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xjustakay · 23 days

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✺ (4/5) ✺ @jegulus-microfic prompt: slap — 1,630 words (dad james and librarian regulus - flirting edition; pt.1)

It’s become a habit over the course of a couple of months.

James takes Harry to the library more than Lily does these days. It was a simple ‘the library is closer to my place anyway, no sense in going out of your way when you don’t have to, Lils’ that he’d offered as his reasoning. Of course, he knows Lily isn’t stupid. She likely sees right through him, but she’s yet to say anything or try to slap some sense into him, so he’s taking the small favor for what it is.

Harry, in all his six year old excitement to visit one of his favorite places, remains oblivious to there being any other intention to their trips to the library. And really, James is glad that he gets to do this with Harry —it’s not completely selfishly oriented that he suggests they go. Harry loves reading, loves exploring different fictional worlds on page, loves getting new books suggested or read to him when they’re there.

It’s just that, well. James is reaping some additional benefits, that’s all.

Except, they’re not exactly benefits, because while seeing Regulus is its own treat, the two of them still seem to be dancing in circles around each other. Some days James isn’t sure if he’s picking up on genuine signs or simply concocting them for himself —a story with a happy end that he’s telling himself in his head like the ones he reads to Harry before bed.

He feels a little crazy, admittedly, cataloging their interactions like it’s his job, like every little thing potentially means something. It’s like he’s got a schoolboy crush all over again at the age of twenty-seven. But if there’s one thing in this world that James Potter seems to be good at, it’s romanticizing that which may in the end mean very little.

Still, he’s got his list.

A story time in the children’s room one week where Regulus, in the middle of answering and asking questions of the kids about the book he’d read them, had stolen more than a couple glances James’ way at the back of the room. Days where grey eyes brightened upon looking away from greeting Harry to find that James was the one that brought him to the library that day. Questions about what James does for work and for fun, or what sort of thing James likes to read, followed by book recommendations.

James has also noticed, though, that every time he sees Regulus, as much as there’s something lingering there between the two of them, there’s something else, too.

Regulus always asks about Lily. Asks how she’s doing, what she’s been up to, if Harry read his most recent check-outs with her. There had even been a day where James and Harry had come up to the counter to check out Harry’s new selection of books and Regulus had pointed out that he’d held onto a book specifically for Lily, remembering she had been waiting a while for it to be available.

And sure, maybe it’s just that Regulus met Lily first, that he’s nice and is considering Harry’s mum even when she’s not there, but… Just as he’s over-thought every one of their own interactions, James can’t seem to help overthinking this, as well.

In a rather rare turn of events, James is at the library today without Harry. Harry’s at his mum’s, but he’d left his books at James’ place. A borderline distraught phone call had been received that morning, Harry lamenting ‘I can’t have overdue books, dad! I’ve never had overdue books!’ Lily doesn’t have time today to come pick them up and bring Harry to take care of them, so James had promised to turn them in for him.

It works out perfectly that when he enters with the few books tucked under his arm and approaches the front desk, Regulus is the one sitting there. One person is in line in front of James, but he notices how Regulus clocks him walk up behind the woman, an unhelped twitch at the corner of his mouth. He says a polite thank you and wishes a good day to her before it’s James’ turn.

Regulus tilts forward to peek over the edge of the high desk, his brow creasing. “Where is he?”

James lets out a quiet laugh. “So sorry that I’m not enough for you, Regulus.”

“Oh, shut up.” He rolls his eyes but James doesn’t miss the pretty pink color his cheeks turn even as he tries to distract from it by wiggling his fingers for the books James holds. “You just don’t usually come alone, that’s all.”

James hands over the books, his grin inching wider. “I can come alone more often if you want me to. Just say the word.”

Regulus huffs an unsteady laugh, cheeks reddening even more. He won’t meet James’ eye as he starts scanning book barcodes and entering return dates. It’s quiet for a few long moments, Regulus doing his job and avoiding James’ gaze while James continues watching him in fond amusement.

After the pause has gone on for a bit, Regulus ends up asking, “Is Lily no longer going to be bringing Harry in?”

Ah, there it is.

James sucks his teeth and shakes his head. “No, I’m sure she’ll be around again. She’s just—been a bit busy with work and such.”

“I see.” Regulus nods, glancing up from scanning a barcode to flicker his gaze over where James stands. “Well, at least Harry’s got you to bring him, right?”

“Right.” It comes out shorter than he meant it to, and Regulus notices if the arch of one dark brow is anything to go by. He doesn’t know why he says it, doesn’t know why the thought even crosses his mind, but before he can stop himself, James offers, “I can give you her number, if you’d like?”

Regulus slows in setting the returned books aside. “Why would I need Lily’s number?”

“I just—assumed you were interested.” James shifts from one foot to the other.

A comically confused expression twists up Regulus’ features. “In Lily?”

James blinks. “Um, yes?”

“You think I’m interested in Lily?” Regulus repeats; he looks less confused now, more as if he’s barely containing his own laughter.

“Well, you ask about her all the time!” James points out, a touch too loud —there’s a quiet shushing in warning from another librarian further down the desk that earns an apologetic look from him.

“James.” Regulus can’t seem to help laughing this time, has to press a hand over his mouth for a moment, eyes pinching closed and head shaking as he collects himself. When he’s done so, he clasps his hands together on the desk in front of him and meets James’ eye evenly. “Did you ever think, maybe, the reason I ask about what Lily’s up to and if she’ll be coming around again is because when she doesn’t, it means that you do?”

It’s James’ turn to look confused, a disbelieving huff coming out of his mouth. “And you didn’t think to, I don’t know, just tell me that you like seeing me?”

“I could have, I suppose.” Regulus leans back in his swivel chair, arms crossing over his chest. The corner of his mouth ticks upward, eyes shining with mirth. “But you were already being so painfully obvious, I thought at least one of us should be a little more subtle.”

James manages to make an affronted noise, but it’s almost more startled laugh than actual offense. “You’re fucking with me right now.”

“Language, mister Potter.” (James is decidedly not blushing at the joking admonishment, thank you.) “This is a family friendly establishment.”

He lifts his hands in mock surrender, grin stretching wide across his face. Regulus eyes him for a moment, drumming his fingers against the bend of one elbow.

“Well, now that we’ve cleared that up—”

“Have we?” James snorts.

“I’m not interested in Lily, you’ve been hopelessly interested in me from day one. I think we’re clear,” Regulus confirms.

Hazel eyes narrow in playful challenge. “You’re just as interested in me, too, don’t forget that.”

An absent hum. A tilt of his head. “And what are you going to do about it?”

It’s an excellent question, James wasn’t prepared to get this far today. He wasn’t totally positive he’d ever get this far, if he’s honest. Now that opportunity has arisen, however, he’s not foolish enough to waste it.

“What are you doing Saturday night?” He asks, leaning his forearms against the edge of the desk.

“I don’t know. Where are you taking me?” Regulus quips, dark brows lifting.

“I think I’ll keep it a surprise. Can’t be too obvious now, can I?” James toys.

Rolling his lips together barely hides Regulus’ growing smile. He hums once again, nodding in agreement. James thinks that’s it, that they’ll say goodbyes for now and go the next few days in building anticipation for an awaiting first date. Except, Regulus holds up a finger to tell him to wait and wordlessly slides off his chair to go to one of the shelves behind him used for reserved books.

When he turns back around, he drops another of the Magic Treehouse books Harry’s been so invested in as of late onto the counter with a quiet slap. James glances at it then at Regulus again with an incredulous smile.

“It’s the next one in the series for Harry. We only have one copy on hand. I didn’t want him to not be able to get it when he brought his returns in,” Regulus explains.

“No wonder he likes you so much, you spoil him,” James teases.

Regulus smirks and, without missing a beat, he replies, “And what’s your excuse?”

#jegulus #jegulus microfic #andddd part 2 the end -jazz hands-#little shit regulus my beloved #have i mentioned that i love them?#kay’s microfics #kay’s writing

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yandere-writer-momo · 11 months

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Rent-A-Girlfriend

Part 1: Jack Hanma

Yandere Baki various x Afab reader

Part 2

……………………………….……………………………….

I decided to make this a little series so requests/ asks are on hold unless I really, really like them. Enjoy!

Yanderes in this series: Jun Guevara, Biscuit Oliva, Baki Hanma, Jack Hanma, Hanayama Kaoru, Shinogi Kureha, Katsumi Orochi, and Kaioh Retsu

……………………………….……………………………….

Never in Jack’s life did he ever imagine he would stoop to this level for some form of companionship. He was a champion pit fighter… not some… simp. Yet here he was sitting at a cafe as he nervously waiting for his date to show up. A rental girlfriend.

Jack never knew how to talk to girls. Jack dedicated his entire life to training and fighting for revenge. He wasn’t the typical picture of an ideal boyfriend. He was covered in scars from his harsh way of living. His teeth were replaced with titanium steel and he had more muscles than most men around. He was a monster. The kind of monster in those fairytale books adults show their children.

Jack bit his lip as he sighed and turned his head to the side. He ran a large hand over his blonde hair. What the hell was he thinking? Why did he care whether or not he had a girlfriend?

Jack was destined to be alone. He destroyed himself beyond recognition in hopes to avenge the assault of his mother and yet… a part of him felt as if he deserved happiness.

He envied Baki’s old relationship with Kozue. What was it like to have someone cheer for him during a fight? To not mind the scars that littered his face and body? To not be afraid of his size? Jack had such an avid curiosity for love.

Jack froze when a young woman approached his table. His breath hitching a bit. He didn’t think she’d be so beautiful… but then again, he paid a lot of money for the day with her.

“Thank you for waiting, darling.” (Your name) smiled brightly at her client. She would play her part perfectly and make sure he wasn’t embarrassed to have ordered her service. “You weren’t waiting long, were you?”

Now (your name) had been a rental girlfriend for about a year now. She enjoyed helping lonely souls feel companionship when they were too busy or unique looking to date or find love. It was an incredibly easy job. All she had to do was adjust her personality to whatever seemed to fit her client best.

She would treat the giant man no different than the others. He may be intimidating, but she was sure there was much more to him under that scarred, muscular form of his.

Jack on the other hand, didn’t know what to say to her. The blonde staring at his lap as he held his hands. He wasn’t used to women approaching him, they usually ran the other way when he arrived on the scene. So this was all very new to him…

(Your name) smiled softly at his shyness before taking a seat in front of him. She slowly took one of his hands in hers. She made sure not to startle him with the touch.

Jack jumped a little at the foreign touch but he didn’t move away from it. His brown eyes stared down at the small hand holding two of his fingers. His breathing ragged from how small and soft she was compared to him… she smelled so sweet too… he could just eat her.

“Jack? Are you alright?” (Your name) softly asked him. Her eyes filled with concern with the fist and expression on his face. Was he perhaps anxious about this whole arrangement?

Jack shook his head before taking in a deep breath. He wasn’t trying to come off as odd but making a good first impression was now thrown out of the window.

“Sorry. I’m just not used to this…” Jack muttered in his gruff voice. (Your name) was surprised with how deep his voice was… it was an attractive tone. “I wasn’t waiting long at all.”

That was a lie. Jack came to this restaurant thirty minutes early because he was anxious to meet her and had downed probably a few gallons of liquor just to try to ease his nerves… he’d never admit that to her though.

(Your name) smiled at him, showing her pearly whites at him. “You don’t have to be so stiff. I don’t bite.”

Jack bit his tongue to prevent himself from saying, “I do.” He was so unsure on what to do. He could easily fight a wild animal or an opponent twice his size but here was was slipping on his words in front of a pretty girl… a girl he paid to talk to him. God, he was such a fool.

(Your name) began to rub calming circles on the back of his palms with a smile. He seemed conflicted over this so she’d help him relax and open up a bit. Maybe a compliment would do…

“I noticed your teeth. What kind of metal are they made out of? They’re really cool to look at.” She smiles brightly at him, Jack’s face turning red for just a moment.

“They’re titanium.” Jack replied with a small smile. (Your name) smiled at how his body began to relax a bit. There it was… she just needed to butter him up a bit. “It’s the strongest metal.”

“And it’s light for a metal.” (Your name) smiled at Jack as he shows off his teeth to her with a toothy grin. She admired his teeth, her eyes full of awe at how unique Jack was. He was interesting.

Jack smiled. He slowly began to open up about himself as she asked him more questions. He wasn’t sure if it was him talking to the alcohol but he felt comfortable around her.

The two ordered their meals, his brown eyes never leaving her face. He wanted to memorize every minute detail of that beautiful face… he wanted to know more about her.

Jack wasn’t used to someone being interested in him like this. Even if she was being paid to be around him, her interest in him seemed genuine. She seemed so genuine and kind… he felt so lucky she accepted his request to rent her.

“So what do you do, Jack? I don’t imagine a massive man like you behind an office chair.” (Your name) cracks a small joke that caused Jack to chuckle a bit.

“I’m a pit fighter.” Jack tells her as their food arrives. “My entire life is dedicated to fighting and becoming stronger.”

(Your name) smiled at him as she began to cut into her food. She thought it was interesting that Jack ordered steak and even the bones of the cow. His order took up over half the table.

It seemed Jack’s ideal type was someone who was sweet and gentle. The kind of girl most would describe as a damsel. She wondered if he thought of her as some innocent little lamb he had to protect (oh how wrong he was). Jack seemed to be the protective type with the way he looked at her… yet he was also restrained like a dog on a leash. There was some sort of emotion hiding behind his eyes and she was dying to know what it was.

“You present yourself as a very hardworking person.” (Your name) warmly smiled at him. “I can tell you’re very strong and dedicated to your craft.”

Jack glanced down at his meal in thought. He was flattered. Jack wasn’t used to being complimented like this… was it weird to say he enjoyed this positive attention?

(Your name) didn’t even flinch or seem bothered by the way he bit into bones like they’re cookies. She isn’t rude and she doesn’t stare either. She patiently waits till the two of them are done chewing to speak and Jack enjoys it. He enjoys how polite she is.

“Are the titanium teeth for biting?” (Your name) softly asks with a smile. Jack nods.

“I invented my own martial art called Goudou. Anyone can bite to defend themselves.” Jack smiles down at her, a bit of food on his lips.

(Your name) took her napkin and leaned forward to wipe Jack’s lips off. Jack’s whole face turning red as he blushed.

“You had a little bit of food on your face, but you’re all clean now.” Jack felt his heart hammer in his chest when (your name) gave him a bright smile. His palms sweating form how nervous he was. How could a human being so sweet? So kind?

Jack pays the bill once it arrives, seeing that he was the one who ordered most of the food. The blonde blushing when (your name) held his hand as they left the restaurant.

“We still have a few hours left together before I have to go.” (Your name) fluttered her lashes up at him as she gave him a gentle smile. Jack blushing as he guided her out of the restaurant. This was just too easy…

“How about a park?” Jack asks as his hand engulfs hers in his. His almost eight foot tall form looming over her like some sort of eldritch monster. “I could carry you if you’d like.”

(Your name) beamed at him. She’s never been carried before… this should be interesting.

“I’d love to.” (Your name) laughed when she was hoisted up in the air in the crook of Jack’s arm. The giant man holding her up like a doll.

(Your name) set her hands on her lap as she turned her head to glance at Jack. Now that she was closer to his face, she could get a better look at him.

Jack was actually pretty handsome, even with all the scars. He was rugged and incredibly masculine. He was a man’s man.

(Your name) leaned her head on his shoulder as she took in his scent. He smelled heavily of pine, cypress, and musk. Incredibly musky now that she thought about it. She felt as if she was drowning in his overpowering scent but at the same time, it was attractive. He was so incredibly warm too, like a heated blanket. (Your name) was amazed a man like this was signing up for her services. He seemed to be the whole package.

But that also made (your name) think… what was wrong with him? Or was he simply just too busy to date like a few of her other clients?

Jack carried her to the park. The giant man setting her on a bench before taking a seat beside her.

(Your name) leaned her head on his arm as she snuggled into him. The giant man melting into the touch.

Jack wrapped his arm around her as they observed the water fowl swimming in the pond. Jack pointing out a pair of swans to her. But his eyes weren’t focused on the elegant white birds but on her instead.

“They’re beautiful aren’t they?” (Your name) softly asks, Jack smiling softly down at her.

“Yes… beautiful.”

They spent the rest of their time with small talk and observing birds together. Jack really enjoyed his time with (Your name). He was so sad that it was coming to a close…

“Can I walk you home?” Jack asks her softly but (your name) politely declines.

“Sorry, I’m not allowed to share personal details like that.” (Your name) replied but then she gave him a reassuring smile. “But you can walk me towards the train station.”

Jack held her hand as he walked with her to the train station. A sense of pride filling his chest when people almost snapped their necks to catch a glimpse of the woman on his arm. Jack enjoyed this positive attention… maybe he should rent her again?

“Thank you so much, Jack.” (Your name) smiled warmly at Jack as they pause in front of the train station. “Hopefully I’ll see you again soon.”

Jack blushed when she gave him a quick hug before waving at him as she got onto a train.

(Your name) took a seat on the subway, her phone buzzing in her pocket. She lifted the screen up to glance at it in surprise. Her whole phone lit up a light, pastel pink.

𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐦𝐚 𝐠𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝟓 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬! 𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐨!

𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐦𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐲! 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭?

𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐨?

She accepted the request but then her phone lit up again with a new notification.

𝐇𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐚 𝐊𝐚𝐨𝐫𝐮 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐧𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐘𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐥𝐥! 𝐇𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐞𝐚𝐫! 𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐩𝐭?

𝐘𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐫 𝐧𝐨?

(Your name) scrolled through Kaoru’s profile. Her tongue clicking when she realized he didn’t have much information on it other than his name. There wasn’t even a picture on his profile… but the money seemed to makeup for it. (Your name) wasn’t sure what kind of girl she’d have to pretend to be for his ideal type, but she’d play her part. She’d be in a public place so she was sure she’d be safe.

She accepted the date with a smile. What could possibly go wrong?

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rayassecretlife · 1 year

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Hold onto me

Pairing: Aged up!19 Year old Neteyam Sully x Fem!Human!Reader

Summary: You and Spider grew up like one another, left behind after the sky people perished in the war, but also like spider, you made a connection to the forest and the reef—very loved by its people. You get hurt doing something you shouldn’t have, and your mask breaks before you can react, but your best friend wouldn’t let you go.

Warning(s): Mature language, overprotective Neteyam, Mentions of death, Blood, mentions of drowning, etc (i suck at warnings)

Not proof read!!! Sorry for mistakes

Some might say that human’s don’t belong with the Na’vi, that they are alien to the clan and always will be—or how they’ll never learn the Na’vi ways. But to you, the Great War between your people and the Na’vi changed your life for the better. Unlike spider, you were loved amongst the clan—even by their Tsahìk, Neytiri. She treated you like her own, braiding your hair for you, making you new outfits to wear, offering her home to you, she was the sweetest woman you’d ever met.

Your mother was very close to the clan, kind of like grace in a way. You had many connections to the forest, but none to the reef. You also had an avatar body back in the forest, but you were always too scared to go through the transition with Eywa. You’d only been in that body once or twice, and Neytiri never pushed you, but she’d always tell you it would make things easier even though she was scared she’d lose you.

There was something about you. Something…different then spider. You were treated like one of them while he was the stray cat just walking around somewhere he shouldn’t be. When Neytiri and jake weren’t around, you had their children protecting you like their lives depended on it, never really letting you get so close to danger like spider. Along the many years of living on pandora, you befriended the oldest sully brother quickly, and he was now your best friend. You two went to each other for everything, he’d even find himself on his way to your small hut in the forest just to sit and talk during the night.

You fit in at the reef slowly but surely, seeing as Ronal didn’t know how to feel about you at first. Although she soon realized how useful you had been to the clan. You were a great healer to her surprise, better then most of the ones they had already. You were also very helpful in any aspect they needed you to be, an amazing swimmer too. You were so respected in both clans, the people would do anything for you. You were one of them.

“Y/N!” You ignored the voices behind you and jumped into the deep water, the few bodies following closely behind you. “I told you to wait for me!” You scoff at him and continue to swim, holding onto his Ilu.

“You worry too much, I’m a much better swimmer then you” you hum, tapping the mask that sat on your face before sinking underwater, letting his Ilu guide you to random spots along the floor. You could feel him watching you, ears still up with worry. It was funny, even being human you had still been a better swimmer then most of the sully family—except Kiri of course.

You soon swam back to the surface, laughing at the boys worried expression in front of you. “It’s not funny, you could drown!”

“And you can’t?” He glared at you but you didn’t care, only shrugging your shoulders with the click of your tongue. “Calm down, Forest boy. I can handle myself” The wave came at you fast causing you to sink under a little, water getting all over your mask in the process.

Before you could see the sky again, you felt strong arms pull you and you already knew it was him, practically pushing you above him and out of the water. “Ow, ow!” You whine at his tight grip and he instantly loosened up, still keeping a firm hold on your waist. He forgot how much bigger he was compared to you. “Neteyam, I was fine-“

“Fine? That’s not fine! You-“

“She’s fine, bro” You turned your head at the sound of Lo’ak’s voice, him and Tsireya approaching on their Ilu’s. “You guys wanna come see payakan?” Your face lit up but Neteyam instantly shook his head, dismissing his brother.

“No way. It’s too deep out there, what if-“

“Don’t be such a loser, Nete” His ears fall at your words while you climb onto his Ilu, running a hand along its back before smiling at the younger brother. “When are we going?”

“Y/N-“

“Right now” you nod and look over at Neteyam, his eyes staring you down with that same death stare they always gave. He didn’t want you to go but he knew you would anyway, even if he wasn’t there.

“Either come with me or I’ll go with them by myself” You always used this against him because he was way more protective over you then Lo’ak or spider. He grew up treating you how Neytiri did, respecting you and treating you like the fragile human you were.

But he was also your best friend, and he needed to protect you no matter what. With a groan, he hopped onto his Ilu behind you, connecting his queue with theirs as you giggled to yourself, one of his hands holding on and the other holding your waist firmly. He hated when you did that, when you used your life over any decision he had to make—because he knew he’d always choose you.

The water was surprisingly warm as you glided through the ocean, Neteyam refusing to go under the water because you weren’t too keen with holding onto the Ilu. You slowly approached the large animal after awhile of searching, stopping in the middle of the water as Lo’ak and Tsireya slowly sunk down into the waters.

You tried to follow but Neteyam wouldn’t let you, only making you glare at him. “Let go!” He shook his head and you groaned, trying to pry his hands from you but you knew you wouldn’t be able to. He was Na’vi, and jakes son after all. “Your such a scaredy-cat!”

“I don’t want you to get hurt” you scoff, rolling your eyes as you crossed your arms. You wanted to explore, to swim with Payakan and the others. This is why you never came out with Neteyam, you tried to hide from him most days for this exact reason. “Is that such a crime?”

“What the hell did we even come here for if you won’t let me go!” You complain and he sighs in defeat, still holding you against him. “Skxawng” you mumble and he couldn’t help but chuckle, the vibrations in his chest sending through your own. “What’s so funny!”

“You, Syulang” You look at him but he wouldn’t stop, only laughing harder once you smacked your teeth. “You trying to hurt my feelings makes me laugh”

“I can handle myself” He hums, nodding his head at your words. He knew you could, but the thought of you getting hurt scared him half to death. “I’m serious, Neteyam”

“I know you can, Trust me” He sighs, sliding off his Ilu with ease and dipping his head down into the water to check where Lo’ak and Tsireya were. He pulled his head back up to your pleading gaze, practically begging him to let go. “If I let you go, you have to stay close to me”

Your eyes lit up with excitement. He’d never let up that easy before. “Really?” He raises his eyebrows and you nod your head, his hands guiding you down into the water. “Oh my god, there they are!” You both look over watching Payakan surface, Lo’ak and Tsireya laughing from afar and waving you over. “Come on!”

“You said you’d wait!” Neteyam yelled as you swam away from the boy, making your way quickly to the younger brother. He pulled you to sit along Payakan’s fin, ruffling your hair with a laugh.

“He finally let up, huh?” You push his shoulder as he laughs, Neteyam holding onto payakan’s fin to get in front of you. “Oh come on, bro. She’s fine! She used to jump through the trees like it was nothing” He glared at the two of you, shaking his head at your laugh.

“Neteyam, it’s fine” You ran your hand along the animal’s skin, smiling as it looked at you. You signed to the beautiful tulkun, telling him how pretty he had been. You loved the reef and it’s animals, it was calming to you. “Sometimes I wish I wasn’t so scared to go through the transition” you sigh, turning to look at the people around you.

“I’d be scared too” Lo’ak agrees, shrugging his shoulders. “Do you know where spider is? I tried looking for him before we left but he was nowhere to be found” you shake your head at the boy along with the other two, but you weren’t really thinking about that. All you could think about was going underwater, wanting to swim so bad but you knew Neteyam wouldn’t let you. True, he couldn’t tell you what to do, but he was much stronger and definitely could stop you.

“Can we go under?” You ask slightly nervous and the two next to you instantly nod, already on their way back into the water. “Neteyam?” He sighs in defeat after looking at your expression, holding his hand out to help you back into the water. You smile huge, slipping back down while taking his hand. You almost instantly followed Lo’ak and Tsireya down, Neteyam being quick to follow your trail.

You followed Tsireya through the cracks and plants, signing to her here and there once you saw something new. Lo’ak stayed behind with his brother, watching him watch you.

You are so in love The youngest brother signs, watching Neteyam roll his eyes before he began to swim faster, Lo’ak following behind him with a smile. Neteyam watched you closely, admiring how happy you looked. Your smile made his creep but he held it back before Lo’ak could see,

More animals begin to come into view around you, Neteyam’s Ilu nudging your leg as it passed you. Eywa, it was so beautiful down there. Neteyam came behind you once you stopped, smiling at Tsireya who was talking to one of the animals. He could tell you were so jealous, feeling left out like you always did—but you also knew you couldn’t do things they could.

You turn to the boy, giving him a small smile. Thank you. You sign before heading up to the girl, leaving him by himself once again.

But something was wrong—very wrong. Neteyam could feel the growing pit in his stomach while he looked around, ears perking at the thudding sounds behind him. You and Tsireya looked back at the noise as well, your body carrying itself over to him before you could think.

Stay close he signs to you, fingers intertwining with your own. Sighs of relief leave your body when you see Lo’ak swimming toward you, but just before you could shake it off—the large shadow behind him catches your attention.

Neteyam quickly calls to his Ilu and your almost instantly scooped up, trying to track down Tsireya but she was nowhere to be found. You tugged at his arm but he shook his head, only worried about getting you out of there. You caught a glimpse of the animal as it swam past you, it was an Akula. One of the most dangerous animals in the sea. You needed to get out now, before you got hurt.

But it wasn’t until you felt the firm grip on your arm tear away, and Neteyam was no longer next to you. His Ilu swam away, and you were left alone in the open ocean, barely keeping your self afloat. You felt so scared, so lost without anyone around you. Everyone was gone, everyone was gone and you were left to fight for yourself against this huge animal.

When you thought it had been safe enough, you quickly tried to swim to the top, moving your arms and legs frantically not bothering to look behind you. You should have known it would’ve never been that easy, because In just seconds you were thrown halfway across the area you had came from, body colliding with one of the many rock structures.

You could barely open your eyes as water began to fill your mask, fear taking over your now bleeding body. Your mask is broken—on pandora.

Just as the huge animal was about to charge back at you, Payakan came clashing against it, your body getting swept up by a moving force under you. Originally, you thought it was Neteyam or Lo’ak, but to your surprise, the smaller creature under you was trying it’s best to keep you on its back, swimming with its queue wrapped around your arm.

Neteyam’s Ilu. You knew it was unusual for an animal to create a bond with anyone but their rider, but it felt like his was yours, always at your beck and call just like him. Once you reached the surface you could hear her cries as she approached a small rock island, Neteyam finally coming to view.

He was on his knees on the rock, one hand out for you to grab while his other held his side, small grunts of pain leaving his mouth. He had been wounded—he sent his Ilu to get you because he couldn’t.

After noticing your broken mask, his heart practically dropped from his chest. Lo’ak and Tsireya quickly reaching the two of you with calls of urgency to leave. “Come on! We have to go!” Lo’ak urged but soon realized your struggle to walk straight onto the rocks surface, struggling to breath the thick air they so easily did.

“Y/N!” Neteyam called loudly as you slowly felt your air cut off, your feet stopping almost instantly as you clawed at your throat. “Come on!”

“N-Nete!” You manage to choke out and look at him with the most fearful eyes he’d ever seen, Lo’ak and Tsireya now noticing at the same time. “M-my mask is broken!”

His head whipped back around to you, watching you fall to your knees with a gasp. He quickly caught you, pulling you into his arms while he tried to cover the hole in your mask, obviously not achieving much. “Shit! Lo’ak! We have to get her out of here, now!”

You couldn’t focus on anything as your vision became blurry, fear being the only thing you felt as Neteyam moved quickly with you onto Payakan, trying his hardest to calm you with the desperate words against your ear. You couldn’t breathe—God, you couldn’t breathe! You couldn’t cry, you couldn’t move, only suffer the loss of air making it to your lungs.

“I’m gonna get you help just hold your breath, Baby. I’ve got you—we’re almost there” His hands caressed your hair, voice becoming frantic while watching you struggle under him. “Great mother—fuck!” He watched as a single tear fell from your eye and he cupped your small face, tears threatening to fill his own. “Your okay. I won’t let anything happen to you”

His heart burned with fear—screaming for help as you approached the village. Even far away, the clan were able to notice you coming because of the large animal you’d been riding on. Neteyam’s wound hurt worse but he couldn’t pay attention to anything except you, trying his hardest to calm your fear.

“We’re here, we’re here—it’s gonna be okay” He takes your small hand into his own, but just as you look at him for the last time, your air had already ran out. “Y/N” Suddenly, everything felt blank. Everything felt silent. You stopped struggling, and your once loving eyes turned into nothing—that exact moment is when he lost it.

“Neteyam!” He couldn’t hear his fathers voice or anyone else’s behind him as he yelled your name, tears falling down his cheeks like waterfalls. Everything was static, nothing was there but you.

“Great mother! Please!” He begs, pulling your heavy head against his chest as the clan approached, Jake quick to run to his screaming sons aid. “No! No, no, no!” His cries were so loud, practically alerting all of the villages around the reef. He couldn’t let you go, he wouldn’t let you go.

Jake felt his heart tear into two at the sight in front of him, Neytiri coming up behind him to see what was going on. “Neteyam!” He had to hold her back once she realized what was going on, her own sobs still not enough to cover up her sons. “Get her something! We need the healer now!” Her voice was frantic but still nothing could be heard by Neteyam, his eyes and ears were only set on your lifeless body.

“It’s all my fault, I shouldn’t of let you out there—I shouldn’t have took you” He hugs your head, voice cracking at every word. The whole clan watched him fall apart, Neytiri desperately trying to get ahold of the healer.

“Brother, it will be alright” Kiri’s hand against his shoulder was enough for him to snap to reality, looking back at her with his eyes stained with tears. He felt your body lift up and he instantly turned back, watching as a few of the guys from the clan picked you up. “Neteyam!” He tried to follow you but his father stopped him, only to earn a single push against his chest.

“Don’t fucking touch me!” Jake stood there unable to respond as Neytiri sat crying for you, following the clan’s members to the healers pod. “She needs me! I need to go!”

“You know you can’t, it’s too crowded. Please, just wait-“

“Wait? She can’t breathe! And it’s all…it’s all my fault” His knees practically buckled under him, body sinking to the sand in front of the whole clan. It felt unreal—the pain in his heart was almost unbearable. Now, Jake noticed the blood pooling from his sons abdomen, falling to the ground to hold his sobbing mess of a son. “I’m supposed to protect her! I’m supposed to protect her, dad” his words stunt his chest like a thousand bees while his dad shushed him, Lo’ak now sunk to the ground as well only a few feet from them.

Guilt filled the youngest brother, tears brimming his eyes as he stared at the blood on his hands. He told you to go—he said it would be okay. His mother raised them to protect you and he couldn’t even do that. This was more then guilt and sadness, it was disappointment.

Lo’ak couldn’t watch his brother fall apart over you, not imagining the pain he was feeling. You and Neteyam were best friends but in everyone else’s eyes, you were so much more.

They needed you. The sully family needed you. But now, you’d never be able to experience the love he had for you—all because they didn’t listen.

There WILL be a part 2 to this! Stay tuned, this is just a small little thing to keep y’all occupied while I procrastinate the smut writings 💀

#avatar fanfiction #avatar the way of water #avatar #avatar 2 #avatar x you #neteyam #neteyam sully #neteyam sully x y/n #neteyam x reader #avatar james cameron #atwow neteyam #neteyam angst #neteyam gif #neteyam fluff #neteyam x human reader

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on-my-vigilante-sht · 1 year

Text

Capitol Punishment VIII

Haymitch x Reader

Summary: The Capitol continues to torture it’s victors no matter how long ago they won through punishment, exploitation, and worst of all; their relationships.

A story in which Haymitch’s lover is a plaything for the Capitol.

Warnings: Canon level violence, rape (though never explicit), alcohol, murder, systemic poverty, exploitation, rebellion (?), more reliance on movie than book, suicidal thoughts, swearing, illness, pregnancy, miscarriage

Word Count: 4.4K (she’s also kind of long)

Part VII | Masterlist | Part IX

You laid on the cold, steel table of one of the styling rooms. They had stripped all the hair beneath your eyebrows, which was no longer very painful since you’d been “maintained” ever since you won 8 years ago. They had also taken care to clean you in scalding hot water and scrub your skin raw. They cut the dead ends of your hair off, keeping it long enough to reach mid back. You were sure Haymitch started fighting them as soon as he saw any kind of razor, tweezer, or wax.

Now you were just waiting for the doctors to come back with the results from your checkup. You had told them that they suspected you were pregnant and asked if there was any way that they’d be able to do a paternity test. They told you that if the father’s DNA was in their system they could tell you and that all tributes’ DNA was logged.

As the door slid open, you sat up eagerly. “Ms. L/N, you are in fact pregnant,” the nurse informed. “About six weeks along.”

“And the father?” you asked.

“Haymitch Abernathy,” she said plainly. You were sure Snow would be upset that you were pregnant with your husband’s baby but now that he was putting you in the games, you didn’t give a damn what he thought or wanted. You were also incredibly relieved it was Haymitch’s. You were never a kids person and had never wanted to have children but if you were going to have someone’s baby, it may as well be the man you love’s.

The nurse talked with you a little more about your labs, saying you were healthy and left. Next Cinna came in. “There’s my favorite mentor,” he smiled, greeting you with a hug.

“Cinna,” you replied with a smile. While you hand he weren’t nearly as close as Katniss and he were, you had very much come to appreciate his friendly face. “Good to see you.”

“You too, although I wish it was under different circumstances. Anyway here is your dress for the parade,” he turned to the door as the rest of the style team brought in your outfit. You were kind of amazed at how beautiful it was. It was a long, almost flowing, A-line, red dress. The bodice was covered in lace and featured a halter top neckline. They did your makeup dramatically with a dark red lip and a mix of reds and blacks for your eyes. As for your hair it was done in an intricate half-up, half down style. When they finally let you look in the mirror you thought you looked like an evil queen.

You were then brought to the chariots where about half the other victors were waiting. You looked around, observing your friends/future competition. Spotting red hair you realized it was Annie. You called over to her as you approached. She looked terrified until she spotted you.

“Y/N” she ran up to you as best she could in her mermaid-like outfit. She gave you a big hug which you returned.

“Where’s Finnick and Mags?” you asked.

“I don’t know,” she answered. Her scared look appeared again as she looked around frantically for probably the only two people in the world who brought her real comfort. You noticed she was still hugging you. You were probably a stand in for Finnick until he arrived.

“He’s probably still with the stylist. How are you two?”

“We’re good, or were until the games were announced,” she murmured sadly.

“Hey, don’t think about that right now,” you tried to soothe her. She wasn’t much younger than you but she was so small and fragile looking that you felt like you needed to protect her. “And I can guarantee you Finnick won’t let anything happen to you. Neither will I,” you promised. Assuming Haymitch was right about a plan you were telling the truth. You’d fight to get this poor girl out.

“Annie?” you head a familiar voice call from behind you.

Annie immediately pulled away, recognizing Finnick’s voice. You smiled as you watched the two lovers reunite. You were sure that Finnick, like you, didn’t care about Snow’s rules about availability anymore. He was sending you to your death, who cares if the Capitol’s desire to fuck you was still high?

Soon enough the rest of the Victors were at the chariots, all except one. Haymitch.

Cinna was getting Katniss and Peeta ready when he came to you, the very last chariot. He handed you a remote. “Press this when Katniss presses hers. You’ll know when she does.”

“Wait where’s Haymitch?” you asked.

“I don’t know, probably with Portia,” Cinna explained. “I have to go, he’ll be out soon. Just make sure you look straight ahead, no waving.”

The avoxes were all ushering you into the chariots and you were sure they were frantically trying to find your partner because they were all running around. You were starting to actually get scared when the elevator doors suddenly opened, revealing Haymitch and Portia. He rushed to the chariot, pecking you on the cheek as he got in.

“Where were you? You scared me.”

“Sorry, got held up. I need to talk to you after.”

“I need to talk to you too,” you replied just as the chariots started to pull out. You took your husband’s hand, putting on a blank expression as Haymitch did too. The runway was so loud, there were so many people above you cheering. It wasn’t hard to look disinterested, you were disgusted with them for cheering as you were paraded around before you had to fight to the death.

About halfway down the runway Katniss and Peeta burst into flames. You pressed the button on the remote and out of the corner of your eye you could see Haymitch erupt into flames as well. As you approached Snow, you didn’t even bother to look up at him as the chariot rounded the end of the runway, bringing you all the way back inside where you had started.

You finally took in Haymitch’s appearance. They had cleaned up his beard so it was more cleanly cut. His hair had also been trimmed and washed properly. He was in a suit with no sleeves, showing off muscled arms, identical to Peeta’s. Both eager to hear what the other had to say you grabbed Katniss and Peeta and went to the elevators.

Just as the door was closing Johanna Mason stepped into the elevators. “Well don’t you all look amazing,” she snarled. “My stylist is such an idiot. District 7, lumber, so she dressed us as trees.” She let out a scoff as she started taking the cuffs of her costume off. “I’d like to put my axe in her face.” She stepped closer to Peeta. “Help me with the zipper?” she turned around, not allowing him to answer as he awkwardly unzipped her costume.

You and Haymitch were holding in your laughs as Katniss made a face you couldn’t even identify the emotion of.

She thanked him as she stripped off the costume, standing completely naked in the elevator. The doors opened as you reached floor 7. “Let’s do it again sometime,” as she walked out of the elevator, completely shameless.

“Thank you,” Haymitch said.

You slapped his arm playfully. “See you later,” you called after her.

“Johanna Mason, 7, if you hadn’t figured it out yet,” you informed.

“Is she always like that?” Peeta asked.

You shrugged. “I’ve never seen her strip naked before today but yeah, she hasn’t ever cared. When she was here the first time she was screaming profanities all the way down the chariot line.” The doors then opened into the penthouse, you and Haymitch immediately headed towards your bedroom to hear what the other had to say. You both stepped into the bathroom for privacy.

“You go first,” you said, hoping this was about Plutarch.

“I was late because Plutarch came to see me. Y/N I was right. About a fourth of the tributes are in on the plan to get Katniss out. We’re gonna have to carry on like a normal game at first but Beetee is going to shut down the arena and Plutarch will have us extracted.” You could cry you were so relieved. Haymitch was smiling eagerly. “We’re gonna make it, we’re gonna see a world without the games. Just make sure you stay by me so I can protect you, okay?”

“Yeah,” you agreed. “And that news makes what I’m about to tell you better.” You took a deep breath, bracing yourself. “I’m pregnant.”

Haymitch’s eyes widen. “Are you sure? I kind of suspected but didn’t want to say anything.”

You nodded. “Yeah, I’m sure. The doctors tested and they were also able to tell me that you’re the father.”

His eyes widened impossibly more. He gingerly pressed his hand to your still flat stomach. “You’re gonna have my kid?” he looked hopeful, excitement fortunately creeping into his expression.

“Yeah,” you agreed. You felt a few tears of joy slip. “I had never wanted kids but the thought of having yours? I want to raise this baby with you, Haymitch.”

“I felt the same,” he agreed. “This world is too fucked up to have a baby so that’s why we have to change it. God, I didn’t know it was possible to love you more,” he kissed you, his hand still planted on your stomach. You deepened the kiss, your hand meeting his.

That night you laid in bed in comfortable silence, more in love than you had ever felt before. “What should we name it?” Haymitch asked.

You mused for a second. “If it’s a boy, I wanted to name him Asher, after my father. And for a girl I thought about Maysilee?”

Haymitch pressed a kiss to your hairline. “I like that.” He paused again. “Should we tell people?”

“The world expects at least one of us to die in about a week. No point in telling people. Besides I think Peeta would jump off that platform before the timer hit zero if he knew I was pregnant,” you explained monotonously.

“Okay, so we won’t tell anyone,” your husband agreed.

The next day at the training session was fairly intense. All of the victors (except those suffering from withdrawal, insanity, and/or age) were trying to show off how still in shape they were. You spent most of the time observing until you did the hand to hand combat station. There were real trainers who would fight you and fake weapons that could sense what wounds they’d inflict in order to simulate the arena as close as possible.

Feeling like being a little bit of a showoff you decided to do it despite your newfound condition. You had made sure Haymitch wasn’t anywhere nearby as you picked up the fake knife and stepped on the mat. The trainer gave you no warning as he suddenly attacked you, running at you with a sword. Fortunately you were still looking at him the entire time so you could easily dodge at the last second. As his momentum carried him forward, you swung your arm back, hitting him in the shoulder with your knife.

“Non fatal wound to left shoulder,” an automated voice announced.

He whirled around, swiping at you with the sword. As you were dodging you got closer and closer to the edge of the mat.

“Approaching boundary,” the voice informed. So you ducked under the sword, flailing your lugs until you caught his ankle, sending him to the ground. His sword fell which you kicked off the mat. He was up in a second though, lunging at you. Your eyes widened in surprise, trying to move out of the way but he managed to grab your arm, dragging you to the ground. You fell with a thud and before you could wrench your arm from his grip, he was on top of you, straddling your hips. He was grabbing at the knife in your hands which you were trying to keep away. You felt it scrape against both his and your arms, each time eliciting a “Non fatal wound to arm.” Eventually you managed to stab it through his hand as the simulator said, and bring it closer to you before you thrust it into his throat.

“Fatal wound to the neck. Simulation ended,” the voice announced. You looked over, noticing a few other tributes watching from their own training spots. Haymitch, however, was fuming over by the knife section.

“You’re awfully tough,” the trainer said, getting off of you. “Impressive, especially considering you won eight years ago,” he complimented.

“Oh, thank you,” you said, taking his hand to stand up. Now Haymitch was walking over. “I have to go,” you dismissed, meeting up with him. You felt like a kid again as you approached your fuming husband.

“What the hell was that?” he asked. “You could’ve mis-”

“Shh,” you demanded. “And sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”

“You’re damn right you weren’t thinking!”

You were normally a very patient person, especially with Haymitch. You were sympathetic both when he was drunk and sober but you never took yelling, especially after you already apologized. You let out an indignant laugh. “I just apologized and you’re really gonna yell at me? Find me when you calm down,” you scoffed, walking off.

Haymitch was still angry as he watched you walk off. He had been chatting with Chaff when Chaff had told him to turn around. He was horrified to see you fighting with a man about twice your size. But he knew better than to interrupt so all he could do was stew in worry and anger until it was over. He nearly pulled the trainer off you when he got on top of you. Worried both about your safety and his fetus’. By the time it was done he was angry. Angry that you’d risk your pregnancy. He knew he shouldn’t have yelled at you, especially in front of so many people but he was so worried. He was honestly a little scared of how much he wanted that baby.

You made; your way over to Finnick and Annie who were making fish hooks together. She had a soft smile on her face as she weaved the feathers onto the hook while Finnick had a soft smile while looking at her. You really hoped they’d both make it out.

Finnick looked up, having noticed you. “Where’s lover boy?”

“You’re one to talk,” you sneered.

“It have something to do with your little show off session?” he asked.

“I wasn’t showing off. I was training,” you scoffed. “Besides, once again, you’re one to talk.”

“What do you mean? I've been doing this the whole time.”

“Don’t act like you don’t fully intend to get in there with a trident.”

He scoffed, a look of mocking offense painted on his face. “I would never.”

You laughed, taking a spot next to Annie, observing her work. You spent the next half hour learning how to make fish hooks, occasionally glancing up to watch Haymitch. He mostly stuck to the survival stuff but tried some combat and weapons training. It pained you to watch him fumble in those areas. He definitely wasn’t the most unathletic tribute but he was far from the most athletic. And while you had faith in Plutarch’s plan, not every victor was in on it and athleticism was still very much a part of the game.

Eventually Katniss wandered over, making fishhooks with Mags until she migrated to the archery station. As more tributes went over to watch the newest victor in action, you followed too. You had seen Katniss shoot last year but with so many simulated targets at once you were impressed by how good she was. Everyone else was too as Mags clapped for her when she had completed her round.

You eventually headed back upstairs, not really sure what to do. You had done lots of weapons training, especially knife throwing which had been a skill you utilized in your original games. Knives were always guaranteed to be in the Cornucopia and being able to put distance between yourself and others made the most sense. You worked with a few other weapons, Haymitch giving you worried and disapproving looks the entire time. You got so sick of his looks you moved onto survival but got bored of that quickly so you just went upstairs to lay down.

Haymitch appeared in the doorway sometime later. “I’m sorry for yelling at you.”

“Thank you,” you said sitting up. You knew he was coming from a place of love and concern so you were done being mad. Besides, you had been a couple for so long that your arguments could almost always be resolved in a couple sentences.

“Half the tributes want to be our allies. They of course assume we’ll be allies with Katniss. Peeta too but mostly Katniss.”

“Okay well who of the potential allies know about the plan?”

“Wiress and Beetee, Finnick, and by association Mags and Annie,” he answered. “Although Enobaria wants Katniss too but she and none of the other careers know. And a couple others from 5 through 10.”

“Did Katniss say anything?”

“She wants Wiress, Beetee, and Mags. But no Finnick. I told them she’s still considering.”

“What about Johanna, Blight, Chaff, and Seeder? I thought they knew.”

“They do, they just don’t necessarily want to get on Katniss’ crazy train,” he explained, taking a seat on the bed and throwing an arm around your shoulder. “That girl is a piece of work.”

You laughed a little. “She’s not that bad. Yes, a little volatile but so is Johanna and I like her. I like them both,” you added.

Haymitch hummed in agreement. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired but fine. I think everything is fine,” you placed a hand on your stomach. “I’m pretty sure fetuses can take a little knocking around. How would we have survived so long if they couldn’t?”

“Yeah, yeah, just take it easy. No getting punched in the gut,” he chided.

“Aw man, there go my dinner plans,” you jokingly whined.

“Shut up,” he chucked.

The next couple days were largely uneventful. You and Haymitch kept trying to convince Katniss to ally with Finnick or even Johanna but she refused, thinking that they’d stab her and Peeta in the back as soon as the biggest threats were taken out.

Eventually it was finally time for interviews the night before the games. With your permission Cinna tapped into the femme fatale look that had been part of your selling point your first games. It was a satin black dress with gold chains laid across the bodice and forming the straps. It had a high slit that came almost to your hip but your modesty was protected by delicate gold chains that held the top of the slit in place.

Your makeup was done dramatically again. Your red lips had been a part of your look the first games so Cinna had wanted to keep them this year. Your hair was done up in intricate braids with gold weaved through it so as to “not cover up too much of Cinna’s design,” one of the hair stylists told you.

You watched the other interviews as you got ready. You could see through all of them, whether they be extremely calculated or not, they were all a desperate cry to stop the games. Some were subtle like Cashmere and Gloss’ joint interview as “the family of the Capitol.” Johanna’s however, was not at all subtle as she screamed at the crowd and Snow for putting her back into the games. Some just made you outright feel bad for them. Like Annie and Finnick’s joint interview where she clung to his arm, hardly able to get out two words.

Eventually it was your turn. You stood in front of the stage entrance, trying to calm yourself down as Caesar introduced you. “Please welcome the winner of the 67th Hunger Games, Y/N L/N!”

You could hear the crowd erupt into cheers as the doors opened, blinding you. But you stepped out confidently nonetheless, eventually regaining partial sight. “Y/N, stunning as ever, wouldn’t you agree, folks?” Caesar began.

The crowd once again erupted into cheers. “You’re too kind Caesar.”

“I understand you have many sponsors who supported you in your original games and even after,” he explained. You hoped your face didn’t show it but you felt your heart stop. Was he really bringing up your torture in your very public interview? “Let’s hope they’re just as generous this year.”

“Oh I promise them I’ll make it worth their while,” you smirked into the microphone. You’ve been playing this game for a long time. What’s one more night?

“Now I have to ask as the mentor to the lovebirds of 12, is there anyone special in your life?” What kind of questions were these? You gave a polite laugh, shaking your head no. “Oh c’mon, really? With your looks? I find that hard to believe.”

“No not anyone,” you once again denied. “I’ve been on a few dates with some Capitol citizens but nothing serious. I guess eight years after the games still isn’t enough time to get over it.” You left the innocent look on your face.

It was sobering to the audience but Caesar quickly tried to bring the mood up again. “Well I just have a few more questions for you. We’re all very familiar with your protégée’s stylist. Tell me, are you working with Cinna too?”

“I am,” you agreed excitedly, giving them back the Capitol darling they had loved so dearly eight years ago. “No offense to my previous stylist but I think Cinna just gets me more.”

“I agree, this dress and the chariot parade dress suit you very well. And I have to say, you in flames? Breathtaking.”

“Aw thank you,” you smiled. “I’m sure Cinna appreciates it too.”

“Yes and we’re excited to see more of his work soon. Thank you Y/N, it’s been a pleasure. Give it up for Y/N L/N!” The crowd once again gave their cheers as you walked up the stairs, taking your place next to Chaff.

“Our next guest was the winner of the last Quarter Quell. Give it up for Haymitch Abernathy!” You watched as Haymitch approached, only able to see his back from your vantage point. “Haymitch, it’s been too long.”

“Not long enough in this context,” he laughed.

“Ah yes, but wouldn’t it be such an honor to win both Quarter Quells?” Caesar pressed. He probably already knew this would be a difficult interview for the Capitol.

“In theory I suppose. I’m mostly concerned about getting some of the younger victors out though.” The crowd let out cries of sympathy.

“How considerate,” Caesar said solemnly. “And tell us, what was it like to mentor our lovebirds coming up next?”

Haymitch pondered for a second, not quite sure how to answer. He has spent the whole night trying to decide if he’d tell the Capitol about your relationship. “Well I can tell you it wasn’t easy. Katniss can be a little headstrong.”

“Oh well we all know that,” Caesar laughed. “And Peeta?”

“He’s a very kind boy. They’re great together.”

Caesar laughed. “Yes well it’s nice to hear that from someone close to the couple. Now what about you? We’ve already heard from your original protégée about her love life, what about yours? We haven’t heard much from you in the past 25 years.”

Haymitch really thought about dropping a bomb like Peeta did last year but realizing how valuable your sponsors could be in the games, he thought better of it. “Not really. Y/N said that eight years isn’t enough time to get over being in the games. Twenty-five isn’t enough either.”

“Ah well I wish you the best of luck. Ladies and gentlemen, Haymitch Abernathy!”

He joined you up on the platform, squeezing your hand quickly before turning his attention to Katniss as she walked out on stage. Her dress was beautiful, a little over the top but Cinna had outdone himself. The crowd was losing their minds realizing that was Katniss’ unused wedding dress. The audience was completely captivated by her, especially when she revealed the Mockingjay dress that Cinna had weaved into the wedding dress that Snow no doubt made her wear. A daring display of defiance that you unfortunately knew someone would pay the price for.

Next came Peeta with his suave attitude from last year. They spoke for a moment until Caesar brought up the unfulfilled wedding.

“Actually we got married. In secret,” he revealed. You glanced at Katniss as inconspicuously as possible. Fortunately she kept her expression neutral. “We want our love to be eternal. Katniss and I, we’ve been luckier than most. I wouldn’t have any regrets at all if it weren’t…” Caesar pressed him. The entire Capitol was in the edge of their seats, hell you were too. “If it weren’t for the baby.”

The Capitol was shocked, you were shocked, the other victors were shocked, even Katniss was shocked. The audience was losing its mind, some even shouting to stop the games. You half wondered if Peeta knew you were pregnant. He made his way up to the stage, hugging Katniss. You still faced the audience when you felt Haymitch’s hand grab yours. Looking over you could see Katniss holding his other hands so you grabbed Chaff’s wrist. Once everyone was linked you all lifted your arms up. The Victors joined in solidarity against these games and the Capitol.

Part VII | Masterlist | Part IX

#haymitch #haymitch x reader #haymitch abernathy #haymitch abernathy x reader #thg #the hunger games #the hunger games x reader

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quitealotofsodapop · 7 months

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What if ( monkey king 2023)red girl meets red son

How would she react to spicynoodles and their children and what would red girl and red son think about each other?

Red Son teleports to Flower Fruit Mountain, only to see Red Girl trying to fight the other SWKs for their staffs. Small fires are following the little imp's path, and Red Son quickly steps in to quell the flames - grabbing his alternate counterpart by the scruff of her clothes like she were a kitten.

Red Girl: "ARRGH! You will rue the day you crossed paths with Red Girl peasant! Eat fire!" *shoots flames onto Red Son* Red Son, not even fazed: "Cute." Red Girl: "Huh? Why aren't you burning to death and stuff?" Red Son: "Because I'm a fire demon too? Also your method is appalling, my daughters have more control than you and they can't even walk yet." Red Girl: "You take that back!" *tackles him*

After another quick scuffle (+the offended SWK getting his stick back), Red Son quickly realises that this is an alternate version of them. Red Girl is not amused in the slightest.

Red Girl: "No! I won't be friends with *any* version of the Monkey King!!" Red Son: "I understand that it's a bit of a shock-" Red Girl: "He defeated me, and my baba. And now my mama is all alone!" Red Son: "He did what?!" *hair fires up* Netflix!SWK: *chuckling nervously* "Well it's a funny story. See I was on my mission to defeat 100 demons-" *Netflix!SWK narrowly misses two different fire balls* Red Son: "How many other families did you destroy!?" Netflix!SWK: *astral projecting* "MK please get your mate, I'm scared."

Later it's cleared up that Red Girl's father is currently trapped in the Underworld like she had been - according to the 2D sequence in the netflix film; DBK likely wasn't killed like some of the other demons. And you know Red Son would violate many inter-dimensional laws to help his younger self, and drag Netflix!SWK straight to his world's Diyu for pickup.

Meanwhile as Red Son and Netflix!SWK are on their Underworld heist; Red Girl is left in the care of some familiar faces.

LMK! PIF & DBK: *silently sitting around the living room with Red Girl* Red Girl: "...you both look like my mama and baba. But it's not the same." PIF: "I understand, firelily." Red Girl: *silently scoots closer for a hug* PIF & DBK: *PIF silently wraps her arms around the little demoness, while DBK rests his chin on his wife's shoulders* Red Girl: "You got left alone too, didn't you?" DBK: *small sigh of sadness* PIF, tears pricking her eyes: "Yes... Not the exact way your mother was but... I was alone for a very long time." Red Girl: "Why didn't you kill you Monkey King though? If he hurt you so bad?" PIF, light chuckle: "Well our grandchildren certainly wouldn't approve." Red Girl: "Huh???" DBK: "The Monkey King is not only my sworn brother, but also my brother-in-law. His son is married to our Red." Red Girl, takes a moment to compute: "......EEEWWWW!!! Gross! A monkey!?" PIF & DBK: *both laughing fondly*

Later when Red Girl and her family are fully reunited, she demands answers from LMK!Red. Red Son decides that the easiest way to explain is to show Red Girl a certain someones.

Red Son: *holding Red Girl's hand as they approach the nursery* "Are you sure you still want to see them?" Red Girl: "Y-yes! I wanna know what vile monkey spawn has you under this spell!" Red Son: "M'kay. Don't say I didn't warn you." *Opens nursery door. MK is standing inside singing to their eldest twins* MK, joy written all over his face: "Sunflower! You're back!" *MK and Red Son meet half-way for smooches* MK, is aware of their little adventure: "And who's you little friend?" Red Girl: (,,◕　⋏　◕,,) Red Son: "My alternate dimension counterpart. I had to help the younger Sun Wukong make things right with them." MK: "Such a gentleman." *turns attention back to Red Girl* "I hear that you wanted to see the babies, Little Red?" Red Girl: *slowly nods head* MK: "Ok, they're asleep in their crib right now. Try and not make much sound. They're little firecrackers at the best of times." Red Girl: *approaches crib, peering over the side* Xuancao & Yingsu [#1 & 2]: *sound asleep and breathing softly. are curled into eachother like kittens* Red Girl: "......" Red Son: "Well little sister. What do you think of them?" Red Girl: *starts sniffling* MK & Red Son: *rush to comfort her* MK: "Hey, hey. It's ok firelily. Tell me what's wrong?" Red Girl, ugly sobbing: "Where's my MK!?" MK & Red Son: "Eh??" Red Girl: "I wanna beautiful and kind husband too!!" MK & Red Son: "Ah." "I told mother the same thing when I was that age."

Ultimately Red Son sees the Netflix counterpart as the little sister he never had. Red Girl in turn adores her honorary big sibling - but is every envious of Red Son's beautiful mate.

Netflix!SWK laughs when he hears the story from LMK!SWK - as if he'll have any kids to make his own MK! XD Netflix's LEM blushes, their six ears fluttering with the prophetic sounds of baby monkey chirping.

#wukongverse #the monkey king netflix #red girl #lmk red son #spicynoodlesshipping #spicynoodles #spicynoodles being parents #lmk ironbull #lmk princess iron fan #lmk pif #lmk demon bull king #lmk dbk #lmk demon bull family #lmk aus #the monkey king and the infant #the monkey king and the infant au

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klarolineashur1919 · 16 days

Text

La Tua Cantante Series

Pathetic Little Thing

Part 1: Alec

"Is this the start of you rebellious teen phase?" Alec trailed along Jane in this little park they came upon.

"As long as we clean up after ourselves the masters won't care too much" She says nonchalantly her eyes landing on a couple in the distance.

"What about no feeding on the locals?" Alec piped up one of the Volturi's rules for living in the town.

"Occasionally the locals end up on the tours, as long as we don't make this little outing a habit it should be fine" Alec and Jane stared at the little teenage couple who probably snuck out of their parents house to meet here. It was very late at night hardly anyone was out.

"Do you want to join me?" Jane asked still staring at them with a look that if Alec didn't know his sister he would have thought was jealousy.

"No actually, maybe Ill stumble upon my own act of rebellion" Alec lightly chuckled and Jane preceded to hers. Alec wandered off in the opposite direction of Jane's fun. It was a few minutes passing of wandering and Alec thought maybe he wouldn't find a midnight snack.

Alec started to feel something as he walked as if something was pulling him in a certain direction. He then eventually smelled what he was craving. Blood.

Suddenly he heard a girl's voice screaming that perked up his ears.

As he focused on the girls screams that sounded like it was towards a group of italian boys. They were laughing and speaking in things in italian that dulled Alec but also made him wrinkle his nose in disgust. He also heard dogs barking and growling as he approached the scene.

He saw as a group of italian boys probably around twenty in numbers were surrounding a girl. Some of them were surrounding two German Shephards holding them by their leashes antagonizing them.

Alec moved towards the group unnoticed when he stepped on something. Realizing they had the contents on the girls purse all over the area around them as he picked up her passport.

Aisling Barton. 14 years old. American from New York.

"Tourist" he ringed smirking as he threw the ID over his shoulder.

The boys were playing with Aisling, they pulled at her hair, ripped at her clothes, hit her in different places, threw things at her while she frustratingly was trying to communicate with them. She kept making erratic movements with her hands. It then hit Alec that she was deaf. But then he saw her dark brown almost black eyes and how they weren't focused on anything. She was blind as well as deaf. What a pathetic little thing Alec thought as he watched the scene before him. He leaned against a tree as if he watching a show.

But the more Alec just stood by and watched it happened. Something snapped inside him that he thought was gone long ago.

Memories.

Her screaming was replaced with his.

Once he was just poor boy who everybody but his family hated. They saw him as an easy target, an easy person to blame for all their troubles. Him and his sister were beaten, tormented and bullied daily just because they were different. The villagers children would always attack them in groups. The group of boys started to get even closer to her.

Surrounding them as they beat them nearly to death. They were stomping on her to the point Alec heard bones crunching. They put them under their heels and spit at them from above. One of the boy pressed his heel into her temple then Alec noticed something.

Silence.

The girl had stopped long ago with her sobs. She stayed silent as they started to pull up her legs. Jane stayed silence too.

"This is boring" Alec said loud enough for one of the boys to turn. Before the boy could say a word Alec's mist had reached him, it had reached all of them.

Part 2: Aisling

Aisling felt alone in her hotel. Girls that were in the studying abroad program left hours ago. But she did have Aries and Athena laying on each side of her. She couldn't sleep in this new place. She didn't want to be here but her parents shipped her off to wherever they could.

She was a hindrance to them.

Even though she was a very independent girl.

Too independent as she decided to take a night walk. She was completely reliant on Aries and Athena at night when it came to her sight. But she enjoyed night walks. The stillness and freshness in the air. At night the busyness of everything was completely at peace. It seemed even more so in this town. But then she felt something start to happen. Several feet on the ground. Then before she knew it she was knocked to the ground. She could feel Aries and Athena going crazy and then they were pulled from her. She tried to not let go of the leashes but they stomped on her hands. She cried out clutching her hands to her chest. She was surrounded and she knew it. She tried to sign to them but they just pulled her in different directions clutching at her clothes. She kept trying to communicate with them hoping they would understand but screamed out in fear and frustration when her purse was finally taken from her. She kept trying to sign but their hands on her, the rocks and foul-smelling cans that met their mark, her clothes barely holding together, she accepted her fate. They started to kick and stomp on her making Aisling barely conscious.

She thought she was going to die as a man's heel pressed against her temple but ended up just kicking her head. They started to pull her body to the ground but something happened. All the bodies froze and then something miraculous happened. She felt a sort of mist come upon her and her senses changed. Her vision became it's usual grayish blur that it was during the day but never at night. Her hearing was better than her usual. She could usual only hear very loud bass music but right now she could hear boys screaming. She felt Aries and Athena come back to her side. Athena going behind her barking but she seemed frightened.

Aries stood in front of Aisling barking wildly as if he was afraid too but he would die to protect her. Aisling tried to make sense of her new found senses. She could see movement and the bodies still before they fell. She was actually shocked she never had been able to see the shapes of things before. But now she saw the bodies standing still or kneeling down while a force moved one by one to them. Some dropping to the ground while others they're bodies became halves of themselves flying in the air. Aisling didn't understand.

The screams were the worst part. It was the first human sound Aisling ever heard and it terrified her. But all of a sudden it stopped.

Part 3: Aisling & Alec

Alec came closer to being in front of Aisling.

She wondered what he was an animal...an archangel...a monster.

"Strange" Alec almost purred as he sucked the blood off his fingers staring closely at the girl before him.

Aisling ears perked up as she still felt the mist around her and realized it was the reason she could hear. But she didn't hear what the voice said only knew a voice came from whatever was in front of her. Even as she imagined or she actually could hear her babies still barking.

"You know you're the bravest dog I've ever met" Alec kneeled before Aries as the dog was the only thing standing between him and Aisling.

Athena had started to back away making Aisling confused. She never felt her dogs this scared before. What was in front of her?

Then she felt the mist start to leave and her vision went black. Little bit of sound she heard for the first time was gone.

"What to do with you?" Alec hummed melodic type of way as he surveyed the girl as she laid on the ground twisted up in different ways.

She gently started to pull the German Shephard to the side of her making a space between Alec and her. Alec sat there wondering what he wanted to do.

He could tell she was trying to use the dog to get up but she was weak. But her hand started to crawl up the ground towards him and he moved away. He knew she could tell because her hand stopped. Alec looked around perplexed as to why he was even thinking about this. But for some reason he just couldn't go for the kill. She's such a pathetic little thing there was no fun in it. Then something caught his eye. A phone on the ground by her purse. He slowly walked and kneeled down to it picking it up. He stood up playfully tossing it up and down in his hand catching it as he stared down at the pathetic little thing.

"Decisions....Decisions" He looked around at the mess he made realizing it was quite a mess.

Then truly looked at the braille phone and realized his first call to make.

"Felix come to the exact location I text you and come with haste" He ended the call and texted the description of the spot. He didn't want to clean this up. Call it laziness if you want. His eyes never left the girl as he wondered if he should leave her for Felix. He turned around ready to leave thinking he was going mad for even making it a decision but he didn't know what it was that made him go no further. A cosmic pull..an instinct whatever it was something snapped in Alec that he could not leave this girl to die. He rushed over to the girl lifting her up like she was made of glass. Something in him tensed all over that her animals faded into the background.

Everything around him became different as he held her to him. It was her...her smell..her blood..

He needed to hurry for whatever he was going to do. He rushed to the nearest public place at this time of night. Called the phone again. 112 he dialed for an ambulance. Saying the address and condition of the girl before hanging up. He with uncharacteristic gentleness laid her against a wall. He stared at her for a time and she raised her head to him. Did she know he was there? He didn't know never took the time understand her kind he thought as if she was another species from mortal. He was leaving her when she reached up toward him but he left to quickly. He waited on a rooftop nearby for them to come. Eventually someone joined him.

"You owe me" A growl came from his side.

"Is it taken care of?" Alec didn't take his eyes off the girl.

"I surveyed the mess you made and called Santiago. He'll clean it up" Felix said in a prideful manner that Alec thought he had no business in having.

"That's not what I asked" Alec calmly straightened his cuffs as the ambulance came.

"I am not your errand boy" Felix sneered as Alec smirked. He still didn't bother looking at him even as mist started to leave his hands making Felix step back.

"I won't tell if that's what you want" He said through gritted teeth still slowly stepping back but the mist kept coming.

"I'll make Santiago keep quiet as well plea-" Felix actually tripped over his own feet making Alec giggle and turn around while the ambulance was leaving. Alec strolled over to Felix ending up kneeling next to him.

"Next time do as you were told like a good boy" Alec roughly patted his cheek making Felix grimace. Alec causally got up making his way back to the park.

"Incompetence" Alec gave a disappointed shrug at the scene before. Blood specks still littered the ground. He still smelled death in the air not that he minded the smell. He even thought he saw an ear on the ground or a bit of throat. Beer bottles and cans covered in blood.

That didn't annoy him though.

It was the contents of Aisling Barton's purse that littered the ground still. He kneeled down annoyed snatching up the purse itself. There he saw a card to the Hotel San Lino. Alec bit his lip and stared at it.

He made a decision that night. Something that not Jane or Aro helped him make and one neither of them would approve of.

He debated over it but he made it all the same.

That he was going to see her again.

#alec volturi #Alec volturi x oc #alec volturi imagine #alec volturi x reader #volturi imagines #volturi fanfiction #the volturi #volturi x reader #volturi guard

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goddessonstage · 1 month

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i noticed your requests are open, so im passing by to leave a little note ♪

what do you think about the kamado siblings seeing an older sibling figure in reader? theres not enough platonic and familial works !!

(you can put this request at the back of yor priorities, feel free to discard it if you dont like it)

family again !

∘ incl. tanjiro kamado, nezuko kamado

∘ reader: gender-neutral, no pronouns specified

∘ content: platonic, fluff, slight angst, headcanons, reader knew the kamado family prior to the start of the story, reader is a bit older than them

∘ note: i love platonic/familial works sm omg 😭 there fr needs to be more of them

btw, i'm very sorry that this work came out later than anticipated! school had me drained but spring break starts so i'll be much more active :)

∘ you knew tanjiro and nezuko back when they lived in the mountains with their family. you were a bit older than them, but you liked spending time with them nonetheless. you lived in the village with most of the others, but you often climbed up the snowy mountains to see them and the rest of their family. you would usually help kie, their mother, with her work and help with taking care of her children. and when tanjuro died, you spent most of your time with the rest of the kamados.

∘ during the time when most of the kamado family passed, you were on a trip to visit your family, who lived a couple towns away. upon visiting the kamado family again, you didn't see them. you only saw 5 graves. the house you once used to visit frequently was completely tidy, but you noticed a splatter of dried up blood. you had no clue what had happened, and you could only leave with mixed thoughts in your head.

∘ you eventually moved out from the village and moved to a different one, nearby the bustling streets of asakusa. as the years passed, you eventually moved on from whatever had happened with the kamado family, but you couldn't help thinking about them every now and then.

∘ you walked down the streets of asakusa. it was night, but the streets were still extremely busy and crowded. you noticed commotion going on, and as you walked to the source of it, interest piqued, you recognized the cause of the commotion being tanjiro himself.

∘ after the streets settled down and people resumed with their night, you slowly approached tanjiro with a concerned look on your face. he would almost immediately recognize you, but he would urge you to follow him so he can go check up on nezuko.

∘ as you two walked back to the udon stand he left nezuko at, you two managed to catch up on most of what happened. hearing that the rest of his family passed was devastating, but you didn't want to press on the matter in case it was still a sensitive topic for him. you weren't well informed on the topics of "demons", as most of your family didn't believe in them. it was a bit difficult to believe that nezuko was a demon at first, anyway. she seemed less hostile and more calm around you, leaning her head on your shoulder as tanjiro continues to fill in on what you had missed while he and nezuko were slaying demons.

∘ TANJIRO is extremely respectful towards you, trying to help you with your duties. if you are asked to do something for another person, he'd insist on completing it for you, no matter how easy or difficult the task is. he isn't the most opposed to bringing nezuko on missions, but if he's given a mission nearby your place, he might consider dropping her off at your place, knowing that she'll be safe under your care.

∘ if he has to stay at the butterfly mansion, he'll most likely invite you there so you can help take care of nezuko. as time passes by and he recovers, he'll treat you to a nice meal or anything else you might want in return for taking care of his younger sister. he'll constantly thank you for your good deeds, no matter how much you tell him that you don't need to thank him. he's very grateful for your help.

∘ although he's taken the role as sort of the "mother" of his friend group, he realizes that it's nice to depend on someone every once in a while. you helped him realize that, with your "motherly/fatherly" personality and your instinct to help and protect the people you care about. because you aren't well knowledgeable on demons, he likes to tell you about them so you are more cautious about them and stay safe.

∘ NEZUKO would most likely see you as kie or tanjuro -- probably kie since she was more present in her life. she adores your company, and likes to play with your hair when tanjiro drops her off at your place. she can't really communicate with the bamboo in her mouth, but she tries to communicate with you with hand gestures, body language, or things like that.

∘ if you have longer hair, she likes to play with your hair and style it into different hairstyles. if you keep a specific hairstyle, or if you had a specific hairstyle back when she was human, she may want you to style her hair into that hairstyle. "for old times", tanjiro says.

∘ she doesn't really eat much, nor does she complain, so she's quite easy to take care of -- just watch her for a bit and keep her company so she doesn't feel lonely.

∘ she likes to hug you or just be by your side in general, clinging onto you like a baby koala occasionally. if you're doing something as simple as making a snack, she'll want to watch your every move with sparkling eyes.

∘ she might pick up on some of your traits, as well!

#demon slayer #demon slayer x reader #kimetsu no yaiba #kimetsu no yaiba x reader #kny #kny x reader #tanjiro kamado #tanjiro #nezuko #nezuko kamado #💌 aurora's works

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dr-spencer-reids-queen · 5 months

Text

Demonology: Part Two

Pairing: Spencer Reid x Female!Reader

Word Count: ~2.2k

Summary: What makes someone evil? The things they do or because of what’s inside them? If children are born innocent, at what point does evil enter them? Everyone’s beliefs and faiths are tested on a religious level.

Warnings: canon violence, canon language, canon talk of death, methods of kill

Author’s Note: I do not own anything from Criminal Minds. All credit goes to their respective owners. If there are any warnings that exceed the normal death/kills from the show, I will list them. If you’ve seen the show, then it’s the same level of angst unless otherwise stated

"What happened?"

"I think there may be a third victim. We have ligature marks, the Spain connection, and scuff marks under the bed," Emily says.

"Y/N?"

"All I saw were five people in Patrick's room all dressed like priests. Three of them were physically holding Patrick down while one of them performed the exorcism. There isn't evidence to show foul intention. It looked like a real exorcism."

"Hotch, it's weird, but there's no way to physically connect dehydration, a heart attack, and an aneurysm," Derek says.

Hotch looks at the ground in thought, and his eyebrows furrow in concern.

"What's going on?"

"We've had a complaint. JJ's trying to smooth it over with DC police, but we haven't been invited to the case."

Hotch leaves and Emily turns to Derek with anger in her eyes.

"That's how you have my back?"

"Prentiss, I'm trying to protect you."

"I don't need protection."

"Hotch just said he got a complaint, and he didn't come down on you. Do you realize that? You just dodged a bullet. We have to approach this just like we do any other case."

"Emily, you're too close to this case."

"What the hell does that mean?"

"You're grieving over your friend dying. You want to see a connection where there may be none."

"That woman couldn't even use Patrick's name. She could only say, 'my fiancé' because she's convinced something else died in that room that night."

It's the way she said it that has you shocked.

"Emily!"

She walks away without another word. Hotch is watching from his office where Rossi is also, and you walk over to them to talk about Emily's behavior. You haven't talked to Emily directly about this, but you've been observing her the whole day. There is something she is hiding about all of this and she won't get anywhere if she doesn't come clean about it.

"Can I talk to you both?" you ask and knock on the door.

"Come in."

"Look, Emily is desperate for answers about her friend. He died and she won't accept that it could have been a heart attack. I'm really worried about her."

"Keep an eye on her. You can read her better than I can," Hotch says.

"You got it."

"As far as the police are concerned, there is no open murder investigation," JJ says and walks into the office. "We have no reason to be investigating if they're not."

"They're right. All we have are three men who died of three very different natural causes."

"We're just going to drop it?" Rossi asks. "Y/N says she saw five people performing an exorcism."

"Dave, do you really believe we're dealing with someone trying to exorcize demons?"

"It doesn't matter what I believe. Possession, mental illness, exorcist, unsub? Who cares what's true? People are dying."

"He's right, Hotch. This isn't about religion. It's about evil. We attack it with analysis and diligence. I think we should be looking at the churches."

"All hail the mistress of information," Penelope announces her presence. "I got a posting from a web bulletin board by Matthew Benton to create a support group for people who felt betrayed by their faith."

"That explains how the three men came together."

"It gets better. The week the three of them were in Spain, the services at Santiago de Compostela were canceled when the priest there died."

"How?"

"Heart attack, but if you listen to the conspiracy chatter, there is a strong belief he was killed to interrupt services during the height of the pilgrimage."

"How?" JJ asks.

"Their best guess is some kind of gas, sarin or VX, something that wouldn't show up in an autopsy. It could induce stress and cause a heart attack."

"Now we have a motive," you say, "with a potential MO. An eye for an eye."

"Without an invitation from the police, I cannot authorize an investigation. This has to be kept quiet."

Emily is talking to someone by her desk, and based on her expressions, she knows the man. Rossi looks at you and nudges you to follow him, so you let him lead you down to where Emily and her friend are.

"David Rossi and Y/N, this is John Cooley. He was also a friend of Matthew."

"I'm sorry for your loss. Is there anyone he associated with out of the ordinary? Anyone overtly religious?"

"Not that I'm aware of. I've been doing my best to retrace his steps, but I still haven't come up with anything."

"Can we buy you a cup of coffee?" Rossi asks Emily.

"Yeah. I will call you if I hear anything," she says to John. You're not sure why Rossi wants you here, but you can read her better than anyone. Rossi gets both of you coffee, but instead of drinking it at the coffee shop, he takes you two to an abandoned house that's been fenced off. "There are nicer places to take a girl for coffee."

"Have you ever seen The Exorcist?"

"Yeah."

"The real case started right here. The fire department actually burned down the house themselves. The authorities referred to the boy as Robbie Doe. He's still in the DC area today."

"Why did you bring me here?"

"A whole lot of effort went into destroying the house of a kid who probably had onset Schizophrenia or Tourette's Syndrome."

"I'm sorry, I'm not following you."

"You're sure Matthew was murdered. So, what's the story?" Emily immediately becomes closed off, and she can barely look at you. "If you don't want to explain, that's fine but if you do, then I'm all in."

"I can leave if you don't want me here."

"No, it's fine. I'm sorry for what I said back there. You didn't deserve that."

"It's okay."

"Matthew knew the bible inside and out, and he started to question everything. We moved around a lot when I was a kid because of my mom's postings. It was hard to get accepted, and when you're fifteen, that's all you want. You'll do almost anything."

"You got pregnant, did you?" Rossi asks.

"Yeah."

"Was Matthew the father?"

"No. I didn't know what to do. I couldn't tell my mom. Matthew suggested I talk with our priest. He said that if I had an abortion, I wouldn't be welcome in his congregation."

"What did you do?" you ask.

"Matthew found a doctor and took me there. He stayed with me the whole time. That Sunday when we got back to Rome, he held my hand and walked me into the church. Father Gamino actually stopped his sermon, Matthew told me to hold my head up, and we walked to the front pew. He and Matthew just stared at each other. It was like a battle of wills, and then suddenly, Father Gamino went back to his sermon. Matthew saved my life. He made me feel like I was worthy of love and friendship."

"That's when the anger and questioning started, didn't it?"

"Yeah. He started doing drugs, and when that melded with his religious questioning, you can understand why his parents were afraid he was possessed by something evil. It's my fault that Matthew's life unraveled." You get tears at her story because her grief and emotions roll over to you. "You of all people should know how I feel."

"I do." You bring her in for a hug and rub her back soothingly. "Nothing you say or do will change how I view you, how much I respect you, and how much I love you. I am here for you through anything you want to come to me for."

"Thank you. I appreciate that."

"Garcia uncovered some information. It's possible Matthew and the others killed someone in Spain," Rossi lays it on the line.

"No. I don't believe that."

"I'm just saying if we keep pushing, you have to be prepared for what we might discover."

"I need Matthew to rest in peace. I owe him that," she sighs.

"Then let's give the profile."

"The police haven't invited us in."

"We're not giving it to the police. I believe we're trying to catch a priest who is killing people who he believes to be 'not right' with society. The profile will only do us good if we give it to other priests."

Rossi's friend he visited earlier, Father Davison, gathers all the priests he can in the local area to hear this profile. One of these people knows who your unsub is, and you hope they will come clean and prevent him from killing others. Some aren't too happy to be here, but Father Davison quickly eases their concerns.

"As I was saying to the agents, this is a topic on which we usually agree to silently disagree."

"We respect that," Emily states. "We are not here to examine your beliefs in demonology or exorcism, but we are operating on the theory that the person responsible for these deaths does believe."

"We believe the inciting incident was the death of Father Raul del Toro in Galicia, Spain four months ago."

"How so, David?" Father Davison says.

"There's someone who believes that the death was actually a murder."

"You're not suggesting that this is some kind of retribution, are you?"

"Even a priest can have a psychotic break. He may be under the delusion that he is working for God. The man we're looking for would be obsessed with the event in Galicia. He believes he's fighting evil and may very well have followed these men here to Washington. We also believe that one of the exorcisms took place over enough days for the victim to die of dehydration."

"If I may," Father Davison interrupts, "an exorcism is like a prize fight. It's completely draining, both physically and spiritually. Now, if this man truly performed three rituals within the last few weeks, he would need medical care."

"Is there somewhere he would go?"

"Anything less than a working hospital would be too dangerous."

You and Spencer make eye contact since you two are thinking the same exact thing. You two excuse yourselves from the meeting to call Penelope who is eager to help.

"Garcia, it's Reid and Y/N."

"Speak boy and girl wonder," she grins.

"I need you to run Catholic hospital records. Look for any admissions for exhaustion immediately following Patrick Cavanaugh's death."

"Typing as you speak. I need more."

"Run the same search for the days following the first two deaths," you add.

"Oh, I sense a cross-check in my future."

"Do you have anything?"

"Father Paul Silvano. Currently at St. Agatha's Hospital in room 214."

If Paul is your unsub, then he must know the Feds and police are closing in on him. You're not sure how this is going to go which is why you, Rossi, Emily, and Spencer head to the hospital to talk to him. Four people are enough to overtake him if he decides to try anything. When you get there, Paul is completely calm and collected. He's packing up his things since he's being discharged right now. He doesn't seem too concerned with the Feds coming to him,

From the first sight of him, you know he's the unsub. You can see Thomas, Matthew, and Patrick through him. Their spirits and energies attached themselves to him like a parasite.

He murdered them.

You nudge Rossi and give him two nods to let him know you have your unsub.

"Are you Father Paul Silvano?"

"Yes."

"Were you present at the Deaths of Thomas Valentine, Matthew Benton, and Patrick Cavanaugh?"

"I've been expecting you."

"He asked you a question," Emily glares.

"Yes, I was present."

"You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say--"

"Guarda nel cassetto del tavolo dietro di te," he says in Italian.

"What did he say?" Spencer asks.

"He wants you to look in the drawer." You walk past them and open the drawer to find papers inside. Upon further examination, you see what these papers truly are. "What is it?"

"It's diplomatic status. He has immunity."

He can't be held liable for a violation of the law in this country. The Italian government must have granted him this when he came over here. It doesn't matter if he has it or not. He was present for all three murders, which makes him a witness. It doesn't seem to bother him when Rossi and Emily take him back to the BAU to be questioned.

In fact, he's as calm as can be. He truly believes he can't get in trouble for whatever he's doing. Emily is fucking pissed at this because she knows he killed her friend, and it's quite clear to everyone else. Not only was he present, but he has immunity which makes him look like a guilty man who is only protected by a piece of paper.

Emily is inside the room with him alone since she requested that you, Rossi, and JJ are outside watching them talk.

"Explain to me why you were the last person in the room when three men died."

"I'm a priest. I was there for them spiritually."

"They weren't on their deathbeds."

"Not physically."

"Did you kill them?"

"No."

"But you're not sorry any of them are dead?"

"Physical death is always sad, but now their souls are in Heaven. For that, their families have peace."

"His record is spotless up until four months ago. There's no history of mental illness. He even got invited to say mass at the Washington National Cathedral," JJ says.

"What happened four months ago?"

"It doesn't provide any details. It just says he took a sabbatical for personal reasons. Four months ago is when that priest died in Spain. It looks like he lobbied the Vatican for a diplomatic posting but they refused. After that, he took the world hunger mission from the Italian Government, which brought him here with immunity."

"Where's Hotch?" Rossi asks.

"He's on the phone with the State Department."

"Gather the others. I'll be there In a second."

JJ leaves and you turn your attention back to Emily and Paul.

"Did you know the priest who died in Galicia?"

"Father Del Toro and I were at seminary together. That's where I met him."

"Did you know that Matthew Benton and the other men were in Galicia the week he died?"

"Yes."

"Do you believe they committed murder?"

"I was contacted by a family member. He was frightened. He told me his real son never returned home from that trip. I said that I could help rid his child of evil."

"What did you tell the other family members after you watched their sons die? That it was God's will?"

"I never laid a hand on anyone with malice in my life."

"Then explain these deaths to me."

"Rossi, she's too close to this," you say. "She shouldn't be questioning him. He killed her friend, and she is grieving. She needs to take a step back."

"You know the power of evil. You've been fighting it a long time. The storm is almost over."

He says something in Italian to her, and she responds in the same language. Rossi doesn't comment on what you said. Instead, he guides you out of the room and over to the briefing room where everyone else is.

"What'd he say?" Spencer asks.

"He claims he was invited by the families, and he has them believing their loved ones are in a better place."

"They're all devout. The people they loved were troubled. With his stature, it's either believe they're in a better place or live with the guilt."

"It doesn't matter. We can't arrest him," you sigh.

"Can we deport him?"

"Probably not. It's crazy. Diplomatic immunity wasn't intended to shield people from murder charges."

"Why doesn't Hotch bypass the State Department and go straight to the Italian Government?" Penelope asks.

"He'll lose his career. The State Department won't risk the potential embarrassment. They'll shut us all down."

"What do we do now?" Spencer asks.

"Did you check his papers with ICE?" you ask Penelope.

"Yeah. His diplomatic status runs till the end of the month."

"That's weird. He told Emily 'The storm's almost over'. Forget priests. Think unsub. He's a believer. He deals in certainties. In his mind, he has a job to do, which doesn't end until the end of the month. The storm's almost over."

"There's another victim on his list."

Follow my library blog @aqueenslibrary where I reblog all my stories, so you can put notifications on there without the extra stuff :)

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blacklesbothatlovestowrite · 1 year

Text

Shuri x Fem

The Girl with The Tattoos pt 2

Shuri POV

Getting Mbali back to the palace was pretty easy, after she had thrown up she passed out. While she was out, I had Aneka and Ayo stop by her apartment so I could grab her a few things.

Her apartment was very her, or the her that I could remember anyway. She’d painted all over the walls, but what stopped me in my tracks was a painting on the wall of me.

The painting was of myself, T’Challa and my mother. T’challa and my mother above me in the sky looking down. She drew them in the ancestral plane. The look on my face in the painting was pure devastation, it unnerved me to see it.

Another wall was of the Palace garden with two young girls chasing each other. One wearing a tribal gown, and the other in tribal furs.

Realizing I was taking too long, I went into her bedroom found a bag and started to pack some clothes for her. I grabbed her essentials, like her hygiene products and her artist kit.

By the time we arrived back at the palace is was late. I bid Aneka and Ayo a goodnight and took Mbali to my quarters.

I put her things down on my coffee table and stripped her of the skintight dress. She wore only panties under the dress, I put my own oversized t-shirt over her head and cleaned off her makeup.

Once I knew she was settled in my bed, I went over to my work table and started back on my research. Sleep never came easy to me after the past few months so I adapted to it and focused on inventing things that could better protect Wakanda.

A few more hours pass before I’m exhausted enough to fall asleep and I knock out on my desk, not able to make it to the bed.

A scream wakes me up and I jolt, standing quickly looking around. I see Mbali standing on my bed taking in her surroundings.

“Princess!” Okoye bursts into my room, her face stone cold as she looks for the threat.

“Its ok, Okoye.” I say, wiping my eyes. “I’ve got this.”

Okoye looks from Mbali to me and gives me a look.

“Do you know what M’baku will do if he hears that his sister is here?” Okoye exclaims.

“The great gorilla will do nothing.” Mbali grimaces. “I’m an adult, he cannot dictate what I do as I am no longer Jabari. I have no people and therefore cannot be regulated.”

“Okoye, leave us.” I demand, seeing her gearing up to say something else. She nods her head before standing tall and marching out, closing the door behind her.

“Why am I here?” Mbali demands, her arms crossed over her chest.

“When did you start drinking?” I counter. The girl I knew so long ago was so different now.

“Why do you care?” Mbali snidely remarks. “I’ve been in the city for a long while so why do you suddenly care now?”

“I do not take part in the gossip and tea culture of Wakanda. I’ve spent the last year and a half grieving my loved ones, working in my lab and as you know fighting in the name of Wakanda.” I give her a scolding look. “Had I known you were here in the city, I would have seeked you out.”

“Why? You don’t even know me.” Mbali scoffs. “Sure we played together as children but—“

“Played together?” I scoff. I walk towards the bed and pull her down so she’s looking up at me. “I’ve been to your apartment. You and I both know there was more to it then that, I made you a promise and I sure as hell intend to keep it.”

“You never came…” She whispers, her anger melting away. She looks away, but I can hear the sniffle she tries to cover.

“I wanted to but I wasn’t in the right place to look for you. I’m still trying to heal and it is a struggle daily to get up and do as I’m supposed to.” My accent getting stronger.

“I saw you at T’challa’s funeral. You looked so hurt, so broken. I wanted nothing more than to comfort you but I figured you didn’t want me around especially since everyone knew I was in the city.” Mbali reveals and I stare at her, thinking of the painting on her wall. “When you lost your mother, I knew you were in a bad place. Yet I felt I couldn’t approach you, because you didn’t come for me.”

“Mbali when I saw you last night, the only thing going through my mind was ‘does she remember our promise?’ We were so young but I meant every word.” I declare.

“You must be disappointed…” I can smell the scent of her tears, as she continues looking away. I grasp her face in my hand and turn her to look at me. “Drinking to the point I act a fool in public….”

“Mbali. I could never be disappointed in you. You are the same girl I fell in love with as a child. I cannot judge you for doing whatever you did to survive. We all have our vices. I can only hope you’ll allow me to take away the need for those vices.” I beseech her to permit me to be there for her.

“I don’t want to let another person in.” She sobs. “I don’t think—no! I know I won’t be able to survive losing someone else. Everyone left me all alone.”

“I will never leave you, sthandwa.” I swear to her. “I know how it feels to lose the people you love, I would never do that to you. You have my word.”

“Shuri…” She sighs. “You’re to be Queen in only a few days. Tradition is sacred in Wakanda, they will never let you take a woman lover.”

“You’re right.” I confirm, watching as she looks devastated. “They will never accept me having a woman lover but they WILL accept my wife.”

“I…”

“What did I promise you all those years ago, Sthandwa?” I demand. She swallows, biting her lip.

“Say it.” My tone commanding, I needed her to say it.

“You promised to marry me. You said that I’d be your Princess.” She mutters, her chest rising and falling with every breath.

“And I meant it.” I acknowledge my promise. “You will be my Queen. I never had it in my mind to rule, never wanted to but you’ve reminded me that Wakanda needs a ruler that is openminded and willing to enact change”

I remove my family ring, the one that was given to me by my father and place it on her finger. It was identical to T’challa’s as our father gave us both a ring. I would keep T’challa’s ring as my wedding band.

“Will you be my Queen, Mbali daughter of Wakanda?” I ask her, my eyes pleading.

“You already placed the ring, silly.” She giggles through her tears, sniffling. I give her a look, impatiently. “Yes.”

With that one word, Mbali strengthened my heart ensuring I’d do everything in my power to heal as I planned to heal her.

—

I’m thinking of doing a few flashbacks in the upcoming parts. Let me know if you’d like me to upload this story to Wattpad. Until next time. 💕

#shuri udaku #wakanda forever #princess shuri #shuri black panther #shuri smut #shuri fluff #letitia wright #shuri angst #wlw #wlw love #lesbians #black panther #queen of wakanda #shuri fanfiction #shuri #black girl magic #shuri x oc #shuri x reader #shuri x fanfic

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asmrbrainrot · 1 month

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The Gator Boys & The Moon Witch Ch3~

After a few minutes of flying through the swamp the two whizzed past a faint golden glow, “That’s it!” Timothy shouted, fearing Esther might miss the cabin from which the light came from. The broom came to a screeching halt, before Esther could stop him the gator boy vaulted off of the broom and began running to the cabin as if the demons of Gehenna themselves were on his heels. “Wait up!” The woman hollered following behind him on her broom. The witch gathered her things (including a very shaken Bella) and entered the cabin behind her former aggressor. She was instantly hit with the acrid smell of bile and blood. Swiftly gaining her bearings Esther observed the “Friend” the young man had told her about. Strewn on the cabin floor before her was a huge halfblood gator that appeared to be in his late thirties. The man was tall, very fit and bore deep juniper green scales. Under different circumstances she might be intimidated; however, the once able-bodied gator was a pitiful sight at the moment. His statuesque frame lay shivering in pools of his own sick, his leathery skin glistening with beads of fevered sweat. “Them hunters got’im with a crossbow,” Timothy explained, “It didn’t hit too deep but I think it was tipped!” Esther cautiously approached the larger man inspecting the bandage that wrapped around his left shoulder. “Do you still have it?” She queried, “The arrow I mean.” There was no doubt the man had been poisoned, but Esther would do more harm than good if she didn’t know what exactly was in his system. Not to mention how a halfblood might react to such a poison. “Right here!” The young man affirmed, handing the bloodied projectile to her. “Okay then, go get some clean water and cloth-Oh and put a fire on! I got a feeling we’re gonna do a bit’a potion work tonight.” She ordered pointing to what appeared to be the kitchen adjacent from them. The smaller halfblood immediately sprung into action, gathering the necessaties as Esther prepped her own materials. From her knapsack she withdrew a jar of clear unassuming fluid. A potion of revealing, one of the first lessons she learned in magical healing. Careful not to knick herself, the witch detached the arrowhead from the rest of the arrow, before plopping it into the now opened jar, swishing it around a bit. The once translucent liquid quickly became a cloudy seafoam green. “What’s that mean?” Timmy chimed in, snapping Esther from her focus. Damn, that boy was fast! “Its water hemlock,” Esther explained “makes sense since y’all live in the marsh. The stuff grows all over.” The boy's face turned ashen. “Wait! Like poison hemlock!?” The halfblood gasped, amber eyes widening. “No no nonono!” He mumbled, dropping to his knees. No doubt he had heard the stories that surrounded the deadly herb, most often it affected children tempted by their flowers, or uneducated travelers that mistook them for wild parsnips. The effects were… not pretty. “Don't panic,” Esther commanded placing a comforting hand on the young man’s back “It seems to be in its early stages but we need to work fast if we want to-'' she was cut off by a violent thrashing, followed by a loud crack as an unfortunately placed wooden stool was reduced to splinters by the gator man’s muscular tail. Right, muscle spasms. A low beastial hiss escaped the man, crazed golden eyes scanning the stranger in his home. “It’s okay Bodie, it’s okay! I brought her here to help!” Timothy reassured the larger man to no avail. Only then had it occurred to her just how strong this man was, even in such a weakened state. She also realized how dangerous this could be for her, even the most gentle folks could be violent when in pain. Not to mention water hemlock was known for inducing hallucinations. “He’s not like this usually, honest!” the younger halfblood pleaded, sensing the witch’s hesitation, “Bodie’s just, not in his right mind is all! Please don’t leave!” Did this poor boy really think she was going to abandon them at the first sign of danger?

He couldn’t be more than nineteen and he’d just risked life and limb to get her here, to save someone who clearly was very dear to him. “Trust me son, I’ve seen worse than this,” she reassured, “we just need to be careful. Even peaceful folk do wild things when they're hurting, and by the divines I’m sure he’s hurting.” She began to draw various magical herbs and ingredients from her bag, preparing a makeshift ink from water and charcoal to prepare her glyphs. Now for the hard part; drawing the glyphs. “The potion is simple so I’ll talk you through it,” she instructed, “but I need to get this fever down fast. So I’m gonna use a spell, the thing is: I’ll have to get up close and personal.” Timmy gazed at Bodie, who had already fallen back into a fever induced sleep. “Do what you need to do.” He nodded. Esther grabbed a cloth Timothy had brought and gently brought it to Bodie’s forehead, wiping it down so she could place the glyphs.

She dipped her index finger into the charcoal mixture, praying the man before her would stay still long enough for her to cast the spell. As if on cue he started to stir. “I’m gonna need you to be still for a bit,” she soothed, brushing away the stray bangs that had fallen onto his face, “I won’t bother you for long.” “Mama?” The man croaked, squinting at the women who knelt over him. “Oh honey…” Esther’s heart melted at the gator man’s confabulation. Her stiletto nails combed through the man’s hair as yellow eyes brimming with tears gazed up at her. “Mama? Mama, I’m so sorry!” He hiccuped, hot tears rolling down his face, “I couldn’t save him…” He clearly needed someone right now, and despite her previous trepidations, the woman did her best to offer as much relief as she could. “It’s okay sweetie,” she cooed, “I’m here now, I’m here. I’m gonna help you best I can.”

Suddenly, the man threw an arm around her waist, holding her to his chest. She knew she could escape if she really wanted to, a few good kicks and she’d be free. But look at the poor man! He didn’t want to hurt her! If anything he was looking for comfort, and who was she to deny him. Besides this gave her an opportunity to get close enough to place the glyphs. “Don’t leave Mama…please, not again.” The man whimpered, pulling her into a hug. “Don’t worry honey I won’t.” She crooned, shifting slightly, “I promise I won’t.”

#ITS FINALLY HERE!#tbh I’ve had this in the chamber for awhile but I didn’t know if anyone would wanna see it #gator boys belongs to obsidian lantern #inhibitions be darned!#asmr roleplay #🐊🌙✨#siren son asmr #my fanfiction #fanfiction #fanfic #obsidian lantern #asmr #gator boys #angst #capital m audios #bodie belongs to capitalmaudios

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alpydk · 23 days

Text

Cabinet of Oddities (Part 19)

Stealth edits are incoming. Mostly to CH8 to dampen the smut. The next chapter is written and I find it too beautiful to want to smut it up further so the smut level of the entire piece has come down. (Sorry to those who wanted real smut). Honestly, I'm just enjoying writing this all so much and I am so so grateful to everyone who has taken the time to even read one chapter, let alone the amazing people who have left comments. Sorry, I'm just riding the post-CH20 high.

Ao3 link

Summary: Not long from now they would travel to defeat Kethric Thorm. Everyone seemed to be spending their last moments of freedom in different ways.

Thomas stood against the pillar watching her as she woke in the astral plane. “My sweet little mask, how I’ve longed to see you again.”

Nana stared at him sceptically. “I know you’re not him. You can stop playing games.”

“Nana, come now. You know me.” His voice softened slightly trying to convince her.

She looked away trying to not let him sway her. “Gale said not to trust you. And after what happened before I know I shouldn’t.”

He took a seat next to her. “I’ve done nothing to harm you. I’ve protected you, just as I used to.”

She felt his presence next to her. He seemed different, softer, weaker. “Are you okay?” She didn’t want to believe it was him. She didn’t want to be used and manipulated as she had been five years ago and yet she still cared deeply for him. This time would be different. She would say no if she had to.

“Yes, yes I am.” Nana heard the strain in his voice, her memories going crazy, reminding her of his death. She pulled herself close to him and held him fearing that this would be the same, that in moments she would lose him again. He wrapped his arms around her and it took all her strength not to start sobbing in his arms. She had missed him so much and yet Gale’s gentle voice still rang out in her head.

He slowly released her from his grasp. “It’s been a while since somebody did that for me.”

“Five years…” She whispered.

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

She stood on the balcony of the Last Light Inn looking out over the blackened waters. Another restless night where her mind trailed from Thomas to Gale trying to trace a path of similarities and differences between the two. “I just want to do what’s best for him. To hear his voice.”

Not long from now they would travel to defeat Kethric Thorm. Everyone seemed to be spending their last moments of freedom in different ways. Gale had taken to secluding himself in his room at the inn and although Nana had tried talking to him he always seemed distracted. He’d rub at the orb on his chest and she would hear quiet prayers to Mystra as she left the room.

Shadowheart and Karlach had also taken to a room but the noises had been very different, Karlach clearly making up for lost time or trying to seize the moment before their inevitable defeat at the hands of The General.

Nana had tried to bother Wyll only to find him training tieflings outside. He’d taken his attention off one of them for a second as she had approached only to end up taking a rapier blade into his armour. The children were learning. This had meant though that she’d ended up alone with her thoughts.

She pondered over her reaction to the drow elf. “I shouldn’t have reacted so forcefully. A no would have been enough. That rage. He’s back under my skin. I feel him there.” She muttered to herself and she flexed her fingers trying to relieve the tension in them.

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

Astarion had been watching her for some time, judging whether he should approach her or not. Trying to decide if it was worth thanking her for the doll that he’d placed carefully in his pack. He wanted to hate it but in combination with her scaring the drow, he’d ended up hiding it away. He hadn’t needed her care. With the worm and its advantages, he had been learning his strengths, learning that no was an option. If Nana can reject you… He shook the thought away. No, she wasn’t to thank for his new choices but he could at least give her a little credit. The fear she’d put in the drow’s eyes had at least been entertaining. He took a step forward towards the balcony resting his delicate hands over the flaking wooden bannister.

“Under your skin. So you finally succumbed fully to Gale’s charms then?” he said with a devilish smile at her.

“What? Oh no, no. I’m not sure how ready I am for any of that yet.” She gave a nervous laugh.

“Still playing the part of the innocent virgin then, I see.”

She shook her head and he noticed the blush rise on her cheeks. “I wish it was just an act. After- Well you know the story. When someone has been under your skin like that, used you…” She pulled her arms into herself and gazed down at the bannister. “...Broke you, you don’t want to let anyone get close, no matter how much you might want it. At least not until you can be sure.”

He understood her all too well. The centuries of Cazador's abuse had left him a shell of what he once was. He sighed deeply realising they were more similar than he had liked. “Nana, I spent two hundred years using my body to lure pretty things back for my Master. What I wanted, how I felt about what I was doing, it never mattered.”

“I’m sorry, Astarion.” She kept her gaze on the wood in front of her which he was thankful for.

“Look, I wanted to speak to you about the doll and what you did at Moonrise.” He turned to look at her, his eyes examining her closed-off posture, her defences up. “It would have been so easy to bite her. To just go along with what I was being told to do. A moment of disgust to force myself through. And then I could have carried on, just like before.”

“Is that what you would have done with me, all those moons ago? A moment of disgust?”

He was caught off guard by the question and looked away from her trying to bite back the shame that crept up his spine. “It would have been so easy.”

She gave a small nod and picked at the dirt that lay under her fingernails.

“But now…I’m more than that. More than a thing to be used.” She lifted her head, her eyes forgivingly pointed in his direction. He felt embarrassed by his words, as if opening up had made him weak and he would have followed up with a deflective joke if she hadn’t spoken first.

“We’re going to kill your master, aren’t we?” This was not the response he had anticipated. He had expected a hug, a friendly comment of caring and concern. But violence, revenge? This was more his style than hers.

“Maybe. But I'm not even sure he can be killed. Cazador’s a vampire lord, his power…” He batted her question away trying not to pay too much attention to it. She really is insane if she thinks we can take him on.

Nana smiled and he noticed there was a malicious flash behind her eyes. “There is always a way to kill someone. You just have to be creative enough.”

Darling, you have a mask for every occasion.

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

Gale paged through the journal. It had become a habit when he could not find answers elsewhere. He knew his time was running out and he had tried to distance himself away from those he had grown to care about. He was terrified of what was to come, the shadows of the curse not the only ones darkening his spirits. The book brought comfort. Poems of love, and comments of joy written about himself. Yes, it was self-indulgent, but to be loved for who he was, not for his wizarding abilities, not for the knowledge he had or his charisma and charm. No, to be loved simply for being him. For silly things like his eyes or his voice. Love, to love again…

He turned the pages, mud sticking them together. He’d managed to salvage the first half of the book and although the latter half was in better condition, corners had become ripped and frail and some were still stuck together. This poor book. A ribbon stuck in the centre of one and he peeled it slowly up leaving a faded trail between the words. He sighed as he began to read.

I hear you whispering. I see the blood on my hands. You made me do this. I tried to fight you this time and now you’re gone and I miss you again. I know I need you to protect me. I’m sorry. Why do you have to do this? I know it’s not right. Why do I feel your sick pleasure in my mind afterwards? Who are you? I’m your sweet mask and you’re hiding behind me. But you love me, you wouldn’t do anything to harm me. These people deserved to die, didn’t they?

Gale skipped a few pages. He needed something more recent. Something happier to fulfil his needs.

He’s so kind. He talked for hours today about a place in Faerûn; Waterdeep. I’ve never been there before but it sounded beautiful. He told me about his tower there, the culture, and how women would wear silk gowns. He says there is the Blackstaff Academy that goes way back and how he used to study there. The whole city sounds like a dream and I can only hope that one day I’ll visit. Maybe I could find a silk gown and be one of those women he spoke so fondly of. I’ll braid my hair and be someone worthy of him. We could walk arm in arm throughout the streets and people would come up and talk to us. We could laugh at high society jokes and share wine that we wouldn’t check the price on. I’d let him read on his balcony and bring him fresh tea. I’d run my hand through his hair, I’d touch him.

But I’m getting far too ahead of myself. It’s just been one night under the stars listening to him talk. But where's the harm in dreaming, of wondering what could be?

Gale eased the flutterings of his heart. To dream of these things? He could make them a reality for her. For one night alone, maybe he too could dream.

#bg3 #baldur's gate 3 #bg3 gale #gale of waterdeep #gale dekarios #gale bg3 #galemance #bg3 fanfiction #ao3 fanfic #fanfic #i dont care what anyone says this author has everything I want

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noxxha · 1 year

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How do you think Madara would approach his wife? Children? What expectations would he have for them and how would he behave towards them?

Hello, anon - thank you for your question! Madara and how he would behave towards his wife and children eh? Let’s see…

——

I think Madara would treat his wife with respect. I do not agree with the characterization of him that he would beat, even abuse his wife, or force himself upon her - his character does not read that way in my eyes, not when you consider that - at his core - Madara was kind, compassionate and he valued family above all else. In an AU I can see him being into BDSM if nothing else, but even that practice is rooted in respect and trust.

Someone valuing family would not intentionally hurt them.

That means that he would at least respect his wife. Whether he would love her is rooted in many different headcanons of mine (I do have an OC that is romantically linked with him in pretty much every story that includes romance, for example), but I will keep this general and keep my OC out of the picture, but that does not entirely mean that I will say that he loved his wife…if going for a slightly more historically accurate depiction of the Narutoverse Madara would probably not “love” her, but at most be fond of his wife (or it would deepen into love in due time). If looking at his characterization he does strike me as the type of character that would love his wife, however - perhaps not entirely as strongly as he loved his family, but she would be some treasured by him regardless. So yes, I will say that he loved his wife like the complimentary piece that she was to him.

The expectations he would have for his wife is generally to be a “polite/kind” front for the rest of the clan. She would take care of the clan not unlike a mother caring for her child/ren, which means that she shouldered a more “social” responsibility than he would (in a way).

I headcanon that (Uchiha) women were exceptional in their own way. While they were seldom on the battlefront because they secured both the future and survival of the clan (yes there are undertones of sexism there, but if that is what it takes to survive then so be it), they were instead very capable at hunting, treating illnesses, and were very “survival orientated” in general.

This might better explain why Madara’s wife would have the responsibility she had. She was meant to bring the clan together and keep it afloat while the men risked their lives in the war/s. So Madara would make sure that she was trained in negotiations with villages (import and export), that she could handle money and spend their funds wisely, but also that she was compassionate and strict if need be.

He did not expect too much from her on the household front, like I headcanon with Izuna, he did not share the traditional view on man and woman there (because of his parents and their relationship): he preferred to help out whenever he could. Be it cooking, washing laundry, having a discussion or two about funds, cleaning the house - it was the type of normality he craved, as it helped him stay sane.

If he was married during the founding of Konoha I can see that his wife had a more political position as well. Being at Madara’s side as both someone supporting him, as well as challenging him (and Hashirama and Tobirama).

Madara’s behavior would in general be a kind one, soft one even, towards his wife. As is the case with Izuna, there were some gestures of affection only reserved for his brother, but Madara would have no issues with touching his wife - holding her hand, caressing her face, a hand on her shoulder and knee. Kissing her would be a gesture he only did in private, though.

Out in public he would loosely rest a hand against her waist, or they would walk with their arms linked, if they were meant to be seen together. If apart he would speak highly of her to his kinsmen, should anyone ask about her.

Madara would never - under any circumstance - force himself upon his wife. Love-making was a very sacred practice that was not consummated as often as people would perhaps think. It was also a very intricate dance where their roles changed from one night to the next. Madara had actually few issues with his wife being assertive between the sheets.

As is the case with the headcanons for Izuna, even with Madara I will make a distinction between the children of the clan and his own, biological children.

Like Izuna Madara would be gentle with children in general. He was the oldest of five, he practically raised Izuna alongside Tajima and their mother (until her passing as well), so I can see him as being kind - soft even - towards children.

But he will not tolerate disrespectful behaviour from them. There is a hierarchy in their clan, and while he is not quite so strict about it - as he perhaps should be - he will put even children in their place should he need to.

When sparring with children he is just as strict as his brother, but he is a touch more merciful than Izuna on the other hand - especially the youngest shinobi of their clan are allowed to hit him more times than anyone would hope to achieve in a single training session (If anyone but Izuna is his sparring partner, that is).

If Madara had children (I can see him as a father of three in total) of his own, he would be quite a “warm” father so to speak. He would be attentive to their needs and protect them from harm. Like Izuna he would have few issues with letting his child/ren climb over him, play with him and even pester him with questions about anything and everything - he would also put them aside as many times as it was required, to finish a particular task in peace. A sharp glance was often enough to get his disapproval across (no Sharingan, though).

As with his wife he would never - no matter the circumstances - raise his hand against his child/ren.

He would also - in private - harbour the wish (tiny as it was) that they would not grow up as shinobi, as well as harbouring the wish for a daughter (if pre-Konoha) for the sole reason that the chances of having to bury their own child was diminished. But he would of course love his daughter as well, with a similar fervor to the way he loved his wife. It would not come naturally how to raise a daughter, though - he was born the eldest of five brothers after all. Like Izuna, Madara believed in biological differences between men and women (Yin and Yang), but that would not be entirely helpful when caring for his daughter (until she was older).

While he would be a constant presence in the life of his child/ren, he would take a slightly more passive role if gifted with a daughter. Observing his wife and daughter, and learning so how to be there for her when she was beginning to walk and babble.

That said, he is well aware that his wish cannot be granted - and so he will train them to become the strongest they can be. Being strict, merciful and even a touch harsher on his own children, than those of the clan.

If Madara became a father after Konoha is founded, he would still be an attentive father (knowing the importance of his presence in their life) - but he would be a touch more subdued in his love for them, as the loss of Izuna would be that all-consuming that not even his child/ren could help him through it. He would wish for a son with all his heart, though, but would not follow through with his intention, of naming his son after his beloved brother, in the end.

But in general he would be a supportive father. Kind and warm, yet also a touch uncomfortable and cold at times (due to the war and the issues it caused within him). His neglect would never be intentional, however and his wife would make sure to educate their children about some of Madara’s PTSD-symptoms and make sure they never grew up feeling like they were in any way defect. But he would also be a father that in general touched his children a lot, as it was through gestures that Madara communicated his love and appreciation for his family - and it also helped him. Words he simply could not trust in the same way.

His expectations for his child/ren would simply be that they became as strong as they could become, so he knew the clan was in good hands after his passing. Only when they were older would his expectations become more like those for his wife; that they cared for the clan, and had a “polite/kind” (daughter) front for the rest of the clan.

All in all Madara would be a loved husband and father, the same he had been a loved son and loved (older)brother.

——

I hope this answer is satisfying, anon. :)

Thank you once more for your lovely question. It was a joy answering this.

All the best and take care o/

#anon ask #madara uchiha #izuna uchiha #uchiha oc #naruto headcanons #thoughts

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sharky857 · 1 year

Text

At last, my "Proper Farmer™" got her own actual profile! 😭

Many thanks to the "Farmer Portrait" Picrew for the portrait (duh!) and the "SDV Dollmaker" mostly for the sprites (though I would appreciate if they could be saved in a bigger size 😅).

Also, many, many, many more thanks to @d-structive for the lovely commission! 💖

Here's the original pic:

I only have an extra bit to drop: Melly's recurring theme is "apples".

Hence why the farm is named "Honeycrisp", while Melly's actual name is "Melinda". in addition, her clothing colours is supposed to recall the different colours of the apple fruits while not being an eyesore. And I know: it is quite ironic for someone so apple-centered to have not a single apple listed anywhere in the "gifts".

Another fun fact about Melly is that the light green gilet is an old gift from her grandmother, who had a huge passion for knitting (and sewing). Melly's been cherishing and treating that clothing item with utmost care, also considering it as some kind of personal lucky charm.

And now, if you made it thus far, inb4 anyone may jump at my throat for what I wrote under "relationships", the fourse horsemen of "avoided like the plague" all have a specific reason each to be avoided:

Haley: Merely commented one time too much on Melly's look. The last straw was her subtle-but-not-really taunt at some sleeveless gilet "so out of style".

Alex: Asked Melly if she wears any bikini. While they didn't even know each other that much. Melly sputtered, panicked, balked and ceased any further attempt at socialising with him since then, in that precise order. 💀

Shane: At first it had been his severely unsociable demeanour to make her desist. After incidentally learning about his struggles with depression, Melly is now low-key scared shitless concerned to say or do something wrong in his presence that might potentially worsen the thing. He is not really a full "ALTP" like the former two, but she'd rather keep her distance until feeling ready enough to attempt any new approach.

Penny: This might come as a surprise, considering how she always seems so sweet and kind and polite and etc. when interacting with her. However Melly came to quite a rough halt with Penny's interactions the day they ended up talking about children. Some farmer has just never really forgotten that "if everyone thought like that, humans would die out" very quick and negative judgement that instantly drove her up a couple walls. 🙂 On the other hand, if Penny will ever reach out with the due apologies, Melly may consider forgiveness; she's too good to hold grudges even after an apology.

As for all the unmentioned NPCs, they are either in the "mutual tolerance" or "neutral" category. The latter would also include people Melly has yet to encounter (kinda hard to have an opinion on someone you've never seen before).

P.S.: The actual profile may be slightly updated in the future, depending on when and if the creator of that specific Picrew will ever include more items (the current portraits desperately needs for eyewear and I'm not that good at pixel-arting to add them myself 😔).

#stardew valley #sdv #stardew farmer #sdv farmer #farmer stardew valley #farmer sdv

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kaibutsushidousha · 6 months

Text

Memory in Children: Mechanical Choices (Sagrada Reset 3) - Chapter 2: Android Girl (Late June)

[INDEX]

As always, Haruki was the only one there when Asai Kei arrived at the rooftop of the southern school building because of Souma Sumire's invitation.

The rooftop on June 22nd was already as hot as it would be in the heights of summer. It was also a humid day. The atmosphere was building up moisture for the upcoming rainy days. Summer was in steady progress.

Kei approached Haruki with audible footsteps.

The girl had no hint of humanity but her forehead was properly capable of sweating.

"Aren't you hot?"

"I am."

"Then let's wait under the shade. You could get a heatstroke like this."

Haruki nodded and moved to the narrow shade by the rooftop entrance. Her walk was like a robot working in a factory. She draws a straight line from point A to point B and doesn't deviate from it.

ー Who is the android?

(What answer does this girl have for Souma's question?)

"What about you?", she said.

"Hm?"

"Are you not going under the shade as well?"

"Right."

Kei smiled and nodded.

Kei moved next to her and leaned on the handrail.

"Where's Souma?"

"She will be late because needs to talk to someone."

"Ok."

There weren't many tall buildings around the area. The sea was fully visible despite the distance.

Haruki's long hair danced in the wind.

Watching it made Kei smile.

"Your hair is really pretty."

Her hair was long, well-cared, and naturally wavy. It seemed sparkly depending on the angle of the sunshine.

Haruki didn't answer. Kei continued.

"So pretty that I think you should cut it off."

"I don't understand."

"It feels unreal. That pretty hair makes you look less human than you should. I can't help but find it artificial."

Her pretty hair and her eyes clear like glass beads distanced her from humanity. He couldn't ask her to gouge her eyes out, but cutting her hair was easy.

She finally looked at him in the eye.

"Is that a problem?"

"Maybe. People generally agree that people should look human."

"My mother likes my hair like this."

"And that's why you don't cut it?"

"I don't have a preference. In the lack of a preferred option, I chose to keep things as they are."

That was the end of their conversation.

The small world atop the rooftop was very silent.

(Everything is so different in Souma's presence.)

Kei was always a little nervous when Souma Sumire was around. Her every word chained him, and before he knew it, he was completely under her control. He felt like she could steal away all of his thoughts if he ever gave her the opportunity.

In contrast, the world created by Haruki Misora was quiet like a sepia photograph. So quiet and delicate that the tender winds and the slow flow of the shadows of the clouds felt like major changes. His consciousness expanded comfortably and without alarm.

The two girls affected Kei in opposite ways. It was like the fable of The North Wind and the Sun.

Kei took a moment to savor the tranquility Haruki generated. Tranquility akin to stasis. Like time was stopped. He felt like if he looked at the sky, he could find a bird frozen in midair.

"Asai Kei. I have a question for you.", said Haruki.

For some reason, he didn't feel like her voice broke the tranquility.

Kei turned to see her.

"What?"

"Is it sad not to be loved by one's mother?"

Not a question he expected to hear from Haruki.

But it was also a question no one else but her could ask. Anyone could say the same words, but Kei knew no girl other than Haruki Misora who could do it with those unmoving eyes and expression devoid of any emotion.

"Generally yes."

(That's probably the correct answer.)

"Does your mother love you?"

(She already forgot all about me.)

That's what he wanted to answer but couldn't. He felt this was a cowardly thing to say out loud.

"Probably.", he didn't elaborate.

"I know a girl."

Haruki's eyes were directed at Kei but it felt like she wasn't looking at him. It always did. Haruki's eyes looked at everything in her line of sight equally.

"She wishes to be loved by her mother. Do you know how she can accomplish that?"

Kei shook his head.

He probably wouldn't be in Sakurada if he knew.

"Not at all. What you have to do to earn love can be completely different from one person to another. I don't know who this girl or her mother is."

"Will you know the answer if you know them?"

"Who knows? Maybe I will, maybe I won't."

"Would you try if there's a chance?"

"Try what exactly?"

"Meeting her. Please."

(She's talking a lot more than usual.)

Haruki had a clear wish. It was his first time seeing her like this.

"Sure, I could meet her. But could you tell me more before I do?"

"I don't know the particulars either. She wants her mother to love her. What other information do you need?"

Her age, personality, home situation. There was a lot to ask. But it'd be easier to ask the girl directly.

(For now, I'll stick with the parts I need to hear from Haruki.)

"What's her name?"

"Kurakawa Mari."

"So this Kurakawa wants her mother to love her?"

She took a while to answer.

She nodded insecurely.

"Yes, most likely."

"Most likely?"

"I'm not sure. But I decided to cooperate."

Haruki looked confused. Despite not changing her expression. No alterations were visible watching from aside, but something felt different.

"Is that established in those rules of yours?"

"Not that I remember..."

"Oh? Then what made you decide that?"

Haruki lowered her gaze.

"Souma Sumire once told me there are two white boxes in front of me."

She could only open one but didn't know which was the right one. If the two boxes had different colors, she could pick the color she liked best. If the boxes had different shapes, she could use that to justify her choice. But the pairs of boxes in front of her are always white and always have the same shape.

There was no basis to choose one over the other.

"Souma told me this showed how uneventful the world is to me."

Kei nodded.

(The two boxes are options. The point of the talk is that for most choices, both options are equally worthless to Haruki.)

"So that's only you opening one box? Are you trying to say that you arbitrarily chose between helping or not helping a girl?"

"I'm not sure."

Kei sighed internally.

"If it doesn't matter either way, I don't care anymore. I lost interest. You don't have to introduce me to the girl."

Haruki Misora raised her eyes.

Her face showed no expression, as usual. So Kei could be wrong, but he thought she looked sad.

Kei looked deep into her eyes for the next statement.

"I can meet her if you want to help her no matter what. I'll work with you if the goal is to inevitably make things better for her. Inevitably, only giving her a chance to get better is not enough."

She responded with her own direct eye contact.

"I have no right to force you to do something you don't want to."

(That's not it. This is not about rights or force. You just need to say that the box you're looking at has a different color and shape from the boxes you saw before. I know it's human emotions that change the colors and shapes of choices. All you need to say is "I, Haruki Misora, followed my emotions and, with clear intent, made a choice not available within the scope of the rules".)

"Then I guess this is out of my hands."

That was the only answer he could give.

Kei was certainly curious about Kurakawa Mari but Haruki was more important to him than a girl he never met.

Inside his head, Kei tried to convince himself of his choice.

(I want to understand Haruki. It's not every day that I get to see Haruki express interest in a problem. But there's no point in me appearing out of nowhere and forcing a solution, taking the issue away from her. I'm perfectly capable of casting aside a girl I've never seen before.)

He was used to casting people away. He needed to be in order to commit to his decision to stay in Sakurada 2 years ago.

But if Haruki is at least one bit more wilfully about it, he'll gladly help.

"Understood."

Haruki nodded and ended the conversation.

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

Souma Sumire appeared on the rooftop 10 minutes later.

"Hello, Kei and Haruki. I know it's sudden but let's go somewhere else.", she said before she was done opening the door.

"Go where?"

"To the student council room. There's someone I want you to meet."

Side by side, Haruki nodded and Kei tilted his head.

"Then why did you call us to the rooftop."

(If were going to the student council, I was better off waiting in my classroom.)

Souma had her usual smile.

"Is the rooftop a more comfortable place for you to have a 1-on-1 talk with Haruki?"

He agreed completely. But he didn't feel good about how it felt like Souma could see through the whole conversation they just had.

Souma twirled 180 and walked away. Haruki followed behind her without hesitation. Kei sighed and started walking.

"Who do you want us to meet?", Kei asked when they were descending the stairs in a lined row.

"The student council president."

"To do what?"

"He has an ability. Didn't I talk to you before about exploring Haruki's past in more detail?"

Kei could remember this conversation without needing to use his ability.

ー But don’t you think we can find something if we explore Haruki’s memories in more detail?

"Why would you know the president's ability?", Kei asked after a quick nod.

"I was helping the student council in my first year. The president and I know each other."

"That's not all. You knew about my ability and Haruki's."

That was why she forced Kei and Haruki to meet.

"I already answered you. Information is something you obtain automatically when you're in the right place with the right mindset."

"And I forgot to tell you last time that this doesn't answer my question."

After climbing down two floors, they proceeded through a corridor.

Souma looked at Kei from behind her shoulders.

"I can give you a proper answer, but you can't tell anyone, ok?"

"I never told anyone secrets I promised to keep."

Souma giggled.

"Then say a real yes."

Defeated, Kei nodded.

"I won't tell anyone. I promise."

"Thanks. I actually have a secret file. I found a document when I was at the teacher's lounge doing student council work and took a copy."

(Would they really be this sloppy about a document containing every student's abilities?)

He couldn't conclusively say it was impossible. Schools had uniquely distorted priorities, in his opinion. He wouldn't be surprised if files on abilities aren't handled with the same stringency as a test's answer sheet.

"The student council may seem like a worthless group at first, but they're a great resource of information. They get to frequently enter the teacher's lounge, are on good terms with the teachers, and get trusted for no good reason."

"Is that why you're a class representative?"

"Yup, exactly."'

"By the way, there's one thing I wanna know."

"What?"

One can obtain information by being in the right place with the right mindset.

"I get it that the right place is the student council. But what is the right mindset?"

The will to harvest information on everyone's abilities. Her reason. What is Souma Sumire's goal?

Souma stopped walking. The student council door was in front of her.

"That part is a secret. You'll know eventually."

She knocked on the door, cutting the conversation short.

Nanasaka Middle School's student council president was named Sakagami Yousuke.

He was a skinny boy of small build—although Kei would hesitate to use the word "boy" to describe someone taller and older than himself.

As far as Kei could remember, Sakagami was always smiling. Though occasionally it would be a timid, pathetic smile. He often showed those in public presentations to the whole school.

Sakagami was the only person in the student council room.

He was sitting on a folding chair but stood up the moment the trio entered the room. He moved like a hamster scared by a loud noise.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sakagami, the student council president."

His voice got less audible the closer it approached the end of each sentence. To the point that the three sets of footsteps approaching him got louder than his words.

Kei stood directly in front of him and smiled.

"I'm Asai, from the 2nd year. Nice to meet you."

Sakagami stayed quiet for a moment and then gestured to the folding chairs.

"Have a seat."

He seemed always afraid of something. Kei assumed he was only nervous from having to speak to the whole school, but it turned out he's like that all the time.

Kei and Haruki sat on the chairs facing Sakagami and Souma on the chair next to him. That was how the chairs were arranged.

Sakagami looked only at Souma.

"Uh, so, what am I supposed to do?"

"I want you to use your ability. From Asai to Haruki."

"Oh, hm, ok."

Kei internally sighed and asked.

"Wait a second. What ability do you have, Sakagami?"

Sakagami spoke, never taking his eyes away from Souma.

"You didn't explain it to them?"

"Oh, now that you mention, I didn't. You explain it."

Embarrassed, he shifted his eyes to Kei's chest.

"In simple terms, I can copy abilities. The person I touch with my left hand gets a copy of the ability of the person I touch with my right."

"Wow. I didn't know there were abilities that worked on abilities."

"It's a middling ability. Rarely ever useful."

He understood what Souma wanted to do.

"I want you to experience Kei's ability. To remember your previous self.", she said looking straight into Haruki's eyes.

If Haruki uses Kei's ability, she'll be able to remember everything. Maybe she had emotions in a memory she forgot.

"For what purpose?"

"I want to know a version of you that you forgot."

"Understood."

As always, Haruki answered without hesitation. Haruki never refused anything as long it wouldn't cause problems for others.

Without paying much attention to her idiosyncrasies, Kei interjected.

"Wait a minute. Haruki, are you sure you want this?"

(Memories are powerful. That's because they're your own will. They're powerful enough to distort your current personality.)

But Haruki's face didn't change.

"Is there any problem?"

Kei couldn't answer. He was the last person who could deny the value of memories.

Sakagami had his typical timid smile.

"Then I'll get started."

He stood up, circled around the table with unstable footsteps, and stood behind the two. He mumbled "Excuse me." and touched Kei's left shoulder with his right hand and Haruki's right shoulder with his left.

"In this state, if Asai uses his ability, Haruki will get the same effect."

"You mean that if I remember one year ago, Haruki will remember one year ago?"

"Yeah. Haruki doesn't get free control of your ability. She'll get the exact same effect you apply on yourself."

Kei looked at Haruki's profile.

"Haruki, what do you want to remember?"

"You can choose any time."

"You decide it."

After some pause, Haruki answered.

"Then a memory from when I was 7."

"Why 7?"

"No particular reason. If I must give one, I'd say it's because that's Kurakawa Mari's age."

Kei nodded.

"Ok. Then I recommend you close your eyes. Seeing the past while you're seeing the present is not a nice feeling."

Kei confirmed that she followed his advice and closed his own eyes.

Immediately before it, he caught a glimpse of Souma's face. She was looking at him and her expression was very stern for some reason.

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

Haruki Misora closed her eyes and remembered when she was 7.

"Seven-years-old". That keyword alone didn't lead to any specific memory.

It was only when she associated that age with being in the second year of elementary school that the memories started springing forth. She remembered her elementary school classroom, her classmates, and a few major moments. But those were all indistinct.

She heard Kei's voice.

"Here we go now."

Immediately after it...

Haruki's mind instantly warped. Like the lamps of a room being switched on. Everything in Haruki's 7th year floated back to the surface.

"We are currently in a room at the Nanasaka Middle School, where we are second-year students.", said Kei.

Without those words, she could have believed she was still 7. Asai Kei's ability. The power to remember everything. To re-experience the past in all of its precision and intensity.

In her memories, Haruki was in her elementary school classroom.

It was the break between Japanese class and Math class. Haruki had her math textbook, notebook, and pencil case on her desk. She was quietly waiting for the math class to start. She remembered everything. What pencil she used, what she learned in the Japanese class, the chair's sensation, the creases on the white curtains. Everything.

She could hear what her then-classmates were talking about. It was quite a loud world. She could remember what the boys in the seat next to her were talking about, even though she wasn't paying attention when it happened. "Whose house are we going to today?"

She heard a real voice overlapped with theirs. Souma's voice.

"What did you think about when you were 7?"

Haruki shook her head and answered.

"Nothing."

She only sat down and waited for time to pass. During breaks, she waited for classes to start. During classes, she waited for them to end. Rinse and repeat.

"At age 7, were you already defined by rules?"

This time she nodded.

"Yes. Same ones I have now."

Her vocabulary has gotten more childish. But the 7-year-old Haruki had already bound herself to her rules.

"When did you make the rules?"

"I can't remember."

The younger Haruki couldn't remember either.

The next voice she heard was Asai Kei's.

"At that age, did you want your mother to love you?"

Haruki slowly shook her head.

"No."

The 7-year-old Haruki was essentially identical to the present one.

Her life was nothing but living. She had two identically-shaped white boxes in front of her. She opens the one the rules tell her to, unable to differentiate the two. That was all.

Haruki felt a sudden headache and put her hand on her forehead. The pain quickly intensified. Fatigue sprouted from within. The pain lost its sharp intensity and became a consistent discomfort.

She noticed Sakagami Yousuke taking his hand off her shoulder. Her fresh memories immediately turned hazy again.

Opening her eyes, she found Souma Sumire staring at her. A long desk. Folding chairs. A whiteboard. (I'm in Nanasaka Middle School's student council room.), Haruki reconfirmed.

"What's wrong?", said Souma.

"I don't know. My head suddenly started to hurt."

It felt like a headache but maybe wasn't one. All that she knew was that she felt some sort of pain but it was already getting better.

While she calmed down her breath, she heard Sakagami Yousuke and Asai Kei talking. Sakagami was panicked. His words were even faster and harder to parse than before.

"Does your ability have any side effects?"

Kei's answer was calm as always.

"It's painful to remember too much information at once. The information that isn't part of your daily life all comes in a single block."

"I see. Any other problems?"

"Depends on what you're remembering. Remembering pain will be painful. Unpleasant memories will hurt your mood. Sad memories can make you cry."

"I'm better. Do you want to continue?", Haruki announced shaking her head.

It was Souma who answered.

"No. That's all for today. No need to take the risk of making you suffer."

"Is my suffering a problem?"

"Yup, a huge one. Look at Kei, he's sad too."

Haruki turned to Kei on the chair next to her.

She didn't find anything different in his face. But that was just her not noticing it because she's bad at reading emotions on human faces.

"Obviously. Watching people suffer is sad.", he said.

His delivery was composed as if he didn't feel a thing.

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

"You don't look too pleased, Kei.", said Souma Sumire.

Kei walked home with both hands in his pockets. Souma always lined up next to him. Kei quickly shook his head and answered.

"I'm not really upset. I'm normal."

"You didn't like exploring Haruki's memories? But that's not all... Something happened, I imagine before I got to the rooftop."

Kei sighed.

"Can you listen to what I'm saying?"

"It's your fault for making the lie too obvious."

"What makes you think I lied?"

"It's not hard to guess what the person next to me is feeling. You know I'm good at this."

(Yeah, that's true, I suppose.)

Souma excelled at reading people's psychological state and Kei was indeed upset.

Kei changed the subject.

"Sakagami is a weird guy."

"But not a bad guy."

"I think he's a good person but he always looks scared."

(It's hard to figure out his reasons for wanting to be student council president.)

"I don't take issue with him being weak-willed."

"Yeah, probably doesn't harm anyone."

"But is there something about him that bothers you?"

"Not at all."

"What about him bothers you?"

Souma showed no interest in empty words.

Kei answered with something akin to resignation.

"He never talked to Haruki."

Even when Haruki was in pain, he didn't look at her.

"I wonder why Sakagami never talked to Haruki."

"Beats me. Was he afraid?"

"I don't see any reason to be afraid of her."

"Me neither. Haruki doesn't have a single scary bone in her. She doesn't bark or bite. If he found her creepy or uncanny, that's just avoiding someone for being different."

From a distance, Haruki seemed inorganic and artificial.

That's what made Sakagami Yousuke feel slightly repulsed. His rejection showed in his attitude.

"And you find that unforgivable?"

"That's blowing things out of proportion. I just didn't like the guy."

Souma laughed.

"Look at you getting all fanatic about Haruki."

"It's not about Haruki. It's about the owner of the Reset ability."

"You say that, Kei, but all you ever talk about it is her personality. About the person Haruki Misora, not her ability."

"You can't talk about an ability without talking about personality."

(That came out like an excuse. But I didn't lie.)

Sakurada's abilities depended on the user's characteristics. Most abilities take the form of what they desire or the part of themselves they can't go without.

(Haruki Misora wished for her ability to be the Reset. That quiet girl who wishes for nothing; that girl like an android controlled by rules gained such a powerful ability.)

Souma whispered with a mildly coarse voice.

"She uses Reset when she sees someone cry."

(She uses Reset to wipe away every tear within her power. Knowing that this act is pointless. If you tell me that this... this stupidly precious heart is her hidden nature, I'd have no way to deny.)

Souma quietly laughed.

"You believe Haruki is a pure saint, don't you?"

"It's impossible to believe. But as of now, I found no proof to the contrary."

(She's like an abstract concept. Formless good, at its purest and most worthless state.)

Souma approached Kei to whisper into his ear.

"What were you and Haruki talking about before I got to the rooftop?"

Her breath was faintly sweet.

"There's a girl named Kurakawa Mari."

A girl who wants her mother to love her.

"Haruki wants to wipe away her tears."

(I'm sure she has a powerful wish to wipe away those tears.)

"And how does that make you upset?"

He reflexively sighed.

"Haruki still hasn't noticed her intense emotions. I hate that."

That was Kei's answer, since he was far past the point where he thought he could dodge the subject.

#sagrada reset #memory in children #mechanical choices #asai kei #haruki misora #souma sumire #sakagami yousuke

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