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najatheangel · 3 years

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𝐌𝐲 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐞

pairing: Lee donghyuck x reader (ft. nct members)

genre: fluff, angst, comedy and spice.

inspired song: Bestie by Lloyd.

summary: donghyuck’s and his s/o memories as best friends leading up to becoming lovers. (btw this one’s a little longer than the ones i usually write so beware loves.)

Haechan’s POV: June, 24th, 2018. “Today’s the day where I finally tell her how I feel. After 7 years of my friendship, growing up together and holding back my feelings for so long, Today is the day where things change. I’m tired of being stuck in the friend zone this is my one and only chance before she moves away. Now or Never Hyuck...”

“She's a bad one not a fast one. Every time we get together we have fun”

Growing up, me and y/n always were always bound to be apart of each other’s lives. We’ve grew up in the same neighborhood, our parents met each other in school, our friends are dating each other and we even go to the same school together. Sounds very corny right? It’s true though.

Our thing was always playing horror games together every night after we finish doing homework together. She was always the procrastinator so I had to give her some motivation. Not only that, we always play around the swing sets in the park that’s right in front of our houses to talk about anything and everything that was going on in our life’s.

This one time she got so drunk after Mark’s birthday party and was trying to swing so high and flew off the swing set thinking she was super man. Heh, she can be such a idiot at times. She may be one of the goofiest, bubbly and sweetest people I know. She can also be caring, overprotective and keep me calm whenever I’m always acting crazy.

I don’t remember what exact moment I feel in love with you, but I do remember feeling like as time went by, my love for you stared to grow much stronger. Everyone around us was starting to suspect how we felt about it each other especially my mom she adored you so much and loved the idea of us being together.

She would always ask “Where’s your girlfriend y/n?” Or “Aren’t you supposed to be with your girlfriend right now?” Ah girlfriend, I love the sound of that. Anyways I was grossed out at the idea at first because I only saw you as my sister once before and not to mention I was immature.

Once we’ve started getting much older I've tried dating other girls but none of them just didn’t compare to you. I’ve tried to joke around with them, they wouldn’t take me seriously. When I try to ask them out on dates, they would ditch me for someone else. When I try to be affectionate, they reject and always want to stay friends. I normally had luck keeping girls around, but only for a short amount of time. It seemed like every week I had a new girlfriend.

I knew y/n was always frustrated at me trying to tell me there’s other fish in the sea, but hell I want to my little mermaid and that’s y/n-ie. I even teased her about it, but she didn’t seem to take a hint.

“You know y/n... we should honestly just date. We would be the next Hyuna and Edawn in the school. They would have nothing on us.” I even nudged her on the shoulder to get her smiling.

“Hmm? Are you insane that would be too weird. We’re like brother and sister.” I could tell she was flustered, but she wasn’t exactly to thrilled with the idea. “Plus you know how I feel about Mark already. I’ve got to really wow him at this game tonight.” Oh yeah I forgot to mention she had a crush on my other best friend Mark Lee at the time.

“I know she should just be my friend Yet I'm hoping, I'm hoping that maybe it will lead In love happy end.”

It would work my nerves every time she would talk about him and always would ask advice on what to do, but I was very hopeful and believed I still had to chance to win her heart. I gush to everyone including the boys everyday about how madly in love I was with y/n without even realizing.

I would tell everyone, well except her of course. Johnny almost told my secret to everyone at Jaehyun’s house party when we were all playing strip uno. It was shut down real quickly because Doyoung gave him a long hard talk after awhile.

That night was also the worst for me because that was the same days the homecoming game where you confessed your feelings to Mark and became officially a couple. In my mind I wanted to be happy for the two of you as I watched you two kissed each other in front of everyone.

After that day, I avoided you for a while and couldn’t accept the fact that I couldn’t have you at that very moment. I couldn’t spend more time with you, hold you, kiss you, brag to everyone how much I loved you.

Although I was torn and felt defeated when you started dating Mark, I still felt a tiny bit of hope that someday I would still have a chance to make you mine and have our happy ending.

Y/N POV: June 24th, 2018. The day that I say farewell to my best friend Lee Donghyuck before going leaving to go to Harvard. I can’t believe this day has finally come we haven’t had the chance to hang out throughout our entire senior year so I want to make this count. I also want to tell him how I’ve felt about him. Let’s see where do I even start....

“We were children when we met. Just playing house and drinking sodas at the corner store.”

I remember having a hard time making friends my family moves from city to city because of my dad career as a entrepreneur for multiple companies and my mom working as a travel nurse. I was bullied for my struggling with my weight and for being an outcast which caused a lot of depression for me.

One day I remember running away from these girls in my school because they were trying to throwing apples at me. It was they’re way of trying to help me “eat healthy.” Jokes on them I was the top runner in the track team hehe.

Anyways, I lost them for a good second until I was trapped surrounded by them at the market by my house. I almost felt at lost against the 4 girls, until this crazy guy Lee Donghyuck comes out of no where scaring them away with his Freddy Kruger mask threatening them to leave me alone or he’ll haunt them in their sleep.

I felt bad for laughing, but it was one of the most nicest thing anyone has ever done for me ever since I’ve moved to Korea. He randomly introduces himself to me and offers me to play with him for an exchange of saving my life from those bullies.

“Hey my name is Donghyuck. Those girls always find their next target to pick on, but no worries princess I’m here to protect you. Let me introduce you to my other friends.”

He reached his hand on to me and ever since I was always dragged on to his crazy adventures.

“Like a brother from another. Didn't notice all the other girls they wanted more.”

Donghyuck was pretty popular when it came to having lots of guy friends and dating even when we were kids. In 5th grade on Valentine’s I remembered his desk being flooded with chocolates and anonymous love letters stuffed in backpack.

The idea didn’t bother me at first because I saw Hyuck as my older protective brother. I even slid some letters in my self saying “Happy Valentine’s Day loser. Enjoy those kits kats!” We tend to tease each other a lot, but that’s how we showed our love to each other.

People in our class including the boys Jaemin, Chenle and Yang Yang were encouraging us to date, but we just never seemed thrilled with the idea.

“Awhh c’mon you guys would be so cute together. You guys have kissed once before anyways it’s a sign.” I remember the boys would always poke fun at us, but we both would scream.

“Ew no way! Plus that kiss didn’t count it was for a school play.”

Yet every time a guy would try to ask me out, Donghyuck would scare them away because he claims that I’m still too young to date. Smh, yeah I should’ve known that it was actually because you were jealous.

“But now look at the glow up. You're the finest thing I ever seen, but you never been more than a friend to me.”

As much as I hate to admit it, but god sometimes Donghyuck can be hot...sexy...hell good looking when he wants to be. It doesn’t help that he’s teasing me about it either.

There was this one time when we were playing Mario Karts in his room and it was on a hot summer day at the time. This guy had the nerve to take his shirt off in front of me with sweat dripping on his abs, hair slightly messy to the side, and leans back with his grey sweat pants on.

GREY SWEATS!! Like cmon. I could barely concentrate on the game after awhile admiring how painly handsome. I felt very guilty because I was still dating Mark at the time, but my mind was going 2 different directions.

“Hey y/n if your hot you can take your shirt off too. I thought my mom had the mechanic fixed the ac by now so sorry about that.” There he goes sticking his tongue out like that again. Does he have no shame.

“Umm, Hyuck I just remembered I have a test on Friday to study for. Tootles!” I knew if I would’ve stayed in his room much longer I would’ve either passed out or sink deep into his tempting body leaning against mine. It was not only the heat in the room that was driving me crazy, but my beating heart that was burning my chest.

Before I tried to leave he shut the door and pushed me against the wall staring deep into my eyes. “You know princess, we don’t have a math test Friday right? I’m in the same class as you.”

This man uggh, next he proceeds to make me look at him in the eye by lifting my chin up. “D-did I say math test, silly me. I meant biology test.” After laughing awkwardly for a while I realized he wasn’t laughing with me like he usually does. It was like the vibe changed in a matter of 5 sec.

“Listen y/n...I know your dating Mark and all, but would it be wrong to just let me hold you one last time.” Yeah it would be awful, especially when your still technically half naked in front of me.

I’ve never even gotten close to kissing Mark before, yet my friend of 6 years is going to do it. So I had to run out of there before things got worse. “I-I can’t do that Hyuck. You know that wouldn’t be right. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“I'm thinking that one day you'll be mine. And I don't wanna lose you.”

I ran home as fast as I can hyperventilating before I let myself caught any feelings. The truth was for awhile I only wanted to date Mark to try to forget about Hyuck, but after that night I’ve started to realize that I can’t escape my feelings that I have for him it’s impossible.

I love him more than anyone in this world. The thought of that saying had me laughing and crying that night.

June 26th, the day Donghyuck will have one last chance to confess his feelings before his princess y/n leaves off to go to school. Y/N and Donghyuck both run out of each other’s house and decided to meet up at the swing set after 6 years.

They both sit down sighing looking up at the orange sunset sky that’s shinning throughout the area. The two of them slowly swing looking down at the ground waiting for the other person to speak up first.

“So...I bet you probably heard the news already huh? I’ve finally got accept to Harvard. So tomorrow I’ll be going back to my hometown to begin my semester in fall.” Donghyuck responds back by saying.

“I know, I heard from my mom. She nearly cried. You know it would’ve been nice to hear from you. I haven’t seen you since last week.” Y/n finally looks up at him with tears falling down her face.

“Hyuck I’ve been going through so much this past week. I’ve broken up with Mark, my brother was stuck in the hospital and I almost had to repeat senior year if I didn’t pass that state test. So I’m sorry I didn’t contact you lately.”

Hyuck quickly stands up and hugs y/n gently by stroking her hair. “It would’ve been nice to hear your voice. I miss you and I love you.”

They both freeze up at the words he just said “Y-you what now?” Hyuck gulps at first, but then he snaps out of it ready to pour his heart out.”

“LISTEN PRINCESS I LOVE YOU OKAY?? Not just as a friend either. This whole year I never got to hang out with you and I don't know how to pretend, I hate falling in love with my best friend. That night you left my room I almost gave up on us, but I knew I had to tell you before you walk out of my life. Talk about bad timing right?”

Y/N starts giggling wiping her tears for a split second but then smiles by saying.

“I love you too Donghyuck. I have for a long time actually I just didn’t want to ruin my one and only specially friendship I had with you. I was even thinking that trying to move on by dating someone else would work, but it didn’t. Without you in my life, I am blue as the sky.”

The two of you of crack up laughing again at your embarrassing thoughts of each other, but immediately stop trying to think of what should happen next.

“We’re truly some idiots. Now we only have a few hours left of being a couple before you leave. So what happens next y/n?”

Y/n sits on Hyuck’s lap hugging him tightly and leans into his face by saying. “No worries we’ll figure this out once I move. For right now let’s just enjoy our last few hours together as a couple.”

Hyuck wraps arms around y/n waist and feels his heart skipping a beat once she starts kissing him softly in his ear. “Princess you know I’m very ticklish right there.” Ignoring his comments y/n proceeds to kiss his ear again, but then starts trailing down to his neck.

“My B-E-S-T, a true friend to me. Give me love and energy, that is what you send to me”

“Mmm keep calling me princess and I promise you I won’t be able to hold back.” He wiggles his eyebrows at your bold response and smirks by saying...

“Well what’s stoping you? We can do it right here right now on these swing sets.” He starts sliding your hands in your thighs while finally kissing you on your lips.

All that built up passion and emotion was easily displayed as you were kissing him. Not to mention the fact that he’s sliding his hand in your jeans which is making it hard for you to keep your voice down.

“Ahh keep it down y/n...Do you want the neighbors to hear you?” He teases you more by moving your hand in his jeans. “Do it for me too.”

“Lee Donghyuck, are you crazy?? Why don’t we just do this in your room. We will get caught for sure.” He pouts for a second and says

“Yes I’m crazy for you. You already know this though. How about this, we can finish this in my room and we can just tell my mom we stayed up playing games again all night long. Deal?”

“Deal!” You give him one last peck on the lips and grab him by running into his house like there’s no tomorrow. “Slow down princess!” The two of you slammed the door in his room and for the whole night you never dared to leave his side for a split second.

“It's what you do to me.”

The morning after ended up becoming very emotional for the both of you, because this is the last the you’ll be seeing each other face to face until the both of you are done with school. While he’s off becoming a singer, you’ll be on your way becoming a lawyer.

Out of all the places you could possibly move away from again your home next to Donghyuck and his family was the hardest to leave from. You made so many memories here and would cherish it for the rest of your life.

Before heading the road you give your best friend and now boyfriend one last hug and kiss on the forehead before putting your last luggage in the trunk and hitting the road to start your journey.

Although your both moving on to different paths of life career wise, you both will always have your history together and promised to reunite as a couple again when the time is right.

Thanks so much for reading this far you guys and feedback would be much appreciated. ✨

𝐓𝐚𝐠𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭 🏷 : @himitsu-luna @starrdustville @xxminmixx @dundun-baby @purplepsycho03 @kpopsnowball

Send an ask if you want to be added or removed from the tag list. 💫💫💫

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vv3nti · 3 years

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BIRD BOSS (part three)

[social media hybrid]

summary: y/n wants to rush her recovery process, putting her hero career on hold for what should have been a simple injury was devastating. she was ready to give. but the number two hero had an irresistible proposition. but he lands himself in a rocky situation as a crush develops on y/n; who quite frankly wants none of his shit. will hawks win her heart or will someone from her past steal it away?

warnings: language!!, angst, fluff, some ooc—sue me, CRACK, and LANGUAGE, pay no attention to timestaps, adult talk??? excuse the mistakes pls and ty

2.4k words

SERIES MASTERLIST

NO. NO. NO. NO. Your eyes widen as they fell upon your boss’ relaxed figure, chatting with your friends. What the hell was he doing here, and why did he look so casual among your peers? There was still time to make a run for the door; no one had even noticed you descend from the bathroom; feigning sickness didn’t sound like a bad idea right about now. This wasn’t the plan; Hawks was supposed to go home and meet you on sunday, not stay and mingle. He was ruining the atmosphere; people were gawking and staring at the pro, bringing unwanted attention to your table. Why would he think, showing up to a mediocre downtown club was a good idea? You didn’t have much time to dwell because Mina exposed your existent as she called you over. She smiled brightly, countering your set grimace. Keigo turned around slowly, a smirk decorated his lips and a glint in his eyes. He knew what he was doing; he found it quite amusing and rather eventful.

“Y/N! Look! It’s Hawks.” Mina gleamed, her drunken state failing to keep her excitement from bubbling over; she was practically bouncing off the floor. The time you told her you’d be working for the pro-hero, she went ballistic, bombarding you with a profound number of questions. Sure, the girl did have a special love for heroes but let’s not forget Hawks’ popularity due to his appearance, which granted him a few extra points in Mina’s book. It took a lot of self-restraint not to roll your eyes at your starstruck friend as you traveled to the booth.

“Yes, I see. What is he doing here?” you emphasized, turning to Hawks, the previous glare returning to your expression. If your eyes had mouths of their own, they would have told him to fuck off in a multitude of ways. You hoped he’d take the hint and leave you be, but to your luck, Keigo either didn’t notice or choose to ignore. You bet on the latter.

After a few seconds of your stare off, Keigo straightened his posture, flashing his pearly whites. “Hello, babybird.”

“Answer the damn question.” That earned you an elbow to the gut from Mina.

“Well, I know I told you to give me the bill on Sunday, but I thought it’d just be easier to take it straight from the source.” He scissored his centurion black card between his pointer and middle finger. He feigned surprise before reaching down on the table, grabbing a white iridescent clutch. “And you forgot this.” Hawks confessed, handing you the bag. You knew you didn’t take a purse to the gala, and you knew Hawks knew you didn’t take a flashy purse to the gala. So what the fuck was this expensive piece of material doing in your hands. “Consider it a thank you for showing up tonight; finding a last-minute date would have sucked.”

The explosive blond spoke up, all attention rushing his direction. “You gave her your card already; a simple verbal thanks would have done.” He snapped with a scowl. To say Bakugou had a distaste for the pro-hero would be an understatement, and he has zero hesitation voicing his dislike. It was painfully obvious Bakugou was envious of Hawks; number two hero, highly on almost all charts, and good looking, he had it all and at the mere age of twenty-three. In truth, you believe he looked up to the wing hero, but even if that were the case, her friend would never admit it.

Keigo took notice of the boy's irritated persona; he wasn’t a stranger to haters, but right now, he’d rather Bakugou not ruin the moment. Absent Mindlessly waving his hand around, Hawks remarked, “Well, maybe, I like to spoil my employees, Ground Zero.” The quick look of surprise on Bakugou’s face satisfied Hawks, as did Mina praising how sweet he was. “I’ve seen you on TV before; your quirk is just as explosive as your personality, too, huh?” He sassed, the snarky response earning a few giggles from your friends.

Bakugou rolled his eyes, grumbling incoherently as he sunk further into the plush seating. If this went on any longer, you swore you’d choke on the testosterone.

You turned towards the booth. “Hey, he’s only messing around with you, Katsuki. Just let it all out by order drinks, yeah?”

The smug expression vanished from Keigo’s face rather quickly, a confused one taking its place. You're on a first-name basis with this guy? He thought, though, he tried to mask his it as best he could when you focused your attention back on him.

“Listen, thank you for the drinks and this.” You lifted the clutch in your hand. “I appreciate it, but I-” The pink-haired girl to your left softly tugged your arm. The desperation in her eyes caused you to look away only to meet the begging stares the rest of the group bore into your figure. Guilt crept up your spine—no, you shouldn’t be feeling this way, but you didn’t want to disappoint your friends. So much for a night off.

You signed, dragging a hand down your face. “Fine, you can stay.”

The night progressed relatively smoothly; it was a surprise to you how well Hawks mixed with your friends. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves in his presence. Well, everyone except for Bakugou, who continued to sulk by himself. His sour attitude prompted you to a stand, reaching your open palm in his direction. Bakugou ignored your offer, but you were persistent and wouldn’t take no as an answer.

“Katsu, please.” A whine pulled from your throat, attracting the attention from the winged-hero talking with Momo, Kirishima, Denki, and Mina. “I want the legendary ‘Lord Explosion Murder’ mix, and you’re the only one who knows the order, c’mon.”

You squealed as Bakugou grumbled in agreeance; you clutched his wrist and started your departure to the bar. The rest of the table paused their conversation, watching you leave. Hawks didn’t remove his gaze until you were entirely out of sight; confusion racked through him again. He found himself wishing you talked about your personal life more because as he’s out with you now, he doesn’t seem to know anything about you.

“That’s the nicest Bakugou gets.” Denki laughed. “And I have to say I’m jealous. What a world, him not hating me.”

“Well, you should’ve snatched him up first,” Momo replied, giggling profoundly when the yellow-haired boy glared. Not that he would ever admit it, but when they first met, Denki had quite the crush on Bakugou. “And maybe he’d be your boyfriend, huh.”

Mina’s entire being jumped in her seat, eyes wide and lips pursed. She slapped Momo’s shoulder sharply, giving her a pointed look, one that a mother would give their child when they’re acting out in public. “Bakugou is not her boyfriend.”

“Maybe if he ever got around to confessing his feelings to L/N. It’s been years at this point.”

Oh, was this interesting? Hawks shouldn’t find this as intriguing as he did; this was his assistant, for fuck’s sake; he should be professional instead of indulging in this drama. But, hey, when has he ever been known to keep things traditional. Keigo deemed his attraction to you a given crush; isn’t it abound to happen to two people who work closely and spend a lot of time together? Right? Whatever the reason, he couldn’t seem to just enough. You’re a drug, and he’s addicted, obsessed, always wondering when he’ll get his next fix.

Mina rolled her widen eyes. The girl was far too biased to even indulge in the conversation, but she couldn’t help but peeve. Mina had her money on Hawks swooping into your life before Bakugou ever got over himself. “A girl can only wait so long.” She huffed, perking up as the explosive blond rounded the table. “Where’s Y/N?”

Bakugou mumbled something about you taking too long to order, causing the group to erupt loudly. He was never great showing his affection around other people, huh?

“You left her up there?”

“By herself?”

“What the hell, Bakubro?”

“What about the Lord Explosion Murder.”

“Dude!”

All noise ceased as Hawks stood up, his chair sliding back against the dark wood. “I’ll go check on her; I need a refill anyway.” The bass of the club drowned the sound of ice rattling against his glass.

You tapped your finger to the rhythm on the beat as you waited, watching the bartender move from person to person. Unfortunately, they were out of orange citrus syrup—to key ingredient to Bakugou’s said drink mix—so you had to find something else to get. You didn’t mind waiting, though. Reading the odd cocktail combinations was quite entertaining as long as you didn’t have to go back and face Hawks.

“Hey.” Keigo’s voice caused you to glance behind you. He leaned over your shoulder to place his glass on the bar, his warmth mixing with your own. Hawks was exceedingly close to your body; you were able to smell his spicy cologne as his front lightly grazed your side. You partially expected him to pull away, put some distance between your bodies but part of you knew he would test the waters. “What’re thinking?” he asked smoothly, eyes grazing the menu. “This sounds good.” Angel Wings was the name of the daiquiri, how cute.

You felt your cheeks begin to flush, this was too far, and you’re intoxicated. Keigo’s usual teasing comments and flirty gestures you could effortlessly ignore, but this was entirely different. There was no room to shuffle away from his figure, for someone occupied the space next to you. Why did he find so much pleasure messing with your head? Truthfully you aren’t surprised; this is what Hawks does; he reels girls in and leaves a trail of hearts in his wake. You’d witnessed it a handful of occasions. Angry, pained, desperate girls trying to either enter the agency building or spam your social media to reach the hero. You will not fall victim to his charms, but as you turn to the side, your eyes meeting his yellow ones, you felt your facade grasping for dear life.

A chillingly squeaky voice pulled you from your trance. “Can we please take a picture with you?” Two petite girls stood feet away, clutching phones in their shaking hands. “Sorry, we just have never had the chance to meet a pro.” You don’t think you’ve ever been so thankful for quirky drunk people.

On the opposite spectrums of things, Keigo internally cursed; he was so close. And although he had no clue what he was close too, it felt right. But thing one and thing two had to show up and spoil it. Before acknowledging the two, he turned back towards you only to see you’d moved away from his touch and started conversing with the bartender. Fuck. Despite his frustration, Hawks equipped his award-winning smile and accepted their request.

“Sorry bout’ that, babybird.” Keigo hummed sheepishly. He knew you dislike the alum of attention he attracts when performing mundane activities, and by the slight squint in your eyes, he figured the distaste settled in you once again.

“Hmm, here.” Your fingers grazed his own as you handed him a fresh drink. Of course, you knew his order. “I'm used to it, gotta take care of the fangirls.” The prior encounter was still fresh on your mind; you cursed yourself for allowing Hawks to get into your head like that. Your walls stood up pretty high, but tonight, he almost made it over the top for whatever reason.

“I'd much rather it be you be one of my fangirls.” And the teasing was back. Classic. “I could always make some exceptions for you, take a few pictures.” He suggested, lips curling into a sinister smirk.

You rolled your eyes, your head lolling to the side. A part of you wanted to play his game, ruffle his feathers a bit, but on the contrary, that would successfully add gasoline to the raging flames. You took a sip of your drink. “My friends really like you.”

Keigo couldn't say why, but the compliment made his heart flutter. He wanted acceptance from your peers. Made him feel like he was doing something right for once in his godforsaken life. Running into you was his golden ticket; Keigo never hesitated when it came to you; he’s always so sure. That’s one reason he keeps you around because as much as you invade his thoughts, you also focused his mind. “Not all of them.” Why would he bring him up? “What’s his problem, huh? Got a crush on you.” Keigo said teasingly, masking the sour taste in his voice.

A stream of air blew from the nose as you shook your head with a small smile. “Aha, no. Katsuki, he…” you trailed off, searching for the right words. The mood dampens. “He blames himself for what happened. He took it remarkably hard, so he’s kind of protective. But no, he does not have a ‘crush’ on me.”

Hawks wanted to ask more questions, he craved to fill the gaps, but he refrained. He wanted you to open up to him on your own will; although he was reasonably comfortable around you, Keigo knew you still put walls up around him. He respected it, but that didn’t mean he’d stop trying. “Either way, he has a major stick up his ass. Popularity charts are gonna be rough on him.”

“I know,” You want Bakugou to succeed as a hero; it’s all he's ever wanted. But his hostile disposition was going to hold him back. “You should teach him the rings,” You joked, partially.

“No can do, I'll be too busy teaching you, babybird.” Hawks was quite the optimist, but you figured he was just trying to make you feel better.

You looked down, stirring your drink. “Tch, whatever.”

“It's true; we’ll be an unstoppable duo!” Hawks beam, waving his hand in the air enthusiastically.

“If I take your offer.”

“Oh babybird,” Keigo paused, inhaling through his teeth. “You signed a contract. You're stuck with me for life and the afterlife.”

“Sounds like a nightmare.” With that, you left him standing at the bar. Not only did you want the last word, but you also wished to get back to your friends. This was their night, after all. “Hey, take care of your fan club before joining us.” You motioned to the group of people gawking at the winged pro.

taglist: @therealwalmartjesus @katzurras @noonewouldlisten25 @cathy8taffy

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solar3lunar · 3 years

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3.𝕆𝕟𝕖 𝕊𝕙𝕠𝕥✔︎

𝚆𝚎𝚎𝚔𝚜 𝙻𝚊𝚝𝚎𝚛

Ayama POV

My alarm went off at 6 am. I turned my phone off and got up to go get my uniform out of my closest. I went straight to the bathroom to take a quick 3 minutes shower.

I get out of the shower and quickly dry off. And apply lotion on my body. I quickly brushed my teeth and put the uniform on. I went open the bottom cabinet. Underneath the bathroom sink.

"Where is it?" I see all my hair products, but couldn't seem to find the one thing that I needed. I then heard something put on the bathroom counter.

I look up and saw the plastic purple spray bottle and saw my dad walking away. "Thanks Dad!" "Next time. Remember where you put things." He sighed.

I spray water onto to my curly shrinkage hair. I put the bottle with the rest of my hair products and close the cabinets.

I went to my room go straight towards my phone turning it all the way off and putting it in my backpack. I notice the cats were still sleep.

Putting my new books inside my bags that we'll probably never use at least that what my dad said. I went downstairs. I went to the kitchen to make those pre pancakes really quick. Which was simple.

I put the frozen pancakes in the microwave for 3 minutes. Then took it out and butter it up and put syrup on them.

Once I ate those. I put them in the sink and head towards the door. I was so close to leaving the house as I put my shoes on. "Turn around." "Seriously dad?" I asked. "Yes. My daughter is growing up. I like to save these moments." He said.

"Smile." He said. I hold up both of my hands doing a peace sign, smiling while closing my eyes. I hear a camera click. "Alright, I'm off see ya Dad!" I tell him. "You sure you don't wanna ride with me?"

He asks. "I think I'm handling fine." I sang to reassure him. I look at the clock school doesn't start until 8:25. "Besides I wanna be there early but not too early," I told him. "Alright be careful." He said. "I will. Love you," I said. "Love you too." He said.

I then walk out of the house and walk towards the train/bus stop sign that's out side the neighborhood I live in. I pull out my dark blue headphones and put them on.

{Grown~Chloe x Halle}

~~~~~~~~~~~

I start walking towards the school building. I'm not in a rush, because it was only 7:36 when I got off the bus. So I started to speed walk towards the school. It took about ten minutes. The bus was only fast that day because of the entrance exam.

I got to the school door and went inside. I quickly change my shoes and put them in my small locker.

Then quickly went looking for class 1-A which I found quickly, but who in the world is that really tall for this big door. Unless you're talking about Aunt, Mt. Lady. I hear a voice calling my name. I then turned back.

"Oh hey, Midoriya." I greeted. "Thanks for waiting." He said. "No problem," I said as I open the door. The minute I did hell let loose. One student was scolding Bakugo for his feet being on another desk.

That desk happens to be Midoriya's desk. I was a bit shock at what was happening, but not that much. I mean it's Katsuki Bakugou.

"Take your feet off that desk now." The boy with glasses said the same one who called Midoriya out. Maybe he can redeem himself. "Huh?" Bakugo reply with a wide smirk.

"It's the first day. And you're already disrespecting this academy by scuffing school property, you cretin!" The boy with glasses spoke. "You're kidding me, right? Your old school put a stick up your ass? Or were you born with it?" He asked with a wide grin.

I see Midoriya making an awkward face, blue shadowing his face. I'm guessing he didn't want a class with either of them. "Just my luck." He mumbled.

"Uh--" he then cut himself off. "Let's start over." Glasses said. Like that going to help with anything. "I'm Tenya Iida from the Somei Private Academy." So that his name. Iida got it.

"Somei, huh? So you must think you're better than me." The loudmouth said. God his ego has really gone up. "Why must you think just because he went to a private school, He thinks he better than you, Bakugo?" I asked him.

He seems shocked when he heard my voice. The whole class turns towards me and Midoriya way. "Ayama?" Momo spoke up. She seems excited when she saw me. "Hi, Yaoyorozu" I greeted.

"It's them," Iida said. "Hello," I said. "Um. Hi," Izuku said blushing of nervousness. My small tight curls kept moving with my head.

"Good morning!" Iida said as he was coming our way. "I'm name is Tenya Iida from-" He was about to continue, but Midoriya cut him off.

"Yeah, w-we know." He said in the nicest way possible. "I'm Izuku, Midoriya." He said. "And my name Ayama." I said. "What's your last name?" He asked. "She doesn't tell anyone," Bakugou said. "Aw. You remember." I teased.

He just turns the other way with a tiny blush on his face. "Shut up dumbass!" He shouted. "Language!" Iida warns him. "Whatever four-eyes!" Bakugou shouted.

Iida looks down for a bit. Then looks back at us. "Midoriya. Ayama. You two realized there was something more to the practical exam, didn't you two?" He asked us. Leaving us both confused.

"Huh?"

"You guys must be very perceptive. And I completely misjudged you, Midoriya, I admit." He said, looking shameful. Midoriya looks at me and gives me a nod.

"As a student, you're far superior to me." He said. "Iida?" I asked. "What is it?" He asked. I put my hand on his shoulder. "It's okay you're forgiven." I smile nicely. He then a bit of a nose bleed. "Oh, you're, bleeding. Here I gave him a tissue.

"We're going to be needing one as well." I look at the class. They were all getting a nose bleeds. I pass the box of tissues to Izuku first then he passed it on.

"Jeez, you're a cute (lady) Dame." The first student said. He had blonde yellow hair and sparkly purple eyes.

I said thank you, but I found it strange. I mean from family sure, but a person with my skin color out in the streets of Japan 2I just get stared at. I love myself but I never expected to get that type of compliment.

"Hey, I recognize that messy hair and tights curls!" A voice behind us said. "Oh hey, Uraraka." I said. Midoriya looks like he was lost for words. "Oh yeah, I should probably start thanking you guys for going to him." He said.

"Huh, how did you know about us doing that?" She asks. "I'll let you inform her, Midoriya." I said as I went to sit in front of Momo. "Oh, Ayama you grew up on me." She said as she was patting my head. Not that much. I only grew two inches." I turn around to face her. I'm only 5'3.

"Your smile is going to be the death of us all. I just chuckled. I notice it was 21 one of us. Uneven class. Strange. Most classes only have 20 students.

I notice the three we're still rambling on. I only sighed knowing what was coming as I look at the clock it said 8:25

"If you came here to make friends you then you can just pack up your stuff now." My Dad told her. I'm surprised? No. Although I didn't know what he was wearing, The three were all making a creep out face. I thought I was going to get a homeroom teacher that wasn't my Dad. I'm not upset or anything though.

"He probably in that yellow sleeping bag of his," I mutter under my breath. "Welcome to UA's hero class course." I heard him say. I then heard a zipper. Then the sound of him sucking all the jelly left in that jelly pouch.

"Oh yeah definitely. The sleeping bag." I mutter again. I saw his figure outside of the doorway. "It took 8 seconds before you all shut up. That's not going to work. Time is precious. Rational students would understand that." He said.

I notice Izuku analyzing my dad. He must've of been confused because of how worn out my Dad is and how he's a pro hero. Which I could understand, because of paperwork. And how late he stays up. But me knowing Izuku, he'll figure it out sooner or later.

My dad proceeds to introduce himself. I don't blame him for the way he did. (Lazy) "Hello, I'm Shota Aizawa. Your teacher." Just like that my Dad in my life for this school year. I was very interested to see how this year would go.

"Right, let's get to it." He said while looking for something in his sleep bag. He took a gym uniform out and show it to us. "Put these on and head outside." He said then walk away.

"You heard him let's get a move on!" Iida shouted. We all got up and went towards the gyms lockers. "Hurry up, although I wouldn't mind sleeping." My dad said. We went inside the gym lockers.

"Ayama, you have a great figure." A girl with pink skin said. I not use to hearing things like that. Unless it meant something negative.

"Mina Ashido." She said while holding her hand out. I shook it. "Nice to meet you. And I just have a regular figure." I told her. "Your joking?" The invisible girl said. "Toru Hagakure." I turn towards the girl with just gym clothes on. Couldn't see her at all.

"Ayama, but I don't really pay attention that much. You guys have great body figure too. Beside I still a bit chubby around the waist" I said. "By the way. Why is your hair like that?" A girl who resembles a frog asked. "Tsuyu Asui, but call me Tsu." She held her hand out to shake.

"Well, my hair mixture between 3a and 4c. So that why it's like this. I get it from my mother." I explain. If they don't like it well, that's them.

"It's really pretty, Ayama." She said tilting her head and giving me a warm smile. I'm relieved. "She right." The girl said with earplugs hanging from her ears. "Kyoka Jirō" She said. I shook her hand. We start to go outside making our conversation shut down.

While we all were listening to what my Dad had to say which shock everyone, but me I knew Momo would be the second and last one to catch on to what my dad is doing.

"What? A Quirk assessment test?" They all ask my dad confuse as ever. "But orientation! We're gonna miss it!" Uraraka said. "If you really wanna make the big leagues, you can't waste time on pointless ceremonies." He said. I agree with him with that. Considering every orientation in my life has been useless. Everyone gasp a bit shocked. But I saw this coming from a mile away.

"Here at UA, we're not tethered to traditions. That means that I get to run my class however I see fit." He said looking back at us. "You've been taking standardized tests most of your lives. But you never got to use your Quirks in physical exams before. "He said while some were students gasping, others stayed quiet. He then holds out his phone.

"The country still trying to pretend we're all created equal by not letting those with the most power excel. It's not rational. One day, the Ministry of Education will learn." He stopped talking only for a second then went to Bakugo.

"Bakugo, you managed to get the most points on the entrance exam. What was your farthest distance throw of a softball when you were in Junior High?" He asked him. Junior high was probably one of my best school years because of Momo.

"67 meters I think." He said. "Right. Try doing it with your Quirk." My dad said giving him the softball. So the baseball technique. Bakugo walks to the circle and wait for what my father has to say.

"Anything goes just stay in the circle. Go on. You're wasting our time "My Dad tells him. Bakugou grunts a bit. "All right, man, you've asked for it." He then got into throwing position.

"Die!" He yelled. He used his exploding quirk. "Did really just say die?" I whisper. "Sadly, yes." Momo nodded. "Oh, Woah," Izuku said, clearly nervous.

"All of you need to know your maximum capabilities. It's the most rational way of figuring out your potential as a pro hero." My Dad said showing us Bakugo record which was 705.2. Most students gasped, but I wasn't too impressed.

"Whoa, are you kidding me?" One male student said he had dark yellow color for hair, but not too dark. And yellow eyes as well. "I wanna go! That's looks like fun!" Ashido said which was the wrong thing to say.

"This is what I'm talkin' about, usin' our Quirks as much as we want!" Another student said. He had circle tape for elbows. I just put one hand over my eyes, sighing.

"So this looks like fun, huh?" My Dad chuckled a bit not in a good way. Making the students nervous. "You have three years here to become a hero. You think it's all gonna be games and play time?" My dad said leaving the others students a bit in fear.

I took my hand off my eye. "Idiots. Today you'll complete in eight physical tests. to gauge your potential. Whoever comes in last has none, will be expelled immediately." My Dad said with a sly smile. "Huh!?!?" The students shouted.

I would've been shocked if I wasn't his child, but I am. "Like I said, I get to decide how this class runs." My Dad then lifted up his hair to look us all in the eyes.

"Understand? If that's a problem, you can head home right now." I notice that Bakugo had a huge evil grin on his face.

"You can't send one of us home! I mean, we just got here! Even if it wasn't the first day that's isn't fair!" Ochaoco shouted. I would rather have me explain to her why he doing this, because I don't want her to be embarrassed by my Dad.

"But Uraraka-san. Nothing in life could be fair. Think about Natural disasters or Power-full hungry villains." I told her. " Your right." She said. I knew she didn't take any affect to my words because she knew I wasn't trying to embarrass her.

"Let me add on to that. Catastrophic accidents that wipe out whole cities? No the world is full of unfairness." My Dad continue. "It's a hero's job to try to combat that unfairness. If you wanna be a pro, You're gonna have to push yourself to the brink."

"For the next three years, UA will throw one terrible hardship after another at you. So, go beyond. Plus Ultra-style." My Dad finish with those words then point one finger up as come towards me, but not really.

"Show me it's no mistake that your here." He finished. I seen this side of my Dad before. But it's still shock me to this day. Everyone seem to have gain their confidence back thanks to Dad's words. If I'm being honest I would be lost without his words.

"Now then. We're just wasting time by talking. Let's the games begin." Dad finished.

'Welcome to the devil's home.'

First test was 1:50 meter dash. This is very simple to me. I was first up against Tenya Iida. "Why are you face backwards?" Tenya asked. "You'll see and sorry if you're ears hurt." I told him. Leaving him confused.

The sound of a gun went off and I scream my way to the other side landing on both of my feet. "2.10 seconds." Leaving the class shocked. I just stood there with a netrual face. Both of my hands on my hips.

"3.18 seconds." The measuring machine said. "How are you that fast?" He asked me I just shrug. I went to line up with the other while Iida said he'll go again with Tsu. I stood with the others while watching him and Tsu use their quirk. He came in first this time. I notice my Dad say something about his quirk,but I didn't listen fully.

He was faster this time. "3.04 seconds" measuring machine said. Tsu gotten 5.58 seconds. I'm was a bit worried about Izuku though. If he doesn't show his quirk yet then... No way. I won't believe it.

Ochaoco went up against Mashirao. Mashiro got 5.29 seconds. She ended up with 7.15 seconds. But she seems proud of it. Mina went up against Yuga, who seems very confident at first when using his Lazer beam. Until it went out. Then Mina came in first, before him. But he was close when he using his Lazer beam again.

"What a tool." I heard some students say. "Uh oh." I said. "What is it?" Uraraka ask me. I point to the next two people up. Izuku and Katsuki. "What about them?" Yaoyorozu asked. "I'm worried about Izuku and what Katsuki might say." I told them. "Bakugou does have a big ego.*ribbit*" Tsu said.

"Let's just watch." Hagakure said. I nodded. "4.13 seconds!" The measuring device said. "7.02 seconds." I was a bit shock he did better than Ochaoco did, but she use her quirk and he didn't.

"My power is more uses than anyone elses in this school." Katsuki said while looking at his hands. I rolled my eyes. "Whatever you say.." I mutter. I notice Midoriya looking a bit stressed, but after a few seconds he had gain his confidence back.

Test 2: The grip test.

Test 3: The long jump.

Test 4: side repeated side step.

Test 5: Ball throw

I look at my Dad. He gives me a nod. I had the ball in my my hand. I start to activate my quirk. My eyes went red. My hair started to float upwards. I quickly looked at Uraraka then look back.

{Cliffs Edge~Hayley Kiyoko}

The beat starts to play so everyone could hear it. "Swing a little further higher." I then threw the ball. When I sing that lyrics it made the ball go even faster. I then stop both of my quirks.

My Dad show me the score which was the exact same as Uraraka. Chatter was among the students. I turn around. Only to see their faces in shock. "You have two quirks!?!" Bakugo shouted at me. "Something like that." I said. "Oh Uraraka sorry for the bit of drainage." I told her while walking back towards the group.

"But I didn't stop your quirk though I said." I told her. "It's alright." She smile as I smile back. She's cute when she smiles. Izuku was up next. I saw that he was worried.

I was a bit worried for him. Because my dad could send him home. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I look at who it was. "Momo?" I whisper. "Hey. It's going to be fine." She told me. "I hope you're right." I said.

"If Midoriya doesn't shape up soon he the one going home." Iida said. "Huh? Of course he is.

He's a Quirkless loser." Bakugo reply. "He has a Quirk." I told him. "Since when." Bakugo ask with a smirk. He's freaking difficult.

"Did you not hear about what he did at the entrance exam?" Iida back me up. "Huh?" Katsuki said. I just ignore him. Anymore seconds and he's a goner. Midoriya finally started to power up.

He threw the ball, but like any normal child would. "Hey Ayame why you stop it." He asked me. "I didn't." I said. "I did." My dad was suddenly in front us. His hair was floating upwards.

"I erased your quirk." My Dad was now in front of us with his back facing us while he was looking at Midoriya.

"The judges for this exam were not rational enough. Someone like you should never be allowed to enroll at this school." I hate to admit it, but he was right. Unless he can prove to my father that he should be at this school.

"Wait- you did what to my--" he stop mid sentence. I think he now knows who my Dad is. "Ah! Those goggles. I know you! You can look at someone and cancel out there powers. The Erasure Hero. Eraser Head!" He said.

"Okay it's nice that you know, but that still doesn't really help you with the situation you're in." I thought. All of the others students were just plain confused. Which I don't blame considering he an underground hero.

"He's a hero he just doesn't like to be in the spotlight. An underground hero." I told them. "Ohh." They finally understand.

"You're not ready. You don't have control over your power." I would tell my Dad, but I can't. I won't betrayed their trust like that.

"Were you planning to break your bones again? Counting on someone else to save your useless body?" He asked

"No! That's not what I was trying to do!" As soon as he finished with his sentence. My Dad had got one of his strings of scarf and had them bring Midoriya closer to him.

"No matter what your intentions are, you would be nothing more than a liability in battle." My Dad told him. "You have the same reckless passion as another overzealous hero I know." Uncle All Might, huh?

"One who saved 1,0000 people himself and became a legend. But even with that drive, you're worthless if you can only throw one punch before breaking down." My Dad is right you can't keep fighting if you know you're going break at one point.

"Sorry Midoriya. With your power, there's no way you can become a hero." My Dad finished. Midoriya was shocked. He let Midoriya go. "I've returned your impractical Quirk. Take your final throw. Hurry and get it over with." My Dad walk away back to his spot. Midoriya had his head down.

I look at Momo and she nods. If he makes it he'll stay. 'Don't give up Midoriya.' We were the only one listing careful while the others were just lost.

"I wonder if teacher gave him some advice." Iida start off, but then got interrupt by Bakugo. "Probably told him to start packing." He said.

I look at Midoriya as his expression change. He then threw the ball. I look closely. "He'll put all his power into that one finger." I said quitely.

"Smash!"

The ball went up into the air. "Alright Midoriya!" I said. "You can never stop so being loving and kind, can you?" Momo ask. I shook my head with a small smile.

"Mr. Aizawa." My Dad seem somewhat shocked about his score. "You see I'm still standing." He said. Alright Midoriya. I saw my dad smile although it may look creepy to some. That smile is the one of the smiles I care for the most.

"This kid..." I heard my Dad said, but was blocked out by the cheering me and Uraraka was doing. My Dad show us his score. 705.3

"He threw it over 700 hundreds meters!" Kamninari shouted. "Nice, He finally showing us his true power!" Uraraka said. "Nice one Izuku!" I said.

"But his finger is appears to be broken now. Just like in the exam. This Quirk is very odd." Iida said. "It wasn't a very pretty throw." Aoyama said. Not like it really matters.

I saw Bakugou gasp in shocked. I was hoping he be nice for once. But that wouldn't be Bakugo, now would it. I saw him getting angry. "Hey!" He had his hands exploding mini fire bombs. "Deku you bastard! Tell me how you did that or your dead!" He always has to threaten somebody.

Izuku was screaming in panic while standing in fear. But the Bakugou got held back by my Dad scarf. Bakugou grunts as he got held back. "What?" Bakugou shouted as he was looking back to see who cause it. "Why the hell is your damn scarf so strong?" He asked.

"Because it a capture weapon made out of carbon fiber and a special metal alloy. Stand down. It'd be wise to avoid making me use my Quirk so much." My Dad said finally looking up.

"It's gives me serious dry eye." He said. "Too bad. that Power amazing!" Students said. "Hey Ayame your power reminds me of his." Tsu point out. "Yeah she right." Ashido agreed. "I didn't choose my Quirks." I said calmly.

"She has a point."Jirō said. "But her singing was amazing." Hagakure said. "She right. How come you didn't sing so much in middle school?" Momo ask. "I guess I didn't feel like it." I said.

"You're wasting my time now. Whoever next can step up." My Dad went back to his spot. Why do I feel like this could be punishment for not riding with him earlier today. Izuku came running back towards us. As everyone congratulate him.

Test 6: sits up.

Test 7: seated toes touch.

Test 8: long distance run.

"All right, time to give you your result. I rank you all from best to worst. You should probably have a good idea of your standing already I'll just pulled up the whole list. It's not worth going over each individual's score." My Dad then show us the virtual pop up rank from his phone that was like a projector.

My Dad wasn't going to expelled anyone. I had gotten second place. Momo was first I was happy for her. Todoroki gotten third Bakugo gotten fourth place. I went to the list of names. And Izuku was last, 21 place. I saw the fear in his eyes. But I want to laugh because :he thought he was going to get expelled.

"And I was lying nobody going home." My dad said leaving everyone, but me and Momo in shock. "That was just a rational to make sure you gave it your all in the tests." My Dad said with a smile.

Everyone had yelp. While Momo sighed and I chuckled. "I'm surprised the rest of you didn't figure that out. I'm sorry. I guess we probably should've said something." Momo said.

"You guys should really see the looks on your faces." I giggled. "Yeah you should've." Jirō, Mineta, and Kamninari said. "It's not that funny Ayama!" Izuku, Ochaoco, and Mina whined. "Your right I'm sorry." I said chuckling a bit.

I looked at Bakugo smiled warmly at him. He turn around hint of blush on his cheek. "That's it we're done for the day. Pick up a syllabus in the classroom. Read it over before tomorrow morning." My Dad then walks away and then we all go in the locker room to put on our uniforms. Then back to the classroom.

The rest of the day went fine. As I expected. I would get most my aunts and uncles as my teachers.

"See you later Ayama." Mina said. "See ya!" I said. I was the last person in the classroom. I then got up and left out the classroom. Closing the door behind me.

"Ayama is that you?" I pause in my track. Please don't say who I think it is. I turn around. "Oh so it is you." Dang it that boy. "What is it, Kiyoshi Enomoto." I ask him. He'd always bully me when I attended middle school.

(Only lasted for the 7th grade. After that her dad took her out.)

He had dirt blond hair and big green eyes. Tan skin. Typically jerk. A lot girls want him. So why am I his target?

"I just wanna know how you, Miss puff, got into class 1-A." He questioned me. I didn't answer. He knock my phone out of my hand which I grabbed, before it hit the floor. "That's none of your concern." I said. He pushes me be against the locker. I push him away from me.

"I'm not putting up with you. Just know. You won't be getting anywhere with that attitude." I said about to walk away until he use his Quirk on me. His Quirk: Mind torturing and. He can torturing someone in there mind and and even after you still feel pain.

"On your knees. Now." My mind was numb. I was somewhere the sky was red. And grass black. A black figure with a sword came my way. My eyes widened. It helped my up one of my arm. It made an K on my wrists. I hissed. Just as it was about to stab my wrists. It was gone. I was back inside the school.

I feel to my side holding my wrists. I saw Momo slap him. I hissed. "Ayama!" She quickly rush to my aid. "What your problem?" I asked him.

"You're my problem you little dipshit." I blink twice. I showed no emotions in my eyes. "Come again?" I asked him.

"You heard me. You're a fucking little dipshit!" He told me. I walked up to him and punch him in face. "I told you. I'm not putting up with you." I told him. "You really have grown since the last time I've seen you." Momo said.

"I wouldn't say that." I told her. I looked back at Enomoto. "I apologize that your mother and father couldn't raise you right." I said. I start to walk towards Momo. "At least I have both parents." I turned around and look at him.

"Is that supposed to phase me in anyway?" I asked. "You've always been like that. You don't care about anything or anyone. I bet you don't even care if I-" Before he could even go on.

"Enough! If I see you doing this to her again. I will report you to the the school staff members." Momo said. "Like they'll do anything to me." He said.

"Don't worry about him Momo. He'll learn." I told her as we walk away. The guy who gave me pain and suffering during my middle school year. I won't be surprised if he tries to do the same thing.

I walked inside the staff room. With phone in hand. "What took you so long?" My Dad asked me. "Umm.. I bumped into someone." I lied.

I then go to sit down at the empty desk that was near aunt Midnight's. "Oh hello sweetie. I can't wait for you to be in your hero costume." She hugged me. "I can't believe both of you guys convince me to her outfit." My Dad sighed.

My Dad was about 2 second from grabbing the paper I design and redesign it and by that I mean him completely redoing it. "Well of course! As her favorite aunt I need to make sure my niece show off some skin." She said bring my face towards her chest.

I don't do favorites. Unless it's comes to Aunt Mirko and Uncle Hawks. They're just funny. But I still love them all equally.

My outfit that me and my Dad agreed on is a black long sleeves v shape jumpsuit with a hoodie.

Although the top of my breasts are a bit expose because how the jumpsuit is designed. So I came up with the solution of a plain sleeveless and strapless black crop top I'll wear underneath the jumpsuit.

My capture weapon or "scarf." The color of it is midnight blue and it's just goes around my waist above my black utility belt. As for my shoes their just black combat boots.

"Hey Ayama you think you can sing a song for me?" Aunt Midnight asked. "You can't get uncle to help you. I'll let you walk back home tomorrow." Dad said.

"Deal!" I said. As I grabbed some stack of papers from my dad. “Losing track under the water. Looking for something that I been missing.” The music starts to play for them to hear.

{Open spaces~Just A Gent}

"Find me in open spaces." The beat faded out as I finish. "Aren't we lucky to have you in our lives." My aunt said while hugging me with my face in her breast. She done this all my life I would've thought I be use to this by now.

"Yeah. We sure are." I heard my Dad say. I looked at my phone lock screen. It was a picture of me and my Dad. I believe I was four or three at the time. We were at Disneyland in California.

Making that my second time being out of the country. I was on my dad shoulders wearing glowing Mini mouse ears. Although my two afro buns kinda block it out of the way.

We were watching the fireworks that night. It was truly magical. My Aunt Midnight had took that picture.

"What you looking at, kiddo!" I jumped up a bit. "Nothing!" I said. "Doesn't seem like nothing." Uncle mic said. "Oh! I know! It's a secret crush isn't it!" Aunt Midnight said. "A what?" I looked towards my dad. He had his hair flying and his eyes were glowing red.

"No!" I said. "Then what is it?" They both asked. "It's just a picture from Disneyland!" I said embarrassed. "Why didn't you just say so?"

We said our goodbyes. And got in the car. While Dad was driving I decided to ask him a question. That's always on my mind.

"Hey Dad?" I ask. "Hm?" "Do you think Mom would be proud of me?" I ask him. "If I'm proud of where you are then I know she is as well." He said. "Oh and Dad." I said. "Hm?" He asked. "Love you." I then turn my head towards the window. I get embarrassed when I said it.

I heard him chuckled then pat my head while saying. "Love you too, Lyric." He said. When we got home. I took off my shoes and went upstairs to in my room.

'He still dead when you're done with the bottle.' What the? I'm not even going to think about it. I got my PJs and decided to take a shower for 5 minutes then change into my PJs and slippers I put my clothes in the hamper then walk down stairs and grabbed the syllabus on the table to read.

"Hey Leo." I felt his tail brush against my leg. I looked down from the syllabus and saw Leo looking up at me. I pet his head.

I felt something jump onto my lap. I looked at my lap. "Hello to you too, Nebula." I scratch her chin a bit and she seemed to have a comfort in that.

I picked her up and put her down. "I got it." I notice my Dad was gonna poor their food and water. I got up and went in the pantry and got the cat food from the floor.

I poor their food and water. Then watch as they came to eat. I put the food back in the pantry. I was about to walk out, until a purple bag caught my eyes.

"If you eat those hot chips. You're not getting dinner." I heard my dad say. "Then why did you buy them?" I whined. "For me." I just gave him a look.

"Betrayal." I walked out of the kitchen. "Ayama, I was just kidding." I didn't even answer him. "Where are you going?"I walked up the stairs. "To my comfort place called "Lunar vill." Where I'll have my blanket and cry over my father who won't let me have chips!" I tell him

"Food will be ready in 5 minutes, Ayama."

I sat down at the table. I have this song in my head that I remember my mom and someone else singing to me when I was a toddler. "Brown skin girls skin. Skin just like pearls best thing in the world." I really just remember that part.

"I'm surprised you remember that." My Dad said while setting my plate right in front of me. Itadakima."Thanks, and yeah I forget how old I was when mom sing it to me." I said.

"You were 2 year old, that's what's shock me is that you still have memory of that time." He said. Which is true because I don't really remember alot except when I turn 3 year old.

"Hey Dad?" I asked. "Hm?" "Did mom have any other siblings? Other than Aunt Miyoko." I asked him. "She had 7 siblings her being the 8th and the youngest out of them all." He said while rubbing his stubble beard.

"What happened to them?" I asked. "After your mother death. We just haven't kept in contact. Although two of them did enter UA before me and your mother went. They were twin brother and sister." He said. I don't want to push him any questions that might make him upset.

I got up and wash the dishes and hug my dad saying goodnight. Then went upstairs to brush my teeth. I took my slippers for a feel a sleep in my full size bed.

Taglist: @mypimpademia

~Wishlist~

~Luna Lyric~

~Universe navi~

#supanova #my hero academia #oc poc #black writer #aizawa daughter

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wildandsexyjacks · 4 years

Text

Your Smile and You - Pt.6

Pairing: Han Seungwoo + Reader

Genre: Fluff + Friends to Lovers AU

Word count: 1,6k

Warnings: mild swearing

It’s his birthday, and Seungwoo is still mad.

He hasn’t called or texted in forever, and it feels like there’s no way of fixing this anymore. You missed your chance probably sometime around three days ago when you and Seungsik had lunch together - a whole week after that night at Seungwoo’s place. You had planned on telling him about your relationship that day but ended up chickening out at the last moment, his Instagram post was more than enough proof that you had the opportunity to do it. Seungwoo liked the picture, and that was the last you’d seen from him.

That’s the reason you’re currently looking through the glass door of the bar he’s having his birthday party at, pondering whether to go in or just come back home. He didn’t invite you - you only found out he was there because Seungyoun tagged him in a facebook picture twenty minutes ago - and maybe you should take that as a hint that he doesn’t want you there, but it’s his birthday, and he looks so happy, and you miss him so much. As you watch Seungwoo laugh - you can practically hear it, the sound’s engraved in your heart by now - you wonder if it’s possible for anyone to miss anything as much as you miss him, and you’ve only been apart for ten days.

Most of his friends are there, drinking and laughing. Through the glass you see Seungyoun entertaining the group with what seems like a funny story and wonder if he’s told anyone about the night he caught you sneaking out of their apartment.

Seungwoo punches his shoulder lightly, they all laugh. God, just looking at him makes your heart hurt.

Seungsik hasn’t arrived yet - or maybe he’s already left - and you could go and talk to Seungwoo if you wanted to, but how would he feel about it? If he wanted to talk to you, he would’ve responded to your texts or that one time you drunk-dialed. If he wanted to talk to you, he would’ve invited you to his birthday party.

Someone clears their throat behind you, and you nearly jump in surprise.

“Are you going in or...?” the boy asks.

Jet black hair, cute dimples, and dangling silver earrings, you remember him as one of your brother’s high-school friends. Lim Sejun.

Fuck.

He recognizes you too by the way his eyes grow wide when you turn around to face him, but before he has a chance to say anything you step aside from where you previously stood blocking the entrance and shake your head.

“No, no, I was just leaving actually.”

He frowns, looking at the small gift box in your hands.

“Are you sure?” You nod furiously “Do you want me to take this to Seungwoo?”

“NO!” hugging the box, you take one more step away from him and sigh “I’ll do it another time, it’s fine. In fact, I would appreciate it if you didn’t tell anyone you saw me here.”

Sejun considers it for a moment then shrugs.

“Whatever.”

He opens the door and walks straight up to Seungwoo, then whispers something in his ear while pointing in your direction.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

You stare in horror as Seungwoo squints at the door. Now that he knows you’re there, you have no choice but to go in or things will only get worse. You put the small box back in your purse, then push the door open and walk slowly in his direction, stopping halfway.

His group of friends finally started to notice something’s going on, and the boys look from you to him with a variety of confused faces. Sejun smiles cheekily and you would go there and murder him on the spot if you weren’t too busy trying to predict Seungwoo’s next move.

His expression is unreadable but there’s no time to really think about it because he’s a long-legged son of a bitch and in three wide steps he’s standing right in front of you. He grabs your wrist, drags you out of the bar and away from everyone’s eyes, then lets go when you’re standing on the sidewalk.

Tears welling up, you prepare yourself to apologize for ruining his birthday when he takes your face between his huge hands and leans in to kiss you.

It’s like finally coming home after a long, horrible day. The winter air is cold on your cheeks and Seungwoo is not wearing a jacket over his thin baby blue sweater, but neither of you cares while he moves his hands from your face to your lower back and you wrap your arms around his neck, butterflies set free in your stomach and a sense of belonging you have never felt before, your heart beating so fast and loud you’re sure he can hear it.

“I’ve missed you so much.” Seungwoo confesses against your lips “These past ten days were the worst. You have no idea.”

“Oh, trust me, I do.” You stand on your tiptoes to press a kiss to his nose “You know, I more than like you too, I’m sorry I didn’t say it back the other day.”

He lets out an embarrassed laugh and leans in again, this time to rest his forehead on your shoulder, hiding his face in the crook of your neck.

“I thought we had silently agreed to not talk about this.”

“Never!” You giggle, caressing his back. “How could I? It’s the nicest thing anyone’s ever said to me.”

Even though there’s no sound, you feel his body shake with laughter.

“I don’t think you’ve had many good boyfriends in the past, then.” Seungwoo mumbles, his voice muffled by the fabric of your winter coat.

“You’re my first boyfriend ever.” you explain, cradling his head while he nuzzles your neck “That’s why I’m so bad at it.”

“No! You’re not bad, it’s just...” he sighs, stepping back to look in your eyes “I don’t know. It’s a difficult situation. I reacted poorly and I’m sorry for that, I promise I won’t push you anymore. We can do it when you’re ready.”

You bite your lip and reach for the box inside your purse. Seungwoo’s eyes widen as you extend your hand, the small box resting on your palm.

“Happy birthday.”

He takes a closer look. It’s a tiny, velvety, black box, made for jewelry. Biting back a smile, Seungwoo lifts one eyebrow.

“I don’t know, shouldn’t you get on one knee for this?”

You groan and he laughs. Rolling your eyes, you push the box against his chest.

“Just take it, will you?”

He opens the box, and his breath gets caught in his throat. Inside lies a small fox keychain, with a set of keys attached to it.

“That’s... Is this...?”

“Keys to my place, yes. You’re welcome at all times.” he stares at you, dumbfounded, as you take a step forward to wrap your arms around his neck again “Let’s tell Seungsik. Let’s tell everyone.”

Seungwoo smiles real big, then chews on his lower lip, uncertain.

“Are you sure? I don’t want you to feel pressured to-“

“One hundred percent sure.” you cut in “If you’re free tomorrow, we can crash my family’s Christmas party and kill several birds with just one stone.”

Seungwoo laughs.

“Okay, alright, for someone who’s been stalling for over six months, you’re in quite a hurry right now, huh?” with an amused smile, he presses a kiss to your forehead “No need to rush, let’s discuss this again in the morning. For now, how about we go inside and I introduce you to my friends?” nodding towards the door, Seungwoo offers his hand “They’re dying to meet my secret girlfriend.”

You take his hand, laughing a little. After three steps, however, Seungwoo stops, looking at you with curiosity sparkling in his eyes.

“How did you know I was here, by the way? I didn’t even know I was coming until like half an hour ago.”

Oh.

“Facebook. Knowing it’s a surprise party makes me feel a lot less shitty, though.” you confess “I was spying on you through the glass like a creeper because I wasn’t sure you wanted to see me.”

He cackles - that endearing, loud sound you adore.

“Sejun used the words lovingly staring instead of spying, but call it what you want.” bringing your intertwined fingers to his lips, he kisses your knuckles. “I wasn’t really in the mood to celebrate, Seungyoun put this together and then forced me to leave the house. I was about to call you when Sejun arrived, anyway, but you’re still allowed to ignore that you literally ran away from Seungyoun when you bumped into him that other night - yes, he told me - and give him hell for not inviting you if you want.”

You pout.

“No, I want to be the cool girlfriend so your friends won’t have reasons to not like me.” Before he opens the door, you squeeze his hand to get his attention. “Wish me luck.”

Seungwoo shakes his head, amused.

“You don’t need luck, I’m sure they’ll love you.”

When you finally go inside, his friends cheer loudly and line up to introduce themselves. Seungwoo calls out his roommate for not inviting you to the party, to which after a second of hesitation he shamelessly bullshits his way out declaring he posted that picture on facebook for a reason. Sejun, on the other hand, exclaims that no, there’s no need to thank him or even pay him several drinks, he just did what anyone would do after seeing their friend depressed for days on no end - then a very embarrassed Seungwoo smacks him upside the head.

Your boyfriend - boyfriend!! - wants to leave early so he can test the keys you just gave him, but his friends are willing to tell you the funniest and most embarrassing Seungwoo-related stories and you’re dying to listen to every single one of them, so you convince him to stay for a little longer.

He was right about you meeting his friends, after all. You’ll get along just fine.

and that marks the end of my first attempt at a chaptered fic, and honestly i’ll prob never do it again lmao if you’d like to see seungsik’s reaction to the news let me know and i’ll write a short bonus

i hope ya’ll are happy and healthy. please be safe and stay home if you can.

#han seungwoo #seungwoo scenario #seungwoo au #seungwoo fanfic #x1 scenarios #victon scenarios #x1 fanfic #victon fanfic

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cheshiremadd · 4 years

Text

Superfluous

Chapter 1

AO3

Idea from a discord conversation that I’m fairly positive was started by @alexseanchai

Adrien and Marinette think they're in a polyamorous relationship. They're wrong.

Hi, Adrien, I was wondering if

Do you think you could

Hey, purely hypothetical….How receptive would you be to going on a date with me?

I’ve tried to tell you this so many times and I know you deserve to be told in person but I’m just not sure I ca

Marinoodle: Can we have lunch today? I have something I need to talk to you about.

Marinoodle: Alone. Don’t tell Alya and Nino?

Marinoodle: Sorry. I just. I’ll explain at the cafe.

She texted Adrien in the early morning. It was the easiest way, and still put her on the hook. If she started this with those damn eyes of his looking at her, and the eyes of everyone else, no way would she get the words out. It’d be troisiéme all over again.

She reminded herself that Chat believed in her, and she can’t let him down. She can’t go to their next patrol and tell him that she chickened out. It’s entirely unlike when Alya would...encourage her. Alya pushed, and sometimes didn’t think of things like consequences, and generally didn’t have to deal with things like anxiety. For her, the best way to do things was just to do them. Like that old American Nike meme. Chat fed her a quiet strength. Cooled her buzzing nerves. Said that she was capable, but that it was okay if she wasn’t ready. And Ladybug hated to disappoint him.

Her phone buzzed.

Agreste My Case: Of course!

Agreste My Case: Is everything okay?

Marinoodle: Cool. Cool. Everything’s cool. Grand really.

“Marinette!” Her Maman called from below. “If you don’t hurry, you won’t have time for breakfast.”

She was still wearing pajamas. Shit!

Marinette shot out of bed, thanking her lucky stars and Past Marinette for leaving out clothes for today. It was...well, it was Chat’s favorite outfit of hers. Past Marinette thought she could do with the confidence boost. And the reminder. When she’d shown it to Tikki, the tiny kwami had heartily approved.

It was a prom dress she found on clearance at the local thrift. The original was strapless, floor-length, and had rainbow stripes. She’d removed all the layers of the skirt but the outside and the lining, shortened it to hit just above her knee, and added a fitted denim jacket. The overall effect was airy and fun, and great for a day in the sun, and Chat had said that the sky in her eyes reflected in her outfit. Marinette had blushed, but laughed, and said, “Okay, okay, that pun deserves a cookie.”

That memory carried her through her morning routine. Teeth brushed, hair brushed, hair down? Chat liked it down. Hair in messy bun? Adrien said he thought it was cute. Hm. She shook her head; she didn’t have time for this. She’d leave it up and could take it down later if she needed something to fiddle with. Grab breakfast (two croissants in a white paper sack). Out the door. Cross the street. Stare at the school building.

She can’t do this. Why did she think she could? Alya’s going to know something’s up. Alya always knew. They’re all going to know. The whole class is going to take one look at her and know and be ready to laugh at her bumbling attempts to confess to the man she loves and Lila would be there and she’d smirk and say, Oh Marinette. You know I’m dating Adrien; he confessed to me weeks ago--

“-ette. Marinette? Are you okay?” A hand across her shoulder blades jolted her out of her spiral and two full feet away. Adrien raised his hands in defense, and Marinette could feel the embarrassment across her face. Her eyes hid behind her hands. A small whine left her mouth. She stewed in her mortification for a moment.

Then Adrien chuckled. And she peeked through her fingers. The early morning sunlight glittered in his hair. His eyes as green as the thick turf at the park. His teeth pushed into his lower lip, a failed attempt to hide his grin.

“It is far too early for this.” She closed her eyes again.

“You say that every morning, Marinette.” Kwamis, she loved the way he said her name. Slowly, intentionally, as if each syllable were important. Mar~i~nette.

“Yeah? Well, I mean it this time.” She grumbled.

They stood in silence. It wasn’t exactly uncomfortable, but Marinette could feel her nerves rising again. She was making this weird. She really thought she was over this.

“Marinette,” Adrien called to her, softly. “Is everything okay? Your texts sounded kind of...Is it Lila again?”

Her eyes snapped open and hands flew to her purse for her phone. Tikki dove deeper to avoid being spotted. “No, no!” She opened the text message app and grimaced. Her response sat unsent.

“Got caught up and didn’t send your reply?” His relief showed in his grin. That he picked up on what happened so quickly was both embarrassing and pleasing. Her face was going pink again. Time for a distraction.

She shoved the bakery bag at him. “C-croissant?”

He blinked at the abrupt change of subject, but went along with it. Thankfully. His delight was clear when he opened the bag.

“Croissants are my favorite,” he sighed.

“You say that about all of our pastries, Adrien,” she parroted.

“Yeah, well, I mean it this time.” He mocked her in kind as he dug one out. He looked at it, and then looked at her, and she could see the question brewing.

“I’m actually not all that hun-mmpff!” Marinette glared and growled through a mouthful of croissant. Adrien just smiled cheerfully and pulled out the second.

“We should really get to class, you know.”

They got to class. And the class after that. And the class after that. Marinette couldn’t say what the lessons had been. She remembered his gold-spun hair beside her. The fidgety edits she made to a design that just wouldn’t come together. Three other designs she flipped to when sudden, but ultimately brief, inspiration hit. His thigh pressing against hers. She always wondered if he did that on purpose. She supposed she was about to find out.

Suddenly, the lunch bell was upon them.

“Lunch at the bakery? Just wait ‘til you hear what the tweebs did last night! They’re on lockdown for the foreseeable future.” Alya looked at her expectantly until she went cross eyed. She pulled her glasses off and squinted at them.

“O-oh, uh-” No, no, no! Of all days for Alya to not attempt the matchmaking! On second thought, she was glad for the lack of expectations.

“I’d love to join,” Lila cut in, flicking her hair over her shoulder, “but Mom got reservations for that new five-star by the embassy.”

How nice of Lila to take herself out of the way so neatly.

“Nice! You’ll have to tell us all about how fancy it is.” Alya squinted at her while she cleaned the lenses with her shirt. Ugh. Marinette refrained from rolling her eyes, barely.

Lila’s smug smile dropped when Adrien popped up behind Marinette. “Actually, Alya, Marinette and I are going to find somewhere to study for that maths test that’s tomorrow.”

She could kiss him for that.

Alya squinted at her glasses again before putting them back on. “Oh! Nino and I’ll go with you, then.”

Lila looked like she wanted to jump in, too, Marinette could tell, but she couldn’t when she supposedly had a lunch date already.

“No offense, Al, but we want to actually study. Not that nauseating couple thing that you and Nino do when you’re only pretending to study.” He grinned and winked.

Marinette decided to help him out with some gagging noises, smile hidden behind a polite hand.

Alya huffed good-naturedly and flapped her hand at them. “Fine, fine, you two go be boring and study. But I’ll remember that comment when you get a girl, Agreste, because I know Mr. Heart Eyes is going to be ten times worse.”

Alya went off to find Nino and Lila went off to do...whatever Lila did. Marinette gave Adrien a half-smile as he shuffled her out of school, still mostly trapped in her own thoughts.

That squiggly feeling was back in the pit of her stomach. Like a tiny venomous snake writhing around, and she was just waiting for it to bite. Thanks, Alya! Why did she think she could do this? Adrien’s one of her best friends! Surely if he wanted more, he would have said so by now. He’s never shown interest in anyone outside of Kagami (briefly) and Ladybug and offhandedly mentioning that Luka’s cute (though no one else knew about that, he’d sworn her to secrecy).

Again, he broke through her cloud of doubts.

“That was awfully accommodating of Lila to remove herself from our plans like that.”

She looked up at him and found a strained smile. Argh! Get it together, Marinette! You know he’s picking up on your weirdness and thinking it’s his fault!

Ugh. Her inner voice sounded like Tikki. Right, as usual.

“I had that exact thought! It’s got to be the single nicest thing she’s ever done for me.” His nervousness faded into a real laugh, and then they were back to normal. She hardly noticed the walk to the cafe while they giggled and teased. He held the door open and she blushed pink as she ducked inside. The line to order wasn’t too long, but Marinette was nervous again by the time they reached the front. She managed to give her order, but stuttered her protest when Adrien swooped in to pay for her.

They were about to sit down when Marinette’s hands reached for her backpack and didn’t find it. She had her purse (and thus, Tikki), thank Kwamis, but everything else...

“I left my backpack at school!” Her hands went to her head and her whole face scrunched up. Adrien shuffled the strap of his bag when she looked up at him. “I have to go back to school and get it! Oh, but by the time I do and come back here, there’ll barely be time to eat, and, and, then we won’t be able to talk and I’ll have to sit on this for days because you don’t always get free time and it just be my luck to not see you for a week after this, and you can’t just say this kind of thing over text, well you can but that doesn’t mean you should, and -are you okay? You’re shuffling your bag around an awful lot; are your shoulders hurti…”

Marinette cut off and stared at the pink backpack strap that wrapped around Adrien’s shoulder. She huffed. “You could have said something. Instead of letting me panic.”

“It was cute.” He gave her a fond smile. “You’re cute.”

Her legs gave out. Good thing she was already in the process of sitting down; she landed in her chair instead of the floor. He didn’t seem to notice, and kept going. “I meant to tell you earlier: I like your dress! Is-is it one of yours?”

Her already pink cheeks were turning red, she just knew it. She’d be as red as her suit, soon. This boy was trying to kill her. “T-thanks! It’s a thrift buy; I, um just changed it up a bit.”

“Oh! An upcycle!” He set their backpacks down and took his seat much more gracefully than she had. But, then, he’s a model.

“Ah, well, technically an upcycle is where you take one thing and turn it into something totally different. What I did is considered an alteration.”

He chuckled. She was so lucky, to be someone he could laugh freely with. “I see. Regardless ...you make it beautiful.”

She stared into his eyes, caught by them. Bright and clear and honest. The way affection crinkled the corners of them. She knew those would be his wrinkles, when he gets them. Laugh lines and love crinkles, like her parents.

It was the perfect moment to speak, she knew. If only she could bring herself to do it. Why couldn’t she? He’d complimented her confidence outfit, carried her bag here, paid for her lunch, said she was cute. And it...he said she made it beautiful. But the way he said it. The way he said it, he sounded like he meant she was beautiful. She just needed to open her mouth, and say-

“I’m in love with you.”

Her eyes widened, and her face exploded in color. She could see his doing the same. Her usual reflex reaction rose up, take it back, take it back, she could still fix this rebutted with no, this was the whole point of lunch, to confess, see if he was interested to be countered by he hasn’t said anything yet, oh, what have I done.

“I-I didn’t- I mean I did- love is such a-”

He cut off her panicked babble. “You’re in love with me?”

His tone said he didn’t quite believe it, but the look on his face added that he dared to hope anyway. He was looking down at her (even sitting, their height difference was..much) and he had this softness to his eyes that she didn’t see him use with anyone else. It reminded her of Chat sitting with her, gently telling her that her feelings weren’t going to destroy hers and Adrien’s friendship, building her courage.

She couldn’t do anything other than give him the truth.

“Have been for awhile.” The effect her words had was immediate. All that hope and, dare she say it, longing turned into something much brighter, something beautiful and gentle.

“Me too.”

When Marinette looked back at this moment, far into the future, she’d recognize it for what it was: undeniable proof that she was going to marry this man someday. All she could think while in the moment, however, was she clearly spent way too much time with Chat Noir and she’s going to kill that cat bastard.

“You’re in love with yourself, too?”

The words came out of her mouth, and she was mortified. She’d done it. She’d confessed to her years old crush. He actually accepted her feelings. They did the sappy staring in the eyes thing. And then she ruined the moment. Chat’d done this to her so many times; she couldn’t believe she was picking up the worst aspects of his humor.

A muffled chuckle redirected her attention back to Adrien. Hand over his mouth, he tried to contain himself, but it was a battle already lost. A petulant pout from her, and that was all it took for him to give himself over to the laughter. He stopped trying to hide his smile. His eyes scrunched closed. He slowly leaned towards the chair next to him, curling in on himself, using the table as a crutch, and laughed, and laughed, and laughed.

His joy rang through her. It warmed her toes and eased her stomach, stopped her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her dress.

He was catching his breath when the server brought their food and took their number. Marinette set the plates on her side with a small “thank you”.

“I’m going to kill my boyfriend,” she grumbled. “That was all his fault.”

Adrien, back in a sitting position, tilted his head in curiosity. “You have a boyfriend?”

“Oh! Ah..I do. Um. Gosh, I’m doing this all wrong.” Marinette stared resolutely at her food. “It’s, um. It’s new. I haven’t even told Alya yet. I wasn’t planning on telling anyone for a while. Except you.”

She peeked at him through her fringe. Adrien didn’t seem upset. For all the world, it looked like he was patiently hearing her out. But it wasn’t always easy to read through his Model Face. She twisted her fingers together.

“We.. He.. Well, he’s in love with two people. And, and I’m in love with two people. So we decided to try polyamory.” And that was the rest of it. Everything that had her knots all day. She hoped he would understand.

A flutter of movement, his hands moved into her peripheral vision. “Can I have your hands before you start digging your nails in?”

She swallowed, and carefully looked no further than her hands as they moved to meet his. He started rubbing slow circles on contact.

“Let me make sure that I have this right. Are you asking me out?”

“Yes.”

“You have a boyfriend? And he’s okay with you dating another person?”

She glanced at his expression and was caught by it. It was warm, and encouraging. “Yes.”

His hands squeezed hers. “Ah, in the interest of full disclosure...I have a partner, too.”

“O-oh?”

“I met her online and, well, you can imagine what would happen if the public heard that Adrien Agreste had an online girlfriend.”

Marinette cringed sympathetically. “That’d be a nightmare. You have a lot of crazy fangirls.” She paused for a moment and then ventured, “I can’t imagine Gabriel would approve, either.”

“Ha. No. Which means it has to stay secret for awhile.” Adrien shook his head, as if it would get rid of the sour thoughts. “But! We, well, exactly like you two. We’re both in love with two people and I couldn’t make myself choose. I wanted both of you.”

She stared at him, pink painted across her cheeks and lips parted slightly. “Me?”

“You.” His smile was back. “I’ve been working to get the courage to ask you out. Tried half a dozen times or so.

“What I’m trying to say, Marinette Dupain-Cheng, is that I’d love to go on a date with you.”

#miraculous ladybug #Superfluous #adrienette #adrien agreste #marinette dupain cheng #polyamory

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1980s-robin · 5 years

Text

billy hargrove x reader

pairing: billy hargrove x reader

fandom: stranger things

requested: yes

summary: reader has been down on their luck with money lately, their parents won’t pay for their driving lessons because they want reader to get a job, but they’ve been struggling to find one that fits into their schedule with school. billy hargrove swoops in and offers to teach them how to drive.

a/n: this one is gender neutral, and it’s probably going to be a bit shorter than some of my other oneshots. but i hope everyone still enjoys it ! also this is about an hour past being on schedule, and yes it was reuploaded, i forgot to add tags the first time

warnings: mentions of billy’s abuse/abusive father. fluff, bed sharing

word count: 1.5k words

Ever since you were working age, your parents had been prompting you to get a job. Ironically, working-age is also the same age that you were allowed to get a drivers permit. At first, they were less pushy about it, but by the time you were seventeen you wanted to drive but your parents wouldn’t pay for your driver's lessons because they really wanted you to get a job.

You knew they were only being so pushy because your older brother didn’t get a job until he was much older than you were, and they didn’t want you to turn out like him. But you still wanted nothing more than driving lessons, you even told them that had they let you get driving lessons it would be easier for you to work since you could drive yourself, but they just wouldn’t listen.

You wanted badly to learn how to drive, most of the other students in school had either learned how to drive or even had their own cars. But you had none of that, you couldn’t have that because you didn’t have the money to do so. It’s not that you didn’t want a job, you would love to have co-workers and have extra money to buy things that you wanted that your parents thought were too expensive. But you were having a hard enough time with school, you didn’t think that you could balance school and a job.

“(Y/N) are you paying attention?” Asked a voice, causing you to look up to see the entire class looking at you expectantly as well as the teacher who asked you the question. “Sorry, I was distracted.” You said, sighing. You knew you were about to get a lecture about paying attention in class but the bell rang and you quickly scurried out to your locker, not wanting to deal with whatever the teacher had to say to you about not paying attention.

“You’ve been distracted a lot, is everything okay?” You heard come from beside you, only to see none other than Billy Hargrove. “Not really, I want to get driving lessons but my parents won’t let me until I get a job.” You said with a sigh, you had seen Billy drive. You’d seen him drive to school, he was fast, he clearly knew what he was doing.

“I can teach you if you want.” He offered and you closed your locker, placing the things you needed for last period in your bag. “You would take the time out of your day to teach me how to drive?” You questioned and he nodded. “I don’t have anything better to do, besides you live a few houses down from me. I saw what you did to that car on Saturday.” He said teasingly, causing your eyes to widen and your cheeks to flush red. “W- How-” On Saturday you had decided to sneak out late, around eleven, and use your parents car. You swerved everywhere, crashed into a mailbox and went either way too fast or way too slow. “I’ll see you around five.” He said with a wink before walking to class.

The rest of the day was sort of slow, but you also needed to lie to your parents and tell them that you were just going out with a new friend. They were a little skeptical about why you were going out with Billy Hargrove on a school night, but they didn’t ask you about it.

Billy picked you up, before driving you to the abandoned lot of a shopping center. It was still light out, but the shopping center was closed for repairs leaving the people of Hawkins to go a town over if they wanted to get to another one. Billy stopped and parked in one of the spaces. “Are you sure we can be here, it doesn’t open back up for two weeks.” You said but Billy nodded, “We can, it’s fine.” He told you this, but it seemed like there was something he was holding back, like he knew it would be fine but he couldn’t tell you why. You didn’t question it.

So, that’s how it started. Billy had been giving you driving lessons for weeks now but today was the big leagues. It didn’t snow much in Hawkins, but when it did everything was closed, schools, workplaces, literally everything. Billy let you drive for a while, getting used to not only driving in the snow but driving on the road. “This isn’t too hard.” You said, referring to the amount of difficulty with the snow versus the amount of difficulty that you had without it. “No well, there’s not that much snow.” You commented and you nodded.

You risked a glance at Billy which was clearly a mistake, he had to grab the wheel as the glance was right before an intersection, you nearly crashed into someone. “You need to pay attention!” Billy practically shouted and you flinched. You knew he wouldn’t hurt you, but you didn’t like it when he got angry. Over the weeks you had spent with him, you had developed more romantic feelings for him than you were willing to admit. “I’m sorry, I wasn’t thinking.” You said before you pulled over, not knowing if he wanted you to keep driving. “Do you want to drive?” You asked him and he looked back at you before shaking his head.

Billy seemed off that day, he was less talkative, less sarcastic or even agressive. He just seemed different. “Billy, are you okay?” You asked him and he seemed to take a minute to think about it. “No, not really.” You didn’t think he would tell you what was wrong, but boy were you mistaken. “My dad, he’s not the nicest person.” He started and you tilted your head. You’d heard screaming coming from the Hargrove household more than once, but you weren’t going to tell him that. “What do you mean?” You questioned. “He- Hits me. Screams at me beats me, tells me that I’m worthless.” He said and you widened your eyes, you knew he would have been screaming at him, from what you heard, but you had no idea physical abuse was going on in that household. “Billy I’m so sorry-” “That night when I first took you driving, you asked how I knew we could go into the parking lot.” He said, interrupting you and you nodded. “I knew we could go in because when my dad gets really bad I go there, it’s quiet at night and with the building not being used it’s even more quiet and alone.” He said and you sighed. “Is there anything I can do?” You asked him and he shook his head. “I just need to save up enough money to move out.” He said, not daring to meet your eye. You knew he’d never talked about it before, it was easy to tell by the way that he was holding up.

“Take me to your house, I’ll kick his a-” “No.” He interrupted, but you could see there was a little bit of a chuckle coming from him. “Would you stay at my house for a little while? My parents are both on a company retreat until Christmas.” You told him, they got back Christmas eve which gave you 20 more days of the house to yourself. “You’d let me?” He asked and you nodded. “Why?” Billy asked again to which your cheeks flushed. “I- um. I just don’t think you deserve to be treated that way, I want you to be happy. And I really enjoy spending time with you.” You finished and he couldn’t help but smile a bit.

That night Billy came to your house with a backpack full of his things and parked his car in front of you house. “Hey.” You said as he came in. “Hey.” He replied before he looked around. “We don’t really have a guest bedroom, you can sleep in my room if you want.” You said and he raised his eyebrows. “I just don’t think anyone can go in my parents room, i-if you aren’t comfortable in the same room as me I can take the couch.” You said but he shook his head, “I’m fine with it.” He said. After about an hour he’d settled his stuff in your room and you had dinner ready.

You both ate before going back to your room, you changed into a set of clean pajamas and he changed into his pajama pants. You both laid beside each other, before you turned to face him. The only thing that lit the room was the moonlight coming in from your blinds, but you took note of how beautiful he looked with the moonlight shining on his face.

Billy turned as well, your eyes finally connecting. After a moment, he brought his hand to rest on top of your cheek, and you leaned into it rather quickly. This seemed to make the corner of his lips quirk up before he pressed his lips against yours, very light almost as if he was just testing the waters. You responded easily and after a moment you leaned your head on his chest, his arms wrapping around you.

“Good night, Billy.” “Goodnight, (Y/N)”. And the two of you fell asleep in each others arms, jut happy to have someone to be with, and happy that it was each other.

#stranger things x reader #stranger things imagine #stranger things fanfiction #stranger things fanfic #billy hargrove x reader #billy hargrove imagine #billy hargrove fanfiction #billy hargrove fanfic #billy hargrove fluff #billy hargrove x reader fluff #reader insert #billy hargrove reader insert #stranger things reader insert #billy hargrove x you

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im-not-corrupted · 4 years

Text

Safi, No (A Witchlands Fanfiction) - Chapter Thirteen

Written with @un-empressed, who wrote Merik’s POV!

Chapter Summary:

Vivia begins looking for theriverstix. Merik tries a little harder.

Also on Ao3!

Vivia spent the next school day after her revelation wondering who theriverstix was. Really, everyone in the school could be her online friend, and she didn't really know. The whole school knew about her pushing Corlant off a table - stuff like that got around fast - making the whole school a suspect in her search for her online friend.

'The whole school' was also incredibly hard to narrow down, especially when she didn't talk to anyone. She debated asking the Bribery and Corruption group to help her - more people would probably be better - but she wasn't sure they were close enough for her to ask.

Vaness didn't have much more luck with the search. She had asked for a link to theriverstix's profile. She checked whether the same person made an account on a different social media platform, but apparently theriverstix was non-existent on other platforms.

Vaness had told her all this that morning, with an apologetic look. "Sorry," she had said, "but I can't help you."

That had made her a little angry, but what was the point in that? Vaness had done the best she could, and Vivia knew that Vaness' 'best' was more than she could do.

Maybe theriverstix just didn't want to be found. She wasn't sure how she felt about that, but it was definitely an option. If theriverstix didn't want to be found, the chances of her doing so were slim.

It didn't make her feel very good about it all, but what could she do?

When she sat next to Stix that day, she knew she wasn't in the best mood, but not even Stix's flirting made her feel any better.

And, apparently, she was an open book, because Stix turned to her, a small frown on her face. Vivia wished she could erase it - the only expression that should ever be on Stix's face was a smile, beautiful and brilliant. "Is everything okay?" she asked her. "You haven't touched your food."

Vivia was surprised Stix noticed her barely-touched plate, and knew it was shown on her face. "Yeah!" She answered quickly. Probably too quickly, judging the way Stix's frown deepened. "Yeah, everything's fine."

"Really?"

Vivia hesitated slightly before letting out a sigh. Stix would help her, right? She seemed like someone who would. Or maybe she was just completely misjudging her. She wasn't sure, but she was willing to take that chance. "Could you help me with something?"

"Anything," Stix answered immediately.

Vivia laughed slightly. "You don't even know what it is."

"So?" Stix asked, raising an eyebrow as if to challenge her. "I will help anyway. So, what do you need help with? Because if it's math, you're screwed."

"No, no, nothing like that," Vivia replied, then took her phone out. She opened it up to the app, to the messages she shared with theriverstix. "I met someone online recently. We're close friends."

Stix nodded. "Go on."

"I - I was talking to them yesterday. And they mentioned the incident with Corlant." Vivia chewed on her lip, remembering that again. Remembering how Stix had defended her when Safi called her corrupted.

Stix's eyes widened slightly. "So this online friend goes to this school?"

Vivia nodded. "Exactly. But...I don't know who it is."

Stix nodded, a movement that seemed very forced. "And you want me to help find this person for you?"

"Yes," Vivia nodded.

Stix motioned to her phone. "Can I see the messages? Maybe it would give me a clue as to who it is."

Vivia nodded and handed Stix the phone, heart beating nervously. She wasn't sure why she was nervous, but she hadn't actually shown the messages to anyone yet, and watching Stix scroll through her phone felt like she was sharing a secret.

Well, it was a secret, wasn't it?

Stix handed her the phone back after a minute or so and gave her a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "You two seem really close."

Vivia nodded and put her phone back in her pocket. "We are," she replied. It felt strange to say - Vivia had never been that close to many people. Not even Vaness. "Will you help me?"

Stix nodded, though it seemed hesitant, even to Vivia, making her worry that maybe she was wrong, that maybe Stix wasn't going to help. But she still said, "Of course I will."

Vivia beamed and threw her arms around Stix, who returned the hug after a minute or two. "Thank you."

Vivia didn't get a message from theriverstix that day, which was weird. Weird, because they had made it a daily thing, talking to each other after school. Every day after school, Vivia either sent or received a message from theriverstix around 4pm without fail. Usually they talked for hours at a time, but there were times where Vivia had to study for a test or complete some homework and couldn't talk.

Other times, theriverstix offered to help her study, though they drew the line at math.

Math is my only weakness, they had said when Vivia asked. It is the only thing I cannot do.

Vivia had laughed at the time, because theriverstix felt like a person who knew everything. Her online friend often commented about random mythologies that they knew about for some reason or they sprouted some fact that Vivia had never heard of.

In hindsight, the knowledge about mythologies made sense. Vivia figured her friend had misspelt 'the River Styx' wrong when creating their account but left it there for a laugh.

It was the same as always, until it wasn't. Vivia sent a message at their usual time, glad that their time zones aligned long enough for them to talk for so long. She had sent a simple 'hey'. She didn't mention their conversation from the day before, didn't mention the search Vivia was doing to find them.

But when she didn't a reply, she sent another half an hour later. Hey, are you there? She asked, because theriverstix never took that long.

When she didn't get another reply, Vivia figured her friend was simply busy.

She sent another two messages later on - one around 6pm, another around 6:45.

Uh, hey? I figured you've been busy. Are you free now?

Hello?

She didn't want to annoy her friend anymore than she probably already had, though, so she had left it like that. She didn't leave her phone out of sight, though, and each passing second made her wonder if theriverstix was alright.

[x]

The more Merik thought about it, the more Kullen was right. And not just Kullen. Vivia too. But not Safi. That's where he drew the line. He wasn't the nicest to her, but it was a thing that happened to everyone from time to time.

And it did not warrant hiding a body, or a rumour. As much as what Ryber had said made sense, Merik still believed it was Safi who orchestrated the whole thing. She was at least involuntarily involved, Merik concluded.

She also had an awful fashion sense, though that wasn't really relevant. Merik wanted to gouge his eyes out when he saw her new jacket. It was poorly designed and gave Merik a headache. And what did "Bribery And Corruption" even mean? Merik hoped it was from some movie. Maybe she wore the jacket ironically. If she didn't, there was no way Merik could follow up on his promise to Kullen. He couldn't be nice to someone who wore that kind of clothes, he just couldn't.

And she wasn't the only one. There were a few other people around the school wearing those abominations and Merik didn't know how to feel about that. He didn't want to openly criticise them, especially since he promised Kullen he wouldn't.

Kullen didn't say anything about their conversation in the forest, but Merik could sometimes catch him and Ryber whispering to each other while looking his way. It was awfully tense whenever they did, and Merik just opted for talking to Cam most of the time. Stix basically abandoned their table, which was apparently good, because, as Kullen said, "She's doing us a favour, really. You don't want to hear her awful flirting."

Still, it would have been easier if she was there and Merik could just say it in front of all of them at lunch and avoid them for the rest of the day. Say what? He wasn't sure, but he couldn't stand not being able to talk to anyone as he usually would. It was a suffocating feeling he couldn't quite give a name to.

Yes, it would have been much, much easier to just break it to them a second before the bell rang. But Merik wasn't that lucky. Nothing was easy these days.

It still had to be done. Merik hesitated before asking his friends to come over. He stared at the send button for what must've been ten minutes before deciding it was going to happen anyway and finally pressed it.

He hesitated even more before he knocked on Vivia's door.

Merik didn't wait for her to tell him to come in. He didn't know how long he'd have to wait, because Vivia recently paid no attention to anything but her phone. They had talked more these past few days. Well, more than they did before, anyway. Their conversations were awkward, but it was a start.

"Yes?"

"Well, my friends are coming. I was wondering if you maybe wanted to meet them?" Merik didn't know why he was so nervous. Maybe because he already had a perfect opportunity to mention that he had a sister when she caused a scene in school. Kullen would definitely criticise him for that.

"Uh, sure," Vivia said. She didn't sound entirely willing to leave her phone and whoever she was texting. Merik didn't want to mention the flirty message so he wouldn't ruin the little progress they had made. He still wanted to know who it was, though. "Which friends?"

Merik found the question strange. She met Kullen once, but she didn't know any of his other friends. At least he thought she didn't. "Just a few of them. Kullen, Ry, Cam and Stix."

Vivia made a face as he was saying it. More, specifically when he said Stix. "Can't, just remembered I have history homework."

Merik could see through her lie but he let it go. Mainly because he didn't want to get yelled at. "Okay, have fun."

When he left, Merik realised he shouldn't have. Waiting alone was ruining his nerves one by one. It was the longest twenty minutes in his life before Stix came. Then Cam, and lastly Ryber and Kullen. They always seemed to go everywhere together.

The conversation Merik and Cam had (Stix was infinitely more interested in her phone) was cut short when they walked in. Or rather Merik ignored his friend's attempts to continue it.

He could feel the tension all over the room, but it seemed to be just in his head. Kullen and Ryber walked in like any ordinary day, greeting everyone else. Merik couldn't stand how the conversation in the forest didn't take over their minds as it did over his.

He got up from the couch. This wasn't the kind of conversation he could have sitting down. "You're right." Kullen raised his eyebrow and Merik sighed. "You're right. I am self-centred and I'm unpleasant to be around."

"We know we're right," Ryber said, "we just want you to do something about it. You don't get an award for acknowledging the obvious."

That didn't make Merik feel any better. He thought having this conversation would help quiet that traitorous voice in his head that insisted he was guilty. The voice was quite new to him, and Merik didn't know how to deal with it.

"Admitting that you have a problem is always a good first step to solving it," Cam said. Merik had never been more thankful for his friends. Ryber and Kullen for telling him he was wrong bluntly, and Cam for still making him feel like he wasn't a lost cause.

"And it's a really big first step considering the fact that you're you," Stix added. Merik didn't know whether to take it as a compliment or an insult.

Kullen smiled a bit. It seemed like everyone but Merik didn't feel the ever present tension. "Well, sure. I don't see why not."

That made Merik feel better. The voice in his head was still there, telling him he still didn't really do anything to confirm his words, but this time Merik could effectively shut it out.

Read the next chapter here: Chapter Fourteen

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antman-56 · 4 years

Text

The Long Night Pt. 22

BEEP BEEP BEEP

That sound was starting to get annoying but the only good thing about it was it telling the whole world that Taiyang was still alive. Raven was seating next to him, reading aloud and drinking tea.

Raven (chuckling) : I’m pretty sure this part would have made you laugh. It’s about a bard that can’t keep it in his pants and Geralt saves him by telling the lord that the bard was kicked in the balls by an ox.

Tai remained motionless. He had been for almost a month. Their were times he made a sound of discomfort or joy and one time he opened his eyes, blinked and then passed out again.

Nurse : Um Miss Branwen, visiting hours end in 10 minutes. But if you like we can let you stay for half an hour more.

Raven : The 10 is fine, thank you.

Raven went back to reading. As the nurse left she heard her say that the kid was lucky to have such a caring girlfriend.

If only they knew the truth.

Raven got up from her seat and gave Tai a kiss on his forehead.

Raven (whispering) : Wake up soon. I love you.

Raven left the medical wing and was now on her way to the dorm. She was thinking about the homework she still had to do and determining if it was worth it.

She was outside the medical wings doors when she texted Summer :

*Raven :Hey heading home

*Summer : K and could u go to the store and pick up milk

*Summer : ill pay u back

*Raven :Fine

After a couple of minutes of walking she noticed she was being followed by a group of men, maybe 4 or 5. They were good if it took her this long, she blamed the teachers for the homework. She had no weapons on her and they were behind the cafeteria far away from the residential dorms were located. She began to walk faster and staying in the light. She was beginning to panic, if they were TRBO, JACB, BLAD, or all of them then she was screwed.

She started looking around to find a pole, a rock, anything to use as a weapon. Then she saw the convenience store was just up ahead and ran for it.

When she was at the door she turned around out of breath and ready to scream. She didn’t see any of them. She went inside the store and took out her scroll.

*Raven : Hey can u send qrow over with Omen

*Summer : Y

*Raven : Some guys r following me and right now in store

*Summer : Stay put well be their fast

Raven stayed in the store and began browsing and occasionally turning towards the window to see if they were still their. And was scared when she saw a silhouette of a man.

***Next Day***

Raven and Summer were walking towards their class while Qrow stayed in. His class wasn’t for another 2 hours.

Summer : Do you have any idea who it could have been?

Raven : Maybe TRBO, JACB, BLAD or a mix of them? I don’t know! I just ran.

Raven hated to admit it but she felt weak right then and there. If she had Omen with her she would have ran at them without hesitation or remorse.

Summer saw the look on Raven’s face. Frustrated, angry, ashamed, and worse of all afraid.

Summer (stops and puts her hands on Raven’s shoulders) : Hey, anyone in your situation would have ran. Their is no reason to feel ashamed about it.

Raven : Summer, I was weak.

Summer : Were all weak. When we are around the people we care about, we are at our most strongest. That’s why were Huntresses.

Raven stayed silent. The last time she was with Tai he was holding his head and screaming. They were weak, SHE was weak even around the man she loved. And for the other reason, well Summer would change her mind if she knew.

Raven (taking hands off her shoulders) : Anyway, changing subject. Anything new with Qrow?

Summer : Well I asked him to smell my new conditioner and for his opinion.

Raven : Aside from that being a wired way to flirt, were you in a towel and fresh out the shower or clothed and dry when you went to him?

Summer (slight blush) : Clothed.

Raven : Well did you get close close or close?

Summer (blushing and quickly) : I got close enough to hear his heartbeat explode.

As the girls kept chatting about Operation : Dumbass they were being observed from the rooftops.

Freya (sitting at the edge) : Why are we doing this again?

An Mai (holding binoculars) : James told us to follow her. He believes their is a mole in our group.

Freya : Hey I’ve kept my mouth shut. I owe Willow everything I have. And Summer is probably the nicest person we have ever met from Beacon.

An Mai : I agree, but if we do have a mole we have to take every precaution otherwise Tesla wins.

Freya : She let me braid her hair. That’s a sacred trust. And are you sure no one can see us?

An Mai semblance is blend. She can camouflage herself and her immediate area if she is calm.

An Mai : Yes, i’m sure. I mean I was able to get past Casey Lee Williams backstage security.

Freya : Best! Day! Ever! But what dose Jimmy think she’ll do?

An Mai : Don’t know, that’s why we need to watch her and her team.

Freya (pouting) : Doesn’t mean we have to like it.

An Mai : Agreed.

***BLAD Dorm***

Clothes were being thrown out of a closet and a tail was popping out of it.

Alvin : No, not this one. No, that needs to be washed. No for obvious reasons. Guys, I need help!

Damien (laughing at the antics) : Glad your admitting it.

Alvin got out of the closet and glared at Damien.

Ben (annoyed) : Get your tail out of my face!

Lenny : Guys how does this make me look? Flashy and bold or dashing and daring?

Ben : Don’t care.

Alvin : Guys!!

Everyone turned to him.

Alvin (exhausted) : I want to ask out that girl.

Lenny : I would go with her friend.

Lenny put his hands hovering over his chest. Trying to imitate Raven’s breasts.

Damien : She’s taken by the blonde guy.

Alvin : Plus she’s mean. The small girl, She’s nice.

Ben : She trapped you in a mine and blew it up!

Alvin :Still her voice!! It was angelic~

Lenny :He is right. Beauties come in all sizes, big or small. I’ll help you.

Lenny rushed over to him and took out his measuring tape.

Lenny (Edna Mode impersonation) : First off darling you lack the pazazz in your look. Your plain and boring and the tail, was so last year.

He playfully pulled it and Alvin went stiff.

Alvin : Hands off the tail!

Lenny : My bad! But in all seriousness you need -

Damien : Muscle! (pushes Lenny aside and makes a pose) That’s what all chicks want. Come with me to the gym and get on my program and I promise you after 3 weeks every girl will want you.

Ben : What he needs is confidence. Be funny and stuff around her. Chicks love the romantic crap movies show.

Lenny : What no he needs to be unique not some muscle brain jackass or some beta male nonsense.

Damien : Muscled jackass!?

Ben : At least the girls I come home with don’t regret it the morning after!

Lenny : You want to fucking GO!!

Alvin : Can I p-

BL_D : NO!!!

Alvin walked to the window and watched the campus ignoring the fight right behind him and daydreaming about a possible future with a beautiful girl with silver eyes.

Imagining a nice house on a hill, a litter of children with silver eyes and with different faunus features from fluffy tails and ears to looking almost normal. Them going to a local community center to sing as a family, taking on huntsmen missions as a couple and maybe family. He just stared at the window with a smile.

Damien was holding Lenny up in the air and was about to choke slam him. He had Ben in one arm wrapped around his neck to hold him in place.

RING RING RING

Alvin snapped out of his dream and turned to the source.

Ben : Let me go.

Damien dropped Lenny on the floor and let go of Ben.

Ben walked to the scroll and picked it up.

Ben : Miller speaking, Turbo whats the problem?

Lenny and Damien were looking at Ben and hearing him say “Okay” or “I got it”. He hung up the phone and used his semblance.

Ben (interanlly) : We got a two problems.

The rest of team BLAD ran to get notes books and pencils.

((/// * is writing and I for Ben is using his semblance))

*Lenny : What?

Ben ( I ) : We lost our only sponsor.

That spooked the team.

Damien (yelled) : WHAT!!

Ben : Quiet!

*Lenny : HOW?

*Damien : Butch was our one and only sponsor. What do you mean he’s gone.

Ben ( I ) : Something happened and now he lost control of his territory.

*Alvin : Alright, whats the other problem?

Ben (exhaled, I ) : The KTs are gone. All of them were found dead in an alley and the survivors were just found near the border.

Ben looked away from the group, especially Lenny, not able to meet their gaze.

Lenny ( I ) : How?!

Ben ( I ) : Crucified and burned. It had the True Sons of Icarus name all over it.

*Alvin : So, the gangs dead.

*Lenny : No! WE are alive and we’ll get our revenge!

He said the last part with a sinister tone.

*Damien : Well lets go pay the Sons a visit.

Ben ( I ) : Not yet. They have about 60 guys maybe more.

*Lenny : Then what?!

Ben ( I ) : They’ re at war with The West Triads, The Wolf Pack, Samedi’s Prophets and The Lost Kingz. Their all fighting over Butch’s territory and JACB is gonna help us take them out if we help secure Butch’s territory after he kicks the bucket.

*Damien : So, we kill whoever wins and if the Sons, win its two birds with one stone.

Ben ( I ) : And Tesla said he would be our sponsor if we do this.

*Damien : How?

Ben ( I ) : Well two teams are graduating and one spot is open for us.

*Alvin : I don’t know about this, what happens if a White Fang show up again?

*Lenny : They won’t. Police Chief Mann made it almost impossible for them to protest legally and if they do. Cops are allowed to use force.

Ben : So, its decided. Get some rest and Alvin go up to her and ask her out. Maybe she likes you too.

Alvin nodded and went outside to test his luck. Tonight was the night.

#rwby au #rwby #Summer Rose #raven branwen #long night part 22

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rainythefox · 5 years

Text

Oh, Brother (RDR2 Fanfic CH.5/Final Chapter)

Synopsis: 1885, Illinois. A young Dutch, Hosea, and Arthur wander into a country town following a lead to swindle a wealthy homestead and break their control over the town. But while scoping it out, Arthur encounters a young John Marston, setting fate in motion that will eventually become a rocky, yet loyal brotherhood. A short multi-chapter story revolving around how Dutch, Hosea, and Arthur met John. (Rated T for violence and swearing) (Mostly Adventure/Friendship/Humor)

Ko-Fi page

AO3 Link

Chapter 5

Six months later...

"Relax."

The breath that came from John's lips was shaky. Arthur reached out and cupped a hand over the drawn revolver that quivered in John's fingers. He steadied the boy, looking down the range where the bottles sat atop the fence.

"Keep steady now. The key is to breathe in and then release it slowly and pull the trigger. Don't anticipate the kick, or you'll always miss your mark. You gotta get used to it."

Arthur stepped back, allowing John some space. John stared down the bottles with a determined gleam in his eye. He fidgeted on his feet, arm extended out with the revolver.

Arthur smacked the boy upside the head.

"Ow!"

"Steady, I said, boy!"

John focused again, letting a breath slip from his lips. He pulled the trigger. The revolver went off, a loud bang to their ears, the kickback tossing John's arms up.

All bottles remained unscathed. John growled in frustration.

"I killed a man with one of these things but now I ain't got the nerve to shoot a bottle."

Arthur chuckled. "That was luck back then. And luck's nice to have, but it ain't always gonna save you. You got plenty of nerve, kid. It's confidence you lack. Here."

Arthur picked his hat off his head and plopped it on John's head, grinding it down on his scalp and getting a small giggle out of the thin boy.

Arthur wasn't sure why, but John liked his hat, even still after running with them for six months. He never gave a reason to Arthur on why, but he guessed it didn't really matter. He'd let John wear it time to time, and it gave the boy a boost of confidence needed in his teachings.

"Now, let's try again. Spread your feet a bit further apart. There ya go. Aim with a steady hand."

Arthur fixed how John held his arms out with the gun aimed.

"Good. Now remember the breathin'. Don't anticipate the kick. Shoot that green bottle now. Go on. You can do it."

John sucked in a deep breath and released it. He pulled the trigger and the shot rang out across the valley. The green bottle shattered on the fence.

John's mouth opened wide with a grin as he jumped in victory. "Yes! I did it, did you see it, Arthur?!"

Arthur walked over and patted him on the back. "Damn kid, good shot! You keep that up, you'll be shootin' better than me."

John laughed. "I wish. There's no way I can shoot like you or Dutch. And I don't even wanna think 'bout tryin' to beat Hosea. You're the fastest I've seen with a six shooter and I saw Dutch shoot a bird out of the sky through the trees with his revolver. And Hosea hit a deer in the eye on a runnin' horse with his rifle."

Arthur took back his hat, ruffling the boy's hair. "Hosea will probably outshoot us well after he's old 'n gray."

"Probably."

Arthur nodded his head towards the grazing horses. "C'mon. I reckon we better get back to camp and skin that pronghorn or we'll be goin' hungry tonight. Besides, you got more lessons comin' up."

John groaned. "What's so important about readin' and writin' anyway?"

They mounted their horses and started back towards camp. John guided his horse to canter alongside Arthur's horse, where their freshly killed pronghorn was stowed.

The Wyoming valley extended in rolling, grassy hills around them within clusters of trees and surrounding mountains. The sun was high with not a cloud in sight, but the wind nipped hard on their skin, warning of coming winter.

Arthur took a drink out of his water canteen and passed it to John. "If Dutch and Hosea say it's important, then it's important. Ya need to be literate in the jobs we do."

"Sometimes I think that's harder than learnin' how to ride a horse or shoot a gun."

Arthur nodded with a soft laugh. "Yeah, it's hard sometimes. They taught me, same as you. I reckon if they can teach a dummy like me, then they can teach you too. I mean look at you. It didn't take long for you to learn how to ride a horse."

"I guess so…"

They rode together side by side while chatting. John could be a talkative boy and today he was full of questions. Arthur kept an eye out around them as they crossed a bridge over a low-running creek into a field of sagebrush and boulders.

His eye caught something down near the water and he quickly pulled on the reins to stop his horse. He recognized the familiar flower that bloomed there, the soft pink petals and dark anthers stood out amongst the reeds and mud.

Arthur got off his horse. He couldn't believe it. He didn't think he was far enough west yet to find one. The flower was his mother's favorite, and he remembered her telling him it brought good luck. He was so young when she passed, it was one of the few precious memories he had of her.

"What is it?" John asked.

"I'll be right back," Arthur replied, sliding down the slope into the creek bed.

Arthur wasn't surprised that John's curiosity and stubbornness got the best of him. He followed Arthur down into the creek bed on his horse. The steed nickered nervously around the reeds and muck.

"John, better not get down in this on that horse," Arthur warned.

"I'm fine."

Arthur bent down once reaching the flower. He admired it for a moment, caressing its petals. He reached down and grabbed the stem, carefully pulling it from the soil.

Just as Arthur stood his full height, he heard it. The unmistakable, nerve-shattering, dreadful noise of a vibrating rattle. He froze, looking into the reeds, but John's horse spooked. The gelding reared with a loud neigh, tossing John of its back and bolted.

John fell with a yelp into the reeds and muck. Arthur scanned the green stalks for movement, his hand hovering over his holstered revolver.

"John, don't move!"

He saw the serpent, the bend in the reeds as it slithered by in haste. Arthur drew his gun and shot it. John got up, his body and clothes now covered with muck. He flicked his hands to cast off excess mud, curling his lip in disgust.

"Ew!"

"I told you not to bring that horse down here, boy."

John spat out mud from his mouth. "Yeah, yeah."

Arthur picked up the rattlesnake, looking the limp body over. He grinned at John and his now even dirtier appearance. "Miss Grimshaw ain't gonna allow that, ya know."

"I'll wipe it off as soon as we get back, don't worry."

"Somehow, I don't think that's gonna be enough."

Arthur cut the rattle off the dead viper and extended it out towards John. John smiled and took it, testing the rattle out with a shake.

"Neat!"

"C'mon, best we get back and clean you up."

Arthur looked over the flower one last time before slipping it inside his satchel. Luckily, John's horse didn't flee far, taking comfort next to Arthur's horse. They climbed up and headed out once more.

"So, what's with the flower?"

Arthur frowned, wondering if he should tell him or not. "It was my Ma's favorite flower. One of the few things I remember 'bout her. She died when I was real young. I always pick one when we come out this way. They only grow out west."

"Oh."

Arthur glanced over at John. The boy became solemn, his eyes falling to the mane of his horse.

"What is it?"

"I never knew my Ma. S-She died havin' me. My Pa never told me much 'bout her."

Arthur understood how the poor boy felt, and sighed. "I'm sorry."

"Me too."

They were quiet for several minutes. Arthur scratched his cheek, uncomfortable. He cleared his throat. "Susan's strict but she cares a lot more than she lets on. And-And Bessie, well, she's the gentlest woman I know. I've come to care for them as mothers, in their own ways. I'm sure you will too. Them two ladies would never let anyone touch a hair on your head. Bessie for sure. She has quite the soft spot for you."

John smiled. "I like Bessie a lot. She's the nicest lady I've ever met. I-I like Miss Grimshaw too. I know she cares, even when she's bein' tough on me."

Arthur chuckled. "I'd be pissin' my pants more if I saw them two comin' after me after you were hurt even over Dutch 'n Hosea. You ever see Miss Grimshaw grab a shotgun while fumin' you better hunker down, boy, 'cause things are 'bout to get ugly. Hah!"

John laughed with him. "I wouldn't doubt that! She can be scary."

They took another trail going up into the evergreen forest along a rocky ridge. The path was worn down to dirt and rocks that jutted out from the soil, so they had to slow their pace some for the horses. Camp wasn't far now.

"I overheard Hosea and Bessie talkin' a couple weeks back, not long after we got here."

"You're a nosy little bugger aren'tcha?"

"Hey, they thought everyone was sleepin' and I happened to not be. But anyways, well, it worried me a bit. Sounded like they wanted to leave us."

Arthur shot his eyes over at John from those words. "Surely, you misheard. What did ya hear?"

"Bessie asked Hosea if they would ever try again. To leave this life behind and start their own family. Hosea asked her if she wanted to, but I didn't hear an answer. I dunno if she shook her head or what. But it's what Hosea said next that confused me."

"What did he say?"

John thinned his lips, thinking back. "He said…he said there's an internal conflict within Dutch, one that he doesn't even know about. And Hosea said he has to stay by his side…to keep Dutch from feeding an inner wolf…whatever that means. That he has to guide Dutch as well as protect us. He said he fears that Dutch is becoming disillusioned with his own beliefs, but I don't know what he means."

Arthur scowled, not sure what to take from those words either. For some reason, he thought back to Dutch's behavior at the Warren homestead when they saved John from being hanged. Arthur didn't see anything wrong with what Dutch did, seeing it as an "eye for an eye" for what Mr. Warren tried to do to a young boy, for all the corruption he was behind in Hickory and Andell. But there had been a certain…burning in Dutch's eyes that Arthur had never seen before.

Arthur shrugged. "Eh, Hosea worries too much sometimes. I'm sure it's nothin'. He and Bessie tried goin' straight once and came back. The thing is…Dutch and Hosea are a package. One cannot function without the other. Like buddy-sour horses if you try and separate 'em."

"So, it's nothin' to worry 'bout?"

"Nah, 'course not."

"Oh, good."

They came upon the camp, hidden in a glade within the spruce forest and half surrounded by an overhanging cliff. The tents and wagon were stationed around the rocky opening. A campfire was smoldering near some sitting stones and a log. The horses were hitched in a grassy patch near the cliff.

The gentle rumble of a small waterfall sounded on the other side of the cliff as the water cascaded into a basin next to the camp before flowing out into a large river.

Arthur and John hitched their horses with the others and got off. Arthur took the pronghorn off his horse and carried it over to the butcher table to skin later.

He looked around camp. Bessie was washing clothes in the basin while Susan hung some sheets up to dry. Hosea and Dutch were at a table, a chessboard in between them. Both looked to be in deep thought as they considered their tactics. Dutch was black and Hosea white, but Arthur didn't understand chess too well and so was lost at who was winning.

Arthur and John had just taken off their satchels and gun holsters when Susan stamped their way with a look in her eye.

"Uh oh," John muttered.

"John Marston, look at you! You look like you've been in a pigsty!"

"Sorry Miss Grimshaw, my horse threw me on the way home. I'm goin' over to the water barrel right now."

"Oh no! That won't do. You need a bath!" Susan pointed down nearby at the basin of clear, cold water.

John's eyes went wide. "What?! No way! I'd rather be eaten by wolves!"

John slipped behind Arthur to avoid Susan's grabbing hands. Susan stepped around Arthur's back, and the two preceded to chase each other around, using Arthur as an obstacle. Arthur watched them go round and round while arguing, catching Bessie's and their leaders' attentions.

"Arthur, help me!" John cried.

"It's just a bath, you little imp!"

Arthur groaned. He reached out and grabbed John, picking the boy up off the ground easily. He started walking for the basin with John fighting his clutches.

"There's no use fightin' it, John. Let's just get this over with."

He stopped at the water's edge. The water was clear and clean, but the basin sloped fast, becoming deep and turning dark blue in the middle. There were tons of fish in the water, and a gentle ripple came from the waterfall.

"I know you don't like water, but the sooner you get clean, the sooner we can get about our business."

"It's not that!" John hollered, squirming. "I…I can't swim!"

Arthur narrowed his brows. "Whatchu mean you can't swim?"

"Just that, ya dummy! I never learned and ever since I almost drowned, I've been scared to! Now let me go!"

"I know how to fix that."

"Wha-?"

Arthur tossed John into the basin. Susan gawked, jaw going wide as the splash sounded across camp. John burst out of the surface, gasping, limbs flailing. Soon Dutch, Hosea, and Bessie ran up.

"Kick them legs and move them arms, you'll learn!" Arthur yelled.

"You're evil!"

"Arthur, what the hell are you doing?!" Dutch snapped.

"What? That's how my Pa taught me," Arthur defended.

"Your daddy wasn't exactly right in the head then!" Hosea exclaimed.

"Well, he-" Arthur started, but Dutch smacked him hard across the back of the head. "Ow, hey!"

"Get in there and get him before he drowns!"

Arthur jumped into the water and swam the short distance to John. The clean, blue water turned brown from the muck washing away from the flailing boy. Arthur reached out and snagged John, and like a prickly bur, the wild boy seized onto him and wouldn't let him go.

He got to the basin edge and was helped out by Dutch and Hosea. John clung onto Arthur's back, terrified, soaked, and shivering.

"Sorry, John. I thought it would work with you too."

They helped John down. The boy glared up at Arthur, still shivering and dripping wet. "Your pa was an evil bastard, Arthur!"

Arthur shrugged. "I mean, ya ain't wrong."

"You alright, John?" Hosea asked.

"I think…so."

Dutch sighed. "Susan, Bessie, could you please clean him up?"

"Sure, Dutch," Susan replied.

Bessie took John's hand and guided him for the wagon to clean him up and get him fresh clothes. John followed silently, leaving a dripping trail behind.

Arthur felt Dutch's and Hosea's chastising glares on him. He blinked at them. "What?! He got clean didn't he?!"

Dutch shook his head. "You just graduated to a new level of big brother."

"Try to refrain from throwing John into bodies of water in the future until we can teach him how to swim…the proper way," Hosea said.

"Alright, sure." Arthur scratched the back of his neck, looking down at his own soaked form. "Well, s'cuse me, gentlemen. I better change and get to skinnin' an animal."

The sun had disappeared beyond the western horizon, and the stars glowed like perfect orbs across a black sky. Like infinite shining jewels, they lit the sky up in a spray of brilliance. They glimmered so vibrantly, Arthur felt he could reach up and pluck one from the heavens. He admired their beauty while eating his supper. They seemed so…endless.

John sat beside him, wolfing his stew down. The boy still ate like a starved dog, and Arthur was sure the boy ate nearly double he did. He had gained a little weight since being with them, but was still a scrawny twig.

He was clean now, even his hair seemed a bit less greasy. Arthur was surprised he was even sitting next to him. John sure had been mad for Arthur throwing him into the basin.

"John, I'm…sorry for that. I didn't know that almost drownin' freaked you out that much. Ya know, when my Pa did that to me, I panicked, but…but I learned. I guess."

John wiped his mouth with his sleeve, looking up at him. "It's alright. I know you meant well, even if it was really mean. But your Pa…well he weren't right in the head!"

Arthur laughed. "Not arguin' with ya there. But hey, we'll teach ya properly, whenever you're ready."

"Okay."

Dutch approached them at the campfire, a cigar curled in a finger. Hosea and Bessie played dominoes at the table while eating, and Susan read at the other end of the campfire while she ate.

"Arthur, I'm going to need you to come into town with me tomorrow."

Arthur sat his empty plate aside, nodding. "Alright, sure, Dutch. What're we doin'?"

"Meeting a man named Colm O'Driscoll. Supposed to have a good handle on any jobs out this way. We could help each other. He mostly works in California, which is where we're headed. So…could be a promising start."

"Oh, can I come, Dutch?" John asked, thrilled.

Dutch smirked, flicking the ash of his cigar into the campfire. "No, son. Not this time. It may be dangerous. I appreciate your enthusiasm though. Don't worry, you'll get to come with us soon enough."

John frowned. "Okay."

"How's your shootin' coming along?" Dutch asked him.

John glanced up at Arthur then smiled at Dutch. "Comin' along real good, Dutch. I'm gettin' better!"

"Good to hear. Say, how about you and I go out shooting when we get back from town tomorrow? I think it's my turn to give Arthur a little break anyways. I can show ya a little trick you may like."

"Really? Sure!"

Dutch chuckled, ruffling John's head. "That's my boy. Now, don't forget you have a study session with me and Hosea after supper, ya hear?"

"Oh, right. Yes sir."

"Arthur, try to get to bed at a decent time tonight. I need you well-rested for tomorrow, son."

"Don't worry 'bout me, Dutch. I'll be ready."

Dutch patted his shoulder and left the campfire. Arthur sighed and scooped up his empty plate and spoon. John handed over his empty plate as well.

"You want seconds?" Arthur asked.

John shook his head. "Nah, I better get my study over with."

"Yeah, I better get my chores done."

"Will I ever get to go with you and Dutch on jobs?"

"Well, sure. You just got to get better at shootin' and readin' and writin'. You're getting there, John. Dutch is real proud, he praises 'bout you all the time. You'll get to come with us before you know it."

"Ugh, just seems like I'll never get the hang of it."

"You will. I thought the same too. Dutch and Hosea and well…me also…we just don't want anythin' bad to happen to ya. We're just bein' protective, is all."

That got a smile out of John, and he looked grateful. "Thank you, Arthur."

Arthur playfully smacked the boy on the arm. "Course! Now, get over there and learn some readin'. Maybe we can play some dominoes later."

John left to go to Dutch's tent. Arthur took their plates to the wash bin and went to feed and brush the horses. Since the sun went down, the temperature dropped considerably. Arthur knew that winter was getting close, and hoped they would make it to California before the first snow.

After tending to the horses, Arthur helped Susan and Bessie with the laundry and dishes. He stopped to peak into Dutch's tent. A lantern lit the tent up, and showed Dutch sitting next to John and Hosea sitting across from them. John looked like he was mouthing something from a book.

"He's such a good kid. I'm so glad we found him," Bessie said, looking over at the tent as well. "He deserves much better than what's he had growing up."

Arthur slowly nodded. "Yeah. We all had it rough, but he…well, it ain't been easy for the boy. You can tell he ain't used to nobody carin'."

"You're right. He's sure has taken to you though. Follows you all over the camp…eager to go with you hunting or shopping."

Arthur rubbed his neck. "Yeah, well, he likes to follow Dutch around too, ya know."

Bessie giggled. "Ain't nothin' to be embarrassed about, Arthur. He looks up to you. That's always a nice thing."

Arthur softly snorted a chuckle, lowering his head. "Well, he likes you a lot, Bessie. I think…I think he may see you as a mama he ain't never had."

Bessie put a hand over her heart, a smile gracing her beautiful face. "That…That means so much to me. I'm happy to hear that."

Bessie stood up on her tip toes and kissed Arthur on the cheek. "G'night, dear. You boys be careful in town tomorrow, ya hear?"

"Yes, ma'am. G'night."

Arthur went to his tent to do some writing in his journal. He kicked his boots off and took his hat from his head. He pulled the flower from his satchel and admired it for a moment, thinking back to the blurry memories of his mother. He placed the flower in a jar and sat it to the side by his bag and weapons and his pictures.

John's writing and reading lesson went on longer than Arthur thought it would, and so by the time he was done scribbling in his journal, John finally appeared and crawled into the tent with him. Arthur wasn't surprised. The boy had his own tent now, but there were many nights that he slept with Arthur in his tent. It annoyed Arthur at first, but he had come accustomed to it and didn't gripe about it…too much.

"How'd it go?" Arthur asked, shading the sketch he drew of his Ma's flower.

"Good, I s'pose. Went on longer than usual. We didn't even get to play a game."

"Maybe tomorrow then."

"You draw really good."

Arthur pulled the journal closer to him so John couldn't see. "Don't be peekin'. This is for my eyes only."

"Dutch has a similar journal. He has some drawings in there, but not as much as yours. He writes real fancy though. Maybe one day I'll be able to read what it says."

Arthur heaved a sigh. "You ain't supposed to read or go through other people's things. It's rude and wrong. Better not let Dutch catch ya doin' that, or he may tan your hide."

"Ain't that what we do though? We go through folks' things and steal them?"

Arthur snorted. "Gotta point there. I meant your friends' things."

"Do they always stay up late talkin'?" John asked, looking out of the tent.

Arthur followed his gaze out of the tent and across the way. Hosea and Dutch sat at the table, both peering at the stars as they smoked on cigars. Hosea pointed at something in the sky while talking, but Arthur couldn't make the words out.

"Most nights, yeah."

"What do they talk about?"

Arthur grumbled. "I dunno. Life, philosophy, their dreams. All kinds of things."

"Must be nice to have a friend that you can do that with. To have all your trust in, to care for you and have your back. That you can tell all your hopes and fears to and-and know they will do anythin' for you."

Arthur closed his eyes, releasing a quiet breath. He reached over and grabbed his hat. He placed it on John's head. John smiled, his eyes tearing away from Dutch and Hosea to look up at Arthur.

"You have that right here. We all got your back, kid. We all care about you, and will never let anything like what happened back at that homestead ever happen to you again. You need someone to confide in…we're here."

John's cheeks flushed, but he looked so happy as he reached up at felt Arthur's hat. "Thanks…Arthur. I…I never thought I would find a place I could belong."

"Well, now you have."

"I promise, I will learn and become strong like you and will return it...I'll be loyal and strong and do anything in my power to help and protect you folks. I care 'bout all y'all very much."

Arthur chuckled. "Alright, alright. No need to get all emotional. I get ya and I have no doubt in it. Now, c'mon, let's get some shut eye. We got a long day tomorrow."

Arthur laid on his pallet and fluffed his pillow. He sat his journal aside by his satchel. John got comfortable on the other side of the tent on his own pallet, still keeping Arthur's hat on his head.

"Why do you like my hat so much anyways?" Arthur asked as he snuffed out the lantern.

"I don't really know. When I first saw you in Hickory, I just thought it was neat looking, and wanted it. But now…I think it's 'cause it's yours, and it makes you look like one of them legends or heroes you hear in them wild west tales. And when I wear it…I feel like maybe I can be like you one day. Brave, and strong, and loyal. That I can be a good man."

"Not sure if I'm any good. What we do ain't good. But you'll be a man one day. I plan to give that hat to my son, if I ever have kids that is. But who knows…maybe one day, I'll give it to you instead."

"I always wondered what it would be like."

Arthur glanced over John's way, but couldn't see him in the dark. Only the dancing of flames shimmered within the tent.

"Wondered what?"

"What it would be like to have a brother."

Arthur softly smiled. "Me too."

#red dead redemption 2 #red dead redemption 2 fanfiction #red dead redemption 2 fanfic #rdr2 #rdr2 fanfiction #rdr2 fanfic #arthur morgan #john marston #dutch van der linde #hosea matthews

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sleepwalkersregime · 5 years

Text

Day 2- Neil’s frienship with Renee

Here’s my second (late) fic for Neil’s birthday week. Read it on Ao3 or under the cut.

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17502065

None of the foxes had ever heard Renee swear before. It simply wasn’t in her vocabulary. Neil had yet to understand Renee as a person, and he still had his observation skills ingrained into his brain from years of needing them to stay alive. From watching during games, parties, and the school semester, Neil noted that Renee had the most self control of anyone he had ever seen before. His mind changed during one scrimmage.

It was finals week before Christmas break, and everyone was tired from the double practices that Kevin insisted on to make up for how much he knew they would slack off during break. They had been at it for an hour, and everyone was getting testy and tired. The scrimmage progressively got faster and more violent.

Neil made a particularly tricky pass back and forth with Kevin, relishing in the fact that he didn’t mess it up, before shooting at Renee. She tried to block the ball, but she wasn’t fast enough, and the goal behind her lit up red for the sixth time. If Neil hadn’t been so close, he would have missed the strained “Fuck!” come from beneath her helmet. He glanced around, but no one else was surprised, so he must have been the only one to hear. He raised his eyebrows at Renee. She exhaled. “Sorry. Long week.” Neil nodded before returning to half court. As usual, Andrew and Neil were the last to leave the locker room. They got back to the dorms and Andrew packed his things. He, Aaron, and Nicky were already going up to Columbia for the break, but Neil had one more final on Monday he needed to stay for, and Andrew was going to drive back down to get Neil afterward. Neil and Andrew said goodbye inside the dorm so that they wouldn’t have to do so in front of Nicky and Aaron. “I’ll miss you,” Neil said against Andrew’s mouth. “It’s just two days, idiot.” Andrew let out a hiss of air as Neil responded by trailing a line of kisses down his jaw. Neil pulled back and smiled. “Don’t fail your test,” Andrew said before turning to leave out the door. Neil accompanied them to the car and waved as the Maserati pulled out of the parking lot before heading back inside fox tower, going up the stairs to the roof. He nearly slammed into Renee when she opened the door from their floor. “Sorry Neil!” she quickly said as she continued around him without making eye contact. Normally, Neil didn’t like to get into any business he didn’t have to, but this was extremely out of character for Renee. “Is everything okay?” he called out. She stopped and turned to face Neil. Her face was red and her eyes were brimming with unshed tears. She took a deep breath before speaking, her voice coming out surprisingly steady. “I’ll be okay. Thank you.” Neil caught her arm before she spun off again. “Do you want- I’m going to the roof if you want some fresh air.” He felt awkward- he was rarely alone with Renee. She looked at Neil for a moment before nodding slightly. They went to the roof in silence. Renee followed suit as Neil sat down on the edge (on the opposite side of where he usually sat with Andrew). He pulled a cigarette from his pocket and lit it up, taking a single drag before letting it burn on its own.

Unsure of how to comfort a distraught Renee, Neil settled on keeping quiet until she decided to speak up. After a few minutes, she did.

“Allison’s parents want her to visit for Christmas. She said she wouldn’t go if she can’t bring me, and they aren’t happy about that.”

Neil remembered the time he found out that Renee and Allison were dating- he had been oblivious to the whole thing, and when his eyes lit up with surprise when he was told, Matt had slid Dan a twenty dollar bill.

“I told her we can always go to Stephanie’s. She’d love to have us. But Allison’s settled on bringing me home just to spite her parents.”

Neil looked at Renee and noticed her fiddling with the cross around her neck. “I left before it got too heated. I don’t want to start a fight right before Christmas.”

“That sounds tough.” Neil had never been good at knowing what to say to comfort others. “Allison seems to always choose the most dramatic option.”

Renee chuckled at that. “Yes, she does. I think she hopes that her parents will forgive her, but she won’t say it out loud. It’s great that they even invited her home, but it will take more time for them to accept us dating.”

Neil thought about his shopping trips with Allison, and how the very first time they went to the mall, she bought him a sequined crop top and impossibly tight leggings. “From what I know, Allison likes to throw everything out there at once, not wait for people to adjust slowly. Her parents know her, and if they’re willing to take her back for leaving to pursue exy, I think they’ll get over the initial shock of this soon enough.”

Renee eyed Neil. “You’re not as apathetic as you want people to think.”

Neil shrugged.

“Thank you, Neil. I think you’re right.” She squeezed his hand once and stood to leave. “Do you have plans for tomorrow?”

Neil shook his head.

“Would you be interested in coming to church with me?”

Neil’s mouth fell open. He had only been to a church once in his life, and it was used by him and his mother to hide. Organized religion was never something he had taken in interest in. The only thing that stopped him from saying no immediately was the fact that Andrew was gone. While they would normally spend Sundays together in their room and on the roof, he would have free time this week. It couldn’t hurt. “Sure.”

She smiled. “We’ll leave at 9:00. Dress nice.” And she left.

On Sunday morning, after his usual early run, Neil stood before his closet and realized he had nothing church-appropriate. His nicest shirt was a black turtleneck that Andrew had bought him for going to Eden’s. Figuring God wouldn’t mind, he paired that with his newest pair of jeans and put on a pair of black vans that Andrew had left behind. A knock on his door signaled Renee was waiting for him, and he met her outside. Neil looked at Renee’s bright shirt-skirt combo and down at his own outfit. “Sorry, it was the best I had…”

Renee shrugged it off. “It’s perfect.”

They walked about fifteen minutes to a small chapel nearby, filling the time with Neil asking Renee about her religious background and trying to understand why something so abstract brought her peace.

Walking in, almost everyone greeted Renee with a smile as she introduced Neil. The service was an hour and a half. A lot of it was singing hymns, which Neil opted to sit out on and just read the words instead. A priest gave a sermon about God’s love and sharing that love with others, no matter the differences between people. It began and ended with a prayer by someone from the congregation, and Neil was impressed by how everything was attributed to God. The prayers thanked God for everything they had, and asked for things like comfort and understanding.

“So what did you think?” Renee asked Neil as they walked home.

“It was… different. I’ve never believed in God because I never had a reason to. My life was always in someone else’s hands, and I never had any divine intervention that saved me.”

Renee nodded. “That’s how I felt too. Why would God just let these horrible people go around killing others? But, from how I connect with Him, it’s not about that. He gives us the tools we need to be good people, and it’s up to us to take it. When I was in a gang, God didn’t stop me because it has to be our own choice.”

Neil mulled that over for a minute. They were back on campus now, with fox tower in sight. “I can see why believing in a higher being is… reassuring. Like all the shit that happens here isn’t just it. God, or buddha, or mother nature, or whatever it is… there’s an outside force that can give us a second chance. And it’s worth it to try.”

They were back on their floor now, and Renee stopped with Neil outside his dorm door. “That’s exactly it.” She leaned in to hug Neil. “Thank you for coming with me. I hope you can understand why I’ve made the choices I have.”

Neil nodded. “Thanks for taking me. I… I’m not sure if Christianity is for me, but i’m glad to know more about it. And about you.”

She gave him a warm smile. “I’m always open to talk if you have questions. Good luck with your final.”

“Good luck with Allison. I hope Christmas goes well.”

Neil thought about church for the rest of the day. He really was happy that he got to understand Renee a little better- she had been a mystery to him every since he came to Palmetto. He wasn’t sure if he would ever believe in a god of some sort, but now that his life didn’t have an expiration date, he found comfort in the fact that he could explore this again whenever he wanted.

#aftg #all for the game #tfc #the foxhole court #neil josten #andrew minyard #renee walker #allison reynolds #neilmas2019

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supernatural-book · 6 years

Text

Beyond the Sky

Title: Beyond the Sky

Castiel x Reader

Warning: a very old story of mine, one I'll probably go back and change eventually. So many flaws I want to fix. Ugh.

You stared up at the ceiling of the bunker, playing with the necklace around your neck. Just recently, you had befriended Sam and Dean, after you saved their asses while hunting. There were three demons and two hunters, so you decided to even it out, exorcising the demons quickly, before they noticed you were even there. They knew they could trust you almost instantly, let alone a few tests and you having to tell them your backstory. Having to tell them those things had brought back memories that you’d rather not think of. No one in your family died a tragic, bloody death, but your grandmother had a heart attack in front of you, and you could do nothing but call the ambulance.

As a child, your grandparents were extremely religious- church every Sunday, praying before meals and such- but your parents weren’t. Your parents were hunters, and your grandparents didn’t want you to be one, so they raised you into a religious girl. Or, they tried. You tried your hardest to believe in what they said, you tried so hard, but your young mind just couldn’t. You refused to believe what you didn’t see. You grew up to become a hunter, despite what your grandparents wanted, and you tried to find out the truth. If demons and vamps exist, angels and god must too, right? The only difference was that you’ve seen those monsters, but not angels. You’re grandmother’s words echoed fresh in your mind.

“You’ll always have your guardian angel on your shoulder, so you don’t have any reason to be scared.” She had whispered to you one night when you were 10, after you had awoken from a nightmare, crying in the dark. You had been friends with Sam and Dean for a few months now, and apparently there were still people you needed to meet. One being Castiel. Castiel is a strange name, you had thought at first. Strange, but cute. Who would name their child Castiel?

Today, you were going out on another hunt with Sam and Dean, but you were sort of nervous. It might just be a salt and burn, maybe something bigger. Who knows? You felt like you were going to mess up. One of your weaknesses is how you mess up under pressure. It doesn’t matter how amazing you are at something. If all eyes are on you, you had a good chance of messing up. This is why you were better working alone. No one to save.

You lay on your bed and continued staring at the ceiling of the bunker, until you heard Dean’s alarm go off, and annoyed grumbling coming from the other room. Soon enough, a fully dressed Dean came to your door.

“Wakey, wakey.” he called groggily, rubbing his eyes.

“Yeah, I’m up. Be out in a few.” You answered, a smile on your lips. You pulled yourself out of the bed and dressed yourself, pulling on jeans and a flannel. Then, you looked at the necklace lying on your nightstand. The tiny angel wings given to you by your grandmother. Your good luck charm. Damn, you could use it today. You put in on and tucked it into your shirt so that it didn’t get in the way. You opened the door and walked out of your room, finding the boys at the table with coffee and computers, researching the case. “Any idea what it is yet?” You asked softly while getting coffee.

“Yep.” Dean answered, closing the laptop. “Vamp.” You nodded.

“So we just find it, behead it, and move on with our lives?” You stated simply. Well, it turned out not being that simple. You and the boys ended up finding a while nest of vamps, and being outnumbered. You remember both Sam and Dean taking on two seperatly, while the others focused on you. The boys tried to help you, but apparently the vamps idea was to hold back Sam and Dean and feed on and kill you first. You killed one, and you were proud of that, but as you were catching your breath, you were jumped by another, falling to the ground. You remembered hearing: “(Y/N)!” Shouted across the room, and feeling a piercing pain in your neck. Piercing, seems fitting to say, it was a vampire bite after all. You felt the sticky blood run down your neck and smeled the metallic scent of it. Then darkness. You weren’t sure how long you were out, but when you came to, you first instinct after you remembered the events was to touch your neck. You found no trace of blood, no scar, nothing. Your next instinct was to notice your surroundings. You were in the bunker, lying on your bed. Where were Sam and Dean? You stood up and exited the room, calling their names.

“Sam! Dean!” Quickly you were greeted by the two.

“Out here!” You made your way to the room the voices came from, and saw three figures. THREE figures. Sam was there, Dean was there, and an unknown man was also there. He had dark hair and was wearing a trench coat, dress shirt and pants, and a blue tie. He looked at you confused, and tilted his head.

“(Y/N).” He said your name softly, like a greeting, but also like a question. You looked at Sam and Dean for help, which they immediately interpreted.

“Ya’ know how we told you about some people you haven’t met yet?” Sam asked. You nodded and Dean slung an arm around the man’s shoulders.

“This is Cas.”

“Castiel.” The man corrected.

“Yeah, yeah. Well, he’s a-”

“-friend” Cas interrupted. “I’m a friend.” You just silently stared at Cas. He was cute, just like you imagined. You took a few steps closer to him and stared into his gorgeous eyes. Not exaggerating. If there was a heaven, his eyes would make up about 90% of it’s beauty. They were bluer than blue, and you never thought you could find anyone with such beautiful eyes. For a while, you two just stared at each other, Cas growing more and more uncomfortable by the second, looking to Sam and Dean for help. Suddenly, you let out a small laugh and stuck out your hand.

“(Y/N).” He smiled, another beautiful sight, and shook your hand. A question arose from your throat and came out before you could stop it. “What happened to my injuries?”

“What do you mean? We cleaned them up of course.” Sam stated, seeming somewhat nervous.

“What I mean is… there’s no scar or any bruises. And I remember being pretty messed up.” You looked between each of the boys and could feel a tension in the air. They exchanged glances with each other as if quietly arguing over who should talk. “Guys?”

“I’ll explain.” A gruff voice spoke up. Cas looked at the other two, who were sighing in relief as they turned.

“Okay, we’re gonna go get some pie for a celebration… Or something.” Dean pulled Sam out of the bunker before they could say anything else. You turned to Cas as soon as they were gone, still a bit wary. You did just meet him after all.

“What is it? What were they to nervous to explain?”

“Tell me about yourself.” Cas asked gently, ignoring your questions and still looking at you with that confused and somewhat sorrowful face.

“What? Why?”

“We’re going to become friends aren’t we?” When you didn’t answer, he stated deep into your eyes and asked, “Do you believe in Angels?” You stayed silent for a moment, eyes falling to the floor under his sharp gaze, and when you still didn’t answer, he asked again, more softly, “Do you?”

“No.” You could almost see Castiel’s eyes grow more sorrowful. “Why should I believe? There’s no proof and no miracles ever happened to me. Why do I have such a crappy life if God does exist?” You felt tears bubbling in your eyes, and looked down, wiping them away.

“Your alive aren’t you?” You sniffed softly and back at him. “(Y/N).” He stared at you softer than before. “I’m an angel of the lord.” You stared at him a moment and then turned away from him, walking back to your room.

“Yeah right… very funny.”

“Your necklace.” Castiel’s called from behind you, causing you to stop and look down. You necklace was still under your shirt, he couldn’t have seen it. You turned back, and Castiel continued. “Your grandmother gave it to you. She wanted it to make you believe in angles, and that you had a guardian angel watching over you.” You looked down and pulled the necklace out, holding the tiny wings between your fingers. Tears pooled in your eyes, and you let them fall. When you looked up, Cas was right in front of you. “Do you believe me now?”

“Sam and Dean… They could’ve told you that.” You murmered, fighting off tears. Cass watched you for a few seconds, before wrapping his arms around your waist, one hand moving up to run through your hair. It was a bit awkward at first, but Cas was on earth long enough to know how people should respond to things, so it ended up the most calming experience of your life. “But… but I want to know if angels exist. Can you show me something that only angels could?” Hearing you willing to figure it out, Cass smiled. He debated on showing you his wings, but at the moment they weren’t the nicest thing to look at.

“I can show you… Heaven.” At this, you perked up. Your eyes glowed despite the tears, and you smiled despite the sad memories.

“Can you? Really?” Castiel nodded and pulled away.

“Only for 60 seconds. Do you want to see?” He asked you softly, eyes shining with comfort and joy. You nodded enthusiatically. “Okay. Hold on to me. This may make you a bit nauseous.” You obeyed him an wrapped both your arms around his waist, waiting for the feeling. He wrapped one arm around you and grazed two fingers gently across your temple. With that touch, you felt extremely light and you opened you eyes only to see two blue orbs shining down at you. Then, in less than a second, it was over. When it stopped, your legs gave out, crumbling beneath you, but Castiel caught you, holding you still until you were well enough to stand. “Do you know where we are?” You looked at your surroundings and knew right away.

“This is… my grandparents.” You turned to look at Cas and saw he had a small, sad smile. He placed a hand on your shoulder as you watched your life before you. Your grandmother was sitting on the couch, reading bible stories to you, and you say next to her, only 10 years old, with a confused look.

“You know (Y/N), there is a place beyond the sky called Heaven. Everyone who is good goes there after their life is over and become angels.“ You stared up at your grandmother with awe in your eyes. “And all of us have guardian angels who watch over us and keep us safe, protecting us from the bad things."

“Really?” The young you looked up with wonder in her eyes. “Grandma, will you be my guardian angel?” You felt Castiel gently squeeze your arm for comfort, and only now did you realise that you were almost shaking.

“Of course, darling. But I don’t think I’ll be in Heaven any time soon.” The young you and your grandmother both smiled, but you began crying, knowing that the very next day she would, in fact, be an angel.

You felt the touch to your temple again and in a flash, you were back in the bunker, in your room, hugging Cas as if he was the only thing keeping you alive.

“Do you believe me yet?” He asked in that soothing voice of his.

Yes! Yes! Castiel, you’re an angel! I… can’t believe…” You clutched his trench coat even tighter, sobbing into the soft tan fabric. He wrapped his arms around you once again, lying down on your bed and positioning himself and you into a cuddle. He used his grace to dim the lights and a soft blue light glowed around him. You felt warmth all around you, and only one theory came to mimd. “Cas, i feel really warm. Do you have your… wings… around me?” You felt him hum and nod against your neck, and you soon found yourself lost in his angelic comfort.

“In case you wanted to know…” He whispered, “Your grandmother IS watching over you.” Your soft whimpers stopped for a moment and you wiped your face with your sleeve, smiling at him.

“Castiel… Will you watch over me too?” His face lit up with pride and he held you closer to his body.

“Of course.”

End~

#castiel x reader #cas #castiel #reader insert #my story

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fluffyllamas-23 · 6 years

Text

The Blind Date (1/2)

I FINALLY finished this. I’d like to introduce you all to my new OCs: Sawyer, Chloe and Hannah. I love them, and I hope you do, too.

Part 2 can be found here

“So, I have this coworker.”

“Congrats. That’s so great, I’m so proud of you,” Chloe deadpans, not looking up from her laptop as she continues working on her paper.

“Shut up. He’s really cute, and he’s really sweet and he’s single, and you’re single.”

“What’s your point, Hannah?”

Hannah groans, “oh my god, nobody is this dense.”

“I know what you want. I’m not dumb, you moron,” Chloe chuckles, “you’ve tried to set me up a hundred times.”

“I really think you two will work out.”

“That’s what you said about the last guy, and the guy before that, and the guy before that, and the-”

“-Chloe, pleeeeeease?” She whines, “just give him a shot, I’m not asking you to marry the guy...and...I sort of already gave him your number.”

“Hannah!” Chloe yelps, “why would you do that?!”

“Because!”

“That’s not a reason!”

“I panicked, I’m sorry!”

“What do you mean you ‘panicked’?”

“I just...I’m sorry.”

Chloe sighs, “what’s his name?”

“Sawyer! He’s so cute, you’ll love him. He’s really tall, too.”

“Okay, but you’re like, three feet tall. Everyone is ‘really tall’ compared to you.”

“First of all, rude. Second of all, rude, third of all, he’s like six two, so suck it, you giant.”

Chloe bursts out laughing, “sorry.”

“Yeah, you’d better be.”

“Has he texted you?” Hannah asks, walking into Chloe’s room the next afternoon.

Chloe twists around to look at her and then turns her attention back to her books, “hi, nice to see you too, thanks for knocking.”

“I’ve known you for fifteen years, why would I knock?”

“I mean...fair point.”

“You know, you shouldn’t leave your front door unlocked. That’s how serial killers and weirdos wander in,” Hannah says, climbing under Chloe’s blankets.

“Well you’re here, so you’re half right.”

“Okay, smartass,” Hannah says, hugging one of Chloe’s pillows, “you didn’t answer my question. Did he text you?”

“No.”

“No?”

“He called me instead.”

“OHMIGOD!” She squeals, “that’s so CUTE!”

“Why didn’t you tell me he had an accent?” Chloe demands.

Hannah blinks, “hey, Sawyer has an accent.”

“Wow. Thanks.”

She grins, “sorry…I’ve been working with him for years, and he moved here from Tennessee when he was fifteen, so it’s really not that thick. I don’t even think about it, honestly. Anyways, what do you think of him?”

“As much as it pains me to say it...you were right.”

“YES!”

“Shut it.”

“I told you. Have you talked much?”

“Most of the night....and we’ve been texting all day.”

“I told you!”

“Yeah, yeah. I know, just...don’t get ahead of yourself...our date is this Friday, we’ll see if we even hit it off in person.”

“When have I ever gotten ahead of myself?”

“Every time ever.”

“You two are definitely going to hit it off. He’s seriously like...the nicest guy I’ve ever met...I think it’s because he’s like...the perfect southern gentleman. He’s so funny, too. You’ll love him, and he’ll love you, and then I’ll definitely take credit for introducing you two at your guys’ wedding.”

“I think that counts as getting ahead of yourself.”

“It...okay, it does, but I don’t care. What are you guys doing?”

“Did you know he’s in a band?”

“Yeah.”

“And you didn’t think to, I don’t know, include that information? You know I love musicians.”

She grins, “sorry…but yeah. He plays like...almost every instrument...and he sings.”

“He said he plays six different ones, or something insane like that.”

“Dude is talented. I went to one of their shows once, and he’s so good. Is that what you’re doing?”

“Yeah, and then we’re going out for dinner and drinks after.”

“That’s so cuuuuuute,” Hannah grins.

“Shut up,” Chloe mutters, cheeks flushing.

“I’m happy for you. Keep me updated…or else.”

“Is that a threat?” Chloe grins.

“Absolutely.”

Thursday night, she’s reading through her pharmacology textbook, eyes glazing over as she tries to focus, because she has a test on Monday.

Her phone rings, and she sighs in relief and scoops it up when she sees Sawyer’s name flash across her screen.

“Hey, Sawyer.”

“Hey! I was gonna text you, but I wanted an excuse to talk to you.”

She frowns. His voice, which usually sounds buttery smooth, now sounds raspy, like he’s just woken up, despite the fact that it’s seven in the evening. She wants to ask if he’s alright, but she’s only known him for a handful of days, so she just leaves it.

She grins, leaning back in her chair, “I’m glad you called, it gives me an excuse to stop studying.”

He clears his throat, “I’m always happy to help you slack off. Anyways, are we still on for tomorrow?”

“Yeah, of course! I’m looking forward to it.”

He clears his throat again, “me too...so, do you want me to pick you up, or do you want to just meet at the venue?”

“I have class until six...I’m assuming you have soundcheck and all that.”

“Oh, yeah...okay, so we’ll just meet there.”

“And then dinner?”

“Absolutely!” He chirps, “I can’t wait.”

“Me neither,” she grins, and then sighs when her eyes fall back on her textbook, “this was a nice break, but I really need to get back to studying.”

“Okay, have...fun? I’m not sure what you’re studying, but that’s definitely not the right word,” he chuckles, “anyways, I’ll see you tomorrow…did I send you the address?”

“Yeah, yesterday.”

“Oh...right, right...sorry,” he says, sounding a little distant and out of it.

She chews on her bottom lip, “hey, Sawyer?”

“Yeah?”

“Are you...uh...are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine! Why?”

“Just...you sound…off.”

“Oh! That. Yeah, we just finished rehearsal, I’m okay.”

“Oh, good,” she breathes.

“I’ll let you go, good luck with studying, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Chloe had showed up a little bit before their show started, which gave them enough time to introduce themselves, and for him to buy her a drink from the bar in the back of the room. That’s where she stays once people start coming in, because the room is nearly packed, and she’s slightly overwhelmed.

She can’t take her eyes off of Sawyer, and she knows she’s probably staring with her jaw on the floor, but she can’t help it. He’s met her gaze a few times, and each time they make eye contact, he gives her a cute little dimpled smile that makes butterflies appear in the pit of her stomach as her heart races.

Despite how...enamored she is with him, she can’t help but notice how pale and run-down he looks under the lights. Sweat dots his forehead, and dark smudges are beneath his eyes, making him look even more exhausted and pale than she would like. His voice, although beautiful and enough to make her swoon, is much, much raspier than it was last night, and he coughs into his elbow more and more between songs.

When the current song ends, a grimace crosses Sawyer’s face. He covers the mic and leans over to the bassist next to him and whispers something in his ear before he steps back from the mic stand.

The concern she’s felt for him the entire night increases tenfold when she realizes he’s not singing the final song. She isn’t too familiar with their music, so for all she knows, the backup vocalist usually sings this song. She suspects, judging by how he’s looking and sounding that that isn’t the case.

He makes eye contact with her again and shoots her a weak smile before he drops his eyes to the ground and strums the guitar.

As soon as the band announces that they’re done, Chloe is on her feet and grabbing her purse from the floor. She has an overwhelming urge to take him home and give him soup and tea and medicine, because he looks miserable.

“Hey,” she greets him with a soft smile, “you were really great.”

He grins widely down at her, “thank you.”

His voice cracks on the last word, and he turns away from her to muffle a coughing fit into the crook of his elbow. He gives a little shiver, and then turns back and shoots her a weak smile.

“Are you okay?”

He drops his head down and pinches the bridge of his nose, “um...I’m not feeling very well, would it be alright with you if we rescheduled?”

She fiddles with the ring on her right index finger, “I have an idea. Feel free to tell me no, and to leave you alone, but how about we go back to your place and I can make you tea and soup, or something...and we can watch movies, and you can fall asleep.”

“I’d love to take you up on that,” he rasps, voice all but gone, “but I don’t want to get you sick.”

She waves him off, “I’m a nursing student, do you honestly think I care about germs?”

“...Fair point...but...I’ll feel bad.”

“Half of the students in my cohort are sick, and they’re not nearly as polite about it as you,” she smiles, “seriously. It’ll happen sooner or later, and I’m not about to make you be alone when you feel this bad.”

He grimaces, tugging on the collar of his shirt, “is it that noticeable?”

“I mean...you didn’t sing the last song...and you were sounding pretty rough before that.”

“Ah...yeah,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck, “I was about to lose my voice.”

“Thought so,” she frowns, “ready to go?”

Chloe offers to drive, and he gives her directions to his apartment from the passenger’s seat, curled up and shivering against the window, coughing every few minutes. When she pulls into his apartment complex, he leads her up the stairs to the second floor, and then lets them inside.

“You know, this isn’t exactly how I had thought tonight would go,” he says quietly.

“Me neither...but it’s okay.”

“I really appreciate it, Chloe.”

“It’s nothing,” she says, shaking her head.

“I don’t know of anyone else who would willingly hang out with someone they’ve never met who’s sick,” he rasps, punctuating the statement with a rough couple of coughs.

She grins, “I just know I don’t like being alone when I’m sick, and you said your roommate was gone tonight, so I thought I’d offer. And…I dunno, I just really like talking to you. ”

He grins tiredly at her, reaching out to grab her hand, “I’m glad you did...I didn’t really want to be by myself.”

“I didn’t think so,” she smiles, “now I think it’s time for you to go lie down.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

Sawyer clenches his jaw as he walks to the couch. Moving is an effort, and the couch seems too far away, even though it’s only a five foot walk at most. His entire body hurts; moving hurts, breathing hurts, existing hurts. The walk winds him, and he alternates between coughing, and gulping in air, because his lungs suck right now and he can hardly breathe without coughing.

He stretches out on his couch, trying to block out the harsh glare of the overhead light with his arm draped over his eyes as he coughs into a fist. His throat is killing him, each swallow feels like he’s been gargling nails for days. The coughing doesn’t help with that, and it certainly doesn’t help with the throbbing in his head.

“Alright, I need you to tell me where your medicine and thermometer is,” she says, crouching down next to him. “You need something to suppress that cough, or you’ll never be able to sleep.”

“Uh...the thermometer is in the bathroom, just down the hall, in the cabinet. Medicine is in the kitchen cabinet, over there,” he whispers, gesturing behind him. He winces, because every word he speaks sends a stab of pain through the back of his throat.

“Be right back,” she says softly, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“Could you...light?”

She nods, and as soon as she shuts them off, he rolls over and presses his face into the cushions. Another coughing fit tears through his lungs and throat, leaving him breathless and dizzy.

“That...sounds really bad, Sawyer.”

“It’s fine,” he wheezes, “everything always goes to my chest…and then eventually my head…but mostly my chest.”

“Do you have a humidifier anywhere?”

“Bathroom,” he chokes out through another cough.

Once she has the humidifier all set up, and has tracked down medicine and supplies, she sticks the thermometer in his mouth, and presses a hand to his forehead.

He coughs around it, eyelids drooping as they wait for it to beep. When it does, she takes it out of his mouth and squints at the numbers, “one hundred and two. Man, you really go all out, don’t you? Did you feel sick at all before the set?”

“A little...but it wasn’t bad.”

They watch movies for the next couple of hours, Sawyer nodding off and curled up under the blanket with his head in her lap. As soon as the meds kicked in, they suppressed the coughing, which left him tired and fuzzy-headed, and unable to stay awake for more than twenty minutes at a time.

Around midnight, she yawns for the fifth time in twenty minutes, and he looks at her through sleepy eyes, “you should go home and sleep.”

“You sure?”

He nods, “I’m okay...I want to go to bed anyways, and you should sleep somewhere more comfortable than sitting up on a couch.”

“Mmkay,” she yawns.

He follows her to the door, and halfway there, she turns around to look at him, “what are you doing?”

“Walking you to the door,” he says, clearing his throat with a grimace.

She smiles softly at him, “I appreciate it, but the only place you should be going is bed.”

“I will, I promise,” he says, opening the door for her, “thank you for tonight...I’ll make it up to you. We’ll have a redo.”

“There’s nothing to make up. Text me if you need anything, yeah?”

He leans down to kiss her cheek, “thank you.”

She stands on her tip toes, and pecks his lips before wrapping her arms around his neck, “of course. Feel better.”

He groans, “you’re definitely catching this now.”

“You’ve been breathing on me all night,” she teases, “I’ve already been exposed.”

“I’m sorry,” he moans, dropping his head down to rest his forehead on her shoulder, “if you end up getting sick, feel free to punch me in the face.”

She bursts out laughing, “I told you it’s fine. I’m serious, if I was really worried, I would have stayed home. Besides, I have a great immune system, I’ll be okay.”

“Yeah, you say that now,” he grumbles.

She cups his cheek, “hey, relax. Seriously, it’s okay. Stop worrying about that, just focus on feeling better.”

“Okay,” he mumbles, “I’m going to bed...drive safe…I’ll text you in the morning.”

The minute that she gets into her car, she dials Hannah’s number.

“I’ve been waiting for you to call!” Hannah cries, picking up on the first ring. “How did it go? Did you bang him?”

“GOD, Hannah. No, I didn’t bang him, what’s wrong with you? I just met the guy.”

“How did it go? Where’d you go to eat?”

“Ah...actually, we had a change of plans.”

“Oh?”

“He’s sick-”

“-so you waited until half past midnight to call me and tell me you rescheduled? You’re the worst.”

“You suck at listening. I said we had a change of plans, I didn’t say we rescheduled, now will you let me talk?”

“Sorry, yes, proceed.”

“So, after his show, we went back to his place and watched movies and I took care of him.”

“Okay...that’s really cute.”

“I like him a lot.”

“I TOLD you. Any plans for a second date?”

“He wants a redo of this one...when he’s not, you know, dying.”

“I knew you’d hit it off. Isn’t he sweet?”

“Yes. He walked me to the door, even though he has a one hundred and two degree fever and looks like he’s about to fall over.”

“Yeah, that sounds like him. He always walks me to my car when we close together.”

“He’s so cute,” Chloe groans, pressing her forehead to the steering wheel.

“I told you. I’d date him if I was, you know, into guys,” she chuckles, “so I’m taking it he’s probably not going to be at work tomorrow?”

“I would assume not...I hope not. He’s miserable.”

“Fuck.”

“Yeah.”

“But hey, it gives you an excuse to go see him, make sure he doesn’t die.”

“Yeah, that’s true,” she grins, “okay, I’m going to go...I’m exhausted.”

“Okay, I’ll see you...I don’t know when, but soon.”

Her phone ringing breaks her out of her sleep, and once she blinks away the haziness and rubs her eyes, she fumbles with the phone.

“Hello?”

“Chloe?” Sawyer croaks, voice heavy with congestion.

“Hey...you okay?”

“Could you combe back?” He whispers, “please?”

Her stomach drops, “are you okay?”

He sniffles, “I really dond’t feel well.”

She winces, “yeah, I’ll be there in a few minutes. Do you need anything?”

“Ndo.”

She doesn’t bother changing out of her leggings and t-shirt before she grabs a jacket, keys, phone and purse and leaves for his place.

She’s there in just under ten minutes, and when he opens the door, her chest clenches.

He’s standing there, blanket draped over his head like a hood, and pulled tightly around his shoulders as he leans against the doorframe. His dark brown curls are poking out from beneath the blanket and stuck to his forehead from the heat of his fever. He sniffles pitifully, looking at her bleary-eyed as he rubs his too-pink nose on the blanket.

“Oh...Sawyer, you look awful.”

“I’mb sorry for waki’gg you.”

“Don’t be sorry,” she says softly, putting a hand on his lower back, “did the congestion just hit?”

He sniffles, scrubbing at his nose, “hih...Hh'itschGNX! SnffSNFF! I w-woke up…ihtschGNX! Snff!...hhh...and I couldnd’t b-breathe...hhhih! Snff! Guh...snff!”

She grimaces and presses her hand to his cheek, “go lie down. Your feel warmer...I think your fever spiked.”

He hunches over, coughing into the crook of his elbow. He straightens up, clearing his throat, and she pushes him gently in the direction of the couch, “I have to call out of work.”

“Yeah, that’s probably wise. What time do you work?”

“Two.”

“At least you’re not opening.”

He sniffles, collapsing down on the couch, “oh, god...yeah.”

She yawns tiredly, rubbing her eyes, “okay...what do you need? Medicine?”

He stifles another volley of sneezes, pain exploding in his sinuses and head. He lets out a low groan of pain, massaging his temples, “ow.”

“That’s why you don’t stifle. You’re going to blow out your eardrums.”

“Yeah...well..hihhihhh...ugh...Huh-tshh! Huhh'tsch! Huh-tshiew! Snff...” he scrubs at his nose, breathing a sigh of relief when the itch subsides for now.

“You definitely need some medicine. Do you have any decongestants?”

He shrugs, rolling on his side, “I’mb ndot sure...mbaybe.”

“I’ll go check.”

“Chloe?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you.”

She smiles softly, cupping his cheek, “of course.”

“I’ll mbake this up to you.”

She sighs, “you’re really intent on repaying me, aren’t you?”

“You cambe over at four ind the mborndi’gg…I definditely owe you onde…or tend.”

“Fine, you can take me out to dinner, then.”

“Andythi’gg you wandt.”

She grins, “okay, then. It’s a date.”

“It’s a date,” he slurs, eyelids sliding shut as he falls asleep.

#OCs #Sawyer and Chloe #Chloe and Hannah #sickfic #coughing #sneezing #congestion #fever #headache

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wreathedinscales · 7 years

Link

Basically, Jessica gets an abortion and Matt’s there for her. Also there’s mentions of Defenders OT4, which is somehow @prouvairablehulk‘s fault even though we’ve never discussed them

Trying a new thing! This story’s also under the cut.

She goes to Matt because the bastard probably knows. He's weird like that.

He knows she's following him. She knows he knows she's following him. But aside from a side look―as much a side look as Matt Murdock can give―he doesn't say anything.

He definitely knows.

When they reach his building, he holds the door for her. She grunts when she passes him, since he won't see her nod. (Maybe he'd hear the wind or something if she did, though. 'Cause he's weird.)

"So," he says when they're inside, "to what do I owe the pleasure, Jessica?"

Without really meaning to, Jessica crosses her arms and curls her shoulders in. Bending around her stomach.

"Cut the crap, Murdock. You know why I'm here."

Matt's sardonic smile fades. He's still for a second. Jessica almost reconsiders. When he finally nods, she blows out a long breath. Because this has made her weird too.

"Did you smell it or something?" she drawls.

The smile twitches back. She prefers that instead of―whatever else. "The way you walk changed too."

"But you still smelled it."

His smile grows. Asshole. "Yes."

Jessica scoffs. "Weirdo."

He tilts his head towards her. "I can't hear a heartbeat, though. Still early."

She didn't know she'd been worried about that until he said it and strings cut in her shoulders. 22 days until the heart beats. That's what she'd read. But to hear it confirmed―fuck.

"Yeah, well. Only been a few days."

Matt inclines his head. But he keeps his trap shut. Leaving it to Jessica to steer the conversation. Fuck him and his thoughtful bullshit.

Jessica purses her lips, fingers clenching on her arms. Then it comes out in a rush: "Claire gave me a list of abortion clinics. I made an appointment for tomorrow." As an afterthought, she murmurs, "And I―don't know which one of you's the dad."

Even though she knows him, she expects disappointment. Or, considering it's Matt, some kind of rage, if not now, then when some fuck in an alley makes a wrong move. But instead of going tight-lipped or white-knuckling his cane, he remains as relaxed as can be.

As if he'd expected this.

And is okay with it.

He even asks, "Do you want me to come with you?" all calm and sweet, like he fucking cares, and that shouldn't be a surprise but―but it really fucking is.

"This could be your kid!" Jessica snaps, uncrossing her arms at last.

"Technically, it's nothing but a batch of cells right now," Matt replies, "And it's not my decision to make."

"You say that like you're―like it doesn't matter!"

Matt takes a couple steps to her. "Of course it matters. It's your body, Jessica. I care more about your feelings and what you want. And to be honest," smiling wryly, "I don't think any of us are equipped to handle a child."

Fuck. Fucking―fuck.

Jessica swallows hard. "Are you really leaving this all to me? I―I can't even keep my damn phone on the charger."

"And I'm a blind lawyer with anger management issues. Like I said: not equipped. But if you decide when you get there that you want to keep it, then we'll try our best. I'm sure Luke and Danny will feel the same."

Jessica snorts, glancing at the ugly ass billboard outside. "Danny'll freak. He'll probably decorate a nursery and. Buy flowers or some shit."

Her insides mesh. She can almost feel―she takes a sharp breath and flexes her fingers. This whole thing's got her fucked up. Even more fucked up. Whatever.

Matt telegraphs his movements. She lets him touch her arm.

"Danny lets his emotions run away with him―"

"Look who's talking."

Matt huffs but doesn't deny it. "He just needs to talk it out. Luke and I can handle that if you want."

Jessica clenches her jaw. "No. I'll do it." She looks at his tie. Red, of course, the asshole.

"They've noticed something's been going on with you. But it's still your decision. I won't tell them if you don't want me to."

Why does her throat hurt? Fucking hormones. "How the fuck are you making this so easy?"

Matt briefly ducks his head. "I'm learning that when you have the right people in your life―when you let them, rely on them...things don't have to be as much of a mess."

Jessica rolls her eyes. "Still a mess, though."

Matt squeezes her shoulder. "But doable."

It's quiet for a second. Their city yammers outside.

"It's probably Luke's," Jessica mumbles, idly bouncing her hand on her side, "His jizz is probably superpowered too."

Matt chuckles. "Very likely. But it's yours too."

Jessica stares at his glasses. "Yeah."

"...do you want me to come with you?" he asks again.

Jessica braces her tongue against the roof of her mouth. She can handle this on her own. Was handling it until she realized five days after the damn test that her blind weirdo lawyer could sense shit like a whale. Doesn't matter though, 'cause she can still do this alone. It's what she does best, what she knows, and right now, she could do with some familiarity.

But Matt's also familiar. Somehow, she's let him, Danny, and Luke become familiar. Well, more like they've been so stubborn with trusting her that she's been worn down through sheer exposure. Still. Only Danny says the L word, but there's no expectation, there's no―it's just. It's good. Jessica doesn't just have good in her life. She wasn't built for it, literally. Her whole life's one ongoing earthquake and shitstorm at once.

Matt's tilting his head again. Is he listening to her heartbeat? Fucker.

Jessica inevitably looks at her stomach. She's amazed she hasn't done it yet, considering she's been doing it ever since a shithole convenience store bathroom gave her the worst news she's had in a while. Since she's her, that's saying something.

Matt's hand is still on her shoulder. He's not bad at his job, at least to the extent that he knows when to be patient. Let the case simmer. Though he doesn't see Jessica as a case, none of them do, and ain't that a fucking miracle.

Fuck. Just. For once in her damn lonely life, she―she just doesn't want to be alone. Sure, she shares a bed with three men and has her back covered in a fight, but in this. In this kinda stuff...

Jessica straightens her shoulders and gives Matt an address. Matt's smile warms, and for the first time in a really fucking long time, Jessica might be able to think it'll be okay.

Clinic's small and poor as shit, but Claire's nothing if not reliable, and the receptionist hands Jessica paperwork without a hint of judgment. Matt follows Jessica to a set of cracking plastic green chairs, faded like the off-white walls. A couple fake plants are shoved in corners, and two pictures of flowers make up the rest of the decorations. Classy.

Jessica fills out the paperwork and tries not to be sick. "Don't hold my hand."

Matt's lip quirks. "I've just recovered from broken bones."

Luke and Danny won't know until after. Not that Jessica could ever be swayed to keep it. It's just better this way.

"Your freaky ears listening in?"

"They're kind," Matt murmurs, "Professional, understanding. One woman is crying, and the doctor is tired with her. Brooklyn accent."

Jessica wants that doctor. She'd rather have that than kind and professional.

"Dr. Nunez," Matt says after a beat. "That's what the patient's calling her. Patient's apparently still on the fence."

Jessica scoffs, flipping to the next page. "Why did she come here then?"

"That's what Nunez is asking. Demanding, really."

Jessica definitely wants this doctor. In Other Comments/Concerns, she jots that down.

"The place next door is actually full of prostitutes," Matt remarks, "Very convenient, I suppose."

"Sex workers know what they're about. Shit, what is this, a novel?"

"From what I've seen of medical documents, yes."

"Don't be a smartass, Murdock."

Matt smiles.

A few minutes later, the crying woman hurries out. Jessica finally signs the form and hands it over. The receptionist reviews it, raises an eyebrow at the request, but shrugs under Jessica's own eyebrow.

"That the dad?" she asks instead.

Jessica jerks her chin at the forms. "When's the doc available?"

"Should be a couple minutes at most. With all the shit goin' on at the White House, this is a slow day."

Jessica nods curtly and returns to her seat. She sits a little closer to Matt. He doesn't comment.

She tells Matt to wait there when it's her turn.

"Good luck," he whispers.

"Shut up," she grumbles.

Afterwards, Jessica heads to the nearest bar to get shit-faced. If she doesn't, she might throw up. Better to vomit from alcohol.

She tells Matt to fuck off. He says, "I've never tried this bar."

"You're not trying it with me."

Then she sighs and mutters, "Thanks."

Matt smiles. "I was wrong. That is the nicest thing you've ever said to me."

Jessica flips him off. Makes sure to smack it against his chest so he can feel it. He grunts from the impact.

"I'll see you tomorrow."

"Jessica."

"Come between me and my drinks any longer, Murdock, and I'm gonna break the wall with your face."

"Thank you for letting me come with you."

Jessica nearly rears back. "What?"

Matt carefully holds his cane with two hands. "It must've been hard for you to accept me coming along. Thank you for letting me be there anyway. You deserved to have someone there." A small, self-deprecating smile crosses his face. "Even though you didn't have a choice in telling me."

Oh, fuck this guy.

"I could've ignored you," Jessica snaps, "I could've told somebody else." She probably wouldn't've. "I didn't. Cut the shit so I can get my booze."

Matt kisses her cheek like they're in a fucking movie. "Feel free to drunk call me. Chances are I'll be in the neighborhood."

Jessica rolls her eyes. "When are you not? I swear if you took a step outta Hell's Kitchen you'd combust."

He neither confirms nor denies.

She drags him into an alley and kisses him properly. He knows better than to put his hands on her neck the way he does for the others, opting to grasp her upper arm and keep his free hand on his cane. She digs her nails into his sleeves. The clinic still drenches them, but Matt feels the same, just shy of too hot with some maneuvering so his glasses don't slip between them.

She's torn his jacket.

"You've got a million others just like it," Jessica says as he takes it off.

Matt pats it on his elbow and says, "It's not as if I'm able to tell."

"Fuck. Off."

She feels. Okay? Something close to okay. And really, that's enough.

#the defenders #mattjess #ecriture

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shangyang · 7 years

Text

et el soleil dit a la lune

first movement: sonata no. 9 - the kreutzer.

for @victuuri-week day one; prompt: surprises/sports or other careers ( shigatsu wa kimi no uso au ) word count: 3,249 chapter: 1/7 chapter song: let it go, james bay

ao3 link! please enjoy. (also, please correct me if the french for the title is incorrect.)

and the sun said to the moon…

Viktor Nikiforov is eleven when his mother passes away. He does not remember a time before the wheelchair, and when it held her down, pinning her to the ground like a bird with a broken wing.

He does not remember a time spent with her that wasn’t done in the presence of a piano. He does not remember her voice without the tinkling sound of piano keys in the background. He cannot remember her without the piano.

Viktor cannot bear to throw the piano away.

After she dies, the music stops, and Viktor’s hands do not dance across the ivories. No music comes from his home - and if it seemed empty before, with only a sickly woman and her son in it, husband long since gone, it is a void now, without music. The piano is nothing but something to collect dust, a relic of a time long gone, and a memory of a mother that Viktor had buried.

The piano collects dust for one year. And then another. And another.

Six years pass. The piano collects dust.

Six years pass. No music comes from the Nikiforov household.

Six years pass. Viktor’s world becomes colorless. Dull.

Six years pass. Music is white noise in his ears. The world is monochrome.

Six years.

Miwa once said, “the moment I met him, my life changed. What I see and what I hear. What I feel...my whole scenery is painted in color. The world is sparkling.”

Six years pass.

The world bursts into color once more.

Viktor is seventeen when Uncle Yakov comes back to town. Of course, this means that Yuri, the man’s grandson is with him too.

Yuri is a pianist.

“I don’t understand why you can’t just open the damn thing up, and fucking play it,” Yuri hisses, looking up from his phone. “It’s right there! What the fuck is so difficult about it?”

Viktor doesn’t look up from the empty staff paper in front of him. A pop song is playing quietly from his laptop, and Viktor scrawls in the notes as he hears them. “You know,” he says, voice lilting. “For a ten year old, you have a filthy mouth. Maybe we should wash it out with soap.”

“Fuck off.” Yuri’s undoubtedly pouting. The vowels are huffy, and the consonants petulant, and a small part - more like a huge part - of Viktor is inappropriately satisfied with being able to play Yuri as easily as he always has. Sure. Growing up, Viktor thinks, bubbling in a sixteenth note. Doesn’t mean you aren’t as high strung as always, kotyonok.

Underneath his breath, Yuri mumbles, “Lilia already did that.”

Viktor laughs. “I told you to watch your mouth around her!” He sets down the pencil, and turns to look at his - nephew? second cousin? - cousin, and laughs louder at the prominent flush tracking its way across the bridge of Yuri’s nose, and bleeding into his cheeks. “Was it the lye soap?”

Yuri pulls the hood of his jacket over his head and mashes a few fingers into the screen of his phone. “It’s like she thinks we’re still in the 20th century or something. Fuck!” He sticks out his tongue, scowling. “I can still taste that shit on my tongue - stop laughing, Viktor!”

He chucks an eraser at Viktor’s head. Viktor is too busy laughing to try and dodge, and it connects, landing with an audible thunk, right between his eyes before falling to the floor.

Viktor keeps laughing until he’s out of air.

“Jesus,” he gasps, bending down to pick up the eraser. “Even after the lye soap, you’re still cursing. You must’ve really liked the taste, huh, kotyonok?”

“Fuck off.” Yuri shoves his phone into the pocket of his jacket. “If you’re gonna be a goddamn jackass, then buy me something to eat.” He gestures loosely in the general direction of the kitchen. “Your cabinets are empty, and I haven’t eaten since Yakov dragged me onto the plane to see you.”

“You can wait two hours, right?” Viktor checks the clock on his laptop. “It’s four in the afternoon. We can go get something at six.”

Yuri kicks Viktor in the leg. “I haven’t eaten since five in the morning in Russia,” Yuri says, slowly, as if talking to a child or a moron. (Viktor is fairly certain that Yuri sees him as one of those. Or maybe both. It’s hard to tell sometimes.) “You don’t have to eat, but I’m starving. So move it. We haven’t left this sorry place once since I got here.”

Yuri kicks Viktor again, just to emphasize his point.

“I’m tempted to let you starve,” Viktor comments, closing his laptop. His leg smarts, and when he rubs a hand against it, he knows with a solemn certainty that it is, without a measure of a doubt, going to bruise. What a pain...

Yuri is back to fiddling away with his phone. “I’ll keep kicking until I break your leg, then,” he says, completely serious. “You know I can.”

Viktor does, as a matter of fact, not know this to be true. But, he’s not about to test his luck. Maybe some other day, when Yuri isn’t starving, and therefore liable to eat him. “Fine, fine. Let me find my shoes.”

“You’ve got two minutes.”

Viktor moves his laptop off his bed, and proceeds to take as long as humanly possible to find his shoes.

Yuri kicks him again, and the bares his teeth at him, vindictive and vicious in a way small children should not be.

He rubs his leg. The bruise will be huge. Purple and black, mottled brown and green. Viktor wishes he was young enough that he could get away with giving Yuri one in return.

(Viktor is, decidedly far too old to be pulling stunts like that against his ten year old cousin, but that isn’t going to stop him from giving Yuri the spiciest thing he can find on the menu. It’s all in the name of building character, of course. Nothing else.)

He holds his eye open, and carefully puts the contact in. It still stings a little, going in, but it’s going to be worth it. The second one follows.

This is a daily routine - nothing new, bright or exciting can or should be found in its monotony, but Yuuri smacks his hands against his cheeks, and places his glasses case back into his backpack. He smiles, and it’s shaky, but he forces the grin wider and wider until his cheeks burn with the effort, and Yuuri feels like laughing at the awkward picture it makes.

Performance clothing? Check. The button down is freshly pressed, and Yuuri is certain that if he touches it, it would still be slightly warm, still smelling like the detergent his mother uses, and the faint scent of incense from the family shrine. Gloves? Check. They hang out of the pocket of his jeans, fine leather, one of the nicest things Yuuri owns. A gift from Minako-sensei on his birthday. The leather is dark, and buttery smooth to the touch, and the gloves are so warm that Yuuri knows so long as he has them on, he doesn’t have to worry about his hands freezing or seizing up in any weather. Phone? Check. Yuuri pats the small breast pocket in his sweater, just to check if it’s still there.

Check, check and check.

Yuuri runs a hand through his hair one last time, before grabbing his violin. He kisses his mother goodbye - Dad is at work, and Mari is nowhere to be found - toes into his loafers and makes his getaway.

It’s spring. The wind is ruffling his hair, as fond as a mother or aunt, and the sun is warm and gentle on his face. Yuuri tilts his face towards the sky and lets out a breath.

It’s spring.

Phichit slides into an empty chair at the cafe table next to Viktor without so much as a word. Yuri looks up from his sandwich - and Viktor laments the fact that he hadn’t been able to convince the ten year old to order the jalapeno chicken - and scowls.

“Who’s this?” Yuri sets down the sandwich, and leans back in the chair. Viktor laughs behind his hand, as the ten year old glares. He’d been attacking the sandwich with all the fervor and gusto of a man starved for weeks on end - and to think, that he’d actually put the damn thing down. Small miracles, in this day and age.

Phichit rattles the ice in his drinks, taking a sip from the green plastic straw. He shares a bemused look with Viktor over the top of his drink, and Viktor shrugs in response. C’est la vie, he supposes. Little cousins and their terrible moods are all a part of life.

“I’m Phichit.” He grins, setting down his drink. “What, has Viktor never mentioned me? I’m hurt.” Phichit grins at Viktor, quicksilver and bright, with a flash of pink tongue in between.

“Phichit,” Viktor says, gesturing towards Yuri. “This is my little cousin.”

“Oh! The cousin pianist, right?” Phichit says, leaning closer. “Can you help me convince Viktor to get back to the piano?” He takes another drink. “It’s almost like living next door to a void without the music.” He gives a fake shudder. “Creepy.”

Yuri rolls his eyes, and bites into his sandwich again. The crunch of the lettuce is bitter. Yuri’s entire face and countenance is bitter. Almost as if he’s having his teenage rebellion four years too early. “Fuck if that ever works,” he mutters around the mouthful. “What do you think I’ve been trying to do for the past year?”

It comes out garbled - sounding more like fut oo you fink i’ve been frying to oo for fhuh pash year? than an actual sentence.

“Don’t talk with your mouth full,” Viktor reminds him. “And it’s not happening.” He looks down at his hands. Piano fingers, Mother called them. Keep them warm, Vitya. “I gave up the piano.”

The notes. I can’t hear them. Mamotchka, mamotchka, I can’t hear the notes. Where are you? Something is wrong. I can’t hear the notes.

“It’s a such a waste,” Phichit complains, sounding more of a child than the almost full grown man he is. “You were so good, Viktor. I always loved hearing you play growing up.” Shaking his head, Phichit checks the watch on his wrist. “Anyways, I’m not here to talk to you about the piano again - but that doesn’t mean we’re done talking about it. A friend of mine is meeting Chris in the park soon, and you know what that means.”

“Chris again?” Viktor asks, leaving a few bills on the cafe table. “This has to be the, what - the tenth time this month?”

Phichit chews his straw. “Hey, I’m not here to police who Chris decides to date. He doesn’t have any diseases so he’s doing alright.”

Yuri makes a disgusted noise, and sets down the crust of his sandwich. “Gross. There are children here, you gross fucks.”

“I don’t know any children with mouths as filthy as yours, kotenyok,” Viktor says, shrugging on his light coat. “Come on. You can walk that sandwich off.”

“This sucks,” Yuri informs him. “You’re a terrible cousin. Uncle. Whatever.” He scowls. “You owe me.”

Of course. “We’ll see about that,” Viktor says. “Let’s go.”

He fiddles with his phone. The acrylic charm of Vicchan clicks against his nails as he does, and waits for Chris.

Chris. Chris, Chris, Chris. Chris is nice. Handsome as well. He’s nice, and he doesn’t talk down to Yuuri just because Yuuri is younger, and if Yuuri wasn’t already helplessly infatuated with someone else, he’s certain that Chris would be an excellent pseudo boyfriend.

“Phichit says he’s on his way with Viktor.” Chris drapes himself over Yuuri, head resting on Yuuri’s shoulder, arms dangling near Yuuri’s chest like some odd, gangly Caucasian scarf. “You’re a cunning little thing, you know that?” He pokes Yuuri in the cheek, and his breath tickles the underside of Yuuri’s chin and cheek.

Yuuri fiddles with his phone again. In truth, Chris is a great friend, but he supposes that even great friends don’t understand the motives that drive their friends forwards. I’m not cunning, Yuuri wants to say. I just need to hear him. I need to hear him again.

Again, again, again. Over and over again. Yuuri wants to hear the melodies created by those hands again and again and again, until they ring in his sleep and lace their way into his dying breaths.

Again and again and again.

“Yuuri! Chris!”

Phichit waves down two figures in the park, and Viktor can easily recognize Chris’ two toned hair. The black haired boy he’s draped over, however, is unfamiliar.

He’s entirely unremarkable. Nothing like the girls or boys that Chris normally goes after. No sparkling blue eyes, or a green fresher than the springtime grass, just a warm brown, dark enough to seemingly eat all the sunlight reflected off of them. His hair isn’t pale blond, or dyed an odd color. It’s black. Soft and downy, tied into a small, fluffy tail at the nape of his neck. His clothing is nothing special either. Not the height of fashion - no Burberry purse, nor Coach sunglasses, just a white shirt, brown sweater, and blue jeans.

The only things remarkable about this boy are the leather gloves hanging out of his jean pocket - far more expensive than anything else the boy has, and Viktor mindlessly pats the back pocket of his pants, feeling for child sized gloves that are no longer there.

“This is Yuuri,” Chris says, moving his head to rest on the boy’s head. “Isn’t he adorable?” He pinches Yuuri’s cheek.

“Chris!” Yuuri struggles away, laughing softly, pushing him away with half-hearted shoves. “Ouch, ouch that hurts!”

They struggle for minutes more, and Viktor feels out of place. A fifth wheel. One wheel too many. Yuri is still on his phone, and Phichit is videotaping the whole ordeal.

Yuuri turns to look at him. “Hi.” He holds a hand out. “I’m Yuuri. It’s nice to meet you.”

Miwa once said, “the moment I met him, my life changed.”

His eyes are bright.

“Viktor Nikiforov,” Viktor replies, and it feels as if the world is moving through syrup. Yuuri’s eyes are bright. Prinpicks of warm brown where only a void of black and white had once been.

“Nice to meet you, Viktor.”

Yuuri smiles.

“what i see and what i hear. what I feel…

“Crap! I’m going to be late!” He grabs Chris by the wrist and begins to run, kicking up dust as he goes. Clouds of pale brown, and a boy, painting the world in streaks of blue, purple, yellow and green as he runs.

“Where are they going?” Viktor asks, grabbing Yuri by he wrist as he and Phichit begin to run after the couple.

Phichit looks back at Viktor. His smile is wide, and his eyes are bright. “I must have forgotten to tell you. Yuuri has a competition today. Didn’t you notice?” He gestures ahead, and Viktor begins to notice the blue violin case bumping against Yuuri’s back as he runs at a breakneck speed, towards Carle Hall.

“Yuuri’s a violinist!”

my whole scenery is painted in color. the world is sparkling.”

Violin Sonata No. 9, First Movement - the Kreutzer. Beethoven.

Viktor has heard this piece before. A million times, in this hall, before competitions of his own, or after. He is familiar with this piece.

It sings through his veins, every stroke of the bow and every note in the vibrato and trill.

There - a false note. A slip of the finger, a flail of the bow. Viktor winces. Keep going. Keep going. Keep going!

It ends.

The song still sings through Viktor, every mistake, every slip of the finger, every bowing that was out of place and where it should not of been. Every missed pizzicato and every graceful, arching slur.

“Viktor, Viktor!” Phichit speaks in a low hush, shaking Viktor and Chris. “Yuuri’s up. See?”

Three. A number card, atop the stand, bold and black against the white of the thick cardstock. Even the number cards are familiar. From the dry air in the concert hall, to the scent of dust and rosin. Everything in Carle Hall is familiar. Monotonous.

Breathe. In and out. In and out. Is my violin in tune? Do I remember my song? Do I remember how it sings, how the composer wants it to sing?

Do I remember how I want it to sound?

Yuuri flicks his hair behind his ear. Adjusts the bobby pins holding his bangs back. Straightens the collar of his blue dress shirt and smooths out the wrinkles in his shirt.

Again and again and again.

One more time. One more time.

Again and again and again.

Yuuri takes the stage. His hair is swept out of his face, but unruly strands stick out from behind his ears, escaping the pins and hair ties.

Underneath the blindingly bright stage lights, he is stunning. The light casts amber where there was dark, deep brown. It highlights the apples of his cheeks, casting a blush where there is none.

He tunes his violin. A string. D string. E string. G string. Runs his bow across two at once, letting them ring out in a harmony. A string. D string. E string. G string.

Nods to the accompanist.

This is a familiar routine. Everyone in the competition before him, and everyone after him will do the same, and will play the same song, same notes, over and over, until the last note rings out in the concert hall, and the song can only exist within the veins of the musicians and those touched by it.

Yuuri raises his bow and strikes. He crashes into the monotony of the competition, and breaks it with the butt of his bow, and the crook of his fingers. The melody is Beethoven’s.

The song is not. Not anymore.

Every changed dynamic, every new slur, every new staccato is all Yuuri. The song is Yuuri’s now, and it curls around him, from the crook of his elbow, to the tips of his toes. It surrounds him, purring and content. Not quite Beethoven, yet not something new. A bit of both, Viktor supposes, a bit of Yuuri, a bit of Beethoven.

Something born of a persistent soul colliding with art that has persisted over the tumult of age and time. It’s a kind of love, Viktor supposes, as surprising as it is, as shocking and unruly as it is. The song is Yuuri’s now. He’s grabbed it by the reigns with two hands, calloused and worn from the strings of the violin and the grip of the bow.

“He’s good,” Viktor murmurs to Phichit. “But he’s not going to win.”

Again and again and again.

Yuuri might not win the competition, but Viktor still wants to hear him. Again and again and again, until his song is done, and it can only exist in Viktor’s blood and bones. It won’t exist out loud anymore, but if it sings in his blood and his bones, day after day, night after night, it will be enough.

Again and again and again. Once more. Once more.

Let me hear that again. One more time. One more time!

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planarchaosproject · 7 years

Text

Planar Chaos: Chapter Thirteen

Preparations

After Odom left for his appointment with Niv Mizzet, it was time for Ashleigh to feed little Abby.

"I'm curious," Sverre said, peering over Ashleigh's shoulder at the abomination, "what does it eat?"

"At the moment, we're feeding it a concoction similar to what Maelstrom Wanderer eats. It seems to like it." She placed a glowing syringe next to the creature's beak. The shimmering liquid was squeezed into its mouth, then the syringe was refilled from a large beaker several more times before the creature refused any more.

"Are any of its abilities emerging?" Sverre asked.

"We'll know more as it grows and gets larger. I think it's going to be able to fly. Abby's got vestigial wings, but they might grow to be big enough to support it." Ashleigh flipped the creature onto its belly and extended one leathery wing. The beginnings of a crest of feathers could be seen on its skull, snaking their way along its spine to the tail. The seven tentacles twitched and writhed, trying to find purchase on Ashleigh's lap.

"I certainly hope it grows fast," Sverre said. "We might need a trump card if we're going to access that research before the others get there."

"I think you have a trump card already, dear," Oona said, crawling from her hiding place inside Sverre's hood. As soon as the arguing started, she'd taken refuge inside her king's cloak, not daring to come out until some semblance of a tranquil atmosphere had been achieved. She sat elegantly on Sverre's shoulder, looking into the eyes of her former champion as she did so.

Ashleigh almost dropped the abomination in her lap. Her jaw dropped so far that it would have, if it were capable of doing so, hit the floor.

"Oo-Oona?" she stammered. The Queen of the Fae just smiled politely.

"But," Ashleigh's mind was reeling more than usual. The combination of the ever present voices and the shock was too much. When she spoke, she looked at the creature in her lap, not at Oona. "You died. I saw... and Maralen, she... Lorwyn is... How?" Her face turned dark. She looked up at Sverre accusingly. "You!"

"Not me." Sverre held up his hands in a non-threatening gesture. "Well, kind of me. But no resurrection at all. We made a clone, secreted Oona away. She's been living with me on Helheim ever since as my queen."

"You didn't think to tell me?" Ashleigh narrowed her eyes.

"To be fair, I'm not exactly welcome on Innistrad, and you did a pretty good job of holing yourself up there."

"Not exactly welcome? The whole place is filled with Ghoulcallers and Stitchers. You'd fit right in."

"Sorin would have it a different way," Sverre said sheepishly.

"What could you have possibly done to make the lord of Innistrad that angry at you?"

"I may or may not have tried to resurrect a dark angel at some point. Avacyn got angry and dragged Sorin into the conflict."

"Well it's a good thing you never tested your luck. The angels have gone mad. Everyone is a target for their purification now. My house is testament to that." Ashleigh sighed. "But how is Oona our trump card?"

"As Queen of the Fae, I've found that I command the respect and obedience of every fairy on every plane I've visited with Sverre so far. My influence stretches farther than our enemies could imagine. We can easily pick their plans from their dreams as well." Oona fluttered over to Ashleigh, placing a tiny hand on the woman's cheek. "You were so young when we parted, but it makes me happy to see you've made a new family for yourself."

"I was alone for a while, you know," Ashleigh said grimly. "I had to be. Maralen, she did something to me. I don't know what it was."

"May I?" Oona asked. When Ashleigh nodded hesitantly the Queen of the Fae slipped inside her mind, searching through her dreams for a cause.

"I can't be sure that Maralen didn't have powers I couldn't control. This torment might be her doing, but it might be a natural response to the changes on Lorwyn. With the daily cycle reinstated, the denizens could very well have daily fluctuations in their mannerisms. You are not of Lorwyn, but lived there long enough to be bound to its magics." Oona drew her hand away. "Unfortunately there is nothing I can do."

"It's fine, Oona," Ashleigh looked back down at the gray abomination in her lap. It returned her adoring gaze. "Abby does enough."

0000

"You guys go back to wherever you're going to be, I'll catch up." Sa'Raah broke from her group and headed in the direction she thought the main Izzet laboratory complex would be. Her comrades knew of her plans to speak to the Firemind, to bring him to her cause, and they were more than a little skeptical.

"Good luck, Sa'Raah," Kyari said, still keeping a firm grasp on Brock's wrist. They watched as the dragon girl faded into the crowded Ravnica streets.

"I don't understand why you're going to let them keep that thing," Brock said. The vein in his forehead still throbbed with frustration.

"And I don't understand what your obsession with destroying it is. It's an innocent creature, and a completely new life form. Aren't you the least bit curious?" Kyari said.

"No, I'm not. And that thing is not innocent. It was born from evil and will be raised by evil. I told Marthel her influence over Odom worried me, and now he'll see why."

"I'll see what?" Marthel ghosted up beside them in his white cloak.

"You'll understand exactly why the Voidcaller and that thing have to be destroyed for good, for the protection of the entire multiverse. You'll see why we can't let anyone else have that research because they'll misuse it," Brock said emphatically.

"So you want to hide the truth from people?" Marthel asked. "For the greater good? Isn't that what your master did? Isn't that why Narset got thrown out of the Ojutai, because she sought knowledge and wanted to share it?"

"I'm all for peace and the greater good, I just can't see why you have a vendetta against someone that hasn't done anything yet. You need patience, Brock, maybe then you'll understand your enemy and have the means to turn her into an ally." Kyari switched from a vise grip on Brock's wrist to calmly holding his hand.

"I don't want to ally myself with someone that mentally unstable," Brock retorted. "And you sound just like the Soratami, Kyari. I'm sorry. I'm human. I won't live as long as an elf, so I can't exactly have your level of patience. If there is a threat, I have to take it out immediately and they're all threats now, Sverre, Odom, and the Voidcaller."

"How many times have I ever heard you refer to her by name?" Marthel asked. "Because I think I can count them on one hand."

"What does it matter? You of all people should understand what her magic can do, Mathel. You saw what happened to Bant when the Conflux happened. You can't tell me she's any different from the creatures of Grixis that spilled over and defiled your home." Brock threw his hands up, breaking Kyari's grasp.

"I do understand," Marthel said darkly. "Nobody understands more than I do, Brock. When I said the multiverse is my home, I meant it. I've been just about everywhere there is to go, studied everything I could, and learned what I could from every creature I've encountered. You might say that corrupted me, made me selfish and gave me a bit of a temper, but I think it's made me a well rounded person. I understand people. I can help you understand her, if you so desire. If you don't, then we might have a problem in the future. I'm not taking sides in this conflict of yours. I don't want to see my friends tear each other apart over something that might not even be as important and world-shifting as we think it could be. You and Kyari and Sa'Raah can try to get there first, but unless you can work like a team, the kind of team Sverre, Ashleigh, and Odom have, where you're united by your goal, then you won't get very far."

"What exactly does that mean?" Brock asked defiantly. "Kyari agrees with me, we need to keep the research out of the hands of people who would misuse it."

"Brock," Kyari said, "it's not just that goal. I want to amass knowledge, to understand the world and how it grows and changes over time. I could have joined the gatewatch if I wanted to. I could have fought the eldrazi, but fighting them doesn't lead to understanding. That understanding is for the greater good, but I did something you saw as unequivocally bad. Does that make sense?"

Brock opened his mouth to speak, but Kyari cut him off. "I wasn't finished. Sa'Raah's entire worldview is centered around dragons being the superior life form. Whether or not she's right, I can't say. I haven't studied enough dragons yet. But I can tell that you don't think so. You want everyone to be free to determine their own paths, but at the same time you would prevent people you think are 'evil' from doing so. Is Sa'Raah evil because she believes her path to be the Envoy of Dragonfire? We know her. We can agree that she's incredibly kind, one of the nicest walkers I've ever met, but your obsession with preserving the current order skews your ability to accept change. The multiverse is like an ecosystem. Planes have life cycles. They're born, they grow, they die. How are we to decide what is natural and unnatural?"

"We're not." Marthel answered for Brock. "That's the problem we keep running into."

"But," Brock began.

"No buts. There's something you need to see." Marthel grabbed Kyari and Brock by the hand and planeswalked with them to the very first plane he visited upon hatching this plan.

They went to Innistrad.

"Be quiet. Don't make any sudden movements. And whatever you do, don't pray," Marthel instructed.

They were hiding in a bush on the outskirts of a town. Brock felt a strange buzzing in his mind, but ignored it in favor of what was going on in front of him.

Angels, with bloodstained wings, were descending on the township and destroying everyone they saw, from elder to child, even the crying infants in their mother's arms who couldn't understand why those pretty women with wings who decorated the walls of their homes were suddenly so terrifying. Blasts of light rained down from a dark haired angel with a staff. Another one with flaming red hair gutted people on the ground with her twin swords. Other angels followed their lead, corralling the townsfolk and murdering them with twisted expressions of rage and glee.

"Impure!" the lead angels cried in unison. "In the name of Avacyn, we destroy you! Innistrad will be cleansed. Cleansed!"

The other angels followed suit with indecipherable shrieks that occasionally morphed into the words "Impure! Tainted! All men must die!"

"What is going on here?" Brock breathed in horror. "What did this town do to deserve its fate?"

"Absolutely nothing," Marthel responded softly. "The angels have been corrupted by their purpose. They've taken it to the extreme. Without humans, there would be no Ghoulcallers, Stitchers, demon cultists, vampires, werewolves, or any other evil force on Innistrad. So if the seeds of men are tainted, you destroy the seeds before they take root. Do you understand now what we've been trying to tell you?"

"They aren't wrong, though," Brock said. His voice took on a dreamlike quality. The buzzing in his mind grew louder. "They're being proactive about a threat, which is what I'm trying to do."

"Destroying innocent lives isn't something either of us can condone, Brock, you know that," Marthel placed a calming hand on Brock's arm and stared deep inside of Brock with his dark eyes. "I know what you're feeling right now, and you have to fight it. Fight it or you'll end up like them, twisted monsters, a shadow of what they once were."

"Please, Brock," Kyari shifted to kneel in front of him, embracing him and burying her face in his chest. "You need to see."

Brock instinctively wrapped his arms around Kyari, subconsciously protecting her from the corrupted angels. Part of him knew something was wrong with the image, but he couldn't figure out what. The cool touch of Kyari's hands on his temples brought him back to himself. He saw the carnage in front of him for what it was. Senseless slaughter of innocent lives by beings that were supposed to protect them from the evils present on Innistrad. They were the light that had now fallen into shadow. Brock felt as though he was going to be sick.

"We need to leave," Marthel said. "They spotted us." All warmth had drained from his dark face, leaving it ashen.

They planeswalked, back to Ravnica where Sa'Raah would certainly be waiting.

0000

"So what's our plan," Vilhelm asked Rinok and Rhyne as they wandered the streets of Ravnica. "How are we going to go about getting this research and using it to wage eternal war or whatever?" The act was getting difficult to keep up. Vilhelm didn't see himself as a team player, but he now had at his disposal the two most destructive planeswalkers he had ever met. The vampire couldn't help but smile slightly. If anyone was capable of destroying every other walker in existence, including each other, it had to be these two.

"Simple. We get to the maze and murder everyone in our path," Rhyne said, picking at his nails. "It shouldn't really be that hard. Rinok has an army."

"Unfortunately they are current indisposed elsewhere," Rinok said. "I can amass another quite easily, though, as the herald of war."

"I bet the gods of Theros just love you," Rhyne rolled his eyes.

"Mogis and Iroas, certainly," Rinok agreed. "To a certain extent Erebos, Athreos, and possibly Phenax. That last one gets a lot of souls for people bargaining their way out of death."

"You're really excited about this, aren't you?" Vilhelm asked. There had been something in Rinok's voice that made the vampire think the warrior was hiding something.

"I'm just going to enjoy tearing that dragon girl to shreds and sending her body to her precious Sarkhan piece by piece." Rinok's face twisted into a sadistic smile, one mirrored by Rhyne.

"Can I help? Please? If there's anything I know how to do, it's a good dismembering."

Vilhelm wasn't so sure. A dragon army could be useful in his plans of not so hostile takeover. "Why not corrupt her instead? You've both had dealings with her in the past, correct?"

The wild man spoke before the warrior. "I ran into her once. I know it's still in there, that wildness she can't shake. She's tried, but I know one day if we try hard enough she could go feral and revert to her true self."

"I could turn her into a warmonger if I wanted, use her as an eternal combatant, but she did something that can't be forgiven and for that she has to die. She tamed Sarkhan, one of the greatest warriors the Mardu ever knew. He sacrificed hundreds of warriors and achieved his spark ignition in the process. War is a part of him, and now he advocates for peace? I almost preferred him when he was mad." Rinok sighed. "No, the dragon girl has to die. I need to see his warrior spirit again. It's the only way to keep him from fading into shadow, away from the light of glory. It's our place as Mardu warriors!" He thrust a fist into the sky.

Vilhelm himself wasn't listening. He was lost in thought. If they were leaving the plane, how would he break it to Teysa? The great puppet of souls was now himself tethered to the Envoy of Ghosts, at the mercy of her craving for the exquisite sensation of his feeding. Vilhelm had thought a few times of draining her dry and being done with it all, or taking things to their next logical conclusion and making her a vampire to finally be rid of her demands. On more than one occasion he'd been so caught up in feeding that he'd almost bedded her. That hadn't been on his mind since before the Falkenrath had chosen him to join their family. Vilhelm had more important things to think about then, and had more important things to think about now. Those plans meant he needed the Orzhov, at least until the true nature of this research could be ascertained.

Yes, Vilhelm was satisfied with his pawns and how the pieces had fallen on the chessboard. The game would soon begin.

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