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roguelov · 1 year

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Lean on Me

Summary: Being an immortal, you have lived countless lives and soon fell in love with Dream of the Endless. But, after a trip to the Waking, Dream went missing. You eventually ventured out in search of him, but you underestimated your abilities. You unfortunately become trapped along with him, trapped and tortured - will you ever be whole again after this?

Word Count: ~ 7.4k

Reader: Fem

Warnings: angst, hurt/comfort, torture (tw blood, but nothing truly specific), imprisonment, fluff sprinkled throughout

Requested by a wonderful anon

The mansion - a regal upstate mansion, which held parties nearly every night, which had multiple staffs both inside and out on the premises at this moment - was eerily quiet. A hairpin could drop, shattering the well kept peace. However, you would not even hear it over your erratic heartbeat in your ears.

But, despite the warning signs, you pushed on.

You had to.

This.

This silly rumor was the only lead of hopefully finding Morpheus - this lead in this extravagant mansion belonging to a man named Roderick Burgess, or also known as the Magus, a supposed amateur of magic.

It had been years since you last saw Morpheus. He had taken a trip to the Waking in search of the Corinthian, however, he never returned. You kept telling yourself it was okay, that maybe the Corinthian had slipped by and Morpheus was still chasing after him.

But, it was all excuses.

Poor excuses.

Now, after delaying for too long, you left the Dreaming, leaving it in Lucienne’s more than capable hands in search of your love. Which oddly led you here, sneaking into a basement behind a lockable door.

So, you hoped. Hoped you will find him.

“The Dreaming is now your home.”

You stepped into a bedroom - a massive suit crafted for a king. The high vaulted stone ceilings revealed an ethereal galaxy floating at the top, shifting and casting an array of colors over the room. A fireplace, its mouth nearly tall and wide as the wall, roared with an eternal fire, warming the entire space. Two chairs and couch, crafted out of a rich dark red oak and an upholstery plucked from the clouds, snuggled closely to the fire to enjoy. Peering into a cracked door off to the side, it was a grand bathroom: a tub the size of a small pool affitted with waterfall, sinks chiseled out of an onyx marble, and a collection of aromas from various perfumes and soaps.

You slowly, almost hesitantly, walked towards the bed. The bed was enormous, enough for a handful of people. It was draped in sheer black found only in the dark corners of space, and the color only worn by your love. You ran your hands over the fine silk sheets. So smooth, so soft, and dare you say, similar to his hair.

You immediately turned, flopping back onto the bed. And it happily welcomed you.

“Does it suit your needs?“

Your eyes flickered up. Morpheus, your love for more than decades, stood by in front of you. His face was reserved, withholding any tells of how or what he was feeling.

Or so he thought, but you knew him.

Sitting up, you grabbed his hands, and tugged him down. A smile, so small, almost unnoticeable, twitched on the corner of his lips. He bent down, placing a loving kiss on your waiting lips.

You pulled away, and brushed his hair out of his face. “As long as you are here and by my side, it is perfect. We could be sleeping on rags in a snowstorm and with your warmth alone it would be heavenly.”

However, with each step down the basement steps, a few problems arose. You didn’t know what you would do if he truly was here. Is he weak? Surely, he must be if he has been gone for so long. Which meant, could you successfully sneak him out?

Worries and questions only spiraled more and more out of control.

On the other hand, what will you do if he isn’t here? What other leads do you have? Who can you turn to? His siblings? You trusted Death, but you also knew your love: his stubbornness and pride knows no bounds. Would he accept help from them?

At the bottom, through a gate, you scanned the room - or dungeon, you would say - to find a desk tucked in the corner near you, but vacant. Strangely, no guards. But, your eyes were then drawn to the glass container suspended in the middle of the basement with a man sitting with his head bowed inside - stark naked and vulnerable.

Your breath hitched, and you covered your mouth.

Slowly, the man lifted his head. His eyes locked with yours. Instant recognition, overflowing adoration, icy fear, then a boiling of anger all flashed behind his beautiful endless blue eyes.

One step.

Another.

Two more.

You sprinted to Dream, to your love, trapped in the glass. Your hands slammed on the glass as your momentum was forced to a screeching halt.

He didn’t flinch,

“Oh my god,” you shakily whispered. “Morpheus, I’m going to get you out of here, okay?”

He stared up at you, more and more emotions clashed behind his usual stoic face.

Run. He wanted to scream.

Forget me. He wanted to say.

Save me. He wanted to beg.

He reached out, pressing his hands up on the glass over your own. Teary eyed, you nodded then began circling around the glass. Your fingers tried to find a crack, or a seam, to expose.

“Come on, come on.” You pleaded.

Your thoughts wandered to the empty guard station, to Roderick Burgess. You may have snuck in, but when will all your hard work crumble? At any moment, they could return. Your hands began to shake. Nervous and frustrated, you banged on the glass.

“Fuck,” you hissed.

You stumbled back. Perspective, you needed perspective - a new angle. Your eyes darted around.

Sturdy chains, pristine metal work, thick glass, yellow chalk symbols -

Your eyebrows knitted together.

Stepping back further, you saw the entire array of complex symbols and intricate shapes surrounding the glass sphere. It was magic, or some form of it. You peered up. Morpheus stared down at the symbols, then his eyes trailed up. He nodded.

The only confirmation you needed.

You leapt to kick, or just smudge, the marks.

But, you moved too late.

Hands wrapped around your forearms. They forcibly yanked you back. Off balance, you landed onto your back, knocking all the air out of you. The owner of the esteemed home, Roderick Burgess, loomed over you with a fire in his eyes. The guards, who left their post, were now at his side viciously glaring down at you.

“Who are you? What do you think you are doing?” Roderick hissed.

“I -“

Pain shot across your face.

Instinctively, you curled into a ball, clutching your face. Sharp white hot pain bloomed over every inch of your curled body. Blood trickled out of your nose. Welts rose. Bruises would later form. Your mind retreated away, trying to find comfort elsewhere.

“Do you think I am a fool? Do you think I do not know what goes on in my own home?” Roderick shouted. “Do you not understand what you could have done? The horrors you could have unleashed!”

His cane cracked against your skin one last time.

You couldn’t breathe. A high pitched ringing hummed in your ears. Your body throbbed, ached. You didn’t want to move, just breathing brought enough pain.

“Grab her.” Rough hands hoisted you up. You bit your tongue suppressing a groan. “Take her to the cellar.”

The two guards dragged you off. You lifted your head, staring at Morpheus still trapped in the glass. His frown was more prominent. Yet, his eyes - glossy and red - burned with a rage so ancient, and so catastrophic.

You mouthed. “I’m sorry.”

You blinked as consciousness slipped.

Weightlessness quickly followed by an abrupt, and painful, crash.

You jerked away, slumped against a wall.

Hands tugged on your hands upwards. Cold metal shackles clamped around your wrists. Someone tipped your head back. Your eyes slid up. Firstly, you took in the surroundings: a tiny concrete room, a cell, with one door, no windows, and a single bucket in the far corner. Your eyes looked to the guard who held your head back, then to Roderick who stood in the middle of the room, acting as commander and king.

The guard gave you a violent jostle. “Now, listen up.”

Roderick crouched down in front of you. “Now, my dear, you are going to tell me everything you know, okay? Starting with who you are? And how did you get in here?”

You blinked, unfazed.

The guard slammed your head against the wall. “Answer him,” he growled.

“Go … fuck … yourself.” You muttered.

Roderick scoffed. “How eloquent.”

You couldn’t respond, no witty quip. Words slipped away from you.

“Okay then, let’s start simple: who are you?”

You licked your lips, tasting the blood from your nose, the odd metallic tinge. And continued to stay silent.

Roderick gritted his teeth. “I ask who you are! Are you one of that thing's siblings? An Endless? Or maybe just an accomplice of his? A devoted follower?”

You spat in his face. “I told you … go fuck yourself.”

Roderick was silent for a moment. He calmly pulled out a handkerchief and wiped away the bloody spit. Standing back up, he tossed the handkerchief in your direction. “Thomas, do as you wish. Maybe after a night in here she will be more cooperative.”

The guard, Thomas, smiled wickedly - with far too many teeth - down at you. “It would be my pleasure, sir.”

You don’t remember when it happened, but you eventually, and thankfully, passed out. The torment was, to put it plainly, too much. So, you happily sunk into darkness, sunk into a dreamless sleep.

All the while, Morpheus sat awake, glaring at his reflection. His nails cut into his palms as a new tension set in his jaw.

Why? Why did you come for him?

“You are doing it again.”

Morpheus’s eyes flickered up to you. You stood in front of him, arms behind your back, while he sat on the bottom of the grandiose stairs of his throne.

“And what am I doing?” He asked.

“Glaring at nothing.” You stepped closer, touching the spot between his brows and smoothing out the crease. “Putting too much pressure on yourself.” Your hands moved down to his shoulders giving them a light squeeze to ease out any tension. “Hiding from me.” You plopped down beside him, and took his hand in yours.

He frowned slightly. “I am not hiding from you.”

“Maybe not,” you hummed. “But, you did promise to meet me in Fiddler’s Green a few hours ago.”

Morpheus winced. “I am so sorry, my love, time has gotten away from me.”

“You don’t need to apologize.”

He nodded, his gaze dropped to your hand intertwined with his.

“You know you don’t have to do this alone.”

His eyes jumped up to yours.

You smiled, lovingly. “You do so much already, do not be afraid to lean on me. I am your partner, through thick and thin, am I not?”

You came because it was in your nature. It was your nature to help, to seek him out. Centuries spent together and he still had trouble comprehending that someone will always look out for him.

He sighed, closing his tears as those bitter tears began to well up.

I hope I can free us both. I do not want to damn you with me, he thought solemnly.

You awoke the next morning to icy water dowsed over your skin. You gasped, and scrambled away only to slam into the concrete wall. Breathing heavily, you wildly looked around. Last night events slowly crept back. All your aches were phantom pains - a terrible memory.

“How wonderful, you’re awake.”

Your eyes locked onto the source of said grating voice. Roderick stood a few feet away with his hands behind his back, while a stooge of his held an empty bucket.

You glared.

“Now, I know we were both not as cordial as one should be when introducing ourselves so allow me to take the first step to a better relationship. I’m Roderick Burgess, but I suspect you already knew this.”

You kept quiet.

He sighed, disappointed. “I do not wish for us to continue on this trajectory. If you help me, then I can most certainly help you - say let you go.”

“Let Morpheus go,” you hissed.

“Ah, so you do know of our little friend.” He stepped forward. “And this is where I am confused, how do you know the beast?”

You clenched your jaw.

“Oh, come now, must we revert back to the silent treatment. We were having a conversation, we were being civil.”

“Civil?” You spat as your anger rose. “Are you insane? How could we ever be civil when you have me chained to a wall? And have Morpheus trapped in that glass sphere like - like on some odd display?”

“I trapped him with the laws of magic,” he shot back. “I did what I must in order to get what I so desire - to have my son back. And Dream - or Morpheus as you so call him - has continuously denied me. He chooses to rot in there when the solution is fairly simple.”

“Simple?” You scoffed. You awkwardly rose to your feet and walked to the end of your chain, getting as close as you could without ripping your arms out of your sockets. “That is not simple. That is asking for the impossible. Once someone has passed to the other side it is impossible to return, and frankly rude, and selfish, to rip them from their eternal peace.”

Roderick sneered. “I did not ask for your opinion. And there are other things he can grant me. His items have already brought prosperity, so is it so far-fetched that he may heed my demands? If he cannot give me my son - as you so claim - then he can grant immortality for instance.”

You rolled your eyes. “You still don’t get it.”

“What?” He said, lowly.

“He cannot give you that - any of it.”

“He certainly can. He can call upon his sibling, Death, in exchange for his freedom and now possibly yours.”

“Let me put it differently: he won’t.”

“What do you mean?” He glared.

“Exactly as I said, he will not give you what you seek.”

Roderick’s lips thinned. Anger boiled and boiled and - he closed his eyes, inhaling and exhaling slowly. When he opened his eyes, you nearly reeled back. Something had changed. You didn’t know it but the floor was crumbling underneath you. Something sinister was being pieced together behind those dangerous eyes of his.

“You know, I still do not know who you are.” Roderick pointed out.

You said nothing.

“That’s okay, you are still shy, so allow me to talk. While I came here to introduce myself to my intruder, I also noticed something.”

He glanced over his shoulder. The guard, Thomas you now remembered, glared at you. But, there was something else hidden behind the anger. Fear? Confusion?

“Now, Thomas, you had a lengthy conversation with our guest, did you not?”

“Yes,” he sneered. He instinctively touched his bruised and busted knuckles wrapped in gauze.

“Do you recall everything you’ve discussed?”

“Yes.”

Your heart rate spiked, a horrible sinking sensation dropped into the pit of your stomach. The floor almost crumbled away, you were about to fall.

“Interesting, and we, of course, discussed what occurred here once you’ve returned.”

“We did.”

Roderick swiveled his beady gaze back onto you, smiling at you. “So, I find it odd how our wonderful guest is standing before us without a nick on her.”

You backed away - now, you were falling.

His unsettling smile immediately wiped away as a glare and a snarl settled into his grotesque features. “You know of immortality because you are immortal, are you not?”

You quickly shook your head. This can’t be happening.

“Oh? You’re not? Then tell me, how do you not have any bruises? Any scratches? You have clearly healed over, so how?”

Your throat squeezed.

“I think we should test this theory.”

Your eyes widened.

Thomas stalked forth. He raised a pair of handcuffs, twirling them with a chilling smirk. Quickly, like lightning, he unhooked your chains and replaced them. He tugged on your new cuffs, and you stumbled forward.

Run.

A hand curled over your shoulder - a menacing claw. A breath puffed on the back of your neck. Your heart dropped. “It would be in your best interest to behave,” Roderick hissed.

Your skin crawled.

Roderick, with his hand still on your shoulder, steered you out of the cell down the dark hall to the open space where Morpheus was being held - being suspended. He walked you up right to Morpheus, just an arm's length away from the chalk markings.

Do something. Fight. Break him free.

Roderick’s grip tightened, as if sensing your intentions. “Dream Lord, I will ask again for you to grant me immortality and riches.”

Morpheus did not acknowledge Roderick, his sole attention was on you. Your gaze, however, was on the symbols. You could do it, you could -

“Dream Lord!”

Your eyes snapped up. Still, Morpheus looked at you, trying to assess what happened after you were taken. He saw no injuries, but that meant nothing to him. Injuries healed as they always do.

You tossed him a lopsided smile, and mouthed, “It’s okay, I’m okay.”

But, it wasn’t.

You gasped, all the air was taken from your lungs. An intense searing pain pierced your chest. You numbly, and mortified, glanced down. A thin dagger, coated in your blood, protruded from your chest and began to soak your shirt. You reached up with shaky hands.

No, this - what -

The dagger was forcibly pulled out.

No scream.

No sound.

You simply collapsed onto the floor.

Blood pooled out. The warm liquid clashed with the harsh cold of the concrete floor. You choked, trying to get air into your damaged lung. Your eyes locked back onto those yellow chalk symbols - those symbols just barely out of reach - then glanced up.

Morpheus stared down at you with wide stunned eyes. His hands pressed against the glass, unable to tear his gaze away. All he could do was watch - watch as you bleed, watch as you shake in insurmountable pain, watch as tears prickled in your eyes.

You licked your lips, tasting the blood in the back of your throat. You mumbled quietly, looking at your love. “I’m … okay … I’m okay … I’m -“

“Morpheus you must relax, I don’t break so easily.”

You had the wondrous idea of horseback riding through Fiddler’s Green, however for it to end with your horse being spooked and jerked you off. Now, you sat under a tree - by Morpheus’s request - with a sprained wrist since you landed all your weight onto it.

Morpheus, who was crouched in front of you, glanced up from examining your wrist. His lips thinned, and said nothing.

“He only worries.” You tilted your head back to see Jessmay resting on a branch above your head. She cocked her head with a certain twinkle in her eyes. In a way, she was smiling, finding amusement in Morpheus’s worry.

You chuckled. “Worrying like a mother hen.”

Jessmay squawked - a high pitched bubble of laughter.

Morpheus’s lips puckered, unamused.

You cupped his face with your uninjured hand. “I’m okay, Morpheus. Nothing can hurt me, I will always heal in the end.”

Yes, you would be okay.

You would not die, and soon you would heal without even a scar left behind. The only issue was the pain, a burning pain sorching you from the inside. You wanted to claw at your skin, you wanted to scream, but you laid perfectly still. Your mind splintered and focused on every excruciating detail like the sensation of blood filling your lungs, or your utter breathlessness as you choked on said blood and gasped for precious air, or how the blood cooled in the air and stuck to your skin.

Blood. So much blood.

Seconds became hours.

Both for you and Morpheus.

Finally, with a shaky exhale, you caught your breath again. The intense burning pain was now a bearable ache. Inhaling, your chest groaned, but you preferred it. It was nothing compared to before.

You looked at Morpheus and whispered. “I’m okay.”

Morpheus curled his hands into tight coiled fists. His eyes finally flickered to the man behind you, glaring with a vicious hatred meant to destroy the world.

Roderick was completely unfazed. He was instead far more interested in you, and your immortality. “I do think there is an opportunity here … a learning opportunity.”

Your heart sank.

“Thomas.”

Hands roughly lifted you up onto your feet. You tried to fight. You twisted and kicked like a wild caged animal. A fist connected to a jaw, feet to a knee, and eventually you freed yourself. You rushed over to Morpheus, pressing your bloody chained hands to the glass. You needed to speak with him, even if it may be your last for some time.

“It’ll be okay,” you spilled out.

His eyes fell to your red soaked shirt.

“Morpheus, don’t give him anything, okay? We will get out of here - I am getting you -“

Hands yanked you away. You were spun around and face to face with Roderick. His face was flushed with rage, and shouted, “How dare you! What if I cut your tongue out, will it grow back?”

You spat in his face.

He smacked you.

The sting on your cheek was nothing. You laughed, a huff from your nose. You lifted your head, giving him a passive look.

He tsked. “Take her away. I believe we have some important discussions to be had later.”

You struggled back, trying to drag your feet as Thomas and soon another guard dragged you off back to your lone cell.

A fist banged on the glass.

Roderick lazily glanced over his shoulder. Morpheus’s fist landed directly over your bloody handprints. He glared at the man who was robbing him of everything.

More blood on his hands, more blood to bath in.

Jessmay and now you.

“You can stop this, you know,” Roderick said nonchalantly. “Do you not love her?”

Morpheus clenched his fist, digging his nails into his palm ready to draw his own blood.

He couldn’t.

He couldn’t stop any of this - wouldn’t.

He wouldn’t cave to such a cruel mortal, ignoring that he couldn’t give what Roderick sought. But, if Morpheus could, why should he give Roderick what he wants? He would not call his siblings, especially not Death.

This man, this pathetic excuse for a human, deserved to rot.

He only hoped you would give him for this choice. You did tell him not to, so could you live with this? Would you forgive him? Or more importantly, could Morpheus forgive himself?

Days passed.

Every night brought new torment for you and unknowingly Morpheus.

Roderick wanted to know the full extent of immortality. He hired doctors and scientists to experiment on you. What can an immortal body do? What could it survive? How does it survive? Question after question, experiment after experiment.

Morpheus curled into a ball, his back to the guards. He pressed his palms to his ears.

It was too much.

Your screams.

Your pleas.

He knew you. He knew you desperately, and always, tried to muffle your pain for him. To lessen his load. Which meant, you were being broken apart, torn down, sliced into, ripped open, whatever. He didn’t wish to dwell on the specifics.

“You know, Dream Lord, you can make this stop.”

Morpheus did not look back nor move.

Roderick sneered. “Your love is in pain and you sulk like a child.”

Morpheus gritted his teeth.

Roderick scoffed and walked off. “Maybe I will bring her in here so you may watch next time.”

Thankfully, Roderick never did. But, your screams never stopped.

Your only salvation was the darkness - away from those greedy eyes, away from all those tools, away from cruel deadly tests, away from it all. Well, the darkness and Morpheus. You could only endure it all knowing Morpheus was still trapped. If they kept your focus on you rather than him, then so be it.

You would both escape … eventually.

Hopefully.

Years had to have passed.

The experiments came less and less much to your relief, however unfortunately it did not stop completely. The new sporadic nature of the experiments constantly kept you on edge.

The cell door creaked open.

Slumped against the wall, after finishing a grueling test, you wearily glanced up and braced yourself. You suspected it to be the doctor from earlier, but it shockingly wasn’t. Even with only one of your eyes currently working, you still recognized it to be a young man, one you saw a handful of times before - Roderick Burgess’s son, Alex.

He never visited you. So, why now?

“The … The Magus is dead,” he announced.

Dead. Dead. Dead.

It replayed over and over until it finally sunk in. Trying to keep a calm exterior, you pushed yourself up to sit straighter. This could be it. “Please,” you whispered urgently. “Free him, free Morpheus.”

Alex awkwardly shuffled side to side. “I will, I - I just need time to think.”

Inhaling, you mumbled not hiding your exhaustion and disappointment. “It is so simple. Free him - us. What do you have to gain from all of it?”

Alex dropped his head, staying quiet.

“Please, I’m begging you to free him, leave me behind if you want. Use me - take whatever you want. Take my blood, take my organs, take it all, just let him go, please.”

“I … I will think on this, excuse me.”

Alex bustled out, shutting and locking the door behind him.

Some time passed.

Yet, you eagerly waited. And waited. And waited. And waited. Time was your only companion. You never saw Alex again, or anyone much after that.

So, you slowly began to rot.

Days and nights blended together. You were not sure how much time has passed, the only tell was the difference in temperature - to the freezing nights where you could not sleep due to how much your body shook to the sticky hot mornings where you could not breathe no matter how much air you took in.

Escape was now a dream.

You had tried and tired, and exhausted every option. In the beginning, you did all that you could going so far as mutilating your body to free yourself, but now? Now, you could not even lift your head. Your body was sluggish, and all you could do was lay on the floor as your mind slipped in and out of consciousness.

Another day, another night in darkness, trapped and starved.

Your cheeks, sunken from what had to be decades of neglect and lack of care, laid against the cool, damp stone floor. A relief from the humid summer air - the indication of another year had passed. Even at night, the humidity clung to your skin, suffocating you.

You blinked slowly.

Your eyelids weighed down from years and years of built exhaustion. You were nearly catatonic. You tried to keep your mind busy by counting the cracks in the stone, counting to hundred then back down to one, or by counting your moments with Morpheus.

Each moment you clung fiercely to your heart, replaying them over and over. You pictured all of his details: how his lip twitched before he smiled, how his eyes sparkled in any light, how his voice soothed any worries with a single word, how his hands fit into yours, how he … how he became your world and it was devoid without him.

You adjusted yourself, laying completely flat against the ground. Such a simple move left you breathless and in pain. The rusted chains rustled behind you and the cuffs banged against your sore, raw wrists. You could pull free, one swift tug and the chain would snap. If you only had the energy to do so.

You were ready for sleep again. Ready to drift off into the dark void of slumber - no dreams, only darkness.

You closed your eyes.

A high pitched screech pierced your ears.

You barely reacted. You simply opened your eyes.

A figure stood in the doorway.

Your eyes tried to focus on it, focus on the features. But, it was nearly impossible. It was all blurry. Sleep, you wanted sleep.

The figure approached.

It was probably a morbidly curious guard, or maybe another doctor who traveled far fascinated by the tale of the regenerative mortal. You were a relic covered in dust, one that spurred interest every so often. Or, as you put it, a circus freak that was unnatural and to be exploited.

But, you had no energy to fight or argue with whoever this stranger may be.

It’ll be over soon, you numbly thought.

The person crouched down. They reached out, brushing your cheek - the barest of touch.

You squinted, trying to focus on who this may be. It was dark, or they were dark - shrouded in shadows.

“My love,” a voice cracked.

Your vision sharped, the main focal point was the bright blue eyes. “Mor - Morpheus?” Your voice was scratchy.

“It’s me.” He gently stroked your sunken cheek. His throat constricted. “Come, let’s go home.”

Before you could answer, his coat swept over your vision.

The stiff concrete floor shifted. You were being cradled, held close to Morpheus’s chest. You breathed him in.

Home.

You sighed, curling further into his chest. You had been cold, and alone for so long. It was a sweet relief to be held so gingerly. A sharp contrast to all that you were subjected to in the past decades.

Wind whipped past your ears as the mildew stench of the basement faded. Morpheus carefully walked with you in his arms, and placed you down.

Your eyes swept over the room. It was your shared bedroom. And you should be relieved, you should be thrilled to be home again, yet your heart dropped.

It was all in ruins.

The ceiling had notable cracks, and fall pieces laid shattered on the ground, the swirling universe which twinkled and shone every night was gone, the constant roaring fire was out leaving a horrible chill in the air, the chairs and tables were covered in dust, and the bedsheets were in tatters.

“Morpheus,” you whispered in pain.

Your home, your safe haven, was destroyed.

Morpheus gently brushed your forehead. “It’s okay, everything will be okay.” He bent down, kissing your forehead. “I must go, but Lucienne will look after you.”

“What? No, please -“

“Only for a short while, I assure you. I must retrieve my items to rebuild the Dreaming - to rebuild our home.”

You reached over, grabbing his hand then squeezing it.

Or at least tried to squeeze.

Morpheus tried to hide his frown. You were so weak, so exhausted.

You licked your chapped lips. “Okay,” you mumbled, reluctantly agreeing. “Come back quickly.”

He took your hand, brought it to his lips and kissed your knuckles. “I will.”

Days passed, and finally Morpheus had returned. With his items back on his person, and a piece of himself returned, he immediately rushed to you. Almost barging into the bedroom, his eyes landed on you, tucked in bed, sound asleep.

“Welcome back, my lord.”

Morpheus turned to find Lucienne stoking the fire. She greeted him with a kind smile. He nodded a ‘hello’. His eyes darted back to you. The bed swallowed your figure, and thankfully a fraction of your color had returned. A fraction was better than none.

“She has been sleeping most of the time. I have gotten her to eat, but very little. And I helped her with a bath a short while ago.” Lucienne explained.

“Thank you, Lucienne.”

She shuffled in place. “If I may, could we speak outside, possibly in private?”

Morpheus tore his gaze from you, and nodded. He stepped outside with Lucienne following closely behind. She shut the door and faced her lord.

“What is it?” He asked, trying to hide his worries.

“It’s about (Y/N), sir,” Lucienne started slowly. “I don’t want to cause any alarms, but I have noticed a few things.”

His heart jumped. “Such as?”

“Nightmares. She cannot sleep for long without being disturbed by them and - and they are rather nasty, sir.”

“Nightmares,” he whispered to himself.

His heart ached.

You suffered because of him, because of his nightmares. Now that he was free, the Dreaming was unleashed again back onto the world, but with no control. Dreams and nightmares did as they pleased.

How much pain will he continue to inflict on you?

“Thank you for telling me this, Lucienne, your help is much appreciated.”

Lucienne smiled softly. “Of course, my lord.”

He snuck a glance to the closed door.

“If you don’t mind, sir, I can attend to things if you wish.”

Morpheus looked back to Lucienne, his most trusted friend. “Please, if you do not mind.”

“Not at all.” Lucienne, smiling, spun on her heel, and strolled down the hall.

Morpheus crept back into the room. His footsteps padded quietly as he made his way to you. He crouched down by your bedside and gently stroked your cheek. Inhaling, you cracked your eyes open. You glanced and threw Morpheus a lopsided smile. “Welcome back.”

He laughed through his nose. “How have you been faring, my love?”

“Good, just very tired.”

He waited, waiting for you to speak of your nightmares, but you didn’t. “Then I shall let you rest.”

He stood up.

“Wait.”

Morpheus froze.

“Don’t go, not yet.” You clumsy scooted over, tossing back the sheets. “Please, join me for a bit.”

He didn’t need to be asked twice. He kicked off his boots, shucked off his coat, and crawled into bed with you.

You flipped onto your side, facing him. He laid on his back, and turned his head to look at you. You smiled at him, despite everything and it was such a lovely smile. His heart always skipped at the sight.

“Hold me?” You asked, your voice was a faint whisper. “Please.”

Again, Morpheus did not need to be asked twice. Anything you wished, he will do. He wrapped his arms around you, drawing you to his chest.

Ice.

Your skin was ice against him. “You’re freezing, love.” He brushed your cheek. “Are you sure you are okay?”

You snuggled further, burying your face into him. “I always feel cold lately, but I’m fine.”

He frowned.

Silence filled the air. And with silence, it brought insecurities and unwanted thoughts - thoughts you had since your freedom. “You know, I never said I’m sorry.” You whispered your minor confession.

Morpheus blinked. “About what?”

For not saving you.

“Jessmay.” You avoided the truth with a lesser one. “I never said I was sorry about her loss.”

He sighed. “So you found out?”

“I did. The guards talked, and they spoke of a raven who was shot a few days before I arrived. They wondered what other things would come looking for you.” You frowned. “She was part of our family and I know it must hurt you deeply.”

“I … I will not lie to you, it was hard,” he confessed. “But, there is a silver lining in all of this.”

“How?” You tilted your head, looking at him.

Morpheus turned his head, his nose bumped against yours. “During my time away to retrieve my items, I have acquired a new raven. His name is Matthew.”

Your eyebrows shot up. “Really?”

He hummed. “Yeah, maybe once you are feeling well you can’t meet him.”

You smiled. “I would love that.”

“Good,” he kissed your forehead, “now rest, I will be right here when you wake.”

You nodded, and closed your eyes enjoying his warmth after being decades - a century - apart.

The cold that had settled deep within your bones, lifted. Like the first spring morning after a devastating winter. The ice cracked on the pond, the first melted off the grass, and the sun kissed the land once again bringing life back.

Sleep was easy with him by your side. But, it was still difficult to stay asleep.

After a century without any dreams, the Dreaming flooded your subconscious pulling at every facet of your life to weave its stories. Unfortunately, recent years were unkind to you. The Dreaming, however, took without a care what it needed and constructed new plays for you - constructed new terrifying nightmares.

You were strapped down to a hard, metal slab unable to move. A single light shone above you, while shadows surrounded you in all directions. Your heart pounded in your ears. Your eyes wildly searched for help, for someone. But, no one was there. Out of the shadows, hands made up of various tools - each finger a different device - instantly tore into you, sinking into your skin down to the bones.

A scream crawled out of your throat.

Hands grabbed you, grabbed your face.

You scrambled away, trying to bat off the hands.

“Oh, stay still, dear, wouldn't you want to poke your eye out?” A cacophony of horrible sickening laughter echoed.

“Love, breathe.”

That voice, you knew that voice. You immediately dropped your hands. Your eyes shot open and locked onto Morpheus. “Morpheus?”

He nodded, “It is me, I’m here.”

Your bottom lip trembled. “I - I’m sorry. I -“

“Shhh,” his thumbs gently stroked your cheeks, “you needn’t apologize.”

Your hands flew up, latching around his wrists. It was real, he was real. You closed your eyes, and let out a shaky breath. His thumb continued to rub soothing circles - so gentle, so comforting. Opening your eyes again, the world in all of its love stared back.

Morpheus smiled sadly. “I should apologize, I didn’t mean for the Dreaming to torment you further.”

“No, Morphues, it’s -“

“Wrong. I am hurting the one I love.”

You squeezed his wrists. Moving his hands off your face, you placed them over your heart - over the now steady calm beat. “You cannot hurt me.”

He opened his mouth to argue.

But, you cut him off. “Nightmares, no matter how awful they may be, I am grateful for them because dreaming again means you are back at my side.”

We are home again.

He didn’t know how to react.

You reached out and stroked his cheek, returning the gesture. “You don’t have to worry about me.”

“But -“

You leaned in and pecked his cheek. “I’m fine.”

Why? Why did you lie to him?

The Dreaming, and all of its dreamers, need their king, you reasoned with yourself.

And for some reason, Morpheus didn’t argue. Maybe he didn’t wish to push it, maybe he wished for you to come or him, whatever the reason may be he kept quiet.

Weeks passed.

You stayed in your room recovering. Your glow slowly returned. Your cheeks fuller again, the spark twinkled behind your eyes. Only for all the progress to be ripped away, right back to square one. Despite Morpheus's efforts, the nightmares still continued. Maybe not every night but they persisted.

And they were ruthless.

You tried to hide them, hide your pain, and even neglected sleep. You had decades of sleep, so you’ve had your fill. But, you could not hide it from him any longer.

Morpheus stepped in the bedroom. You were curled up on a chair, staring blankly at the fire. The bags under your eyes had returned.

He sighed.

What am I doing, he bitterly thought. My love, my heart, needs her partner.

He walked over to you. You slowly glanced up at him, and smiled. “How was your day, my sweet Dream?”

He stretched his hand out to you. “Join me, will you?”

“Where?” Your hand already was in his.

He lifted you up to your feet, and walked off towards the bathroom. “A bath, it has been an exhausting day.”

You laughed once. “Of course.”

Entering the bathroom, a bath was already drawn. The steam filled the air, and delicate floral aroma wafted. Petals, of multiple colors, danced over the surface of the steamy water.

“Allow me.”

With no arguments from you, Morpheus helped you out of your clothes, and into the tub. You sunk into the water, sighing deeply. He soon followed after, sitting directly behind you. His eyes quickly scanned over your bare back. There was nothing wrong - no abnormal marks, no scars. But, in his mind's eye, he could imagine all the cuts sliced into you.

His arms snaked out, wrapping around your waist desperate to have to close - desperate to feel your skin against his.

You hummed, leaning into his embrace.

“How are you this evening?” He asked.

“Good.” Lies. Both of you knew this, but neither of you spoke of it. “And you?”

“Exhausted.”

You nodded.

A few minutes ticked by in silence. With each tick, a weight pressed onto your chest again. A familiar weight you only felt around Morpheus. Heavier and heavier and - “Morpheus? Do … do you -,” you sighed, and shook your head. “Never mind, forget what I said.”

“No, talk to me. Ask your question.”

I will not turn my back again, he thought.

You licked your lips. You finally spoke about what has been eating at you since you both escaped. What you wanted to say that first night together. Exhaling slowly, you hesitantly sat up, and twisted your back to face him. “Do … do you hate me?”

“… what?” He breathed out, stunned by your question.

“I - I feel as if I caused you more harm in trying to find you. I did nothing. I only succeeded in getting caught and damning us both. So, do you hate me for it? Do you wish I never came?”

His throat constricted. So this was what you have been carrying all this time. “… yes.”

You flinched, dropping your head.

Morpheus gently lifted your head so you could look at him. “Yes, I wish you never came because then you would not have experienced so much pain.” I would never know your screams and pleas. “But, I never would hate you. I would never be furious at your attempts because I know you did your best and you just trying was enough to give me hope of a future out of there.”

Tears silently streamed down your face.

He wiped them away. “My hatred only goes to those who hurt you - never you. And why would I? Why would I hate the one person who tried when others didn’t. My only hope is that you do not hate me for -“

You vehemently shook your head. “What? No, I would never hate you.”

“Even when I could have called upon my siblings?”

“No, because I asked you not to. I told you to not give in.”

“Even if I could have spared you such pains?” His voice cracked.

You smiled sadly. “I will take anything knowing you were possibly spared.”

“And what if I cannot? What if I cannot handle what you have been through? You haven’t spoken of it, and I am worried for you.”

You frowned. “I’m sorry, I - I did not want to put more on your shoulders. You do enough as is, and right now I am terribly … broken.”

He pressed his forehead to yours. “Yes, you may be broken, but your pains are my pains. You are not a burden.”

You sniffled.

“One step at a time, as they say, and I will be there at every step.”

He pulled away, brushing away a few more of your tears. You fell back into him, your back pressed into his chest. His arms instantly wrapped around your waist again. Your hands laid on top of his, intertwining your fingers with his. “Thank you,” you whispered.

His arms tightened around your waist. “Of course, my love, I will always be there.”

You tipped your head back, resting it on his shoulder. His eyes meet yours. Luckily, the tears had stopped.

“You do not have to do this alone.” His voice was oddly so small, so fragile. “Do not be afraid to lean on me.”

A smile stretched over your lips, a beautiful smile that he adored. You pecked his lips. “I believe that is my line.”

He huffed through his nose.

Snuggling into his chest, you closed your eyes. “Just hold me a bit longer.”

“Anything for you.”

“… and maybe we can take a walk later through Fiddler’s Green? And maybe I can meet Matthew?”

Morpheus smiled to himself. “Sounds lovely. And I know Matthew would love it. He always asks to meet you.”

“So you speak of me behind my back?” You teasingly asked, peeking up at him.

“I do,” he dropped his head, kissing your shoulder. “He wishes to know the wonderful, selfless, beautiful, kind person who I can call mine.”

You laughed.

Yes, you were broken. But, Morpheus was there to pick up your piece and carefully, and lovingly, piece you back together.

You would be more than okay with him to lean on.

#the sandman #dream of the endless #morpheus #dream x reader #morpheus x reader #dream x fem!reader #morpheus x fem!reader #fem!reader #sandman dream

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shady-tavern · 1 year

Text

Part 2 of this short story.

You magicked some blood splatters away after teleporting home, stretching your fingers until they cracked in dark satisfaction. You were getting closer and closer to figuring out just where the Brotherhood had its headquarters.

To your dismay, you had to realize that this infernal organization had grown very, very big. Big enough to have kings and queens on their side, being supported by other royalty and even a thieves guild you had done business with in the past. And here you had thought their leader was one of the smart ones.

A brief glance into the kitchen showed that Melina was working on an advanced healing salve. She looked incredibly focused and one of your constructs was lingering nearby, ready to be of aid should she need it. The girl had things well in hand, however and you couldn’t help but feel that warm curl of pride filling your chest.

You had never thought that having a student was like this. You yourself had probably been more trouble than you were worth growing up and you knew your former teachers were all collectively horrified by what you had done, both to yourself in order to become a lich-mage and everything afterwards.

You ducked out of the kitchen without disturbing Melina, closing the door quietly. She’d be done soon, you had come back just in time to avoid worrying her. The skulls you passed by were silent and empty, devoid of a certain ghost’s presence. You had no idea where Mortimer was, but sometimes he just seemed to be…somewhere, doing whatever ghosts did.

You entered a separate study room on the ground floor, one you had repurposed for the task of keeping track of the Brotherhood. You marked off another camp of theirs you had left in ruin and set down the stack of papers you had liberated. Sadly, those guys had been small fry, but at least you had another name of a high ranking member now. Soon you’d have enough information to take them all down.

It was tedious but necessary work if you wanted to root this organization out root and stem. Such nastiness was not allowed to come back while you weren’t looking. Melina’s life would never be threatened by the likes of them again.

A crackle along your wards made you pause in surprise. A visitor? And one so brazen as well. Ah, there was only one person who walked into your home fearlessly. Or rather, two, now that you had Melina living here.

You stepped out of the study just as the front door got thrown open and Priscilla swept inside in all her powerful sunshine glory. She easily could have become a lich-mage herself, but she had the unfortunate habit of taking deep breaths and making rational decisions. Most of the times at least.

Priscilla had taken you under her wing when the two of you had been students and she had remained a steadfast, loyal, annoying and kind friend over all those years. The world would shatter before you would not aid her should she ever need or want your help.

She had been there the day you had become a lich-mage and had stood guard over your prone body for twenty days and nights. Forgoing sleep and food, she had kept herself awake and standing with magic alone, willing to drain herself down to her last dredges to defend you.

She had also woken you with incessant poking and a lot of cackling laughter when you had flopped around like a wriggly fish, having to regain control of your body. The moment you were reasonably stable on your feet, she had promptly passed out.

"Oh, you’re home, how lovely. How are you?," she asked cheerfully, forgoing any sort of greeting, but her smile did not reach her eyes.

The way she asked made you narrow your eyes at her. The upside to knowing each other since being eleven was that you were aware of all her tells and habits. And right now she was burning to ask you something and yet, for some reason, held back for the moment.

It must be important if she had come to visit. The two of you saw each other often enough, but since you both weren’t tied to the whims of time, months or even a year could pass until one checked up on the other.

"I am pleasantly well, I suppose," you answered, still eyeing her. She looked as well as ever, dressed in shimmering finery and jewelry.

"So you haven’t been burning things and people down left and right," she remarked offhandedly.

"How did you find out?" You hadn’t been subtle in the least, but it was surprising that she had noticed. You had once razed an entire warrior clan to the ground and she hadn’t known until you had told her about it over a cup of tea.

Similarly, Priscilla had once gone hunting a dangerous order that tried to crack the world open like an egg and free some kind of ancient god or evil or whatever without you being aware of it. Which you had learned over that same cup of tea.

You waved her into your study, gesturing at the table with the large map and the research strewn about. "I’m hunting down the Brotherhood."

"Yes, I could gather as much," she said and you tipped your head as you watched her skim over your notes. You knew that glint in her eyes.

"Did they piss you off as well?" you asked and she hummed softly in agreement.

"They tried to recruit me yesterday, did you know?" she asked and it was a purely rhetoric question, since you did not know and you both were aware of that fact. If you had known she had spoken with these cretins you would have kicked down her door at the ass-crack of dawn. "They said there was a lich-mage they might have to take down to get at a cursed child."

At her words, any kind of easygoing mood evaporated immediately. You felt your magic curl up, an unspoken threat, not for Priscilla, because she’d never do anything to harm you, but to the monsters out there. Monsters wearing human skin and convincing people that there were terrible, cursed, awful children that needed slaughtering.

They were not going to touch your student, no matter what. You would burn the world to the ground before that happened.

"I may have used a teeny-tiny bit of a truth serum, entirely unintentional of course. Followed by an absolutely accidental stasis spell," she added and you felt your magic settle again as dark amusement found you. "The fellow is still in my cellar, by the way, in case you want to interrogate him as well."

You couldn’t help but chuckle. "You are my favorite for a reason."

She snorted. "I’m your favorite because I snuck out with you when we were thirteen and let you stand on my shoulders in a stinking bog, all to help you collect the nastiest sap I have ever seen in my damn life."

Now you did laugh. "Yes, so you keep reminding me. And thank you, I would love to speak with your guest."

"Just don’t leave any trace behind once you kill him," she said, leaning back against a small table. "I don’t need those fanatics knocking on my door again." Her gaze briefly slid over the map and settled on you. "What did they do?"

It was a fair question. For all your power, you didn’t often bother to go to such lengths when someone angered you. The people you interacted with generally knew not to fuck with you and if they didn’t, they were swiftly and easily taught otherwise. You had more important things to do than topple monarchies every other year or wade through the underbelly of a city to take care of something.

You were powerful enough that people did not, generally, make an enemy of you. Besides, many desired your aid and wanted you and your power at their fingertips. There was only a tiny handful of mages even willing to perform the sort of spells you liked to play with.

You just had no idea how to tell her you had a student. The last time the two of you had spoken about such things, you had both snorted derisively at the poor fools who burdened themselves in such a way.

Well. You had never shied away from a challenge. You opened your mouth, about to answer, when a knock at the door made the two of you pause. Melina poked her head in after a moment, her excited smile slipping into a hesitant, questioning expression.

Right, she hadn’t met many people since she had come to live with you. You certainly hadn’t introduced her to any other mages, since most of them were annoyances anyway.

"Melina, meet Priscilla," you said, gesturing at your dearest friend. Who was simultaneously also the only person alive who’d mock you without hesitation if you were being an idiot. It was strangely reassuring sometimes. Though, you could do without her and Mortimer teaming up. "We’ve been friends since we were young."

"It’s nice to meet you," Priscilla said, sweeping into an elegant bow and Melina clumsily tried to curtsey back, a jar clutched in her hands.

"Let me see," you said and she quickly handed it over. It took a single glance to know she had brewed it perfectly. "Good work," you said.

Melina perked up, a smile appearing back onto her face. You were also glad to see her less wary around other people. She had used to hunch down, trying to become invisible through sheer force of will, when you had first visited a market together.

"I’ll join you in a moment," you told her when handing the jar back, only realizing your voice had gone and done that soft and patient thing again when you finished speaking. "Please wait outside."

Melina nodded and quickly ducked away, closing the door again. When you turned back to Priscilla, she had her palms pressed together in front of her face and was squinting at you over her fingertips.

"I wasn’t gone so long that you went and conceived a child, right?" she asked with the sort of sceptic hesitancy that told you she was genuinely unsure. For just a brief moment you considered fucking with her, but you ended up rolling your eyes.

"We saw each other a year ago," you reminded her, but that only made her squint harder.

"You do a lot of questionable stuff," she said, a fact that had never bothered her. Priscilla had about as many morals as you did, which was to say, very little. "You still have that jar of strange flesh."

Ah, yes. You would not explain where you had gotten that. Or why it was still alive.

Then realization hit and her face brightened. A wide grin swept across her face and you resigned yourself to relentless, if kind, teasing. "Wait here!" she gasped and disappeared in a small shower of sunlight sparks.

Blinking, bewildered, you had no idea what that had been about. You were about to go and join Melina, when Priscilla reappeared. This time, she wasn’t alone.

"Tada!" she exclaimed, gesturing grandly at a reed-thin girl, dressed in all black. The girl’s slim shoulders hunched up uncomfortably and she inched closer to your friend, hugging a book anxiously against her chest. "Meet Caitlin!"

"Hello, Caitlin," you said, offering a polite bow of your own. The girl hesitantly returned it. "Welcome to my home."

"She and Melina should meet," Priscilla said. "Remember when our teachers introduced us?"

You mostly remembered years of mayhem and giggling in hiding spots and lying for each other and helping each other. And a pet toad that had died an unfortunate death and you had held Priscilla as she had cried.

"Of course," you said. Actually, this wasn’t a bad idea. If the girls got along, Melina would have a friend. You had worried a bit about that recently. It wasn’t healthy to be cooped up inside so much, even if the girl accompanied you to the nearby town to buy supplies.

You motioned for them to follow you and you found Melina waiting in the hallway, fiddling with her jar. She looked up and paused when she saw who followed you.

"Melina, meet Caitlin," you said, gesturing at the girl who still tried to do her best to either turn invisible or somehow fold herself into a tiny shape. Though now she seemed hesitantly curious as well. "Why don’t you show her around a bit?"

"Alright," Melina said and Caitlin stepped away from Priscilla, glancing back once worriedly. Priscilla smiled encouragingly and calmingly, shooing her onward with silent gestures.

You heard the girls starting to talk as they disappeared around the corner. Slowly and cautiously at first and then with a bit more confidence. Priscilla nudged you.

"So, you got a student, huh?" she said with a grin and you cast her an unimpressed side-glance.

"Pot, meet kettle." She laughed at your words and briefly bumped your shoulders together, before noticing your curious look and growing solemn.

"I found Caitlin in a ditch," she said quietly after a moment and you saw dark anger burn in her eyes. "Her parents were the sort to think magic was nothing but evil temptation and they decided to get rid of her."

Those parents were no longer alive, you were willing to bet your eyes and tongue on that.

"I did find out where the Brotherhood’s headquarters are," she said suddenly and you felt yourself turn still and dangerous, a side effect of becoming a lich. A very wanted and welcome side effect at that. "We could go check it out once we’re sure the girls get along."

You tipped your head in agreement and after some looking around, you found the girls in the gardens. It was a warm, sunny day and you saw that Caitlin no longer clutched her book as tightly and was smiling hesitantly at something Melina said.

Mortimer had shown up as well in the meantime, since you could see the purple glow filling the eye sockets of a nearby skull. The skull you kept outside for whenever he wanted to look at the gardens. When you glanced at him, the skull dipped the slightest bit in answer, the glow darkening in a way that promised he’d look after the girls.

No teasing today, not when you could already feel hot blood dripping off of your fingertips. You’d never tell him, but Mortimer really was the best housemate. Even if he sometimes got on your very last nerve.

Melina was talking animatedly, something that had taken her a while to do around you. She had been so careful for so long. Afraid even, at first. You found something soft and happy unfurling within you, almost like weightless wings, whenever you saw her happy. Whenever she could simply be herself, healthy and at ease, knowing she was safe.

A glance at Priscilla revealed a soft expression on her face, a small smile gracing her lips. You had no idea what your own face looked like, but you were certain some of your emotions showed. Especially since there was no reason to hide anything around your dearest friend.

The two of you watched the girls a moment longer to ensure they’d be comfortable in each other’s presence for a while longer. When Caitlin made Melina giggle, both of them examining poisonous plants, you saw the first bloom of a beautiful friendship right there. You nodded at Priscilla and she smiled, bright and cheerful.

"They’re going to be menaces when they’re grown up," your friend said with great satisfaction as you stepped back inside.

You couldn’t help but laugh. "If they’re raised by us, they better be."

This, you decided, would be your greatest legacy. Not your spells and magic nor how you had given up your mortal body, letting ancient, dark magic change it forever. No, your greatest legacy would be helping Melina grow into a competent, confident woman who had the power to make the world tremble at her fingertips.

And, well, you had no intentions of dying anytime soon. If anyone gave her any trouble, you’d gladly offer your aid to squash those fools.

"The Brotherhood is after Melina, isn’t it? That’s why you’re on a rampage," Priscilla said and you hummed in a low tone in agreement. Priscilla looked at you and you saw her magic start to glow beneath her skin as though her veins suddenly filled with light. "Want to destroy them together?"

When you grinned, you knew it was the sort of teeth-baring, awful smile that had sent your old teachers skittering back frightfully when you had seen them last. "With pleasure."

#my writing #fantasy #part two of a writing prompt #in all honesty I never expected to continue their story #this is very much a spontaneous thing #I hope some of you might like it!#and that I managed to find all the spelling mistakes #I hope you have a fun read!#edit: please forgive that I forgot the 'read more' thingy #brain was afk for a moment there

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electronicwitchcollection · 3 months

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🖤🌸

BAHAHA YOUR GIN DRABBLE IS AMAZING. I just pictured Gin walking around and walking into to everyone and falling like a flopping fish XD

Now, I know I talk about Byakuya a lot but I genuinely want to know what he’d react like when he sees Gin drunk and tipsy. I just read @bleachbrainrotbro ‘s hcs on the two getting drunk where it was a similar situation but Byakuya was the one who ended up drunk 😂😂

😂 the image brought me so much joy.

Little side note! I’ve actually got a Byakuya x Gin one shot planned! It’s angsty and rough and hopefully very filthy 😂 as soon as I finish my Aizawa one shot (nearly done!) and the next chapter of Accidental mate, I’m going to start writing it

Now! On to the good stuff.

Byakuya isn’t one for drinking in access. The high standards of decorum and pride that have been ingrained into him from a young child have him conditioned to look down on such behaviour. Being unable to control yourself, the sloppy erratic movements, the slurred unfiltered words due to copious amounts of alcohol was unbecoming.

Drunk people were embarrassing, unsightly, and just plain annoying. Now he was used to the overly touchy Kyoraku, having (unfortunately) spent a lot of time in his presence at noble gatherings, in which Kyoraku took as an opportunity to get absolutely shitfaced.

Over the years he has figured out the best ways to avoid his elder, or at the very least distract him enough to slip away. Gin, on the other hand was a variant he was completely unprepared for.

Gin had staggered (probably away from Kyoraku) down the street when he got Byakuya in his sights. Even drunk he cannot resist the urge to mess with the stuffy captain.

Byakuya could tell straight away how inebriated he was, with the sloppy, heavy footsteps swaying all over the place. His devious grin plastered on his face as he got the captain in his sights. Byakuya would sigh internally, scanning the area for someone, anyone, to shove this nuisance off on.

Gin would throw a heavy arm around him, alcohol soaked breath assaulting Byakuyas nose the instant he got close. Looking straight ahead one would almost be able to see the distain radiate off him.

Gin is a wind up merchant, this only amplifies when drunk. He would poke Byakuya on the nose, snickering at the offended look he would get in return. “Bya-kun”

Byakuya’s eye would twitch as he tried to keep his composure, answering with a curt “captain Ichimaru”

Gin would speak utter nonsense, trying to rile him up. He wanted a reaction, and he wouldn’t stop until he got one. He would poke, nudge, flick and generally be a pest

Byakuya would discreetly try to detangle this drunken leech off of him, to no prevail. Muttering a silent mantra of “don’t hit him, don’t hit him, you’re above fighting in the street. Don’t hit him”

I cannot tell you how hilarious I find the idea of Mayuri walking down the street, stopping when he sees Gin drunkenly hanging off Byakuya. Byakuya would catch his eye and motion to him “come get this idiot off me”. In which Mayuri would snort, flip him the bid and walk backwards away from the scene. Like hell would he get involved in that.

I think at some point Byakuya would just come to accept that this is his life now. Stoically staring ahead waiting for this bumbling idiot to either pass out or get distracted and walk away of his own volition. He would try and coax the captain into going home, try and use some of the distraction techniques that would on Kyoraku (mainly pointing out woman who seem to be single)

The next passer-by wouldn’t be able to escape as easily as Mayuri had. I like to think Toshiro would happen on them next, unhappy, but will venture over to assist. Only to be left livid when Byakuya uses the distraction to flash step away.

Gin would bend over, hand on his knees to get eye level with Toshiro and ruffle his hair like a child. Byakuya couldn’t help the smug grin when he hears Toshiro screaming obscenities from down the road

#bleach #bleach asks #ramblings #gin ichimaru #byakuya kuchiki #mayuri kurotsuchi #toshiro hitsugaya #🖤🌸

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mttmurduck · 1 year

Text

BRUCE BANNER COMIC APPEARANCES RATED

no one was kidding when they said bruce banner had no consistent appearance. this is me failing to reconcile each one i’ve come across. send me more if you want me to rate them.

Matteo Scalera - Indestructible Hulk #9

point for looking fucked up. not a fan of the short hair, but maybe that’s because of the whole prisoner of SHIELD thing, so whatever. 1/10.

Ryan Ottley - Hulk (2021) #1

-10000/10 WHO IS THIS???? NOTHING TO INDICATE THIS IS A MAN OF SCIENCE, EVERYTHING TO INDICATE THE DIVE IN PLOT AND CHARACTERIZATION.

Derec Aucoin - Spider-Man Family #9

THE super nerd. a little young, but hides behind a thin veneer of calm well. the tweed and bowtie is an interesting choice. hope he doesn’t mind if they get ripped. 8/10.

Veronica Fish - Spider-Woman (2016) #11

a bit of a heart-throb???? looks like a long suffering grad student more than a man who’s been running from the military for years. where are his glasses? 4/10.

Lee Garbett - Immortal Hulk #6

super grizzled and super tired. trust me, this issue was exhaustion to the max. this is the haunted (hunted) man, and i’m honestly digging the flannel. gotta show those midwestern roots somehow. unfortunately all of these pluses don’t add up to an iconic bruce banner look, unless he was trying to steal wolverine’s. 5/10.

Adam Kubert - The Incredible Hulk (1968) #466

the scientist! prideful and yet kind, hiding a deep well of sadness and anti-military sentiments. 10/10.

Stefano Caselli - Avengers Assemble (2012) #9

glasses! scientist! a little tired but doing better :) 10/10.

Alan Davis - Totally Awesome Hulk #8

the smile! a very fresh bruce banner. looks like just some guy. 8/10.

Joe Bennett - Immortal Hulk #2

unfortunately i’m not a big fan of the detailed, almost grotesque art style. but, i concede that it’s fitting for this run. anyway, this is a very expressive and tired bruce that still tries. 7/10.

Tom Fowler - Hulk Season One

a dangerous bruce. a scientist and a loner that is intimately aware of the potential to do both harm and good. the glasses are used really well in this comic, trust me. 100/10.

Salvador Larroca - Avengers (2013) #28

okay, i think im going to get some flak for this, but i really like this bruce. dangerous, but still looks like a guy off the street. the hair has the perfect amount of flop. i’ll forgive the lack of glasses and round up. 10/10.

Larroca again! This time from the previous issue.

this alternate universe bruce is soft. a real deceptive one here. and tragic. he steals 616 bruce’s sandwich btw. that’s all i’ll say. 10/10.

Stefano Caselli again! This time from Avengers World #5

really showing us how even the same artist will draw the same guy differently. this time, Stark (tm) edition. unfortunately this means he fits the “asshole engineer” profile more than the “scientist” one. 6/10.

Mike McKone - Avengers: Endless Wartime

a scientist with sadness in his eyes, but he still finds things to smile about, maybe. probably more of a nervous smile. 9/10.

#bruce banner #616 bruce banner #marvel #i literally just started reading comics and this was amusing to me #i havent read all of these btw #but i think my opinions on the ones i have read have leaked a little #my criteria is that a good bruce looks like he could be a scientist #some guy #a dangerous man #and someone who would push a kid out of the path of a gamma bomb again #long post

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goldenpinof · 1 year

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I wonder if the promoters (and dan) relied on his view numbers to plan those many shows. His video count up until wiqy had millions, and his collabs with phil also had those number of views when otherwise phil hasn’t had any million viewed solo video after dml2 (devastated to report this). Maybe they thought “the anticipation of seeing dan after a while and see what he’s doing” that worked in his youtube uploads will translate to a paying live audience as well? Combined that with AEG not used to working with a youtuber and its audience? Idk im just saying speculations out loud since at the end of the day we don’t know what’s happening behind the scenes

wait, all true and AEG sucks. but i forgot something in all my answers. Europe's promoter is mainly A Comic Soul + locals. Iceland show's promoter was Sena (as was written on the venue's website). i don't know if AEG delegated Europe to A Comic Soul and the locals, Dan never mentioned anyone other than AEG. and looks like they are responsible for the site that died after they added shows. i wonder if Dan has a contract not only with AEG but also with A Comic Soul and etc. wouldn't that be too much considering that he didn't want to search for local promoters and book venues himself? a lot to think about. it would be so much easier if we knew what was happening behind the scenes, at least related to public information.

you mentioned Dan's views numbers and i wanted to bring dd into conversation. what was before dd is very inaccurate and i don't think people thought about it as much as they should have. Dan disappeared for 4 years. BIG doesn't count, WIQY also doesn't count – coming outs and call outs get views. it's not about Dan, it's about the importance of topics, of course it gets views (BIG is bigger than just a topic, but you know what i mean, shut up y'all). dystopia daily on the other hand shows how many of us remained and how interested in Dan's content we are. and the stats are very sad. 500k, that's the maximum he can get now without any extra help from the algorithm. and with 500k views you can't book venues of 3k capacity and expect them to sell out like they used to when there were Dan AND Phil on stage.

"seeing Dan after a while" damn, it could work if this tour wasn't so out of nowhere and after such a long period of silence. people stopped caring after 2020. he uploaded BIG, then was something Pride related and he disappeared again. why bother waiting for him, you know? (that's why i think Rihanna's new album may flop, it's been too long, people let go. all hopes are on super bowl, unfortunately) even i don't remember when and what he did between 2019 and 2022, and i was here all this time :( a book, pride thing, hometown showdown that was never on his channel – but i can't name you years when each of these happened because there's no associations with other things. we saw, we nodded, we forgot in 2 weeks. it's not a foundation for a tour, it's dust in the middle of nowhere. and wad didn't have a proper foundation/base.

but tour is a huge thing. mid 2022 – mid 2023 will be remembered as wad, dystopia daily will be on the side. dd is good for promo but the timing of this comeback wasn't ideal for it to be the foundation. and look, he will most likely disappear again after the tour ends. and who knows for how long.

so how the fuck is he gonna sell the next tour and what audience is he expecting?

#it's 5am. i tried to fall asleep 2 hours ago. you see how it went. i remembered about other promoters #answered #wad 2022 #wad.europe #dan and phil

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tranquil-turbulence · 10 months

Text

SS Month ‘23 - Day 10

Day 9 | Day 10 | Day 11

Prompt: University

WARNING(S): N/A

Sakura heaved a weary sigh as she flopped into her office chair, the ratty old thing squeaking in protest at her sudden weight. A pile of papers hit the desk with a hearty smack, and she wheeled herself closer so that she could get a head start before the holidays started.

“Isn’t this the pits,” she groused to herself as she reached for her reading glasses. “I should be making rounds at the hospital and checking on my nursing students, not grading useless essays that they’ll never use. Damn education committee.”

Grabbing the first stapled bundle from the stack, she leaned back and peered at it through her lenses to begin reading.

As she went through, making notes here and giving feedback there, she mused to herself. With the first part of the year over, her students were no doubt eager to get back to their families and get their holidays started. That’s how it had been when she’d gotten into med school, at least; she was no starry-eyed first-year anymore, instead a thirty-five-year-old that somehow got herself roped into teaching for a year while her mentor ironed out some kinks in the hospital she primarily worked at.

“Just for a year,” Tsunade had said. “I’ll even pull some strings to give you a raise and three weeks’ worth of PTO if you can do this for me.”

And, well, who was she to refuse? Workaholic she may be, but even she wasn’t immune to unfortunate incidents and circumstances. Hell, she’d been schmoozing for a raise for three years now - there was no chance that she wasn’t going to take it when it was practically offered on a golden platter.

So here she sat, grumpily going through immaculate essays that would have no doubt earned them some praise if she knew it was going to mean something in their field. Something about extra credit work from the education committee - as if they all didn’t have enough on their plates yet.

Deep down, she did feel bad; several times some of her students had come to her office begging for some leniency as laptops broke, or printers jammed (that one she shared their frustrations with; it wasn’t just the lab printer that had been out of service that afternoon, but the staff one as well), or they had to miss days of class due to illness. It was right smack dab in the middle of flu season, for heaven’s sake. There was no way she was going to tell them to suck it up and risk the quality of their classwork. If there was one thing she prided herself on, it was being a little more lenient than her mentor, yet no less expectant of excellence.

As she got halfway through her fifth essay, there was a gentle rapping at her doorframe. She turned, an irritable look on her face, before she recognized the man standing there and her expression softened.

“Dr. Uchiha, hello,” she greeted as the dark-haired man strode into the office. Something smelled delicious - two to-go cups of coffee. “What brings you to my neck of the woods this afternoon?”

Uchiha Sasuke, the biochemistry professor, was only 8 months older and yet seemed years ahead. He was quiet, intense in the way he perceived and spoke. He rarely smiled, rarely permitted excuses, and yet here he was holding out a cup of coffee with two creams, one sugar, and a pump of caramel - exactly the way she liked it, with the barest of smiles threatening to spread across his lips.

“I figured you’d need the boost,” his deep voice intoned as she took the cup and set it down on the desk next to her textbooks. There was a twinge of something, something she couldn’t quite pinpoint. Maybe amusement?

“Well anything that has to do with caffeine is winning you brownie points right now.” Hesitantly, she took a sip of the hot liquid and hummed in delight. “This is from the staff lounge, right?”

“No, from Cuppa Joe’s.”

She stared at the taller man in astonishment as he took a seat across from her. “You serious? That’s off-campus. You didn’t have to…--”

One knowing look from him made her words die on her tongue, and she ducked her head in gratitude.

“It’s the end of the semester. Why not splurge a little?” He shrugged his shoulders loosely, taking a careful sip of his own. It was probably strong as hell; the one time she accidentally drank his order she nearly spat it back out on his brand new white button-up.

She let out a tired chortle and nodded. “I suppose so. Why the hell not.”

The two sat in silence as she returned to her grading. Despite the unfamiliarity that still hung between them, there was something comforting about his presence. It was ironic; one of the strictest teachers on campus was a comfort during one of the most stressful weeks of the year. Had things been slightly more calm, she might have laughed at the thought.

Sasuke sipped at his cup, head tilted down to look at his phone screen through his bangs. Soft taps and scribbling noises filled the little office.

Time seemed to slip by; by the time she had gone through her last one and placed them all in a pile for her TA to sort through later, her coffee cup was empty and Sasuke has resorted to reading one of the books in her personal collection. Her eyes crinkled into an amused smile as she caught the spine before he put it away - Jane Austen. She’d never pegged him for a fan of Pride and Prejudice.

“Are you heading out?” He inquired, smoothly rising from the chair as she did.

She hummed a reply, nodding her head as she picked up her jacket from the back of the office chair. “Yes. Are you finished for the day, Dr. Uchiha?”

“I suppose.” His dark eye studied her weary face for a moment before he fell in step behind her, following her out of the room.

She made sure to flick off the lights, bathing the room in the orange early-evening glow from outside. As soon as the door was locked she turned to him with a polite smile. “Thank you for accompanying me. You didn’t have to, but I’m glad you did.”

“It was nothing.” He dismissed it with a little wave of his hand. “Well, I have to get going. I trust you’ll get home safely?”

Sakura smiled, a pretty pink flush clouding her face. “Thank you for your concern. Yes, I’ll be safe.”

With another nod, he bid her a quiet goodbye and walked off down the hall. His shoulder-length dark hair swayed slightly behind him, and the last that she saw of her sullen colleague was a peculiarly-soft expression before he turned and disappeared around the corner.

#sasusaku month 2023 #university au #university professor au #eventual sasusaku

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butterfly-winx · 1 year

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Today is my birthday, could you wish me a happy birthday please ❤ and you would give me a beautiful gift by answering my question. So could you tell us about Domino's royal family not so you said that Daphne grew up with cousins when she talks about this big family and if you have some time that too is Solaria I would like to know who they were if they were appreciated I don't know about you but I already know that you will amaze me.

Happy birthday! I’m so sorry I couldn’t get around to answering this on the day, but hope you had a great celebrations!

I have some nice Dominian royal family tree factoids for you as compensation :)

Yes, Bloom and Daphne have a lot of cousins. Oritel has two siblings and Marion is 2nd youngest of five, and most of these seven siblings had children. Due to time-and-population-freezing scheningans some of who started out as older than Bloom end up being younger. When Domino fell, Bloom had been a little older than a year (13-15mo) and had 2-3 year old cousins who stayed 2-3 until she resurrected her planet at age 20, so.

Oritel is the middle of three brothers, an older Károly and a “younger” twin brother Silan. As Dominian traditions dictate the brothers decided who would become heir when their father was still alive and the choice fell on Oritel. Károly, relived of his responsibilities went off to travel the world and has 4 children from 3 different wifes, the first three being around Daphne’s age, the fourth considerably younger but not Bloom aged. Silan unfortunately died in the war against the Ancestresss and had no children or a married partner before.

Marion’s family is grand and complicated. Her oldest brother Byron is significantly older than her and actually widowed (they had 2 children). He then took on a much younger partner that all the family thinks is a gold digger but she is just a very sweet, if naive, girl. The second sibling Vera transitioned late in her life and split from her until then wife not too long before the war. Marion had a good sisterhood to Hyun, the now ex-wife and this sisterhood demanded she side with her in arguments. However she now owed sisterhood to Vera too, her “new” sister. She hates being impartial thoguh. Solving this conondrum she chose to be on the side of both of them, flip-flopping her support in family arguments much to the annoyance of all her other siblings. In the end Hyun and her 4 children (a little younger than Daphne, early to late teens when Domino froze) started to withdraw from the family a little. The middle sibling Iren is truly and well a middle one, not really sure where she is going in life, having neither the drive nor pride of her other siblings. She did not have children at the time, but was eying all sorts of exotic pets and kept supplying her nieces and nephews with them. Marion obviously had Daphne and then Bloom with a huge gap between them. And finally the youngest brother, Felix has two children him and his husband adopted: a preschooler and the aforementioned 3 year old, but he is also a good chunk younger Marion.

Daphne mostly spent her time with Karoly’s kids as they lived in the capital as well and saw Marion’s sie of the family less often, but she greatly preferred the company of Vera’s children: they went on fun family vacations, saw more of the world and were more relaxed. Plus their younger age made Daphne relax and escape from her constant duty of pretending to be an adult when she was not. She thinks Felixes youngest is the cutest baby in existence only dethroned by the arrival of her own baby sister.

Bloom is not really close to any of them, for obvious reasons. When she resurrects Domino they are all the ages that they disappeared as and only a few of them really experienced or noticed the passage of time. Age wise her peers are again Karoly’s children, but they come from such a different world: if you counted their age from their actual birth date they would be in their later 30s to late 40s! One of Byron’s children is just like her snd she is very fond of him, so that would be her chosen fave cousin. She does absolutely not vibe with referring to the 3yo baby with honorifics meant for an older relative. Felix’s husband likes to tease and watch her squirm.

#asks #winx club #winx club rewrite #butterfly fic adjacent #hap birth

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magicalgirlagency · 2 years

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I'm sorry if I already sent this but what's your opinion on Shadow the Hedgehog from the Sonic the Hedgehog series? Personally I love the OG Shadow, it's just some of the way he's portrayed in later games is bad writing IMO. I know he's often considered an edgy character but I do think he had nice character development in the earlier games, and also I wish I saw more of his friendship with Maria...

This is a Magical Girl blog, but Sonic's been quite the powerful influence in my life, so I'll let it slide this time.

I do like Shadow, too. I am aware of his mischaracterization, and it frustrates me a bit. Trust me, I've been on this fandom for as long as I can remember, and I've seen horrendously bad takes (Amy Rose was a yandere, Knuckles was a dumb meathead, etc...).

He was created at a rather... unfortunate time. It was the 2000's, kids were exploring their styles and were relentlessly bullied for it, fueling Cringe Culture... dark times, truly dark times.

To me, Shadow has become an essential piece to SonicTH's lore, just like the Echidna Clan and their relationship with the Chaos Emeralds. He escalated the series into new heights, and has really cemented his place as a fan-favourite (that's why he survived after SA2). He satiated my curiosity on the topic of other humans interacting with mobian history, and the possibility of other alien worlds besides Mobius.

To me, he may be a 50+ years old experiment, but he's a teenager first and foremost; I mean, come on, he thinks motorcycles are cool and keeps one as his pride and joy, even though he's on equal ground with Sonic, the hedgehog he was based on. He's all about the aesthetics.

Shadow isn't that edgy and brooding guy that hates everything; he's that kid your parents have told you to avoid because he sounded like bad business, only to later find out that he's not so bad after all.

He's just struggling to process this new world, give him some time, grief is a bitch.

I have faith in Jeff Fowler; he has done a mighty fine job in bringing Sonic to the Silver Screen. Not to mention that he has previously worked on some of the cutscenes for Shadow's solo game. He KNOWS Shadow.

While I understand people's anxiety of seeing how he'll be portrayed, I choose to remain optimistic. Maybe it's just me being biased, but that's how I really feel. We're talking about a series that has remained relevant for 30 years; even if the third movie turns out to be a flop, there'll still be something else.

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rubyastari · 1 year

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The Eid Mubarak Feast @Home

Well, this year was our family's turn to host the Eid Mubarak Feast this year. With great pride, I can tell you that Mom and Brother had done most of the great hard work. Shopping, cooking, cleaning, dish-washing, table-setting, and so on.

With honesty and shame, I couldn't do all that they did well. I mean, I did help with most of the activities mentioned above. (Except for cooking, since everybody at home knows what a disaster I can still be in the kitchen.)

I always do. I mean, I know I'm much better at working with words. I'm a tad clumsy, and not always physically well-coordinated. Don't even ask me about my athleticism. Despite it all, I'm still trying. I still try.

The Funny Exchange with Gyan-ku:

I love all my nephews and niece. Still, I can't lie that my 12-year-old nephew (Sister's second son) and I have developed the closest bond with each other. He often says I am his favorite aunt - and always giggles whenever I remind him that I am also his ONLY aunt.

So, this morning, he was fixing his own breakfast in the kitchen when I approached him and started this conversation:

Me: "Gyan-ku."

Him: "Yeah, Bibi?"

Me: Imagine this. In the future, the twenty-something you visits me or vice versa - and I approach you like this." (pretends to hold on to a walking stick and staggers, then fakes a croak) "Hi, Gyan-ku."

Him: (looks horrified at me) "Oh, no. Please don't, Bibi."

Me: "Why not? Does the imagination scare you?"

Him: "Yeah."

Me: "What? You can't picture me as a crone?"

Him: (shakes his head) "No. You've looked just the same to me for the last ten years. About 20s or 30s."

(By the way, I am 41. Isn't this boy sweet or what?)

Me: "Aww, you're so sweet!"

The Flopping Chicken Liver with Herbs and Spices

Unfortunately, we had to cancel one of our menus - a few hours before our guests arrived. For the first time in years, Mom's chicken liver with spices had given off such a strange, foul smell. It might have been the cool storage that wasn't cool enough for the liver. (Mind you, it's been so hot and humid lately that it feels like a giant sauna. Everyone seems to be sweating profusely. The last weather report stated 33 - 34 C / 91.4 - 93.2 F.)

In the end, Mom had to dump the whole thing. It was sad because it wasn't just the money and the whole ingredients. All her hard work for it had gone to waste, but she tried to hide her emotions. Honestly, I felt sad too.

"Fear of the possibility of food poisoning our guests?" Me and my big mouth. Shut up! She glared at me before replying sternly:

"No, I don't want them to get diarrhea from this."

"Ma, that's the same thing!"

If she ever read this post, I'd be in trouble. Thankfully she's not too fond of the internet.

Disasters or no disasters, we had to make sure that all our guests enjoyed the feast, felt welcomed, and were entertained enough. So, here's to another Ramadan and another Eid Mubarak next year.

Aameen ...

#eid mubarak #2023 #1444h #jakarta #indonesia

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gamergirl929 · 3 years

Text

I’m Coming Home (Tobin Heath x Reader)

After nearly 2 years overseas with the military, you’re finally coming home, and you’re coming home to Tobin Heath.

DISCLAIMER: The following is a MILITARY FIC, with everything going on, I wanted to put a disclaimer, just in case for those who may be triggered by what’s going on.

This is pure fluff.

Military homecomings.

You’d always seen videos of military homecomings, the relatives of the returning soldier cheering and crying, sometimes even screaming as their loved one returned safely home.

You only hoped that you would get a similar reaction, after being away for so long, nearly 2 years in fact, you were finally coming home, and you were coming home to Tobin Heath and you were coming home in the most public way possible.

You rubbed your hands together, nervously pacing the backstage area, the boots on your feet growing heavier and heavier as your nerves grew.

What if she wasn’t excited to see you?

What if she didn’t appreciate the surprise?

The questions plaguing you caused your mind to race.

The sound of approaching footsteps make you tense, your head on a swivel as you attempt to find a hiding spot, but when you realize it’s Christen Press who’s rounding the corner your muscles untense.

“Hey.” You smile as the forward envelopes you in a hug, the woman squeaking when you pick her up off her feet and spin her around.

“It’s so good to see you Y/N.” She grins, giving you the tightest of squeezes.

You had the pleasure of meeting Christen Press long ago, considering she was basically Tobin's other half, in a friendly sense.

You put her down with a grin, smiling when she places her hands on your shoulders.

"So, everything is set, are you ready?" She asks and you shrug.

"What if she doesn't like the-OW!" You wince as Christen smacks you in the arm.

"She's going to love it, because she loves YOU." She pokes you in the chest and you shrug, your cheeks dusted pink.

"You think so?"

"Yea-

"WHOA!"

The pair of you jump, your eyes widening when you see Emily Sonnett standing before you, the blonde's eyes wide.

"Wait, aren't you-

Christen dives on the blonde, slapping a hand over her mouth.

"SHHHH! TOBIN CAN'T FIND OUT ABOUT THIS!" She whisper yells, glancing down the hallway that Emily had made her way down to get to the two of you to make sure they were in fact alone.

Emily gives the two of you a thumbs up, Christen's hand leaving her mouth.

"I'm great at keeping secrets."

Your brows arch when Christen rolls her eyes.

"She isn't."

Emily pouts.

"I want to help! What do you need me to do, distract Tobin?" She asks with a grin, wiggling excitedly.

A smile stretches across your face.

"I like her."

Emily's grin widens.

"See, Y/N likes meeeeeeeee! Pleaseeeeeeeee?" Emily begs and Christen sighs.

"Okay, okay, but if you ruin the surprise, I'll kill you." She threatens and Emily's eyes widen.

“No need to get violent.”

***

You watched with great pride as Tobin player her heart out, the woman assisting Christen on two goals.

Though the closer the end of the game got, the more the nerves within you riled up.

You paced the hallway you’d taken up occupancy in, your thoughts drifting to the day you’d met Tobin Heath.

***

Meeting Tobin Heath had been what some would call, fate, if fate meant nearly bulldozing over the forward while on your morning jog, then yes, you would call it fate.

You grimace, your eyes wide as you screech to a halt, the woman crashing to the sidewalk, the woman she was walking with dropping down on the ground beside her.

You jerk your headphones out, your eyes wide in horror.

“Oh my god, I’m so sorry!” You say as you drop to your knees beside her, your eyes scanning her for any visible injuries.

“It’s okay, I’ve had worse.”

You frown as the woman begins to move to her feet, jumping up so you can help her up.

When your hands meet hers, a spark shoots up your arm, something that she must feel as well considering she stiffens.

The two of you pause, simply staring at one another, Y/E/C orbs locked with brown.

“Hi.” You whispered, the woman’s lips splitting into a grin.

“Hey.”

Beside her, her brunette friend moves to her feet, her lips split into a massive grin.

“I’m Y/N.” You whispered, giving her hand a squeeze, a squeeze she returned.

“I’m Tobin.”

***

You smile as your back rests against a nearby wall, remembering the day you met both Tobin and Christen, the two a package deal of sorts.

Christen quickly became close with you as well, you were interested in dating her best friend after all.

Unfortunately, the night you told Tobin how you felt was the night before you left for another deployment, but Tobin didn’t care, the woman’s lips meeting yours in an unforgettable kiss.

She’d promised to wait for you, and she had, for two years she waited, and now, you were here, unbeknownst to her of course.

“Hey.”

You jump, a smile stretching across your face when you see Emily making her way towards you, donned in a yellow vest.

“Show time?” She asks and you nod, your hands beginning to tremble.

“Show time.”

***

Emily makes her way back out to the bench, the blonde flopping down in the seat she’d just vacated beside Lindsey.

“Where’d you go?” She asks and Emily shrugs.

“Nowhere.”

Lindsey’s eyes narrow.

“You’re not a very good liar.” She snorts and Emily shushes her.

“Just watch.”

“Watch what?” Lindsey asks confused; the blonde’s question completely ignored by Emily.

The final whistle blows, which signals to you that you’re to take your position at the tunnel’s entrance.

Luckily for you Tobin keeps her head down, the woman high-fiving the Irish players on her way passed them.

You can’t help but grin when you see her, your heart skipping a beat in your chest.

You could only hope she would be as excited to see you, as you were her.

“WE HAVE A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT TO MAKE!” A voice booms over the intercom, players from the USWNT and the Ireland Women’s National Team glancing at one another in confusion.

Tobin glances around, her brows furrowing when she sees the massive grin on Christen’s face.

“What?” She asks and Christen shrugs, her smile widening.

“Seriously Chris, what is it-

“Join me in welcoming home! Y/N Y/L/N after two years of deployment!”

Tobin’s eyes widen, the forward looking passed Christen to see you making your way out of the tunnel and towards her.

Her lips split in an enormous grin, her brown orbs immediately filling with tears as she runs towards you, bypassing her teammates.

You start to jog, unable to keep your composure as you run towards the woman who kept you going over the years.

She leaps into your arms when she gets to you, the fans cheering as she wraps her legs around your middle.

You spin the two of you around, smiling as Tobin surges in, her lips crashing against yours.

Her nails scrape against the back of your neck as the two of you kiss, reluctantly pulling apart when you can’t stop grinning.

Nearby, Emily grins, Lindsey smacking her in the arm.

“You knew, didn’t you?! You asshole!”

“If Em, knew then Christen HAD to have known...!” Kelley turns to Christen who shrugs.

“Who do you think helped her set it up?” She nods to you, grinning when she sees you bury your face in the crook of Tobin’s neck, tears streaming down your cheeks.

“You’re here.” She whispers in your ear and you sniffle, nodding.

“I’m here.”

You pull back, your forehead resting against hers.

You bump your nose against hers, the two of you chuckling.

“I’ve missed you so much.” You sniffle, your lips splitting in a massive grin.

“I love you.” You whisper softly, the woman’s eyes holding a glassy sheen.

“I love you too.”

Again, you close the distance between the two of you, Tobin’s lips meeting yours in a long overdue kiss.

“I’ve missed you too.” She whispers against your lips, burying her face in your neck as she cries.

“The thought of coming home to you is what kept me going, and now that I’m here I never want to let you go.” You confess, turning your head to kiss Tobin’s temple.

“Wherever you are is home, you ARE my home, Tobin.” You whisper, Tobin pulling back, tears streaming down her face, tears you’re quick to wipe away from her flawless skin.

“And you’re mine.” She whispers, leaning in to press another long, passionate kiss to your lips before she again whispers.

“And you’re mine.”

#uswnt x reader #uswnt imagine #tobin heath #tobin heath x reader #tobin heath imagine #this is pure fluff

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heloisedaphnebrightmore · 4 years

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Talk to me, please! [Oliver Wood x Reader] - Requested

Title: Talk to me, please! Pairing: Oliver Wood x Slytherin!Female!Reader Word count: 4.2k Published: 8 October, 2020 Author: Heloise Daphne Brightmore Warning: Swearing Notes: I got this request from @leeayda04 and I just loved writing it <3 Now I didn’t know if I was supposed to write male or female, therefore I went with female, but do let me know if you want me to change it. Summary: After your fight with Oliver, you decide to make him suffer a little. Unfortunately things slowly get out of hand and you don’t know how to turn things around, before you lose him. Request: [x]

“Hey! I was wondering if you can make a one shot where oliver is dating reader the popular charming slytherin and he kept forgetting about thier date that make reader furious and end up having a big fight where reader gave him silent treatment” - @leeayda04

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Oliver was a sweetheart. The sweetest boyfriend you have ever had. He always made sure to shower you with his love, he held onto your hand as if he never wanted to let go, he hid face in the crook of your neck just to feel a tad bit closer. If you didn’t stop him, he would have screamed to the whole Great Hall how much he loved you.

You were quite popular, and Oliver prided himself in calling you his, only his. You have had quite a few people around you who wished the two of you would break up already, wanting a chance with you finally, but you two were way too in love to care.

There were some Gryffindors who whispered behind your back, and grimaced at the sight of you together, but he ignored the disgusted looks he got for being in a relationship with you, a Slytherin, because he adored you more than he thought he could show.

Whilst he was indeed the best boyfriend in your eyes before, things have changed recently. To the worst.

You were sitting in Madam Puddifoot’s tea shop, your eyes wandering towards the door every couple of seconds. Your eyes shot up as you heard the bell above the door each time it opened, but he was never the one to step into the shop.

You looked at your muggle watch, which you got from Oliver for your 17th birthday. You furrowed your brows as you realised he has been late for over an hour already. You heaved a deep sigh, storm of thoughts swirling around in your head. You placed the leftover of your cup of tea on the top of the saucer, before standing up, placing your jacket over your shoulders and leaving the café behind.

You wanted to scream, you wanted to cry, you wanted to tell him what an ignorant boyfriend he has become, but you just couldn’t form the words you wanted to say. Until now. The tightening feeling in your chest, the little ball in your throat made your jaw clench. You shouldn’t have felt as if you have gotten used to this feeling. You were angered by Oliver’s behaviour. He has always been the kindest, sweetest boyfriend you ever had, but recently the boy had been everywhere but beside you.

It was not the first time he didn’t appear on your date, nor the second or third. You have warned him on numerous occasions, but the boy seemed to prioritise everything, but you. His excuses were always the same. He got busy, he had an extra quidditch practice, he had to study. It was getting tiring and you couldn’t swallow it anymore, it was too much.

You strutted towards the Gryffindor common room, your steps loud and hurried against the concrete ground. You expected the stairs to go on about their way and make it harder for you to get to the boy, they were moody after all, but everything seemed way too smooth as if you were supposed to let your anger out on the boy.

You barely reached the Gryffindor common room, a student just leaving, the door still opened behind him. You quickly stood in front of it, sliding through the hole, immediately facing your boyfriend’s laughing form on the couch.

Oliver was seated on a sofa in front of the fireplace, the Weasley twins seated on his right side, whilst each Percy and Lee occupied an armchair for themselves.

“Khm.” You cleared your throat to get Oliver’s attention, but he didn’t seem to hear you. Fred looked at you first, followed by his brother George. You found it easy to make a difference between them, you have been around them for far too long.

It wasn’t a good relationship at the beginning, but slowly they started to warm up to you, even if they still enjoyed teasing you here and there. However, looking at the deathly glare you projected at them, they knew better than to try anything.

Fred nudged Oliver’s shoulder who was in a conversation with Percy. You didn’t really concentrate on what they were talking about, you only caught a couple of words about lessons and exams. Oliver looked at Fred with a raised brow, before he followed his eyes, finding you staring at him with a stern look, raised brows and folded arms in front of your chest.

“Love, what are you doing here?” He asked nonchalantly, making you frown at the clueless boy.

“I think that should be my question.” You hissed in anger. “You shouldn’t be here, instead you should have been with me in Hogsmeade.”

“Oh, for Godric’s sake, I forgot, love. I’m so sorry. I will grab my coat and we can go.” He shot up from his seat heading towards the male dormitory, but your voice stopped him.

“Oh, no you don’t. I was waiting for you over an hour, Oliver.” You groaned and he flinched as he heard his name. You didn’t use it often, nor did he use yours. You preferred calling each other in all kinds of endearing pet names. “This is not even the first time.”

“I’m sorry, okay?” He spoke as he turned around and started walking towards you.

“Sorry isn’t going to cut it, Wood.” You hissed, your jaw clenching in anger. He flinched once again, realising that the conversation was going to get heated very quickly.

“Maybe we should go somewhere private, love.” He tried to convince you, but you didn’t listen. If anything, you got even more worked up.

“Don’t call me, love and don’t try to tell me what to do!” You groaned as you stepped back from him. “Are you scared that people will realise what a shitty boyfriend you can be? Because that’s what you have been recently. At first, I understood, you are the captain of the quidditch team after all, sure you have some obligations, but it has started becoming a thing where you completely forget about me.” You didn’t even realise when you raised your voice, but at this point you didn’t even mind. You were way too upset with the boy.

“I didn’t mean to, I promise. I’m so sorry.” His guilty expression and apologetic look made you want to step closer and pull him in for a hug, but you stopped yourself. He has promised you so many times already that he would pay more attention, but recently his words meant nothing to you.

“How many times are you going to apologise? I can’t even take your words seriously anymore.”

“What?” He grimaced at your words. “What else do you want me to say? I fucked up, I apologised.” It was his turn to raise his voice this time, his Scottish accent thickening as his anger rose.

“But you keep fucking up non-stop, Wood. It’s not once or twice! You have left me; you have forgotten about me on numerous occasions. How long do I have to keep accepting your apologies when you keep repeating the same mistakes over and over again? I’m tired, Oliver.” You groaned, your tone irritated, still slightly breaking after each word.

“I don’t understand you. I told you, I’m under constant stress. We need to win the Quidditch cup, we have to focus on all the extra practices, I have to get ready for the exams, I literally am non-stop studying. I can’t always hang around you when you ask.” You have heard all his excuses before, they weren’t anything new, but the idea of you asking him to hang around you, got you worked up.

“I’m in my 7th year too. I have as much responsibilities as you do and if anything, it’s not even me who initiates to meet up, but you, so then you can completely forget about it. What do you think how it feels when your boyfriend keeps promising sweet little dates, but attends to none?” You shook your head as you exhaled deeply. “If you continue like this, you will be single before you even realise it.” You huffed.

“What?” His eyes shot up, capturing your stern gaze. His jaw hang law in surprise, his eyes wider than ever. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“You will have to figure that out, Oliver.” You shook your head as you turned around and left the stunned boy behind. You expected him to come after you, to try to stop you, to try to talk to you, but he didn’t even move. He stood in the Gryffindor common room with the same shocked expression across his face as he watched the portrait hole, whilst you headed towards the dungeon, knowing you would cry the night away.

You barely arrived at your dormitory, you threw the door open and flopped down on your bed. You wanted to scream, you wanted to be angry, but instead teardrops after teardrops ran down your cheeks, heart-wrenching sobs left your lungs.

The thought of losing Oliver hurt like hell. You loved the boy more than you thought you would ever love someone, but you couldn’t put yourself through so much pain all the time. His ignorance hurt you and you just couldn’t do this to yourself anymore.

You weren’t sure if you wanted to break up with him or if you just needed some break from him to try and figure things out on your own, but you were certain that you needed to concentrate on yourself now. Only on you.

As the morning came, you woke up with bloodshot eyes, each accompanied by small puffy bags under them. Your headache was pounding hard against your skull, making you groan. You got yourself out of bed, dragging yourself over to the bathroom, almost stumbling back as you recognised your reflection in the mirror.

“Really? This is how I look because of some stupid boy? I’m pathetic.” You scoffed at the sight of you, scolding yourself. You were always a strong person, always there to support others. The sight of your pale skin, pain-filled expression and swollen cheeks gave you an encouraging kick in your backside. You were having none of this. You were stronger than to let yourself go over someone who didn’t seem to care about you.

You finished your morning routine, dressed into your uniform and walked back to your room. You halted as you felt all 3 pairs of eyes studying you with a worried look. Pansy walked up to you first, placing a hand on your shoulder.

“We heard you last night.” She said with a sympathetic look. The girl wasn’t an angel per se, but you could always rely on her. She wasn’t a social person, but those who were close to her could enjoy all the benefits her friendship included, which meant she was to kill for those she cared about, almost literally.

“Thank you for worrying about me, Pansy, but I’m fine. Things just got a bit harder recently, but I’m good.” You explained with a reassuring smile. She knew the story back and forth, but she also knew you. You didn’t have to say much, she understood that you were dealing with it on your own. She nodded in response, before she took her wand out and pointed it in your face. “Hey.” You stepped back abruptly, but she chuckled at your behaviour.

“Calm down, I don’t think you want to go out like that.” She grinned at your unappealing look. You rolled your eyes and let her perform some easy spells. As she finished, you turned around to look into the mirror beside the door and you couldn’t stop a little smile from crawling up on your lips. “Not bad, huh?” Pansy winked with a proud smirk.

“Don’t get too cocky, I’m naturally good looking.” You scoffed, before your smile turned into a playful grin.

“Right, Ms. Confidence. Let’s get some food into your system.” She shook her head as she started pushing you out the door, your other two roommates following behind.

You walked up to the Great Hall, Pansy talking about Draco Malfoy for the umpteenth time. The girl was smitten, and Draco knew about it, but he seemed to be rather ignorant towards her. You never dared to voice it to Pansy, deep down she knew, but it felt good for her to crush over someone.

As you reached the Great Hall, you immediately headed towards the Slytherin table, taking a seat beside Pansy, who decided to sit next to Draco. You chuckled at the two. Draco rolled his eyes, very obviously wishing for the girl’s disappearance, whilst Pansy just chuckled happily enjoying the boy’s mere presence. They were definitely a comical pair, but it was somewhat helpful, it lightened your mood.

You took a piece of scone from the middle of the table, buttering its top, before you shoved it in your mouth. You enjoyed the sweet taste spreading around your tongue, when you felt a presence beside you. You turned to the side where Oliver decided to take a seat, his eyes eagerly watching you. Your heart sped up, as you saw the hurtful expression he was wearing. You wanted to pull him closer, hid his face in the crook of your neck, just the way he loved it, but you didn’t move. Your logic won over your heart.

“Can we talk?” His tone was weak, almost pleading, but as guilty as you felt, you knew you shouldn’t have. It was all his fault to begin with. You scoffed and turned back to your breakfast, taking another scone and repeating the process. “Love, please.” He reached for your hand, but you just pulled it away. You didn’t look at the boy though, your new game was to pretend that he never even existed. “I’m begging you, please talk to me.” He tried again, his voice breaking your stern wall protecting you, but before you could have given in, Pansy interrupted you.

“Can’t you see she doesn’t want to talk to you? She doesn’t even want to see you, Wood. Now, off you go, your playmates are missing you.” She snarled, clear disgust showing in her voice. She never liked the boy after all, but she did ignore his existence for your sake.

“Y/N-” he started, but Pansy let out an animalistic growl. You had to swallow a laugh that was about erupt from your lungs. You didn’t look at the boy, simply waited for him to leave you be, just like he did so many times before.

He studied your face, waiting hopefully even for just a stolen glance from you, but you never looked at the boy. You didn’t want to, and it irritated you that it took him so long to understand. Finally, he stood up and left your table, heading back to his own.

“Thanks, Pansy.” You smiled sweetly as she nodded in reply and turned back to Draco.

Days passed by since you have last talked to Oliver. The boy was restless, apologising to you in every corner, declaring his love for you on every occasion. You felt weak against him. You have never kept such a distance between you and whilst you were strong on the outside, you wished nothing but to throw yourself into his arms, enjoying the warmth of his body against you.

Oliver was also at a breaking point. He scolded himself for his ignorance in each and every waking moment. He didn’t know what to do, he felt useless, nothing he has tried worked. You built up a wall between you and he had no idea how to take it down. He knew what an idiot he has been, and he kept beating himself up for it, but he was running out of ideas on how to get you back.

He couldn’t have known that you were slowly giving in and you couldn’t have known that he was slowly giving up.

Oliver was sitting in Potions, listening to Professor Snape, his complete attention on the teachers. You tried to steal secret glances from the boy, but he didn’t return them. This was the first time he didn’t try to look at you, he didn’t send you apologetic notes, he didn’t ask one of his friends to convince you to talk to him. Were you losing him? Your chest painfully tightened at the thought. You didn’t want to give in to the negativity, it wasn’t lost yet. That wasn’t possible, you wanted to believe.

A piece of scrunched up parchment flew over to your table, your heart jumping in anticipation. You looked at Oliver once again, but he firmly concentrated on his notes, instead of searching for your reaction. You looked down on your table, opening the piece of paper.

I’m guessing Oliver and you are finally over. Go on a date with me, love. I’m sure you would enjoy my company.

Be at the Slytherin common room entrance on Saturday by 11am. I don’t accept a no; we both know it’s been coming.

Marcus

You frowned at the note, a grimace spread across your face. You turned around to look at Marcus Flint, captain of the quidditch team of your house, arch enemy of Oliver. You shook your head in a reply, a silent scoff leaving your lips. As you turned back around, you caught Oliver’s eyes, your heart skipping a beat as your gaze locked. However as quickly as it came, Oliver turned away, not wanting to see you. He was just as hurt as you were.

The week slowly passed by, but Oliver haven’t tried to get close to you again. If anything, it was his turn to ignore you and you didn’t know what to do about it. You wanted to walk up to him and apologise for ignoring him, but your pride was winning over your heart every time.

You sat at your table in the Great Hall, hunched above your lunch, your face hidden behind your palms. You kept heaving deep sighs, Pansy groaning at your annoying behaviour. You tried to ignore the younger girl; she didn’t have enough experience to know how it felt being eaten up by your own stupid thoughts.

You huffed as you pushed your face further into your hands, wanting to disappear. You didn’t expect a hand to grab your arm and pull you up from your place.

“Was I not clear enough?” You stumbled as Marcus pulled on you, his hands painfully wrapped around your arm, surely leaving red marks on the surface of your skin. “It’s past 12pm already. Did you try to stand me up? I think I have clearly told you that I don’t accept a no.” He growled as he started pulling you after him, dragging you out of the Great Hall, numerous pair of eyes on you.

You tried to pull your arm out of his firm grip, but the boy was stronger than you. “I did tell you I didn’t want to go with you.” You groaned as you pulled on your arm again, but your attempt was once again unsuccessful.

“If you haven’t noticed, I wasn’t asking you. We are going on a date.” He hissed in anger as he dragged you after him. You struggled against his hold, before a second hand joined in, holding on to the same arm Marcus lead you by. You looked up to see Oliver, who pulled your arm back, forcing Marcus to let you go.

All of you halted as you massaged your arm, a bright red handprint decorating the surface of your skin. Oliver’s jaw clenched, his gaze full of anger as he watched Marcus with a disgusted grimace.

“What do you think you are doing?” He asked your housemate, his low and firm tone even scaring you for a second.

“I’m taking her on a date.” He hissed, clearly upset about Oliver’s arrival.

“I don’t think so.” He stepped in front of you. You wanted to stand up for yourself, you didn’t want to feel like a damsel in distress, but you were dancing on a thin line and you didn’t dare to risk the last hope he was giving you by helping you out.

“I don’t think you have a say in it, Wood.” He scoffed, clearly annoyed by Oliver’s behaviour.

“She doesn’t seem to want to go with you.” He looked back at you for confirmation and so you shook your head. “I strongly suggest you disappear now, Flint.” He growled, his tone almost animalistic, his voice threatening.

“Why, what are you going to do, huh?” Marcus taunted the boy. You couldn’t see the face Oliver was making, let alone if he has whispered something, but Marcus took a step back, his jaw tightening in anger. “Enjoy yourselves, then.” He spit in anger, before he turned on his heels and left the two of you behind. You frowned at the unexpected events; a confused look spread across your face as you looked up at Oliver.

“You okay?” He asked as he finally looked at you, or your arm at least, awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” You replied as you hid your arm behind your back. “Thank you. For helping me.” You offered him a small smile, but he didn’t return it.

He simply nodded. “It’s okay.” He heaved a deep sigh, not knowing what to do, just like you, standing in front of him, not finding the right words. “Well, see you.” He spoke up again, tears pricking your eyes as you realised the most you could muster was an awkward conversation. It slowly started downing on you that your relationship was indeed over with Oliver and when he walked past you, heading back to the Great Hall, it felt like he was walking away for the last time.

You didn’t have the power to turn around, you just watched the floor in front of you, trying to understand when it has all gone bad. You removed an escaped tear from your cheek and sniffled as you tried to get yourself together.

“Y/N?” You heard his voice from further away. You quickly cleared your cheeks and turned around with a fake smile plastered across your face. He heaved a deep sigh, making you wait in anticipation, before he continued. “I know I have done some pretty shitty things, but I never meant to hurt you intentionally, you know that right?” He asked, his gaze filled with guilt.

“I know, you didn’t.” You were struggling against the tears that wanted to escape, but you firmly held them back.

“I know you probably don’t want to see me, nor do you really want to talk to me, but-“ he gulped loudly, trying to find the right words, fearing of pushing you away even further. “when you walked out of the common room, I didn’t believe you were really giving up on us. I really thought we could solve it just like always.” You wanted to scream at him, you wanted to tell him off for thinking you have given up on him. “I’m really sorry for disappointing you.” He gave you a saddened smile.

“I’m sorry for ignoring you.” You blurted out, but you didn’t regret it. “I just thought you would deserve to feel how hard it is to be ignored. I never thought it would actually get this far.” His eyes widened in surprise, but you couldn’t see it, your gaze was fixed on your shoes, drawing random patterns on the ground.

“You didn’t want to break up with me?” He asked, his tone full of hope. Your eyes shot up as you quickly shook your head. “Do you think, maybe we could try again? I know my words don’t weigh much, but I don’t want to give up on us, I really want to show you how much I care about you, how much I love you.” He stepped closer, stopping right in front of you.

“I want to, but I’m scared. You really did hurt me.” You sighed deeply.

“I know, I did.” He whispered, reaching for your hands as he took them into his, caressing the back of your hands with his thumbs. “I promise to pay attention to you more, just like I did before. Being apart made me realise that I want nothing more than being with you.” He confessed, his voice defeated, but still hopeful. “Please, love.” His pleading chocolate brown eyes, his guilt-filled, apologetic tone was all you needed.

“I can’t say no to you, can I?” You chuckled sweetly, a sound he has been craving to hear once again. His arms sneaked around your waist, yours wrapped around his neck, engulfing each other in the warmest hug you could possibly share. He hid his face in the crook of your neck, finding his favourite spot, your presence making him relaxed once again.

“Thank you so much.” He murmured against your neck, his breath tickling your skin, making you chuckle.

“I love you, Oliver. But you better not break my heart again.” You scolded him as he pulled back, his eyes meeting yours.

“Not even in my nightmares.” He shook his head, leaning closer and hinting a lingering kiss on your forehead. “I’d rather you broke my heart.” He whispered as he leaned down to your lips, kissing you feverishly, hoping to recover the amount of intimate moments you could have spent together, loving each other just like you did before.

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heliads · 3 years

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Training

As an Erudite and member of Jeanine’s inner circle, you’re more than a little surprised when she sends you to Dauntless so you can learn to protect yourself. Will you be able to prove yourself to your fellow Erudites, and also to your trainer, Eric Coulter?

masterlist

“You’ve got to be kidding me.”

It wasn’t an easy path to get where you are today. Thinking back to that one moment all those years ago, when you had sliced open your palm and chosen Erudite in front of everyone you held dear, you never could have imagined the trials you’d have to face. The choices you’ve made, the people you’ve been forced to cut out of your life- they’ve all been for one goal: the future of Erudite.

You had worked harder than you ever had before, struggling to stay afloat when it seemed like everyone in the world knew more than you, and was keen to keep it that way. Yet, here you are- one of the most trusted members of Jeanine’s inner circle. You had helped form her plan to control the factions, had been there since the beginning and helped carefully mold it into the master scheme it was today. Everything had been for the future of Erudite as the crowning glory of the factions.

And here she is, sending you to Dauntless.

Jeanine sighs and shakes her head. “I know how you feel, but this is for the best. You need to go to Dauntless, not only to ensure that our forces there are prepared for the next few steps to take but also to protect yourself. If you train with Dauntless, in the private sessions so no one else suspects anything, you will have the tools to defend yourself if necessary. You’re one of my most important allies, Y/N. If you are attacked or even die, the entire project could fall apart.”

You look at her, still more than a little disgruntled. “Flattering me won’t do anything to convince me to do this.” Jeanine lets a small smile cross the usual thin slant of her mouth. “It’s not flattery if it’s true. Now come, your train departs shortly.” You follow Jeanine to the train station, somehow unsurprised by the fact that she’d planned everything so precisely. In all the time you’ve been around Jeanine, you’ve learned one thing: what she says will happen. Every single time.

By the time the train pulls up to a Dauntless station, Jeanine’s already briefed you. You’ll only stay for a week at most, but you’ll have private training sessions with one of the leaders. A few other members of Jeanine’s inner circle are here as well, so it looks like you’re not the only one she wants to protect.

You and your fellow Erudites enter the building through a back door, making sure that you are not spotted by any Dauntless who aren’t in on the plan. Even though they’ll shortly be under Erudite control, it would still be best if suspicions weren’t raised.

Eventually, you find yourself in a dark, high-ceilinged training room. A few Dauntless leaders and trainers come over and greet Jeanine, clearly they are in on the plan. The Dauntless are cocky and confident, seeming completely unfazed by the fact that they are actively conspiring against the other factions. They are clothed in all black, with tattoos detailing their skin. Your eye is caught by one man in particular, with patterns of black ink stretching up his neck. He returns your gaze with a smirk.

Jeanine turns to her fellow Erudites. “These are your trainers. Philip, you go with Alan. Clara, with Jasmin. And Y/N, you’ll go with Eric.” She points at the blond man with the tattoos you had noticed before. He raises his eyebrows. “I was told I was going to be training the best. She seems pretty small to be your best.” Jeanine’s face does not change, but her tone seems just a little bit icier. “She is the best.” Eric shrugs at that, unbothered, and gestures for you to follow him. This is going to be one long week.

You’re actually not as bad at hand-to-hand combat as you’d thought. Sure, Eric can beat you every time, but that’s to be expected- he’s been training as a Dauntless for much longer than you have. However, you’re able to block his blows, and even get in a few hits that you can tell he doesn’t expect. Maybe it’s just a perk of being an Erudite- you can think ahead to what he’s going to do and block the actions before he even makes them.

Unfortunately, this forward-thinking technique does not appear to help you actually win the sparring, though. On one such occasion, when you find yourself knocked down to the mat once more, Eric just sighs, irritated. “You’re clearly an Erudite- you’re thinking too much about what I’m going to do instead of just attacking. Don’t think, just do.” With that, he walks away, announcing a break. You’re left to join up with your fellow Erudites, who you’re grateful to see seem just as worn out and useless as you do.

You’re sipping water from a plastic bottle brought out from who knows what corner of the Dauntless training room when you see Eric talking to a few of the other trainers. You shift towards them, pretending to drink your water but instead listening to their conversation. Your eavesdropping is rewarded when you notice that they’re talking about the Erudites.

“They’re not that bad.” One argues. “I mean, they have good strength and they’re not nearly as bad as the transfers when they first start initiation.” Another trainer chuckles. “It’s kind of hard not to be as bad as the transfers. But these guys aren’t Dauntless. They don’t have Dauntless instincts.” The trainers nod in agreement. “I mean, I think mine is still trying to calculate the force and acceleration behind his punch before he even takes it.” The others laugh, and the trainer turns to Eric. “Hey, Coulter. You’ve been silent for a while- what are your thoughts? How’s L/N, does she seem like second-in-command material?”

You prick up your ears at that, but Eric just shrugs. “I expected more from someone I’ve heard so much about, but I suppose it’s only fitting that she’d be all brains and no fight.” You wince at that. You’re not sure why hearing Eric’s opinion matters that much to you- it shouldn’t, you’ve only just met him and you’ll soon be leaving him, but it still hurts to hear.

Behind you, the trainers are dispersing back into the rooms. “Okay, find a sparring partner. We’ll be doing actual fights now- you throw your punches, we’ll watch.” A sudden need to prove yourself is filling you, and you nod at Alan, one of your fellow Erudite. He is smaller and more timid than he seems at first, and he’ll probably be an easy match.

The two of you head to a ring and circle each other warily. You know Alan won’t take the first move, and so you do instead- a quick jab at the lower arm, he thinks you’re attacking there so he goes to block, you knew he would do that so you circle up and hit him with an elbow to the neck. Alan stumbles back, clutching his throat. Your eye catches on Eric for a moment- he’s casually walking up to watch the fight. You turn back to a recovered Alan, ready to beat him and prove that you’re just as good as any Dauntless.

Alan takes initiative this time, trying to hit you with a fierce kick. You take advantage of his slight loss of balance by sweeping his legs out from under him, and then straddling him to pin him down. Alan struggles from underneath you, but you land a direct punch to the face and hear the satisfying sound of bone cracking. Something about the rush of adrenaline is like fire burning through your veins, and you can’t help but hit him once more. You rear your arm back for another punch, and then another, but you are distracted by the sight of Alan’s arm flopping to his side. You blink to regain your focus and realize that the Erudite is unconscious, knocked out by the force of your blows.

You quickly stand up, and keep staring at first at Alan's unconscious form, then the blood coating your knuckles, and then back to Alan once more. It comes to your attention that everyone’s staring at you, and you start to stammer out an apology. “Sorry- I didn’t realize- I didn’t mean to-” Eric cuts you off with a low laugh, and strides around the ring to talk to you. “Don’t apologize- that was the best you’ve done all day. Maybe we’ll make a fighter of you yet.”

So now you have Eric’s approval- and confidence in yourself. You find you enjoy fighting, maybe a little more than you’re supposed to. You train as hard as you can, reveling in the chance to take out your aggression. You’ve quickly made a name for yourself as the best among the Erudites, and it’s a title you guard with gleeful pride.

On one of the last nights that you’ll be in Dauntless, you’re stretching after a day’s work. The training sessions had gone pretty well- you’d bested every opponent who’d dared spar against you. Another Erudite walks up to you, and hisses something under her breath. “You shouldn’t be so proud of yourself.”

You look at her, grinning. “What, you jealous?” The Erudite shakes her head, the same glare still present on her face. “You’re supposed to be Erudite, you know. Not Dauntless. I think you’re taking too much pride in being able to fight. When we go back to our faction, I think we’ll all remember how eager you were to give up being Erudite so you could punch someone and make Eric proud.” With that, she walks away, leaving you in stunned silence.

She’s right, of course. You lay awake for a long time in your bunk, hearing her words repeat over and over again. You weren’t meant to be Dauntless, you are an Erudite. It was proved in the test, and it was proved when you decided on Erudite in the Choosing Ceremony. Why are you so keen on proving yourself in the fighting ring? You’re only here for self-defense, and you most certainly should not be enjoying hand-to-hand combat so much.

Also, the Erudite was right about one other thing- Eric. Why does his opinion matter so much to you? Why do you look to him for approval after every fight, and why is it that you can only relax after a fight when you hear his voice when he’s leading you away from the ring?

It comes to you slowly, but the realization makes you groan inwardly. Of course- you love him. What else could it be? You turn over on your side, wishing for sleep to come. You know what you’ll have to do tomorrow, and how to prove to the others that you are truly their ally and that your loyalty lies only with Erudite, not with Dauntless.

When you wake up the next morning, you dress promptly with the other Erudites. When you all file into a room to eat breakfast, you sit yourself in between two of your friends. When Eric comes into the room, you don’t look at him at all, not even to wave your usual hello.

When you go into the training room, you stretch by yourself instead of warming up with Eric. The Dauntless announce that you’ll be sparring with the other Erudites once more, and you head over to the rings to pick a victim, walking right by Eric without so much as acknowledging him. You can see confusion and maybe even hurt (although you’re surely kidding yourself) spread across his face, but you brush it away. The Erudite who had spoken to you before comes over to you now, whispering once in your ear before heading away:

“Glad to see you’ve decided on your allegiance.”

Yes, you have- but why does it hurt so much?

The match passes in a blur, with you beating your opponent easily. You feel like a machine, forcing yourself through the usual paces without any joy. You shouldn’t feel joy, anyway, that would mean you were too much like the Dauntless, and you are only an Erudite. You go on ignoring Eric all day, much to his surprise, but if it means you aren’t questioned by the other Erudites, it’s worth it. Right?

However, it appears that you won’t get your way forever- just after practice is dismissed you start heading down a hall when an arm snakes around your waist and pulls you into a nearby room. You turn to face whoever’s grabbed you with an indignant rage, but the words die on your tongue when you see it’s Eric. He looks irritated.

“Why are you ignoring me?” His voice is dangerously level, but you just shake your head. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. The last time I checked, I could talk or not talk to whoever I chose.” You try to leave so you can follow the others, but Eric pulls you back into the room. “What is this all about? You were fine with me yesterday, but something’s gotten into you today.” He draws back, and for a second he looks almost nervous. “I saw you looking upset after one of the other Erudite spoke to you yesterday. Is that why?”

Finally, you look him dead in the eyes. “It was. They reminded me that I am not a Dauntless but an Erudite, and I would do well to remember it. I know my allegiance, and it is not with this faction.” Eric scoffs, incredulous. “You think talking to me means that you’re trying to switch factions? Trust me, I’m just trying to help you.” You glare at him suspiciously. “Then why would that Erudite tell me that?”

Eric sighs, and you realize that he’s been hiding something from you this entire conversation. “You know why, don’t you? She wants me to stay away from you because of something you did. What is it?” Eric clenches his jaw, but he responds. “Actually, I think this is more about you. What would you want to hide from the others that would be so important that you’d cut off all contact with me?” You freeze. This is definitely not where you wanted this conversation to go. You try to leave, but Eric forces you to stay. “Just tell me.”

You can’t bear to look at him. “She found out I had feelings for you. Happy?” This is it- he’ll just laugh at you. What were you thinking, telling him? You force yourself to look up at him, but instead of incredulous, he just looks- relieved?

Before you know it, he’s kissing you. His hand finds your waist, and you can’t decide whether you feel more surprised or elated. When he finally breaks away, he looks at you with a smirk. “I’d say happy.” You laugh, and kiss him again.

When the train comes to take you back to Erudite, you find you don’t really want to go. Your whole life is in Erudite, and you can’t wait to keep working on your project with Jeanine, but you don’t want to leave Eric behind. He’s come to walk you to the train, and when he sees the train starting to arrive, he turns to you.

“It’ll be alright, you know. Just a few more weeks, and then we’ll have control over the factions. I’ll see you then, I promise.” You smile at that. “I know. Jeanine has to visit Dauntless a few more times, and I’ll do my best to make sure I’m at those meetings. Wait for me?” Eric chuckles. “Of course. See you then.”

The train is here now, and you know you must go. “I’ll miss you.” You whisper, and head towards the train. “I’ll miss you too.” Once you step past the doors of the train, you look back at Eric as the train picks up speed and pulls away from Dauntless. It’ll only be a short time until you see him again.

#divergent #eric coulter #eric coulter imagine #eric coulter x reader #eric coulter imagines #dauntless #dauntless imagine #divergent imagine

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mischiefthedreamerx · 3 years

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To Never Give Up

Summary: By mistake, Loki takes a portal leading him to New Asgard, where he meets Thor who is broken & hopeless after the events of Infinity War. Thor is given some closure and Loki can finally say goodbye.

Pairing: Loki x Sylvie implied.

A/N: Idk how Loki ends up in New Asgard in but that's irrelevant. Towards the end I kind of lost inspiration & ideas so it flopped a bit but I wanted to finish it.

Word Count: 3k

- - - - - - - -

Loki landed ungracefully with a loud 'thud' against a hard cold floor. As he lay down in his new surroundings, the awful smell of the room hit him first, making him scrunch up his nose. Getting up to his feet with an exhausted sigh, he took in the room. It was small, dull and unkempt. Only a slither of light broke through the closed curtains. Empty food packets and cans of alcohol littered the table and wooden floor. Loki saw some controls with wires connecting to a thin rectangular box next to a TV. The stoned-wall room looked abandoned, claustrophobic. How could anyone possible live here? Blankets lay over a gloomy sofa as if someone was sleeping on it too.

Loki cautiously walked around the room for any sign of life, avoiding treading on the litter or touching anything for that matter. He thought whoever lived here would probably not be much of a threat. Outside, he heard the sound of birds squawking and ocean waves.

The next thing he heard was a sudden high pitch creaking sound of a door opening. Loki conjured up a small dagger, eyes narrowing to the direction of the sound. Someone was home. The door closed and within seconds, the resident appeared in front of the room.

Loki’s dagger fell to the floor as he froze in place. He stared openly, wide eyed, trying to process who this heavy figure was. The figure in turn dropped a white plastic bag of food.

"Thor..?” Loki gasped in horror. His brother wore a grubby white t-shirt and a knitted cardigan, hair long and tangled. At first, Loki wasn't even sure it was Thor.

Thor mumbled out a bunch of incoherent sounds before managing to form actual words. "Loki..? Loki! You're alive!" He let out a laugh as he pulled his brother into a tight hug.

Loki was left speechless. Tears prickled in the corner of his eyes, hesitantly placing an arm around Thor to return the embrace. A warmth spread through him. Loki did not wish to let go though Thor eventually did.

A bright smile crossed his lips. “You bastard! You had me fooled there, thinking you'd actually died again! And for good this time. You truly are quite the trickster, brother. " The laughter continued as he pat Loki on the back.

Loki swallowed. "Thor..I'm.." His stomach ached at the thought of telling Thor the truth. "I'm not from this timeline." He guessed since Thor was not on Asgard that their home had been destroyed on this timeline by Ragnarok and Thanos had attacked. Loki placed a hand on Thor's shoulder. "I'm not your Loki." He said softly.

"Wait..this isn't another one of your silly little tricks, right?" He kept up his smile despite the uncertainty in his gaze.

Loki raised both hands in an attempt to calm his brother. "Thor. I need you to listen to me."

But he did exactly the opposite. "Please come in! Excuse the mess. I-i wasn't expecting visitors. Not that I, er, getting any.." Thor mumbled as he hurried in, removing any litter from the sofa and tidying the blankets. Loki turned to watch Thor helplessly, unable to move from his spot. He sucked in a heavy sigh. "Have a seat." Thor spoke.

Loki forced away the numbness in his limps and slowly sat down. "Thor, please. Just listen to me." He said in despair.

"Right. Of course." Thor muttered, siting himself down.

"What year is this?" Loki asked.

"Um.." Thor frowned, scratching himself. "2023."

"I've come from the year 2012." Loki explained. Thor stilled frowned.

"This isn't a joke is it?" His little piece of happiness faltered.

Loki shook his head, a pained smile reached his lips. "I wish it was."

Any trace of a smile left Thor completely. "So.. you're from another timeline..which means.." He sniffed. "..you're still.."

"Dead." Loki said. "Your Loki is dead." Loki felt a heaviness in his chest. Dead.

Thor wrapped his cardigan around himself. "Then why are you here?"

Loki took a moment to gather his thoughts. "It's a very long story. I took a portal and by chance it lead me here. To you." His gaze met Thor's. There was no sign of that prideful hero left in those empty eyes. Nothing that once resembled a would be King of Asgard, a saviour to many. Loki wasn’t sure it was a good idea to tell Thor about the whole TVA situation either.

“How come you’re alive?” Thor asked.

“After New York, I escaped with the Tesseract. I’ve seen a lot..I saw the events that happened to my future, from the Dark Elves to Ragnarok and the attack by Tha—“

“No. We don’t say that name here.” Thor choked out, cutting Loki off.

Loki nodded. Thor had lost everything and so had Loki too, though in return he found Mobius and Sylvie to help with the loss of his family but Thor was alone. Not even the avengers came to visit him from the sound of it. Loki fought the urge to let his fingers curl into fists.

"Sorry." Loki apologised. "So this is your new..home?" His eyes scanned the living room.

Thor fumbled with his fingers. "It's not much. After the..well, you know, the humans were kind enough to offer us this village. It's a bit fishy but it's all we've got. They even gave us a sign too." Thor forced on a smile. "It's not quite like home." He looked down at his lap.

"Asgard is not a place." Loki said.

"It's a people." Thor said quietly, finishing off the common saying amongst the Asgardians.

Loki knew he should not stay too long, it would only hurt Thor more when he left but maybe this was what they both needed despite not being from the same timeline. Loki told himself to go. Was it selfish to stay for a little while longer? Maybe this was meant to happen?

"Why don't you show me around this new kingdom of yours?" Loki suggested with genuine smile.

"No, I don't really go out much."

Loki stood up. If he was going to stay for a while, he wasn’t willing to be confined in this depressing room. "Well I'll just go ahead on my own, if you don't mind?" He smirked. "I'll be on my best behaviour."

Thor scrambled up to his feet. "I don't think that a good idea. You're suppose to be dead, they'll see you."

Loki chuckled. "No they won't. You still underestimate me, brother."

- - - - - - -

Loki concealed his presence from anyone nearby, though it wasn't too busy, some had gone out on their boats. They both walked along the pier, Loki had conjured up a black coat due to the weather. The sky was hidden behind grey clouds, as a breeze swept across the ocean. Rays of sunlight managed to break through occasionally. Thor briefly spoke about their job with trading and catching fish for nearby villages in this place called 'Scotland'.

After about half an hour of wandering along the pier, they both stood on a hill overlooking the coast and houses of New Asgard. Thor bent down, placing in hands on his knees to catch his breath.

"Are you okay?"

"Don't worry about me. The exercise will do me some good." He said sucking in the ocean air before standing up straight, stretching his back. Loki gave him a moment to steady his breathing back to normal.

"So what are your daily king duties on this fine and wonderful kingdom?" Loki asked in light humour.

Thor scratched his brow in thought. "You know, king stuff, the usual. It's not like I stay inside all day shouting at a bunch of fools on a screen."

"Sounds..exciting." Loki said flatly.

"What about you? Causing chaos wherever you go?"

Loki thought of his words carefully, there was no need for Thor to know all the specifics when he already had enough to deal with.

"Something like that." He smiled. Chaos was too much of a small word to describe what he had gone through. "I've been protecting the sacred timeline." Loki joked with enthusiasm.

Thor frowned but did not question it. "Oh, yeah? And how's that going?”

Loki's facial features tightened. "Marvellous.”

Thor did not have the effort to ask Loki to expand on his response, he probably thought Loki was lying but it did not matter to him.

They both stood together watching the ocean. Loki closed his eyes, tipping his head back as he let the breeze blow against him, prolonging their time together. There was something about the ocean that brought him a sense of calmness. As Loki's eyes remained close, Thor turned to look at his brother who appeared to be so at peace, a feeling Thor had rarely often seen Loki experience.

"You've changed." Thor said absentmindedly, his voice mirroring the calmness between them.

Loki opened his eyes, a warm expression crossed his face. "I know. Seeing one's own life play out on screen was certainly an experience. I finally heard what I needed to hear for so long.” That he was loved.

"I met people I could trust.” Well, it was still an ongoing process for some part of it. “Someone who told me I could be anything I wanted to be, even someone good.”

A tinged of jealousy pinched inside Thor's chest. "Met anyone special along the way?" He nudged Loki with his elbow as he grinned.

"Well," Loki placed his hands in his pockets, letting out a nervous laugh. "it's complicated."

The shining grin remained. "I wish to hear about them.”

Loki shied away for a moment, trying to force his smile back but unfortunately failed to do so. "She's sometimes irritating and very reckless." His expression then softened. "She reminds me of how I used to be..so full of anger but deep down she's hurting, a lot. She doesn't trust, or let anyone in. Or even know what it’s like to love someone.”

"And then you came along with all that charm of yours.” Thor teased.

Loki scoffed. "Cut it out. We're..still figuring things out. I think."

"Truly, I am happy for you, brother. And what is this fair maiden’s name?" She was definitely far from a ‘fair maiden’...

Loki averted his gaze downwards, their last moment that they shared together played through his mind. "Sylvie." He said, almost as a whisper to himself. A name that weighed heavy in his heart.

"Sylvie." Thor repeated, testing the name. “You know, brother, for the first time in my life. I'm actually jealous of you. Who would of thought that?"

Loki frowned. "Jealous? Of me?" This would of once made Loki feel victorious that the roles had been reversed after many years but now it only pained his heart to see his mighty brother succumb to such sadness.

"I mean, look at you! All happy and in love. And then there's me. Barely even a king, I spend every day inside pretending I'm fine, it's not like most of my people haven't died when I was suppose to protect them or-or that half of the universe has been destroyed, that we failed them, failed each other and fell apart..” Thor rambled on. “We lost.”

"If this means anything to you; I still think you're worthy." Loki said softly. Thor turned with tears prickling in his eyes.

"I am?" He questioned, sniffling. “I’m not quite sure anymore.”

"You are forgetting who you are. You can't let Thanos take everything away from you. He is no god.” Loki knew mentioning Thanos would displease Thor but Loki knew the hard way that hiding your pain, forgetting that it exists, only made everything more worse. The only way out was to face it head on. Loki would certainly know.

Thor shook his head. “No, no. Loki, I can't. Not without you. I've lost everything." He trembled in his words. Loki regretted not leaving sooner. He had failed to comfort Sylvie, to save their trust within their final moments, now Loki had to find some way to bring closure to Thor who was possibly past his breaking point. Comforting others was a tricky task, a trait he had not quite naturally inherited from his mother.

"You don't need me. Our paths were destined to diverge." Loki had found a way to move on and Thor needed to do so as well. "All is not so lost, brother." When you live for so long, loss must be something you became familiar with but regardless of long you knew someone, there was never enough time for when you'd be ready to say goodbye.

"I know. I know." Thor mumbled to himself. Despite his larger size, somehow he seemed to cower into himself, making him seem so small.

Loki cleared his throat. "So the Avengers..they disbanded?" He asked.

Thor nodded. "Seemed that way. Not heard from them since the whole 'snap' disaster." They abandoned him, Loki thought in anguish, failing to hide the disgust in his features.

"The mighty so-called Avengers gave up, is that it?" Loki folded his arms across his chest.

"You seem angry, brother." Thor commented out of curiosity.

Loki shrugged. "They call themselves heroes, protectors against evil but when they lose, they go and hide away from their mistakes like cowards.”

"Then what makes someone a hero?"

Loki blinked several times, his annoyance was caught off guard by Thor's question. Someone who blindly follows the rules? Who uses their powers for fame and fortune? Those who believe they are perfect? But it seems after all, that they were anything but perfect.

"I don't know." Loki looked across at the waves, straightening up his posture and gave Thor his answer; "They are selfless, willing to sacrifice themselves for others without question. They don't just give up even when they lose. They keep on going." Loki attempted to keep his frustration under control but tendril of it managed to slip through.

A small smile portrayed across Thor's lips. "So is that who you are now?"

Loki frowned, turning his attention to his brother. "What do you mean?"

"A hero."

Loki chuckled. Him? A hero? He'd never stopped to think of himself as that. Loki had been many things, taken on many roles; the villain, a trickster, an outcast, a prince. But never a hero in the eyes of others or himself.

"Is that really such a bad thing, Loki?"

"I suppose not." Loki huffed out in uncertainty.

"Whoever said you could be anything you wanted to be was right." Then Thor repeated the words he once said to his Loki on Sakaar; "You could be more."

"Thank you." Loki spoke sincerely with a smile. Maybe he was thankful that he had stayed after all. A final chance to see his brother and for Thor to know that on another timeline, Loki was alive and well.

"No need to thank me, brother. I should be the one thanking you. I am glad fate has brought you here to me, to remind me of who I am."

"My pleasure." Loki nodded.

After a gloomy start to the day, the sun had won its battle against the clouds and shone its rays against the ocean, blessing New Asgard with its glorious light and warmth.

"Looks like the sun is finally making an appearance." Loki commented, looking upwards. "This place is rather melancholy to say the least."

Thor's eyes widened in bewilderment, his gaze switching between the sun and his brother. A tear trickled down his cheek. Fate was truly cruel in some ways. Loki noticed Thor's odd expression.

"Thor?"

Thor shook his head to escape himself from his thoughts. "I'm fine. And don't talk badly about my newly established kingdom. It's a...work in progress. Come back in a few years time and we'll have towers across these mountains."

"I'll take your word for it." Loki chuckled, though their happy mood soon faded. Loki would not be back here in a few years time. He would likely not come back at all. Thor picked up on Loki's sudden change of mood.

"Why can't you stay, Loki?" Thor asked despite knowing that he could not stay.

"As much as I would wish to stay with you, I can't. I.. have people wanting for me." He needed to find Mobius and Sylvie, to fix this mess that had unfolded, he will not run away. Thor nodded with a sniff.

"Will you at least come and visit?" He pleaded. Loki did not want to make any false promises, though he so easily could to make this less painful for Thor but in the long run, the guilt would soon eat up inside of him. He had enough of it to deal with already.

"Thor. I can't. I don't belong here."

Thor’s newly found confidence collapsed, hands beginning to shake. Loki made the decision to leave before the pain was too much to bear for both of them.

"No." Thor shook his head. "Don't leave me."

Loki placed a hand on his brother's quivering shoulder. "I have to. People need need me."

"To be a hero?" Thor managed to force smile as the tears shone in his eyes

"Well I guess." Loki smiled back before opening up his arms to embrace him in a hug. He let their embrace linger on.

"Don't give up." Loki whispered until they let each other go one final time. Thor did not have a chance to reply when Loki waved a hand of green sparks across Thor’s tear stained face.

"Goodbye, brother." Was the last words Thor heard before a gentle darkness overtook his sight.

- - - - - -

"Hey, man. You waking up anytime soon?" Said a voice. Thor felt something small and solid hit his face. "You're not dead are you?" Another minor hard object made contact with his cheek.

Thor had awoken, he was inside his beach hut, Korg stood above him catching a rock in his palm. "Sorry, hope that didn't hurt too much."

Thor ignored him, shrugging off his blanket as he stood up, stable onto his feet. There was a gleam of strength in his eyes that had been missing for far too long. A broad smile made an unusual appearance as the sound of thunder rumbled in the distance.

"Must of been some good dream you had there, buddy?"

"We need to contact the remaining Avengers." Thor demanded as he strode off towards the front door.

Korg scratched the back of his head. "Why?"

"Because heroes never give up!" Thor beamed.

Thank you, brother.

- - - -

@cazzyimagines @maciswack

#Loki fanfic #marvel #Loki tv show #mcu fanfiction #mcu loki #thor #mcu #loki #thor fanfiction #avengers #loki fandom

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descendantofthesparrow · 3 years

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Interlude - Rewrite POYW - Part 6 - new buildings and snowball fights

-Six months later(February 2017)-

Diego stood in front of a work in progress building that was supposedly being turned into a shelter for vks that needed a warm place to stay and regular meals that they couldn't get on their own. His eyes drifted to the yet-to-be-hanged sign next to the open door where workers inside built the kitchens and bathrooms.

‘Carlos’ House - A safe place for lost kids - Auradon department of the isle’

Around a month ago King Ben and his councilor; Evie, had announced an on-Isle shelter for anyone that needed it, with two sections of the building, one for adults and one for minors. Fully furnished with fresh food, a handful of bedrooms that could house up to 10 people, multiple bathrooms, two full kitchens, and two snack kitchens, and isle hired guards and caretakers that would be screened and recruited by Harriet's crew.

Some of the building was finished so several homeless or starving VK’s had already moved into the empty rooms. Some of Harriet's crew had taken charge of guarding the building, keeping an eye on the Auradon workers to keep the younger kids safe while also keeping anyone dangerous out.

Diego felt a hint of pride looking at the sign, his little cousin, someone many thought would never amount to anything more than a slave for his mother, was now in Auradon, inventing and creating in Auradon and establishing a shelter for his fellow vks still on the isle.

Diego brushed his thumb over the walkie talkie in his hand, Carlos has sent it to him with one of the workers, something about Diego being an ear on the inside to keep track of things the isle needed and to help spread any news about more vks coming off the isle at some point.

Diego pocketed the device and turned on his heel, walking back to his apartment through the market, eyes drifting over the new posters detailing the upcoming -yet to be scheduled- VK day, where six VKs would be chosen and head to Auradon. It was a good year from now, the so-called CPS that would be ‘in charge’ of the new vks would apparently take the longest and both that and the Auradon shelter had been required for Ben to get the council to approve the new transfer plan.

Diego pushed open the gate to his apartment building and hurried inside, night was falling and even after everything king Ben had implemented onto the isle it still wasn’t safe to be out at this time. Diego walked into his apartment and locked the door behind him, tossing his keys and the walkie-talkie onto his couch.

He sighed and walked into his room, flopping against his bed and buried his face in his pillows. Just two days ago, the rotten four, as they used to be called on the isle before they left, had visited the isle to see how everything was going. And he had seen Carlos, no longer the short and scarily skinny tween, but an almost fully grown young man. Carlos had only been in Auradon for just a little more than a year but he was thriving, he was stronger, taller, and much more confident than he was before.

And Diego couldn’t help but be a little proud. When Carlos had seen Diego, he had rushed over, whispering to him as if it was a secret he was about to tell.

‘when the applications are sent here, fill one out, you’ll be my pick’ Diego pushed down the smile on his lips at the memory, it was nice to know that Carlos hadn’t forgotten him.

So maybe in a year, he would be joining Carlos in Auradon, both finally away from Carlos’ insane mother.

Evie overlooked the file that Yen Sid had pulled out for the young daughter of Dr.Facilier, Celia. Dizzy had requested from all of them that Celia be one of the next off, saying that she had promised her friend that she would get Celia off the isle as soon as she could.

And Evie had told Dizzy she would do her best. But unfortunately, it would be up to the council for Celia to be approved, and Evie hoped that Celia wouldn't try to be smart on her application. But again, the applications wouldn’t be sent for a good two years from now, so Auradon and the isle had a long time to wait until they could celebrate ‘vk day’ which was Doug's idea, he had said that the vks still on the isle deserved a day for themselves for waiting so long, and the vks in Auradon agreed, eight months was too long for Harriet and the others, two and a half was overdoing it.

It just sucked that Ben had no choice but to go with the council's requests, and it would be 2019 at least before they got the next round off. It was only thanks to Ben and (y/n) that the vks still on the isle knew that they in Auradon weren't abandoning them.

There was a new shelter being built in the name of Carlos’ for any kids or adults that needed a warm place to sleep, it also served as a place to keep track of the kids that took and turned in applications when the time came. Dizzy, around a week ago, had brought up the idea of possibly letting the older adults apply for Auradon as well, as some of them were long since reformed before the isle. (y/n) had said that Dizzy meant her aunt Anastasia, and told them about the baker and the alternate timeline sequels of Cinderella’s stories.

Which had confused the hell outta them but…considering (y/n) was from a world where they were all characters and had actors, they couldn’t argue with her about it.

Evie sighed and set down Celia's file, standing and stretching to get the tightness out of her muscles from sitting at the table for so long. She grabbed her jacket and shrugged it on, it was mid-February in Auradon so while the deep winter had passed it was still snowing and cold as hell outside.

Evie walked out of her room and made her way outside, smiling as she saw Dizzy, the Smee twins, Sammy, CJ, Harriet, and the rest of the vks (other than Gil) along with Doug, Ben, and (y/n) all having a snowball fight, (y/n) in Harry's arms as he lifted her out of the way of a snowball from Jay.

“Evie, heads up!” Evie squealed and ducked as a snowball soared past just where her head was a moment ago, CJ wincing as Carlos and Mal glared at her “Sorry! I was aiming for Harry!”

“I’m over here yeh lame-ass!” Harry cackled, dodging another snowball from Jay and grabbing your hand to bolt to the next snow fort Dizzy and CJ had made before the battle had started.

Evie laughed as she stood up and ran towards Mal and Ben, pulling Mal in front of her as a snowball from Harriet came speeding towards her “E!” Mal squeaked, wiping her shoulder and chest of the snow and turning towards Evie “No fair! No using your teammates as shields!” Evie laughed and stuck out her tongue, crouching down to scoop up snow.

“vks don’t fight fair M~! you said it yourself!” Evie then screamed as Mal squished a snowball into the side of her head, her blue hair trimmed with white “Hey!!”

“Payback!” Mal cackled, spinning on her heel and dodging another ball from Harriet then sending one back, pouting as Harriet just stepped to the side and the ball hit Sammy in the face. “oh come on-GAH!” (y/n) chucked a ball straight at Mal and hit her in the face, sending Mal to the ground. The snow flurried around Mal, almost creating a blanket on her from the thick frost. “really?”

Ben held in his laugh and lifted Mal out of the snow, holding her into his side as he dived behind another snow fort. “Ben” Mal faked a weak cough, holding her hand out towards Ben “you must…avenge my death…Bleh” Mal ‘died’ and slumped against Ben, closing her eyes and sticking her tongue out the corner of her mouth.

“Nooooo” Ben dramatically yelled out, a smile on his face as he let Mal slip off his chest. He stood, a snowball in each hand “revenge!” Jay cackled as Ben was immediately pummeled by several snowballs from the other side of the battlefield, (y/n) catching herself on Harry as Ben flopped back into the snow “treason! You’ve killed the king!”

“False! Dizzy is king now! She threw the last ball that hit you!” Harry cackled, lifting Dizzy by her armpits and holding the giggling teen in the air “all hail king Dizzy!”

Evie covered her mouth to stop the loud ‘guffaw’ from bursting, leaning on Carlos to prevent herself from falling “all hail king Dizzy!” Jay and Carlos echoed, throwing their hands forward and mock bowing at Dizzy, who was still giggling in Harry's grip.

“Fore!” Jay looked to the side and yelped, a snowball slamming directly into his face and he fell back into the snow “I said fore!” Gil laughed, Jane at his side giggling behind her periwinkle snow mittens.

“there yeh are!” Harry yelled, setting Dizzy down and gesturing for Gil to join the side of the pirates “come on, we need’a tank!”

“don’t you have (y/n)?” Jane laughed, sitting down on a bench nearby as Gil jogged over to Harry and quickly made a large snowball. Gil and Harry looked at each other at Jane's mention of you, then looked to (y/n), who was in the middle of hurling another snowball at the opposite team. They shrugged and Gil continued to make a large snowball

“(y/n)’s tha’ sharpshooter, Gil’s the tank” Harry grinned, cackling as Gil launched the foot wide snowball at the other side, completely decimating the small fort CJ had made and knocking her to the ground. “yeah!!!”

“Ow!” CJ groaned, shaking the snow off and crawling out of the battlefield “im done! Count me out!” she flopped into the snow a few feet away and took a few deep breaths as Gil launched another snowball at Carlos, knocking him to the ground.

“Dodgeball rules! You get hit you’re out, loser team makes hot chocolate for everyone!” Harriet called out, giving a sharp grin as everyone yelled in agreement.

Snowballs flew everywhere, Jane curling in on herself squealing as a few stragglers landed near her “not playing, not playing!”

“Jane!” Gil laughed, running toward her and picking her up bridal style, and running back to the battlefield, setting her behind the fort (y/n) and Harriet had reinforced “stay, I'll protect you” Jane giggled and swooned as Gil stood back up and launched a mid-sized snowball at Jay, hitting Jay square in the chest and getting him out. “got ya!”

“Not fair! You have (y/n) and Gil on your side!” Jay complained, Mal popped up, her eyes glowing green as several snowballs floated next to her. Jay laughed and grinned, running off to the bench where CJ and Ben sat. “ooooh! Yall are goin down!”

Mal threw her hand forward, the snowballs aiming for you but they hit the snow fort instead as you flipped behind it “Dang it! AH!” Dizzy chucked a snowball right at Mal and hit her in the face, marking the fae out “DANGNABIT!”

“Ha!” Dizzy cheered, throwing her hands into the sky, squealing as Evie sent back a snowball at Dizzy “Evieee!”

“Dizzyyy!” Evie mocked, a sharp grin on her lips as she tossed two more snowballs at Dizzy, the first missing and the second hitting Dizzy in the back “Gotcha~!”

Dizzy pouted and joined Mal, Jay, CJ, and Ben at the bench, cheering on her team as the fight continued. Now it was Evie, Carlos, Doug, and Sammy, vs Harry, (y/n), Gil, the twins, and Harriet.

It was all too easy.

Within moments Evie and the boys were pummeled by snowballs, all screaming in ‘pain’ as they fell into the snow. The twins rushed over to the other side, throwing their last few balls into their ‘dead’ brother's stomach. Sammy coughed at the impact and sat up, pulling the two into his chest and rolling around, cackling as the twins squealed with laughter.

“We win! Ya’ll gotta make the hot chocolate now!” (y/n) laughed out in victory, Harry pulling her into his side with a grin, hiding it in her hair.

Ben sighed and gestured back inside the dorms “come on, there's a closed patio with a fire pit, we can make smores too!” the twins and Dizzy gasped at that and rushed inside, Dizzy pulling Evie as the twins pulled their brother and Harriet with them.

Soon all 16 teens were inside the closed patio, the firepit roaring as Harry helped the twins roast their marshmallows, their whipped cream-covered hot chocolates still steaming on their seats behind them.

“I can't believe at one point we outnumbered you and we still lost!” Mal grumbled, taking a layer off her toasted marshmallow and eating it, putting the treat back over the fire to let it toast again.

“that’s what happens when you have both (y/n) and Gil on the same side, (y/n) throws ninety-five miles per hour and Gil throws meteors, it was their game as soon as they picked their side” Ben laughed, handing Mal a hot chocolate in her glittery green and purple mug and sitting down next to her, sipping from his gold and blue mug.

“Then next time have Harry on your team to make sure you also have (y/n) and Gil” CJ snickered, leaning into Harriet's side as she chewed on her freshly made smore, gram cracker crumbs on the corners of her mouth.

(y/n) let out a small snort, leaning back in her seat and lifting her feet, setting them on Harry's shoulder as he helped Skipper set his marshmallow onto the gram cracker. “Maybe, who knows, I might play the other team next time~” Harry turned to look at (y/n), giving her a look “What? Don’t look at me like that? Just because I love you don't mean I won't kick your ass in a snowball fight” Harry rolled his eyes with a fond smile and pushed (y/n)s boots off his shoulder, ignoring the pout (y/n) was aiming at the back of his head.

“well, I’d say today was a good day” Ben sighed, sipping at his coco again and smiling as the group agreed with him, Harry standing from helping the twins and sitting next to (y/n), (y/n) slipping under his arm and laying her head on his chest.

Ben let out a content sigh and leaned back against his seat, closing his eyes and letting his head hit the headrest. Getting more vks to Auradon was going to take almost two years from now but for now, knowing the recent six and the original six were enjoying their life free from the isle was enough.

He couldn’t wait to share it with all the vks in the future.

-end of part 6-

part 6~!!! forgot today was Saturday but its only 630pm for me so i still posted on time, but yeah! Diego! Carlos! snowball fights! cuteness!!! its all getting wrapped up and loose ends are (hopefully) being tied!!! hope yall enjoyed reading! part 7 next saturday!

@queer-cosette @sephiralorange @lunanight2012

@daughter-of-the-stars11 @musicarose @random-thoughts-003

@remembered-license @rintheemolion @verboetoperee

@imtryingthisout @thecaptainsgingersnap @jatp-rules-my-life

#Descendents #descendants #disney descendants #harry hook #harry hook descendants #harry hook x reader #harry hook imagine #interlude #rewrite #part of your world #shuffle playlist #finale

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