their midnight meetings.

Her being a Gryffindor, a muggle-born and worse, a part of the golden quadruplet, and best friend to the golden trio and Draco being a pureblooded, a Slytherin and worse, a Malfoy, had them not go public in mutual understanding. But she did love the memories of the midnight, and they took care of their forbidden feelings in their in hidden corners!

But, it had been a week - a week since holidays were over, a week since school had started, a week since she had seen him, a week he didn't attend school. She decided to write him an anonymous letter to find if he was okay. If he got the letter, he would recognize her handwriting immediately. If it somehow, fall in the wrong hands, then they can't know it was from her. Boy, how wrong she was.

She sent a letter to him. It contained a simple question : "Are you okay? Missing you!"

***

It was the first Hogsmeade weekend of the Sixth year for the Golden quadruplet. They were enjoying themselves. Even (Y/N) had pushed aside her worries for a few hours and enjoyed the time with her friends. They decided to head to the 'Three Broomsticks' for a butter beer. While they started walking, suddenly everything became dark and they could feel themselves being grabbed harshly and being aparrated to somewhere.

When (Y/N) opened her eyes, she found herself in a dungeon. She could see her friends in some sort of jail.

She heard someone calling her. The voice was so familiar. Her breath hitched in her throat and her eyes widened. It couldn't be!

"Draco!" She whispered, turning around.

She saw him. It was really him. But his hands were held behind his back by his father while his aunt stood near him.

"How is our little surprise, Draco dear?"

"Let them go!"Draco snapped, pulling his hand away from his father's grasp and reaching for his wand. But before he could even point it against her, Bellatrix disarmed him and bound him with a rope. His wand fall down near his legs and he was forced to look at Bellatrix, now circling (Y/N).

"Ahh....I take it you are the pretty little mudblood that bade my nephew turn against us?" (Y/N) remained silent. "Did you seriously think we can't find you if you didn't sign the letter. Our pure blood magic is way better than that!" She spat.

"Shove your pure blood pride up in your - "

But before she could finish her statement, she fell to the floor, screaming.

"Draco, you take the mark or enjoy watching her die a slow and painful death."

Tears flowed freely from Draco's eyes as he watched the love of his life on the floor, screaming an writhing in pain.

"Please, stop it!" He screamed.

"Will you take the mark, then?"

Before he could answer (Y/N) spoke "Draco, don't. They are gonna kill me even if you take the mark. They'd never let us get together. At least, I'll die knowing I saved you from a terrible fate!"

"Shut up, mudblood! No one asked you to speak" Bellatrix sneered, throwing another "crucio" at her.

Magic is a wonderful thing. It can understand emotions more than any human being ever could. And it did. When Draco felt love for her, anger at his father and aunt for doing this to her and frustrated because he couldn't do anything to save her, his magic swooped in to save the day. His magic came out of his hand without a wand, blasting the iron bars open, freeing the Golden Trio and bursting the lights of the dungeon.

Bellatrix's wand flew away from her hand and so did Lucius's. He caught it and threw them to the trio, before picking up his own, grabbing (Y/N) and apparating to the first place he could think of – The Shrieking Shack. He saw that she was unconscious. She carried her bridal style all the way through Hogsmeade, towards Hogwarts. People stared at him throughout the way, but he didn't care. He walked as quickly as he could, because the only thing he cared about was saving her.

Draco was in a daze all the while – explaining the situation to the matron, the headmaster, Professor Mcgonagall and Professor Snape ; the golden trio rushing in, out of breath, apologizing to them for all his faults and his bullying, his hateful attitude; them forgiving him after seeing the way his own family treated him but saying that it would take them sometime to accept him for who he really was.

Finally, (Y/N) decided to open her eyes. Seeing her best friends and boyfriend having a civil conversation, she thought she was having a dream. But the memories of the past hours came back to her and she sat up suddenly, her body feeling like it was set on fire.

"But why did they take us to make you get the mark?" Harry inquired, stupidly.

"Er.." Draco uncertainly glanced at (Y/N), thinking if it would be appropriate for him to tell them without her, only to see her awake.

He immediately rushed to her, and hugged her gently, like she was a glass flower who'd break at the smallest level of pressure.

"I'm sorry" he mumbled, burying his face in the crook of her neck.

"It's okay!" She told him, cupping his face and gently peppering kisses all over his face, finally landing on his lips, locking it with her own. As they pulled away from the kiss, they could see the totally gobsmacked faces of Harry and Ron, and a slightly shocked yet satisfied look on Hermione's.

"Uh....guys.....I have something to tell you."

"I've been doubting this since the Christmas break of the last year!" Hermione whispered.

"Guys....We really love each other! You've seen him only as a pureblooded Slytherin bully but I've seen the other side of him. The one that has emotions and insecurities, fears and desires, just like a normal person. And I fell in love with that side of him. But you are important to me as well. I would be happy if you accept us!"

"How long has this been going on?"

"Um...We started being civil to each other from the time he was scratched by Buckbeak. You know I love helping around in the infirmary and I helped him. Then we met in the Astronomy tower, quite coincidentially but then started meeting each other. We got into a relationship by the beginning of the last year."

"Are we that bad friends, that you've been lying to us for years?"

"No! The problem was you guys were amazing friends and I felt guilty about loving someone who you considered your enemy! But I couldn't help it. We can't control who we fall for, can we? You guys are very important to me and I didn't want to lose you. I love you too much to lose you!" She said, and she could feel tears leaving her eyes. Draco interwined his fingers with hers and squeezed it. The trio didn't miss his movement. They sighed.

"We understand that he does care for you, or the deatheaters would have never used you to threaten him."

"But one thing Malfoy! You hurt her and we kill you!"

(Y/N) beamed and Draco smiled.

"I would never even dream of it! I love her too much to hurt her!" He said, looking into her eyes. Their gaze locked and they smiled.

There was a war approaching, those were dark times, but they were there for each other. He had her and she had him. And to them, that was enough!

(A/N: Hope everyone liked it! Requests ae still open and you can request me in the comment section or PM me!

Until the next update

- Mischief Managed!)

#draco malfoy #draco lucius malfoy #draco fluff #draco fanfiction #draco x reader #draco x y/n #draco x female reader #draco malfoy x you #draco malfoy fluff #draco malfoy x gryffindor reader #Harry Potter #harry potter series #golden trio era #harry potter fandom #harry potter universe #harry potter fan #hogwarts #Hogsmeade #Lucius Malfoy #bellatrix lestrange

[wellthatjusthappend]

Kind of a fluff/angst thing. What if Talon!Dick, and maybe Stray!Tim, found out how badly Jason was treated by the Batfam? Like, Jason has qeustionable morals, he had a rough time with the pit, he felt betrayed by his family and the man he would still die (again) for. What if the two actually cared about Jason, who is just trying his hardest to please EVERYONE? How do you think they'd get Jason to come to them?

Ooh, Stray, Talon, and Robin all at the same time? I’ve never seen that before. This could be really fun! 

****

Tim wasn’t entirely sure if he was making the right decision, but for Jason’s sake, he decided he had to risk it. 

In many ways, Tim had Jason to thank for the life he now led as Stray. He’d been obsessed with Batman and Robin as a kid, and more than a little in love with Robin himself, despite the boy not knowing that he existed. He’d chased them all over Gotham’s skyline taking pictures and staying just out of sight. 

That’s how Selina found him.

“They’re hiring them a bit young now, aren’t they?” She had purred, snatching Tim’s camera with nimble fingers, “Who’s after the Big Bad Bat now, hmm?”

“No one,” Tim had said miserably, “I just like taking pictures. Don’t tell him Sel- um, Catwoman.”

Her gaze had sharpened on him, “You know who I am?”

“N-no?” 

“Hmm,” She’d looked him over anew and flicked through some of his pictures, “These aren’t bad, kid.”

“Th- thanks?” 

“If you’re not working for anyone, why don’t you come work for me?”

And that had been that. Not long after he began working for Selina, she found out about how absent his parents were and promptly whisked him away to live with her permanently. 

Catwoman and Batman would dance across the rooftops together, and Stray and Robin would get to hang out while they’re mentors pretended like they weren’t moments away from a scandalous rendezvous. 

It was on a night like that when Tim first met Talon.

He could tell that the other man was as wary of Tim as he was of him- though probably not scared of his skill, Tim knew he’d be a deadman if he and Talon ever fought- but they both loved Jason so they’d tolerated each other. 

Back then, Robin’s laugh had been magic. Tim would have died for him, and he knew Talon was the same. 

Then it all went wrong. 

Jason died, and when he came back- everything was wrong. 

He and Bruce fought at the drop of a hat, both verbally and physically. It was painful to watch, but more then that, it had Tim increasingly worried. Bruce always walked away from their fights a little worse for wear, but Jason- there had been several time now that Bruce had nearly killed Jason a second time. 

He didn’t think the man knew, but Tim didn’t care. Bruce didn’t deserve him anymore. 

Tim knew he wouldn’t be able to sway Jason’s loyalty on his own, so he sought out the only other person he knew would be willing and able to do just about anything to keep Jason safe. 

He didn’t know where Talon was, but given the recent news, he had a feeling where he would be.

Sure enough, when Tim slipped inside Arkham, Talon was already there, the Joker carved up into gruesome pieces at his feet. 

“Lovely,” Tim commented. 

Talon didn’t acknowledge him, just proceeded to coat the body parts in gasoline.

“Good plan,” Tim nodded approvingly, “I wouldn’t put it past the Bat to try reviving him, even after everything he’s done.”

The stillness of Talon’s body felt utterly unnatural. Tim was good at pretending to be used it by now. 

“Did you know?” Talon’s voice was hoarse from disuse. 

Tim didn’t have to wonder what he meant, given where they were.

“I guessed,” Tim inclined his head, “though the Bat wouldn’t answer any of my questions.”

“If I’d known, I would have killed the clown immediately,” Talon said.

Despite Court orders. Even this had to be against Court orders. Tim wondered what it had cost him. 

“I know,” he said simply instead. 

“I almost killed the Bat when I heard of his negligence,” Talon growled, “but I knew my bird wouldn’t have wanted it.”

“I know.” Tim had not acted for similar reasons. 

“He took my Little Wing from me,” the darkness in Talon’s voice made the hair on Tim’s arms stand up on end, “he will burn.”

Tim wordlessly held out a lighter. It was one he’d stolen from Jason back before- well. 

He saw Talon recognize it and nod to himself before taking it lighting the body on fire.

“Let’s get out of here,” Tim suggested, “I have more to discuss with you.”

Talon cocked his head at him before simply nodding.

“Follow,” he said. 

Talon took him though a much more winding path of Arkham then Tim had entered through, but one that avoided all of it’s security without bypass. Hmm, Tim would have to remember this route. Once they were far enough away from the asylum, the assassin turned to him expectantly. 

“I want to get Jason away from Batman, and I think you can do it,” Tim cut straight to the chase. 

“Why not you?” Talon asked.

“He’s not going to hear it I try to tell him,” Tim shook his head, “not right now, anyway.”

“He listens when you talk,” Talon disagreed.

“Sometimes,” Tim admitted, “but not for this.”

He doesn’t love me the way he loves you- no, that would be revealing far too much on Tim’s side. 

“You killed the Joker for him… I think he will listen to you,” Tim said finally.

“No, too dangerous. The Court will want to dispatch me for my disobedience,” Talon said matter-of-factly. 

“And the Bat will want to imprison you. Jason’s not going to want to let either of those things happen. He’s very protective of you,” Tim pointed out. 

“He would not go against the Bat for me… I’ve asked. Before,” Talon mumbled.

That, Tim hadn’t expected, though perhaps he should have.

“You asked him to run away with you,” Tim realized aloud, “from the Court, the Bat, all of it.”

Talon nodded.

“It’ll be different this time,” Tim promised.

Talon did not look convinced.

“We have to make it different,” Tim insisted, “The Bat- he’s hurting Jason. He’s- we have to get him away. Please, Dick-”

Oops.

Just that fast, Talon’s hands were on his face, forcing his head up to look at him, “How do you know that name?”

“I saw you. At the circus,” Tim swallowed and looked up at the other hopelessly, “but you disappeared right after so I followed Batman instead. I didn’t realize it was you until I saw you teaching Robin how to fly on rooftops.”

“No one has called me that in a very long time,” Talon said flatly.

Tim didn’t know what to say to that. 

“I’ll help you, kitten,” Talon decided, “but when we go, you must come with.”

Tim’s heart sped up. That wasn’t the plan. But- maybe-? He couldn’t say no.

“Ok.”

#story requests #my writing #could be shippy is you squint #Talon!Dick #Stray!Tim #Robin!Jason(post death) #death of the Joker #Anonymous

[konoha-drag0n]

Kaliyah | Part One

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⊱𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟.⊰

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Prologue

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This world wasn't always so quiet and petty.

Years and years ago while other clans fled

to claim victories and land, one particular clan basked in the brighter sides of living. While the

rest of the clans made stories and sang songs of great battles fought, this clan would always remain apart and would be the highlight of those tales. Scarcely seen in open battle but horribly fierce, they were the Free Ones, the Noble. Never swearing fealty to anyone besides themselves and their Clan, protecting their freedom and safety at any cost necessary. Their resilience was always an admirable trait.

And their alliance was things clans prayed for and cherished, for their allies were treated as their own kin and were under great protection.

The Sen-Ryokō were once separated into three branches, with no significant differences between them but they still segregated themselves into those three, small families. It wasn't until the time of need that the three branches united into one big Clan. The reason being the awful war itself with the neighboring clans. Seeing as they were parted from each other and so small, the enemies saw an easy target and easy-win battle. But they wouldn't be so easily swayed and the battles their enemies sought would not be pleasant. The Clan laid on fertile soil, windswept hills on one side, barely any high growing plants, and high, mountain giants close on the south side. The place was prosperous in every way possible so it was no wonder they were always made targets of.

Although few in number, the Sen-Ryoko were cunning and witty people, a trait that would go to define them; they led the foes into a trap in the mountains where they met them with an onslaught of attacks and lastly, burying them all under a heavy rain of rock slides to seal their fates. From that point onward, the clan resumed their normal flow of things returning to the ruined hills and fields, rebuilding their lives once more. Besides their wits, they were known as great travelers and merchants, information gatherers and trackers.

But the great tales of old speak of another admirable fact about them. Mastering the beasts no other could. While a horse grants one the dominion over land, a ship over sea… a dragon grants the sky, and everything underneath it. The few Sen-Ryokō that did have a dragon as their summon held a special bond to the flying creatures, inseparable from the moment they fulfilled the contract. The history is vague about how they formed the contract, seeing as this kind of contract differs slightly from the regular ones. As well as history itself is everywhere due to their constant travels, each story speaks of it's own way.

A dragon may leave their summoner whenever they please for whatever reason they see fit; the dragon will not serve the ones with the ill of heart, nor the one thirsty for power and its wealth. A dragon grows alongside their summoner, they essentially feed off of each other's chakra and grow stronger in turn. Just as the clan members themselves, their dragons were as fierce, resistant and free. No one dared to step in their way once they heard of such great beasts siding with the small clan "clan under the mountains". As times did pass however, with dragons being less and less common and fewer in number, their legendary stories and victories now became myths. Instead of dragons, others framed Sen-Ryokō as liars, calling their dragons nothing but overgrown birds.

And finally, when the last dragon took its final rest, the Sen-Ryokō was occupied and sent scattering, separating once again with many killed in battle. The dragons that once stood firm at their sides were now seen as nothing but myths and legends, after the last dragon died unexpectedly and left them for fate to take them, the dragon tales became something to be frowned upon. Many still harboured the love for the great beasts, trusting that their powerful spirits remained with them. But one was for sure. The glory days of the Sen-Ryokō...and the dawn of Dragons was no more..

Childhood

Hundred years later, in the midst of the Warring States, the birth of a child brought some light into the family. Being born second in her fathers second marriage, Kaliyah Genji was the highlight to her parents for the years to come. Her father's prior marriage was quick to fall apart with the death of his first wife, their son now living with Kaliyah's grandmother and only two years her senior. Kaliyah didn't see much of him in her youth, only on more special occasions that required both of them to be there or on the training fields where they'd play swords. The early memories of him are vague but Kaliyah remembers Botan being very short on patience and quick to throw a tantrum, but still he knew how to be polite when he had to be. Towards her he was quite resentful, especially when their father chose to take her under his wing and introduce her to the family business and affairs, thus leaving Botan aside.

In her early years Kaliyah was known to be quite an adventurous kid, she would often roam the fields and young woods around the compound despite the dangers of war which she was yet to understand. It wasn't rare for her to bring home things found on the road; plants, old coins, rocks, bones, and many things alike were a part of her trinket collections. On some occasions she would also bring injured animals, mostly birds, that she would try and tend to. Unfortunately these animals would often die, having been already at the brink of death when she found them and beyond the reach of healing, and their deaths did hold weight over the girl who would later bury them in the place she found them, rocks and pebbles adorning their graves. Due to this she was generally thought of as a gentle soul, sensitive even at times; and would later also prove to be lacking in medical ninjutsu. Some would admire this kind trait and others would frown upon it, mainly her father who described it as being weak and overly emotional, and there was no space for such strong emotions here.

Three, almost four, years after her birth, the Genji family got another addition. Little Utiss. Kaliyah was indifferent to her younger sibling in the beginning, due to duties at hand she didn't get much time to spare for her sister, but they would often take walks together and Kaliyah would tutor Utiss when she could, still giving her best at being a good older sister. Be it teaching her about the history of the clans or more important things that can occur in everyday life. The younger sister was open to these teachings, a slow but a good learner, although sometimes not valuing some things as much as she should have. Upon introducing her to their older brother, Botan would take quite a dislikement to Utiss and she would reflect that right back at him.

Kaliyah and her father would soon start to spend more and more time together, a butterfly effect taking place when Kaliyah merely helped her father out on a small errand that essentially saved his life and warned him of approaching enemies, to become one of his apprentices on the field.

Kaliyah took to her father's lessons like duck to water, learning swiftly with time and was starting to take her fathers side more and more often. Due to the raging wars and due to her fathers status, Kaliyah was soon starting to become a target for the Clan's foes, seeing as she was very young and vulnerable like any other child. Atsuko, Kaliyah's mother, was growing worried by the day for both of her children. With the situation at home being bad as it was, she complained to her husband, Hachirou, urging him to do something, anything, to protect their children. Hachirou soon took off to travel across the lands for a meeting with another clan in hopes of making allies after the heated argument. This left eight year old Kaliyah with her mother and four year old Utiss, with her fathers mother there to watch over them.

The old Nan did nothing but disrupt them whenever possible, mainly aiming her abuse and accusations at her mother. Kaliyah did try to stand between them more often than not, but it was always to no avail as the nan would resolve to physical violence to get her out of the way. This led Kaliyah to just flee from the house during those times, ashamed to raise her own hand against an elder, usually taking Utiss with her as well to save her from the vulgarity of the situation. It was only once later in the years when Kaliyah actually raised her hand against the old woman and that was when Utiss had gotten physically harmed by her. Her mother would go on to reveal the reason of the old nans hate, the simple reason being that the two clans they were from did not get along well in the past. Specifically referring to a battle between the Sen-Ryokō and the Genji hundred years ago. Even if Atsuko loved her husband greatly she knew her marriage to him was nothing but a treaty offer so that the Genji stop their hunting and attacks on the Sen-Ryokō.

Upon asking more about the Sen-Ryokō her mother always shushed her, saying it was for the best if their cultures remained unknown to her, for her safety. Stubbornly Kaliyah pushed to know something. What was so important, what happened that was so great that pushed the Genji to despise the other? Why was it so dangerous for her to know more about her heritage? Her mother revealed only a handful of things, coating them with evil words and tone in hopes to make Kaliyah hate the Sen-Ryokō as well, maybe then she would stop asking about them. Atsuko told her daughter just how awful they were, using their beasts to inflict fear into others and how they carried many into death over their steep cliffs. It all sounded the same like the horrific stories of her grandmother. Old Nan was right, her mother told her, for the hostility she showed them. The Nan's ancestors and friends were all burned to ash and killed just because of the Sen-Ryokō. Atsuko was on the verge of tears with each lie she made up, with each hint of surprise that came to her daughter's face. And at the end, she sealed the conversation with a hint of threat, Kaliyah must never know of them. Hoping to shield her that way. Her mother tried to remain compassionate and sweet to her child, but after all the neglect she has shown to her curiosity and spare time and all the things she said, she wasn't overly surprised when Kaliyah began to withdraw slowly.

This hostility didn't stop even after her father's return. The nan stayed and continued on with her abuse, feeding her hatred for the Sen-Ryokō and letting her hostility onto the three. The two sisters weren't even safe in their own rooms at night, at which they would start to spend the nights with their mother. When confronted about it, the nan would simply shrug it off, not even attempting to deny her actions in the end. But Hachirou still did nothing, having been raised with the same beliefs of the Clans by her when he was young, although he did not harbour the hate into his adulthood. And no matter how much he promised that he loved Atsuko, he wouldn't go against his mother. He let her stay at their home. Even Utiss would mumble a word of complaint from time to time, frustrated and scared.

With the growing and never ending hostility at home, Kaliyah spent more and more time outdoors. At the time, the rumors her grandmother had started to spread didn't hit popularity yet. Kaliyah wasn't a person of any high status then. Yes she may have been a daughter of a powerful shinobi, but the rumors spread around flew over people's heads, for they saw Kaliyah as nothing but gentle and kind and incapable of any evil. The little girl grew closer to the community and the people around her. Making friends with anyone she found of interest, just as long as she didn't have to go home. Kaliyah would often stay late outside, sitting at a corner of the road where an old man Haru would sit and tell stories to neighboring kids from time to time. He would often speak of the long summers and his many adventures, the troubles he got in his youth and many beasts that he encountered on his road. Even in his old age he was quite active, but easily exhausted.

He would often give sweets to Kaliyah and the other kids. The stories he told were a stark contrast to the evil, presumably true, tales the Old Nan would tell her, which would often strike anxiety in her. It wasn't rare that she would find herself in a situation where she would be paranoid, imagining one of the great beasts or evil people stalking her from their hiding. The Old Nan would even use these stories to get Kaliyah to do certain things. Even Botan used these stories to his advantage on a few occasions. The old stories of Haru were encouraging, filled with some great advice if one just listened well, and in comparison to fairytales of the Old Nan, Kaliyah believed these to be the real stories and would soon start to feel a bit at ease, no trusting in the old folk tales any longer. It would get her in trouble as she would stay out late but she did not feel guilty, her mother understood that too.

The more she spent outside, the more she got closer to the people and in turn learned of everyone's struggles. So much death and violence was raging, haunting the people of the town. It greatly saddened and scared Kaliyah, filling her with some sense of dread and helplessness. She was still a young girl, she couldn't do anything but watch for the time being, feeling ashamed at times if she were to bring it up to her father as he already expressed his thoughts on her desire to help the ones she clearly couldn't.

On one of her first travels with her father-mentor, she witnessed first hand the expanse all the violence went to, just how many suffered in these wars. It was a journey to a neighboring Kamada clan with which her father had to make amends due to previous miscommunications that ended in a short lived battle. The clan's leader, and elder, wasn't so keen on smoothing over the bridges they burned with the Genji, being very clear with what he thought of Hachirous rule over his people and how he led them blindly. How he believed the Genji were conspiring to steal his lands and slowly push his clan into extinction. Word soon reached them that they were preparing for another rebellion against them now that Hachirou and one of his heirs were on their lands, wanting to reclaim all that they were supposedly robbed off in the past by the Genji. With their great ninken and many people gathered up, it was clear to Hachirou that there was no diplomatic solution. He showed Kaliyah for the first time how things are not always nice, how she can't help everyone and how she must be careful with these kinds of people, who she can and can't trust.

The opposing clan's rising rebellion was quickly snuffed out with the leader losing his life before the young girl. Anyone else who remained alive was sent into exile with their land now belonging to the Genji, and the wars between other clans still raged wild. No one was doing much to stop them either, everyone waging their own battles and caring only about their own greed and safety. It only pushed Kaliyah more to pursue the ranks that her fathers business could grant her, to try and help out in any way she could, although now she had a different outlook on life. Thinking that when she became of proper rank and age, she could help bring some protection to the people at the very least. Her work doubled and now she barely spent time at home; guilt would chase her for that, knowing her sister and mother were under relentless abuse from the old nan. If possible, she would visit them through the day, but later with her mothers growing distress Kaliyah stopped her daily visits. Even her own mother started to shame her for certain things, saying how she was becoming just like her father in her eyes, and would now only cling onto Utiss, not letting her out of her sight.

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⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_______

New Hope

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Her mother's growing neglect and her father's emotional absence did weigh Kaliyah down for a period of time, but with the growing duties and tasks as well as many travels she was sent on, she pushed it all to the back of her mind. The choices taken and all the work did harden Kaliyah's heart. Towards the fourth year of being under her fathers guidance and having witnessed many other clans and battlefields, Kaliyah was slowly starting to become a target for her fathers foes. Seeing that she was vulnerable but very knowledgeable, she was the weak link.

Hachirou was no fool either and now especially seeing how much knowledge ended up reaching Kaliyah and just how many secrets too, he took action to lend some protection over his first daughter. He had grown hope in her skill and knowledge and his love for her still grew stronger in his heart. A man named Iwao became her guard, and sensei in the art of taijutsu and ninjutsu. No one knew much of Iwao or how he came to be, when he came first into their village and compound he was the greatest talk among the common folk, and he would soon go to impress many as well as he took the mantle of protecting the head of the clan. He first served Botan and his mother, after the mothers death and upon Hachirous order, Iwao stepped aside. He was a gruff man, quiet but also very careful when it came to taking care of young Kaliyah. The only issue being that now, with rising threats, Kaliyah had almost no privacy and always had him behind her shoulder, watching over her like a hawk.

In his teachings he was quick and stern but knew how to lend his assistance if his student was falling behind on certain lessons. Iwao knew her limits and would ever so often push at them in ways that wouldn't result in harm but rather provoke success. A man of few words but many actions, the sensei-student duo would start to bond over time, even if it still remained at the superficial level they grew to trust each other. Iwao taught Kaliyah the ways of the blade, soon after he would find out her expertise with the Wind release. She was showing great potential in both taijutsu and ninjutsu as well as strategy and planning. Showing great traits of a natural born leader she would be quick to accelerate in her studies and training.

The jutsus that Kaliyah learned would greatly come to overpower Iwaos lighting release, but would cancel out in his fire releases in which Kaliyah would have to find other ways to claim victory over her sensei. In the first year Iwao had to enforce many rules and shrink their field in which they fought due to the constant dodging on Kaliyah's half. She moved like the wind itself, very quick on her feet and agile like an eel. But soon later she would become more confident in these skills and take a great liking to the martial arts. Now it was always a game of push and pull until either one yielded or won.

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________

The Senju

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

As she approached the years before her teens, Kaliyah was officially sent on an assignment of her own, the journey would take long. The task at hand being to deliver a message to the clan head of the infamous Senju Clan. The letter contained the handwriting of her father, sealed with the sigil of the Genji clan. It was given into Kaliyahs hands to protect and deliver, although a copy was secretly given to Iwao in the worst case scenario. The two travelled on their own, as two people could travel just as fast as one, and it would be much easier to move undetected through the lands. Most of their journey was on horseback. Kaliyah was ecstatic, optimistic for a good portion of the way, Iwao noted, but he also noted her will and great composure. Something he also saw once in Hachirou and Botan years ago. The journey took a turn when they were almost assassinated by ninja of an unknown Clan. The assailants wore no sigils or anything that would define and give away where they could have come from. Kaliyah was the first one to take notice of the enemy chakra, a surprise to Iwao who believed that Kaliyah didn't have any sensory abilities at all. Thanks to the collaborative jutsu of Iwao's strong fire release and Kaliyah's wind release did they defeat the enemy. The scuffle did leave Iwao injured, a kunai having sliced at his leg and right forearm, meanwhile Kaliyah was able to dodge most of the attacks and only get away with scuffs and bruises from when she was thrown off her horse.

Still they managed to make their way to the Senju compound unbothered by any other attacks. For the rest of their journey Iwao had started to ramble to Kaliyah about the Senju, and their ties with the Genji. He told her of how Hachirous' father had done a great deed once, helped the Senju with reclaiming a part of their land and even saved the head of the clan from certain death in one of the battles. Upon their arrival, Iwao let the young girl lead the conversation, relying his trust in her and making this a test of everything she had learned already. She held her own adroitly. His figure would loom over hers even on horseback, watching her with careful onyx eyes that hid pride behind a curtain of coolness and professionalism. The meeting was quick, although what Hachirou had asked of Butsuma Senju had to be considered before a decision was made, so their stay was prolonged. Genji wasn't the most active ally of the Senju but they have never disappointed or given any doubt, collaborating with them on several occasions for a shared goal. While they stayed, Iwao's wounds did fester suddenly and feverishly. The kunai that inflicted the wounds turned out to be coated in strong poison. The Senju were generous enough to lend him medical aid, and offer them both a safe place to stay. Iwao would often talk in his dazed state, mumbling under his breath or even leading a full conversation with someone unseen in the room when his fever was at its peak. Now, without her trusted sensei she was trusted to lead all affairs on her own accord. Being in a lands new to her and at risk of attack, she would be quite strained.

Thankfully by the end of the week, Iwao did make a full recovery from the poison and his wounds. Thanking the Senju leader profusely, the duo finally took their leave with a Senju medic accompanying them on their journey back. The medical nin was planned to stay in their compound and take a few students to teach them medical ninjutsu, as the Genji only had one good medic in their clan left. Kaliyah was happy to speak to the medic on their way back, asking about the many scrolls she brought with her and listening intently on what she had to say. Kaliyah felt a lot more comfortable outside her own clan's territories, being much more social too. Hachirou, upon hearing his daughters report, was happy with the newly secured bond between the Senju and the Genji, as well as the medical-nin that was sent to aid them. It was the first time Kaliyah saw her father be genuinely happy with her doings. The teaching of new medics started immediately the following month.

But what else awaited her at her clan was the sudden spread of vile rumors about her, where this time the people believed them. What her father gave her with his happiness and compliments, the demeanor of the rest made for negativity and that overshadowed the positive mood of the young girl. The other children she used to play with would now be pulled away by their parents whenever they saw Kaliyah coming. And the older folk she used to talk to never seemed interested in starting a conversation with her anymore. It confused Kaliyah more than anything, what kind of thing was told about her that made even the old man Haru spend less time telling stories and avoiding contact with her. The mystery of this would be revealed by no other than her younger sister, who also was going to partake in studying the medical-ninjutsu, that the rumor was started by the Old Nan and possibly spread by Botan as well.

It was told that she brought shame to the clan on their latest journey, how she ruined every tie with the allies they had beforehand, who in truth were lost to the opposing clans' treachery and greed and on her fathers command, not hers. She didn't even have that sort of power and rank yet. These were not even the worst of it all, as Kaliyah knew them to be lies. What really struck Kaliyah was the supposed rumor that her own father was planning on resigning her and planning to betroth her to someone unknown to her, to strengthen a bond with yet another clan. That would mean effectively getting rid of her from his work and removing her free will. Like a salt on the wound and what Kaliyah took to be true, Hachirou made her take a break from her duties, commanding her to instead return to her own hobbies and whatever she would have liked. A break that would last for an unknown period of time; Kaliyah was certain this was the end of things for her.

Later one late evening, Kaliyah retreated into the woods she didn't visit for the more than four years she had been made an apprentice. An old cottage house that stood under a great canopy of tall and old trees still remained there, enveloped by pale ivies and great shrubs that climbed all the way to the roof and grew even on the inside. It was a remote place, quiet and very far away from the center clan grounds, far away from the jests and rumors. It was the place where she managed to nurture a cherry tree on the side of the house that now grew far above her head, the branches filled with unopened blossoms. She hid in one of the rooms that was engulfed in darkness, sunlight unable to come through the thick ivy. Iwao had managed to find her the next evening, when she had let out her sorrows into the night. When all misery evaporated, leaving behind a lack of any sensation.

"Little bird.." Iwao called to her, for a moment afraid when he noticed her unmoving figure in the dark. Kaliyah did not respond to him, having no strength to voice any of her thoughts. Instead her glossed eyes found his, before she averted her eyes and only padded her way onto the porch of the little house where the two sat down, knowing Iwao wouldn't let go of this that easily. Kaliyah didn't want him schooling her, she hated being looked down on in any way, and at first sense of it when he spoke her expression turned sour, anger churning in her, but she didn't act on it in the end.

No matter how much her frown dug itself into her features, no matter how much Iwao spoke to her. She grit her teeth and remained silent. In the end her sensei ended up talking about an old story, a story from his childhood. Surprisingly so, it definitely took Kaliyah off guard seeing how he rarely spoke of himself in the past. He was the greatest mystery. He told her of how terrible he was as a child in terms of temper, an orphan boy in a small clan that could hardly tolerate him at times. He made mistakes of trusting certain people, who spread horrible rumors about him which turned him quite resentful. Even going as far as considering taking some sort of revenge for making the whole village hate him. He was just as adventurous as she was,he told her, often traveling way beyond the borders and into the wilderness on his own. That was until the absolute destruction of the place he called home. He returned to the sounds of thunder and screams of agony with the whole village set ablaze. From there he became very vague, he was taken by someone but he managed to escape and started to jump town to town in search of hope. And he found hope when he met her father.

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______

Calm before the storm

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

The state of the small but growing Clan was starting to worsen. Many more fell victim of the ways of war and many more were injured on the battlefield. Once a powerful and noble clan now became a vulnerable target. They started to fight day and night, pushing the enemies off their grounds and trying to keep them away; there was no more diplomacy. Hachirou was now all about the battles, violence, and even he attended the many battles around his home. Atsuko was now always in her room, often with Utiss when her daughter was free of studies. The tangible tension in the household was now at its peak. There was no more trust and no more kindness that once was there. No more love. Only hatred and suspicions.

Kaliyah still remained quiet, her voice of reason overthrown by her father's sudden evil and his siding with his mother. The young girl opted to sneak away and spend her nights in that cottage after everyone else fell into slumber. That is also where she would often meet with her sensei who tried making the times easier for her by bringing paper made birds or pulling the tricks in sparring that she once found amusing and laughable. Iwao himself was growing uneasy with the familial situation, having raised Botan in the same fashion he did Kaliyah until he was made to step back from active duty. Only Botan took on a more damaging nature as he grew. Iwao understood what Kaliyah represented to Botan, it was unmistakable. To Botan she was nothing but a threat and a rival. Seeing just how much Kaliyah naturally did better at the business their father gave them, how much more thoughtful she was and eager to help; it was only a matter of time until Botan stood against her.

A sudden illness struck her father and got him bedridden. It was during his time at a battlefield far from their home and by the time they got him to a proper medic he was already slipping past their fingers. The medic did as much as she could, Utiss helping her make remedies in hopes of improving her fathers health but in the end they were only able to stabilize him. A forbidden jutsu was the thing that caused the harm. It clung to the chakra networks and successfully muted it, and asides from that it affected the blood cells and made any of the body's effort to cure the fever a failure. It took a few days for him to finally come to consciousness and when he did he called for Kaliyah again, much to her relief.

Quickly jumping back into the waters she followed her fathers commands, with Iwao at her side. The lies were still spreading around like wildfire again and her status and motives as half Sen-Ryoko were questioned by many. Some directly giving offense to the girl. All while she and Botan sat by his sides in shifts avoiding each other whenever possible. Just days before he fell unconscious again, in what most guessed to be his final time, Hachirou wrote a letter, stating that he names Kaliyah of the Clan Genji the head of the Clan and the heiress. This was shattering to Botan, who nurtured nothing but hate for Kaliyah, her mother and her sister for the past year. So much to the point of hate being his fuel. He was the rightful heir, he had the right, he was not some half bred child who had other clans blood. The news absolutely enraged him. And at the advice of the old nan, he decided to go through his plan of killing the threats.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

______

The Exile

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Iwao, who still moved between the heirs of Hachirou, overheard this conversation. He never believed he would take it this far, never. Iwao hurried to the mother who was still grieving, and her two daughters trying to comfort her. He practically busted the door down, commanding them to pack the necessities and to follow him. Atsuko, even in her deep grief understood, and struck with great fear for her children's safety she was quick to move. Meanwhile Kaliyah stood in the main room of the house, questioning Iwao-sensei. The light of the half crescent moon shone through the large windows, and then it turned to dancing flames of fires set around the house. Realizing how little time they had, Iwao pushed Kaliyah to start running, Utiss and her mother waiting by the back door. It was only a matter of time before the ninja themselves arrived at the location. Iwao ran behind them while Atsuko took the lead, pushing their way through the great thicket of woods that swallowed them whole.

Grass almost reaching up to Iwaos hips, Utiss being completely swallowed by the green. The approaching steps of the ones after them were swiftly approaching, they made no attempt at staying quiet, each branch the scaled and each step they took was marked by an audible crunch or a hollow creaking sound. They made their way into an open cave, an old mine whose tunnels lead to open fields and a certain escape. Iwao suddenly stopped when they reached the middle of the tunnel's path. He told them to go, to flee. All three of them stopped, hoping Kaliyah would be first to argue. Iwao was surprised to hear Atsuko's voice disagreeing with him. Leaving her two daughters she took long and swift strides until she stood before him, the flame of the torch he held illuminating her determined but distressed gaze.

Labored breath, her expression formed in one of sadness now. Iwao stood quiet, listening to the thundering pursuit of the team sent after them, if not half the Clan too. Turning to look at her children the woman smiled, in what felt like years, after so long of misery in the home she was genuinely smiling at them. Iwao tried to reason with her then, trying to argue how her children needed their mother but his arguments cancelled out. Utiss first ran into her mothers embrace, tears streaming like waterfalls, beginning her to come with them. "No one has to die." Meanwhile Kaliyah stood before her mother, glossy eyes and a solemn look. Iwao, at loss of arguments and lack of time, snatched Utiss by the arm and started running again, flying past Kaliyah who soon followed after saying her own goodbye to her mother, a simple vocalized goodbye to her mothers apology. A single tear rolled down Kaliyah's cheek before she turned around and disappeared into the darkness of the humid cave. Last thing she really saw was her mother weaving signs, a thick dirt wall rising from the ground and blocking her own escape to the other side. Despite her lack of practice and years of being a housewife, her wits were still as sharp in her last moments as they were in her youth. Using the cloak of the darkness as her main shield and using what she knew of taijutsu and ninjutsu to buy any time she could for the escape of her two daughters.

Days would go by since then with great tension between the trio, Utiss being the most affected by her mothers death. They barely stopped for rest or even food and water, all three of them were growing tired by the hour. Encouraging the girls to keep going, Iwao led them further away into the wilderness of the lands that remained unclaimed. It wasn't until Utiss had fallen unconscious that they were forced to stop, taking shelter in the tall tree trunks, far from anyone's reach and prying eyes. They rested there for a period of time, waking up to a fire at the trees twisted roots and Iwao-sensei at its side. The smell of smoke and cooking meat woke them both up.

Iwao told Kaliyah that he was uncertain where they had to go, the Sen-Ryoko clan was their only option if they planned on reaching any form of safety. But Iwao scarcely knew of their location and now with the lack of whispers and news bringers, they had to really work to find their way around safely. Kaliyahs skill at travel came naturally to her, enhanced by her previous knowledge and previous travelling. Now they were at an all time risk of being killed, be it by their pursuers or by another clan whose territory they may stumble upon even if they were careful with where they headed.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_____

The Kyofū

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

Months after their initial escape they have made their way closer and closer to the shores and the sea. They had come across many small cities where they ended up finding more food and other supplies. Both Kaliyah and Utiss underwent a more subtle form of training from Iwao, focused primarily on the art of stealth and staying undetected. During this time, physical training was put off so as to not draw attention to themselves. Utiss, who was quite unsatisfied and stubborn to these techniques in the start, did well in the lessons, even succeeding past Kaliyah in certain aspects. Where Kaliyah was more prone to clumsiness, Utiss was quick to act and smooth things over, quick witted.

They stayed near the many rivers that lead to the sea for a while longer, resting and smoothing their skills. They were getting comfortable until one day a group of mercenaries recognized Iwao. They became surrounded and even if all three of them somehow worked together, they were at a great disadvantage and any attempt at fighting would ultimately fail. Kaliyah would have taken up a sword still, pushing her sister behind her. The leader of the small group of mercenaries revealed to seemingly hold quite a grudge against Iwao, spitting hateful and quite rude comments to which Iwao stayed quiet and confused, but in the end the man surprisingly laughed. All past comments now left in the dust, all made of sarcasm that the two sisters could barely grasp. Much to all of their surprise. Iwao soon followed in on his laugh. The two would hug, greeting each other with the title of "brothers of war". The tangible tension suddenly disappeared from the air and Iwao would go on to explain their situation briefly, going as far as to ask for the mercenary leaders - Tsuyoshi- for their aid.

Tsuyoshi agreed, although he freely expressed his distaste for their plan to reach the other clan, saying how they should have just forgotten about it all and started a new life, mentioning how dangerous it all was, including the clan themselves. Later he would even mention the great serpents and eagles they possessed, stories carried from ear to ear between people,, confessing that it was his least liked place to go. They packed their scattered things and started their journey with the group as early as sunbreak. The travel was tough now, having to keep up with the ever changing schedule and fast moving pace of the group that was named The Kyōfū. Due to the situation of the three, the journey to the great plains north-west took even longer. Having to do a full detour across the desert. During their travels Kaliyah would hardly let Utiss alone, even if she was in the company of Iwao who she grew suspicious of. She couldn't understand how he could trust them. Her image of them soured even more when Tsuyoshi criticized her for not standing up properly against Botan when she had the time. It greatly frustrated her, his way of thinking and way of doing things. His way of thinking was so simple. But if they were to reach the Sen-Ryokō, she had to have patience, which by that point was starting to dwindle.

Finally, after almost a month of travel they reached their destination. The sand and rock which they got used to travelling through turned to green and lush grass, hills and mountains would start to surround them, loom over them and Kaliyah was certain that sometimes the tall giants of mountains had eyes of their own. The mercenaries made camp in the great roots of what they called the Mother Mountain. The trio was almost free to go, with Tsuyoshi constantly warning his old friend about the supposed nature of the people they were trying to find. He told so many tales and alleged truths it made Kaliyahs head spin with the numerous possibilities. Her mind was oftentimes going to the ideas of dragons, in which case they stood no chance against them if it came to the worst of the worst. All their attempts would have been in vain. The tales her mother told her all now resurfaced as well as the tales of the Old Nan, ingrained in her head till the end of days. It made Kaliyah fearful to the bone, but now with having to take care of Utiss and remain strong, and with how often she got criticized for such things, she remained quiet and completely closed with her emotions. Withdrawn completely within herself. She was becoming homesick for the place that didn't exist.

The place she was born in was no longer her home, and the Sen-Ryokō didn't seem so great and friendly anymore. Utiss showed her gratitude for the group's aid by giving them medical treatment and advice for any future incidents, getting to know the people of the small group through that interaction. Utiss still continued on with the techniques Iwao taught them, subtly pushing each of them to tell her more. Despite her older sister's disagreement, Utiss still went out of her way to collect intel and soon after became friendly with the others. She showed hesitation when it was time to part with the Kyofu, while Kaliyah was happy they were once again alone, even with the risks it all brought. There was no backing down. The trio would quickly come across and once again be cornered by someone, this time Iwao recognized their sigil, their symbol. In their quick quarrel the four of the foes worked as one, it was quick to catch them, but at the moment of Iwao's realization and confession they were hesitant and suspicious of the three. The three could have been a part of a greater plan. So instead of the nice treatment they were practically taken hostage and brought before the Clan leader and elder. Iwao, despite his usual, diplomatic self, after the tough journeys and almost no sleep, pleaded with the man to give the girls the safety. It took a long conversation between him and the leader before the girls were brought in as well to speak. Kaliyah spoke the most, with Utiss chipping in every so often to vouch for her sister and Iwao-sensei.

Upon a long and thorough conversation between Iwao, Kaliyah and the clan leader, they were allowed to stay under strict supervision until they proved themselves to be true. The old man was greatly saddened by the death of his only child, regretful of his choice of sending her away, yet it was too late to grieve now. He had taken a liking to the two sisters quite quickly after, seeing a lot of their mother in them and seeing as they were nothing but children he felt sympathy for their situation. Kaliyah and Utiss, despite Iwao's worries, were pulled away by a pair of clan members, two older women who made sure the sisters were well fed and got a new change of clothes. While Utiss quite enjoyed the attention and the warmth the women brought with them, the affection they tried to show in hopes of bringing comfort; Kaliyah was very unsure. Mind still plagued with worries and many things alike. Remembering the things her mother had told her about the Clan, all the things she heard about the Sen-Ryokō, she didn't want anything more but to be left alone. She had started to dream about going back to the cottage and being at peace.

The following days were spent with their trials, from things as blunt as combat experience to more subtle things where members of the clan were sent to subtly interrogate the three. It quite some time until the clan decided they were worthy enough of their trust and would finally start to treat them nicely. Upon request, Kaliyah met with the clan leader, her grandfather. He told her that the word brought the Genji were quite weak, but that Botan was nowhere near nice when it came of the Sen-Ryokō people that were left behind. He asked of her to tell him everything as his plan was to infiltrate and take the people back, perhaps even attack, even he was unclear about his plan. Kaliyah was opposed to the idea of going back, it was not worth the trouble and risking even more lives as well as her own. She came off as quite selfish in their discussion, but with nagging from Utiss and Iwao, she succumbed to their request. It was true, she didn't want to do anything but stay far away from the Genji grounds, but she couldn't deny the guilt that ate away at her when she tried declining to help them. And as the second oldest, and only heir of the Sen-Ryokō, she was forced to care and accept. So many people were sent under Botan controlling claws, and so many were suffering each day. It was an internal battle Kaliyah had to fight. In the end, Utiss and the other two won the discussion, which resulted in Kaliyah starting her training once again and harder than ever before. Technically, as she was the only child of the clan head, and the oldest, she was to become its leader one day. But due to her young age, she was not officially rewarded with that title. Iwao would become her best advisor and the holder of the said title.

⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

_____

The Old Lair

•─────⋅☾ ☽⋅─────•

It did not take long for Botan to send people south for their heads. The small team that infiltrated the borders were quickly noticed however; few border guards lost their lives in the process of their swift attacks. Their main goal was to find the sisters, and they didn't take a break, they barely spared anyone else their time even when the alarms were sent out. By the time the team reached the location of the younger sibling, the news of the intruders had already spread around like wildfire and both Kaliyah and Iwao were already at the location as well. The moment before the blades crashed felt overwhelming, seeing the faces of the ones that were in their pursuit that night, the ones who killed her mother too no doubt; Kaliyah felt sad, then angry, almost revenge thirsty. She has never felt that amount of anger before, that amount of grief turned to rage. While Utiss fled to safety behind them through the maze of the forests, Kaliyah and Iwao along with several others ruthlessly fought against the intruders. Iwao yelled over the noise and the ruckuss at Kaliyah who was slowly losing herself in the battle, not sparing a single blow, not pulling any of her strikes back. She could barely hear him, or she chose not to hear him, she didn't know for sure, she could hardly feel the pain when the enemy's blade made contact with her flesh. But once she saw that the battle had to be wrapped up quickly, as their fighting was damaging things around them, Kaliyah took it a step further, almost forgetting all things she had learned and instead distracted half of the group, pushing them into chasing her. The chase was long and swift, with Kaliyah leading them through the great plains of the mountains, far beyond the borders. It was then when the effects of the blood loss began to weigh her down. The winds were wild that night, rising great dirt and sand storms around them and almost knocking them all over certain cliffs.

Once she reached the higher points of the mountain she turned around in order to face them, they were out in the open now, she noticed finally. Moon shone down upon them and the smooth stone while the raging wind continued to blow. Steel crashed against steel, sending sparks flying all around into their faces. The young heiress didn't back down, but she was now weak despite her stubbornness. Even with all the anger and the will she held, she couldn't defeat them like this. Gathering all strength she could and with the help of her chakra, she jumped high into the sky before weaving the signs of her wind jutsu. Sending a quick but powerful wave of winds that sliced into her enemies and the floor like it was nothing. As she began to fall back to the floor the ground under her suddenly cracked. Two of the men that survived her attack suddenly got up and charged at her, tackling her to the ground and thus making the ground completely shatter underneath them. They fell into the dark abyss, the half crescent moon only giving them some semblance of light.

Kaliyah used the winds to her advantage and cushioned her fall by the slightest, while the other two had caught onto the ledges they could grasp. She was now completely cornered, in the complete darkness she could tell that there was no way out. The enemies loomed over her, she was certain this would be her end. She was almost out of chakra and the previous anger was washing off, leaving all the pain and soreness behind. The two above her started to chip in comments through gritted teeth, words like venom as they slowly dropped from one ledge to the other, carefully making their way down. Kaliyah gathered herself, gripping her sword in her hand as graciously as she could. Blood stained the ground. A small breeze was blowing in the small cavern, something Kaliyah didn't understand. The warmth of it was a great contrast to the freezing winds of the mountain peaks. Kaliyah focused on the two ahead, placing the blade close to her face, a short moment to admire the fine blue sheen over the cool steel. Just when the two charged she stepped into the darkness and dodged the kunais one of them sent her way. Just as she appeared once again in their field of vision, something bigger stepped behind her.

The horrified looks of the enemies faces alone made Kaliyah's blood run cold. The small rumble of the ground and the warm breeze returned at a bigger scale and just in the last second Kaliyah dodged behind a great rock when a stream of hot fire lightened up the cavern. The fires licked at everything, warming up the stone where the young girl hid but she didn't step away until the flames stopped and the screams of anguish subsided. Panting and drained of all energy, her mind was hazy and going wild with the situation, attempting to wrap her head around it. Daring to pop her head out from behind the rock she was met with big green eyes illuminated by the dying flames, teeth sharp as daggers and white whiskers resembling snakes. The snarl of the great beast was slowly fading, and when its burning gaze met Kaliyahs the beast let out a guttural growl.

A dragon stood before her. Scaring her from her hiding she was pushed to stand directly under the moon's glow while the only thing she saw of the beast was the glowing eyes and the illuminated maw it possessed. The beast sniffed at the air, at her scent, the moment felt as if it lasted so much longer, each second felt dragged on to the end. Suddenly, it spoke. "Go." It was enough to snap Kaliyah out of her dazed state, seeing the horrible beast retreat into the darkness and she no longer felt frozen. Her feet were quick to move and find her footing as she scaled the steep walls of the cavern, without a thought she climbed out and made her way down the mountain. Next time she woke, she got quite a bit of scolding from Iwao, scolding her for her actions.

But night after night, her dreams were filled with the scene when the dragon stood in front of her. Sometimes the dragon in her dreams would burn her to ash, and in others he'd simply stare from the darkness. Kaliyah would begin to question if she was just dreaming of dragons and thinking that perhaps she didn't actually see one. Whatever the truth was, it bothered Kaliyah and when duties gave her time off she ventured into the village in hopes for answers. Over time of their initial exile and time in the foreign lands, Kaliyah became completely withdrawn and secretive, her social skills were no longer the best and polished. She became blunt, asking some of the older people of the clan about stories of the flying beasts. It was a bit upsetting, seeing how some of them reacted, sour reactions, but most of them were more than willing to tell her. The last great dragon of the clan had died almost 200 years ago, and it cost them almost everything. Before that, dragons were highly valued among the clansmen, the people a dragon chose to work with were treated with utmost respect and were the guardians of the Clan. The dragons and their masters were seen as the force to be reckoned with, nothing could get past them. The kin of the great beasts was slowly thinning out, not that there were too many to begin with, but when it came to the last known dragon it became a sad story.

The last of their kind, the honorable beast, burned his master to ashes unexpectedly, along with the many that closely worked with the woman. They were left alone and hearing their great loss many other clans came to claim the fertile lands for their own. They were defenseless. No one was there to protect them after their own guardians left them in the dust and the dragon they once looked up to disappeared, dead they said. But now Kaliyah knew it to be a lie, she had just seen a dragon! The dragons were not dead, the one she encountered was a youngling, still small. While the great beast that betrayed them was described as a looming giant. A lot about the dragons was shrouded with biased opinions and the information was very vague so a lot was left up to Kaliyah to find out. The time would prove for it to be a hard task to gather intel, this would take time. With that taking up too much time, time that she could otherwise spend more productively, she decided on an additional approach.

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#naruto oc #naruto #naruto shippuden #tobirama x oc #kaliyah sen ryoko #warring States #Part 1 #senju

[outerbankslut]

Childhood Friends... Pope Heyward

Summary • You have been in love with Pope Heyward since you first met him when you were younger. But there’s one or two problems. Or so you think. He doesn’t like you. Does he?

Warnings • Swearing. Underage drinking.

Word Count • 3.3k (Imagine)

Masterlist

(GIF isn’t mine, let me know if it’s yours)

    AT EIGHT YEARS old you first met Pope Heyward. The concept of Outer Banks at such a young age seemed like a dream for you. Never ending beaches. Hot weather practically all the time. Surfing and swimming at your beck and call. It was a stark change from living in Minnesota.

The house you moved into was a small two story house next to one almost identical. And the day you had moved in a boy came knocking at the door. He seemed around your age and held a pie dish in his hands seemingly quite nervous. Your parents were upstairs unpacking so you opened the door hoping maybe you could make a friend.

"My mum made me bring this pie for you since we’re neighbours, here you go." He kept his eyes trained on the ground then handing you the pie and scurrying back home before you could even take a breath. Your face dropped as he ran off but you felt determined to make him a friend, after all you were neighbours so how hard could it be since you'd see him almost all the time.

A few days later your mum wanted to buy some groceries rather than living off of takeaway food for any longer and opted for going to Heywards shop. Which ended up being your neighbours store.

You wandered through the store while your mum chatted with Heyward and eventually stumbled upon the boy who ran away sitting on the floor and reading a comic.

"Spider-Man's really cool." You had said sitting down next to him as his head snapping to the side suddenly looking from his marvel comic to you. It was a surprise he didn't get whiplash.

"Really? I think so too." The boy gushed about the hero while you sat listening. Then your mum called you from the front of the store and you pouted, sad you could hang out with your new friend any longer.

Then the next thing you knew the eight year old boy was dragging you both to your feet and taking you to the candy area. He handed you a chocolate bar with a cheeky grin. "Don't tell my dad."

You nodded and giggled before rushing off to your mum and looking back at your new friend happily. Your parents invited the Heywards around for weekly dinners and alternated between houses becoming good family friends which only strengthened you and Popes friendship.

After that began it was an almost daily thing for you to hang out. You and Pope were attached by the hip. You went on your bikes together. Even took kids surfing lessons together. Though Pope practically already knew how to surf since he was raised on the water.

As you grew older you would do your homework together with the Heyward boy often helping you with the subjects you struggled in while you helped him with the things he struggled with.

Eventually you offered to help with the shop to pass time and hang out with your friend and at this point the Heywards were like family to you.

When you were both ten years old Pope had the idea to make a tree house. And though not the best considering it ended up just a rickety platform balancing on branches with ladders either side of it, it still worked. The tree overhung both houses back gardens with its trunk positioned just on the edge of your garden.

You met two more goofs that year. JJ and John B. The two Js was what you called them at first. You became fast friends with their long hanging bond similar to yours with pope. You fit like a lock and a key together. However you never showed the Pogues the treehouse, it was just you and Popes little space.

You spent a lot of time up there just staring up at the stars of reading. Pope liked to talk about all his hopes and dreams while you were there and you listened.

"Y/N, do you think I’ll be able to get into a good college. Like for forensic pathology." He asked as you laid on the 'treehouse' could you even call it that.

"Pope you are the smartest person I know. So it's unlikely that you won't get into anywhere you want."

"I know it's just—I don't think my dad can afford it so I'll need to get a scholarship. There'll be be hundreds of people competing for it. I'm just a drop in the ocean to them." He ranted and you could hear the stress in his voice. This wasn't something someone as smart and determined as Pope should have to stress about was all you thought. He deserved so much while people who deserved so much less got fed with a silver spoon up in figure eight.

"They'd be dumb not to let you in. I don’t see how you wouldn’t. I have faith in you but I will also do whatever it takes to get you in. I'll pay for your tuition myself if I have to. Or I'll find some dirt on the dean and—"

"I'd rather not have my acceptance be a product of your blackmailing ways Y/N but thankyou and I'm not letting you pay for my tuition." He laughed. It was the melodic sound that rung in your ears that made you smile and turn your head away from the stars and towards him. The small lights you had hanging from the tree branches were bouncing off of his beautiful chestnut skin. His eyes were a shade of dark honey brown that simmered in the light. He was amazing in every single way.

Your fourteen year old self was starting to realise what you had been oblivious to the whole time. You would do anything for Pope. He was your ride or die. And you hoped you were his.

However when Kiara came in was when things went weird between you and Pope. She waltzed in in all her kook glory looking like a goddess. So of course you couldn't blame the boys when suddenly all their attention was on her and her beautiful brown wavy hair or golden cocoa skin that glimmered in the sunlight. You couldn't figure out whether she was just born lucky with amazing genetics or whether she was a vampire like from Twilight. Either way, Pope Heyward fell and he fell hard that year. At work he always spoke about her and it was slowly killing you inside. Every time he mentioned it you swore you heard your heart break and crack into more pieces.

You wished you could tell him. But you would be putting your friendship on the line. It would be selfish to tell him when he clearly wasn’t interested.

Instead of moping over an unattainable crush you attempted to move on. And to everyone’s surprise started flirting back with JJ. He was always shooting his shot like he did with Kie and tourons at keggers but normally you never flirted back. You thought somehow within your skewed logic it would work and you would be over Pope. Like the saying fake it till you make it. But it just bought your thoughts back to how it wasn’t Pope.

The Heyward boy started to pay more attention to it. He got a weird feeling in his stomach everytime he saw you laughing at JJs jokes and not his or just talking to each other. He stared every time you flipped your long glossy hair over your shoulder and looked flawless or would saunter off back into the chateau for a drink.

His interest turned from anyone to you within a second of a word coming from you pink lips. But you had convinced yourself he wasn't interested and you were oblivious to his newfound feelings. And so he stayed blind as he had been before to yours.

    "HEY WHAT’RE YOU doing over here, lil red." JJs nickname had originated from the fact that red was your favourite colour. You had even dressed up as little red riding hood one year for Halloween which sparked the full nickname. It was sweet but in no way anything more than a friendly nickname. Although Pope begged to differ. You sat leaning against the wooden poll on the wooden floor of the dock. Your arms wrapped around your legs pulling them close to your chest giving you a sense of comfort as you stared at the sunset across the marsh.

You turned to the blond sending him a small smile before turning back to the sinking blends of fluorescent pink and oranges blurring into one beautiful mess in the sky. "Watching the sunset."

"Mind if I watch too?" He asked settling down beside you and resting his arms on his knees. You nodded. It turned away from the sky.

You heard the laugh of Pope from behind you and turned this time you turned away to look seeing Pope laughing with Kie that just sparked jealousy in your stomach. He looked so happy with her.

"So what's the deal with that?" JJ asked from beside you and you turned to him confusion splattering on your features which were orange from the light hitting of the setting sun.

"What are you talking about?"

"I'm talking about the long glances, more like stares really and when you tell a joke you always look to Pope first. You look at him like he's the best thing in the world. Not to mention you randomly starting to flirt with me. I'm a professional ladies man. I notice these things. You’re not interested in me, it’s Pope." He blurted out and you sat rubbing a hand over your face with a sigh.

"I don’t do any of that." JJ have you a look which you shrugged at. “Look I—I did, but I don’t anymore.”

“You sure about that?” JJ kept his stare on you as you shuffled uncomfortably before sighing.

“I just wish he could just like me back, but he never will he’ll always like Kie and I don’t wanna be jealous of them cause then I’ll be a terrible friend but... I can’t help it.”

“Lil red, I know you might not believe me but I think Pope does like you. A lot. I’ve seen the way he looks at you. It’s not just some friendly look.” He places his hand on your shoulder rubbing it softly and you send him a tight lipped smile.

“Maybe he does, I doubt it though. And people say girls are complicated. You boys are just as complicated.” You teased bumping his shoulder as he let go of yours. “But anyway we’re forgetting about the most important rule ever. No pogue on pogue macking.”

JJ snorted shaking his head. “Don’t bring up that bullshit rule. I know that if anyone of you showed interest in me it would be out of the window.”

“I’m not particularly a rule breaker unlike you.”

“Rules are made to broken but you’re just boring Lil Red.” You gasped and turned to your friend.

“No I am not. Take it back.” You glared at him jokingly.

“What’re you gonna do?”

You raised your eyebrows and then pushed the boy off the dock thinking you’d suceeded for a slip second until he grabbed your shoulders and pulled you in too.

Pope watched the two of you laughing and talking for a while without you realising and then he saw you both fall in the water together laughing and looking like you belonged together. He shook his head slightly as he looked back to Kie who stared with worried eyes.

“You okay Pope?”

“Yeah, yeah I’m fine just thinking.” Kie nodded going back to talking to John B until a shout erupts and they both turned to see JJ and you in the water. Pope was already looking.

“Lil red what the fuck?” He laughed shaking off his hair while you rung your own out still looking amazing to Pope.

“You said I was boring.” You shrugged chuckling and then screeching as you were pushed back under the water.

“I’m honestly surprised they’re not together yet.” Kie laughed looking at the two other boys beside her.

“You think they like each other?” Pope asked worry pinched in his eyebrows. It was one thing for him to think it but for Kie to confirm his thoughts made his stomach churn.

“Well yeah, I mean look at them.”

Pope was looking at them. And he saw it clear as day. You and him were never going to happen.

You breathed heavily as you and JJ walked up the steps to the docks. “Hey I know what we can do to help get your mind off of Pope for a night.”

“What?”

“A kegger.”

    THE PARTY HAD started two hours ago and was roaring with teens, kooks and Pogues alike hung together for one night filled with truce, beer and weed.

He had left you a few minutes before to pursue a girl of course while you sat around a bonfire staring at the embers that floated into the midnight sky. But you were still thinking about him. He was stuck in your thoughts like superglue. You'd hoped that maybe alcohol would help loosen you up and get you out of your head but being alone and drunk made it worse.

Pope stood by Kie as you sat at the fire by yourself. Now was his chance to tell you and maybe you would like him back but if you didn't then maybe it would be less embarrassing since you were drunk. However he was not drunk since he abstained from the beer despite the multitudes of parties they had. He was the designated driver type.

"I'm gonna go over to Y/N." Kiara nodded before she continued talking to a random boy that sat next to her.

He walked across the sand catching your attention as you snapped your head up to see him heading your way.

"Hey Pope."

You were surprised he left Kie.

"You looked a little lonely so I'm giving you company."

"Oh Thankyou. My saviour." You said jokingly. Taking a swig of beer you examined the boys face. It twitched with nerves as he sat next to you and fiddled with his fingers.

He looked up at you with a small smile. “Y/N, I—”

“God, girls around here really have a good left hook.” JJ groaned holding his face sitting down next to you on the log interrupting Pope who he hadn’t noticed.

Then JJ looked up to see Pope sitting there awkwardly and you almost laughing at the fact that he got punched by a girl which never happened before. “Oh shit sorry I didn’t realise...”

“Realise what?” You asked shaking your head cluelessly before you dragged yourself up. “I need another drink.”

JJ tried to stop you but before he knew it you were at the keg with him following after.

“Uh, Lil red, I think Pope might’ve been about to tell you he liked you.”

“Wait, what? Really?” You almost dropped your beer as your hands went slack in shock but you quickly gripped it tight swallowing some. Pope stared into as you had walked away from him with JJ following. Of course he was going after you because like Kie said, they liked each other. He wanted to see if he could forget, so he did something he would probably regret.

“I’m pretty sure I mean he looked like he was going to. I really need to talk to him...” The blond trailed off as he stared at something behind him.

“What is it?” You were about to turn around until JJ held your shoulders in place until your shoved them off and saw what you never wanted to see.

Pope was kissing a girl. Not Kie though. It was just a random girl who he was kissing. Your eyes burned with tears as you turned to JJ scoffing.

“Yeah he definitely likes me doesn’t he.” You choked back a sob shoving the beer into JJs hand and running off into the trees.

Pope has pulled away just in time to see it and instant regret filled his stomach.

“Pope, buddy, what did you do?” JJ asked softly as Pope looked at his walking away from the random girl who looked taken aback.

“I’m so sorry.” He apologised and she rolled her eyes walking off. “I don’t know what was going through my head, one second I was at the fire the next I was kissing a random girl.”

“Look, bro, just go find her and explain everything.”

“Yeah, I’ll—I’ll do that.”

You had walked the farthest you could from the party, still bare foot since your shoes were in the van and John B had the keys. You were leaning against a tree trunk when you decided to go to the one place that would comfort you most despite reminding you of him.

You went straight home taking 20 minutes to walk down the cold desolate roads that were dark by this time. The first thing you did was get ice cream from the freezer before making your way to the tree house and wrapping yourself in the blankets befor leaning against one of the many pillows stored there. You listened to the gentle breeze above rustling the leaves of the blooming trees and the crickets in the distance and felt the gentle swaying of the platform beneath you.

This was your comfort place. It was the only place you felt like this since it was where you created all your favourite memories with Pope Heyward. The unattainable boy who had always been by your side.

By the time Pope made it home it was completely dark but he knew exactly where you would be. He made his way to his backyard and saw your small figure and made his way up. You sat up quickly and almost burst into more tears after seeing him.

"Y/N..."

"Pope what are you doing here?" You asked as he climbed up the ladder.

"I came to check up on you..." He sighs and sits down next to you. "And I came to say that that kiss was a big mistake."

"Why—what?" You looked at the boy in confusion.

"I like you. I know we've been best friends forever and I hope this doesn't make it weird but that's the truth. I kissed the girl to see if I could forget about you which in hindsight was really stupid. And you probably hate me."

You looked at him with glossy eyes and smiled.

"Yeah that was stupid if you thought you could get over me.” You laughed which died down when you turned to him looking more serious. “But I don’t hate you. It’s not like we were dating.”

“I was thinking...we could change that.” Pope tells you and you raise your eyebrows, a growing smile on your face.

“Hmm okay. Date. This friday. On the beach. You and me?" You asked and his eyes lit up feeling slightly surprised at the forwardness.

"Isn't it supposed to be me asking you out?" He asked teasingly.

"It's the twenty first century pope get with it."

"Of course. And I would love to go on a date with you.”

“Good.” He then jumped on top of you in all your blankets and you let out a shriek. “Oh my god, Pope are you trying to simultaneously give me a heart attack and break this thing?”

“Not really, but if it happens then oh well.” He feigned nonchalance for a second breaking into a grin as you slapped his arm.

“Watch it mister. Or I’ll reconsider that date.”

“Okay, I’m sorry Y/N.”

You sighed contently as he wrapped you up in his arms, both of you under the blankets and the stars. You could definitely get used to this.

Note • In honor of simping for Pope and jd day, year, decade and century i’ve written this cause he’s a cutie and I love him. This was kinda anticlimatic but 🤷‍♀️

#kiara carrera #jj maybank #outer banks #john booker routledge #jj maybank obx #obx #obx fanfiction #pope heyward #pope obx #pope outer banks #outerbankslut #obx kiara #obx john b #john b outer banks #pope x reader #pope #obx jj #jj outer banks #obx kie #obx pope #obx pogues #imagines #obx imagine #rafe cameron #sarah cameron #rafe obx #topper #topper thornton #sarah obx #topper obx

[punkscowardschampions]

Grace & Ava

Grace: I'm here in your postcode so like hmu if you need help Grace: after being a babysitter FOREVER kids crafts are TOTALLY my thing Ava: There's glitter on everything Ava: I'm going to have to pay to get their house professionally cleaned after this, I swear Grace: before you do I have to bring the boy over & 'accidentally' cover him Grace: cos he literally will not decide on a costume Ava: Yeah, he's crap at costumes Ava: I don't think I've even seen him in the obligatory devil horns Ava: mess up the hair, probably Grace: I mean, if my hair ever looked that good that'd be so relatable Grace: 😍😍 Ava: n'awh 😏 Ava: I'm glad someone appreciates the effort he goes to with the bleach Ava: god knows what I'm going to wear, the standard Halloween ideas aren't really applicable for a kid's birthday Grace: I love him but I hate him Grace: his eyelashes are better than mine as well Grace: right?! if his mum sees me in a lbd & cat ears she'll hate me more than she already does Grace: we could do joint costumes of a 🔪 in our backs though 🙄😂 Ava: What's she like? Grace: so rude Grace: she NEVER talks to me but the judgement is REAL 👀🔪 Grace: poor & a reformed hoe!? not in her house, honey Ava: and you didn't even homewreck her son's marriage so Ava: this is gonna be fun Grace: but I will if she tries to marry him off to some beautiful, rich, virgin or whatever Ava: I don't think they're that old school 😂 Ava: only if he managed to get a virgin pregnant Grace: don't even Grace: it's literally the one thing that would maybe score me points with her & I can't talk about it Ava: as satisfying as it'd be to throw out when she's being the most judgmental Ava: not worth it Ava: but you are gonna come, right? Ava: James wasn't sure Grace: yeah, I'm not trying to have a breakdown at her dining table soooooo Grace: of course we are, he practically begged me onto a flight to not have to go alone Grace: his sister has like 5 kids & Teddy can't deal with any of them Grace: what happens when you 👰👴 I guess Ava: Yeah Ava: I heard Ava: I just want them to have a good time Ava: James and the kids Grace: they will Grace: you've done amazing so far setting it all up Ava: there's nothing I can do to jazz up the guestlist Ava: it's bad enough that she might show but we can't plan for it Grace: Teddy thinks she will & Jay will have a meltdown, that's why he's totally dreading it Ava: I don't think she will Grace: idk but he's convinced Grace: he says she LOVES to make an entrance & bring drama Ava: Potentially Ava: I think she doesn't care enough about the kids, but that she doesn't intentionally want to hurt them Ava: just James Ava: there are better ways, after all, her parents are going to be there, they'd stop her before she could really do anything Grace: 🤞🏽 cos that does make sense Grace: & we all want you to be right, no offense to the bae Ava: If she's going to come back, she will, it'll have to be faced Ava: whether we're wearing cat ears or not Grace: yeah but like a 👶🎂 is not it Grace: even she must know that Ava: None of this is Grace: how's James? Ava: he's doing good Ava: considering Ava: it's a lot Grace: mhmm Grace: I'm avoiding Rio & Buster rn for a reason Ava: Yeah, he's mad at me Grace: 🙄🙄 Grace: don't even worry he's mad at everyone for everything Grace: except Ri, duh Grace: like you said, it's a lot Ava: well it's kind of special circumstances Ava: he thinks I've picked a side Grace: cos it's that simple Grace: he's so extra & that's coming from me Ava: Maybe it is Grace: he wishes it was Grace: but it's not you & James vs him & Ri Ava: It's not that Ava: I just Ava: I don't think I agree with what he wants Grace: you want Jay to stay where she is Ava: Yes Ava: I think he's only thinking about himself Grace: well yeah, when isn't he? Ava: It's different Ava: it's two lives he could ruin Ava: three, Mattie too Grace: he's always done exactly what he wants however many lives it could ruin Grace: literally all you can do is keep trying to get through to him Ava: Yeah, that'll work Ava: like you said, he'll do what he wants Ava: but James won't just let her go, and if it goes to court, how has he proved he's a decent father? Ava: he's not acknowledged her, the possibility Ava: it wouldn't be as cut and dry as he wants it to be Grace: nothing is ever that cut & dry but ugh try telling Buster or Ri that Ava: Exactly Ava: isn't having Venus when they shouldn't enough Grace: don't even get me started Grace: it's such a mess Ava: it isn;t fair Ava: James raised her, stepped up Ava: had to deal with Chloe Ava: no one has the right to take her away now Grace: exactly Grace: they love each other Grace: you can't just break that bond like it doesn't exist Ava: for one that doesn't Ava: I don't want to pick sides, I love him, he's my brother Ava: but I can't say I'm okay with it right now, when I'm not Grace: he's being a selfish idiot rn though, you can say it to me, babes Grace: she's got a whole family here Ava: I know it's fucked, that Chloe told him he wasn't the dad Ava: but I can't get over that she told him he was Ava: you don't just Ava: why did he trust her the second time and not the first Ava: how could that be for anything but selfish reasons Grace: it's literally cos he wanted to Grace: & he's totally fixated on the wrong things, what does blood matter anyway? Grace: Billie's my sister not any one of the kids my dad had scattered across Dublin Ava: Maybe Rio said she'd leave him? Ava: but still, then he made his choice Ava: ugh Ava: I hate it Grace: me too Grace: everything is so Grace: fucked Grace: always Ava: how was your birthday anyway Ava: did you and Teddy do something nice? Grace: he did spoil me cos he knows my birthday is the literal worst & I tried not to brag TOO hard on socials Ava: Good Ava: you're only 16 once Grace: it's so weird Grace: being her age Ava: I thought about that Ava: on her birthday Ava: that she'd have only been 20 Ava: it seems so long ago, somehow Grace: like unless I die too now, I'm gonna be older than her Ava: they could take Libi if they want another child so bad Ava: alright, that was bitchy but nan and granddad won't be around forever either, I know they're not old old but Grace: they tried that already, so not really that bitchy Grace: god, she looks so much like her I actually can't breathe sometimes Ava: It's crazy Ava: and how big she is already Grace: did you see the 🎃 patch pics? It's wild, she's even dressed like Edie as a kid Grace: calm down nan Ava: I know Ava: I wish she had to chance to know her Ava: and her dad, of course Grace: yeah, I wish I'd known her better & I had way longer than Libi Ava: Like Billie's mum Ava: it's just sad Grace: idk maybe you get to 90 & you're still like I wish....whatever Grace: but like you said, it's unfair & I hate it Ava: It's never going to be something you can make peace with Ava: well, I don't think Ava: her life wasn't finished, it had only just started Grace: I don't think I wanna make peace with it anyway, it's not okay & none of us should just be okay with it Grace: but I can't cry rn so Ava: Me either Ava: I have too many sandwiches to make Grace: are you at home? I'll come over Ava: I'm at his but you can come over Ava: help me load up the car Grace: 👌🏽 omw Ava: You can have a cake pop early Ava: don't tell Jay Grace: 😂🤫 Ava: or more aptly, don't tell James she's already conned me out of two Grace: he'll definitely be able to tell when she's climbing the walls Grace: unless you've made a really convincing 🕷 costume too Ava: I know, I know Ava: it's bad Ava: but I don't think a little bit of excitement would actually hurt right now Ava: she's got to carry it, it's not like Mattie really has much of a clue what's going on yet Grace: & you don't want her feeling jealous & left out that you threw her baby sister such a great party Grace: that's the worst Ava: Yeah, she had hers in the Summer and it wasn't the best time, obviously Ava: I've tried to make sure she feels involved anyway Grace: Teddy can't believe how good you are with her, speaking of jealousy 😂 Ava: Kids pick up on your awkwardness, don't they Ava: like animals Ava: he just needs to fake it 'til he makes it Grace: mhmmm Grace: I told him it'll get easier the more time he spends with both of them, but you know what he's like Ava: Yeah Ava: at least no one is going to accuse him of trying to be their mother 🙄 Grace: 🤞🏽 she won't say it again in front of everyone 🥳🎁 Grace: awkward Ava: it's so patronizing Ava: it's not as if Chloe was a massive help Ava: he's done it himself this whole time, basically Ava: they don't need a mum Grace: she was literally the opposite of helpful Ava: at best she looked after them in the loosest sense of the word when he was at uni or work Ava: but 9/10 they'd end up with her parents so it wasn't as if she could be relied on Grace: are her parents coming? Ava: yeah Ava: I don't think they can even believe that she's done this Ava: gone Ava: I've met them a few times, dropping or picking the girls up, they're nice enough Grace: who'd wanna believe that about their family tbh Grace: but it's good that they're sticking around even though they probably wanna die if they've always been there Grace: the girls need that normality rn Ava: I'm sure they feel awful Ava: though James' family are blaming no one but him so they don't need to worry about judgment Grace: ugh I would kill Teddy if he sided with them Ava: I don't know if James knows he doesn't Grace: really? Grace: 🙄 boys never talk Grace: I'll talk to him, he knows how to show it even if he doesn't wanna say it Grace: they can go to the pub or whatever Ava: Yeah, I like, try not to comment or get involved Ava: know what it's like to have family drama Ava: but that's the feeling I've got anyway, it couldn't hurt them Grace: rich people need a bigger shove to open up, no offence Ava: 😂 it's a class issue, really Grace: in his family there's that whole stiff upper lip thing that I thought was totally not even a thing for the past however many centuries Grace: it's crazy, okay Ava: I know Grace: thank god he's the youngest or his mum would be coming at me to produce an heir Ava: you aren't good enough stock, obvs Ava: 🙄🙄 Grace: & she's only basing that off my 2 jobs & sexual history Grace: if she knew I was actually infertile she'd be giving him constant sti checks & changing the locks Grace: 😱😱 Ava: If you aren't titled and can't trace your family back to the dark ages, then they don't wanna know 🤷 Grace: so weird Ava: just how they are Ava: posh people Grace: yeah, it's wild, you should've seen the look I got when I said you were making sandwiches Grace: the boy does nothing for himself I swear Ava: he doesn't Ava: I've known him long enough Grace: Janis hated him on sight so at least you do actually know him Ava: doesn't really surprise me Grace: she only has 😍 for working class baristas so Ava: all my family hate James so you're doing better than me Grace: they just hate him for you, I've been there every other time Grace: they'll have to get over it & used to him eventually Ava: none of yours were married with two kids Ava: but still, yeah, they will Ava: or they won't, it's not like it's illegal so they can't do anything Grace: he's divorced now & literally deserves to be happy Ava: his happiness isn't their top priority Grace: yours should be though Ava: it is Ava: in that they think it's a mistake and I'll regret it Grace: if it is it's your mistake to make & regret to live with Grace: I've got 100000s Grace: 🤷 Ava: I can see their point, and what they're trying to do, without agreeing with it Ava: because I'm not as immature as they wanna say so Ava: it is what it is Grace: 👏🏽 Ava: I've got to do some homework, when you get here Ava: you don't mind do you Grace: it's fine Ava: it's due monday and I've barely started Grace: as long as Teddy doesn't ignore me for homework too Ava: awh, how could he Grace: idk maybe you're a better influence than me Ava: i'm not going to turn the party into a study sesh, don't worry Grace: 😂 I didn't bring any homework so I'm not worried Grace: I could probably cope with Jay's but I won't be telling her Ava: ✌ Ava: I highly doubt she'll wanna do hers either Grace: she can help me get him in the 🥳🎁🕺🎊 mood then Ava: 🤞 Grace: 🙏🏽

[whitewolfofwinterfell]

Just ONE more...until I think of yet another question I'm dying to ask you a few minutes from now! What do you see as Buffy's greatest traits and worst flaws? Angel's greatest traits and worst flaws? In what ways (assuming they were human) do you see them as compatible? In what ways do think they're similar to each other, and what are their complementary differences? What jobs do you think they'd have as humans? What would they each be like as parents? What would they do in their spare time?!

Buffy’s greatest traits and worst flaws

Buffy is a very complex character with so many strengths, but equally, many flaws. Without a doubt her greatest strengths are her resillience and inner-strength. No matter what life throws at her she seems to have an incredible ability to keep moving forward. Even after Joyce’s death - which is undoubtedly one of the greatest tragedies anyone in this world will face - she’s able to compartmentalise in order to take responsbility of the household and step up to be a parental figure for Dawn when she’s still a child herself. Not to mention that she dies and is resurrected and somehow manages to find a way to keep going. What strikes me about Buffy is that even when she’s clearly struggling mentally and emotionally she never wallows in self pity. She accepts that the world is unfair and cruel and that everybody suffers in different ways and she does the best she can to carry on. Her other strengths include her leadership, confidence, determination and decisiveness. In every situation she finds herself in, Buffy is able to make tough decisions for herself and others. She never shies away from the responsibilities that go with being the Slayer, she owns it. She’s the one that everybody looks to when shit hits the fan and that’s a huge burden, but she never treats it as one despite feeling that way deep down inside. It takes so much courage to be able to make hard and fast decisions, particularly when those decisions impact the people around you, but Buffy does it all the time. Her morality is also a strength of Buffy’s. She has a strong sense of right and wrong, and although that view can sometimes be a little bit too black and white, she is never afraid to stand up and fight for what she believes is right no matter what it takes. Once again, that takes great courage. Speaking of courage, the courage and bravery Buffy has is staggering. Even when she’s afraid she doesn’t let it show, she always goes into a fight ready and raring to go. She’s also incredibly loyal and although she has a strong belief in justice, she has an ability to forgive others even when they sometimes aren’t necessarily deserving of her forgiveness.

As for her flaws, they’re very much the flip-side of her strengths. Her resillience and inner-strength can sometimes lead to her being emotionally unavailable and closed off. Her way of dealing with the responsibility of being the Slayer and the trauma, depression, grief and other powerfully negative emotions she faces is to isolate herself, shut away her feelings and focus on tasks. This means that she often doesn’t process or deal with her emotions in a healthy way resulting in her taking it out on others, or more commonly taking it out on herself (this is particularly the case in season 6). The way she would shut herself off emotionally also sometimes led to her not being perceptive of how others around her were feeling and being insenstive or dismissive of them. Simirlarly, her leadership and confidence means that she can be condescending and belittle the opinions and knowledge of others, believing that she’s superior. Sometimes her confidence can drift over to arrogance and she can’t always admit when she’s wrong or take the advice of others. Statements such as “There’s only me. I am the law” really show that. Furthermore, her decisiveness and leadership means that she sometimes makes decisions for others that aren’t hers to make or she doesn’t take the feelings of others into consideration as much as she should. Her courage and bravery can occassionally transform into recklessness and impulsivity whereby she throws herself into potentially harmful situations with little regard for her well-being.

Angel’s greatest traits and worst flaws

Angel’s greatest traits are definitley his compassion, dedication and selflessness. Angel will lay his life on the line to save the life of anybody, whether it’s his son or a stranger that he’s just met. He is fiercely dedicated to helping others and is genuinely able to empathise and sympathise with people in order to provide that help. Because of the uniqueness of Angel as a vampire with a soul he has an inherent ability to empathise with people (despite the fact that he believes he’s disconnected from them), because he’s lived for so long, has such a wealth of life experience, has experienced the darkest parts of humanity as a soulless demon and now feels the pure emotion that comes from having a soul. He’s able to see the good in everybody and to remain open-minded and non-judgemental in order to understand people’s lives, motivations and feelings. Despite how much good he does, he’s very humble and never seeks fame, glory or praise. There’s a lot to be said for the fact that every person Angel helps he does so because he wants to help. It’s that simple. He doesn’t do it because of some ulterior motive, it’s completely selfless. I mean, this is a man(pire) that was willing to die fighting an unwinnable battle. Angel is also a great leader, but in a very different way from Buffy. Angel isn’t a self-elected leader, he’s a natural leader that his friends look to because they trust his judgement and have faith in his decisions and ability to lead. Angel doesn’t assume responsibility because he believes he has the authority, power or skill to do so more than anybody else, he does it because that’s what his friends expect of him. As a result of this, he’s able to listen to the advice of his friends and even delegate responsibility, letting them to take the lead sometimes. This is all part of Angel’s kindness and ability to see the good in everyone. Angel has an ability to inspire and motivate those around him based purely on his actions and philosophy. He’s able to bring characters like Faith, Cordy, Wes, Gunn and Fred - all of whom felt disconnected, lonely, unappreciated and had very little self-belief when he first met them - and transform their perception of themselves. With Angel’s mission statement and leadership to provide them with direction and his care and support, they were all able to come into their own and hone their strengths, skills and abilities (which hadn’t been acknowledged previously) to make a difference in the world.

In regards to his flaws, I’d say that he can be very depressive and pessimistic, which is only to be expected from a vampire with a soul. Sometimes he can be prone to falling into a dark spiral and when he starts that descent there’s very little that can stop him. A lot like Buffy, this can sometimes be part of him hitting self-destruct. Angel carries a lot of guilt and self-loathing for his past actions, and in the moments that that catches up to him he struggles to put things into perspective and acknowledge the person he is now and all of the good he’s doing. He also has a tendency to fixate on certain things which causes him to lose sight of the bigger picture. This happens at various points with Buffy, Darla, Cordelia, Connor, Lindsey W&H and Spike. A lot of the time I think this stems from his  persistent fear that threats to those he loves are lurking just around the corner and doom is imminent (which, to be fair to him, it’s usually true haha). Angel also lacks confidence in his own abilities and is too humble. Being humble can never really be a negative thing, but I think that in the context of Angel’s character he’s too hard on himself and doesn’t give himself as much credit as he should for all the good he does. He often diminishes the huge importance he plays in fighting the good fight and the impact he has on people’s lives. Similarly, But Angel’s most obvious flaw (if we can even refer to it as such) is Angelus. Soulless vampires are evil, plain and simple, but Angelus takes this to the extreme. He’s a callous, vindictive, cruel, merciless monster that takes pleasure in inflicting pain on others and exploiting their weaknesses. Although Angelus is an entirely different character, it has an impact on how Angel acts. He constantly lives in fear of Angelus returning and with the guilt of Angelus’ actions. This results in him having a huge amount of self-hatred which festers inside him no matter how much time passes and which he can never get past or forgive himself for. However, Angel’s understanding and acceptance of this part of himself actually makes this somewhat of a strength of his. He hates that side of himself and repeatedly tells his friends that if he’s ever to lose his soul again they should kill him immediately.

In what ways (assuming they were human) do you see Bangel as compatible?

This is a very tricky question to answer, because I genuinely struggle to imagine Buffy and Angel as humans. The supernatural is such a huge part of their lives and such a definitive aspect of their relationship that if you take that away they become entirely different people and their relationship transforms as a result. Ultimately, what brings them together is their shared sense of isolation which comes from them being the only one of their kind - Buffy being the Slayer and Angel being a Vampire with a Soul. In addition, their fight against supernatural bads and desire to help others is a mission they share which unites them. There’s not very much that Buffy and Angel bond over outside of this, no shared interests, hobbies or commonalities that could be considered “human” that I can think of. So, I apologise, but I actually don’t know how to answer this question!

In what ways do think Bangel are similar to each other, and what are their complementary differences?

They’re both leaders who take immense responsibility onto their shoulders and have an ability to bring people together, to motivate and inspire them. Emotionally, they share similiar feelings of loneliness and depression that come from the traumas they face, the pressure of being a leader and feeling disconnected from the world they fight to protect. They’re resillient and have an astounding amount of strength which enables them to go on even after the worst has happened - Buffy has to endure killing Angel, losing her mother, dying and being resurrected; Angel has to endure dying, going to a hell dimension and being resurrected, losing Buffy, watching the mother of his child die in front of his eyes, having his son kidnapped by his own best friend, losing his son to evil, the woman he loves being possessed and impregnanted by an evil entity, losing his son forever as he wipes his memory, losing Cordy and Fred. I could continue, but you get the point. Buffy and Angel are able to keep moving forward when anyone else would simply lie down on the ground and give up. On a lighter note, they’re both goofy and have this adorkableness that seems to pop up during the most random times.

As for their differences, they have a lot but I wouldn’t necessarily consider them complimentary. I’d say that Buffy’s extroversion makes for a good contrast to Angel’s introversion. Angel keeps Buffy grounded and centered, whilst Buffy’s free-spirit captures Angel. Angel is also more able to remain open-minded to the possibility that demons have a capacity for goodness, whilst Buffy is usually much quicker to condemn demons without considering that they may not always be wholly evil. This means that Angel is able to encourage Buffy to reconsider her black and white view on the world and to give chances to those she may not have naturally, and on the flip side, Buffy’s outlook can remind Angel that not everybody always deserves a second chance or has a capacity to redeem themselves and set themselves on the right path.

Besides this, I can’t really think of any differences they have that are complimentary. The main differences I see between them come from the fact that Angel is so much older than Buffy and has completely different experiences as a vampire. Ths means that his motivations and priorities are quite different from Buffy’s, despite them being dedicated to a similar cause. Although Buffy accepts being the Slayer and fulfils her duties, she’s resistant to it on more than one occassion and when an oppourutnity arises to create more Slayers so that she’s not the only one she does so because she doesn’t want to carry that burden of being the Chosen One. In comparison, Angel is a self-elected hero. He’s not pre-ordained or chosen, he willingly dedicates himself to helping the helpless because he believes that’s his calling and he wants to repent for his previous sins. In an ideal world, Buffy doesn’t want to be the Slayer, she wants to be an ordinary girl, but Angel wouldn’t willingly choose to be human even if it was offered to him on a silver platter (which it is in ‘I Will Remember You’). Buffy, despite being the Slayer, is a human girl who longs for the things that most human girls do; to hang out with her friends, have fun, go shopping, spend time with family, graduate, get a car, go on holiday and do everything else that young people do. Angel naturally doesn’t care about any of that. He doesn’t think in terms of his future or building a life like Buffy does, he lives for the here and now and works off the idea that he will do everything he can today to make his life count for something.

What jobs do you think Bangel would have as humans?

I think Angel would be a Private Investigator. I know this is a bit of a cop out, because he was a PI on AtS, but it’s exactly the sort of job that suits him. He needs something where he can actively be out in the world making a difference to people’s lives but where he has freedom to make his own decisions and take on his own cases. He also needs to have action in his life and to have independence. Although he works well with his friends on AtS, he isn’t the sort of guy that necessarily works well in a team, particularly if he’s forced to work with people that he doesn’t know very well.

Buffy would be in fashion. I don’t just say this because she has great fashion sense, but because she’s able to see the essence of people and I feel she would know exactly how to use fashion and image to project that to the outside world. I also think that a creative and vocational career where Buffy can use her hands and put her ideas into practice would suit her personality down to a T.

What would Bangel each be like as parents? What would they do in their spare time?!

Well, we saw Angel as a father and Buffy as a kind-of-mother to Dawn, but I suppose as a co-parenting team I’d imagine them to be fun-loving but over-protective parents. They would definitley teach their kids self-defence; Angel would encourage them to read books and go to the ballet and theatre and musuems to ensure they’re attuned to the world around them and culturally aware; Buffy would be the discplinarian because lets face it Angel is just a softie; they’d attend ice hockey games every weekend where Angel would embarass the kids by yellling out all the time; Angel would tell the worst dad jokes in the world; Buffy would always try to make things fun and take any oppourtunity she could to have a family barbeque, parties or celebration; they’d sit down to eat dinner together every evening and Angel would cook (because Buffy’s cooking skills only extend to cheese toasties); Buffy would be the cool hip parent that every parent at the school playground would admire and envy; Angel would take on the domestic duties like cleaning, washing clothes and cooking but the kids would have a strict chore schedule that they’d get pocket money for; Buffy would be incredibly affectionate always smothering the kids with hugs and kisses and beaming about how proud she is of them.

#answered #meant-to-be-waiting-for-me #buffy the vampire slayer #angel the series #buffy summers #angel #bangel