[4]

Nick found and shaking crying over “his lie comes from his gentility. And I believe in him.”

The EXTREME CARE in the way Sakura sympathises with Fai. The tender love she wants to use to help him through the pain he’s been suffering with alone for so long.  

AND THE FACT THAT FAI THOUGHT HE WOULD NEVER HAVE THIS.

Fai lived the entire journey not wanting the others to find out about his past and why he was there, convinced that they’d all hate him and rightfully abandon him  for the betrayal, and instead THE SECOND the see the truth they’re only full of sympathy and love and hurt for him. 

Kurogane and Sakura both saw Fai’s past and never thought a single bad thing about him. They both sided with him instantly and only wanted to help. 

THE LOVE FAI NEVER THOUGHT HE WAS WORTH WAS THERE FOR HIM IN THE WORST MOMENT IN HIS LIFE ;_; And because of that he survived the storyline he was never supposed to.

Vin’s Bad Batch Rant -ep 1

Welcome to this part of Tumblr where, after I watch each BB episode, I’ll give you my detailed (yeah lmao as if) analysis and emotional ramble. SPOILERS AHEAD!! Let’s gooo (this is gonna be a long one, 70 minutes of ep!!):

First of all HOW DARE THEY. Filoniiiiii.

I was NOT expecting to start with a mission right before Order 66 are you fucking kidding me? I immediately went “Nope, not doing this.”

Look at the initial flashback of the clone wars. I was shaking, too many memories.

I haven’t watched Rebels but I know some things and I know who Caleb is. So HI Padawan Caleb, good to see you. But... wasn’t Kanan’s skin complex a bit darker?

It’s going nicely, some comedy thrown in, The Bad Batch being wholesome and just destroying clankas! Tech is growing on me.

Master Billaba why are you so disappointed omg ahah thank them immediately!?!?

Yo I fucking swear, I swear to god that when tbb was leaving and the Captain turned to receive Order 66 I jumped from the seat so fast. Like I yeeted myself so fucking far you cannot understand. Literally, fuck fuck fuck this. My anxiety and ptsd from the clone wars went 📈📈📈📈📈📈

Rip Jedi Master Billaba.

Run Caleb, just run.

(I’m so fucking glad to see The Bad Batch is immune to Order 66. Like so glad.)

Ok Crosshair and Hunter go rescue Mr Padawan there.

CROSSHAIR WHAT THE FUCK CHIILLLLL

nope nope nope this is not going well. I was wrong, I fucked up, I spoke too soon.

“Good soldiers follow orders” noooooooo

Hunter being wholesome omg, what a dad energy he has. I already love him.

Omg Hunter’s scream when Kanan jumps.

Crosshair literally chill dude, let’s all vibe together.

Also uhm... it hurts to see them all so pale. Please for the love of god fix that, it’s unsettling.

The way they return to Kamino so oblivious of what’s going on. It hurts

“Coruscant guard is here” YES SHOW ME FOX YOU COWARDS

Uhm.... Filoni can we talk for a second? Yeah I would like to ask you WHY? Y’know, was it really necessary to show the corpse of a dead Jedi and the hand with the lightsaber falling off? This scene is gonna be stuck in my mind forever. I’m crying.

Can we also talk about the music? Haunting, a masterpiece throughout the whole episode.

This is not a kid’s show.

Love that they have their own personal barrack filled with their stuff, so precious. Plus the Tooka doll, omg😩

The amount of times I’ve said “Crosshair chill” by now is over 9000. Spoiler: it gets worse.

Absolutely love the tension between Hunter and Crosshair. Live for these moments.

Tech listing the characteristics of his mates and then “my exceptional mind” LMAO brag about it.

“The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed”. “You can say that again” Wrecker OMG I wheezed. Echo’s like “bruh”. That’s what I need. Right here. God I love this.

“Still don’t think the regs are programmed?” This part made me shiver. It literally terrifies me. Also Tech is growing so much on me...

Hello Omega, nice to meet you.

“adolescent human female” Tech what the fuck it’s just a girl.😂 I love her accent and her smile! And she’s a medical assistant, love that too!!!!!!

Omega really said 😃😃👋🏼👋🏼

Here comes Tarkin ugh

Why does it hurt to see regular clones without helmet? Probably cause they all look like Fives, Kix, and the others. My heart is crying

Also, why is no one bald anymore? Guess that’s old fashioned uh... (yeah I know it’s because they want them to have no characterization whatsoever, but what’s wrong in being bald?) I miss my bald-with-crazy-tattooes- regs❤️

“Hello again” 😁😁👋🏼👋🏼 the way they look at her LMAO 😶😐😑🤔😕

Food fight, yay! (Crosshair was just trying to chill but ooop guess it’s time to fight)

EXCUSE ME?!?!?

No seriously. They really threw AZ in curing Echo’s injury??? You don’t know how much I was crying. I thought they were gonna throw a “Fives” in and I wasn’t ready at all, not now. Glad they didn’t but still... fuck me Filoni

Look at Echo’s reaction. Fuck. He’s scared as hell, probably though he was back on Skako Minor being a lab rat.

Yeah what a shocking revelation for them AZ.

Headcanon: Tarkin hates his life. He’s so bitter.

The fact that they’re being tested against real threats and guns while they have stupid toy guns it’s so fucking wrong and ridiculous.

“Five are all that remain” but Echo’s not genetically enhanced. That means... (i was putting 2 and 2 together)

Here we go with a mission... this stinks from miles away just telling you

Omega and Hunter talks, ughh the feelings

The way Omega calls softly Hunter’s name ugh I’m sold. They already have a bond “something about her I can’t figure out.” 😩😩

“I guess kids aren’t your area of expertise” Crosshair what a subtle shade😂

Crosshair was not really going to shoot at kids and elder people. Right?

Oh hello Saw, good to see ya. Always a pleasure.

GENERAL SKYWALKER AND CAPTAIN REX mention here we goooo🤪🤪🤪

This is chilling and unsettling....

Great a snitch droid or whatever the fuck that is.

*dramatic stare between Crosshair and Hunter* plus toothpick action going on

Crosshair literally stfu

And here’s Tech dropping facts. Omega’s an enhanced clone. I wonder how they made it possible for her to be a female taking Jango’s DNA but whatever, this is Star Wars.

I am legitimately pissed that Crosshair threw away the toothpick. Justice for toothpick.

Omg she found a picture of the squad😭😭😭😭😭 flashback to Rex’s picture with Echo, Fives and Cody I’m crying

Look at them walking right into the trap.

Hunter looks totally offended but c’mon, you know what you were going against.

Yo, I’m really here trying not to SIMP and they fucking throw TBB in their blacks on my face. I don’t have to look at them, I don’t have to— HELLO HUNTER, how’s you booty doing?

Crosshair CHILL amigo ok io quando mi incazzo devo passare all’italiano quindi o ti calmi o ti calmi, capito brooo??!! Le bestemmie che mi fai tirare.

Ok he’s struggling, I see that. No need to be an ass tho 😶

“I know it’s not your fault. You can’t help it.” Yes I’m crying why aren’t you. The way he looks at her... I’m dead.

CT-9904. Okay... also why did they have to kick Hunter. He’s so precious, trying to defend him regardless of him being under the effect of the chip.

Oh shit oh fuck oh shit here we go. (I didn’t want to watch this part.)

Ehm, Hunter why did you have to lay down like that, you sexy beast. I’m waiting for a gifset of him like that. I’m waiting.

Not Omega copying his moves😂😂😂😂😂

“Abnormal individual” lmao the look on Tech and Hunter’s faces. So done.

Ugh the anxiety is spiraling in me. Also how did they suit up so fast lmao.

Oh no. Oh no. NO NO NO

oh shit.

He looks good tho ngl🥴 (toothpick’s back.)

Oh the look on Hunter’s face, the music... breaks my heart.

Oh I was kinda ready for this part but still..... 😭😩

Yo can you not throw the toothpick away in every damn scene please? That’s my emotional support character object.

Yo jumpscare I lost 10 years of my life what the fuck

The amount of times Wrecker got hurt just in this episode is concerning.

Your move. AHHHHHH

Yoooo Omega with that blaster rifle saved the day😃✨

BYE Crosshair see ya later 💔

Kaminoans hiding to the Empire that BB escaped? This is gonna be no good I’m telling you

Omega is precious. Must be protected.

Dad Hunter DAD HUNTER DAD HUNTER IM SOBBING

Short list of friends. One is on coordinates J-19. Saleucami sector system. CUT LAWQUANE confirmed. Fuck yes. I’m happy. Now I can rest.

Sike I will never rest. Strap in and let’s gooo

Well well well. I LOVED IT. FILONI THANKS FOR THE UNWANTED FEELINGS that made me remind I’m a human capable of emotions❤️ I owe you one but I’m also hurt and also in love. Yes, there are things that did not sit really nicely with me: the obvious whitewashing, Omega being a clone of Jango (yes I was kinda expecting it but as I think through about it... makes less sense. Literally how?), but overall I enjoyed it.

Also if you wanna chat about TBB and feelings dm me or send in an ask! See ya bad bitches💕💕

✂ - a vivid memory

Ruejen and Kethiro have been kidnapped with permission from @lordofthedarklands!

~

When a summons by the Skullcrusher is called you listen and obey for such was the way of things within the Gumm-Gumm army because your rank denotes as much expectation on what you do as it does privilege over your fellow troll. The runner was annoyingly vague on exactly what this was to be about and while not particularly surprising as word was brought directly to them meaning it was of great import it is always better to have a sense of what to expect thus it meant that this would be little more than a blind walk. While irritating it was acceptable, their position is not one meant for asking questions without prompting and they were hardly about to start doing so now. As loathe as they were for Rhinebeck to keep an eye on things in their absence needs must and all that, hopefully she wouldn’t start a riot through her ‘creative’ solutions to boredom in however long this planned on taking, it would not be the first time. Luck be with them that the travel would not be a long enough to tempt it. Ugh.

Even by hauling as fast as they are able it still costs half the kloka while following their far nimbler guide but they persevere not wanting to risk being stranded by the Ram and force him to wait any longer than absolutely necessary. The approach immediately strikes them as strange because of the absence of much of the ruz or any of the others that normally would be standing to attention even out here, in fact even their guide quickly deserts. Letting out a snort they wander towards the temporary throne claimed in this current home territory rising up onto too feet and push deeper into the carved rock while cautiously refusing to allow themselves to be caught any further unawares. There is no true innocence in this world after all, better to be suspicious than caught after all.

As they continue forth through the tunnel the cavern slowly widens to be flooded with the light of blue crystals that had been harvested from elsewhere and repurposed to further enhance the natural colours of their Opradush. The Prince is already there they notice standing proudly alongside his father with arms crossed and a gleam of expectation in his glowing eyes. He nods curtly their direction when they slam their chest with a fist.

“I heard your command and came as soon as I was able, please forgive me for how long I forced you to wait,” they state firmly with a bowed head and do not dare lift it again until they are addressed to show their respect.

“My General, as ever you do not disappoint. Now that you are finally here I have an announcement to give.” The words are spoken softly with a hint of a smile hidden amongst the fangs that suggest nothing they can recognise.

“Ruejen, Kethiro your presence is now required. Bring forth the Krubera.”

Ruejen is the first to emerge from the darkness seen just out the corner of their eye with his head held high causing the light to make their charcoal stone stand out from their darker mane more than usual. Truly it is almost strange to see him without a weapon in hand though understandable and he gives them a glancing look for barely a beat before green eyes focus on where they should be. Kethiro follows afterwards like the twin shadow the pair often were ushering the other troll ahead of him with a muttered word or two ensuring that the youngest is placed in front of them before taking his own position. Their pale mane is positively gleaming against their slate coloured stone and far darker horns with an almost ethereal tone that always making them appear far older than they really were. The mess of moss hair before them remains silent wisely calling upon the lessons taught though hopefully with their eyes averted if they have any sense. This is not the time for coddling reminders.

Looking over the four of them and satisfied all is well Gunmar speaks with a tone that screamed of every drop of authority he commands as easily as breathing.

“Vo wema zotteni ops dush bruzen, vorn twiz wema hidhen hwen fai uma vok hurmena. Toz eks Klokaran bruzena yalpo zotten vo.” Not a word nor murmur is said by any but there is a sense of curiosity in the air given it is spoken so formally.

“My decree is thus: A new General is to be added to our ranks and they stand before me in this very space having proven their value and worth for such a position to be bestowed.”

There is a pause that is marred only by the sounds of their Opradush rising to his feet and the tension begins to pitch ever higher with it with all eyes watching every twitch of stone.

“Aarghaumont upon this night you are welcomed into the ranks of elites as my newest General.”

Even a corpse could have been quieter than the shock that reverberated in that moment for even Bular is caught completely off guard from the way his widened eyes stare at his father incredulous who in turn simply seemed simply amused by all the (Likely shocked) reactions set out before him. For their part Gnasha ensures that they school their expression into that of a neutral one as to not betray their own thoughts. They had known this troll since they were little bigger than the Prince so to come from that, particularly given their origins, and reach the same rank they hold? Certainly they could not say such a thing was impossible but that made it no less unexpected to behold. He must have been proving his mettle while they have been based elsewhere on the continent, there certainly could be far worse choices chosen and he was a tolerable one if forced to admit.

“Vo koppena, Skullcrusher.” It is spoken so devoid of emotion yet humbled around the edges. Hm, perhaps a private word will be in order to prise out of them what they really feel about this change. They have not moved even to salute as though the idea never occurred to him.

It is whilst in the middle of planning exactly how to broach it that Ruejen pipes up while tapping his chest and tail flicking at the tip.

“I respect your decision as always as ever, Opradush Gunmar, however would you permit me the right to test our newest General in combat? I wish to see his mettle for myself.”

Somebody hissed a curse; they are not sure who and it could well have been them. Eyes dart between him and the throne where the Underlord looks positively amused at the idea as though someone had just offered a boon without even realising what they had done. A glowing eye locks with the Lieutenant-General where he defiantly refuses to buckle under the stare.

“I will allow it.”

It would be a lie to say Gnasha was not interested to see how such a thing would go, they did not expect punishment to be rolled into the guise of a ‘friendly’ spar.

Truth Be Told

Story Post

“We’re home!” “Yo. WB, brother,” Lino said as Dusty and Grey came in. It had been Dusty’s first day training under Fay and he’d been so excited but so nervous. He couldn’t stand being apart from Grey so he brought him along. Yori let him join his class at APID E so the youngster was nearby while his father worked. “WB? What’s that?” Dusty asked. “Welcome back,” Lino said. He was in the kitchen starting dinner. “Isn’t just saying that faster?” Lino shrugged. “How was your first day?”

“Very exciting,” Dusty said, putting Grey down. “I got a tour of the place and then I got to sit in on one of Fay’s meetings with a client, and I saw the new school, and Grey had a lot of fun with the other kids.” “That’s dope. Do you think you’re set?” “Well, I still have to learn the classifications of each department and remember the elevator combinations and—” “I mean, like, do you think this is the thing for you? Do you like the job?” Lino asked. “I think I’d like any job at this point,” Dusty said. “But I think I’ll fit. There were so many different kinds of faces. Lots of handsome men too…” Lino smirked. “Oh? Do tell. You got a crush on anyone?” Dusty shook his head. “If you mean do I have any romantic interests, I can’t.” “Ugh, because of Dante. I know,” Lino scoffed. “So lame… But like, you can still bone dudes. Love and romance doesn’t need to be involved.” “I don’t want to make a bad impression by sleeping around in my first week…” “Okay, but like now you can start making a list for next week.” Dusty chuckled and went to get a juice box for Grey. “Where’s Vi and Kidd?” “Vi’s off making a deal. Yori took the kids all out after school for ice cream since Ruben’ll be home late.” “Where’s Dante then?” “He’s home doing god knows what.” “He doesn’t want to be out with the kids?” “Everyone needs ‘me' time.” “You're right, I suppose...” Dusty walked over beside Lino and peered down at his cooking. “What are you making?” “Well, I wanted to channel my inner housewife and come up with something fun but kinda fancy,” Lino said. “I went with a theme of...assorted bruschetta. So there's the sweet cherry bruschetta, and two savories; prawn bruschetta with lemony fennel salad and steak and stilton bruschetta.” “Ooh, those sound delicious,” Dusty said. “But also it sounds like a lot.” “Nah.” Lino shook his head. “It's really not.” “Well... Can I help?” Dusty requested. “Uh... Sure, actually, you could easily do the cherry bruschetta yourself. It's as easy as making toast,” Lino said pulling up the recipe on his laptop. “It's literally just cooking the bread and spreading shit on it.” “Okay...” Dusty checked the recipe then started following along. It really wasn't that involved and he got along fine. Lino worked around him, pulling stuff out, starting to boil some water in a pan. Dusty started grilling the ciabatta bread while Lino tendered his fennel. While he waited for the bread to grill, Dusty tried a couple cherries. “Oh, these are really sweet,” Dusty purred. “Grey loves cherries. One of the many pink foods Syd would allow in his house, though they lean on the red side... Grey, do you want to try these?” When his question wasn't answered, he looked around. “Grey? Sweetheart?” When he didn’t see Grey in the kitchen, he panicked a little and called louder. “Grey? Lino, do you know where he went?” “Nope, but I'm sure he's around,” Lino assured. “No, he doesn't wander off. That's not like him at all,” Dusty said, stopping what he was doing to look for his son. “He's so clingy. He'd only wonder off towards someone else... Grey?” “Dude, chill,” Lino said, placing a hand on Dusty's shoulder. “He's here somewhere. It's not like he can just teleport...” Dusty glared at him. Lino's eyes widened. “Oh. Wait, dude, can he teleport?” “Well, I mean I haven’t seen him do it yet... You have to practice, but sometimes little demons are just talented so he might—” “Oh, naw. The doors open to next door,” Lino interrupted, pointing to the door conjoining his house and his brother's. “Oh my god...” “Dusty. Relax, he’s in the house.” “It's not that... I didn't change his colours,” Dusty said. “He looks like Dante.” “Oh... Well fuck.” Dusty took a deep breath and went over to the other side. There was only one light on in the house so it must've been where Dante was and where Grey had gone. It was the living room and Dante was there on the couch with Grey playing a video game. It looked very kid friendly, with animals being herded into little corrals, and Dante was showing Grey how the buttons work and how to feed the animals. Grey was listening attentively and  really seemed to be enjoying himself. Dusty smiled a bit, seeing the two interact so casually. He walked up and placed a tentative hand on Dante's shoulder. Dante was startled a bit but he looked up and smiled at Dusty. “Hey, Dusty. You've got a real smart kid here.” “Daddy!” Grey said excitedly, waving to Dusty. “Yeah, he's very bright.” Dusty placed a hand on his son's head. “Grey, I know you heard me calling you.” Grey shrugged and just went back to his game. “I gotta admit, I was playing something a bit less PG when he came up, but I pulled up one of the games the triplets like to play,” Dante said. “That's alright... As long as he was being good,” Dusty said. “He's quite talented too,” Dante remarked. “Can he, like, copy the eye colour of others? Cause right now, his eyes are so blue like mine.” He chuckled. “He almost looks like me.” Dusty paused. It would be so easy to just say yes, but he just couldn't lie again. He felt like he wouldn’t be able to forgive himself. “...No.” “What?” Dante blinked. “But his eyes were pink last time we met.” “Dante... We need to talk.” “Huh?” Dusty picked Grey up and he whined as he had to let go off the controller. “I'll be right back.” He took his son back over to the other side of the house and left him with Lino before heading back. Dante had turned off his game system in that time and just sat there looking so lost. “You can't... You can't tell me...” Dante said stuttering. Dusty took a deep breath. “He's your son.” “That's not possible,” Dante countered. “We've never even once had sex.” “We didn’t have to,” Dusty answered, sitting down beside Dante. “A kiss was enough...” “But...His eyes were pink,” Dante argued. Dusty sighed and pointed to Dante's hand where suddenly his nails erupted with colours. “You don't remember how I'd do your nails for you?” Dante look at his fingernails which were now bright pink with white stripes. “...Grey's my son? How?” “Remember back when you came to talk to me?” Dusty said. “You used me to help your brother when Kidd was born. And I told you never to call me again... And then you kissed me?” “Yeah, I mean... Just that's enough?” “I was feeling a lot of emotions then...” Dusty said. “And that kiss made me think of everything I'd ever wanted to have with you... And I wanted us to have a family. And I knew it was ridiculous and that it couldn't happen, but my body... Well, all it needed was a little bit from you.” “So you can just...decide to get pregnant?” Dante asked. “With, like, just a little bit of spit?” “I didn’t do it on purpose, I didn’t even know I was pregnant for like, three months,” Dusty admitted. “Syd figured it out and they were less than amused... But I wanted Grey so badly. He was all I could ask for.” Dante rubbed his temples, totally baffled and horrified. “You had a kid. You had my kid. And you didn’t even tell me? For four years?” “I...I wanted to... But you have your family and I didn’t want to get in the way of that...” Dante started chuckling and it grew into full laughter and then he fell into tears. “Oh, god... Oh my fucking god... I'm dead... Ruben's going to fucking kill me...” “You don't have to tell him!” Dusty said. “Dante, I got a job. I'll likely move out soon. You don't ever have to see us again.” “God damn it, Darathan!” Dante said, slamming his hand down on the arm of the couch. “You can't just come here, live with my brother, lie to me, and then just expect you can just disappear all over again! And you want me to lie to my family? You're telling me I have another son. Marco—the triplets have a little brother. You don't think they should know about things like that?” “I...I don't know. I'd want them to be able to be siblings...” Dusty said looking down. “But it just... We can't... I shouldn't have even come here...” “Why did you? Why do you keep coming back? You were gone for so long...” Dante said. “I can't leave,” Dusty said. “I'm your demon... I have to stay near your home. I am fucking chained to you. What part of that don't you understand? I have to be near you. I am your demon. I never went anywhere. I've always been here. I just try to avoid you! But it's impossible! I am in literal physical pain when you leave! I have no control over any of this!” Dante groaned. “Seriously? How am I supposed to know that? You don't tell me anything, Dusty! You're keeping everything from me!” “What do you want me to do, huh?” Dusty demanded, his eyes welling up with tears. “I'm just trying to figure this all out. Do you want me to apologise? Do you want me to leave? Because you know what I want but I can't have it so whatever you want is all we can work towards at this point, because I'm fucking clueless and alone and an idiot and such a terrible parent just for bringing that poor boy into this world like this...” He sobbed and covered his eyes. “I don't know what I'm doing... I'm so lost...” Dante inhaled and reached out to Dusty, placing a hand on his shoulder. “...Stop. You're not a bad parent...” “I am... I don't know what the hell I'm doing...” “No one does. Parents don't know what they're doing...” Dante pulled Dusty into a hug. “We're going to figure this out...” “What can we do?” Dusty sobbed into Dante's shoulder. “I don't know...” Dante said. He rubbed Dusty's back. “Does he know I'm his Dad?” Dusty shook his head. “No...” “Can I see him again?” Dante asked. Dusty nodded and pulled away from Dante. He sniffled up his tears and wiped his eyes. “He can't see me cry...” “Do you need a tissue?” “No it's fine...” Dusty shook it off then went back over to Lino's side. Lino had Grey sitting on the counter eating cherries while he cooked. Grey lit up when Dusty came over and grabbed him. “So you told him?” Lino asked. “Yeah...” Dusty rubbed Grey's back. “How'd he take it?” “Bad...” “Mm... Yeah, figures...” Lino sighed. “Don't get bent out of shape about it.” Dusty shook his head. “...We're going to figure this out.” He carried Grey back over and sat down with him on the couch. Dante placed a hand on the little guy's head and stroked his hair. He stopped at one point and felt around. “Horns?” Dante asked. Dusty nodded. “He's sprouting.” “Wow, Grey. You're becoming a big boy...” Dante said, smiling at his son. “You're so handsome too.” Grey smiled. “Can I play?” “Wow, priorities.” Dante looked at Dusty. “Do you mind if I watch him for tonight?” Dusty shook his head. “Please.” He leaned down and kissed Grey's cheek. “I'll be helping Lino with dinner, alright?” “Alright.” Dusty smiled and walked back to the kitchen. He sat down at the table for a while just to gather himself and think. He hadn’t a clue what the result of this would be or how to feel. He was a little relieved to have it off his chest, but he was still terrified about what it would mean for his and Grey's future. “So is he going to tell Ruben?” Lino asked from the stove. “I don’t know. I think so…” “Probably not. He likes to bottle up his emotions until a very inopportune moment,” Lino stated. Dusty thought about it and put his fingertips together. “…Should I tell Ruben?” “Absolutely not.” Lino turned away from the stove to look at Dusty. “He hates you more than he hates me. Everything you say to him should be in an effort to make him like you. Telling him you had his boyfriend’s baby is not going to make him like you.” “Then what am I supposed to do then?” Dusty asked. “Bake him cakes? Cheer for his favourite sports team?” “No. The ball's in Dante's court. He needs to make this work,” Lino said. “Right...” Dusty got up and went back to the stove. “Do you still want me to help with dinner?” “Yeah. You can finish the cherry bruschetta,” Lino said. “I got your toast ready.” “Thank you.” Dusty got the ricotta and started spreading it on the ciabatta bread. “Is this for everyone tonight or just your side?” “Whole house. Dante's not cooking and Ruben'll likely be late so I might as well make enough for everyone. And the best part is that these can be picked up any time so as long as we save some, their ready for everyone when they get here.” “That's very thoughtful,” Dusty said. “Naw, I just searched easy fancy food for the family,” Lino said. “It’s pretty simple.” “Hah, I see...” Dusty finished up spreading the ricotta and started garnishing. “Lino...” “Mmhm?” “Do you ever feel like...like you're a bad parent?” Lino chuckled. “Oh, all the time.” “Really? ‘Cause I'm not trying to accuse you of anything...” “You just want to know if others feel that way. And they do. I think that any decent parent has wondered if they're a bad parent. But I know that good parents are the ones doing their best, and I know I am and so are you.” “You think so?” Dusty asked. “I know so. You love that kid so much. Yes, you have issues with your parenting, like you're super clingy, but you want what's best for him, and you want him to be happy and that's what matters.” “I understand that... But, the circumstances I brought him into...” Dusty said. “This isn't what I would've wanted for him.” “True... But we make the best out of our circumstances,” Lino said. “That's just life. Don't let it bum you out. Grey's going to be fine and so are you.” Dusty smiled. “Thanks. It's stupid but I think I really needed to hear that.” “It's not stupid.”

Duckling || Shifter Series

Pairings: Bucky Barnes x Shifter!Reader

Warnings: Nothing but Fluff

Word Count: 1300+

Summary: Bucky wasn’t sure what to make of the newest recruit. What he thought was the new team pet was really a shifter in disguise. He learns she’s not afraid of much, whether it’s himself, or walking around all natural. Having the unique ability to change into several different kinds of animals makes her a bit more in tune to her animal instincts as well. Things are hardly ever dull anymore with her around.

A/N: I think I’ve decided to turn this into a little series with different types of animals that the reader will shift into. Or at least be compared to. There’s no shifting for her in this one though. I already have the next part written, and then I have at least three other parts done as well. Let me know what you guys think and if I should continue with a series with this idea! Enjoy!

The gifs are not mine, credit to the wonderful owner!

Ragdoll | Duckling | Caracal | Series Masterlist

“You have a little friend.”

Bucky glanced over his shoulder, spotting the person Natasha smiling at. Peaking around the corner to the kitchen was the newest shifter recruit. He gave her a small grin and turned back to his eggs sitting in front of him. Y/N made a small squeak and ducked behind the door frame. Natasha didn’t stop her snicker.

“I think you scared her.”

“Nah, she’s just nervous around other people.” He stated, taking a bite from the eggs. Natasha gave him a confused tilt of her head before she looked back to the empty doorway. “She’ll come around eventually.”

Natasha shrugged and swung off the bar stool. He clearly knew Y/N better than he let off. She had seen the way Y/N followed him around. Hell, the whole tower was more than aware.

“Well, I hope she does sooner rather than later. I’d love to get to know the woman who makes you smile like that whenever she’s brought up.” Bucky froze, fork halfway to his mouth. He looked over to Natasha, eyes wide. He did not smile whenever her name was mentioned. She smirked with an unsettling gleam in her eyes. “I’ll let you sit there in denial, Barnes. I’m going to find Clint.”

Turning at heel, she walked out the other door, leaving a dumbfounded Bucky behind. The sound of the chair beside him pulled him out of his stupor, Y/N settling in beside him. She snuck her arm under his and swiped the toast off his plate.

“Why do you tell her that I’m nervous? I’m not nervous.” She grumbled into the bread. Bucky snorted and grabbed his food back, elbowing her hands out of the way.

“Yes, you are. You stare.” He bit into the bread, scarfing it down before she could snatch it back. Y/N muttered unintelligibly under her breath and scooted her chair closer.

“She stares too.” Y/N settled her head on her shoulder, ignoring when he shifted uncertainly in his seat. He still wasn’t used to her open touches, finding it unnerving how at ease she was around him. “It’s not my fault she watches me like a hawk.”

“It’s only because you’re nervous. She wouldn’t bite.” He understands how hard it is to open up to strangers. He tries to soothe her fears whenever he has the chance, but Y/N can be as guarded as himself when it comes to expressing her emotions. 

Y/N didn’t respond. He felt her lashes flutter against the bare skin of his shoulder and her arm slipped to link around his. Once again, he was torn. He wasn’t uncomfortable with her affection, but he wasn’t used to it. Clearing his throat, he went back to eating his breakfast.

“How did training with Steve go this morning?

“Ugh.” Y/N groaned, rolling her eyes. “It went.”

“And?” He pressed, grinning into his fork. Y/N sat up and narrowed her eyes at his tone.

“You know what.” She pouted, settling back against his shoulder. “Apparently, shifting and then shifting back is not a tactic that Steve appreciates.”

Bucky choked back a laugh, biting his lip at the memory of a red-faced Steve stomping into the kitchen. He barely formed a single coherent sentence, sputtering a jumbled mess of angry accusing words to Bucky before he stomped out of the room.

“Shut up!” She huffed, elbowing his side. Bucky couldn’t stop giggling. It was something he had talked with her about, just because she was okay with being in the nude didn’t mean everyone else was okay with it.

“I’m sorry doll, it’s just, I really wish I would have seen his face.” Bucky chortled, standing to take his plate to the sink. Y/N whined when he pulled away, standing to follow him as he left the room. He didn’t have to look over his shoulder to see if she was trailing behind. The past week, Y/N made it her mission to follow him around and talk as much as she could with him. Once again, throwing him for a loop with her lack of nerves around him.

“It was funny though.” Y/N giggled. “I just don’t get what the big deal is with you people and me shifting.”

“It’s not the shifting we have problems with. It’s the fact that you walk around naked afterward. Most people don’t like that.” Bucky shot over his shoulder, rolling his eyes at her grumble.

“You non-shifters are so sensitive. I don’t get why you need to be so embarrassed, it’s how you were born into the world. Why be so touchy about it?”

Bucky stopped in the middle of the hall, his head falling back with an exasperated sigh. Y/N skidded to a halt before she could run into his chest, blinking up at him innocently. Being raised by shifters her entire life meant she was taught differently. It wasn’t something her people shied away from often. Sure, they wore clothes ninety percent of the time, but after a shift, it wasn’t uncommon to walk around for a moment without the weight of the fabric. Most of the time she was still jittery from the shift between forms, and the texture always made her skin crawl. She wasn’t ashamed of who she was.

“We’re not touchy. It’s just not normal for us.” He could see the wheels turning in her head, but saw it fizzled out.

“Nope. Still don’t get it.” Bucky groaned and turned around to walk back down the hall.

“Look, just promise me you’ll stop walking around without clothes on. Especially when we have guests.”

“I don’t get it, but alright.” Y/N shrugged. Bucky knew that might be all he would get from her and continued with his tasks for the day.

Y/N followed behind, chatting away while she helped him with whatever he needed. He went to Tony to check up on his arm, and she sat beside them, shooting off questions about what did what. After almost getting tossed out by a rather irritated Tony, she wandered off to bother Bruce, who seemed surprised that she was willing to speak with him. Tony shot her a halfhearted glare before turning back to Bucky’s arm.

“She’s sure chatty.” He said dryly. Bucky chuckled and watched Y/N fondly as she babbled on about something to Bruce, while the doctor drew blood from her arm.

“Yeah, she’s not normally like this. It’s nice to see.”

Tony snorted, moving to grab another tool and flipped down a magnifying visor. “That’s because you’re here.”

“What?”

“Don’t tell me you haven’t figured it out yet, Frosty.” Tony griped, his eyes comically large behind the lens as he looked up at Bucky. “She’s only like this with you. Not even Steve nor I could ever get her to talk this much. But with you, there’s no off switch on her. It’s like she’s a little duckling that imprinted on you. Following you everywhere.”

Bucky considered his words, looking back over to Y/N who was smiling at whatever Banner was reading off his chart. She felt his gaze and chanced a glance over at his seat. The two locked eyes and she couldn’t help but smile wider, flashing him her pearly whites. A self-conscious blush spread across his cheeks, and he had to turn away.

As Tony returned to fix his arm, Bucky sat in stunned silence when realization settled in. It might have been only a week that she had been here, but she managed to wiggle her way right into life. She was a soothing presence to him now.  He noticed when she was gone from his side, a feeling of emptiness settling in his stomach whenever she would go off to train or even when they separated for the night. He missed having her there, talking away in his ear. She never irritated him, seeming to know when he needed silence, and gave it to him. She never left his side unless he asked. Bucky hadn’t realized how close they had become, hadn’t realized how ingrained she had become in his daily life. And what was more surprising, was that he was more than okay with it.

Sitting back, he grinned down at his open palm. He could get used to having her there beside him if it meant he wasn’t so alone.

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