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freeleyenrashespeakstruth · 1 year

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By Kitty Werthmann

“I am a witness to history.

“I cannot tell you that Hitler took Austria by tanks and guns; it would distort history.

If you remember the plot of the Sound of Music, the Von Trapp family escaped over the Alps rather than submit to the Nazis. Kitty wasn’t so lucky. Her family chose to stay in her native Austria. She was 10 years old, but bright and aware. And she was watching.

“We elected him by a landslide – 98 percent of the vote,” she recalls.

She wasn’t old enough to vote in 1938 – approaching her 11th birthday. But she remembers.

“Everyone thinks that Hitler just rolled in with his tanks and took Austria by force.”

No so.

Hitler is welcomed to Austria

“In 1938, Austria was in deep Depression. Nearly one-third of our workforce was unemployed. We had 25 percent inflation and 25 percent bank loan interest rates.

Farmers and business people were declaring bankruptcy daily. Young people were going from house to house begging for food. Not that they didn’t want to work; there simply weren’t any jobs.

“My mother was a Christian woman and believed in helping people in need. Every day we cooked a big kettle of soup and baked bread to feed those poor, hungry people – about 30 daily.’

“We looked to our neighbor on the north, Germany, where Hitler had been in power since 1933.” she recalls. “We had been told that they didn’t have unemployment or crime, and they had a high standard of living.

“Nothing was ever said about persecution of any group – Jewish or otherwise. We were led to believe that everyone in Germany was happy. We wanted the same way of life in Austria. We were promised that a vote for Hitler would mean the end of unemployment and help for the family. Hitler also said that businesses would be assisted, and farmers would get their farms back.

“Ninety-eight percent of the population voted to annex Austria to Germany and have Hitler for our ruler.

“We were overjoyed,” remembers Kitty, “and for three days we danced in the streets and had candlelight parades. The new government opened up big field kitchens and everyone was fed.

“After the election, German officials were appointed, and, like a miracle, we suddenly had law and order. Three or four weeks later, everyone was employed. The government made sure that a lot of work was created through the Public Work Service.

“Hitler decided we should have equal rights for women. Before this, it was a custom that married Austrian women did not work outside the home. An able-bodied husband would be looked down on if he couldn’t support his family. Many women in the teaching profession were elated that they could retain the jobs they previously had been re- quired to give up for marriage.

“Then we lost religious education for kids

“Our education was nationalized. I attended a very good public school.. The population was predominantly Catholic, so we had religion in our schools. The day we elected Hitler (March 13, 1938), I walked into my schoolroom to find the crucifix replaced by Hitler’s picture hanging next to a Nazi flag. Our teacher, a very devout woman, stood up and told the class we wouldn’t pray or have religion anymore. Instead, we sang ‘Deutschland, Deutschland, Uber Alles,’ and had physical education.

“Sunday became National Youth Day with compulsory attendance. Parents were not pleased about the sudden change in curriculum. They were told that if they did not send us, they would receive a stiff letter of warning the first time. The second time they would be fined the equivalent of $300, and the third time they would be subject to jail.”

And then things got worse.

“The first two hours consisted of political indoctrination. The rest of the day we had sports. As time went along, we loved it. Oh, we had so much fun and got our sports equipment free.

“We would go home and gleefully tell our parents about the wonderful time we had.

“My mother was very unhappy,” remembers Kitty. “When the next term started, she took me out of public school and put me in a convent. I told her she couldn’t do that and she told me that someday when I grew up, I would be grateful. There was a very good curriculum, but hardly any fun – no sports, and no political indoctrination.

“I hated it at first but felt I could tolerate it. Every once in a while, on holidays, I went home. I would go back to my old friends and ask what was going on and what they were doing.

“Their loose lifestyle was very alarming to me. They lived without religion. By that time, unwed mothers were glorified for having a baby for Hitler.

“It seemed strange to me that our society changed so suddenly. As time went along, I realized what a great deed my mother did so that I wasn’t exposed to that kind of humanistic philosophy.

“In 1939, the war started, and a food bank was established. All food was rationed and could only be purchased using food stamps. At the same time, a full-employment law was passed which meant if you didn’t work, you didn’t get a ration card, and, if you didn’t have a card, you starved to death.

“Women who stayed home to raise their families didn’t have any marketable skills and often had to take jobs more suited for men.

“Soon after this, the draft was implemented.

“It was compulsory for young people, male and female, to give one year to the labor corps,” remembers Kitty. “During the day, the girls worked on the farms, and at night they returned to their barracks for military training just like the boys.

��They were trained to be anti-aircraft gunners and participated in the signal corps. After the labor corps, they were not discharged but were used in the front lines.

“When I go back to Austria to visit my family and friends, most of these women are emotional cripples because they just were not equipped to handle the horrors of combat.

“Three months before I turned 18, I was severely injured in an air raid attack. I nearly had a leg amputated, so I was spared having to go into the labor corps and into military service.

“When the mothers had to go out into the work force, the government immediately established child care centers.

“You could take your children ages four weeks old to school age and leave them there around-the-clock, seven days a week, under the total care of the government.

“The state raised a whole generation of children. There were no motherly women to take care of the children, just people highly trained in child psychology. By this time, no one talked about equal rights. We knew we had been had.

“Before Hitler, we had very good medical care. Many American doctors trained at the University of Vienna..

“After Hitler, health care was socialized, free for everyone. Doctors were salaried by the government. The problem was, since it was free, the people were going to the doctors for everything.

“When the good doctor arrived at his office at 8 a.m., 40 people were already waiting and, at the same time, the hospitals were full.

“If you needed elective surgery, you had to wait a year or two for your turn. There was no money for research as it was poured into socialized medicine. Research at the medical schools literally stopped, so the best doctors left Austria and emigrated to other countries.

“As for healthcare, our tax rates went up to 80 percent of our income. Newlyweds immediately received a $1,000 loan from the government to establish a household. We had big programs for families.

“All day care and education were free. High schools were taken over by the government and college tuition was subsidized. Everyone was entitled to free handouts, such as food stamps, clothing, and housing.

“We had another agency designed to monitor business. My brother-in-law owned a restaurant that had square tables.

“Government officials told him he had to replace them with round tables because people might bump themselves on the corners. Then they said he had to have additional bathroom facilities. It was just a small dairy business with a snack bar. He couldn’t meet all the demands.

“Soon, he went out of business. If the government owned the large businesses and not many small ones existed, it could be in control.

“We had consumer protection, too

“We were told how to shop and what to buy. Free enterprise was essentially abolished. We had a planning agency specially designed for farmers. The agents would go to the farms, count the livestock, and then tell the farmers what to produce, and how to produce it.

“In 1944, I was a student teacher in a small village in the Alps. The villagers were surrounded by mountain passes which, in the winter, were closed off with snow, causing people to be isolated.

“So people intermarried and offspring were sometimes retarded. When I arrived, I was told there were 15 mentally retarded adults, but they were all useful and did good manual work.

“I knew one, named Vincent, very well. He was a janitor of the school. One day I looked out the window and saw Vincent and others getting into a van.

“I asked my superior where they were going. She said to an institution where the State Health Department would teach them a trade, and to read and write. The families were required to sign papers with a little clause that they could not visit for 6 months.

“They were told visits would interfere with the program and might cause homesickness.

“As time passed, letters started to dribble back saying these people died a natural, merciful death. The villagers were not fooled. We suspected what was happening. Those people left in excellent physical health and all died within 6 months. We called this euthanasia.

“Next came gun registration. People were getting injured by guns. Hitler said that the real way to catch criminals (we still had a few) was by matching serial numbers on guns. Most citizens were law-abiding and dutifully marched to the police station to register their firearms. Not long afterwards, the police said that it was best for everyone to turn in their guns. The authorities already knew who had them, so it was futile not to comply voluntarily.

“No more freedom of speech. Anyone who said something against the government was taken away. We knew many people who were arrested, not only Jews, but also priests and ministers who spoke up.

“Totalitarianism didn’t come quickly, it took 5 years from 1938 until 1943, to realize full dictatorship in Austria. Had it happened overnight, my countrymen would have fought to the last breath. Instead, we had creeping gradualism. Now, our only weapons were broom handles. The whole idea sounds almost unbelievable that the state, little by little eroded our freedom.”

“This is my eyewitness account.

“It’s true. Those of us who sailed past the Statue of Liberty came to a country of unbelievable freedom and opportunity.

“America is truly is the greatest country in the world. “Don’t let freedom slip away.

“After America, there is no place to go.”

Kitty Werthmann

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homunculus-argument · 1 year

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I was born and raised American, but with everything that's happened over the past few years I've been considering moving to another country. but I don't know if this is just "the grass is greener". Not sure if this really fits with your blog, but as someone from Europe what's your attitude towards living in the US?

I've visited there a handful of times and most of my thoughts are "damn bitch, y'all really live like this?" People in Finland like to complain about the climate, the taxes, and how stingy the welfare systems are (if you currently rely on them) or how costly they are (if you're currently not relying on them), but honestly most of the time that's because people are used to having it so good, or don't really have a perspective of how bad everyone would be doing without the infrastructure that everything runs on.

Sure, nowhere is perfect, and there's always room for improvement, but honestly the people I've met in the US only really seem to think that their system is good because they've never been anywhere else and don't know any better.

Mostly it's stuff that you'd never think about if you hadn't been to both places, like being able to trust that tap water is drinkable or that you can safely walk/bike to wherever you need to go. The US really doesn't have the kind of ability to just hang out in public places, just walking to the town and sitting on benches. Having public parks and libraries isn't really the same if you can't just walk there, and you genuinely need a car to go anywhere.

I moan and lament a lot about how the winters here are hard to endure - at the darkest time of the year the sun rises at 9 and sets before 5 pm - but I wouldn't move from here just because of that, mainly because of how reliably everything is structured here. Sure, it's all run with funds from relatively high taxes, but that is a self-feeding loop on its own. The tax-paying workforce isn't a disposable resource that's wrung dry once and tossed out when it's broken, but even when you're just another cog in the machine, you're one that's maintained, not replaced if broken.

I had a lot of breakdowns when I was younger, largely due to depression and other mental issues I had due to the undiagnosed ADHD. When I started breaking down at work in my old factory job, they couldn't just fire me on the spot because of the workers' union fought tooth and nail to make sure that you can't throw people out for getting sick, and mental illness is treated no different from other health issues. I was allowed to take two years off work in order to study into a career I thought would fit me better. That didn't turn out well either, but I was still allowed to bounce back and forth between odd jobs, sick leave, and studying - all on government pensions during the spots when I wasn't working a wage - until I found the right diagnosis, the right medications, and the right job.

It's not a hyperbole to say that I owe my life to the ample and studry social welfare systems that Finland has in place. Sure, you're just another brick in the wall, a cog in the machine, but if you keep breaking down, it takes a long time until they completely give up on you if you can somehow make them believe that you're trying, because it's cheaper for the tax system to figure out how to make you fit into the machine than just toss you out. A human being is an expensive investment and if getting you to the right job, education, diagnosis, medication or even arranged housing is what it takes to get your ass back into the workforce, they'll at least try.

I'm perfectly happy to pay the taxes here to fund the system that helped me onto my feet when I was in no condition to function, and to support the people who never do recover, find their place, or be able to support themselves on their own. And I can live with the peace of mind that even if I fall apart again, that safety net is still there. It's brutal, pragmatic, and regards your health and welfare as a means to an end - to get you working and paying taxes again - but they still do prioritise your welfare. Cogs are cheaper to maintain than replace.

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lovelyyandereaddictionpoint · 2 months

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A Village Raising (2) | Yandere Platonic Twisted Wonderland

Yuuka silently cooed at the sight of precious little (Y/n) sleepily clutching at a sleeping Grim. She no doubt hit the jackpot. Having such an adorable little sibling gifted to her by the mysterious summoning of the mirror. It was a nightmarish thought: that you’d one day return to someone who couldn’t love you like she did. But it was soothed by the reminder that more than likely those at Night Raven would never allow for that to happen.

“Mmm Yuu? Mmm C’mere.”

“Yes baby? You ready to wake up, maybe help me cook?”

“Mmmm today I-mmm g’to work…don’t I?”

“Ahhh, yeah.”

She sighed as she recalled the way you came to a revelation, of course spurred by Grim’s whining, that you needed to work to get more tuna. She wasn’t even sure you understood the topic of currency but nonetheless you wouldn’t stop yapping about it to her and Yuuken.

“Can-I get ready for work?” Your little voice spoke so clearly, having fully-woken up at the excitement from the thought. She couldn’t bring herslef to relay the hard truth about the workforce. Surely Azul wouldn’t torture a little angel such as yourself!

“Yes of course baby!”

“Yay!”

Sending a groggy Grim to pester her fellow prefect Yuuka busied herself with helping you into the mini uniform Jade delivered not long after her baby’s declaration. How he knew your measurements she wasn’t sure but then again why ask when all he’d do is smile cryptically.

“Already into the workforce I can’t believe how old I’ve gotten.”

Yukken mockingly held his face in his hands as he pretended to cry as you carefully finished descending the stairs with your back turned to him, slowly making your way down the steps. With both your feet safely on the ground you waddled over to the ‘crying’ giant.

“Ken-Ken is okay! I’ll be back after a hardsday work.”

Patting his pant leg, you waited until he bent down to your level. Giving a firm hug with your little body, he sent a worried look over your shoulder. Yuuka could only huff out her nose in stifled worry. She wasn’t trying to ignore her worry of letting you out of their watchful eyes. Pulling out her phone she sucked her teeth as the clock ticked closer to the designated time. Time for her final instructions before sending you into a battlefield.

“Alright (Y/n) now listen to me, you can’t sign or write anything while you’re there okay?”

“Hmmhmm.”

“(Y/n) are you listening to me.”

You continued to fiddle with the locks of your backpack briefcase before turning to the crouched Yuuka.

You kissed her cheek and in a voice imitating a character from your tv-shows you said,”Don’t worry Honey. I’ll be home soon, take care of the kids for me.”

The knock on the Ramshackle door had you skipping in its direction. Already beaten by Yuuken who opened the door to none other than the tweels.

“Good morning, Prefect.”

“Hiya shrimpies! Where’s the little business eel!”

“Here I am!” You squealed, running past Yuuken’s legs to be scooped into Floyd’s awaiting arms. Immediately abandoning your working persona you enjoyed the way Floyd playfully pretended to chomp at your cheeks.

“Remember, (Y/n)! No signing anything!”

“Weee-ah okay!”

You spoke breathlessly as the eel mer caught you from your descent from the sky, shouting from over his shoulder as he was already trotting away. Yuuka sighed again, turning her gaze to Jade who happily accepted the little bento box Yuuken had made.

“Back by sundown.”

“Yes, yes it will be before nightfall. Otherwise the doting parents will stay awake and worried until then.”

“Jade!”

“I jest I jest. We’ll see you later.”

With that the vice-warden went on his way catching up to the waiting Floyd before traveling over to the school’s hall.

_______________________________________________________

“We’re back!”

“Hi hi, Azul!”

The dorm leader couldn’t help but genuinely smile as he saw you in your mini-Monstro-uniform.

“Morning (Y/n), ready start your first day of work?”

“Yup!”

“Then follow me, to the kitchen.”

You did just that skipping beside Jade who stopped at the kitchen.

“This where we make all the drinks and food for everyone. And your job is to take whatever we make to the customers.”

“Okay!”

“How about we practice, okay (Y/n)?”

“Yes, yes!”

In no time at all you were handed a smaller tray and told to not spill as a plastic cup of water was placed on its center. Azul went to the far end of the kitchen along with Floyd who anxiously awaited your wobbly and shaky journey. Jade originally planned to only keep his hand on your back from where he was originally standing but he decided to follow along as he watched the water jiggle dangerously in the glass.

“W-woah!”

“It’s alright I’m right here. Take your time.”

“This is really h’rd.”

“It’s okay you’re doing great.” Azul chimed in, eagerly awaiting you to reach his side. Both Floyd and Azul anxiously leaning in tandem as you tilted dangerously to one side. The dorm leader did his best to keep his mouth shut as he quantified more than 50% of the water on the checkered floor or coagulating at the bottom of the tray.

“How’d I do Mis’er Bossman?”

Smiling up at him with sparkling (y/e/c) eyes–only one decision was clear.

“You did perfect. We are happy to have you work with us at Monstro Lounge.”

He’d have to remember to account for the smaller amount of the drink.

“Yay! Hear that Floyd, I’m hired!”

“YES, I knew you could do it-mini eel! Now I can give you the little apron!”

Or maybe he’d just upsell it anyway.

“Jade, do I get to cut my hair too!”

“Sorry (Y/n), I’m sure all three of the prefects would have my head then.”

“Awww.”

“But I do have a hat you can wear.”

“Yay! Gimme gimme.”

___________________________________________________

“What in the Seven’s is everyone getting so worked up about?”

Ace groaned and sucked his teeth as if Deuce was the stupidest man on the planet. His friend was already frowning at the action but still waited nonetheless. Ace began to smirk as he casually followed the crowd.

“Pft you don’t know? There’s a special event going on in the Monstro Lounge. With a special edition menu too.”

Deuce gawked as he tensed up. “Then we’ve got to get going! By the time we arrive…”

He trailed off as Ace continued to smirk while shaking his head.

“I had an inside scoop and got us reservations ahead of time.”

“Whoa, that’s real nice of you Ace.”

“Yeah yeah you just got to pay for whatever I get!”

“And that’s the Ace I know.”

The two Heartslabyul first years took their time to the mirror hall. Avoiding the crowd fighting to become a line, Ace flashed an email on his phone to the intimidating guards of Monstro Lounge, where they directed the duo into a specially gated section.Sitting in the booth Deuce couldn’t help the pit that formed in his stomach; as if reminding him of his past servitude. He shook the feeling off, sending a questioning look towards his friend, who was busy browsing the menu.

“I’m curious, Ace. How did you afford this?”

Ace faked offense,”What?! You think I can’t get on the list?”

“Not without us, you couldn’t.”

Hearing that familiar country twang, Deuce turned to see the short Pomefiore student: Epel. Sporting a prideful smirk on his face he motioned for Deuce to scooch away to make room for him. Behind him was Jack from Savvannaclaw who was a mix of embarrassment and determination.

“Epel? Jack?”

“Of course this guy didn’t have the energy to wait to get on the waiting list.”

Jack scoffed, “He’s lucky he asked those of us with healthy morning routines.”

“Your morning routine’s start before the sun is out! I No way was I ruining my sleep for that.”

Sooner than they could think they had begun joking and laughing per their usual hangouts. It almost let Deuce forget why they had gotten the reservation.

“Oh, you don’ know do you? Check it.”

Epel handed the menu to Deuce.

“Uhm a Aqua Smoothie a special delivery? A clam cake for special delivery? What is this special delivery that’s bringing up the price?”

Epel and Ace just continued to snicker and laugh at him before arguing about what to order. Which left Jack to sigh and explain.

“For one day only the Monstro Lounge has a very…special employee working. Everyone’s been very excited to cheer them on.”

“Special employee? But who would all the school want to cheer on?

In that moment whispered praise and excited voices start to get louder as the sound of clicking loafers were heard.

In an Octavinelle uniform and a tray small enough for them to hold little (Y/n) hurriedly walking by with a beautifully decorated dessert. The group of four, as well as everyone in the special section quickly pulled out their phones.

“Here’s your scrone, mister!”

“T-t-thank you (Y/n).”

Sooner than everyone would like the little one hobbled back into the kitchen. The crowd collectively awwed before the excited chatter began to start back up again. With a renewed sense of vigor Deuce picked up the menu.

“What should we get? Should we stay away from drinks? I wouldn’t want them to spill.”

Clank!

The sound made him jump as he and his friends looked up at the intimidating faces who so aggressively delivered some waters.

“I assure you our employee is more than capable.”

“Yeah Mackarel. So is your school going to order or would you rather be on the menus yourselves?”

______________________________________________________

Yuuka shook the sleep that plagued her face as she recognized the creaking of the Ramshackle gate. Leaving her other prefects behind, she nearly trampled Grim on the way to the door.

“Finally! The sun’s nearly finished setting!”

She eagerly took the backpack and sleeping child as Jade smiled coyly.

“I did say before nightfall, did I not?”

She scoffed, turning back into the living room where she passed off the backpack to Yuu heading up the stairs.

Yuuken sighed, “Sorry about Yuuka. She’s been anxious all day.”

“I understand the feeling but you shouldn’t worry they had a fun day, a full meal, and lots of work experience.”

Yuuken chuckled. “I bet.”

Jade’s polite smile stretched a bit as though he remembered something, calling Floyd he snatched a container from his brothers clutches. Turning back to Yuuken he delivered the tupperware to him.

“Of course (Y/n) couldn’t finish our larger portion sizes so I figured I’d package the rest for you all.”

“Oh wow thanks Jade. Ah but this container I’ll empty it now so you can take it back-”

“No need! Whenever you're done just have you and (Y/n) bring it over.Maybe then I can convince Azul to maybe give out a discount.”

“Thanks Jade.”

“No problem.” “Ughghgh can we go now!? It already sucks we’re not sleeping over.”

Jade smile returned to his polite one as he sent a piercing side-eye towards his brother.

“Well we all have responsibilities to put to bed. I’ll see you at the next club meeting.”

“Yeah, see ya then.”

Yuuken watched as the Leech brother’s left with a glaring tension between the two. The prefect could only guess as to what the annoyance was about. With a shrug he closed the door storing the food away.

He could only guess what tales you’d have to tell when you woke the next day. It’s only a shame he couldn’t be there himself. Even though Yuu assured him they’d get photos he wondered who’d they entrusted with the task.

________________________________________________________

The student stood rigid in the heart of the Monstro Lounge, unbothered by the emptiness and the unusually alone dormleader waiting there.

“We here to collect our prize.”

Silver’s monotone voice filled the space. Azul smiled presenting the box filled with horribly shaped pastries,“It’s always a pleasure doing business with Diasomnia.”

Lilia opened the box, smiling happily as he approved of the contents.

“It’s a shame you’re not willing to send the pictures you took of them while baking these. It would have made Malleus so very happy to see their smiling face.”

Azul’s smile twitched. “Well as I’m sure you know, some things are just invaluable.”

Lilia matched his crooked grin with one of his own. “Oh do I know it.”

______________________________________________________________

“Hey Tsunotarou, want to look at the pictures Ace got for me?”

Green eyes lit up with anticipation as though a chest full of treasure had been found.

“I would love to.”

Yuu smiled flipping through the various polaroids of the little server.

Unexpectedly Malleus spoke up, “These memories are very precious.”

Yuu didn’t look up from the photos.

“Right?”

“It’s a shame that they don’t last forever.”

Yuu shrugged. “Yeah but that’s what makes them so special right?”

Malleus tilted his head. “Wouldn’t they be more special if they lasted longer?”

Yuu giggled leaning against his shoulder.

“I’ll let you keep this one if you want it.”

“I would love that.”

#yandere x reader #yandere x you #yanderexrea #lovelyyandereaddictionpoint #yandere #yanderes #yandere twisted wonderland #yandere twst #yandere twst x reader #yandere platonic #platonic yandere #platonic yandere x reader #yandere x child reader #yanderes x reader #yanderes x child reader

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the-writer-arrived · 4 months

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Wedding Bells Underwater

Synopsis: after things have finally settled down in fontaine, wriothesley can finally fulfill the promise he made to avice and faissolle. watching their dream come true makes the duke think about his own future, one with you, he hopes.

Character: wriothesley.

Warnings: gn!reader; established relationship; spoilers for wriothesley's story quest.

A/N: i got so happy that they were included as a nice easter egg on wrio's birthday art 🥺

"...I'm sorry, you want me to do WHAT?"

"Help me organize Avice and Faissolle's wedding."

You stare dumbly at Wriothesley, the faint music coming from the gramophone the only sound in his office while you try to gather your thoughts. Has the workload finally taking its toll on him? Surely he knows that you have zero experience in organizing a wedding???

"It's nothing too complex like you're thinking. I just want you to act as a 'bridge' between the couple and me, since I have other matters regarding the Fortress and can't focus solely on them."

You make a 'ohhhh' expression, now understanding what is expected of you.

"Why didn't you say so from the very beggining?"

"Because I wanted to see what kind of face you'd make. And I must say, you never disappoint sweetheart."

Like the mature adult that you are, you decide to not say the snarky remark you thought and simply leave his office to look for the said couple.

(It's a lie, you stick out your tongue childishly and rushed out of the room before your lover considers cuffing you for disrespecting authority. Not that you would mind it that much).

----------

For someone who knew basically nothing about planning a wedding, you got into it pretty quickly... Maybe a bit too into it, if you were being honest.

The decorations, the location, the order of the events, the dress! Blame it on your perfectionist side, but really, after everything Avice and Faissolle went through in the Beret Society incident, they deserved a perfect wedding.

Even if it wasn't going to be a large scale event, due to all the limitations that comes with choosing the Fortress of Meropide as the venue and the couple's own wish for keeping it simple, there still was a lot of work to do. Knowing that, Wriothesley announced that those who help with the preparations would be awarded with double Credit Cupons. Suffice to say that you got all the workforce needed pretty quickly for the preparations to go smoothly.

After many meetings, headaches and shipment delays, you can now admire the results of yours, Wriothesley's and all the volunteers' hard work.

"Didn't know you had a secret talent for this. Ever considered changing careers?" The man beside you asks quietly while the bride and groom are giving their speech.

"Archons forbid! Do you have any idea how stressful that was? I have a newfound respect for professional wedding planners." You whisper back, remembering the way you basically passed out in bed the day before, all the stress and sleepless nights knocking you out.

Before he could say anything else, the spotlight shines above him and all the guests turn to look at your table.

"Your Grace, words are not enough to properly thank you for everything you've done for us. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't be standing here and be able to call Avice my wife." Faissolle's words falter, him and his bride trying hard to control the tears. Wriothesley smiles at them, raising his glass in appreciation for their words.

"Of course, we can't forget the one responsable for turning our ideas into reality." The spotlight is now shining on you as well and you feel your face warming at the sudden attention. "Thank you so much for creating such an incredible wedding for us, we'll never forget this day."

Everyone raises their glasses in a toast for the newlyweds, cheers running through the crowd of guests when the couple finishes their speech.

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"...A penny for your thoughts, Your Grace? Or does it require Credit Cupons as well?"

You nudge your lover's arm to get his attention, seeing his faraway look.

"Oh yes, at least 500 Credit Cupons for such information." He chuckles when you roll your eyes. A beat of silence falls and you wait patiently for him to continue, if he wishes to do so. "I was just thinking that, in all the years I've been in the Fortress, I've never imagined I'd one day have it decorated for a wedding, of all things."

Wriothesley's eyes run along the tables of guests, the other former members of the Beret Society and others who became friends with Faissolle and Avice, all smiling happily and having a good time. A peculiar sight to see when you remember this merry ceremony is taking place inside a prison.

His attention returns to you at the feeling of your hand slipping into his, fingers entwining themselves with his easily like two puzzle pieces.

"That means all of your hard work is bearing fruit. The Fortress of Meropide can also be a place of good memories and new beginnings. The proof of that is right in front of you."

The Duke knows you must have meant the event, but, to him, his good memories and new beginning are you, always have and hopefully always will be.

Throughout the process of organizing the wedding, Wriothesley had wondered what kind of ceremony you would wish for. A big and impressive one? Or maybe a more low-key one, with just your close friends and family? What kind of attire would you like to wear? From Chioriya Boutique, of course, nothing but the best for his darling in their special day.

"Everyone! I'm going to throw the bouquet now!" The bride announces, causing a buzz among the excited guests.

"So? Should we go too?" Your boyfriend asks with a smirk and a playful glint in his eyes.

"Why not? Since we're here, we might as well have the full experience!"

There's already a crowd gathered in front of Avice when you and Wriothesley decide to join them. You both don't really mind though, choosing to stay at the back and observe the enthusiasm of others.

One could think it's funny how excited someone could be at the chance of getting the bride's bouquet, a chance of getting married in the future. Or maybe, it's not about marriage at all, but actually for the idea of having a better future after their sentence time is fulfilled.

Or maybe it's all just a projection of the Duke's own feelings about this.

...Who knew a celebration like this would make him think about things he's never considered before?

He shakes his head to clear his mind. You both weren't there to try and catch the bouquet for real, so there's no need to think too deeply about it.

Unbeknownst to him, fate had other plans.

It all happens too fast. At one moment, you watch Avice throw the flowers high into the air; at the next, you feel someone bump into you from behind, causing you to stumble forward. Thanks to Wriothesley's quick reflexes, he manages to prevent your fall by wrapping a strong arm around your waist. And then, you find yourself staring at the bouquet that had landed right into your arms.

What in the world?!

"Ohhhh they caught it!"

"Man, I wanted that bouquet..."

"Does that mean we're going to hear news about the Duke's wedding soon?!"

"It's about time for His Grace to tie the knot!"

The comments, cheers and the sheer craziness of this unexpected twist makes you laugh, both in embarrasment and disbelief.

In amidst of all the excitement around you both, Wriothesley can't help but think that that must have been Celestia's sign for him to stop wasting time and go after the bright future that awaits him.

Now, what would be the best ring to buy for his future spouse?

thanks for reading <3 likes, reblogs and comments are very appreciated <3

heart divider made by @/cafekitsune

pink wriothesley banner (fluff) made by @/the-writer-arrived aka yours truly ;)

#blue.writes: genshin impact #blue.writes: wriothesley #blue.writes: fluff #genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #wriothesley x reader

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strawburry01 · 21 days

Text

Northern Attitude

Summary: The team goes out to a small Montana town facing a random string of murders pointing to a new cult forming in the woods around town. Only once they get there does Hotch realize he recognizes the assistant chief for the town force- someone from his university days.

Word Count: 3k

No smut just angsty, maybe not entirely canon compliant but nothing crazy.

Authors Note: Let me know if folks want a part 2 (you may get one anyway, but my brain hasn't decided yet), or any one offs from Hotch and the characters time in uni. I have ideas...

It was another cold morning in your room. You refused to go to bed if it wasn’t comfortably cocooned in at least three blankets, but it did mean getting out of bed in the morning was particularly dreadful. You groan as you stretch your back hearing it pop as you twist. Eventually, you push yourself out of your warm pile of blankets and pillows to take a shower to wake up and start the day.

You worked as an assistant chief in your small Montana town. Things were slow for the most part. Nobody beyond the average population, except for the summers when the tourists came in for hiking and camping, but even then, it was never too much. A few rambunctious teens some nights, the occasional robbery of the convenience store downtown, a random carjacking every other month, but this had all come to a screeching halt when a random string of murders popped up over the last few weeks. Unfortunately, based on the scenes and your analysis, it seemed cult related, bringing a lot more attention, specifically from the government, to your once quaint town.

Shuffling back to your room after your shower you throw on your average attire, black slacks, blue button up, and boots. Being a woman in a small town police force wasn’t easy, but you’d done your time. It only took a few cases before the men started realizing you meant business, and often would run the opposite direction in the office whenever they saw you walking in with a bad mood knowing you would make their life a living hell. Graduating from university with both electrical engineering and criminology made you stand out when you entered the workforce all those years ago, but the quiet side of you still yearned for silence and a work life balance, which is something you did get all the way out here. Well, at least before this all. You’d been working overtime every night into the late hours trying to figure out what you were dealing with. All you had was your bed every couple hours at night before your brain would wake you up again with a flood of new theories and ideas. You’d be happy when this was over, for all the reasons.

You jump into your truck and quickly blow onto your mug of coffee to cool it down as you head out to the latest scene. You swear out loud as you nearly spill it onto your lap as you take a turn too sharp. You crank the volume of your radio up to help wake you up and try to put you in a good mindset. You never tried to come to work in a bad mood, in fact you tried to come in on the cusp of being annoyingly positive and cautiously optimistic. You knew this line of work was easy to get sucked down into and spiral, you’d seen it before, hell you lived it before when you were fresh out of university. It’s what got you out working in a big city, or for a bigger federal office.

You pull into the parking lot alongside the other police vehicles that had already shown up for the day. This latest murder scene was unfortunately in an empty field behind an abandoned high school. Definitely not creepy at all, you thought to yourself as you got out and eyed the several busted windows on the second floor. You grab your backpack and mug as you make your way to the tent set up with the team’s temporary office with laptops and files from the case.

“Morning boys,” you hum as you step underneath the tent, observing the open screens. You get a few ‘good mornings’ back. Some of the guys had been working since the scene was called in and you could tell. Dammit you should have brought coffee or doughnuts for them.

“Cheers boss”, one of the officers, Carter, sighs to you as he walks into the tent, clinking his coffee with yours. Carter had always been one of your favorites, he was young, wide-eyed, but still meant business. He’d grown up in the area so he knew all the folks like they were family. You let out a small smirk as you sip your coffee, starting to map out the plan for today.

You’d have to scour the entire field. And the entire school. You didn’t want a single potential lead or clue or mistake from them to be lost. The team would hate it but it needed to be done.

“Alright team find a friend and meet back here in ten minutes. You’re going to be split between the school and the field and I need all of it thoroughly searched. Heard?” you said, leaning on the table facing the team you had. They all nodded or chirped back a complaint which you laughed at, “you got ten minutes to warm up”.

You leaned back on the front of your truck as you took out a cigarette and placed it between your lips. Lighting it up you stared out into the field. Dappled with yellows and oranges, you can’t even see the ground through the wheat and piles of ancient dirt. Why here? Any other day this would be beautiful, but knowing a murder happened right here made it such a tragic scene. There’s a crackle of gravel from an incoming car behind you. Probably the chief coming in, albeit uncharacteristically early since he usually stayed in the office until things got really hairy. You sighed as you let a cloud of smoke out of your lips, staring up at the sun. Your phone buzzes against your hip and you lazily slide it out before checking it.

It’s a text from the chief. “Federal Bureau coming in today. Play nice.”. Your stomach flips. FBI? Well shit. Also how rude of him not to text you any earlier than right now. “Who?”, you texted back. You see the cursed three dots pop up and down a few times before the text actually sends. “BAU”. You nearly drop your cigarette out of your mouth at your jaw dropping.

As if on some otherworldly cursed cue.

“Y/n?” a terribly familiar voice says from behind you. You take a sharp inhale, before taking out your cigarette and turning your head, trying to look charming as hell.

“Hello dear Aaron,” you say with a smile on your face, seeing the man who’d been stuck in your thoughts since the day he left your side.

It’s his eyes that never changed. They still scrunch up as he smiles at you.

“I didn’t know this was your town,” he said as he moved beside you. You look up at him, placing your cigarette back between your lips and shrugging with a smirk plastered on the side of your face. You catch his eyes quickly flickering over you, just as you look over him. He used to be skinny, studious, almost a nerd, but the man that stood in front of you now was built, stern, and serious.

“I got told a few seconds ago that you’d be here at all. Chief keeps me on my toes,” you remarked, internally thinking about how you actually wanted to wring his neck for not telling you sooner.

When you woke up this morning you did not- in a thousand years- expect Aaron Hotchner to show up at your work. At your crime scene. It was a tumultuous mix of excitement, nerves, intrigue, and still a bit of anger. You hadn’t seen him in years, let alone reached out. Ever since ending on a sour note you never tried, mostly because you knew he wouldn’t respond- not out of spite but just because he was so busy and focused on work. It was admirable, but also so annoying.

“You smoke now?” he asked, snapping you out of your mental musings. He was eyeing disapprovingly the cigarette still hanging in the corner of your mouth.

“You wear contacts now?” you retorted, raising an eyebrow. He sharply laughed and looked back to his team as they approached.

“Have for a while” he said, turning back to you.

“Haven’t known for a while” you snipped before throwing your cigarette butt onto the ground and smashing it out with your heel to free yourself to meet his team. “We’ll talk later Aaron” you said with a nod which he nodded back to, ending this conversation, knowing more pressing things existed than-

your-

university-

situationship-

showing up again in your life.

Aaron’s team pops up behind him and brings you back to focus. Dammit there was a murder on your watch and you could only think of this fucking man. Grow up, you swore in your head as you forced a customer service smile onto your face.

“Team this is y/n l/n, a friend from university,” he said as he gestured to you. He couldn’t make eye contact when he called you just a friend. You noticed two of the men on the team elbowed each other, no doubt in shock their boss actually had friends outside of work at some point in his life.

Aaron introduced you to his team and you tried to run through their names in your head as you shook their hands. You were terrible with names. Agent Reid was the twiggy one who looked perpetually deep in thought, Agent Morgan was the one with the tight black shirt who who had an air of confidence about him, Agent Jareau was the sweet blonde who acted like the unofficial mother of the group, and Rossi who was the tired old dad of the group. I’m sure Aaron loved being bossed around by him, you thought to yourself as you shook his hand. He seemed nice, but Aaron had never been one to not be the one in charge- the little control freak.

You brought them to your tent to introduce them to your folks, trying to get everyone on the same page with daylight burning. Later than expected due to the guests everyone was ready to actually start looking through the field and school. You felt Aaron’s eyes on you as you told everyone to pair off, but you nabbed Carter before he could object.

The search of both areas wasn’t as successful as you had hoped. The school had some ominous latin scribbled onto the walls in red, which had been determined to be blood on the scene, although it wasn’t the latest victims. Reid had somehow been able to translate the latin- you could see in an instant why they kept him around.

“So what’s the deal with you and the FBI guy?” Carter asks when you get to the smack dab middle of the field. Your neck hurts from craning over the ground, trying to not let a speck of earth go unseen.

“What do you mean?” you ask back, not looking up as you continue scanning the ground.

“I’ve never seen you flustered,” he quips as he pauses, “you actually like-I don’t know it was just weird” he said and half heartedly shrugged as he looked back at the group that had begun to reform by the tent.

“It’s complicated,” you said, knowing that the young adult in him would eat the drama up. Sure enough, he perked up.

“Yeah? What is it? You got an ex?” he said, nudging you.

But that was the problem. He wasn’t an ex. He wasn’t really an anything. He was a friend, sure, but friends also didn’t make out in the corners of parties as much as you two had. And friends didn’t stay up until sunrise testing each other for the upcoming exams every single finals week. And friends didn’t invite each other to spend weekends at their family vacation cabin alone.

“No, no, no, just-” you tried to explain to no avail, not even knowing how to justify this to yourself, “okay maybe,”. Carter let out a low whistle.

“Hey if my ex showed up to work I’d be flipping the fuck out, you’re handling this really well,” he said, trying to lighten the mood. You chuckle at the kids joke.

“Sometimes it’s just nicer to see a familiar face, you’ll get it when you’re older,” you said, knowing hated when you pulled the you’ll understand when you’re older card. He rolled his eyes and groaned.

Once the sun started setting you made your way back to the huddle that was forming of everything theorizing and laying out the evidence. Tomorrow would be busy in the office working to get everything categorized and bagged. You leaned up against your truck again, just like you did this morning, and pulled out another cigarette, flicking the lighter onto the end. You waved your team over and told them to head home for the night. You knew a lot of them had families at home, and you tried to be respectful of it all, even if you didn’t have your own. Some of the security officers watching the spot for the night stayed and mingled with the BAU team a ways away from you, and you settled your sights on the pink hue of the clouds as the sun lowered.

A familiar body moved next to you. You didn’t have to turn to know it was Aaron. You blew a cloud of smoke out the other side of your lips and stayed quiet, waiting for him to start. He had his hands jammed in his coat pockets, his shoulder grazing against yours. People used to laugh at the height difference back in university, and it had only gotten worse it seemed, or at least Aaron walked around with much more presence these days. You were leaning up against the front grate of your truck and felt Aaron slowly move his arm behind you, holding onto the grate on the other side of your hip. Feeling his arm behind you felt so familiar.

“There’s Latin at the other scenes too,” he said, facing straight ahead into the sun.

“Shit,” you said as you slowly nodded, realizing that the scribbles would not just be nothing. There was a moment of silence before he broke it again.

“Do you hate me?” he asked, glancing down for a second, but long enough for you to meet eyes before you looked away.

“You know I could never hate you,” you said begrudgingly, knowing it was the truth. His arm got closer to your back at that and you leaned further onto it, “it’s really annoying honestly” you halfheartedly laughed. You heard him laugh under his breath. You swallowed your pride and leaned in, resting your head on the side of his torso, letting out another cloud to try and soothe your nerves.

“It’s nice out here,” he said, looking out at the sunset still which had only gotten deeper pink and orange.

“ ‘S quiet,” you agreed, “I don’t know how you do it in the big leagues,”.

“You know you could’ve too,” he said, looking down. You stayed staring straight ahead.

“I’m not doing this argument again Aaron,” you said curtly, as you eyed him back. He shrugged and turned away again.

“You know you could have that’s all,”.

“You ever think I’m okay with it out here? You ever think I don’t need to kill myself over every case with the fate of the world hanging on it?” you said, raising your voice a little.

“I’m just saying you were one of the best and you could do a lot in the bureau,” he said back, “in the BAU,” he tested. You let out an angry air of smoke from your cigarette.

“Dammit Aaron don’t do this again,” you said, cutting him off before he can say anything else. You throw your cigarette onto the gravel and kick some rocks over the smoldering residue, “I’m happy here, can’t you just be okay with that?”. Aaron watched you and sighed and shifted in his spot, taking the second to move his hand from the car to your waist.

“I’m sorry Y/N,” he said, and he meant it. You sighed.

“I’m not going to be able to convince you to stay huh?” you asked, trying to joke, but inside you really did mean it earnestly. His thumb rubbed your side. It had been a while since you felt like this.

“I don’t think you’re able to,” he responded, sadness tinging his voice. The two of you stood, leaning into each other watching the sun finally dip behind the hills in the distance.

A few yards away Morgan stood on the phone, peeking around a car before ducking back. Garcia was not going to believe this shit.

#aaron hotchner #aaron hotchner x reader #criminal minds #aaron hotch hotchner #hotch x reader #aaron hotch fanfiction #bau team

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silvergreenseraphim · 2 months

Text

The First Soldier: Chapter Six

Japanese highlights + analysis

Hi guys! Okay, let’s look right into this chapter-

Opening with Team Glenn, we learn some small details. The Shinra dig will start soon, and Glenn marvels at how fast everything is moving. Matt credits Shinra power, Glenn credits their hard work as a team, and Lucia credits Sephiroth, who did most of the work. Glenn, being more humble now, admits that he cannot deny it, and remembers that he must tell Sephiroth about the payment.

However, he notes that Sephiroth does not seem interested in money. This is one of the first hints throughout this chapter that Team Glenn still do not fully understand what Sephiroth is to Shinra. It is a subtle but reoccurring pattern, particularly when the notion of “being fired” comes into play later on.

The English in this scene was good. No major changes.

The chief engineer calls the team over and reprimands them for being too relaxed, saying that they need to do their jobs and clear out the monsters near the living quarters. Glenn awkwardly agrees to get back to patrolling, but first he asks,

“Hey, have you seen our squad leader?”

The engineer responds,

“If you mean that kid, isn’t he still out looking through the bodies? It’s disgusting. Please make him stop.“

Glenn is surprised and says, “Sephiroth is rummaging through the corpses?”

Matt notes that Sephiroth does often disappear/go off on his own, and Lucia says to look for him on their patrol.

(Seeing how the other Shinra employees behave and speak helped me see why Sephiroth had no luck asking around about his mother. They are only there to do their jobs, and don’t understand the child SOLDIER at all. It is very much an indifferent workforce).

Next is the scene where we learn about the materia fragments that were shattered over time. This scene adds greater weight to the mako spring discussion in the Nibelheim flashback, where Sephiroth comments that the condensed formation must have taken ages. It takes a very long time for even small bits to form, and even then they can shatter.

There is the silly bit of banter between the team about using diversion pebbles/materia fragments, but I must note again that Glenn seems calmer and less cocky even in his jesting.

Then Lucia becomes visibly concerned and says,

“Looking through corpses…I wonder if he’s really doing that…”

Glenn responds,

“The chief engineer is just joking around right? There’s no way he (Sephiroth) would do something like that.”

Matt agrees that there would be no need for it, and the team moves forward.

(It is very wholesome to see them believe only the best of Sephiroth despite what others think, and they are more perceptive and accurate about him anyway. This story constantly leads the audience to worry that Sephiroth always held darker traits before immediately disproving these concerns or at least showing that his reasons were always understandable. Team Glenn speaks for the more optimistic viewers at this point).

Of course little Sephiroth is caught undeniably searching a body, and Glenn questions him in surprise. Sephiroth is confused at first, but then acknowledges that it does look wrong. Lucia asks him if he is looking for something. Sephiroth says,

“I lost the pendant with my mother's photo in it.. . . . . .I was looking for it. I was checking to see if someone might have picked it up and had it on them…”

(So, a small translation nuance; it is clear in Japanese that Sephiroth dropped it and believed that someone could have picked it up. He is not just looking under bodies, he is going through their pockets and all to see if anyone has it with them.)

Sephiroth chuckles and admits,

“Haha, I suppose I am a corpse-scavenger…“

(This is another case of Sephiroth’s childlike innocence mingling with his very dark reality. He lost his most precious possession like a normal child would, but now has to search for it among the dead that he himself laid to waste).

When the others understand, Glenn says,

“Alright, let’s look for it while we kill monsters.”

And Sephiroth replies,

“Thank you very much…that helps…“

The team moves on to kill monsters and search.

Glenn notes the lesser number of bodies and Sephiroth points out that it was because of the monsters. Glenn shudders to think of dying in the area, but Sephiroth takes the opportunity to beseech them to not let their guard down. He says,

“You all seem to be feeling a little relaxed. You can never be too careful. You must protect yourself. If you don't apply this basic rule...”

Right then a monster swoops in and Sephiroth kills it, stunning the others. He concludes with, “…then even I can’t protect you.”

Glenn asks, “So, you’re protecting us?”

Sephiroth walks up to him and responds,

“It’s because you’re my team.”

They are interrupted by more monsters, but when the fighting ends, Matt repeats what Sephiroth said.

“I’ll protect you because you’re my team…”

Matt glares at Glenn and says,

“I’d like to hear that from a team-leader I know who previously threatened to hit one of his own squad members…”

Lucia chimes in with the comment about that same team-leader making them be near his gross socks.

(They are both referencing the first chapter of the game, where Glenn’s outburst on the helicopter made it appear as though he were going to punch Matt, and when Glenn made a joke about his socks being so bad that they would pull Lucia out of shell-shock).

Sephiroth looks up at Glenn while shaking his head and laughs, saying,

“Ha…that’s the worst.”

Glenn remarks,

“But it’s “memorable,” isn’t it?”

Sephiroth thinks for a moment and says,

“Yes, I see. So, that team-leader fears being forgotten…”

This observation strikes Matt and even Glenn. They appear to rethink Glenn’s leadership style. Glenn does not protest the observation, but he ponders it.

(I found it sweet that Sephiroth did not judge Glenn, but pointed out what is likely a true insecurity of Glenn’s, but in a very mild and childlike way. Part of me even wonders if Sephiroth understood the fear because he too had struggled with it. After all, adult Sephiroth refused to be a memory even post-insanity.)

(Also, it is hard to fully explain, but reading this text in Japanese—it becomes easier to see how it is not just Glenn that influences Sephiroth, but also the other way around. It’s strange but…it feels as though Glenn has become…softer? Even when alone with his team, he is not disrespecting them so much or being so brash. It was his meeting with Rosen that helped him to develop sympathy for the “enemy” and it was Sephiroth that helped Glenn become kinder to his team. Even the way he speaks seems gentler.

In the last chapter, Glenn was so harsh towards Seph at the beginning, but learned remorse and how to apologize when Sephiroth’s vulnerability was showcased. In this chapter, Sephiroth is the one to understand that Glenn might have been such a brash leader because he feared being forgotten, which was a very perceptive and empathetic observation, causing even Matt to reconsider. It was a very heart-warming scene).

(The next sequence is devastating and I believe it caused some minor controversy with fans because of how Glenn speaks, but I can affirm that the tone in Japanese seems to aim for sympathetic character development. As I mentioned before, Glenn is different to the character we first met, and his arc is becoming more clear as we move forward.)

As the squad looks through the bodies, Glenn notices that there were not many Rhadoran remnants left, and Matt suspects it was because of their living conditions and the endless battle with monsters. Glenn remarks that it must have been a hard lifestyle. He then says,

“...I don't really understand why Rhadore hated the Mako reactors…I mean, there's no such thing as convenient (as the reactors), right?”

They are swiftly interrupted again by monsters, causing Sephiroth to say that they seem more interested than usual.

“The monsters seem more interested than usual.”

“They’re excited about live bait!” Glenn says.

“If you want to be bait, I won't stop you, but as a SOLDIER, please fight first.” Sephiroth urges.

When they clear out the area again, Matt considers the similarities between the Rhadoran believes and “Planetology” or the “study of the star.”

“When a person dies, their life returns to the planet with their consciousness and heart and intersects with the energy of life circulating around the planet. The idea is that a new life will eventually be born from it. The life around this planet is what they call “qi” (mana). The “qi” going around the planet enriches people and nature and the planet itself. It would be unthinkable for Rhadore to consume such an irreplaceable energy.”

Glenn is still confused, and then Sephiroth interjects with,

“Dr. Hojo talked to me about this…

“No matter how rationally and logically we explain things, there are people we will not be able to share understanding with. That is because they see the world differently.””

Glenn argues that such things won’t matter if someone dies, and that it would just be better to accept an easy life instead of fighting so hard against it. He points out that Rosen is the only one left, and says that if the Rhadoran beliefs are true, what will become of the last Rhadoran boy when he dies? When he is gone, no one will be left, and people will forget Rhadore.

Sephiroth sadly shakes his head and turns away, saying that,

“The planet remembers…I am certain that is what the people of Rhadore believe…”

Glenn receives his epiphany, and understands that the Rhadorans resisted the consumption of mana/mako because it would erase all memories of life. He is suddenly overcome with sadness and turns to kneel and honor the fallen soldiers. The others do the same.

(This scene was, in my opinion, intended to deliver a strong message, but was maybe limited by the story-telling style. Some people were shocked by Glenn’s questioning why the Rhadorans all died for their beliefs when he is with the very company that wiped them out. But I think it does help to remember that this war between Shinra and Wutai was something that soldiers like Glenn and his team only had seen one side of until this point. They were a survey team working for money after all, not the ones directly sent to kill the Rhadorans until Sephiroth arrived, who did most of the work anyway, and even shocked the others with his conditioned ruthlessness in the previous chapter.

Shinra is a propaganda monster, and undoubtedly played off the war as something the Wutaians started and were responsible for, as well as the Rhadorans. It does sound like Glenn is genuinely confused here, especially as someone who was probably used to Shinra being the default government for everything.

“Why would these people willingly die and fight Shinra for trying to make their lives easier?”

But that is the simple darkness of imperialism. Shinra was going to erase something very important to the Rhadorans for the sake of “convenience.”

Glenn only sees this after Sephiroth himself acknowledges the Rhadoran faith. This is where a change of heart occurs. The Rhadorans were fighting for a genuine reason. Of course they were.

I actually felt this was a very meaningful sequence after translating it. Very good attempt at addressing imperialist destruction.)

Afterwards, they keep up the search and Matt asks if Sephiroth is sure he dropped the necklace in the building they are in. He says he had it before the ruins, so he is sure it must have been in the building. Lucia explains that it might be difficult to find if they haven’t already. Sephiroth tiredly shakes his head and says,

“It’s okay. Thanks to everyone for looking together, I think I’m about ready to give it up.”

He is saying that since everyone looked at the same time, he is ready to accept that he has to let the photo go. If they can’t find it together, then it is truly lost. The others become downcast on his behalf, and then Glenn moves over to one of the dead soldiers. He suggests they bury them as a way to say sorry, though he is not sure if that is their custom. Either way, Sephiroth immediately says that he will help, and Glenn is grateful.

The next scene was clearly translated into English. As they bury the bodies, the dig begins and Sephiroth explains that they will need to evacuate to the sky in thirty minutes, thanks to a possible mako eruption or “torrent of qi” caused by Shinra’s explosives. Glenn remembers Rosen’s words, and Sephiroth says they need to hurry.

The following sequence is endearing as Sephiroth makes shortcuts for the team. He reveals a unique power that allows him to create great bursts of energy from simple materia fragments. The others are stunned. Glenn, in particular, cannot believe it even after Sephiroth explains. He says,

“No, it’s impossible! Sephiroth, you’re amazing!!”

In the next scene, Glenn is initially ready to chop down a tree to form a bridge across a river, but Sephiroth steps in and says his way will be quicker. Where before, Glenn would have been eager to lead the way, he kindly steps aside and lets Sephiroth take over. Glenn is once again verbally supportive, and says,

“Ha! As expected.”

Sephiroth says,

“As expected of a modified human (cyborg), right?”

Glenn says wasn’t going to say that, nor was he thinking it. Sephiroth says,

“Really?….I’m a little disappointed…”

Glenn is confused and Sephiroth shakes his head,

“I don’t really understand it myself…”

Bringing his head low and his hand to his heart again, he guesses,

“It’s just…nothing you guys say makes me feel bad, so I want you to be able to say anything…”

(The English got the point across as well, but Seph is sincerely saying that he trusts them because they don’t say things that hurt him, so he doesn’t want them to feel as if they need to hold back their thoughts. He is pointing out that he has grown to feel safe with them because they are not malicious with their words. It feels like he discovers the idea of trust in relationships right here).

Glenn perks up and says,

“Alright then, I’ll tell you what I think!! I’m counting on you, squad-leader! Now, let’s go!”

Sephiroth enthusiastically responds with “Yes!” and they move on.

The waterfall scene is largely the same. Glenn fully goes to Sephiroth to lead this time and hands him the materia fragment. He asks if Sephiroth can use it like before, and in Japanese, Sephiroth endearingly says he doesn’t want to “make things go boom” but that he has an idea. He freezes the waterfall and Glenn voices his praise again.

When they finally draw close, Glenn stops to think of Rosen, but Sephiroth urges him to hurry. When they get to the overlook, it becomes clear that Glenn and the others are struggling with remorse over the Rhadorans and Rosen being in danger. They exchange glances and Glenn almost says something to Sephiroth, but stops himself.

Sephiroth himself is far more concerned about them, his team, and their safety. The divide is obvious, and a choice will have to be made.

They arrive as the last ones to the Shinra helicopter and the engineer is ready for them to evacuate, but Glenn begs the man to delay the dig so that he can go and warn Rosen, thus setting his plans in motion without forewarning Sephiroth. The engineer refuses despite Glenn’s pleas and brings up the amount of money Shinra has put into the program. Glenn shouts,

“This isn’t about the money!”

And punches the engineer, much to Matt and Lucia’s exasperation.

The engineer says,

“I'll report you to headquarters! I can even have you fired.”

Glenn does not care. It is the first time we have seen him willingly dismiss money and fight for something else. He tells the engineer to get on the other helicopter, and Matt tells Lucia to make her decision. She apologizes to Sephiroth and hi-jacks the copter. Sephiroth simply turns his back quietly.

The final Stamp battle occurs afterwards as an interruption, and the team finishes the job, with more remorse from Glenn about messing with Stamp’s island. Then the engineer flies overhead and drops down the ladder, offering one more chance. Lucia says,

“Will Sephiroth also be disposed of?”

Matt reminds her,

“It’s okay, we’re the only ones at fault. There are witness too.”

With this, the team says goodbye to their leader, and Glenn tells him,

”Sephiroth, take care! Don’t overdo it/push yourself too much!”

They run off, leaving Sephiroth to evacuate, but he hesitates. The engineer shouts,

“Hurry up and get on, hero!”

But our hero can’t leave his friends just yet!

He runs up to them and Glenn is surprised. He says,

“You came…….are you sure? If you get on this helicopter, you could get fired, right?”

And the chapter ends with Sephiroth’s simple reply,

“I’m special.”

Glenn just laughs.

—

This appears to be a direct reference to Sephiroth’s future statement about always knowing he was special or different since he was a child.

The word is the same.

“Exceptional, unique, beyond ordinary…”

But this line from Sephiroth is actually more upsetting to me than funny or cocky, because yes, there is indeed a chance he is merely being proud about being able to get away with his current actions due to his status as Shinra’s hero, but…

There is also the chance he knows he cannot be fired or disposed of because Shinra would never let him leave. They have control over him. He is different or special in that sense too. He is a prized possession, unlike the others.

I have yet to see, but I wonder if Sephiroth knows that he is risking severe punishment for his actions by helping his team and will not be met with a simple lay-off, but since this is his last chance to help and be with his team, he is ready to pay the price. If they are fired, he may not see them again. Now is his chance.

His hesitation at the helicopter is sincere. He clasps at his heart and everything. I don’t believe he is being light-hearted when he tells Glenn he is different. In the English, it came off more prideful, as though Seph were daring Shinra to come after him. In Japanese, I get the feeling he is making a sacrifice.

Sephiroth also believes it is his job to protect his team. If Shinra tries to harm them, he will have to face that. I fear that for now, Sephiroth has not learned that Shinra will not just punish him, but they can also kill people he considers friends.

I also think this chapter was full of foreshadowing.

Even the scenes with Glenn praising Sephiroth and making an effort to do it honestly and constantly felt as though it were meant to be a contrast for what could be shown later if the Shinra higher-ups appear and catch Sephiroth in the act of treason.

I am very proud of him, but I am very concerned for him now.

(I have more thoughts on Sephiroth’s relationship with Team Glenn after this chapter, but I will save it for another post! Hope you guys enjoy this one in the mean time!)

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klbwriting · 3 months

Text

Surface Tension

Chapter 8: Shot at the Night

Fandom: Aquaman

Pairing: Ormxfemale!Reader

Warnings: none

Summary: Orm can't do much to help Y/N but he does find someone who can

Note: song is 'Shot at the Night' by the Killers

Taglist: @hyperagitatedcydonian13 @gabrieleskywalker @philiasoul @duchcess

We’re breaking all the rules To find that our home Has long been outgrown Throw me a lifeline Cause honey I’ve got nothing to lose Once in a lifetime

“Why did you settle by the ocean if you’re so afraid of water?” Orm asked, sitting on the back porch with Y/N, watching the waves under the moonlight. She was strumming, singing one of her songs. He was starting to recognize them by now and he knew she sang this one because he liked it. She looked at him and shrugged.

“I used to love the water, felt free and happy in it,” she said. “I told you I was accused of something that I didn’t do. I do bare some responsibility for it though, even though it was an accident. Ever since then, I don’t want to go back into the water, but I can’t let myself forget that day. Part of me wonders if it was my fault.” She stopped strumming and set the guitar aside, wrapping a blanket around herself.

“Did you want someone to get hurt?” he asked. She shook her head. “Not your fault, you shouldn’t stay here feeling guilty. What I did…I wanted to hurt people, all of the pain I caused was because I was angry. You didn’t have that malice.” He looked at the water before looking down at his hands. She reached out and put her hand on his arm, instantly calming him.

“Do you remember feeling like that?” she asked. “Do you ever feel like that now?” He shook his head. “Have you tried to make things right?”

“Yes, I’m trying,” he whispered. She smiled at him and squeezed his arm.

“You’ll get there, let the guilt go, but keep becoming better. I’ll help you, we are better together,” she said.

Orm startled awake, the memory fading from his dream to his waking nightmare. He didn’t know when he had fallen asleep, sometime right before dawn. Last he remembered his mother and Arthur were still there making plans on finding some kind of proof of who tried to kill Orm. The footage was enough to clear Y/N of active treason, but she still could be held for conspiracy. Conspiracy to commit treason was a capital offense in Atlantis and she could still be executed if they didn’t find and get a confession from the culprit.

He was alone now with a note from Arthur that they had left to find proof in Atlantis. Arthur planned to talk to Hendrix and Atlanna was going to talk to Y/N. Orm went over to Y/N’s place. He hated to invade her privacy but maybe she had something. He started searching, trying to ignore that her bed was still unmade from where they had been together, her same clothes from her birthday on the floor around it.

“There has to be something,” he muttered to himself as he went through her closet. He moved some boxes out of the bottom and saw a small door, probably another small storage area behind the wall. He was able to pry it open and inside was a bag. He pulled it out and sat on the floor, looking through it slowly. He pulled out the mosaic of her and her father. It was cheap but well made, a product of the lower city where technology to film wasn’t as widely available. He set it aside carefully. Next came out a flyer for Atlantis for All, listing their goals as equal status, better living conditions, and fairness in the workforce. Orm remembered his father telling him that all those below the nobility were lazy, they just wanted people to hand them money and food without doing anything for it. At the time he had agreed, but this notice listed things that anyone would need to survive and thrive, which is what he thought his father wanted for all Atlantians. He set it aside also and pulled out a stack of papers. This was what he needed, letters to and from different people in AfA.

I work from morning until night, I never see my family, yet they still starve…

My mother died because we couldn’t get her a proper doctor, the nobility never have to worry…

My father died of the sickness King Orvax released when I was a child. King Orvax made me an orphan…

We can fix this. There is a way. King Orm’s coronation is on the first day of the Great Migration…

Here is what he needed. He read through the letter, it laid out a plan to protest, nothing else. They were to have Y/N sing, and Hendrix volunteered to bring the cracker. This was almost enough, but Orm needed something else. Aria was mentioned as one of the leaders of the group. He had to find her; she might have more proof.

Orm wasn’t sure where else to go so he went to the café. It was empty except for Y/N’s friends when he arrived. They were all glaring at him. When he walked in Dean came up and punched him in the face. It didn’t hurt, but Orm wasn’t expecting it and stumbled back a step. Dean was shaking his hand, wincing. He had probably broken a couple fingers. Aria pushed past him.

“Get out tyrant,” she demanded. Orm stood his ground. “We know you did something to her, no one can find her.”

“I didn’t do anything, but Hendrix took her back to Atlantis to face trial for treason,” he said. Aria froze.

“You’re lying, you gave her up,” she said, but her voice lacked conviction.

“If I gave her up I would be on my way to trial too. I’m a fugitive just as much as the two of you,” he said. “We need proof that Hendrix was the one who tried to kill me. I found a letter in her things with the plan for the coronation day, it says Hendrix was to get the cracker, but we need more than that, anything that makes it sound like he alone planned the attempt.” Aria was breathing deep, trying to remain calm.

“How do we know you won’t just take the evidence and destroy it?” Vincent called out. “What if you want to use her to get yourself pardoned?” Orm didn’t have time for this bullshit.

“Because I love her!” he yelled. “Because she is everything to me and I won’t stand by while they execute her. I can’t go back, no one will believe me if I say she is innocent, I’ll just get thrown in a cell next to her, but my brother is king. If I am able to get proof to him he can set this right.”

Aria watched his speech and nodded before motioning for him to come with her. She lived only a few houses down from the café and she also had a bag full of letters. She kept meticulous records and correspondence, including from Hendrix. Hours later she jumped up.

“I found something,” she said, setting the letter down in front of Orm at her kitchen table. By then everyone had joined them, watching. “This is from Hendrix, the day before the coronation. I think I received it by mistake. I never read it because well, I hated Hendrix and anything he had to say was worthless to me.” She pointed to a spot that clearly incriminated him.

“These people are idiots. They’re going to give me the crown and not even realize it. Tomorrow Orm will be dead and I’ll be king,” Orm read. This was perfect.

“Bless that asshole’s giant ego,” muttered Amanda from the couch. Orm stood and hugged Aria.

“I know you hate me but thank you,” he said. He looked between her and Dean. “I am sorry for the tidal wave, for everything. I was wrong and I don’t think I’ll ever forgive myself for it.” He left it at that, hurrying out of the house and calling Arthur to tell him he had proof.

#orm marius #king orm #ormmarius #orm marius x reader #king orm x reader #kingorm #ormmariusxreader #kingormxreader #ormseries3

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midnightfantasiez · 27 days

Text

Twisted Love | 셋 (chp. 3)

SUMMARY: you were certain that you would never find love nor ever lose your virginity throughout university, that is until a man named Lee Sangyeon came into the picture and offered to become your tutor; in exchange for keeping your grades up, and most importantly, teaching you everything you needed to know about sex. it was all just for fun & games, that is until one of you started to develop feelings for the other.

PAIRING: tutor!Sangyeon x afab!reader

GENRE: smut (18+ MDNI!!)

WARNINGS: hakkie is here folks (poor man walks in on reader having sex), mentions about different kinks / positions, fingering (reader receiving), cum tasting (again Sangyeon makes you do it 😃), petnames (baby, princess), kissing, face riding, handjob, mentions of reader losing their virginity, teasing (friendly ones from hakkie and umm....the unholy ones from sangyeon 🤡), reader also starts to get bold 👀, hickeys, Sangyeon gets a nightmare...and he's not having fun.

WORD COUNT: 4,310

A/N: and so Haknyeon comes into the picture 👀

send me an ask/comment to join the series taglist! those in my permanent taglist will automatically be added!

It all felt as if the first day you met Sangyeon was but just a dream. Who would’ve thought that a simple drunk make-out with a random stranger would eventually end up as your very own tutor?

You didn’t really know if you would want to classify this as karma or fate—frankly, you have no idea what exactly you have gotten yourself into.

Even after three whole months.

Ever since you both agreed on this friends-with-benefits situation, you have been on a roller coaster of emotions every day. You won’t deny that Sangyeon is actually good at his job, as a teacher’s assistant. Being your tutor came with another benefit: you always had access to what you were expecting for the upcoming lectures. Sangyeon would often teach you ahead of what you needed to know. Hence, you were always fully prepared whenever you entered your professor’s classes, understanding the content way better than before.

Your grades have slowly been improving too, rising from a whopping 3.1 GPA to a 3.4, and you eventually were awarded as one of the best students who scored for their mid-term exams. In other words, your studies have been improving way better than you expected, if it wasn’t for Sangyeon, you would be fine just staying at a 3.0 GPA till you graduate in a few years.

Spending time with Sangyeon has also made you realise that he was a former senior at your university, and he even won the dean’s award for being the top student during this time. It was no wonder that he was a genius in his field, and he was likeable by all students and professors alike. Not only did he help your professor loads, but he also made sure that the other students were improving in their performance, with most of them being at 3.0 and above.

Though, you had something that the other students did not.

Sangyeon was a friend with benefits, or rather, your sex buddy.

You really didn’t know what to make of it at the start, and you certainly didn’t expect yourself to be filled with having tons of sexual activity with someone throughout your semester. You were certain that you would be single till you were in the workforce, or even not losing your virginity till then.

But then Sangyeon seemingly came into your life, and things just haven’t been the same.

Not only was he teaching you about your course, but he was also guiding you on how to pleasure your significant other in the best way possible. If it wasn’t for his current job, you were convinced that he would be much suited to be a sex guru and coach for a living or even a pornstar.

He had everything—good looks, mannerisms, and god he knew exactly how to treat a woman right.

There are a few times when you both have had rough sex, just like how you both went back to the auditorium when you both first made your agreement. Most of the time, it would be Sangyeon coming up with suggestions that you both could try out—cowgirl, breeding, you name it, you have mostly done them.

However, there was one thing that he had always kept consistently without fail.

Making you feel good. Every. Single. Damn. Time.

You craved Sangyeon’s touch; you absolutely love it when he makes love to you. Sure, it may be all just a treat for your hard work, but yet you have become dependent on them, and Sangyeon was more than happy to give it to you.

So here you were, sitting down at your wooden low table in your living room, where your textbook was opened, with some stationery and a cup of coffee and biscuits at the side. Sangyeon was tutoring you as usual, sitting beside you while giving you some little quizzes to finish today's revision.

With his fingers rubbing your now wet underwear.

“Tell me, Y/N. So what happens when you mix these two substances together?”

“T-They…will not…mix together because…hhhngh…of the different particle sizes…”

As much as you loved Sangyeon touching you, you were also having a mental breakdown trying to recall the things you had learnt for the day. His fingers are the ones to blame.

It was the way how you are always able to get wet for him easily with just a simple touch, your body often tenses up and sends signals all the way throughout your body. Next thing you knew, you would often find yourself wetting your underwear, turning him on as he begins rubbing them with a steady rhythm.

“S-Sangyeon…p-please let me cum…”

“Did you think you got the answers right, baby?”

“I-I’d like to think that I did…aaaahh!”

Immediately, you squirted all over your underwear, and it was now completely wet, your liquids oozing out from the sides that slowly flowed through Sangyeon’s fingers before he placed them in his mouth, sucking them completely.

“Aww, baby. Look at you all being all wet now; it was just a little fingering,” he teased.

Oh, right. You forgot to mention how not only was he good at pleasuring you, but he would also get cocky almost every time whenever he saw you becoming all vulnerable for him.

“S-Sangyeon…” you slowly crawl up to him, resting your palms on his chest as you give him a pleading look. “I…I need you…please.”

He gave you a sly smirk as he looked into your eyes. Then, he immediately snaked his arms around your waist, pulling you in for a kiss.

“Thought you’d never ask.”

You both decided to go for a different route than what you were usually used to, as you crawled on top of Sangyeon, and your dripping wet core was facing right up at Sangyeon’s face. You, on the other hand, were bent down where your mouth was right at the tip of Sangyeon’s cock.

Trying your best to focus on his cock, you gently grabbed hold of his cock as you moved up and down and a rhythmic movement. But oftentimes, you would stop in your tracks, for Sangyeon’s tongue just got deeper into your core, eating you out as good as always. A sudden rush of euphoria swept over you, causing your whole body to shiver just from that alone, making you unable to respond by returning the favour to Sangyeon.

You still held onto his cock, gliding your hands up and down as best as you could before you would often let out a whimper every time his tongue hit your g-spot.

“S-Sangyeon…I-I can’t…”

As much as you tried pleading with him, it didn’t seem he was planning to stop anytime soon. Instead, he picks up his pace, causing you to turn your whimpers into moans. At the back of your mind, you knew that you were always receiving from him, and you ought to return the favour. Pushing yourself with all of the energy you have had left, you then slowly took his cock into your mouth, slowly pushing it towards the back of your throat, before trying your best to pleasure your tutor just like he did to you.

In return, you could hear that he began groaning at that move that you made, causing you to quicken the pace to match his.

If he is going to make me cum loads, then I will do the same for him too.

You pick up your pace faster each minute, not giving each other room to breathe. Suddenly, you felt a tight knot form within your stomach; you knew that it would be anytime now that you were going to cum all over your tutor’s face. At the same time, Sangyeon’s precum was slowly oozing out from this tip, and you tried your best to make him cum just like you did at the same time.

Within a few seconds, you both finally came too, and you couldn’t help yourself as you basically gushed out all over Sangyeon’s face while his cum was dripping down your mouth rapidly. Your eyes suddenly widened at the way Sangyeon looked, and you quickly turned your positions around to apologise to the male frantically.

“Oh my god, I’m so so sorry, Sangyeon! I swear it wasn’t meant to be like this; I could’ve controlled myself better—”

Before you could even finish your sentence, Sangyeon immediately rests his hand on your neck, pulling you down rapidly so that he completely shuts you up with his mouth—taking his sweet time swirling his tongue around yours. Eventually, you both immediately broke apart for a gasp of air before he gently laid your head down onto the very same pillow he was lying upon.

“You have done your deed in memorising what we have discussed earlier today; I’d say this is more than enough to repay me, don’t you think?”

Again, he leans close to you, sealing his lips with yours. But this time, it was all slow and sensual. Sangyeon carefully took his sweet time showering you with kisses, sometimes breaking apart to place them on your forehead, down to your cheeks, and neck. Ultimately, his lips will always find them back to yours, as if he hasn’t had enough of them yet.

You have practically lost count of how many times you’ve shared kisses with the man himself; you both have been in this whole friends-with-benefits situation for three months. But it seemed as if his kiss always meant something—it wasn’t all just for show and about having sexual intercourse; it was almost as if there was something there between you both, something indescribable.

Multiple times, you have always wanted to justify what exactly the two of you were, but you knew that deep down he was just a teacher’s assistant. He was here to tutor and help you improve your academic performance as well as your grades. Who would’ve thought that Sangyeon was nice enough to tutor you on other things at the same time, your sex life, to be exact. It was basically like killing two birds with one stone.

Isn’t it?

There are times when you have thought that meeting him back at the frat party was the best and worst mistake you have ever had. The good part about the whole situation was that your grades were improving significantly while you were pretty much having a pretty healthy sex life. However, it came with a cost: you being stuck in this uncertain feeling and constantly dealing with messed up emotions.

Was it a blessing? Or a curse?

Sangyeon doesn’t stop caressing your cheeks as he continues kissing you. Frankly, you both have been going on for at least ten minutes by now, taking some air breaks in between and then reconnecting your lips. It was like an addiction; you couldn’t stop, and neither could he.

All of a sudden, you heard a knock on your bedroom door, and it was too late for you both to recollect yourselves before the individual turned the doorknob and the door swung open.

“Y/N! It’s been a while— HOLY FUCK!!!”

It was total chaos there and then. Both you and the individual at your door screamed at the top of your lungs before the male slammed the door shut, panting and trying his best to get rid of the sight he had just seen before him.

You quickly got up, ran straight towards the bathroom, and slammed the door shut before leaning against it, quickly burying your face into both hands.

I messed up.

“For the hundredth time, it is not what it seems okay,” you reassured the young male, trying your best to rub his back as he took several deep breaths to calm his fast-beating heart down.

“The hell do you expect me to believe what you’ve said after witnessing whatever that was!!” The young male screamed out loud before turning his back to face you as he puckered his lips.

Haknyeon has always been like this. Although you both were the same age, he always felt like a brother to you. You have both been together since middle school and eventually even enrolled in the same university you were in. However, Haknyeon was away for the past year as part of his transfer programme abroad. You knew he was coming back sooner or later, but you weren’t expecting it to be today.

And how your first meetup was him walking in on you and Sangyeon having sex.

As much as you and Haknyeon have been texting one another every single day without fail for the past six months, you have omitted the fact that you met your tutor at a frat party who eventually became your teacher’s assistant for the entire semester and that you both have been in this messed-up friends-with-benefits situation for a good three months now.

And how you actually lost your virginity to this man.

Well, now that Haknyeon has witnessed it firsthand, there was no point hiding it back anymore because your childhood best friend actually reads you like a book—even the slightest shift in your usual demeanour, he would definitely be able to catch you red-handed within seconds.

So you did it, telling him about how you both met and ended up in the current situation, which you then earned a very concerned look from your friend. He slowly grabs your shoulder, squeezing them before looking deep into your eyes.

“Y/N…I don’t want to intrude. Well, I mean, it’s your own sex life. But are you completely certain about what you are doing? Or what you have gotten yourself into?” He asked worriedly; it seemed like he was about to cry for you.

In order to make it up to him, you gave him a little friendly peck on his cheek like how you’ve always done in the past when you both were younger, as it always seemed to calm him down and make things feel like it was all under control.

“Don’t worry, bestie; pinky promise that I’m all okay and great,” you stretched out your pinky towards him, making him sigh aloud before giving in to return the favour.

After the two of you talked things out for a bit, you quickly pulled him up from your couch and dragged him towards your front door, insisting that he put on his shoes and coat before leaving the house.

“Now, where the heck are you bringing me to this time?”

“Well, my best friend is back in Seoul. I think it’s time for a little bonding time together, no?”

“Y/N L/N, give me your bank account number right this second,” Haknyeon mumbled as he kept shoving almost all of the toasted waffles and ice cream right into his mouth, leaving you with little to no portion left to consume.

“Hey! Slow down! I paid for it; I deserve to eat more than you do!”

“Well, too bad you’re still as slow as you were back in kindergarten; that’s why you’re always second to last when it comes to getting the fresh pastries back in the school cafeteria,” he teased.

“You jerk.”

“You love me.”

It was just like the good old times—all of the endless bickering, competition, and taking things easy for a while. It seemed that whenever Haknyeon was around, your daily routine would suddenly go at a much steadier pace, rather than rushing through your unending assignments and university work, as well as the part-time job you often worked during summer breaks.

In fact, it always brings joy to you whenever you witness your best friend chow down on all kinds of food. He wasn’t awarded the best mukbang vlogger in town for no reason. Every time you witness your friend eat with the biggest smile on his face, you feel full, and seeing him eating so happily is more than enough to fill your hunger.

Ultimately, you decided it was best to give up. You propped your arms on the table and rested your chin on the palm of your hands, all while witnessing Haknyeon finish off the final few bites before he took the napkin situated at the corners to wipe off any excess cream on the side of his mouth.

It turns out your friend wasn’t the best at cleaning himself up, so you had to step in and lean forward to use your thumb to wipe it off for him instead, making his ears turn a crimson red almost within seconds.

“Weakling.”

“Shut up. I could’ve cleaned myself up squeaky clean if you’ve given me a couple more seconds,” he spat, clearly refusing to admit that he was terrible at what he did. You chuckled at his response with a pout, and you decided to lick off the cream that was on your fingers right in front of him, purposefully.

“Stop it,” he responded sternly.

“Stop what?” You asked playfully in return.

“Y/N, don’t act all dumb. You know exactly what you’re doing right now.”

“Hmm, yeah. I have no idea what you’re talking about,” you continued to piss him off by licking your fingers dry while adding in the pop sound effects.

It wasn’t until Haknyeon finally grabbed hold of your arms that you stopped what you were doing mere seconds ago. “You’ve changed, and I’m not too sure if I like the new you.”

“What do you mean I’ve changed?”

“You tell me, Y/N. Ever since you started this whole “tutoring session” with that teacher assistant of yours, you’re just…not the same anymore.”

You have gotten cocky.

Now, that is something that you definitely did not expect to come right out of your best friend’s mouth; causing you to stare at him blankly while your eyes widened upon that response. At that time, something in you snapped, and you weren’t going to back down that easily from him, not when you both are also rivals for life.

“I’ll take that as a compliment, Ju Haknyeon,” you deadpanned.

Just like that, it was more than enough to make Haknyeon yank your arm slightly so that you were merely inches apart, and you could feel his warm breath on you. That once cheerful look on his face was now long gone, replaced with something a lot more sinister and dark, sending chills down your spine.

“Just wait till we get back, Y/N. I’ll make sure you’ll regret what you just said to me.”

Little did either of you know that a familiar figure stood across the street, witnessing the scene unfold before his eyes and clenching his fists together.

Now you knew that you were to never mess with your best friend, for you left campus the following day with a few numb spots all across your body. Upon arriving home, he immediately dragged you into your bedroom, took one of your pillows and landed a powerful wack towards your shoulders, causing you to return the favour before your bedroom became an entire mess.

Turns out that your friend was far from done because you both eventually ended up on the bed brawling against each other, mostly Haknyeon tickling you all over your body and at certain spots where it would intentionally cause pain so that you wouldn’t be able to walk normally for the next 24 hours.

Serves you right, Y/N.

His words would constantly linger in your mind, and you would always furrow your brows whatever that image of his cocky face popped up mentally.

However, it was all fun and games, as this was something that you would often do whenever you were kids; both of you have always been competitive.

Now that Haknyeon was back from his transfer programme, he was finally back on campus, which also meant that you both were able to hangout a lot more often than before. Thankfully, both of your schedules more or less matched one another, and you both would often meet up for lunch and even walk back home together after lectures.

In the blink of an eye, a couple of weeks had passed, and it was now spring break. All the students were off for the entire week, and you decided to head back to Jeju Island with Haknyeon to visit his family. It has always been like a second home to you, and you would often spend your summer holidays there without fail.

While you were busy spending time with your best friend Haknyeon throughout the new season, that also meant that you weren’t seeing your tutor as much as before. In fact, multiple times, you would’ve either cancelled or postponed your tutoring sessions because Haknyeon insisted that he could help you with your assignments.

As a result, you have spent little to no time with Sangyeon ever since that encounter with Haknyeon, witnessing you both having sex at your apartment back then. Sangyeon only managed to spend about a day or two before you completely vanished from his schedule.

Allegedly, now that you weren’t hogging up his schedule any more, Sangyeon should’ve got a lot more time to focus on his actual work and help out the rest of the students in class—which he did since he no longer had to focus solely on you.

But the problem is, it just didn’t sit right with him.

Sangyeon ultimately has no idea why that is so, considering that you both made a pact when you first agreed on this whole contract situation. He knew he would eventually have to leave when his job was done and move on to his next job.

But he wasn’t ready to let that go just yet for some reason.

In fact, he was nowhere to be done with you.

You have no idea how you ended up the way you are right now.

At one moment, you were gaming on your PS5, which you had just gotten not too long ago since you were keen on hopping onto the craze of the latest Spider-Man games. The next thing that happens, you are now sitting on Haknyeon’s lap, your shorts pulled all the way down and eventually thrown towards the other end of the room.

Your legs were spread apart with Haknyeon’s strong muscles, and he was now rubbing your wet underwear in a circular motion, causing you to moan softly and eventually forget about the game that you were preoccupied with minutes ago.

As you have gotten one of your arms wrapped around his neck, Haknyeon takes in the opportunity to also lean closer and begin licking your neck, leaving subtle kisses while sucking on them eventually, intentionally leaving a hickey behind.

“Hmm…Haknyeon…keep it coming, it feels so so good…”

“Yeah? You like it when I kiss you like that?”

“Very much…”

“How about this?” He pauses for a moment before pulling your underwear to the side so that now he was now rubbing your dripping clit, making you raise your volume slightly.

“Aww, look at you, being all so wet for me already when I haven’t even inserted my fingers into you,” he teased, not letting you think straight as he began sucking on another spot, this time closer to your collarbone.

“N-No…Haknyeon…you can’t do it there…Sangyeon is going to find out—”

“And what if he does? What is he going to do, come for my ass? I’ll make sure he knows who he will be messing with.” Just like that, he immediately inserts two fingers into your cunt, pumping them in and out rapidly, causing you to yelp at that sensation.

“N-No Hakkie! I will cum- FUCK!”

“Just like that baby, cum for me,” he groans, quickening the pace as he feels that you’re coming close.

“Ugh! Faster! FASTER!!” You shuddered, all while your grip against his t-shirt tightened, and his fingers finally hit your g-spot.

Within the next few seconds, your moans echoed throughout the whole room as your liquids came gushing out from your body, basically creating an entire puddle on your couch as you came down from your high.

Immediately, Haknyeon forcefully grabbed your chin and turned you to face him before kissing you feverishly, not giving you space even to catch your breath.

“I bet- Sangyeon couldn’t- make you gush out- so much juices like I’ve done-” he muttered between the kisses.

“N-No…It’s just you…you only, Haknyeon-ie-” you answered.

“Now that’s my good princess,” he smirked before pushing you down onto the couch before hovering over you. “You know what will make you feel better?” Haknyeon asked as he yanked down his pants, his erected crotch was now already dripping wet, just like you were beforehand.

Instantly, he brought his tip close to your entrance, rubbing it up it down, making you whine and beg for him to insert it into you right this moment.

“Please…Haknyeon…just give it to me…I need you so badly…”

“Tell me that again, princess. I need to know if you want me more than the other guy.”

“Y-Yes! I just want you, and you only,” you cried, and that was when Haknyeon immediately pushed his member fully into you, not caring if your screams were going to tear down your apartment.

“Fuck- fuck- FUCK!!”

No.

No!

NOOO!!

Sangyeon immediately shot up from bed, sweat dripping down his face as he tried to calm his fast-paced breathing. It was currently only 3 in the morning, and he had about 5 more hours left before he eventually needed to get up to head out for work.

Unlucky for him, he was now wide awake and shocked to the core. That nightmare felt so real, and he couldn’t even believe he had ever had such a dream.

With that, Sangyeon forcefully lies back down on his bed with a loud thump, bringing one of his palms up to cover his eyes before his fist clenches again.

This time, he was fucked.

A/N: team sangyeon / team hakkie? 👀

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idv-sunsxin3 · 3 months

Note

Hello! Im the anon who asked if r1999 are open, can you do a scenario or a headcanons of click (with a fem reader) who finally meet his lover again?

They been together back then since 1940's when Click was alive. reader knows click 's death. But then when vertin asked reader to join her journey, reader finally see their lover.

Click // Back in the 40s with you

Note// fem! Reader. She is 19yo like Click. angst to fluff long oneshot,,, thank you for requesting 🥺

---

It was unexpected- really.

It was not even the right time, too.

You and Click were lovers before the world conflict became very notable... You were both happy together until you had to acknowledge that it's you guys' turn to serve for the country as well... help write the history and the legacy alongside the others. So you both started to barely see one another as you do your respective jobs.

You were one of the million women who worked as a factory worker in defence production during the 1940s, the years dominated by the war...

He was a photographer from the army who had to stay on the battlefield. You know very well how bad the war is as you have a friend who lost her husband by the war. So everyday you were always afraid, knowing how Click has to linger in places that obviously have slim chances of surviving...

Even sadder when this time, the photographer doesn't always live after, through these circumstances.

All you could do was pray and write letters to him as you contribute to the workforce...

The letters were sometimes not so long, it gets shorter as the days go by, and the war going through its climax and more problems happening on the way as well. Yet, knowing that each letter is safely delivered is enough for you to reassure you that Click is still alive.... Until one day.

By the time you came back to work- the manager suddenly motioned you to come talk with her, having a letter in her hand as they have... this look, the look of bad news.

You just... You just couldn't believe it.

As you both find themselves in the office from anyone's sight, you find yourself slowly shattering the seconds of reading the letter report given to you.

He died... Click died in action.

...You crumbled in your hands as your boss gave you small pats on your back.

'Back in the 40s...'

An old letter, the latest you wrote to Click, said,

'It was one of the happiest times of my life... Until I lost you to them."

That's what the letter started. There was more to say in that letter. Every single word carrying a huge meaning to Click.

Vertin handed it to him so he could read it. She happened to find it somewhere, noticing the letter addressed to his name abadoned in the middle of nowhere during the patrols.

"Y/N" was written as the sender's name.

'I'm not sure when I will see you again, but I'm just hoping that in our next life, we won't be as miserable as we were... And live together as much as we desire, my love.'

These words bring a familiar, tender feeling he haven't recalled for a while.

'I miss you, Click.... I always do.'

'I just hope you're out there and find this. Read this with your heart. Prove them that you're not dead.... Just as you promised me to come back home.'

He holds these words close to his soul... Even while he's not alive.

'I love you... and I'll find you if I can.

Still yours, Y/N.'

"My Rosie..."

That’s the first thing he muttered once he finished reading. His eyes dull but longing in spirit.

It's evening...

time to clean up.

You mentally note as you notice the items needed to be put away.

The war is over now, you were just about to pack your tools and head home by yourself.

Unfortunately, no one is going to welcome you at home. Because you already know he's gone... He did well. He was the most bravest man you have ever met and love.

Now you have to move on... How will you do that exactly?

That.. You'll have to ask that yourself later. First, you're going to need to walk back to the house safely before more accidents nay happen-

Strangely, the streets seem less crowded than usual... where are the people? Why aren't the cars moving? The sky seems to turn grey than normal - it looks like it's going to rain.

You heels quickly click on the cement floor as you hurry yourself, gripping on your purse and toolkit-

But suddenly, you notice someone from afar... A lady with light hair, wearing a suit.

I. Interesting...? It's rare to see a woman dressing this way these days.

You stopped in your steps once you start to clearly notice that she's now few steps away from, facing you, AND not seeming to intend to let you go around her.

However... she seems to not intend to harm anyone. She even has another girl beside her, ginger with sophistication, eccentric clothes that resemble an italian writer.

"Greetings," The lady says politely, fixing her calculative eyes on you, "Cloudy day, isn't it?"

By the sound of it, this lady seems to be from the UK... she must have been here for a visit.

"It is, indeed." You nod calmly, not sure what else to do other than thinking about just going home and mourning... Your eyes can notably tell they barely have any sleep, your hair tangled and unkempt from the long hours of work and questionable times to wake up and be called up for duty.

"I'm Vertin," She introduces as you both give each other a handshake, "this is Sonetto, my friend and assistant."

"Hello, Verti, Sonetto..." You lightly lift your eyebrow, wondering who are even these strangers exactly... they seem to need something from you. Noticing closer, they seem to have mature appearances of 16-yeard old girls. About 3 years younger than you.

"Good evening, miss..." Sonetto mindfully greets with a smile, "Excuse us for suddenly appearing... We need your help."

H. Help?

"Help? Oh, sweeties... What's the concern? Sadly, I really need some rest- work has been quite something." You half-heartedly apologize with a sorry smile. They seem to tell how your state doesn't seem to be in a good condition. You then remember you haven't told them your name. So you added along with a light smile at the ginger-haired girl.

"Please, call me Y/N."

That name.

That name seems to ring on Vertin once again.

Yes, this is the woman. The woman Vertin was looking.... The one Click was looking for.

The Timekeeper seem to have arrived at the right time.

"But miss Y/N- this is an emergency... I'm afraid something is going to happen--" Sonetto attempts to asks calmly, despite wearing this quite alarmed look that makes you feel almost worried... almost.

"Oh...? Right when the war have just ended...? What else are they going to do now..." You rub your chin gently as you look down at the pair in thought before your eyes morph into a horrified ones,

"...launch more missiles?"

"Ah- not exactly as we try to convey.." Sonetto shakes her head as seeming unsure of your statement, oh.

"An abnormal storm is going to arrive here anytime soon-" Vertin starts explaining, "Another war is going to happen between humans and arcanists- We need mechanics like you to help us with machinery."

"A... War? You got to be....- How do I know if you're telling the true?"

Sonetto suddenly then quietly gasps, grabbing on Vertin's hand and quickly pointing at what she's looking through your shoulder- You and Vertin followed her gaze only to see... creatures emerging one by one - Fluffly creatures???

Oh- and who are these people with strange helmets??? Are they even humans???

You seem hesitant about it, but noticing the strange anomalies in your surroundings. You seem to tell that these kids aren't really joking as they still have seious looks on their expressions--

A part of yourself wished to live in a more peaceful place, where you would have to sacrifice much just for the people that seem to be suffering the most... why can't you just live comfortably with everyone?

But then, if you decline on joining them- what if that means you have to go back to follow under these women roles this society has been putting you and the others on? Getting married.. get married, being a housekeeper and mother- you don't want to do that, not after you have lost your lover- and losing the reason to dream about a future with him...

You... you honestly don't want to leave your job as a riveter.

As if managing to read your mind, Vertin adds more, "...You'll get to live comfortably with us."

"...?"

"We have friends who have experienced losses as well, You'll get to do whatever you want and live peacefully as long as you get along with everyone."

'Whatever you want'...

...This is new.

It took you some minutes to think, before you eventually accepted Vertin's hand. Shaking it to seal the deal.

You'll get to have more freedom in what you do after that... while trying to move on from him.

Little did you know, it happened to be the contrary.

Just as you tried to start getting used to the suitcase's environment and the wide map of the Ark- there were also lots of people in it... some lingering around portraits, wearing familiar and unfamiliar clothes, people from different accents and places...

You have never thought this many people with such eccentricity would desire to seek shelter in here... but then, you admit, the domain is stylish and cozy for the warm/rainy days.

Vertin instructed you to just stay comfortable at your now new residence. So you comply, sitting on the couch after managing to find an appealing book from one of the shelves.

You were not sure why the young female pair seemed to start acting more suspicious by the time you three arrived - is there something they're hiding from you? What are their plans? Oh dear, there are so many questions you just want to ask today. Making it almost hard to read a book and concentrate on its context.

"Click, I need your time for a moment," Vertin calls out calmly to the ghost at the room he is in after knocking.

"...." He slowly turns back to Vertin in question before floating begrudgingly towards, wearing the same spooked look in his lifeless orbs.

"I have something to show you... someone who you would like to see." Vertin further explains as she starts to walk while the ghost follows her clueslessly.

"Someone...?" The photographer mutters a bit, puzzled by the sudden arrival of some new recruit- but then why is it him who has to be called to see them..? Would this person be willing to see him?

He doesn't think much before sighing, his camera in a slightly tight grip by the foreign feeling of being seen by someone new... He honestly hasn't moved on from his sweetheart... The person who is willing to see him.

He just doesn't want to, even if he's now a dead man, and you probably have already moved on - well, that's what he tends to believe.

Meanwhile, a kind girl dressed in a bunny outfit, "Bunny Bunny," appeared and served you a drink, which you hesitantly but kindly accepted it - meeting her was pleasantly unexpected... You were just trying out the cool drink - so far, it's pretty refreshing and flavorful.

Just as Bunny Bunny left with her tray, you kept sipping on your drink and take a look on the book... You slowly realize this book is a documentary with pictures...

Some of these pictures are familiar, like that one first picture of a tree with a cat...

You softly furrow your eyebrows before you search something from your pocket- a picture.

The picture Click took and sent you. It looks exactly like the one in the book.

You blink lightly before seeing more pictures as you flip on the pages, some familiar, and some seem to be newer ones.

The more pages of pictures you look, the more your thoughts are starting to connect-

You then immediately flip the book to the last page for any source.

'Pictures taken by Click'

Wait- this is not a typical book-! It's your boyfriend's portfolio report!

These... some of the recent pictures are dated but- the year is quite twitchy....

Your mind is going confused as you close the book carefully, looking at the cover, wondering if Click is missing.... or has been here.

...Is... he here?

Wow, the new design of the cover looks sharp nonetheless. You're so proud of him...

If only... If only he's still here with you.

...

Your silent thoughts were now no longer in your head once you thought that part. You smiled... but that smile seems to not reach your eyes, which seems to be on the verge of tearing up.

...

"Oh Click..." You trembly whispered with your late lover's name, slowly wiping your tears as you laugh quietly, "You really were serious about putting that picture of the tree cat;;;"

"...I was serious." A voice can be heard clearly. Quietly.

...Before the sound of a camera is heard from your right-

You suddenly jumped by the sudden noises before turning around to see who's beside you. The moment your eyes landed on the speaker, your eyes widened as tired, dull eyes staring back at you.

"...Y/N."

"...Click?" You replied back as your breath hitches.

Shocked, you slowly and unsteadily reached your hand out to his transparent face- which... notably seems to penetrate through his cheek, barely sensing something solid other than the chilliness of the room.

"Y/N..." Click seems to leaned down the moment your hand fails to make contact with him.

Nonetheless, he lightly hovered your hand with his as he closed his eyes, trying to imagine the familiar feeling of your soft hands as he sensed the warmth radiating out of you. "You're here."

"Click...,,," You teared up as you look up and down, your mind going crazy as you wonder why you can't even touch your lover-

"He's dead..." Vertin admits as she can be found appearing by the doorway, having a sorry look. "But he surprisingly remembers you ever since the time he came here."

You faced Vertin as she stated that your eyes showed multiple emotions before shifting them towards Click. Who is still busy nuzzling into your warmth. "How long have you been here?"

"A couple of months ago..." Click answered before finally looking up at you. His eyes are dead, but the same love they tend to hold when seeing you.

"Oh, baby.." You breath out, "What have they done to you."

"...A lot of things." Click simply answered as he fiddled with his cameras to look at the picture he took of you in your shocked expression from before, "I miss your pretty face..."

"Now now... - don't go all lovey dovey just yet,,,-" You sobbed softly but still lean your forehead on his lightly, staying closer to him. At least spiritually and visibly.

Your gaze on him softens more by the time you calm yourself, as your dear ghost lover wraps you in his arms loosely. You gently try to brush over Click's lower lip with a thumb despite being unable to feel it, looking at it silently before speaking your heart away.

"Keep loving me, I'll never stop loving you even if it means i can't kiss you now...-"

"...H...Honey..." Click quietly whispers to you, his face unfaltered, but his voice fails to not sound like he's on the verge of tearing up.

*sighs* "Lovebirds..." Vertin can be heard saying this with a hint of amusement.

"We gotta figure out how to make them kiss." Sonetto suggests.

"Good idea."

"G.Girls????"

#reverse 1999 click #r1999 click #click x reader #r1999 x reader #r1999 #reverse: 1999 x reader #reverse: 1999 #reverse 1999

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keouil · 4 months

Text

root yourselves beside me

yaga finds out the hard way his third years have no concept of personal space. 4k. gojo/shoko/getou. fluff. also on ao3.

It starts with someone getting sick in class.

"So like I was saying last week," Yaga gestures to the blackboard containing a small-scale map of downtown Tokyo. Sniffle. "There are still some areas in Nippori and Mejiro prone to winter curses, no matter how outdated they’ve become in this century." Sniffle. "It mostly has to do with the rapid temperature drops and most of the area being residential condos, meaning a younger workforce," Sniffle. "But generally speaking, jujutsu sorcerers are disposed every December to do an annual cleaning of the—"

A sneeze.

"Oh my god, Shoko! Are you trying to inhale the entire room?" Gojo snaps at the same time Getou turns to her and asks, "Are you feeling okay?"

They exchange looks. Gojo only barely manages to dodge the smack to his head.

Yaga didn't mind his students, maybe even tolerated them from time to time. He'll admit he wasn't necessarily jumping for joy when the school board delivered the student packet to his office a month before orientation day, frowning at the familiar last name and worrying over the two that weren't. Tokyo rarely took in female sorcerers, most of them fleeing to Kyoto the moment their cursed energy manifested in favor of a kinder teaching environment. Tokyo always lost the betting pool on taking in clan kids, Kyoto and Hokkaido making a strong case for their traditional curriculumn fitting them more.

Their test scores were all over the place too—a mix of highs and lows—not to mention the disproportionate level of raw cursed energy within all three of them and the almost unnatural way they wielded it. A six eyes user, a cursed spirit manipulator, and a reversed curse technique healer. Safe to say they were an unpredictable bunch, and Yaga was the one tasked to soldier them down into a passable team.

Only at the rate they were going, it was highly unlikely.

Shoko sniffles again. "Shutupgojo," she tries to say, only to slur the words because of how muffled her voice sounds. "m' sick, yu idot."

"Is that the same cold going around the school?" Getou asks, brows furrowed in concern. "Nanami called in sick last week. I had to take over his mission."

"It is flu season right now," Yaga remarks, not bothering to scold them for interrupting him for the nth time. Instead he gestures to the three of them in warning. "And sorcerers or not, your third year is the most brutal. So make sure not to catch anything."

Shoko sneezes again, looking the most miserable and scrawny they've seen her.

Gojo turned to look at her then. "Why don't you just heal yourself?"

Shoko just sniffles some more, looking pointedly—if not a little accusingly—at Yaga.

"We're still studying her technique," Yaga says lowly, suddenly all too busy with himself and the blackboard and making a pointed attempt to ignore Gojo and Getou boring holes down his back. "It's—ah—well, we don't get an RCT user very often."

"And so?" Gojo prompts. "What's that got to do with her healing herself?"

"She is right here," Shoko mumbles, wiping her nose with the tissue Getou passed her. Sniffling, she adds tiredly, like she's already made bed with it, "They just don't want any unauthorized use of the RCT if they can help it."

Gojo scoffs. "Well that's bullshit," he's already waving his hand around and bringing her chair closer. "Shoko, I'll heal you myself."

Now it was Yaga's time to smack him over the head.

"You can't even heal a bug yet!" Yaga waves at finger at him threateningly. "Let alone heal your own bruises. Like I said, RCT is an extremely polished technique that needs the utmost concentration and control. If even Shoko can't get it right just yet, there's no way you're allowed to even try healing Megumi's skinned knees."

Gojo pouts. "But—"

Getou faces him. "Yaga-sensei is right, Satoru," he placates. "If we can't understand Shoko's technique and get in under control, there's no telling what you could do with yours. You could do more harm than good."

Shoko let her head fall on the desk, groaning and making incoherent sounds of death. They think they can hear her murmuring something along the lines of feeling like death, until she says exactly, "I feel like death."

Getou inches his chair closer. "Do you want anything?"

Yaga notes the sincereness in his tone and has to school his expression into something more neutral. That’s… new. He knows the third years had gotten somewhat acquainted ever since the Okinawa incident, always insisting on doing group missions then and almost never letting anyone—juniors included, much to Nanami’s chagrin—go out alone and without a buddy system. He had to reason with the higher-ups that they'd probably just felt shaken somehow, and to give him as much grace period as possible until he felt they were ready to get back into the swing of things.

It's easy to forget, Yaga thinks when he looks at Getou rubbing a consoling hand on Shoko's back and Gojo trying to peek out from under where her head was buried in her arms: how young they were.

If he had to come up with however many bullshit lesson plans he had to make to justify the in-person classes in lieu of field work, Yaga didn't mind staying up late every night to catch up with.

And when he sees Gojo and Getou getting into another ill-timed bet on who can make Shoko laugh first, Yaga notes, maybe it's all worth it in the end.

All for the good of the team.

Taking the Tokyo Metropolitan Subway is a mandatory rite of passage for any student in Jujutsu Tech.

Yaga insisted they use public transport as much as possible, arguing about its unrivalled efficiency in getting to places faster than any chartered car ever could no matter it’s convenience. Navigating the subway and monorails took some getting used to, but once mastered, any self-proclaimed Tokyo-ite should be able to walk the bustling Asakusa station with their eyes closed.

Only Yaga didn't trust the third years not to push each other on the rails for whatever immature reason they came up with on the spot. They were all temperamental and teenagers like that.

Enter Ijichi.

"Um," Ijichi starts, looking around the busy station and fidgeting with the straps of his bag. It was more packed than usual for a Tuesday afternoon. "Don't you already have a PASMO card, Getou-san?"

Getou glances at him briefly. "I do," he holds up the familiar pink commuter pass, before gesturing to Gojo behind him, who was trying to drag Shoko into a tanghulu stall. "But Satoru doesn't. And he doesn't know how these machines work, either, so."

When they arrived at the station a few minutes ago, it was glaringly obvious just how much of a sheltered life Gojo had lived. Ijichi tried his best not to let the incredulousness on his face show out of respect. It was hard not to, though, when Gojo really did not know shit about anything: the queues, top-ups, line transfers, etc. Ijichi's almost entirely sure he saw smoke coming out of Shoko's ears when he proudly declared never having been on a train in his life and why should he even get a commuter pass when he has a chauffeur. Getou only just about stopped her from slicing him in half in the nick of time.

Now they were queueing up to get a one-way ticket for Gojo on the shinkansen. His senior who should have been listening and taking notes and maybe learning a thing or two about commuting in the busiest area of Japan. But instead, he's dragging Shoko from one confectionary shop to another, buying every hypoglycemic pastry he can find and forcing her to tell him which one she likes.

"Suguruuu," Gojo whined in a high voice when they came back, arms full of take-out bags. "I wasn’t sure which one you liked, and Shoko was being a brat and wouldn't tell me, so I got you one of everything! You too, Ijichi!"

Ijichi expected Getou to chastise him for the waste of money, time, resources, his patience, etc. But instead is surprised when Getou just looks up from the machine and gives him a small smile.

"Thank you, Satoru."

Gojo's grin only grew wider. "Not a problem!"

Getou turned back to the ticket machine and double-checked the train times. Only Ijichi noticed something was slightly off. He wasn't as focused as last time, now that he'd secured the ticket and was waiting for the machine to dispense it. He had one eye on the screen, while the other kept glancing at his side, at Shoko who was inching closer to the ticket gates. She doesn't get a few steps in before Getou nods his head firmly in her direction.

"She's doing it again," Getou warns. "Gojo, grab her."

Gojo didn't have to be told twice. "Gladly," He reaches out and catches Shoko just as she was about to scurry away, trapping her in a back-hug that rendered her completely immobile. Gojo rested his chin on the top of her head and sighed dramatically. "Always like this with you. Like clockwork."

Ijichi must've looked as confused as he felt, because Getou turned to regard him with mild amusement.

"Shoko has this rather annoying habit of going straight for the female-only train," Getou explains, turning back to exit out of the machine portal. "Completely understandable, of course. But it's annoying when we get off at the station and can't find each other right away."

"Yeah, Shoko, what's that about?" Gojo looks down on her. "You worried about perverts on the train or something?"

Shoko tries to shove his arm off. "I'm a sixteen-year old girl living in Tokyo," she hisses. "Of course I'm worried about being groped on the train."

"Like we'd ever let that happen," Getou mutters under his breath, and Ijichi notes, with a tone of annoyance. They must've had this conversation before. Fishing the loose change from the machine, he stands up and flicks her forehead playfully. "How many times do I have to say it? You're safe with us."

"Don't worry," Gojo winks down at her. "We're the strongest."

"Please come up with a new catchphrase," Shoko elbows him on the side. "It's getting old."

The train ride back to school is.. something.

True to their word, Gojo and Getou immediately planted themselves in between either side of Shoko, to her obvious and verbal dismay. Grab my ass one more time, Gojo, and you won't have a hand to jerk off with next time. Ijichi stood by their side, hands clasped firmly around his backpack and looking up at them in thinly veiled awe. They stood so tall and imposing and just.. grand. It was even more obvious mixed in with the corporate slaves, nondescript suits and heels doing nothing but emphasizing the undeniable.

It's moments like that where Ijichi is reminded how some people were just born for this:taking the local train home but somehow still looking like they weren't cut from the same cloth as everyone else. Gojo and Getou nearly always turning heads where they went and Shoko so effortlessly exuding the very embodiment of a cool girl.

Gojo turned to him from time to time, making sure he wasn't suddenly being crushed into the rush hour crowd of Asakusa. "You good there, Ijichi-kun?"

"Y-yes," Ijichi stammered gratefully in return. "All good, Gojo-san. T-thank you."

Getou tried not to let it show, but Ijichi saw the subtle looks he kept throwing at anyone who so much as inched within five metres of their space. Gojo was busy chatting Shoko up and talking about his latest progress in Zelda, hands going a mile a minute demonstrating his different battle strategies. Shoko rolled her eyes but Ijichi heard her indulgent follow-up questions.

Every time the train hit a bump, he saw Gojo and Getou instinctively reach out to steady Shoko. She glared at Getou's hand on her back.

"Off."

"No," Getou insisted, but the conviction in his voice didn't feel as strong as it usually did. He must not be used to saying that to her. "Unless you want to start actually holding on to the railing this time?"

Shoko grimaced. "Do you know how many bacteria are passed on to those things every day?" she points to the handle on top of her. "And you want me to subject myself to that?"

"Exactly," Getou looked at her knowingly.

Shoko huffed, crossing her arms and staring straight ahead in defiance. She hears Gojo chuckling by her side, shutting up when she shoots a glare his way.

"Then just this once."

Ijichi shuddered at the thought of crossing any of them. He wasn’t an undeniable, and when he sees the kind of attention they attract on this random nondescript day he was tailing them, decides he doesn’t want to.

The text message Ijichi shoots Yaga as they find their way to the school is riddled with so much question marks and asking—nearly begging—him not to shadow his seniors ever again, ending it with only the vaguest alludement to a possiblequestionablemaybe homoerotic dynamic between them.

Yaga sees the last line of the text and deletes it just as fast as it came.

"Whose jacket is that?" Yaga asks.

They're in the morgue for Shoko's private lesson. Reverse Curse Technique users only spawn once every few generations, if at all, and so the higher-ups were on his back to train Shoko to be the most competent she can be. If only she wasn’t wearing an oversized uniform that was nearly drowning her.

"I'm not sure," Shoko looks down. "We all share clothes."

Yaga pauses. "Why?"

"Makes it easier on laundry day," Shoko shrugs, reading over the medical textbook.

Yaga eyes the length of the uniform. It had to be at least five sizes larger than her usual.

"But don’t you guys do separate days?" Yaga inquires.

Shoko held up a hand. "Hold on, sensei," she reaches behind her and feels around for the name tag stitched into every student's uniform, tugging it out to read it. "It's Gojo's. Makes sense. I already found at least five candy wrappers just in his front pocket alone."

"Do you need more uniform sets?" Yaga asks, laying out the gauze pads and alcohol. A body ripe for examination lay before them. "I thought we gave you enough during the summer."

"I have enough," Shoko answers, picking up a cavity injector and turning it over in her hand. "But they just aren't as warm."

Yaga opened his mouth to clarify, before a loud clang of metal on metal alerted them of another presence in the clinic. Yaga already felt them before they even made a noise, hovering just outside the door for half an hour. Really, he should commend them for being able to hold out that long.

"Oi, you two," he calls out tiredly, not even bothering to look up from the body on the table. "Come out now."

The doors to the morgue creak open slowly, hesitant footsteps pattering in. Shoko took one look at the intruders and was already reaching for something pointy to throw at them.

"Not this again," Shoko curses under her breath, curling her fingers on a particularly sharp-looking scalpel and aiming it their way. "I said no intruding on private lessons!"

Getou missed being skewered by half a margin. "A dart scalpel again? Really, Shoko? It's getting old." He parrots back to her, holding his hands up in surrender when she picked up a needle. The silver glinted under the fluorescent lights. "We just wanted to make sure—"

"Oi!" Gojo interrupts them both, going straight for Shoko and Yaga. "You can't just casually say you’re going to excavate a transfigured human over breakfast and walk away just like that! Like what does that even mean?

Shoko directs a glare his way. "It means exactly what it means, idiot."

"Don’t call me an idiot!" Gojo flares, gesturing to the decaying corpse and turning to face Yaga. "Yaga-sensei! Are you sure she can do this?"

"Excuse me?!" Shoko bristles, standing up and directing the needle at him. "What did you just say?!"

"Shoko," Getou starts, softly at first, well-timed caution clinging to his voice. "You barely eat at the cafeteria because you don't know where the meat comes from. You won't touch anything on the train. Utahime has to beg us to take you out into the city every now and then. Are you sure you can be around all this blood?"

"I'm gonna pretend you didn't just somehow patronize and doubt my competency as a medic at the same time," Shoko breathes once, twice. "And ask you guys again, while I still have all shreds of my patience, to kindly fuck off."

Gojo plays with some of the tools in the shed. "Honestly we really would," he accidentally nicks himself on a lancet and drops it, metal on metal vibrating against the sterile room. Shoko winces at the sound. "But if this is anything like last time and Yaga had to call us in the middle of the night because you fainted in the morgue, why not just save everyone the time and crash now?"

Getou smacks a palm down his forehead. "Satoru, that's not—"

But Shoko was already on her heel, making a beeline towards him with nothing but female rage and the sharp end of a surgeon's knife. "Say that one more time pretty boy—"

"Oi, you three."

Gojo only narrowly avoids being sliced in half by the equally menacing timbre of Yaga's voice. Getou snaps to attention right away. Shoko is still looming close over Gojo, who looked like he shrunk about a foot shorter and was now clinging and petting her hair. Yaga felt like putting a stop to whatever this was growing into. The third years had this rather annoying habit of talking over each other and overpowering whichever conversation they were having, and it wouldn't do to become a habit.

No team of his was going to be this disorganized.

"Yes, sensei?"

Getou. Really, at least he had one kid who had a good head on his shoulders.

"Are you guys done?"

Shoko at least had the decency to put the knife down and look sheepish, Gojo snuggling up to her closer in return. Getou smartly shut his mouth.

"You know for someone so concerned with hygiene," Gojo tugs at the neck of his uniform, trying to fashion it into a hood on Shoko. She slaps his hand away. "You wear my clothes a lot."

Getou coughs in the back of his hand. "Like you don't wear mine."

And then Yaga could only look on in horror as all three of them monopolized the conversation again, idle comments morphing into on a full-on debate about the etiquettes of clothes sharing and the potential hygiene crisis it might cause. Somehow, someway, the conversation morphed into culprit blaming of who was in charge of which chore on which days and really, gojo, that clan kid excuse will only get you so far.

It ends with Gojo all but picking Shoko up from the stool and hoisting her over his shoulder, her protests be damned. Getou just smiles at Yaga patiently, like this was the most normal thing in the world and his students had absolutely no regard for boundaries whatsoever.

"Gojo," Shoko warns in a low voice. "Remember what I said about grabbing me again and not having a hand to jerk yourself off with if you did?"

Gojo only smacks her behind playfully. "I'll show you mine if you show me yours, babe."

The door closes with Yaga's jaw permanently drilled into the floor.

"Shoko, do you have another cigarette?"

This is the first thing Getou says as he opens the door, eyeing the one on Shoko's lips. Yaga really, really discouraged his students to take on vices that were detrimental to their health and competency as sorcerers, but God knows trying to tell Shoko to do anything was like arguing with a brick wall. Gojo failed multiple times but kept trying. Getou was smart enough not even to attempt.

But Yaga knows Shoko at least held some semblance of begrudging respect for him, as their principal and the only authority figure in her life who was capable of signing off on her admission papers to her coveted medical school, and so tempers down to at least one stick in his presence.

It's why he keeps her in the morgue half the time, no-smoking rule strictly enforced.

He knows it's more a solitary thing for her to do, the smoking; and so when Shoko does that thing and tries sneaking away to smoke one out, all three of them are already standing up and following her.

Shoko blows out a puff. "Nope. This is my last."

"Give it to me then."

Getou stalks closer, stopping just a hair's breadth away from her. Ringlets of smoke marry with the air, Getou breathing it all in and not once breaking eye contact with her. He nods again at the cig on her lips.

“Can I?”

Yaga observes them closely. Shoko wasn't known to be someone exceptionally affectionate. Of the three of them, she was the only one who probably valued—and encouraged—that line of demarcation the most. He's almost entirely sure a beating is coming for Getou to be so all up in her space without warning. Even Gojo is looking at both of them patiently.

And so it came as a complete shock to Yaga, then, when he sees Shoko slowly get up on her tiptoes and stop just an inch away from Getou's lips. They were so close it looked almost like they were—

"Oi," Gojo snaps his fingers at them, sulking. "None of that."

Shoko just smirks into the cigarette, before pulling it out and placing it directly in Getou's mouth. The same cigarette. Then she winks at Gojo when she lowers herself back down. Gojo immediately intrudes and gestures wildly at the offensive cigarette, protesting the indirect kiss they just shared and none of you would even give me a peck on valentines day. Yaga glances at Getou and notices nothing but amusement—maybe even a little pride—playing in his eyes.

My god, Yaga looks on in horror, He actually enjoyed it.

"And you," Gojo spun on his heel, facing Getou who looked far too satisfied polluting the air. "Enough with the smoking. It's hard enough we have one chain smoker in this relationship, do you have to be the second?"

Yaga very nearly throws himself off the rooftop.

Jesus Christ.

Yaga finds out the hard way his third years have no concept of personal space.

The signs came easier for him now that he can brace himself for it: Gojo constantly needing to have some part of his body surgically attached to one of theirs, Nanami telling him he overheard Shoko in Getou's room early in the morning, Getou's almost constant protectiveness over them both.

But it's not until he visits the dorm, rather, that Yaga gets the most brutal awakening.

For safety purposes, the female and male dormitories were separated into different buildings. There's enough scare of cursed spirits to go around, and the school really didn't need the extra headache of trying to contain hormonal teenagers with growing bodies and temperamental outbursts in one area. It was better this way.

It took two semesters into their first year for the complaints to start.

"But sensei," Gojo says in class one day, when Yaga is busy drawing figures on the blackboard for their upcoming lecture on oni and Gojo is impatient. "Isn't it more dangerous for her to stay in that building all alone?"

Shoko twists the soft flesh on his elbow. "Again, she is right here!"

Getou is no help. "I agree with Satoru," he admits, already rummaging through his bag for a pain-relieving patch. "There's like 6 of us in total here, Shoko. It's safer if we all stick together."

"Oh shut up, you two," Shoko snaps, glaring at them both. "You just want me in the bedroom next to you so someone's there to bail you out when you guys break curfew."

Gojo's eye twitches. Getou has a vein in his forehead threatening to pop.

Yaga turns around slowly, so painfully slow, that it seemed almost an eternity passed by the time he levels both of them with a look that communicated barely restrained patience.

"You what."

Shoko leans back further into her chair, smirking. She was looking too pleased for their comfort. Gojo had half the mind to tip her chair back if only he wasn't sure Getou would tip his for even thinking of doing it.

Yaga looks at them coldly. "Someone explain right now."

So that was that. Gojo dropped the idea and Getou stopped insisting on moving her into their dorms, Shoko reasoning that she much prefers a break from all the "testosterone" and "masculinity" she's already being subjected to every single day. Yaga's sure he's seen both of them walk out of the female dormitory building well after midnight more often than not, but let it be because good companionship always bred good teamwork. They were being trained as a three-man cell after all, and far be it for him to get in the way.

Or so Yaga thought.

Yaga rounds the corner into the common area of the male dormitory, mission packets at hand to distribute to Gojo and Getou, when he hears a distinctly female voice coming out of Getou's room.

Laughter. Giggling. And maybe even—

"What the hell is going on here?"

Yaga forces the door open, bracing himself for the worst.

Gojo was lying on his stomach all over Getou's bed, too-long-limbs falling off and taking up more than half the bed. He had his head buried in Shoko’s middle, hands wrapped around her waist. She was busy flipping the pages of a book on Getou’s bedside table, judging by the archaic cover. Getou was on the floor, arranging bags of take-out food.

Getou is the first to spring into action. “Yaga-sensei!”

"It's not curfew yet!" Gojo bristled right away, leaping from the bed and pointing to the clock. "It's only 7PM!"

"I know that, Satoru." Yaga eyes them cautiously. "I mean.” He takes a calming breath. “What is all this stuff? "

"This stuff?" Gojo looks down at the discarded clothing on the floor, looking far too relaxed at the prospect of multiple undergarments haphazardly thrown about and Yaga is so scared to confirm if any one of them belonged to Shoko. "They're clothes."

Getou swears under his breath. "No shit, sherlock."

Yaga counts to three in his head. "I'm only gonna ask this once,” he breathes out. “But what is Shoko doing here?"

"She's helping us choose outfits for our date tomorrow," Getou replies casually.

Yaga deflates. Oh. That he knew. "I see—"

"Have you made the booking, by the way?" Shoko finally says, reaching for Gojo's phone and bringing it up to his face to unlock it. "We need to let them know we’re a party of 3."

"T-three of you?" Yaga stutters.

"Yes, sensei," Gojo looks at him unsurely. "Didn't we tell you?"

"Tell me what?" Yaga shrieks.

Gojo loops his arms around Getou and Shoko, grinning.

"We're finally official now."

#sashisu #satoshoko #sugushoko #satosugu #gojo satoru #getou suguru #ieiri shoko #jujutsu kaisen #fic

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atruththatyoudeny · 9 months

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Happy28th! Here are all the fics I read and loved this month. I’m probably not saying it enough but all you talented authors in this fandom deserve all the love ♥

Train Tracks and Porcelain | jaerie | [42k] At the first hint of light, Louis was slowly brought back to consciousness by the growing swell of activity around him. It started in the distance with loud clanks and clatters and rose with the hollers of men and thudding of boots against the solid earth. He listened as he blinked the sleep out of his eyes and tried to place any sounds he was familiar with. It took him too long to remember that he wasn’t back in his rented room. The energy was what floated to him next, a buzz that made him peek through the leaves to see what was going on. The next moments happened in the strange slow motion of dawn. Shadows were forming into people and things and, there in the middle of it, Louis watched the humongous head of an elephant emerge from a box car right in front of his eyes. Or a Water For Elephants inspired AU

Gemma's Dad (Could Use A Guy Like Me) | lululawrence | [83k] The summer before Louis and Gemma's senior year of college was supposed to be their last big hurrah before they graduate college and become Real Adults in the workforce. They had it all planned and it was going to be filled with mornings skateboarding, afternoons at the pool, and evenings hanging out with as many of the neighborhood kids they grew up with as they can. Of course, Louis wasn't planning on getting home and learning that Gemma's dad had gotten the house in the divorce and was dealing with things by focusing on work, the house, and his newly planted garden. It becomes obvious early on that Harry is a bit lost and Gemma is worried about him. To help both of them, Louis is more than happy to help Harry find himself again. As the summer goes on, the adventures and day to day happenings allow Harry and Louis to spend a lot more time together than either of them ever anticipated and Louis finds it more difficult to keep his growing feelings in check than he ever thought it would be. After all, there wasn't a chance that Harry would ever be interested in Louis... right?

waving to the hard times | beardyboyzx | [80k] “When you took power, you promised the people equality, freedom from any form of discrimination, and the peace we were severely lacking. Today, once again, you're proving yourself to be a fake, a clown who rose to power just to think about himself.” Louis turns to look at the General once again and finds himself staring at the way his face seems scrunched up in pure and unadulterated rage. “But we — the people, have had enough of you and your barbarity.” Taking a step forward, the person raises his carbine and points it at the balcony. The crowd gasps and Louis takes his gun out of its holder and points it right back at them. “We've had enough. We're not gonna ask you to stop anymore. We're gonna make you.” -- Twenty-five years ago, a group of alpha soldiers led a revolution to dispose of the beta oppressive monarchy. Louis Tomlinson, the General’s alpha nephew, is set to follow in his footsteps and eventually lead the Country. When the arrest of a beta brings a silent resistance group to show themselves and threaten The General, Louis finds himself questioning the government's true nature and the equality of the law, in a quest that will change him for good.

I Want You to Linger | InsightfulInsomniac | [7k] Louis swallows, suddenly feeling very caught out. “Those… those are all for Harry.” “Yes.” Niall nods. “For Harry, who does not live here.” “I know he doesn’t, but I —“ Louis sets down his pen with a grimace. “Look, I’ll keep them in a box in my room, yeah? I just want him to feel comfortable when he’s over.” “Hm,” Niall hums, looking entirely unimpressed. “Mate, I’m not worried about the things themselves. The vase is actually really fucking nice; we look like proper adults with flowers on our coffee table. I’m saying we should talk about you courting Harry.” *** A friends-to-lovers fic in which oblivious alpha Louis courts his best friend, nests with the gifts he gets him, and is faced with the reality that sometimes telling someone you love them doesn’t go to plan (but turns out better in the end anyway).

Teach Me Your Ways | elsi_bee | [34k] Based on the following prompt: Omega Harry is the newly appointed sex ed teacher and uptight Alpha Louis does not approve of his very open methods. A rivalry ensues until Harry unravels him behind closed doors.

Captain Cupid | 2tiedships2 | [15k] “Right,” Niall started, finally getting the opportunity to unleash his horrible plan. “Well, as you both know, I’m an excellent matchmaker. A human Cupid.The best of the best at finding one's mate. And I’ve decided it’s time to make money doing it.” “Oh, God no,” Louis groaned, picking up his empty plate and placing it in the sink. He needed to escape as quickly as possible. Or the one where Niall enlists his friends to help start a speed dating side hustle. Things don't go as planned... or maybe they do?

Burning Soul | LarryAlways28 | [39k] MATE. “What?” He whispered to himself. His boots crunched into the dirt as he stepped out of Greyhound bus. The immediate energy he felt was safe, welcoming contentment. He hadn’t felt that in a long time. He squinted as he looked around the small city nestled in the mountains. Or was it a big town? A nearby green sign read “Seven Corners, Population 101,000” ____ Louis is a rogue Omega wolf, all he wants is a new start. Will he allow himself to fully embrace what awaits him, or will he run again, too damaged by past hurt?

You're Not My Type (still I fall) | Imogenlee | [39k] His mum is going to kill him! Well, not kill him. Just give him a right telling off, make him admit she'd been right, then try to confine him to his room until they found a hefty Alpha to look after him and rein him in or something. She wouldn't manage, of course. Harry is only twenty-four and has no inclination to settle down at all, especially not at the behest of an Alpha. But, as his mum would point out, that was the same stubborn attitude that got him here: in his car, in a thunderstorm, on the side of a forsaken lane of some little countryside town in Yorkshire. His mobile's got no signal, his GPS isn't working, and he's running low on petrol, so he can't even use the heater. Oh, and most importantly, his car is stuck in the mud, so even if the GPS was working and he knew where to go, he wouldn’t be able to. He's been in stickier spots; he reminds himself. Way stickier. This is just a bit of rain; it'll blow over. Then Harry will just... well, alright, he isn't entirely sure what to do when the rain stops because he'll still be stuck and lost. But, hey, there won't be any rain, which is something to cheer about.

#28th appreciation #fic rec #my fic rec #monthly fic recs #monthly reads #my reads #larry fics #completed fics

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lavender-romancer · 1 year

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Crosses on my body

Part One Tommy Shelby x Reader

You were a nun in Dublin but when you decided to take action against those in powerful positions in the church you had to escape. When you turn up in Birmingham and begin a relationship with Tommy Shelby will he be able to protect you from your past?

”*°•.˜”*°•. ˜”*°•. ˜”*°••°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜

All you could do was run, as fast as your legs would allow you. Fear drove you forward, it was the only thing that could motivate you to escape. As you got closer to the docks you felt every fibre of your body being lifted up to the heavens into freedom. You could feel your heart beating out of your body as you stepped onto the boat bound for Liverpool. Clutching your crucifix tight in your right hand, you stared out at the sea and let tears of shame roll down your face.

"Where are you coming from?" The British officer asked you as you handed over your identification in the Liverpool dock.

"Dublin," you mustered a fake smile.

"A lot of your lot coming here these days," he sighed and you had to resist rolling your eyes.

"All the more of us to help with the workforce then, as a woman of faith I have to hope we're all treated as God's children." You tightened your scarf around your neck and he looked at you through his eyelashes.

"Have you got any work set up for when you're here?" He asked.

"Yes, employment in Birmingham, this was just the easiest route to take." You handed over the advertisement and the correspondence you had with the Garrison Pub.

"Birmingham hmm, a lot of trouble in that city miss. Stay safe, you're free to enter." He handed you back your documents and you smiled before walking past him.

The journey to Birmingham wasn't too bad, the bruising on your neck made it worse- the swelling was bearable but the fact you had to wear a scratchy scarf everywhere was unimaginably uncomfortable. You took a cab to Garrison Lane and were surprised to hear yet another person warn you about 'the dangers of this city' as the driver put it. Was the evil you escaped present here too?

Tommy wasn't intending to go to the Garrison but when he saw you standing outside, clutching your crucifix he couldn't help himself. After Grace his inquisitive nature didn't usually get the best of him, but what could someone like you doing walking in there? Finding out you were Irish as well felt like too much of a coincidence but still Tommy observed you as you spoke to Harry and poured a pint.

"You don't look like someone who would know how to pour a pint," Arthur commented as you pushed his whisky towards him.

"I worked in a bar before being the the convent in Dublin," you smiled at him and he laughed.

"What were you? A fucking nun?" He asked.

"Yes, a fucking nun." You leaned on the bar and looked into his eyes.

"I like this one. Got a lot going on," Arthur yelled and Tommy approached the bar, sitting next to his brother "Tommy! Meet, Y/n. Our newest employee "

"I take it you're my employer?" You asked as you stuck out your hand towards him.

"Thomas Shelby, pleasure." He shook your hand and noted your soft hands but strong grip.

"He's all formality, Y/n. Tommy does not allow himself to have fun so forgive his lack of a friendly smile." Arthur's voice booked through the mostly empty pub and you laughed looking at Tommy's annoyed face.

"I'm used to the stoic type, so working somewhere like this allows me to actually see some kind of joy in people's eyes." You placed a glass of whisky in front of Thomas and he nodded in thanks.

"Where did you work before?" Tommy asked.

"A school. I taught orphaned children. But it was just too…" you paused. "There weren't any challenges. So I thought, maybe a new city." You could feel Tommys eyes on you, he knew you were lying.

"Working with children in those situations must give you challenges?" Tommy commented and you nodded.

"I suppose I wanted a new type of challenge for myself," you said quietly as you dried glasses and placed them under the bar.

"You can come with me to the church after your shift." Tommy said as he stood up and straightened his blazer.

"Do you need to be taught how to pray by someone who has a connection with our Lord?" You asked playfully.

"Perhaps." Tommy looked at the scarf around your neck before turning toward the door and leaving.

He knew you were hiding something, he'd never met someone of faith who didn't have some skeletons in their wardrobe. But what could someone like you hide? The scarf around your neck indicated to him that maybe you'd be strangled or hurt but that didn't exactly seem like a secret worth keeping. After the events with Grace he'd promised himself to not fall back into an arrangement full of lies but he couldn't help but think about your eyes. The darkness that he could see inside them mixed with sadness instantly drew him towards you.

It was approaching the end of your shift as the pub began to quieten down hour by hour when Thomas walked in and sat at the bar.

"Hope they haven't been too rowdy," he nodded to the private room where his brother and some other Shelby associates were.

"Not at all," you lied. "I'm used to it either way,"

"How is that? Going from barmaid to nun? Sounds too strange to lie about." Tommy picked up the glass of whisky you placed in front of him.

"Well, as they all say, I felt the calling of a higher power," you pointed up to the ceiling with a raised eyebrow. "I'm not exactly a complete success story but I still have a strong belief in God."

"Then why did you leave? This must be a backwater in comparison to what you came from." He commented looking over his glass at you.

"I love God. I don't necessarily love the way that love is expressed by others." You placed two pint glasses back under the bar.

"I don't believe in a higher power but I do agree with that. Some people use their religion to fund their own corruption," Tommy placed his left hand down on the bar, it was characteristically sticky. "You should get a barmaid to clean all this," he said with a smirk as he wiped his hand on his trouser leg.

"Ugh, tell me about it. Just can't get the staff." You walked towards the back with a handful of glasses before turning. "Still desiring a spiritual journey with me?" You asked him.

"Oh yes. Take those through and then you can leave for the night," He downed the rest of his whisky and you raised an eyebrow before placing down the glasses in the sink behind the bar.

As you left with Tommy walking towards the church the moon was at half wane, it reminded you of the night it had all happened- the night of the unforgivable act you'd committed.

"You're in your own head a lot huh?" Tommy remarked as he put his hands into the pocket of his overcoat.

"And you're not?" You retorted sharply.

"Fair point. I'll stand down." He smirked to himself.

"Have you ever prayed?" You asked.

"When I was younger, sometimes during the war. But that sort of thing beats down any hope of religion." His face was stoic once more.

"I can't imagine. But I know for some poor souls it was their only belief that they would get out alive. Were you infantry?" You turned your head towards him as you fidgeted with your sleeve.

"I was a tunneler. Along with Arthur, my other brother and some other men from here." Tommy looked up at the stars, the moon shining on the puddles pooled on the cobblestones.

"I'm sorry you had to suffer with that responsibility." You said with a genuine look of concern on your face.

"Well, all over now." Tommy said and a pregnant silence fell between the two that felt uncomfortable for you. You felt a need to fill it.

"I wish I could hear a church choir again or church bells" You reminisced as you saw the church up ahead.

"I think the only time I heard proper church bells and a choir was at my wedding, even then I didn't see the point of it." Tommy lit a cigarette and blew out the smoke. You held out your hand for one and he handed you one with a scoff.

"You're married?" You asked as you lit your cigarette and looked forward.

"Widowed now, anyways."

“I’m sorry for your loss, how did she die if you don’t mind me asking?” you tapped the ash off the end of your cigarette.

“She was killed a few months ago, I have no idea why I’m being so open with you. Might be the be the whole nun thing.” Tommy chuckled and you smiled.

“I get that a lot if you can believe. I’ve taken in a lot of secrets in my time regardless of how low level they were all important to me.” you looked toward Tommy.

“Are you going to save me from myself?” Tommy asked with a devilish look in his eyes.

“Only if you haven’t accepted Satan into your soul, Thomas.” You looked down at the pavement and didn’t notice Tommy looking at you. “If you are the Devil,” you paused.

“And I believe I might be.” Tommy interjected.

“Unless you find God, you’ll burn for eternity in Hell.” You smirked and Tommy sighed.

“Your God hasn’t given me much of a sign recently where i would express penance.” Tommy added and you shrugged.

“Sometimes we are not listening to his message,” You dropped your cigarette and stubbed it out.

“Here we are,” Tommy stopped and looked at the church before him. You stood by his side and took a deep breath, closing your eyes and allowing the wind to travel through your body.

As the two of you walked down the centre of the pews you took in the beauty of the Mother Mary statue at the centre feeling the warm ripple across your body as you approached the statue. Before sitting on the second pew from the front you made the sign of the cross on your chest, Tommy sat next to you. Bringing out your rosary Tommy raised an eyebrow.

“Have you ever prayed the rosary?” you asked holding the crucifix.

“Possibly with Polly when I was younger, but not with any knowledge of what I was doing,” Tommy looked down at your hands clutching the crucifix. “It’s sacred to you isn’t it?”

“Regardless of what has happened in the last 15 years of my life as a sister I always had the Lord and our Mother Mary. Prayer calms me and makes me feel like I’m uplifting myself. I suppose this crisis of faith I’m experiencing isn’t exactly the best time to show you how to pray.” You smiled and Tommy shook his head.

“You’re interesting to me. You were a nun for fuck sake, maybe I want to be saved?” Tommy theorised.

“And you believe I can save you, Thomas Shelby?” you asked looking into his eyes as he gazed down at your lips.

“I think you were sent here to save my soul,” He whispered

"I think you might be the devil," You said softly as you leant closer to his face

"Are you scared of that?" Tommy asked.

"I've been looking for a sign of God that he's listening. Some kind of notion that he still hears me. Perhaps if I kiss someone like you I will get that sign I need," you paused. "God will punish me."

“Then why do you want to kiss me?” He asked.

“So I know he exists,” you leant forward and kissed him softly, Tommy’s hand placed over your rosary in a confused notion of faith, “Ah, well. I wasn’t struck down by lightning. Maybe you aren’t the Devil.”

“I think I can challenge that point of view,” Tommy put a hand on your cheek.

“Our Father,” You began to whisper. “Who art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” You paused once more and tried to connect with your deeper self. “Amen.”

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