#yay angst

[gewbz]

stridr angst hehhehhhhh

#homestuck #homestuck fanart #dave strider #dave strider god tier #yay angst #bro strider #dirk strider #striders #lil hal

[celestialwrites]

“what happened to you?! you were on the right track, heading for greatness, how could you have fallen so far?”

“i fell in love.”

#yay angst #writers on tumblr #writers of tumblr #writing prompts #dialogue prompt #romance prompts #prompts #fluffy prompts #fluffy romance #domestic fluff #angst prompt #creative writing #fluff prompts #angst prompts #angsty #angsty prompts #angsty prompt

[beanghostprincess]

I see ur chronic pain asks in the op tag, and I gotta add face scar pain sucks shit sometimes. I got my face ripped open to my teeth and gums being exposed (bc ur face skin is really thin, so it doesn't take much to cut completely through nerves and fat), and that shits so annoying!! Scar is 12 years old rn, and I still experience the fuckery of it. Crocodile resting bitch face bc expressing harder makes his stupid scar damaged nerves twinge. Shanks learning how to emote around the scar because the scars pull whenever he moves his brow hard enough. Face scar core moments ✨️✨️✨️

Aw, I'm sorry that you have to still have to deal with that, I'm sure it's annoying af even when you're used to it.

Crocodile actually fucking hates Cross Guild because !! These two guys are making him feel things after a long time, and smiling and laughing hurts sometimes. And Shanks drinks his pain away because, well, he's just like that. Buggy and Shanks end up meeting again and actually talking and Buggy asks him if the scar hurts, and Shanks goes "No! Nah. Healed just fine, can't even notice it's there" and Buggy just stops for a moment, stares at him, and mutters "Liar" because he's really angry Shanks keeps doing these things.

#yay angst #and also crocodile showing emotions my beloved and not only sarcastic smiles okay he smiles genuinely at buggy and mihawk at least like #once a week #shanks is always a mess don't listen to him #one piece #red haired shanks #sir crocodile #buggy the clown #cross guild

[brightlotusmoon]

Rise Leo: *actively dying*

Rise mikey: and I took that personally

Yes, that, exactly. Go, Doctor Mystic Master Go!

#rp shenanigans #companion rp #rise mikey might be psychic #Rise Mikey the Mystic Master #Donnie is tired #angst fic #yay angst #rottmnt crossover #we're through the looking glass here people #i love these dorks so much

[knightinink]

Random Fizzarolli Headcanon:

Y’know how one spot of Fizz’s tail is white with burns, while the rest of it is fine? & y’know how he wraps his tail around his legs when he’s nervous or scared?

What if his tail was wrapped around the leg that was more badly damaged initially in the explosion? Either it was there already or he curled it around to try & stop the profuse bleeding, his body reacting on its own before his mind can even begin to comprehend what is happening?

Or he curled it around his leg(s) once he was blown up, & was just burning alive now. He thought Blitzo would come help him, save him. But as he watched him run the other way, he only had himself to rely on, & hence the self-comforting.

#yay angst #I love it #fizzarolli #helluva boss headcanon #helluva boss

[velasdecupido]

My contribution to the zerox nation ok byee

#megaman #megaman x #zerox #xzero #zero megaman #capcom #yay angst

[tommysm0ondust]

GUYS GUYS, IN NINJAGO DRAGONS RISING WE DONT KNOW WHERE JAY AND COLE ARE RIGHT? SO, as someone who absolutely ADORES angst.

what if Jay got sent to Djinnjago 😁😁😁😁

and also WHAT IF NADAKHAN RETURNS??

pls i wanna write this but I'm already working on one fic I'm not gonna start another one or I'll never end either of them.

#ninjago lego #lego ninjago #jay walker #jay ninjago #dragons rising #ninjago dragons rising #ninjago nadakhan #nadakhan #yay angst

[myymi]

scrapnik island, but trauma has entered the chat

TW//

mentions of abandonment (robot&child)

ao3 link

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

He really didn’t think this plan through. Which is not something you’d expect from Miles “Tails” Prower, is it?

But it’s true. And even now, as he and the other broken badniks stalked through the halls of the abandoned Death Egg, he didn’t he didn’t bother with trying to figure out details. Or a backup plan, for that matter. 

He didn’t care for the specifics, he’d figure it out as he went. He didn’t have time to worry over it, Sonic needed help. Sonic needed him, he had to act now.

It’s ironic. He’d always chastised his big brother for acting without a plan, yet here he was. Doing exactly that.

He really was just like him.

Tails’s ear flicked, causing him to stop in his tracks. He focused on his hearing, trying to determine what he had picked up. The scrapniks had stopped too, looking at him as he listened.

Then he heard it. His tablet beeped at him, indicating there was movement up ahead.

Metal clanked against metal, a sound the fox was all too familiar with. He dashed to press against the wall, the other bots quickly following suit.

He readied the gun he had built from some of the spare parts on the island, waiting for the perfect moment to jump out and attack.

“Hold it right there!” Once the sound was close enough, Tails and the other badniks revealed themselves, weapons pointing at..

“Oh my!” Not Mecha.

They stared at each other. Awkward silence filled the air as the machine they had thought they were tracking clutched something to their chest, protecting it.

“Young Master Tails!” Tails was sure the robot would have smiled if they could, “a sight for sore optics, to be sure.”

“Oh. Hey, Sigma,” The kit inhaled, “it’s just you.” He let out a sigh of relief, allowing his body to relax since he and the scrapniks weren’t in any immediate danger.

Holding the gun with a single hand, his other moved to rest against his hip, “We’re looking for Mecha Sonic. He’s holding Sonic captive for some reason.” He explained, ears tipping down ever so slightly.

“Mind telling me what’s going on?” He tried, hoping the tall robot would know what tipped Mecha off.

“It is as I feared.” Sigma turned away, eyes downcast as they looked at the broken echidna machine in their arms.

Was that Metal Knuckles? What happened to him? 

“Mecha’s systems are very,” They paused to try and think of a good word to describe it, “robust. My knowledge of his software’s nuances is limited.”

Tails frowned at the bot’s words. What were they talking about?

“When I rebuilt him, I attempted to rewrite Dr. Eggman’s original programming to the best of my ability.” Sigma continued, turning back to the kit and other machines, “but, it would seem my efforts were insufficient.”

The fox bit the inside of his lip and moved his free hand up to scratch the back of his neck. He understood the feeling of failing to program something.

 

“His old protocols and subroutines must have reawakened somehow,” the scrapnik concluded, “they are warping his cerebral processor.”

They looked sad once again, “This is my error, not Mecha’s. He is not thinking clearly, Tails.”

Before they could exchange any further words, a staticy noise emitted from the tablet connected to the kit’s belt. Startled, Tails snapped his head down to stare at it.

The static stopped.

“Onnn the c-c-contrary, Sigmaaaa..” A broken voice called from the Miles Electric. He slung his weapon around himself, snatching up his now beeping tablet with both hands.

He was close. Very close.

“M-m-my miiind has never be cl-clearerrrr.”

The beeping got quicker, until it eventually stopped.

Tails paled, knowing what that meant.

“Behind you.”

He didn’t waste another second.

Reflexes faster than Sonic’s speed, Tails held his gun once again and started firing in the direction of the sound.

The rest of the scrapniks quickly followed suit, shooting at the hedgehog-like machine.

Unfortunately, Mecha was based on Sonic. He was fast enough to easily dodge the onslaught of bullets that rained upon him. He curled and bounced off the walls, rolling away quicker than any normal thing could sprint.

Once Mecha had disappeared from sight, they ceased fire. Thick, black smoke escaped from the barrels of their guns, an obvious sign of overheating. Tails’s eyes were trained on the hallway, looking for any sort of movement.

Until the Miles Electric buzzed.

The kit looked down at it as the same broken voice emitted from the device’s speakers once again.

“You don’t know what it’s like,” He quirked a brow, “to be discarded.. Forgotten.” Tails’s right hand curled into a fist.

What a wild and very, very incorrect assumption.

A strained sound came from behind, causing the kit and the other scrapniks to quickly turn around.

A small gasp escaped him when he saw the hat on the floor.

He hadn’t seen the damn thing in years. But now that he had, even if a replica, he felt his heart sink.

“S-Sigma?” He called, eyes darting from here to there, desperately searching for the robot.

He wasn’t given long to dwell on his missing friend.

Electricity snapped behind them, and he understood why when he turned. Mecha was destroying one of the badniks that came with them.

With a silent promise to fix the machine when he had a chance to, He and the two that were still standing quickly fired at the violent robot, running away from their opponent.

“He’s too fast!” Much faster than he was when Tails had first encountered him, that’s for sure, “retreat!” He called before revving his tails and zipping down the hallway.

“This is bad.” This is why you don’t run into a fight without a detailed plan. Or at least a backup one. “I underestimated his speed.” He criticized himself quietly. Stupid, what was he thinking?!

He wasn’t. That’s the issue.

“I’d assume both his rust and mismatched parts had slowed him down.” He was too caught up in berating himself, oblivious to other noises around him as he tried to work out a new plan. “But he’s just about as fast as Sonic!”

“If we can hunker down in a small room somewhere and limit his movement,” He thought aloud, only slightly aware of how eerily silent his surroundings had become, “we might just stand a—“

He glanced behind him to check on the scrapniks.

Only they weren’t there.

“A chance..” He finished his sentence, even though no one was around to hear it. His tails stopped spinning, letting him gently fall to the ground.

‘Uh, guys?” He called, though a part of him knew there was no point in it.

They wouldn’t answer him.

But someone else would.

That someone was standing where the other robots had previously been. His red eye lights practically glaring at the kit.

Tails could feel his fur stick up.

He was scared.

“I was once Dr. Eggman’s most remarkable creation,” Mecha started, ready to lunge forward, “we were supposed to conquer the world together.”

The kit allowed his finger to move from the trigger of his gun, but tightened his grip on its hilt. Maybe there was a way around fighting..

“After I was rebuilt, I waited for him,” Even though there wasn’t one, Tails could hear the growl in the robot’s voice, “I was so certain he would come find me and we could try again.”

But he never did, Tails thought to himself. Which was typical of Eggman.

 

He couldn’t help but feel empathetic towards Mecha. He knew the feeling all too well.

“But instead, he abandoned me,” Mecha looked down at his robotic hand and claw. If he had teeth, the fox was sure he’d be grinding them together.

He couldn’t blame him.

“He left me here to rust on this forsaken junk pile,” his hand curled into a fist, clasping down with enough force to crush an apple effortlessly.

“I know the feeling,” Tails’s voice wavered, but he made sure the other heard him. Mecha’s head snapped up to stare at the fox pup, “hurts, doesn’t it?”

 

A wave of nervousness washed over the boy when he received no response.

“You,” The kit inhaled when the robot began speaking, “couldn’t possibly know what it’s like to be tossed out after one failure.” Even though the tone hadn’t changed, he knew venom was laced within those words.

Tails’s grip on the gun loosened.

If Mecha really wanted to play his trauma card, he’s willing to counter it with his.

“That’s an awfully bold assumption,” Tails mused, letting a hand drop from holding his weapon. “You’re sure about it?”

“You’re still with him,” Mecha was sure alright. “What do you know about abandonment.” It wasn’t a question. He was certain the kit had no idea what it was like.

Oh, how wrong he was.

“I had a life before Sonic, Mecha,” Tails released his gun fully, allowing it to hang from its strap that rested around his torso, “and trust me, it wasn’t pretty.”

The robot didn’t respond. He just stared at the fox, who took a deep breath.

He offered Mecha a sympathetic smile, “The first four years of my life were spent at an island named Westside.” He explained, gaze trained on the robot ahead of him. Waiting for the other to make a move to attack.

But he didn’t. 

So the fox continued talking.

“The people living there didn’t care all too much for me.” He made sure to make eye contact with his next sentence. “Not even my parents.”

He waved a hand, “Or creators, if you’d like. The mobians who made me.” He clarified, still watching the machine’s movements.

Mecha shifted, but didn’t attack. Something in his optics changed.

Tails smiled.

“I wasn’t even given a chance,” His voice got quieter. He didn’t like talking about it, but he’s willing to if it kept the badnik from charging at him, “they took one look and decided I wasn’t worth it.”

He noticed the other’s stance slouched ever so slightly, his fist uncurling.

“You know you aren’t the only one who was left behind, Mecha,” Tails risked a step forward, his namesake twitching behind him in anticipation, “look at this island. It’s been built up by other badniks that Eggman abandoned.”

Mecha looked to the ground, so he chanced another step.

“What happened to you sucked. Believe me, I know.” His voice was thick with emotion, “but that doesn’t give you any right to hurt your friends.”

Tails flinched when the robot snapped his head up, body stiffening once again.

That.. was apparently the wrong thing to say.

“They are not my ‘friends’.” The machine hissed, causing the kit to immediately back away to the spot he was previously in. His right hand gripped the handle of his gun once again.

“How can you say that?” Tails found himself saying before he could stop it, “they helped you, fixed you! How could you do this to them?!” He threw his left hand out to the side, gesturing to their surroundings.

“Your hatred is against Eggman. Don’t forget that, Mecha.” He was still talking, not allowing Mecha to explain himself. “The other scrapniks, Sonic, and I have nothing to do with it! You have no excuse to hurt us!”

“Sonic,” The venom in the robot’s voice was back, causing the kit to grab his gun with both hands. Not yet nearing the trigger, though, “destroyed me, and you helped. You’re at fault, as well as the doctor.”

“You attacked us!” Tails yelled, before his mind drifted to the reason he was even in the Death Egg in the first place. “What did you do with Sonic, anyway?!”

“I have plans for him,” Mecha’s response was vague, and the fox didn’t like it, “they are of no concern to you.”

“Yeah right,” He scoffed, “he’s my brother! Of course it concerns me!” He snapped. His, seemingly, endless patience suddenly disappearing with the knowledge that the hedgehog he admired oh so much was currently in danger.

The robot was quiet for a few seconds before he held out his hand, “Give me the tablet, and I will spare you.”

Tails growled, his finger finally returning to rest on the trigger.

“C-Come take it.”

#yay angst #get wrecked mecha #you're not the only one traumatized bozo #miles tails prower #tails the fox #sonic the hedgehog #sth #sonic #mecha sonic #scrapnik mecha sonic #sigma #scrapnik island Sigma #scrapniks #idw scrapnik island #scrapnik island #idw sonic spoilers #idw scrapnik island spoilers

[kc-art-stuff]

i drew this before i finished the archon quest bc it was taking too long to get there and i just wanted to see the angst LMAO anyways now im done with the archon quest and i dont really feel like finishing this more so,, quick doodle of ei and makoto!!

#raiden shogun #raiden ei #raiden makoto #genshin #genshin impact #fanart #my art #original art #yay angst #im so into the inazuma storyline rn #so expect more art of them #or their dead friends #or yae miko

[multicolour-ink]

MARIO IS THE ONE DRIVING THE VAN

I SAW 😁😆

I am a little disappointed that it's not Luigi as I wanted 😅

Buuuut - this was an advertisement they made for their business. They may take turns driving the van. Who knows.

It would be funny if during or after the Rainbow Road scene, Peach compliments Mario on his driving, and Mario replies

"Oh thanks! I always have fun driving around the streets of Brooklyn!"

And then Mario suddenly goes very quiet, because he remembers that the only reason he even had fun at all, was because Luigi was always there beside him....

#yay angst #these bros are going to kill me with their bond #i know it #by goodness i will not give up hope of luigi driving that van! #super mario #mario #luigi #multicolour ink answers #the super mario bros movie #super mario movie #mario movie #brothers #istadris

[grahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

"WHY? WHY ARE YOU ZO WARM? WHY DO I HAVE TO FEEL YOUR BODY HEAT? IZ THERE NO EZCAPING YOU?"

"but how can you? im "bone" juzt like you are now, aren't I?"

#hi guyz #aib #animated inanimate battle #aib bone #yay angst #living and florizhing with bonez raging homozexuality

[celestialwrites]

“you ran away, leaving your mortified parents and that poor young man at the altar, why on earth would you do that?!”

“because i didn’t love him.”

#yay angst #writers on tumblr #writers of tumblr #writing prompts #dialogue prompt #romance prompts #prompts #angst prompt #angsty prompt #angsty prompts #angst writing #writing inspo #dialogue prompts #writing dialogue

[babygirlbdubs]

broken.

etho is imprisoned. he has some time to think. he has some visitors.

a resistance au fic words: 3270 pairing: ethubs, rendubs ao3 link: (x)

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

drip... drip... drip...

The stalactite in the corner of Etho’s cell provides a constant repetitive sound, almost like a tick... tick... tick... 

Something in it feels familiar. Safe— no...not anymore.

Set deep in the mountain, the dark cell provides no comfort. There is no window to allow for counting the days. There is no sun on outside walls to allow for warmth to seep through the deepslate.

The only thing allowing him to keep the time is the drip... drip... drip... 

Scar has been standing outside his cell the entire time, messaging on his communicator with a playful smile on his face.

drip... drip... drip...

Etho stares at the wall opposite him, his gaze darkening. He lets his thoughts wander aimlessly. Playing the scene over and over in his head. The window locked. The desperate kiss to calm his panic. The tears... Etho can still feel Bdubs' tears, dried on his face. He can still hear Bdubs' voice whispering his name and—

"Scar, let me see him, please—"

That's not a memory.

"Bdubs!" Scar's voice sounds as bright as ever. As if he hadn't just escorted Etho away from Bdubs. As if he hadn't locked him in here. As if... Well, Etho supposes he should actually be grateful for taking him away.

The thought of seeing Bdubs causes his chest to ache, his heart twisting over itself, his ribs clawing at his lungs and making it hard to breathe. What would he even say?

"Step aside, Scar, I have to— I— please, let me in."

"Look, I'm more than happy to let you see him—"

"No." Etho's voice surprises even himself as he lifts his head to look over at the doorway to the prison. "I don't want to see him, Scar."

He doesn't let his eyes meet Bdubs' face. Instead they linger between the two court members.

Scar glances back at him, and Etho can feel the way he considers him. And then the guard is looking back at Bdubs. "Sorry, Bdubs. Can't let you in." His voice almost sounds smug, if it weren't tinged with a bit of gentleness.

"...Etho?" Bdubs’ voice is barely audible across the room. The sheer pain in it is almost enough to make Etho’s heart break (if it hadn’t already been broken).

Etho turns his head to stare at the wall again, his hands clenching into tight fists— knuckles white, nails biting. His teeth grind together as he tightens his jaw, holding down the storm of emotions brewing in his gut.

"Go on, Bdubs." The guard’s voice drops low with his next words. "I don’t think Ren would be too happy to see you like this."

"I..." One word, and Etho can hear every bit of desperation in Bdubs’ voice. 

He hates it.

It makes him want to grab the bars of his cell and beg for Bdubs to come closer— to kiss him, to tell him it's going to be okay, to... to lie to him. Again.

Scar shoos Bdubs out, and Etho is left to his thoughts once again.

***

"Can I see you tonight?"

"Yes, of course, sweetheart. Now go!"

Finally, Etho backed away before spinning around to sprint for a window.

"Bdoubleo!"

His hand caught the side of the window frame at the sound of Ren’s voice barking through the heavy silence in the ballroom.

"Etho! What are you doing? C’mon!" Impulse hissed from the ledge outside.

Turning, Etho watched as the king swept across the room to tower over Bdubs. Etho’s heart leapt into his throat, his hand dropping to the hilt of a dagger he’d hidden away. If Ren so much as laid a hand on Bdubs...

But instead, he offered one.

He invited Bdubs to dance.

Impulse’s voice broke through Etho’s focus again. "Etho!! We need to go!"

"You go on," Etho muttered back, not taking his eyes from where Ren tugged Bdubs against him. "I’ll meet up with you guys later."

After a moment of hesitation, the resistance leader finally sighed. "Fine. Just don’t get killed." A bit of sympathy laced his words. And then he was off, elytra spreading as he silently glided away.

Etho, meanwhile, settled in the window to watch. He couldn’t hear the whispered words between them, but he could see all the little things. How Bdubs was lost in the king so easily. Where Ren’s claws dug into Bdubs’ waist.

He watched as Bdubs was dragged around the room like a dog toy, fingers gripping tightly, no tenderness in any touch that Etho could see. At least, until Ren’s hand framed Bdubs’ face, and Bdubs leaned into it. It was all Etho could watch as Bdubs leaned against the king with a warm smile.

Etho had turned at that, finally breaking his gaze away. He’d dived out the window, letting himself fall for a few moments before engaging his elytra. He’d be back tonight. He’d give all his love to Bdubs. He’d remind Bdubs why it is always Etho that he returns to.

***

When Etho is pulled from his thoughts again, it is by lantern light gleaming into his cell from a hand outside the bars. Etho doesn’t bother looking at the figure looming there. He already knows who it is.

"Etho."

The mad king’s voice fills the silence, just as cold as the walls and the drip... drip... drip... of the stalactite.

"Ren," he replies, voice emotionless in return.

"Scar is going to let me into thy cell now. If you try to escape, he shall shoot you, and you shall respawn here again. ‘Tis pointless to even try."

Etho lets out a soft scoff. "Right." He doesn’t have the will to get to his feet, much less attempt an escape.

It’s not worth it anyway.

His thumb drags absentmindedly over the edge of an object in his hands as he listens to the keys clatter while Scar finds the correct one.

drip... tick. drip... tick. drip... tick.

click.

The cell gate swings open by Ren’s hand, and the king steps in with his gaze locked on his prisoner. He closes it behind him, nodding at Scar to lock it again. "Leave us, Scar. I shall call for thine when our conversation is complete!"

Scar does a small salute. "You got it, my liege," he purrs before spinning on a heel and walking out into the hall.

drip... tick. drip... tick. drip... tick.

Ren's head turns slightly, ear swiveling to listen for Scar's footsteps to fade. Silence hangs heavy in the air between the two of them save for

drip... tick. drip... tick. drip... tick.

Etho's thumb presses against the object in his hand, the metal filigree soothing against his skin.

"What's that?" Ren finally asks, nodding at the object.

With a bit of confusion, Etho casts his gaze at his hands, surprised to find a clock in his grip. His breath hitches in his throat at the sight, his fingers curling tighter around the edges. He'd had Bdubs fix it so it would tick again— perfectly in sync with the one Etho gave him so many years ago. 

Ren is left to wait for an answer as Etho flips the clock over, his thumb grazing the word scratched in the back panel.

'Crastle'

Handwritten.

A remnant of a time. A place. A meeting.

drip... tick. drip... tick. drip... tick.

"Looks like a clock," the king hums, crossing the small cell in a single stride to loom over Etho. He kneels down next to where Etho sits— Etho fights the urge to curl away. Ren's gaze is piercing as he looks over Etho's face. "Did Bdubs give you this?" A smile plays on the corners of his lips as if taunting Etho.

Then Ren's hand is in Etho's, scooping the clock out of it with claws far more delicate than Etho expected from the mad king. He tries to grasp the clock tighter, but it's already being turned over in the king's hands— examined with a scrutinizing gaze. Etho stares at Ren's face, gritting his teeth as he bites back his words. He's unsure where the king is going with this, so he refuses to give him anything.

Ren catches sight of the engraved message and stills. Though, where Etho expects fury to explode from the king, there is something painfully familiar instead. The king runs his thumb across the word with the same kind of gentleness the prisoner always regards it with.

drip... tick. drip... tick. drip... tick.

"So this is how he sent you an invitation, then?" Emerald eyes flicker to Etho before returning to the clock.

"No."

"No?" The word is punctuated with a breath of disbelief.

"Bdubs didn't know I'd be there." Defending Bdubs is still so easy. Why? It's not as though the king could ever question Bdubs' loyalty after this.

No. That's Etho's job now.

"The secret meetings, then, I presume," Ren responds smoothly— as though he is entirely unbothered by it.

Etho says nothing.

drip... tick. drip... tick. drip... tick.

The clock is admired by the king for a few lingering moments before he speaks again. "Bdubs told me about those, you know." The wolf stands again, the clock still wrapped in his palm. "I mean, it was hard to avoid when you got...reckless." He smiles down at Etho and it is almost cruel.

Etho glares back at him.

"Y'know, Etho, you seem awfully attached to a clock, of all things."

The prisoner snarls up at the king, "You wouldn't understand. You couldn't understand." His blood runs hot as his fury blazes in his eyes. "All you see him as is one of your possessions."

Ren chuckles at that and shakes his head dismissively. "Well, he's certainly not yours, is he?"

A jealous, hot kind of rage curls in Etho's chest at that, and beneath the mask he bares his teeth. "He's not yours, either. You're just lying to yourself." His hand tightens into a white-knuckled fist beside him. "He'll never love you. Not really. You're deluded."

The words seem to have no effect on the king, the smile at the tail end of his previous laugh still comfortable on his face. "My good sir, Etho...I have never seen clearer than I do with him."

Etho scoffs. "I find that hard to believe."

Ren sighs. "I suppose it does no harm to let you keep this." Crouching down, he holds the clock out to Etho— forces him to take it. "It is the last part of him you can have, after all."

Etho takes the clock with a bit of hesitation, though the anger is clear in his icy gaze. Clocks have always felt perfect in his grip— Bdubs always knowing how to craft the perfect weight and balance just for him. Yet, now...here...with this clock...

It doesn't feel so perfect anymore.

"So. What?" Etho growls, tucking the clock into the inside of his coat. "You're going to execute me? Make me tell you all the Resistance's plans?" If he's going to be here, he might as well know what he's in for.

"No, no no." Ren rolls forward onto the balls of his feet, leaning closer to the prisoner. "I have other plans than that." He grins, sharp teeth glinting in the lantern light. "The little resistance can keep to their games— they'll be lost without you, now, anyway— and Bdubs and I will continue our work."

A slow breath forces its way in and out, Etho having to do everything in his power to keep himself from punching Ren in his diamond-clad face. There'd be no point to it...though it's tempting anyway.

He doesn't.

Instead, he meet's the gaze of the king with his own. Amusement being met with fury.

"I'll leave you be now, Etho," the king hums before standing one final time and walking to the iron bars to summon Scar.

drip... drip... drip...

As the mad king is let back out of the cell, Etho can't help but wonder how Ren truly feels about Bdubs. Is Bdubs really just a possession to him? Is he just the hand, the architect, the kingmaker?

Is he more?

A dark brooding expression settles onto Etho's face as he pulls his knees closer to himself and folds his arms atop them. Once again the wall becomes his point of focus, the real world being lost to the one behind his eyes.

drip... drip... drip...

***

The wall was scaled with ease, Etho having learned the way after so many times sneaking in. Their quick kiss with Etho holding to the edge led to a clumsy tug through the window— which was left open for a quick escape. Like always. Like every time. (How did he not realize?)

Bdubs' lips moved against Etho's possessively; as if driven mad by the idea that anyone else might've had the pleasure of seeing Etho's face. His smile. Etho fell into it with ease, relishing the reminder that Bdubs wants him around the same as he always did. (Did he really? Or was it just wishful thinking?)

Etho's arms quickly wrapped around Bdubs, snaking up his back to pull him close as he deepened their kiss. Bdubs hummed into it, leaning against Etho, his smile against Etho's lips. (Was he imagining Ren?)

"You looked stunning tonight," Etho purred as he pulled away just enough to look over Bdubs' face.

"Oh yeah?" A grin spread across Bdubs' mouth, mischief glimmering in his eyes. "Well, you looked okay."

Etho's nose scrunched up as he pulled his arms back to playfully shove the architect. "Oh, come on, you couldn't keep your eyes off of me."

Bdubs snorted. "Yeah, once I realized it was you!"

"Seems I did okay hiding myself, huh?"

"Too good." It's said with a hum as Bdubs stood on his toes to chase after Etho's lips again.

They exist like that for a while, lips moving against one another's, the quiet of the night allowing them to be each other's worlds for just these moments. (At least, Bdubs was Etho's.)

Eventually, Etho broke away to a small grumble from Bdubs, only to move to the kingmaker's jaw. Soft kisses were planted along every inch as Etho moved toward Bdubs' neck, revealed to him as Bdubs tilted his head to the side. Bdubs' hand found Etho's hair as his visitor made his way closer to his shoulder.

It was easy, getting lost in the moment. Easy to lose sight of his usual caution...of the truth of their situation. It was easy to let the bitter jealousy of seeing how Bdubs looked at Ren curl in his chest, and even easier to let his teeth drag along Bdubs' skin. (He was so foolish.)

In those moments, Bdubs was his.

Just like always.

It was so, so easy to forget the truth.

(He should've known, when Ren called from the other side of the door, that Bdubs would rather shove him out the window than turn the king away.)

(He should've known, when Bdubs locked the window after him, that the king would have Bdubs' devotion that night.)

(He should've known, when he spent the night alone in the cold of the jungle, while Bdubs found warmth by the mad king's side.)

***

Once again his name pulls his attention to the forefront of his mind. The tone pleads for more than the word asks— and more than Etho can offer.

"Etho...?"

Where once Bdubs' voice might have thrilled Etho, it now causes a sharp jolt of pain to course through his veins like electricity. It surprises him how similar the sensations feel.

The prisoner remains silent.

Keys jangle together as Bdubs flips through them for the correct one and Etho stiffens. He's coming in. He forces a deep breath through his mask before gifting Bdubs with a simple glance.

"I said I didn't want to see you, Bdubs."

"Well, I want to— need to see you. I... I need to explain."

Etho's jaw clenches.

"What if I don't want to hear your explanations?"

Bdubs hesitates, key in the lock, staring at Etho with nothing but hurt in his eyes— As if he has any right to feel hurt. He shakes it off, turning the key and pushing open the cell door. A weight hangs in the air as the door is shut once again with a soft click.

"I'm gonna tell you them anyway," the kingmaker finally decides to respond.

Etho scoffs and pushes himself off the wall so he can stand and face Bdubs.

"Actually, sure." His arms cross over his chest as his gaze locks onto Bdubs'. "I'm curious. Tell me why."

Tell me why you broke your promise.

Tell me why you betrayed me.

Tell me why you chose him.

"Etho, I... I didn't have a choice."

A snort of disbelief cuts him off before he can continue.

"N-no, you don't— This was— Etho, he would've had you chased down and dragged in, I was— I was trying to keep you safe!" Every word is agonizingly desperate.

"Keep me safe? Bdubs, you would've kept me safe by not imprisoning me!"

"It's not— You would've had to keep running, I was trying to think of you, I—"

"You were trying to think of me," Etho repeats back— a statement over a question. "You were trying to think of me, and so you broke my trust."

"No! No—"

The prisoner doesn't let him finish.

"I know you better than this, Bdubs." His words sound cold. "Stop lying to me."

Bdubs finally pulls his gaze away, looking at the wall next to Etho's head. "I didn't have a choice..."

Etho stares at Bdubs in sheer disbelief. He lets out a soft cuff as he shakes his head and lets his arms fall apart. A hand digs into his coat pocket, gripping something and pulling it out to hold in his hand.

"Bdubs, you gave me this clock, and I trusted you." The clock is held in his open palm for the kingmaker to see. 

tick. tick. tick.

Bdubs says nothing as he stares at it. Etho takes a measured breath.

"You made a promise to me that night. You let me get comfortable visiting. You let me—" Think you were safe. Another slow exhale passes through his nose. "You promised me, Bdubs. I know you better. I know you don't just break those to keep me safe."

"What are you saying?" The kingmaker's voice shakes.

"I watched you dance with Ren at the masquerade." His fingers curl around the clock edges, knuckles whitening as he grips it tightly. "You did this because he asked you to. Because you like when he's possessive of you, when he—"

"It's not like that!" Bdubs blurts, eyes begging as they meet Etho's again.

"Then what is it like, Bdubs?"

"It's— I—"

An awkward silence fills Bdubs' mouth as nothing comes out. Etho shakes his head again and turns his attention to the clock.

"Ren was right. This is the last part of you I have left."

The clock is dropped onto the floor next to Etho's foot, causing a pained sound to come from Bdubs. Etho pays him no mind, instead lifting his boot and hovering over the clock.

tick. tick. ti—

crunch.

Easily, the clock fractures apart beneath Etho's heel.

The cell falls silent.

drip... drip... drip...

...

"I think you should leave, Bdubs."

It is one of the rare times that the kingmaker has nothing to say. Etho can see the tears glistening in brown eyes as Bdubs holds them back. And then he sees Bdubs leaving, and Etho is left alone, save for a broken clock.

#spooky.writing #hermitshipping #rendubs #ethubs #hc resistance au #HOOOO BOY OKAY GANG #HERE WE ARE #UH. SORRY? I GUESS?? #WHEEEEEE #YAY ANGST #fic #blametuna

[brightlotusmoon]

I can't seem to get past this block on this chapter. The characters aren't doing things enough.

My writerbrain suggested when in doubt, cause a medical crisis. Damn it if it didn't work. I think I'm predictable now.

#angst fic #yay angst #writer's traffic #damn it writerbrain #gallows humor

[aethernoise]

10. channel

Bad news travels fast. Early Stormblood spoilers.

-

Lucia watched Aymeric’s face transform from furrowed concentration to a blank and vaguely ill expression. He placed the missive on the desk in front of him to address the messenger.

"Can you connect me to the Reach?"

"Apologies, my lord, all linkpearl channels remain jammed due to Imperial interference."

"Very well. That will be all. Report any updates to me directly and immediately."

"Yes, my lord."

As soon as the door closed behind the knight, Aymeric’s demeanor seemed to deflate. He rubbed the bridge of his nose with one hand and slid the parchment across the desk to Lucia with the other.

Whatever it said, it was something he clearly wished not to speak aloud. 

She only needed to skim the letter to understand his reaction. 

The Ala Mhigan resistance headquarters at Rhalgr's Reach suffered a devastating coordinated attack at the hands of the XIIth Legion and crown prince Zenos yae Galvus -

"By the gods," Lucia breathed.

Heavy resistance casualties, injuries, communication lines severed -

The Warrior of Light was defeated in battle by the Viceroy -

Her heart jumped into her throat.

Alive but gravely wounded -

And then settled back down as a leaden pit in her stomach.

Under the care of Alliance medical personnel with Commander Kemp & members of the Scions of the Seventh Dawn -

She looked up. Aymeric's face was stony.

"I have not the words to explain to you, Lucia," he said, "How completely and utterly useless I feel at times such as these."

“There is much we can yet do, my lord,” she replied, “I will arrange for additional supplies and reinforcements immediately.”

She knew that was not entirely what he meant, but it was what she could offer.

“...and I shall see to it personally that restoration of our communications is of the utmost priority,” she added. 

“Thank you, Lucia,” he said. What little relief she could provide showed in the slightest softening of his brow, though she knew his thoughts would remain in a medical tent malms away.

-

#my writing #emmerwrites #stormblood #aymeric de borel #lucia goe junius #alyx mentioned but not present #this didn't turn out exactly how i want #but it's a good start #i'll come back to it at some point i'm sure #yay angst #ffxiv fanfic #ffxiv fanfiction #ffxivwrite2022

[mins-fins]

#spoilers

#angst #yay angst #woo angst #sorry sung hanbin #mins-fins