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jae-bummer · 7 months

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Crimes Against Punctuality

Request: Hi! I'm in loooooove with your writing and I saw that you have your request open soooooo can I ask for “Going out to dinner with your bias group and it is growing increasingly obvious that someone at the table has a crush. “ with Suga 😍💕 pls😭🫶

Prompt:

16) Going out to dinner with your bias group and it is growing increasingly obvious that someone at the table has a crush.

Pairing: BTS Suga x Reader

Genre: Fluff

If there was one constant in your world, it was this: when it came to dinner with your friends, you were never late.

Had you often arrived after nearly everyone else? Yes. Did that include technically running at least thirty minutes late on more than one occasion? Also, yes.

But out of the eight of you, there was always someone who was later, therefore absolving you of your offenses.

Sprinting toward the restaurant, you quietly cursed to yourself. Even though they got more than enough crap for it normally, you hoped that tonight, Jimin or Jungkook were running late. If they were already there when you walked through the door, you wouldn't hear the end of it. You needed one of them (or both, you weren't picky) to be the martyr just this once.

Taking the steps two at a time toward the front door of the establishment, you groaned as you flopped against the glass. Pushing at what was an evident pull, you took a step backwards before advancing again.

"It'll be fine," you muttered to yourself. "They get so wrapped up in each other, they won't even notice I'm missing."

Coming to a halt in front of the hostess stand, you opened your mouth, only to be silenced by screams coming from the back of the room.

"I'm guessing you're with them?" the hostess asked, lifting a brow.

Looking over her shoulder, you could clearly see where all seven men had already been seated, and were now zeroing in on you.

"I guess," you agreed, slumping your posture as you walked slowly toward them.

"Y/N!" "You're late." "Did you know you're late?!" "Jimin got here fifteen minutes ago and you couldn't even-" "I took two showers today and still-"

"I ordered you a lemonade."

Looking up as you slid onto the bench seat next to Yoongi, you let out a short chuckle. "Wouldn't have been my first choice."

"I know," he smirked. " It's punishment for your crimes against punctuality."

"How mildly inconvenient," you sighed, picking up your menu. "How is everyone?"

"Starving." "Withering away to nothing." "I have this suspicious mole on my elbow, can anyone-"

"Not all at once," you laughed. Side eying the man next to you, you elbowed him in the side. "What about you?"

"What about me?" he asked calmly, looking to his menu as well.

"How are you?" you repeated.

"Peachy," he grumbled, now glancing your way. "How are you?"

"Tired," you nodded. "Things are just a lot, but you know that all too well."

"What had you late this time?" he questioned, looking away quickly again.

You narrowed your eyes. Sure, Yoongi was odd in a generic way, but something else was going on with him tonight. His vibe was heavier somehow, more guarded.

"Work was a disaster," you explained. "Have you had the bibimbap here before?"

"Namjoon said you had a date."

Choking on what could only be air, you whipped your attention back toward him. "What?"

"With that new guy at your office." He refused to look at you now, but you noticed the tips of his ears were burning a bright crimson.

"Min Yoongi," you gasped. "I never took you for a gossip."

"It's hardly gossip if you told Namjoon," he muttered, flipping the menu over.

Setting your glare on Namjoon, you cleared your throat. Like prey that had been spotted by its predator, he slowly turned toward you with wide eyes. "Can I help you?"

"Who told you I had a date with my coworker?" you asked innocently. "Because I surely did not."

Swallowing loudly, a timid smile crossed his face. "Hobi?"

"Hoseok?" you hummed, swiveling your head to the newest rumor mill.

"I just, when I-" he began to stutter, looking at the members around him for help. "We got lunch the other day and you took a really long time "finishing up" with him!"

Your draw dropped. "What did you think finishing up meant, Hobi?!"

"I mean...I know what it means to Tae-"

"Hey," Taehyung's deep voice hissed. "Leave me out of this."

"Why does it matter anyway!" Hoseok shouted in his Hoseok way. "It's not like you have to answer to any of us!"

Lifting a brow, you turned back to Yoongi. He blinked back at you, his expression remaining blank. "Is the sun in your eyes? I feel like the sun is in my eyes."

You tilted your head, completely at a loss. Out of the seven men sitting around you, Yoongi had always been a bit of enigma. You liked him just as well as you liked your other friends, but it seemed like he was always just slightly withdrawn with you. He was brilliant, sarcastic, and easily one of your favorite people to talk to, but just when you thought you had overcome a barrier with him, he retreated again.

Tonight was even worse than normal.

"Jin, switch seats with me," Yoongi croaked, backing out of the bench seating. Trapped between you and Tae, there was no other way to escape.

Jin looked up with lifted brows, his cheeks packed with what appeared to be kimchi. "Me?"

"Yes, you," Yoongi confirmed, lingering awkwardly behind you now. "The sun is in my eyes over here. You're taller so it won't bother you."

Furrowing your brows, you realized that Jin was in the furthest seat away from you. A sour feeling swept through your stomach as you looked toward the window across from your table instead. "I'm sure they'll close the blinds if we ask-"

"I'll switch with you," Jungkook said cheerfully, sliding off of the bench and circling the table. He had been seated directly across from you.

"No, no, no," Yoongi said quickly. "The sun will bother you just as much."

"Jin isn't that much taller-"

"Listen to your hyung!" Yoongi groaned. "Jin-"

"I'm not moving," the other boy said stiffly, crunching on his food.

Yoongi inhaled deeply before looking up to Jungkook. "Fine," he said quietly, trying to save face. "I hope you like not being able to see."

"It's really no problem," Jungkook giggled, making his way toward you again. Shouldering himself in, he plopped down onto the bench with a content sigh. "So tell me about this date, Y/N."

"There was no date!" you huffed. "Hobi is just dramatic."

"Shocker," you could hear Jimin chuckle from the opposite side of Taehyung.

Directing your attention back to Yoongi as he settled in across from you, you couldn't help but lean forward. "Are you feeling okay?"

"Why?" Yoongi countered, not bothering to give you a real answer.

"You're acting really weird," you said quietly, trying to keep the exchange to yourselves as the other members fell back into a normal cadence of conversation.

"Surely I don't know what you mean," he sniffed, still refusing to look directly at you. It was hard not to notice that the blush that had previously painted his ears was now clouding across his face.

"Are you mad at me?" you tried again. "For making a big deal about the date comment?"

"I don't care who you date, Y/N."

"I didn't say you did, I just-"

Springing up from his chair, the table grew quiet as Yoongi hovered in place. "I, uh, I need to use the restroom."

Turning on his heel, instead of heading to where the actual bathrooms were, he exited onto the back patio of the restaurant.

"Did anyone ask?" Hobi marveled, glancing around the table.

"Joon," you sighed, setting your elbows on the table so you could drop your chin into your palm. "What is going on?"

"What do you mean?" Oh, so now it was his turn to be evasive.

"Don't act like you don't know everything," you muttered. "Now why is Yoongi acting like I have a disease?"

Glancing from one end of the table to the other to confirm that Yoongi was indeed not there, Namjoon whispered. "Have you considered that maybe, he brought up the "date" for a reason?"

"Yes," you nodded. "Because you all are worse than a group of middle aged women when it comes to circulating rumors."

"Well...yes," he said slowly. "But are there any other reasons you can think of?"

You hadn't really wanted to examine his question too closely because you knew what result it would yield. "You don't mean..."

Shrugging, he took a sip of his drink. "Just a thought."

Yoongi could not be jealous. You had assumed that he was just a peace with dying alone because there was never a partner to be seen. Of course, he could have been careful about his privacy, but you knew one of the guys would have found out and spilled the beans. He had no interest in dating, so why would that change for you? Could you have been that wrong?

You supposed it was time to find out.

"I guess I have to use the "bathroom" too," you grumbled, pulling yourself to your feet.

"Are we in an airport?" Jin complained. "We do not need to know about these departures."

Rolling your eyes, you slinked off to the door leading to the seating area in the back of the establishment. Peering out of the glass paned door, you saw Yoongi leaning on the edge of a picnic table, his back facing you and face tilted toward the sky.

Making sure you pulled instead of pushing the door this time, you shuffled out of the building. Uncertain of what to do, you decided to take a seat on the picnic tabletop next to him. After a few minutes of silence, he cleared his throat.

"I'm an idiot."

"Sure," you nodded. "But is there a specific reason?"

"Nope," he sighed. "Just a self-assessment."

"Yoongi," you said, exasperated. Simply saying his name was enough to have him finally look toward you.

"You figured it out, right?" he asked, lifting his brows.

"After talking to Namjoon, yeah," you admitted. "I think I may have known before that though."

The two of you lapsed into silence again. This was all new territory with Yoongi. You knew him better than a lot of people but were still missing out on so much. He kept impenetrable walls around himself, but did this mean that he was finally giving you a key?

Holding your breath, you looked down to find Yoongi's hand leaned on the table between the two of you. You began to move your own fingers slowly toward his, not stopping until they had become intertwined.

There was another moment of silence as you allowed yourself to decompress. You had done it, and he hadn't pulled away. Baby steps were still steps.

Yoongi let out a deep sigh. Closing his eyes, the corner of his lips hitched up ever so slightly. "It feels like a relief."

"What does?"

"You finding me," he said quietly.

The moment was so fragile, you were scared that breathing wrong would cause it to break. "You didn't get very far."

"No," he chuckled. "Not out here."

"Oh," you chirped, suddenly getting his meaning. "I - I don't know if I've found you yet, Yoongi. I need you to help me...if you want to."

"I want to," he said without missing a beat. "I'm not the most open person, Y/N. I can't be like Hobi or Tae. I can't just broadcast my emotions and every thought that crosses my mind."

"You can't?" you asked sarcastically. "And here I thought it was your heart stitched on your sleeve!"

This caused him to smile again. "I know I can be cold and closed off, but I don't want to be that way with you. Not anymore."

"What changed?"

Maybe it was the wrong thing to say. You fell into silence yet again but after a moment, realized that it just meant Yoongi was carefully choosing his words. "Me, I think."

"How so?"

"I never wanted to be with anyone," Yoongi said quietly, confirming your earlier thoughts. "It's just easier being alone...but then, you showed up with Jimin one night. I was hesitant to even make friends because it's a lot of upkeep, you know? Being social and caring about another person is such an investment and it can be so painful...but then I got to know you. It was almost as if I felt my heart change in real time."

"Because of our friendship?"

"Because of you," he corrected. "And against my better judgement, I dared to hope that we could be something if you decided to take a chance on me."

"Well, it sounds like you took one on me," you hummed. "It seems only fair that I do the same."

This time when Yoongi turned to look at you, he really looked at you. "Do you mean that?"

"Very much so," you grinned. "Be careful about letting me in, Yoongi. I may never want to leave."

"What if I don't want you to?"

His words were a whisper, and his eyes were looking so intently into yours. You felt like you would melt on the spot.

"Then I won't."

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sully-s · 26 days

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I don’t know if you’ve answered this already but how do you draw your poses so fluidly?? A lot of my drawings seem stiff

First off your art most likely isn't as stiff as you think. Sadely you have taken interest in the art of making art therefore you've been cursed like all those before you with stiff-ism. I swear all artists think their art is too stiff. I think my art is stiff. Artists who do those paintings that are all abstract and just squiggly lines you ask them "How do you feel about this piece" They say "Hmm little stiff." Lol. But to answer your question it really just takes time. Fuildy in your art comes from confidence in your art. Confidence comes from doing something a lot so often you do it well. Some of that is pure muscle memory. Training your arm (or wrist though you should discourage leading with your wrist because the range of movement is lacking so you can crutch yourself) to make smooth sweeping lines is like working out any muscle it just takes practice. Some of that is honing your "Eye" which is mainly having the mindfulness to notice how weight flows, pools, and moves in the world, other's art, and in your own art. When I say in the world you study real life when you walk about you see how a dead fall dry leaf curls in on itself having only a tiny section of its being in contact with the sidewalk. While a wet freshly plucked leaf is face plastered almost stamped on the same sidewalk. When I say other's art you can see and understand the choices and placement of movement. And can reverse engineer the same choices with various results (because it's one thing to understand but to do is whole another thing mainly because you' don't have the same muscle memory) When I say your own art you are mindful enough to locate the problem points. We've all times when we look at a piece and are like it's stiff but can't qauifty why. Eventually, you'll notice patterns and weak points in your work that you can choose to work on if you want. Lastly you think it out. Just think about the cause and effects of forces on your piece. The jacket on your subject is stuff with all manner of things that one would keep in a bag so it's weighed down so you'd make a long narrowing U where the pockets are. Thinking it out also will help dictate your line weight which is a lot of how fuild lines feel Tho it will become second nature as you mature as an artist. All of these get better with time and experience now you can do line drills to help with your muscle memory, you can do life studies to help your world eye, you can take tutorials to hone your other's art eye and you can have other's criquite your work to help expose problem points. Or you could just draw it will come in time slower but you will improve. I hope that was some what useful and I wish you the best with your fluidity in your future pieces :)

#Shop Talk #Q&A #Art Talk

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late-to-the-party-81 · 1 year

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Hi Jen! Congrats on the 1K ❤️ You deserve them all and so much more!

I’m sorry that I’m a little bit late with sending in a request but would it be possible to do “The grumpy one is soft for the sunshine one” with Mr. Bucky 🥺 All the love and hugs to you!

AN: Hanna, my love! I hope you enjoy this!

ANd this brings my celebration fics to a close. You still have plenty of time to write your own Challenge Fic for inclusion on my celebration masterlist.

Beta’d by @lfnr-blog-blog-blog. Dividers by @firefly-graphics, moodboard and banner by me

Main Master list | Challenge Master list

Summary: You’re perpetually chipper and happy. The steely-eyed brunet you run into outside your work is not.

Relationship: Bucky x Reader

Word Count: 2.2k

CW: Grumpy Bucky, Meet Cute, Fluff and flirting.

You’re always happy. Nothing ever seems to get you down. So much so, that even your friends call you ‘Sunny’. Que sera, sera was your motto. No use crying over spilt milk, etc. Life is what you make of it, so you choose to make it joyful. Your best friend thought that your receptionist job would eventually wear you down and turn you into a cynic, like her, but no. It was like being upbeat was your superpower.

It was therefore a normal morning as you walked down the sidewalk, humming along to the music pumping through your earbuds, on your way to work. The subway hadn’t been packed, the sun was shining out from behind the clouds and you knew it would be a wonderful day, especially once you’d picked up your hazelnut latte from old Frankie, the street coffee vendor half a block from your office. He always had your drink waiting for you and you always had just slightly more than the exact change, rushing away without taking the change, no matter how many times he’d tried to either catch up with you, or insist the next one was on the house. Thinking about that first sip of nutty-sweet milky java had you almost salivating. Unfortunately it also distracted you.

You registered the bump, followed by a curse that was loud enough to pierce through the music pulsating straight into your ears. You turned to see a man in a leather jacket, with short brown hair, swiping at the patch of wetness on his jeans with a gloved hand, while an empty paper coffee cup lay on its side on the ground. You pulled out your earbuds and then, without thinking, pulled a handful of paper napkins out of your purse. You dropped to a crouch in front of him and started to pat at the dampness.

“I’m so sorry! I was just distracted by the beauty of the day and the thought of my first coffee, and I just didn’t see you, and I hope you’re okay and…”

Your brain kicked in as two things happened. Firstly, you realised that you were patting very close to the stranger’s crotch. Secondly, the napkins were being pulled out your hand very firmly and you were being pulled to your feet.

Blue.

That’s what you noticed first.

Icy, steely blue.

His eyes were like diamonds and momentarily you couldn’t look away.

“...I said, do you always make a habit of accosting and groping strangers first thing in the morning?”

You snapped back to reality as you realised that ‘blue eyes’ was talking to you. Well, actually, it was more like growling at you. What a sourpuss. You flashed him one of your trademark smiles.

“Not everyday, I’ll admit - the police might have something to say about it.” The man ‘harumphed’ and continued glaring at you. Obviously not a fan of your brand of humour.

“...Anyway, let me get you another coffee, it’s the least I can do to apologise.”

You turned toward old Frankie and his cart, and bless his soul if he didn’t already have your drink, and what you could only assume was a duplicate of Grumpy’s order.

“The refill is on the house, Sunny. And no arguments. Accidents happen.”

You smiled at the old man and bent down to place a kiss on his cheek.

“That they do, Frankie. And, if you’ll excuse the blasphemy, it’s only coffee.”

He shook his head at you with a smile and waved you away so he could deal with his next customer. You turned back to the object of your unanticipated morning interaction, only to find that he’s gone. You turned in a circle, seeing if you could spot which way he’d gone, but nope, he’d completely disappeared. Well, his loss, and now you had a spare coffee. With a small shrug you continued on your way.

Ten am, and you were settled into your day. You loved your job as a receptionist at the VA. You got to help some of your nation’s greatest and bravest citizens transition back to civilian life, which you felt was the least you could do to show your appreciation. When you weren’t greeting those coming to use the various services offered at this centre, you were phoning veterans to organise appointments for physiotherapy, counselling and group support sessions.

“Hey, Sunny!” You looked up from your computer to see Joe, one of the support group leaders smiling at you as he leant on your counter.

“Morning, Joe! It’s a lovely day today, and made even better by you being here!”

“Sunny, you keep flirting like that, I’m gonna have to insist you come out for a drink with me.”

You chuckled. This was your regular banter with him.

“Joe, you know this ain’t flirting, this is just me. And you’re as old as my dad.”

He clutched his hand to his heart, theatrically. “You wound me, Sunny. I may just expire, as I’m apparently that old. Anyhow, you got me the expected attendance list for the meeting?”

You rifled through the papers in the folder on your desk.

“Sure thing. Here it is. I can see you gotta few new names on here, so hopefully it will be an interesting one.”

“You know that’s an old Chinese curse - ‘may you live in interesting times’?” He gave you a wink as he took the paper from your hand and walked off towards the room he used, with only a slight limp giving away the fact that his right leg was a prosthetic.

Half an hour later and the vets for the Joe’s group started to arrive, all of them being amputees of some description, some sporting prosthetics and others not. They all came together though, to talk about the trauma of losing a limb in combat, the long road to recovery and issues associated with having a prosthetic or a missing limb, both physically, mentally and socially.

The regulars came up and used the computer screen on their side of your desk to log their arrival and get a printed photo sticker-badge to wear. The newbies, however, had to go through you for their first time, which is why you always recommended they turn up 15 minutes before the start of the session so you could double check their identity, the information you held and then get them a computer profile set up for all return visits.

You’d just completed all the paperwork with one newcomer, and sent him off with an old-hand to the meeting room when the doors to the building slammed open. You looked up and couldn’t stop the smile from spreading across your face.

“It’s you! I’m afraid I drank your replacement coffee, cos you disappeared so quickly.”

Grumpy just glared at you. You noticed there was still a slight stain on his jeans. You tried a different tack.

“Can I help you with anything? Are you a vet, or looking to support a vet? We’ve got lots of programmes and support groups.”

Still without saying anything he tugged the glove off his left hand, revealing the metallic sheen of the most advanced prosthetic you’d ever seen. Understanding dawned.

“Ooo! Are you here for the amputee support group?” You looked down at your copy of the attendance list, noting that only one vet, one of the new guys hadn’t yet checked in. “Are you James Barnes?”

“Sergeant.”

A look of puzzlement marred your features.

“Pardon?”

“Sergeant Barnes.” You got it then. Some guys, especially if fresh out and still adjusting, preferred to be referred to by their military rank.

“Okay, Sergeant Barnes. I’ve just gotta get you set up here. What’s your date of birth?” You glanced up from your computer to find he was still staring at you.

“Seriously? You’re asking me that?”

You were confused by his tone; this wasn’t normally an issue.

“Absolutely. Gotta make sure I’ve got it all correct.”

“Like you don’t already know.”

Your almost permanent smile started to falter under his intense gaze.

“I really don’t. And I need it for the records.”

Barnes let out a resigned huff.

“Fine. Play your games. Seventeenth March, 1917.”

“1970? Gotta say, you don’t look like you’re over fifty. Good genes I suppose.”

“No, doll. 1917. One Nine One Seven.”

Now you were really confused.

“How is that possible? That would make you…” You paused while you did the maths in your head…. “One hundred and six. And like I just said, you don’t even look fifty.”

“Look, doll. Either you’re a really good actress, been hiding under a rock, or just dumb.”

Normally you could keep your cool, laugh and brush off negative comments, but something about the grumpy sergeant was rubbing you up the wrong way.

“That’s not very nice, Sergeant. Just because you don’t like the questions and don’t want to answer them properly, doesn’t mean you have to be mean to me.”

He sighed again and pinched the bridge of his nose.

“Are you really telling me that you don’t know who I am? Even with having my name in front of you, seeing my arm and me telling you how old I am? Don’t you ever watch the news?”

“Not really. It’s too depressing and sad.”

Another sigh.

“Okay, okay. My full name is James Buchanen Barnes, 107th. Presumed KIA in February 1945, but in fact taken captive by Hydra. I survived traumatic, unintentional amputation of my left arm via snowy mountainside, and was given a replacement by them when they brain-washed me, turning me into an assassin, and was kept cryogenically frozen between missions, spanning over 70 years. I was known as the Winter Soldier. My conditioning started to break in 2014 when I was commanded to kill Captain America, but as Steve was my childhood best friend, my brain rebelled. I went on the run for two years until I was framed for the assassination of King T’Chaka of Wakanda and captured by Shield, then triggered into my Winter Soldier state by a disgruntled Sokovian Baron, wanting revenge on the Avengers for the death of his family during the Ultron incident. I then spent a further two years in Wakanda, having my programming broken, recovering mentally and physically, and given this new arm, before fighting Thanos and getting dusted with half of everyone else. Came back in the Blip, and now supporting Sam Wilson as the new Captain America. I was pardoned for my past crimes and have to attend court mandated therapy and it’s been suggested that attending a support group could be good for me. Know who I am now?”

It was your turn to stare, eyes wide and mouth open as you absorbed all the information from his monologue.

“Soooo, what I’m getting is that you really are 106 years old and for some reason you have a pardon and court-mandated therapy for things you did while you were brain-washed. Seems hinky to me, but who am I to question it?”

A snort left Barnes’ nose, a mix of disbelief and amusement.

“That’s what you take from my story. No questions about Hydra, no histrionics about the fact that a famed assassin is standing in front of you?”

“Why would I? You’ve told me you’ve been ‘deprogrammed’, you’ve been referred to us for group support, and if you were that dangerous I’m sure I wouldn’t have survived the coffee incident this morning.”

His lips twitched, and his face transformed. The lines in his forehead disappeared and migrated to the corners of his eyes, eyes that were now less steel and more spring sky coloured.

“Nothing phases you, does it?”

“Nope. That’s why everyone calls me Sunny. And is that a smile I see, Sergeant? Don’t tell me that somehow I’ve broken through that stoic facade of yours?”

His smile grew wider.

“I’m sure you’re just imagining it. I’m still really annoyed.”

“Uh-huh?” You smiled back. No, you grinned back.

He leaned his crossed arms on the counter, his stance now far more relaxed.

“What other information do you need for that computer system of yours, Sunny? My telephone number perhaps?”

Oh, wow! He’d gone from grumpy to flirt in less than 60 seconds. Now he was fully smiling you had to admit he was kinda cute. Or rather hella hot. You resisted the urge to pull at the neckline of your top to let the steam out.

“I’ve already got a record of that here already, Sergeant.”

His arm reached over the countertop and he snagged your pen and notepad from next to you.

“Well, just in case you need it again for your records, or for any other purpose, I’ll write it down for you.”

If it was possible, your grin got wider.

“Why, Sergeant Barnes, that’s very… helpful of you.”

“Call me James, doll. Or Bucky, if you want.” The tip of his tongue peaked out from between his lips and you were mesmerised.

“Of course… James.”

You swore you saw him shiver as you said his name.

The clock above your head gave a ‘ding’ as it struck the hour, and you realised that his session was about to start. You gave a little cough and dragged your eyes away from Barnes’ James’ face and back to your computer.

“I’d best get this all finished off, so you can go join in the group. It’s really good - Joe is so lovely and supportive.”

You finished typing, directed him to stand in front of the camera (which he scowled at) and printed off his sticker ID.

“When you finish, just peel off the sticker, place it in the bin and note on the system that you’re leaving. That should be around midday.”

“And when do you get your lunch break, doll?”

Oh! How were you supposed to cope in the face of his megawatt charm? It had been a lot easier when he was grouchy, even though you’d wanted to tease him.

“Why, James, are you asking me out?”

“Well, you do owe me a coffee.”

Tag list: @jobean12-blog @bucky-bucky-bucky-bucky @tuiccim @yarnforbrains @sidepartskinnyjeans @flordeamatista @krissy25 @bodeckersdiamonddoll @goldylions @luxeavenger @wheezy-stucky @doasyoudesireandlive @chemtrails-club @seitmai @talia-rumlow @peaches1958

#bucky x you #bucky barnes x reader #bucky barnes x you #jen's 1k follower celebration #jen's 1k challenge #Hanna 📔

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storiesbyrhi · 4 months

Text

Witch!Reader x Bat/Vampire!Eddie Munson Series Masterlist The Grimoire The Timeline

Warnings: canon typical violence, horror genre typical violence/some infrequent gore, swearing, animal death, no beta, death in childbirth (mentioned, not described), abusive parents, suicide, spiders/bugs, grief/mourning; light smut; warnings updated each chapter.

Synopsis: No witch has stepped foot in Hawkins since 1845, but when Vecna opens the ground and poisons the town, a voice begins to call to you. Have you been brought back to this cursed place to heal the townspeople’s wounds, to save a hexed bat that always finds its way to you, or to redefine your history with a reunion 150 years in the making?

Chapter Summary: It's time for a family reunion. 2918 words.

1986

Kelsey picked up on the third ring. “Have you done something?” she asked.

“I miss when you used to say ‘hello’ or ask how I’m doing,”

“No, you don’t. They’re acting weird. Weirder than usual,”

“Who?”

“You know who. Sally and Gillian. I know they’re always moody and strange… but, I don’t know, something is up.”

You sighed. Audibly.

“Right, so you have done something?” she asked again.

“I’m coming home,”

“What?!” Kelsey screeched. “What? Why? Are you okay? What happened?”

“Stop, stop. Calm down. Nothing happened. Not recently at least. I just… I remembered some shit from a while back and I need to ask them about it. It needs to happen face to face.”

Kelsey considered the news. “Remembered shit from when?” She sounded like she almost knew what you were talking about. Like she was trying to work something out for herself. “From when we were there, right?”

When you didn’t answer, she knew it meant yes.

“I know it took a toll on all of us. The vampires and the… death. But they changed the most. They kept their names and have hardly kept up with the world since. Nobody talks about it. But… You think something happened? You’ve figured it out?”

Lying to her felt worse now that you knew the truth. The only way you could convince yourself to do it at all was knowing that Kelsey would soon get her memories back too.

“I don’t know. Maybe. Don’t say anything to them, alright?”

“I think they already know. Like I said… extra weird,”

“Well, don’t confirm it then. I just wanted to give you the heads up so you’d be around. I want to see you,” you told her.

“I’ll be here. And I will keep avoiding them. Like I have been. They’ve definitely noticed though,”

“Let them. They won’t go looking for confrontation.”

She treated your word like a Freudian slip. “Will you? Is that why you’re coming back?”

“I was always coming back,”

“Yeah, but it’s been a couple months since, you know, Hawkins was saved and everything went quiet. If there’s nothing supernatural keeping you there…”

“I was always coming back, Kels,” you told her firmly.

“Sure. Yeah. So, are you back for good?” There was hope in her voice, but it was tempered with her understanding of you.

“No. Not yet.”

Kelsey nodded, but said nothing. You could hear her glasses clink against the phone.

“I’m driving over tomorrow. I’ll be there around dusk.”

She wanted to know why you needed the element of surprise. She wanted to know what was tying you to Hawkins. What had you been doing there? Why did it feel like she was speaking to a different version of you from the one she had always known? What did you know?

“I’ll be waiting. Drive safe,”

“I love you,”

“I love you too.”

…

The timing needed to be right. Darkness would need to envelop the Catskills when you arrived. It, therefore, was a requirement that Eddie would ride shotgun in his new bat form.

You set up a little nest of scarves and altar cloths on the front seat for him. He nestled in and slept for most of the ride. Not the best road trip partner, but Eddie was owed sleep, if nothing else.

On you drove, gas station snacks and Strawberries by The Damned fuelling you. You’d forgotten how good Life Goes On was.

It was a pretty part of America, albeit a little monotonous. By the time you crossed into the great state of New York, the I-90 and I-86 finally behind you, you were aching. Long drives are a bitch, even for a witch.

Your coven was hidden high up in the mountains, behind a concealed gate. With the car still idling, you got out and stretched, looking beyond the road and down at the rolling valleys. The forests looked as though they were ablaze. The sun had just set, reflecting saturated reds and oranges into the fluffy clouds. Sky-bound flames licking up and fading into darkening blue.

Should you feel at home? Back to where you thought you belonged?

Turning back to your car, you spoke the words to switch Eddie back to himself. He appeared in the front seat, naked and a little blurry-eyed. Just seeing Eddie, the real Eddie, made you feel better.

He pulled on the pants you’d packed in the footwell of his seat, then joined you on the side of the road. Reaching for you, Eddie bundled you up in a hug, kissing the top of your head.

“Why have you stopped here?” he asked.

“This is the way in. Only witches can find it. Wards and illusion spells and all that, you know?” You let him go and turned to the forest adjacent to the road. It appeared thick, untouched. No gates or paths in sight. At a grand old beech tree a few steps in, you held your hand out to Eddie. “Want to help me open it?”

Eddie nodded and followed you, he took your hand and looked at you for instructions.

“I’d usually use a pin or my athame, though that is not what it’s meant for. But now I have you,” you said with a sly smile. “I need a little blood, if you would be so helpful.”

When you held a finger out to him, Eddie grinned. “I don’t imagine this is how your coven dreamt this gate should be opened.” He took your hand and sucked the finger in. His sharp canines pierced your soft skin easily.

Eddie’s mouth filled with blood, his eyes closed, and he lost himself a little bit. You watched wide-eyed and tingly all over. When he was ready, Eddie let your hand go, a little blood staining his lips.

“Thanks,” you whispered.

He said nothing, afraid that all that could come from him was a moan.

Turning back to the tree, you wiped your bleeding hand across the bark of the beech. “Per sanguinem et magica… aperire,” you cast.

Like Eddie had read in The Lord of the Rings – speak friend and enter – magic unfurled its claws, giving entry. Trees that were solid and real suddenly shimmered into oblivion. The dead leaves that thicky covered the forest floor swept up into whirling breezes and left a road clean.

You smiled at the awestruck look on Eddie’s face.

Pragmatic and practical and full of faith in the universe, you had never been the type to mourn what you never quite had. Yet, you couldn’t help but think of how it could have been so different. If Eddie had been a mortal boy, or even fae or cryptid, you could have been bringing him home to meet the coven under such different circumstances. His natural curiosity and growing love for magic could have been met with a witch’s pride in her craft.

“Are you ready?” you asked him, the sadness in your voice entirely detectable.

Eddie’s dark eyes fell to your face and he nodded. He took both your hands and held them in his. “I love you,” he whispered.

You stepped into him, resting your forehead on his chest. There was no heartbeat to listen to, despite Eddie sometimes saying he swore he felt something move in there whenever you were close.

“I love you too.”

With nothing left to do, you cast Eddie back into the bat, “sic fiat,” picked up his pants, and got behind the wheel of your car. Slowly, overly cautiously, you rolled further into the forest, closer to the past and the present and the future.

Eddie glided overhead, keeping as much distance between him and the ground as he could, but near enough that he could be by your side in a second. He watched as the forest became less dense, with gravel roads and small buildings popping up between the trees. There were cabins with cottage gardens, modern mini homes, and other structures Eddie couldn’t guess the use for. It was a view into the subterranean lives of witches.

He perched on the roof of the small cabin you parked out the front of.

In a blur of black clothes and the scent of oakmoss and citrus, a witch quickly emerged from the cabin and plucked you from the ground, spinning you in an extended hug.

“Well look what the cat dragged in… Or should I say bat?” She motioned upwards with a single nod of the head.

If she had noticed your shadow bat, had the others?

Also, how were you meant to reply to that?

Kelsey laughed at your blank face. “It’s fine. Everyone else will be focused on you… And besides… I had a sneaking suspicion you weren’t coming back alone,”

“I’ll tell you everything, I promise. I just have to see them first. Give them a chance to…” You shrugged. “I don’t know… A chance to…”

“Fix what they broke?” Kels finished. She read the look on your face. “Don’t worry, I haven’t figured out shit. But you’re not the only witch that sits around trying to solve puzzles, you know?”

Of course she had a murder board mind too.

You smiled at her and nodded. “Right. Well. I better head up there.” The sound of the coven becoming aware of your arrival was getting louder.

“I’ll do some crowd management,”

“Thank you. I don’t know how long this will take but I’ll come straight back as soon as I can.”

Kelsey nodded into you as you hugged again, holding on tightly to each other. On the cusp of something, you both felt the edge beneath your feet.

Darting around Kel’s cabin before anyone else could greet you, you cut through some wilderness to get on the barely-there track to Sally and Gillian’s. It was a steep trek, your thigh muscles getting more of a workout than they had the entire time you’d been in Hawkins. Eddie swooped in to sit on your shoulder.

“Wish I could fly,” you huffed out between deep breaths.

Shortly, the trees and purple phlox made way and the cottage came into view. Eddie crawled into your inside coat pocket and you tried to ground yourself the best you could.

Only one step closer to the cottage and the door opened. Gillian stood dressed in linen pants with dirt on the knees, and a ratty t-shirt so faded you couldn’t make out the logo on the front. She didn’t look like a witch. Just a woman who’d spent her day in the garden. She didn’t feel like your aunt. Just a person you used to know.

Gillian cocked her head slightly as if she was confused by your hesitation. Had she expected you to bring violence? Or was that look an interrogation of your vulnerability? Would she make the first move?

“You better come inside then, unless audience is what you seek.”

The cottage was colder than it needed to be. You wondered if the sisters had been punishing themselves in all these little ways ever since leaving Indiana. The cold. Keeping their old names. The isolation.

The kitchen was the warmest part of the house, the small brick oven alive with fire and light. Sally was sitting at the table in the middle of the room.

Like her sister, Sally wore the same gardening clothes she’d spent the day in. Denim overalls and sports bra. The picture of brute practicality.

“Mother,” you greeted, taking a seat at the table.

Gillian put water on the stove to boil. She busied herself with a tea blend. You watched as she measured elderberry and apple, then sencha leaves.

A final touch –

“Mulberry?” you questioned.

Gillian paused but didn’t turn to you.

You could have said nothing but instead, you recited the meaning of the mulberry plant. “I will not survive you… Is that a plea or a threat?”

“Mulberry also can mean abundance. And, as you also know, it is good for you. It’s an offering of health,” Sally said quietly, with a voice so tired you would not have been surprised if she passed out on the spot.

Gillian said nothing at first. She brewed the tea with care and craft, then placed three identical cups on the table, dragging her own close to hold between her palms.

“Self-righteousness is an insufferable quality,” Gillian shot at you.

“Me? The self-righteous one? Am I the pious one too? Am I the liar and the thief and the-”

“Stop!” Sally yelled, fist coming down on the tabletop hard enough to make the teacups shake on their saucers. “This will get us nowhere. Say your part. Do what you came to do.”

Swallowing a great deal of resentment, you gritted your teeth and nodded. “There’s nothing you want to say first? Because this homecoming, from where I’m sitting, feels dangerous. Feels like you know exactly why I’m here and what I have to say,”

“Why did you have to go back there?” Sally asked sadly. “The Witches Who Came Before warned you,”

“Apparently, they would have warned you about a thing or two had they been asked, so… I guess you don’t put all that much stock in them. But yeah, I was warned. I was also called. By fate gone rouge.”

Sally and Gillian shared a look. Their overlapping sisterhood and magic gave them some special kind of telepathy, you were sure.

“Did they restore your memories?” Gillian asked.

“Or did fate?” Sally added.

You scoffed. “No. I’m actually very capable of performing witchcraft,”

“Oh, we know. That’s why we have always watched over you so closely,” Gillian replied. “So much power. Potential. For both greatness and-”

“And what? Wickedness? Thought I was destined to become a Dark Witch?”

“No. Potential for misery. And pain. We live a long time, but the strings of life tend to be cut short for the best of us. We sacrifice ourselves to push the magic forward. Like Penelope,”

“Like Penelope,” you echoed, shaking your head. “Sure… Well, that’s it, then. I got my memories back. I know what you took from me. From Kelsey… And I don’t know what I’m meant to fucking do with that.”

Gillian sipped on her tea while Sally stared into her cup. You looked from one to the other.

“You brought a vampire into the coven. The only thing that could hurt us. The thing hellbent on massacring the humans. What would you have done if the roles we reversed?” Gillian posed.

“I would have listened. I would have given it more thought than a couple of fucking hours. I would have asked The Witches. I wouldn’t have been drunk on power and self-importance. I would have considered that what I was telling you was the truth. That he was different,”

“They can’t be different,”

“He could! He wasn’t a proper vampire. When they made him, it didn’t… stick right. He wasn’t like them. And I know there’s not meant to be a good vampire, but the natural laws of magic say there isn’t meant to be a bad witch but we know they exist,”

“The risks outweighed-”

“The rewards? You didn’t consider the rewards for a moment. What an ally could have done for us. What we could have learnt. Who we could have saved. How I could have been. And the trust that could have been strengthen. We are hundreds of years old. We have seen all of history but you are so fucking afraid of making any changes. If we’re going to keep existing, we can’t get stuck in the old ways!”

The sisters were silent. It infuriated you. You stood up, pushing your chair with enough force to knock it across the floor.

“Was there a single second where you thought you might have been doing the wrong thing? Not by the coven or by magic or by the world, but by me? I’m not just part of the coven. I’m your niece. Your fucking daughter! And you fucking broke me. Ripped a giant hole right through me. I have been so fucking lonely and empty since then, and it is entirely your fault. Could you have stopped yourselves?”

The flicker of desperate guilt flashed across your mother’s face fast, but you caught it and you knew what it meant.

“That makes it worse,” you said, nodding to yourself. “You knew you shouldn’t have done it. But you did. And you have spent all this time stewing over it when you could have fucking fixed it. Should have fixed it,”

“How? How could we have fixed it? Let you remember? Then what? Help you find the thing and turn it back into a vampire? There’s nothing we could have done!” Sally yelled.

You laughed; it was just a little bit funny. “Maybe I am a better witch than you. Both of you. Because that’s exactly what I did, isn’t it? I went back. I restored my memories. And I found him.”

Sally and Gillian both turned matching shades of grey. Sally seemed to freeze on the spot, her eyes going wide and glossing over, on the verge of crying. Gillian dropped her teacup onto the saucer and stood up. Suddenly, she was holding you by the shoulders.

“What do you mean you found him?”

You smiled a cruel, coy smirk. Let them panic. Let them suffer. “The bat. I found him.”

Gillian blinked hard. You could feel her holding her breath. “What did you do?”

“I saved the fucking world."

End Note: I'd love to hear from ya'll. Thoughts. Feelings. Predictions. Requests. xo Rhi

P.S. Check this out regarding Language of Flowers and mulberry:

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Fic Taglist: @paranoidmunson @idkidknemore @paprikaquinn @stardustworlds @loz-brooke @wyverntatty @vintagehellfire @dark-academia-slut @scarletwitchwhore @becks1002 @mrsdollardog @heyndrix @luceneraium @rosaline-black @devilinthepalemoonlite @goldencherriess @iamwhisperingstars @wiltedwonderland @blueywrites @breezybeesposts @jadehowlettthewolf @spikesvamp79 @foreveranexpatsposts @tortoiseshellspells @wingedpeachjudgegiant @stardustmunson @live-love-be-unique @fangirling-4-ever @reanimated-alice @b-irock @gh0stlybunnie @myown-worstenemy-2003 @woozzz @cyberxlust @hiscrimsonangel @buckysbarne @m00nlight101 @word-wytch @spicysix @briasnow-blog @goth-cowgirl-03

All Eddie Taglist: @solomons-finest-rum @ruinedbythehobbit @sweetpeapod @thorfemmes @corrodedhawkins @grungegrrrl @lilzabob @averagemisfit03 @ches-86 @ilovecupcakesandtea @onehotgreasymechanic @hazydespair @mel-the-fangirl @eddies-hid3out @siren-lungs @aheadfullofsteverogers @hiscrimsonangel @dashingdeb16

#Mine #Burning Yarrow #Eddie Munson #Eddie Munson Reader-Insert #Eddie Munson/Reader #Eddie Munson x Reader #Eddie Munson/You #Eddie Munson x You #Vampire!Eddie #Vampire!Eddie Munson #Eddie Munson x Witch!Reader

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starspann · 11 months

Text

peaches n’ cream | 18+

doug remer x reader

fem!reader, she/her pronouns are used

★☆✵☆★

warnings: smut, cursing

notes: just something short AGAINN

y/n licks whipped cream off remer’s dick

★☆✵☆★

remer liked experimenting, y/n knew that. she just never would’ve imagined this specific scenario.

“you’re so weird, babe.” she shook the can as the label recommended, her other hand working on him through his boxers.

"and? you agreed to it. you’re currently doing it. therefore, you’re just as weird as me.” remer smiled, tilting his head at her.

he was comfortable, settled into the bed with his arms resting behind his head, an extremely prominent hard-on bulging through his boxer briefs.

“you’re already pitching a tent, how long have you been wanting to do this?” she shook her head in amusement, pulling down his underwear, exposing him to the air of the room.

his ‘manhood’ sprang out, living up to its name as it rested against his tummy, throbbing and a noticeable bead of pre-cum already leaking from the tip.

“i can see you’re ready.” she stroked him gently a few times.

“yep.” remer eagerly nodded.

she paused briefly and removed her hand before cautiously squirting a bit on the tip of his cock, his hips slightly jerking at the new feeling.

“soo.. how’s it feel?” y/n questioned him.

“it’s cold, kinda tickles.. can you do more?”

she giggled, but obliged. shaking the can once more, she pressed down on the nose of the bottle, almost covering his entire shaft in the cold, light cream.

“shit, okay, very cold—”

“yeah, duh, it’s been in the fridge.” her hands roamed his thighs, she watched the soft, white cream slide down his dick, threatening to ruin the sheets of their bed.

“warm me up then?”

“of course.” she smiled and leaned forward, immediately licking away the creamy coating, teasing him with each lap of her tongue around his cock.

he gasped and shut his eyes, the back of his head sinking father into the pillow behind him.

“fuckk. that feels good.”

he felt her tongue slip over each ridge and crevice, the whipped cream only increasing the pleasure, serving as a surprisingly good substitute for lube.

she took him deeper into her mouth, bobbing up and down in a steady rhythm.

“jus’ like that..” his words were slurred, drunk off euphoria. it was a strange sight to behold, honestly. his girlfriend sucking his dick while spit and whipped cream flowed from the sides of her mouth and down to his balls.

he fucking loved it.

“m’ gonna cum, k-keep going.” he stuttered and so did his hips. his breath was now ragged and uneven, his body writhing as y/n quickened her pace.

with curses falling from his lips, he whined loudly, gripping tightly on to her hair and finally spilling in her mouth.

she drew back, a string of saliva still connected him to her lips.

she smiled up at him, licking it away.

“taste good?” remer asked, his grip on her hair softening as he began to run his fingers through the strands.

“mhm.” she mumbled, mouth full.

“you missed some.” remer’s thumb wiped away any remaining residue. he brought it to his mouth and sucked it clean.

he knew what he was doing when he pulled that stunt.

she felt a tightness in the pit of her stomach, squeezing her thighs together, she was desperate for something to be between them.

she needed more, and she knew remer could give it to her.

of course, remer noticed the warm flush on her cheeks. he laughed in an annoying tone, “i see you squirming around, let me return the favor.”

she rose from her knees and laid down next to him, her legs a little sore from the tiring position.

“okay,” she accepted his offer, “no more whip cream though.”

he picked up the can anyway, completely disregarding her words.

“i mean it!” y/n sternly repeated.

“fine! whatever you say.” he sprayed the rest of the contents into his mouth before diving between her thighs.

“remer!”

“alright, sorry!”

#i can’t believe i used the word manhood #doug lowkey kinky!!#doug remer x reader #doug remer #matt stone x reader #matt stone #baseketball x reader #baseketball #doug remer smut

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tanema123 · 10 days

Note

Vaggie hurts her paw or something and its like the first time she seeks out carmilla who is grateful but also is like you are not leaving my side until you're an adult

Vaggie: i am an adult!

Carmilla is not convinced

I should just make a separate comic to my comic for all the Vaggie Carmine shenanigans. 🤣

Carmilla is a large cat competed to most, she thinks everyone small is a kitten.... With few exceptions... *looks at cursed cat Alastor and Lucifer* Therefore, to her, Vaggie is always a kitten.

Here is a little something for you fans. It ain't a pic. But it will have to do.

JUST FOR TODAY

Vaggie was walking down the mossy road. Her mind was caught on the recent time decline of extermination attempts. As she took the next step a sharp pain has spread through her left paw. She clenched her teeth, so she doesn't let out that loud meow. Lifting her paw she had a lot to see. Glass shard was stuck in her left paw, staining it a shining golden colour.

She knew she had to hide quickly as to not alert other cats of this predicament. There weren't many peop...uh cats she trusts with her secret. She sighs as she thinks of her options. There was only one. She looked around for any leftover piece of cloth from humans and tied it around her paw. Then, she started strutting.

...

An hour has almost passed when a building finally catches her vision. The paw has started to hurt more and more as the time passed. Cursing herself for her incompetence she approached the large door and yowled as loud as she can. Almost instantly a large cat with reddish pink eyes has jumped from a nearby open window.

Carmilla smiled upon seeing Vaggie again, but it didn't last. Upon noticing Vaggie's limp and a cloth covering her paw as well as a faint smell of blood, her eye became fierce, "Dios mios. Who hurt you, pequeña?"

Vaggie scoffs. She feels her eyelids getting heavy by a second. Despite that she still glares, "No one. I cut myself on some glass."

Carmilla let's out a sigh of relief. At least she doesn't have to murder anyone today. She gets closer to Vaggie to inspect the wound. She removes the cloth away with her fangs, revealing the still filled glass cut on Vaggie's paw. Carmilla gives Vaggie a reassuring look, "Kitten, don't worry. Mama will take care of it for you."

Vaggie growls, "I'm not a kitten!". Carmilla then proceeded to grab Vaggie by the scruff of her neck. Despite Vaggie being basically an adult, Carmilla easily brought her inside the building.

As they entered through the window, Vaggie was placed inside of a nearby box. The enclosed space almost instantly brought relief to Vaggie. Cat instincts are really weird to her. Carmilla goes away from a second and returns while carrying a human bag in her fangs. Vaggie watches as Carmilla rummages through it, various bottles flowing out. Finally, she seems to have found what she was looking for as she brought some bottle nad a bandage roll to the box.

Vaggie just watched Carmilla inspect the wound once again, "This is gonna hurt, gatita. You need to relax as much as you can."

Carmilla's purring noise filled the room. The feeling was almost instant on Vaggie's end as she felt her body relax into the sounds. Carmilla quickly pulled out the glass, It was hard to do with her paws, but she managed it without leaving any shards behind. Vaggie meowed in relief as the glass left her paw, not being able to contain herself after Carmilla's purring effect.

If cats could blush, she would definitely be now. Carmilla meowed back as a response. Vaggie doesn't understand the meows that much, but she knows, this one means, you will be ok. Carmilla continued to care for Vaggie's wound, applying anaesthetic and bandaging it as best as she can.

Vaggie finally spoke in a tired tone, "Are we done yet? Can I go?"

Carmilla didn't answer at first, instead prompting on getting inside of the box beside her and cuddling Vaggie beneat her, "No kitten. Stay. Recover."

Vaggie wanted to argue, leave, but the wound has made her exhausted. Instead she succumbed to her sleepy state. As her eyelids slowly dropped, she couldn't deny it. Carmilla's warmth felt really nice against her... Maybe she can be a kitten, just for today.

#vivziepop #hazbin hotel #hazbin #carmilla carmine #hazbin au #hazbin overlords #alternative universe #alternative universe hazbin #vaggie #cats #cats au #my au #wound #hurt #comfort #cat #fanfic #fanart #fanfiction

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kneelingshadowsalome · 8 months

Note

The feral cat lady is introverted, and cold towards other people, but she has a soft spot for animals, specially for cats (for obvious reasons). Whenever there is an animal near her she acts different, she is soft with them, caring and loving, the complete opposite when she is interacting with humans.

She feeds and pets the stray cats around base, König notices that and he is like 🤨🤨🤨 "Why does she likes cats so much? What makes them so special?" So now he is trying to pet the cats in order to discover why does the feral cat lady prefers them over him humans

Ok first of all I just want there to be like ten stray cats running around outside that base, I don't know why, I don't know how, don't ask me, maybe someone else Price is feeding them too and they receive lots of love from our introverted reader so yeah there's a population there or something and therefore she's the official Queen of Cats

And König is just :((( because she turns into a completely different woman around cats, smiling and giggling when she’s playing with them, petting them so gently and pursing her lips adorably every time they start to purr. He would literally run a marathon or stand on his head at this point to have her scratch or pet him like that...

Naturally, our man tries to get into the cat club next and soon enough there's a kitty bunting and butting its head against his leg. It even tries to wrap its little tail around him and the woman giggles again, this time at him being so favored by a cat (and favored furiously at that, the cat is now rolling and meowing at his feet).

He has no choice but to crouch and pet the tiny creature - he keeps his gloves on, just in case the little beast decides to scratch and claw… He tries to pet its belly first because it's right there on display for him, but the kitty grabs his hand immediately, tiny sharp claws and a set of pointy teeth dig right through his gloves and he swears a bit too loudly, sending the cats in all four directions.

“Verdammte Scheiße…” he curses again, inspecting the damage he just took from a creature barely the size of his helmet.

“König…” she approaches him with a barely suppressed laugh, “cats hate belly rubs.”

“Ja. I noticed.”

He almost starts a lecture about how these crazy felines should be trapped and taken to a shelter, but then she laughs again and grabs him by the wrist.

“Alright, we should clean that up. Follow me.”

#answered #I love König with cats #but I also love him being clueless about things

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hey-kae · 2 years

Text

Off-track

Pairing: Charles Leclerc x driver!female reader

Request: Heeey! I love the way you write and i have a little request. Idk I just thought about it :)). Charles and reader they meet at a traffic light or in traffic, and they just agree to race a little when the light turns green. Thank you💖

Warning: a lot of cursing.

a/n: so i made the reader into a driver because i couldn’t think of any other context tbh. I’m sorry if that is annoying to anyone😅 Please be responsible drivers and don’t do dangerous things such as street racing irl!!

The rage inside you after you had crossed the finish line could enable you to tear down a full, mighty building with your plain, bare hands.

P2 couldn't have meant any less, not when the win was snatched right out of your grasp just two laps before the end of the race.

Charles fucking Leclerc.

You could've literally killed him as you got out of the cockpit in parc-fermé but you desperately wanted to do it when you watched the red Ferrari fly past your car on track.

"Irrational reactions cost too much." Your team principal had warned you when he saw how furious you were and how you were glaring at Charles' back in the cooldown room.

Admitting it felt like a defeat, but he was right. So you sucked it up, got on the podium, drank some champagne and faked some smiles then left without any further words to anyone.

Like a lot of F1 drivers, you chose to live in Monaco. You were oblivious to why each different driver chose to live there but you did purely because you loved its atmosphere. It felt like the holy grail of Formula 1 and sport cars and you were more than there for it. You loved it.

Therefore, flying home was always something you looked forward to, what explained the slightly better mood you were on when you boarded the plane after the race, your trophy in hand. You just went home and slept the exhaustion off, only waking up in the evening when your friend called you repeatedly, practically begging you to show up at a party just a few minutes away.

Having turned down way too many invites in the last few weeks, you agreed and got dressed in a black dress but ditched the heels for something comfier.

It was a few minutes before you were out the door and in your car, your pride and joy.

Deciding that you weren't in the mood for trafic and just wanted to speed down the road, you took a backroad. Sure, it wasn't deserted but it had way fewer cars than the main road. You smiled and let down the car windows, allowing the wind to breeze in as your foot pressed down on the gas pedal, the smooth sound of the engine being enough to calm you down after so much anger.

You were so relaxed as you took your time driving to your friends until you reached a red light. You stopped the car and looked out of your window towards the beautiful scenery of the night sky blending in with the dark sea, both of them littered with small sparkles, stars and boats. It was breathtaking until your view got obstructed by a car pulling up beside you. A fucking Ferrari Pista 488 Spyder. That matte black one everyone in the whole country of Monaco knew.

"You're fucking shitting me right now." You cussed under your breath, both your hands now fisting your steering wheel as you averted your attention to the street in front of you, trying to ignore the asshole who stole your win just a few hours ago.

Sure, the two of you were friendly but he was your rival and it was past half the season and the points were too close for comfort so the tension between you two was through the roof.

Charles noticed you right away. After all, your car was just as famous as his among people. For some reason, when he saw you mutter and turn away from him, he decided he wanted your attention. Smirking, he started loudly revving up the car while keeping it in its spot next to yours. He kept doing that, his engine sounding louder by the second until you felt yourself going insane.

"What?" You snapped you head in his direction and shouted at him.

It made your blood boil when he stopped his act and laughed.

"Race me. Get your revenge, babe."

"Fuck off, Leclerc." You looked away.

"What? You're obviously still mad i overtook you, so race me."

"You want me to race you? Fine."

You didn't even wait to see his reaction, you just stepped hard on the gas and the car shot down the street, taking Charles by surprise.

In your rear view mirror, you could see him hot on your tail, actually trying to catch up to you and somehow, despite you starting before him, he was close to passing you.

It was barely any time before he shot past you, honking at you as he did so. It enraged you.

In a matter of seconds, traction control was off and the car was switched on race mode. You foot was pushing the gas pedal down to the floor, your face twisted with anger. You were determined to overtake him.

"Over my fucking dead body, Leclerc." You said to yourself as you watched his car become closer as you accelerated, eventually becoming parallel to yours and he was fucking smiling.

It made you push the car to its limits and soon enough, you flew past him, quickly putting a decent distance between the two of you.

That's when it sunk in, what madness you were engaging in. Your manager would be furious and you wouldn't hear the end of it if everyone found out about this.

"Shit, what am i doing?" you kept repeating as you pulled up on the side of the road, taking in how unprofessional and unsafe that was.

Charles' cars pulled up behind yours and he got out quickly.

"I was joking but you won, i guess. Hope that did it for you but what the fuck has gotten into you? I thought we were good." He bent down and leaned on your window.

"Shut up."

"Alright, alright. I hope you remind yourself that it's racing and i will do anything to win just like you would."

"You fucking pushed me off track, Leclerc so don't hit me with that racing bullshit." You opened your door and got out, pushing him away in the process.

"It's not my fucking fault that you have no regard to track limits!"

"Oh, please. You knew exactly what you were doing!"

"Alright, whatever. Enjoy your night, princess." He waved you off and walked away.

This wasn't good. The PR team would hate you if they found out you initiated an off-track rivalry with Charles so you sighed and called for him.

"Charles..."

He heard you. You knew he heard you but ignored you.

"Charles... I'm sorry."

Yeah, that did the trick. He stopped walking and quickly turned to look at you at the sound of those words.

"You're what?"

"I'm sorry. Our teams will hate us if we start a fight."

"Oh, that's why you're sorry. Our teams. Okay, yeah. We're good. Bye." He curtly nodded and continued his way to open his car door.

You stormed toward him.

"Why else would i be sorry, Charles?"

"I don't know... Maybe human decency, or wanting to keeping whatever friendship we have." He shrugged and tossed his phone onto the driver's seat of his car, crossing his arms over his chest.

"You're my rival."

"So?"

"So it's basically impossible to be friends!"

"Okay, i'll talk to you in a few months then." He got into his car and drove off.

Your stared at the back of his car until it disappeared out of sight, questioning what the hell he wanted. He left you dumbfounded because you never thought he'd want to be friends with you but you were even more weirded out that you were now looking forward for the season to end. Frowning, you shook that idea out of your mind, not believing you even thought of things that way, got back into your car and drove off to the party, your thoughts still about the monégasque.

Guess you'll have to wait a few months to see what he wanted.

#charles leclerc imagines #f1 x reader #f1 imagines #charles leclerc x reader #charles leclerc x you #charles leclerc one shot #charles leclerc oneshots #f1 oneshots #charles leclerc drabble #charles leclerc blurb #f1 imagine #charles leclerc imagine #f1 x you #f1 one shot #f1 fics

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archiveikemen · 10 months

Text

Harrison Gray Main Story: Chapter 1

This is a fan-made translation solely for entertainment purposes with no guaranteed perfection. I do not own any of the original content. Please support CYBIRD by buying their stories and playing their games. Reblogs appreciated.

❥･• Warnings and FAQ

[Harrison’s POV]

— Your memories will always be more peaceful than reality.

Cicadas were buzzing, and the paddy fields resembling a huge golden carpet swayed in the end-summer breeze.

The shadows of a father piggybacking a little boy and the mother chasing after them stretched long on the ground.

Mother With Gentle Smile: Come on, stop running, the two of you. You’ll trip and fall.

Father and Son With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Okay, sorry.

Mother With Gentle Smile: Seriously, you boys have so much energy.

Mother With Gentle Smile: You should help me out more around the house with that energy.

The little boy, laughing while on his father’s back, suddenly thought of something and spoke,

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Hey, Father. It’s bad to tell lies, right?

Father With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Hm? Why the sudden question?

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: When you and Mother are at work, I spend my time reading picture books.

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: I’ve read lots of them and in every story, the fox is always telling lies.

Father With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Lies…?

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Mm, they lie and hurt people. That’s a bad thing to do, right?

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: That’s why I hope a hero like Father will catch all those bad foxes that lie to people!

Mother With Gentle Smile: Oh, are you leaving everything up to your father, Harry?

Little Boy With Mint-Coloured Eyes: Nope! When I grow up, I’ll become a policeman like Father. Then I’ll arrest all the bad guys!

Father With Mint-Coloured Eyes: That sounds very interesting. However, Harry…

Hey, Father. I have a feeling you said something “important” to me after I innocently told you about my dreams.

I can no longer recall what you said. Recently, it also feels as if your face is fading from my memories.

Right now, I’m somewhere pitch-dark where the sun doesn't shine, and the smell of blood lingers in the air around me.

There’s no turning back for me.

In this darkness… I continue to lie.

… Even the things I just said might've been lies.

…

[Kate’s POV]

Kate: … Haa.

I sat up in my bed, woken up from my shallow sleep.

(... It's still night time. I feel like I just had a terrifying nightmare.)

Even though I was awake, my surroundings were unfamiliar to me.

(Right. I…)

– Flashback Start –

William: There is an imperial organisation under direct command of Her Majesty Queen Victoria, all of its members are “cursed ones”.

William: — And that’s us, “Crown”.

William: We take on shady tasks ranging from spying to assassinations. In other words, the dirty work that the police or military can’t do.

– Flashback End –

Kate: … “Fighting evil with evil” for the sake of England’s prosperity— that’s the duty of “Crown”.

(While delivering mail, I accidentally came across a forbidden secret.)

(It was as if I had fallen into a pitch dark hole that appeared out of nowhere.)

If only I could cover my ears and close my eyes, and ignore everything.

However, that wasn't possible. There was no way for me to turn back time to when I knew nothing about all this. Therefore…

(I’ll earn their trust by fulfilling my duties as a “fairytale writer”, and make them believe that I won’t reveal their secret.)

(After that, I can safely return to where I came from… and have my ordinary life back.)

Just as I was mentally preparing myself to stay strong and not let my anxiety overwhelm me, I heard some noise coming from outside my room.

(...?)

…

When I went downstairs to find out the cause of the noise, William noticed my presence and turned around.

William: My, it’s already so late at night and the little robin is still awake.

Liam: Oh, it’s Kate. Did the noise wake you up?

Liam: Sorry for the disturbance, we’re about to leave for a mission under Her Majesty’s orders.

Harrison: …

Kate: A mission… this late at night?

Liam: Yeah, villains prefer to work in the dark. Besides, it’d be nonsensical to commit evil deeds in broad daylight, right?

(Is that so?)

William: It’s good you’re awake.

William: If you want, we can escort you to the criminals’ stronghold. Miss fairytale writer?

I was told that my job as a fairytale writer was to write about the activities of Crown. Those documents would then be used as reference material for research being conducted on “curses”, and as reports to Her Majesty.

At the same time, Crown would keep their eyes on me for a month to make sure I don’t leak their secret.

… That’s the situation I was in.

William: — But considering that you’ve only just arrived, we could save this for another day…

Kate: If it won’t be too much of a bother to all of you, please allow me to accompany you on the mission.

William: Oh, gladly.

Liam: It’s going to be so exciting to have Kate come with us.

Liam: Now that it’s been decided, let’s go. We should get a carriage so that Kate won’t have to walk too much.

With that, Liam dashed out of the castle.

William went after him with graceful steps, like an owner chasing his pet cat.

Harrison and I were the only ones left.

Harrison: …

(Why is he being silent? This is kind of awkward.)

Harrison: … Hey.

Kate: Y-Yes?

Harrison stood in front of me.

Harrison: Did you ask to come along, thinking that would help you earn our trust?

Harrison: Or was it because you feel that you’re obligated to do so as a fairytale writer?

His mint-coloured eyes were as clear as a puddle after rain, they seemed to be staring straight into the depths of my heart. It felt impossible to lie to him.

I nervously met his gaze.

Kate: I think it's both of those reasons, and also self-interest.

Harrison: Self-interest?

Kate: If I don’t earn your trust, I can’t return to where I was before this happened.

Kate: Therefore, I will do my job well and prove that I’m worthy of your trust.

Kate: That is what I have to do right now.

Harrison: Hm.

Harrison: You’re surprisingly honest.

Whenever someone says that I’m honest, it doesn't quite click for me.

Kate: Is that so…?

Harrison: No idea. At least, that’s my impression of you.

Harrison: Anyway, it’s up to you whether you want to have some kind of sense of responsibility or be naive. However…

Kate: …?

He leaned in closer and stared into my face, so close that our breaths nearly touched.

Harrison: Such noble intentions make you easy to kill.

Paying no attention to how shocked I was, Harrison gave me an aloof smile and walked out into the darkness.

(What on earth was that? Was he warning me? Or…)

Still puzzled by his words, I rushed outside as well.

…

The carriage brought us to what appeared to be an abandoned circus tent.

Liam: Kate, shh… quiet. See those guys over there? They’re our targets for tonight.

We peeked at them from the shadows. Two men were counting large sums of cash with sinister smiles on their faces.

Man 1: One bill, two bills, three bills… haha! We made so much money selling those orphaned brats from the East End to other countries.

Man 1: A truly profitable business. There are people who want those starving brats, and even their corpses.

Man 2: As long as people like them continue to exist, our pockets will never be empty. Haha, this is great!

(T-They’re taking children from the slums and selling them…? How… How could they…)

I was fuming as I heard them talking about their heinous acts, so much that my body temperature dropped.

(But this is a cruel reality that “I didn't know about”.)

England often boasted about being the most prosperous country in the world, and yet the dark world of poverty caused by inequality was hidden within.

(But that doesn't justify treating the lives of innocent children like disposable objects.)

William: They look like they’re having a good time. Let’s join them, shall we?

With graceful steps, William approached the man.

Kate: W-William…?

Liam: Kate, I’ll use my curse’s ability to become your invisible human shield and protect you if anything dangerous happens.

Liam: Look, I’m invisible now.

(!?)

Liam’s physical body vanished like he had put on an invisibility cloak, and only his voice could be heard.

Harrison: Don’t get too carried away, Liam. We’re not here to play.

Liam: I know. Come on, Kate. You should get front-row seats for your very first mission.

Kate: Wahh…!

William: Hello, gentlemen.

Man 1: … Who the heck are you?

William: You don’t need to know my name. I'm just someone very interested in the kind of fun you’re having.

Man 2: I have no idea who you are. But now that you've seen something you shouldn't have, you won’t be leaving this place alive. … Get him.

Before the men could charge at him with their knives, William spoke with his shapely lips.

William: “— All of you drop your knives, get on your knees, and behave yourselves.”

Men: !?

*clang* Their knives fell to the ground, and the two men kneeled in a strangely obedient manner.

(“Making people do as he says”... that’s William’s “King of Self-Righteousness” curse.)

It would’ve sounded outrageous if he were an ordinary man, but I knew it was true because I had experienced firsthand this ability of his.

Men: I… I can’t move! W-What the heck is this guy…!?

William: Now that you’re more well-behaved, let us commence with the trial. The judge for tonight is you— Kate.

Kate: What?

William: You’re our special guest tonight. You should state your opinion. Now, Kate.

William: The accused are these two men in front of us. They desecrated the lives of innocent young children, ruining them to fill their own pockets.

William: Should we get rid of them right here and now, or give them an alternative form of punishment to taking their lives?

William: What's your decision, Miss Judge?

Looking into William’s eyes, I could see that he had already decided since the start what the verdict would be.

Kate: … William, you used your curse’s ability in front of them.

Kate: They know your secret now. That means it has already been decided, hasn’t it?

Kate: Although there’s the option to make them fairytale writers like me… that’s highly unlikely.

William’s beautiful smile sent a chill down my spine — it was like he was telling me that I was right.

William: I admire your ability to stay calm and assess the situation, Kate. Now…

(... The atmosphere has changed.)

He was still smiling elegantly, but there was an air of tension rising around me.

William: It’s up to you whether you want to close your eyes or leave them open from this point forward. You have the freedom to decide.

Liam: Hey, Will. I really want to satisfy my curiosity tonight, can you let me handle it?

Liam: You stay right here, Kate. … Fufu, ahaha. I’ll do my best…

Kate: … Liam?

As I was feeling puzzled by the unsettling tone in Liam’s voice, the atmosphere grew even more tense.

William: — Time for the final judgement.

Men: AAAAH…

Patches of red bloomed before my eyes like licorice flowers.

The sound of the men’s ear-piercing screams, their bodies falling to the ground lifelessly, and Liam’s unhinged laughter filled my ears.

Even though Liam was invisible, I could visualise him swinging a knife around as he killed them.

(... I mustn't look away. Why… why did I come here?)

(... For… what…?)

My heart beat louder in my chest.

Staring at the blood spilling out everywhere, my legs felt weak and eventually gave way.

30 seconds later— it was all over.

A low sound of footsteps echoed, and someone sat down in front of me.

Harrison: … Hey, are you alright?

(... Harrison.)

I sighed, almost relieved to hear a familiar voice of concern.

Kate: … I am.

Harrison: I see. Because if anything happened to you, I—

Right at that moment, I heard a metallic clicking sound next to my ear.

(What?)

In the corner of my eye, I saw something unexpected—

Harrison: Bang. You’ve been deceived.

(...)

(A gun…?)

A gun was pointed to my head.

Harrison: I could kill you right this instant if I wanted to.

Kate: Why…

Harrison: “Why”? We’ve only just met a few hours ago. What made you think you could trust me?

Harrison: You could've been used as a decoy, or a human shield. And at this very moment—

Harrison: A bullet might get shot right through your skull. Did any of that ever cross your mind even once?

My life was in Harrison’s hands.

That overwhelming fact had me rendered speechless.

The pair of mint-coloured eyes staring at me caught my racing heart.

I caught a waft of a refreshing minty smell that didn't suit the current situation.

Harrison: Kate.

Harrison: This is the kind of evil world you walked into.

#ikemen villains #ikemen series #cybird ikemen #cybird otome #otome #ikevil main story #harrison main story #niki translates

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jahayla-parker · 1 year

Note

writing prompt "Are you calling me a liar?" "Well, I ain't calling you a truther, bud." for character of choice

Lying Bastard : Kaz Brekker x Reader Part 1

Part 2 here, Mini-Series Navigation here

Description: roughly 10k wc, Pt1 (both up already) Kaz ends his relationship with the reader and sends her away after she makes a mistake during a heist. But fortunately for Kaz, Jesper senses he’s lying and tries to get to the bottom of it.

Mini Series Themes/tropes/etc.: hurt-comfort, angst-fluff, handwritten letters, kaz x Reader, crow!reader, soc themes, etc.

Warnings: angst, some curse words, standard soc type material, slight SaB (BOOK) spoiler (referenced but not stated)

Notes: this is part 1 of an optional mini-series. You can end at whichever part without problems / to get a different aesthetic or ending. There are two parts.

Dedicated in honor of @ell0ra-br3kk3r ‘s birthday! 💜

Thank you @rpmemes-galore for the prompt suggestion/request!

“You know why” Kaz argued harshly, glaring at y/n.

She furrowed her brows, “are you serious right now?”

He rolled his eyes, “when am I not?”

She halted her actions, staring at him in shock.

Kaz discretely bit his inner lip but held his ground; not letting the pained look in her eyes deter him.

“Kaz, it was one mistake” she argued, her eyes stinging with tears as she saw the determination in his facial features.

He didn’t respond, only shifting his weight off his bad leg as he stared at the suitcase he placed on her bed.

“You’re seriously b-… you’re breaking up with me and kicking me out of the slat over one mistake?” She choked, shaking her head at him.

“You’re leaving for safety reasons” He stated simply before signaling to the suitcase.

“Get out” she stated weakly.

Kaz clenched his jaw and tightened the grip on his cane.

“I said, get out!” She snapped, opening the door for him aggressively.

“You do not give the orders around here y/n, and-“ he remarked, staring at her with his normal scowl, one he never used on her before.

“I’m well aware of that, believe me” she scoffed, “and don’t worry, I’m leaving”.

Kaz nodded, “good”.

She watched as Kaz limped out of her room, slamming the door behind him.

Y/n sniffed as she tried not to cry.

She couldn’t cry over him, she wouldn’t let herself.

Sure she made a mistake, but so had every other Crow at some point.

She could understand Kaz feeling he had to be more strict with her to maintain the way the others saw him and their relationship.

But, this was far past that line he always cautiously walked.

During the heist, y/n had forgotten to lock a door behind her as they fled a heist.

Kaz reprimanded her, stating that someone would then notice the item was missing.

It hasn’t happened yet, but Kaz told her it was only a matter of time.

She was already disappointed in herself, so she’d been understanding initially over his frustration.

The longer between the theft and its detection would form a greater chance for their group to have been undetected and another team being misperceived as the culprits.

In other words, her mistake meant she risked earlier detection and therefore their group being connected to it and the necklace being stolen back since the mark would know who it was that’d taken it.

However, it wasn’t a life or death mistake, unlike ones the other crows had made before without this severe of a consequence.

Yet, after giving y/n the silent treatment for a few days, today Kaz went to her room and snapped at her.

He simply told her it was over between them and that she’d need to leave.

At first, when Kaz told her that he was disgusted by this mistake but wouldn’t be cruel and instead had arranged a new residence for her, she assumed he was joking.

Kicking her out and breaking it off was drastic, something only Dirtyhands might consider.

But, if Dirtyhands had been the force behind it, he wouldn’t have gotten her a new residence.

It didn’t make any sense.

She nearly fell over with laughter as Kaz told her she’d be staying at the little palace with the Ravkan king, Nikolai Lantsov.

How he even knew the king, let alone struck a deal with him, was intriguing; even if he was Kaz Brekker.

Yet she couldn’t get herself to ask those questions once she saw the truth in his eyes.

He was serious, he was ending it and sending her to Ravka.

As she replayed the events again in her mind, her tears burst through the walls she tried to put up and poured down her cheeks.

To make matters worse, tomorrow would have marked her 5th anniversary with Kaz.

She knew he still struggled with relationships and emotions, but it hurt that he didn’t seem phased by these orders he gave her nor the timing of it.

She wiped her face on the back of her hand before she began literally throwing things into the case on her bed.

Kaz sat at his desk, his head in his hands as he tried to steady his breath.

He didn’t want to do this but he had to.

If he let her stay, if he stayed with her, he feared it could be fatal.

He glared at the messy notes on his desk, crumpling a few and tossing them across his room.

Never in the last seven years since being with her would he have seen himself sending y/n away.

Only once in the last five years since they began dating would he have expected to be the one ending their relationship.

And that went away when they’d talked about how she’d be able to stay safe despite them being together.

Yet, here he was, sitting alone at his desk, eyes nearly watering, as he recalled doing just that.

He doubted he’d ever forgive himself for causing the expression that fell on her face when realizing he was serious.

But he also would never forgive himself if he didn’t do this and something happened to her.

“Are you ready?” Kaz asked firmly, watching as y/n sat at her desk writing a note.

Y/n glared over at him, but the faint remainder of tears in her eyes nearly broke him.

She held up one finger to signal him to wait.

Kaz sighed and leaned on her doorframe as he glanced down the hall to ensure no one was coming.

He watched as she slid her chair back after she finished securing the note and placed it to the side of her desk, atop a pile of similar ones.

“Ready” y/n said, voice wavering slightly but she fought to key her composure as she harshly pulled the case off her bed.

“Leave the bag” Kaz ordered.

“Excuse me?” She paused, “maybe you can kick me out, but these things are mine”.

Kaz nodded once, “it will get to you”.

She stared at him in shocked understanding, “You don’t want the others knowing, do you?”

Kaz groaned, “I don’t believe that is your business any longer”.

Y/n scoffed, “they’ll know soon enough, you have no reason to stop that”.

He gritted his teeth as he bit back explaining to her why that could not happen.

Kaz smirked, “I don’t need a reason”.

“They’ll figure it out” She muttered, putting her notebook and pens into her inner coat pocket.

Kaz shook his head, “they will not. I’ve sent them out for the evening. I’ll be letting them know to not communicate with you. And you will not communicate with them either”.

Y/n laughed coldly, “how are you going to manage that Brekker?”

He pushed the exit open, pointing her in the direction of her ride, “the same way I managed you residing elsewhere “.

“You’re going to have the King stop me from writing to them?!” She shouted.

Kaz forced himself to roll his eyes, “if that’s what it takes. And you can be as loud as you wish, they’re too far to hear you resist the consequences of your actions”.

Y/n pressed her lips into a firm line as she looked around, debating if she should give up a guaranteed residence in order to flee.

Kaz gripped his cane tighter, effortlessly reading this decision in her eyes and despising himself for promoting it.

But, it was what he expected; what he accounted for.

“You cannot run, the king’s brought guards to ensure you get on his ship” Kaz told her.

“What does he get in return?” Y/n questioned fearfully.

Kaz glared, “you don’t actually believe I’d do what you’re suggesting!?”

She crossed her arms, facing him with a furious stare, “I don’t know what, or who, to believe anymore”.

He internally flinched at her harsh tone but simply shook his head, “it isn’t that. He owes me”.

Y/n rolled her eyes, “Why waste the favor on me? You could just kick me out fully or kill me, you know”.

“I would not kill you” Kaz stated with a glare, “and the ‘why’ doesn’t matter”

“And if I refuse to go with him?” She pressed.

“Where else would you go?” Kaz scoffed.

“Does it matter? I am capable of providing for myself Brekker” she defended.

Kaz sighed firmly, “no I suppose it does not matter. Nonetheless, the deal is the deal and you will be staying in Ravka”.

“Ms. Y/l/n, let’s go” Someone said before she could argue with Kaz again.

She turns to see Sturmhond, a privateer they’d worked with on a previous heist.

“You?” She asks, looking between Sturmhond and Kaz.

Kaz ignored her and nodded at Sturmhond.

“Whatever” She groaned, knowing if she wanted her stuff back she’d need to comply for now at least.

She noticed Kaz seemed almost pleased at her cooperation.

Of course he was, now he didn’t have to deal with her and her failures.

“Y/n,” She barely heard Kaz’s whisper over the wind as she stepped closer to the ship.

But, she refused to acknowledge him; instead lifting her head higher and speeding up to increase the distance.

Kaz sighed to himself as he watched Sturmhond guide her into his ship before nodding at Kaz.

“Get out” Kaz barked, not turning to even face Inej as he entered his room.

“No, you cannot just not tell me where y/n is” Inej growled, having impatiently waited in his room for his return.

Kaz tossed his hat towards the corner of the room, his coat following.

“Brekker! Where is she?” Inej questioned, glancing at the mess he was making, “did you two break up?”.

Kaz bit hard on his cheek as he shut his eyes, “she’s gone, Wraith”.

Inej faltered at the poorly hidden crack in his voice and the possible meaning behind his words, “w-what?”

Kaz, of course, caught on to her misinterpretation, already having been planning on it.

So he utilized it as planned, “You heard me. She’s gone and…”

He swallowed, the underlying truth behind the words stinging, “She’s not coming back. She cannot come back”.

It was silent for a moment as Kaz stared at the bed, already missing the way y/n would sit with her legs crisscrossed on the end as she needlessly helped Kaz with the plans for the crows’ next heist.

Inej eventually left without another word, fleeing to isolate herself in her room.

“Kaz, seriously, Jesper is going stir crazy” Wylan pointed out while his boyfriend sat at one of his favorite gambling dens, yet again.

“That’s my problem because?” Kaz remarked, shifting a book over the piece of the paper he’d been writing on.

Wylan noticed and suppressed a smile at the fact that despite his reading disability, Kaz still treated him as if he could encipher the material if he saw it.

“He’s burning through his credits you installed. We need a heist, surely you’ve got something” Wylan argued.

Kaz glowered up at him, “excuse me?”

“It’s been months without a heist! And you’ve been cooped up in your office for nearly three weeks without sending us on anything, we’re not even pick pocketing, so it must be a big heist you’re planning. I assume that’s what is under the book” Wylan pointed out.

Kaz gritted his teeth, to him it felt like far longer than a mere three weeks in isolation and centuries instead months since that night.

His eyes burned as he tried to keep his gaze away from the letter under the book on his desk.

“What is under the book is of no business to you” Kaz spat, “but, send him in”.

Wylan gave Kaz a questioning look but nodded, pleased things were going to get back to normal.

Sure he missed and grieved for y/n too, but his boyfriend Jesper had been acting weird ever since Kaz broke the news to Inej.

Wylan was certain he was in denial still, but Jesper wouldn’t speak about it.

“Why are you burning through your credit faster than normal?” Kaz asked, not looking up from his messy desk.

Jesper plopped into the chair across from Kaz with an eye roll, “I’m bored “.

“There’s more than that Jesper, be honest” Kaz rebutted.

Jesper scoffed, “that’s hypocritical”.

Kaz glanced up from his table to look at him, “if you have something to say, do so”.

Sitting up straight, Jesper leaned forward towards Kaz, “you’re hiding something”.

Kaz forced a smirk, “of course I am”.

Rolling his eyes for what felt like the millionth time, Jesper groaned, “about y/n”.

Kaz’s eyes widened briefly before flashing a sorrowful glow, his lips twitching slightly.

It all lasted for less than two seconds, but Jesper caught note of it.

“See, that! I know something happened to her” Jesper declared.

Kaz stiffened, his eyes burning into Jesper’s skin, “I already told Inej… she-“

Jesper cut him off with a dramatic head shake, “She’s not dead” Jesper stated confidently.

“Are you calling me a liar?” Kaz questioned, grinding his teeth.

“Well, I ain't calling you a truther, bud." Jesper retorted.

Kaz stood up abruptly, “I’m done with this nonsense. Get out”.

“No” Jesper whispered defiantly, Kaz turning to shoot him an icy look.

“Not until you tell me where she is and what happened. I know she’s not dead” Jesper argues.

Kaz just stares at him in silence, his mind once again failing to process normally.

It had been like this since she’d departed, he couldn’t think clearly, much less do his normal scheming.

“Where’s y/n?” Jesper pushes, crossing his arms over his chest.

Jesper notices the distant look in Kaz’s eyes, but knows it’s not distant enough for Jesper to believe she’s actually dead.

“You may be the worst person with emotions, literally ever. But I’ve known you far too long Kaz. I know you’d be reacting much differently if she were actually dead” Jesper explains, his voice firm but low in volume.

Kaz purses his lips, his hand on his cane tightening.

“You want to know why I’ve been gambling more? Because of this” Jesper stated, his voice cracking, “it’s driving me crazy Kaz. Where in saints sake is she?!”

Looking around the room until his gaze pauses for a split second on the stack of letters on his desk, Kaz swallows thickly.

Jesper follows his stare and hurriedly launches himself towards the desk before Kaz has time to hobble over and stop him.

“You’re writing to her?!” Jesper gasped as he read y/N’s name on the address line of the first letter he grabbed.

Kaz growled, reaching his gloved hand out, “let go of them”.

“Not until you explain what is going on!” Jesper argued, unfolding the letter.

Reaching out and gently tugging on the corner of the letter in Jesper’s hand as to not rip it, Kaz starts a silent staring contest with his sharpshooter.

“I’m not giving in this time Kaz. Y/n mattered to me. To all of us. The others might believe she’s dead, but I know better. I know you better. Now explain or I’ll read each damn letter to find out for myself” Jesper threatened.

Kaz’s eyes flickering to his swooping handwritten emotions on the letter in Jesper’s hand.

Sighing in annoyance Kaz gave him one firm nod.

Jesper lets go of the note, smugly sitting back down in the chair before Kaz‘s desk.

“You have to be kidding me” Jesper exclaims exasperatedly.

Kaz gives him a knowing look, “I don’t kid”.

“Right… right… no I know that” Jes responds as he tries to comprehend the situation.

“It’s just… I always thought of you as this insanely smart mastermind type guy” Jesper chuckles mockingly, “but you’re really just an idiot”.

Glaring harshly, his jaw tight, Kaz shakes his head at Jesper, “you don’t know what you’re talking about “.

“Yes I do” Jesper responded as he calmed himself down.

Before Kaz could speak, Jesper continued, “you’re in love with her. That’s why you sent her away”.

Kaz shifted his jaw, rubbing his upper teeth over his bottom teeth as he debated about lying.

“It makes sense now. I knew there was something there. But saints you’re dumb Kaz. She can protect herself!” Jesper scoffed.

“She shouldn’t have to!” Kaz shouted, his hand hitting the table before them.

He didn’t need to hear this; not from Jesper.

He’d already debated on whether or not he made the wrong choice.

But in the end, each time, he concluded her safety was worth it.

Worth everything.

Even if it meant Kaz not being in her life anymore.

“It’s the barrel Kaz! She has to on a normal basis regardless” Jesper argued.

“Not anymore” Kaz spoke simply.

“That’s what you meant by ‘she’s in a better place’. How no one picked up in that given your lack of belief in a higher power is beyond me” Jesper rambled.

Rolling his eyes, Kaz waved his hand in the air dismissively, “you got your answer. Now leave”.

“You don’t miss her?” Jesper asked softly, missing her himself.

Kaz closed his eyes, his hand tugging on his choppy hair.

“Of course you do” Jesper smirked, “I mean, saints, the Kaz Brekker is writing love letters!”.

Kaz snapped his eyes open and glared harshly across the table, “they are not love letters”.

“If you say so” Jesper teased, “regardless, we can fix this”.

Kaz’s gruff exterior faltered as hope hit him but as he looked at the returned letters on his desk, he shook his head.

They’d all been marked ‘return to sender’ without ever having been opened.

The only times Kaz would get a response to a letter he wrote was when he would write to his Ravkan confidant asking how y/n was and if she was safe and healthy.

But nothing from her, she didn’t even bother opening the letters from him.

His confidant claimed he’d attempted to provide her with the letters but that she refused and ordered them to be sent back.

The small glimmer of hope in Kaz wanted to deny that idea, and instead blame it on the notion that maybe there was something between his confidant and y/n by now.

After all, he could provide her with a far better, and safer, life; hence why she was there now.

But, his confidant’s explicit wording that she’d ordered him to return them was a clear message to Kaz it wasn’t that.

Only y/n would order the King of Ravka to do anything, much less something this menial.

And only if she were truly pissed.

“Stop writing to her” Jesper’s voice cut through the tangled thoughts in Kaz’s brain.

“What?” He asked, not having taken the moment to make his voice as firm as normal.

“She’s not reading them. The threat is over, let’s go there in person to bring her back” Jesper suggested.

“She does not want to come back Jesper. You need to accept it, I have” Kaz stated harshly.

“You have not” Jesper scoffed, “and you cannot know what she wants without talking to her”.

“I’ve tried!” Kaz defended loudly.

Jesper sighed, “I know. But it’s time you try a new tactic. The Kaz Brekker I know wouldn’t let the failure of one plan be the end of the mission”.

“What mission Jesper?” Kaz groaned.

“Fixing your relationship” Jesper smirked, “and bringing our girl back here”.

Shaking his head, Kaz sighed, “I forced her to do something she didn’t want once; for her own protection, but still. I won’t do it again, she deserves better than that”.

Jesper nodded, “then don’t force her. But show up. Show her how you feel, I can practically guarantee she’ll be coming back with us after that”.

Kaz sighed; his mind and heart at war.

He wanted to do as Jesper said, not ready to give her up.

Yet, he knew it was weak of him to want such things, and that it could end in his further despair.

“I’ll skip gambling for a week when we get back if you go” Jesper offered, knowing kaz well enough to know he’d need a logical justification to go.

“Fine, go pack” Kaz agreed gruffly.

Smiling widely, Jesper stood, “no need, got my babies right here”.

Kaz rolled his eyes but nodded, shoving the letters into the locked drawer on his desk as he stood.

“Now, let’s go bring your girl home” Jesper cheered, walking to the door of Kaz’s office with new found enthusiasm.

Y/n snuck behind one of King Nikolai’s guards that was standing in the hallway, silently slipping into the ballroom behind them.

Her end goal was the library, hoping to get her hands on some new reading material.

Nikolai tried to keep her entertained but since she was here out of an obligation to Kaz and not an actual member of his court, there was only so much he could include her in.

So, reading had become her escape.

She’d read countless novels from within the castle’s archives by now.

She even went as far as reading books on the history of Ravka and surrounding territories; despite the material being utterly uninteresting to her.

The one thing she vowed never to read though were the letters Nikolai claimed were from Kaz.

Y/n had learned the King’s tells by now so she knew he wasn’t lying when he told her who they were from.

Yet she struggled with the notion that Kaz Brekker, the notorious bastard of the barrel, had written letters to her.

Not that it mattered.

As much as the notion intrigued her, she refused to let herself cave into reading even a single line from one.

She’d never even broken the seal on the letters before returning them to Nikolai.

At first the King seemed shocked, but by now they’d played this routine for months.

It no longer shocked Nikolai when she told him to return the letters without even glancing down at the envelopes.

What did shock Nikolai was why Kaz continued to write to her.

He understood Kaz’s concern and reasoning for using his owed favor on y/n.

He even understood why Kaz wrote to the king himself to check on her well-being.

Yet, he couldn’t fathom why the boy kept writing letters that would never be read, only to watch them return to him unopened.

He couldn’t imagine the hurt that most accompany such deliveries, let alone why he’d continue to subject himself to it.

Nevertheless, Nikolai would read the encoded letter Kaz sent him and pull the attached private letter to y/n from within that envelope.

Hiding the personal letter to y/n within a professional one to the Ravkan King was overkill, both men knew it; but Nikolai never commented and Kaz never faltered in his excessive protective measures.

Much like Kaz’s overkill with the letters, y/n was overdoing her actions in the palace; but for very different reasons.

She didn’t truly need to sneak around the palace.

Nikolai was far more than welcoming and let her do as she wished, so long as she didn’t exit the castle without one of his guards with her.

She assumed it was a measure to ensure she didn’t try to flee from the walls of his property, ensuring the King didn’t break his deal with kaz.

However, it was actually a requirement within Kaz’s detailed instructions to the King to ensure her safety.

Yet, after needlessly sneaking past the guards in the hallway, she got into position to repeat the action behind those in the ballroom as well.

It was the only real thing that made her feel more connected to her past.

To the barrel and her life there.

To Ketterdamn and the constant fight to survive.

To Inej, Nina, Jesper, Wylan, and Matthias; the friends she dearly missed.

And, as much as she despised the feeling and the pull of her still being connected to him, to Kaz.

It was still second nature for her to evade guards and stadwatch, so despite not having been home in months, her feet didn’t hesitate or misstep as she glided soundlessly past the guards.

Smiling to herself as she stood in front of the large library doors which were closed behind her, y/N’s eager eyes scanned the vast shelves and colorful book edges.

Deciding on what subject she’d try to read about today, the girl rushed towards the necessary part of the library to begin her search.

Meanwhile, King Nikolai was in his Royal office when one of his personal guards announced he had unexpected visitors.

Upon learning the identity of said guests, he permitted his guards to let them enter before asking for privacy.

Kaz stood before him, as rigid as always, but his in person presence signaled to Nikolai that something was off.

His sharpshooter -Jesper, Nikolai recalled- was roaming the room, his eyes shining as his hands touched anything within reach.

Noticing the cause for Nikolai’s distracted state, Kaz smacked his cane loudly on the floor.

Jesper’s hands immediately fell to his sides as he tucked his lips in and joined Kaz’s side.

“To what do I owe for your presence?” Nikolai asked, leaning bank in his chair slightly.

“Y/n” Kaz stated without hesitation, but his voice didn’t contain as much strength as it normally did.

“She’s safe, I just responded in kind to your most recent letter on the topic” the King assured him.

“Can we see her?” Jesper interrupted since unlike Kaz, he was not bothering to hide his desperation.

Nikolai raised an eyebrow, turning his head to Kaz, “I was under the impression your presence would bring her harm “

Kaz’s already dark eyes narrowed as he glowered at his Ravkan confidant, “if that were still the case, I would not be anywhere near here”.

His words were simple but the tone and finality behind it were sharp.

Nikolai steepled his hands with a nod, “The threat has been taken care of then?”.

Jesper could sense Kaz’s anger grow and one look at his boss told him Kaz didn’t appreciate the continued insinuation that he’d risk y/n’s safety.

“You seem to have forgotten that I am the one who sent her here for her protection. I do not need your opinion on the matter. Of course it’s been taken care of” Kaz started harshly, his judging eyes analyzing the King.

Nikolai smirked, “I admit, I did not forget such details and that all may well be true. What I’m confused on rather is why now “.

Kaz felt the leather of his glove stretch as he squeezed the top of his cane.

“The threat is over” Jesper said, but his confusion made it sound more like a question.

The Ravkan nodded, “ahh yes, but the threat has been over for several weeks now. So I ask again, what’s changed?”

Kaz took an aggressive step forward, eyes firmly focused on the king’s, “Where is she?”

“These were your rules Brekker “ The King smirked, pleased to finally be able to irritate Kaz with his unnecessary persistence, the way Kaz had to Nikolai these past months.

A stinging sigh left Kaz’s tight lips, “I’m here to bring her home”.

Jesper grinned proudly at his friend, completely ignoring the rest of the situation.

Seeing how the slightly troubled look in Kaz’s eyes juxtaposed with his otherwise determined demeanor, Nikolai relented.

“Since the threat has been resolved, should she wish to leave, the terms have been met and we’re even” the king stated.

“What do you mean should she want to leave?” Jesper questioned.

“Part of the terms your boss composed were that upon the conclusion of the threat, that no one, not even himself, would be allowed to force her to leave or go anywhere as doing so no longer would be required for her safety” Nikolai explained.

Jesper snapped his head to kaz who nodded stiffly.

“I will not force her to do anything” kaz stated.

“But she needs to come home. You want her to -“ Jesper sighed.

“I will not force her to do anything” kaz repeated sharply, “what I want does not matter”.

“So if she doesn’t want to go, then what?” Jesper asked Nikolai.

“Then she’s permitted to continue her stay should that be her desire” the king said.

“Saints your highness, what could Kaz ever have done to make you in his debt so much so that you’d take on this responsibility and even let her stay after the deal was done?” Jesper gasped.

Kaz shifted his jaw, “Nothing. That was not part of the deal”.

The King only nodded silently.

“You’ve grown fond of her” Kaz rasped, his chest sinking .

Nikolai rolled his eyes, “I’m not certain I know what you’re referring to. But I certainly know I’d not have sent her away “.

Jesper stepped between the two men, his hands on his revolvers, not waiting to see Kaz’s reaction.

“Have you told her?” Kaz questioned, surprising both Jesper and Nikolai.

“That I wouldn’t have been willing to let her go? Yes. Per the terms of the agreement , I didn’t tell her the reason you did” He answered.

“Where is she?” Kaz asked, trying to ignore the doubt that returned at Nikolai words.

Kaz had long thought about the unintended outcomes of his decision, but he still rather she be alive and with Nikolai than be harmed or dead for choosing him.

“At this time of day, usually the library. Second floor to the right” Nikolai answered easily.

Kaz felt nauseated that someone knew her routine so well.

Sure it was necessary to keep her safe, as he’d ordered the King to do.

But it still felt wrong that someone other than himself knew her whereabouts and routine so intimately.

Ungracefully turning around due to his bad leg, kaz stepped out into the hall, Jesper right behind him.

“Let them wander as they please” nikolai ordered his guards before closing his office door behind them.

“Really regretting your decision now huh?” Jesper murmured.

Kaz shot him a look before recounting the directions to the library.

Upon seeing her for the first time in months, Kaz found his legs failing to move closer.

Instead, he began staring at her, his hungry eyes absorbing every detail of her he could.

It was as if his mind had already determined she’d choose to stay; choose Nikolai.

Not that he could fault her for such.

Yet it didn’t stop the pain in his chest when the thought would float in.

Still, he let his eyes trace her skin, searching for every detail he knew by heart.

The small scar above her left eyelid just below her eyebrow that she’d gotten as a small child.

The triangle shaped mark on the skin of her right elbow from a slip during a heist.

The freckle on the back of her hand that was barely visible with her current posture.

He wasn’t even sure he was close enough to see any of these details, having stopped a safe distance away.

Yet, he knew they were there and he could see them in his mind.

Whether these details were an image in his mind from a time before this when he’d been close enough to truly see them or him somehow being able to see them from so far away now, it didn’t matter.

She was here, he was in the same room as her, for the first time in months.

He’d worked on his touch version with her over the last 7 years and now he wanted nothing more than to run to her and pull her in for a short but firm hug.

But he couldn’t, he wouldn’t let himself do that.

Him even being here, especially after ignoring his letters, was already a big vulnerable step for him.

So instead, he merely gazed at her, resisting his urge to slip the hair tie from her head off until her long hair cascaded down her neck and onto her back.

He has always found her presence mesmerizing, but her hair for some reason brought him comfort.

It was as if seeing the light from the sun or moon hitting her gorgeous and loosely hung hair reminded him she was safe and relaxed.

Early on, Kaz caught on to her ceaselessly tying her hair up during heists or around the streets of the barrel; the habit making her both look more fierce and less approachable to the disgusting men crowding the already narrow streets and alleys.

Kaz knew it also allowed her to move easier, not needing to brush hair from her face when running or turning sharply.

He’d grown to become appreciative of her hair being up; not that it was hard since he admired everything about her.

He knew the act kept her at least slightly safer regardless of where she was or who was near.

However, it was perhaps for that same reason why he cherished when she’d let her hair down.

It wasn’t often she would do it and a small part of him felt prideful when she’d do it in his presence.

It only grew when Nina joked with Kaz about it, telling him how it signaled she was comfortable around him.

While he’d pushed the idea off initially as mocking from Nina, he soon found the truth in it.

He’d noticed that her other tells of her being tense or otherwise dealing with some emotional distress would line up with her either putting her hair back up or keeping it up.

Whereas when she’d feel reassured or calm, she’d lower it.

The key point though being she had to feel safe to be willing to untie it.

It felt like a confession to Kaz when she began letting her hair down around him more.

He saw both styles as helpful indicators he could use to detect her emotions.

He’d worked tirelessly on improving his emotional intelligence and understanding but there were times he’d still struggle or worry he’d misread her state of being.

This simple display of her hair being up of down provided him with reassurance in what he right she was feeling and helped him feel more connected.

Nonetheless, while he appreciated the overall concept and the safety implications that came with it being up; he couldn’t help but always want it down.

He always wanted her to feel (and be) safe, especially if he was around.

But he knew it was also more simple than that.

The Bastard of the Barrel simply loved her hair being down and the way it shaped her face, only heightening her natural beauty.

Jesper let Kaz simmer for a moment before his excitement took over.

He ran to where she was seated at a dusty table in the middle of the room.

As she hastily looked up from her book, a previously hidden small dagger suddenly appeared at his throat.

Kaz found himself smirking at the action.

“J-Jes?” Y/n choked, eyes wide.

“Hi doll, or should I say princess?” Jesper teased, “mind lowering the blade?”.

Laughing nervously, she dropped her hand to her lap before letting go of the dagger and hugging him.

“I missed you” she whispered, but the echoing emptiness of the library made it louder.

Kaz forcefully bit down on the inner side of his lower lip as he noticed the pain in her voice; the pain he was responsible for.

Jesper quickly pulled her in for a tight hug, only opening his eyes briefly to stare pointedly at Kaz and mouth “Come on”.

Kaz stretched his neck as he tried to figure out how to start a conversation with her.

He was never great at communication, but he’d never found it this difficult.

Normally if he couldn’t think of a reason to justify talking to her, he’d be able to come up with some small request for her to help prepare for the next heist.

But he hadn’t planned a heist in awhile, nor did the way he handled the situation leave that as a viable option anymore.

Jesper pulled back, hands still holding the outside of y/n’s biceps as he smiled at her, “we’ve missed you too doll”

“We?” Y/n asked.

Jesper refrained from looking at Kaz so he wouldn’t give away his presence until the man was ready to face her.

“Yes, me and Kaz” Jesper smiled, squeezing her left arm.

Y/n froze before letting out a scoff and humorless laugh, “mmm right. Well it’s good to see you, Jes.”

Jesper sighed, quickly glancing secretly to Kaz as she rolled her eyes, “It’s good to see you too, it’s boring at the slat without you”.

Kaz saw his chance and began to walk closer, starting at a slow enough pace and pressing his cane down soft enough to not make much sound.

Whatever noise he might’ve been making was covered by Jesper’s conversation.

“The slat? Please, I’m fairly certain I’ve read nearly every book in here” y/n laughed sadly.

Eyes wide, Jesper gasped dramatically, “There’s far too many you liar!”

Y/n laughed with a small smile, “I’m a fast reader and I’ve had months Jes. Besides, what else am I supposed to do?”

“Was it really that boring or did you just miss me that much?” Jesper winked, sitting next to her.

Y/n shoved him softly before laying her head down on his shoulder when his body returned to its original position.

“I did miss you Jes. And the others” She admits, “but let’s just say, the most thrilling thing I’ve done in months has been sneaking behind Nikolai’s guards”

Jesper laughed loudly as Kaz froze in shock and frustration.

She was not supposed to be being restricted but the guards were also supposed to be alert enough if someone tried to attack.

It wasn’t surprising to Kaz that someone as skilled as y/n was could slip by even the kings guards, but he still hoped for her own safety it would not be possible.

He took a few steadying breaths as he stared at her, reminding himself that even if the guards hadn’t been up to his standards, she was alive and safe, the threat now over.

“Only you would do that! Where were you going?” Jesper asked, intrigued.

Shrugging she blushed slightly at how boring her target would sound, “here, sometimes the kitchen, a few times to the gardens until Nikolai looked out his window and caught me. Doesn’t matter where, just had to do something “.

Jesper nods in understanding, “what happened when the King caught you?”

Y/n hummed calmly, “He just joined me, usually issuing some comment about how guards needed more training”.

“Making improvements and keeping things interesting wherever you go I see” Jesper winked, rubbing her arm.

“Mmm, clearly” She grumbled under her breath, but with the emptiness in the room, both guys heard it.

“Hey, cheer up! I’m here to take you back!” Jesper assured her.

Lifting her head off his folder to look at him, she sighed, “Jes, no”.

Kaz who was merely a few feet from her now, froze upon hearing her comment and it felt as if she was thousands of miles away again; out of reach, too far gone.

Pouting, Jesper turned to her more, “Why not?”

Y/n gave him a sympathetic sigh, “I’m not going back. I’m not wanted nor needed”.

Kaz swore he could physically feel the distance between them growing.

“That’s not true! Why would you think that? We’re here after all!” Jesper whined.

“I know you’re here Jes, and I appreciate that. But you’re waisting your time” she sighed.

“But-“ Jesper argued as Kaz mentally tried to push past the metaphorical barriers he’d put between them.

Y/n sniffled once, “you know, you’re the first one to come see me?”.

Jesper frowned, “well, to be fair… they think you’re… dead”.

Y/n’s body halted for a half a second before she laughed sarcastically, “Saints, I should’ve known. I figured that…K-… that it was that or some lie tarnishing my name”

Jesper but his lip, suddenly at a loss for words.

“I suppose that makes me feel better about no one trying to contact me” she said as a thank you to Jesper for his attempt at comforting her.

“But nonetheless, Jesper, I’m staying” y/n added.

“Why? I mean, saints I know it’s a castle, and you’re basically a princess now, b-“ Jesper rambled as Kaz shut his eyes.

“I’m not a princess!” She argued with a glare, “I’m still me, Jesper”.

“Then why won’t you come back?” He asked, frowning.

“I can’t. I’m not here because I chose to be, Jes” she pointed out, Kaz opening his eyes in time to see the shame wash over her features.

“I’m supposedly here because I messed up” she sighed, “but in reality, I’m here because I am no longer wanted as I no longer serve a purpose or need”

Kaz closed the distance between them loudly as his cane aggressively hit the floor as he walked, “that is not true”.

Y/n stiffened momentarily before balling her fists up at her sides and narrowing her eyes at him as she turned to see him, “what the hell are you doing here?”.

Kaz swallowed the resistance building in him, walking around to stand before her ,“I’ve got some things to say to you.”

She chuckled mockingly, “that’s wonderful for you. As far as I am concerned you said enough, months ago”.

“I didn’t say half the things I wanted to.” He admitted, the words barely slipping out of his lips.

She shook her head, “you don’t get to say that. Not when you sent me away. You discarded me, when I no longer mattered to you”.

Kaz returned the head shake, “that is the most ignorant thing you’ve ever said”.

Jesper gasped softly and opened his mouth to try to stop the fight but they didn’t notice.

Rolling her eyes, y/n huffed, “Hello Mr. Casually Cruel. So you came here to drag me down lower than you did that night? Good luck with that Brekker.”

Running a gloved hand through his messy hair, Kaz groaned, “that is not why I am here”.

“Right, you’re here because you didn’t say everything that night. Well, I think you’ve said plenty just now. So feel free to leave now ” she laughed breathlessly.

Kaz sighed, his hand rubbing against his face as he lowered it slowly.

“I understand your mad, but you need to listen-“ Kaz began.

Standing up, and stepping back from the table, she groaned, “you don’t get to tell me what to do. Not anymore. You gave that up when you broke up with me over one mistake and kicked me out”.

Kaz sighed, a throbbing pain radiating from his temple.

“Wait, what?” Jesper blurted.

Kaz ignored him, eyes still holding onto y/n’s presence, “I never ordered you around as… your…”

Y/n watched him with an eyebrow raised, curious if he’d call himself her (now ex) boyfriend out loud or not.

It was common knowledge, but Kaz was never one to use formal terms for things when it came to relationships or even friendships.

Clearing his throat, he spoke with more certainty this time, “I may have issued orders for heists, but I never ordered you around as your boyfriend. I-“

Y/n nodded twice with a faint hum, “That’s true. You only did so as my ex boyfriend. My mistake “.

Kaz visibly tensed as she called him her ex, but no one mentioned it.

“Y/n, I-“ Kaz tried, his voice harsh as he tried to hide his fear.

“Why are you here?” She asked exasperatedly, leaning her palms on the table between them, “I expect a real answer Kaz. No indirect or vague answers, no lies, no misdirections, nothing of that nature or I’m walking out of this room”.

“I was not lying about my reason for being here. I need you to-…” He took a deep breath, his voice softening faintly until it was at a slightly less harsh tone “I need to talk to you”.

Y/n pondered his comment, Kaz waiting in silence as she analyzed him as if she were his personal lie detector.

And if he was honest, Kaz swore she basically was.

The only night she’d missed his tells was the night he sent her away.

He knew the intensity of the situation, his indirect explanations/excuses, and his refusal to answer questions he knew he’d have to blatantly lie about, all prevented her from seeing clearly that night.

He felt bad about it, knowing she already had trust issues with most people; hence why even when it was got her safety he couldn’t get himself to outright lie.

So he’d pinned it on something else that he was mad about, although minorly in constant to the real reason, and avoided any questions that would make him lie.

Her waving her hand slightly dismissively between them in a silent signal to continue brought Kaz out of his flashback.

“You did not stop serving a purpose nor did you stop being wanted” he told her.

She could tell he was trying but after what he’d put her through, she couldn’t let herself be too easy on him.

“Jesper already mentioned that” y/n stated, “But I was talking ab-“.

“About me “ Kaz interrupted , “about us. Or.. well… past us… no, that’s not… I suppose us still describes it”.

Y/N’s defensiveness decreased slightly out of shock over his uncharacteristic rambling.

He sighed, his hand in his hair again, “I .. I mean, I don’t know what I am to you… anymore…, …. Or well, even what you think of me. But… I do. I.. know what I think of you”.

Crossing her arms loosely over her chest, eyes staring into his frightened ones, she pressed for more clarity “What are you trying to say Brekker?”

Kaz took a hesitant step closer, “I didn’t send you away because of the reasons you think. You never stopped serving a purpose, obviously not to the crows or dregs. But not to me either”.

Sighing, his gaze shamefully fell to his scuffed boots, “I know I’m shit at this. But I’m trying to say… that, you… that you are wanted. By me.”

Despite the fluttering in her chest, y/n squinted hesitantly at him, “You’re the person who told me the reasons you sent me away, Kaz. You told me you ended it and discarded me because I failed your orders. Now I’m wanted? For what? Some heist you somehow believe I won’t be able to mess up?”

Shaking his head vehemently, Kaz took a sure step forward, “I told you my actions were due to safety concerns. I didn’t say-“

“You didn’t say it was because of the heist, you just let me believe that was the case “ She concluded, replaying the exact conversation from that night.

Kaz nodded in approval of her conclusion, “I don’t want you for a heist, I… I want you …For you. I never stopped …wanting you. But, the dime lions-“

Catching on, she cuts him off with a sharp tone, “they’re coming for you. Aren’t they?”

Kaz nods once, “they were, yes. They would have used you to hurt me”.

“That’s why you pushed me away, why you had me taken from my home and forced to live here” She snapped.

Kaz’s defensive nature took over at her remark, “You could sound a bit more grateful, you live in a castle with a King , many people dream of that kind of life”

Scoffing, she rolls her eyes, “against my wishes. And ghenzen! You know I don’t want that kind of life “

Kaz sighs “it is better than what I can offer”

“I didn’t ask anything from you!” She argued.

When he spoke, his voice was so soft and quiet the tone alone shocked everyone in the room., “I didn’t know if I could protect you any longer. “

“I didn’t need you to! I can protect myself, Kaz! I’m not in need of someone else to do that” she defended.

“Even if I believed they were real, your saints would not have been enough “ he declared firmly.

“My saints keep me sane. I don’t rely on them to keep me safe on a daily basis. I’m capable of that on my own, you should know that! You..- you helped make that happen” she pointed out.

Kaz felt the left side of his lips curl a tiny amount out of pride but he still held his ground, “If you stayed, you’d never be safe, not while there was a reward for your capture! I couldn’t have something happen to you. The castle is safer-”

“Shut up Kaz! Saints, we’re going in circles here. You threw away our history like it meant nothing. Why?!”

Staring at his feet he was honest and direct this time, “when you love something, you protect it. No matter how much it hurts”

She faltered as tears formed in her eyes, but the pain of the last few months hadn’t left, “You lied to me and you’ve got it worked out in your head that you did me a favor”

He nodded, jaw tight “you’re still mad. Be mad, Ghezen, be mad for the rest of our lives! But, I’d like you to be mad by my side. I did what I had to do. I won’t apologize for keeping you sa-”

“You can’t just explain it all away with, ‘I did what I had to do.’ Fuck you Brekker. You have no idea what these past few months have been like” she said to shield herself from more pain and heartache.

“No idea?” Kaz scoffed with a glare, “if you’d have opened the letters I-“

“Why!? Why would I put myself through that?” She shouted.

“You did this Kaz. You sent me away and you don’t understand why I wouldn’t want to read what you wrote after that?!” She groans.

The tears in y/N’s eyes made Kaz’s guilt drive him into complete silence as a means to hide his intense emotions.

“You know what the whirlwind of questions in my mind kept going back to?! The same question that was always there in the end?! If I opened your damn letters, I wouldn’t have been able to stop myself from asking …How’s your heart after breaking mine?” She whimpered.

“And ghezen knows I wouldn’t want to hear that answer; that you were perfectly fine” she stated hoarsely.

She shook her head and turned to leave the room.

“You must really think that I’m stupid.’ He said roughly.

“What?” She questioned, pausing.

“I’d have to be the most idiotic person to be so ignorant as to not know what your absence meant. That I was the reason. You think I was stupid enough to risk …everything for something that was clearly not needed” he argued, following after her.

“That’s what you think, right?” He pressed when she didn’t respond.

“That I am an idiot for doing this, that it is stupid to believe you would have been safer here” he added.

Turning back to him with tears, “you’re not stupid, Kaz. That’s why it hurts. You knew what you were doing. You’re smart enough to know I am able to defend myself, yet you knowingly ignored that and did as you pleased”.

Kaz’s voice trembled only slightly but the waves of emotion in his eyes spoke volumes as he moved closer to her, "everyone I've… Everyone I’ve loved has gotten hurt in Ketterdam. I was not going to let that happen to you”.

Jesper stood silently, wide eyed as he stared at the two, his mind spinning.

Guilt causes her to step closer, eyes flickering downwards and then they rise softer as she looks at him, “why couldn’t you just say that? You owed me that. Months ago, Kaz”

“I warned you communication is not my strong suit y/n” Kaz deflected.

She shook her head as she stared at the ground in disappointment.

“And… Goodbyes are much harder” he added quietly.

Y/n huffed, the pain in her chest burning again “Goodbye would’ve been harder?! On who? Because, you let me believe that…”

She pushes a soft breathy scoff “that I didn’t matter anymore. That you… Saints sake, Kaz. I know you never officially told me you loved me, but ghezen knows I believed you did”.

Kaz parts his lips, taking a shaky step closer with a sorrowful stare, “y/n, I-“

Shakes her head, “if you’re going to try and say it now, or say it indirectly again right now, don’t. Please, just don’t”.

Kaz clenched jaw and nodded stiffly.

Seeing the hurt and confusion simmering in his eyes, she sighed, “y-…y-you watched me go. You don’t get to just come back here and take that all back and act like nothing happened”.

Kaz hung his head slightly, “just tell me one thing, I have to know”.

She nodded slowly and waited for his question.

“While… while you were here, were you safe? Because it matters to me that you’re not hurt.” He states.

She sighed in frustration but Kaz curtly interrupted, “I don’t ask as a way to assert my point behind my actions. Only because Nikolai and I may have different perspectives on such”.

Between the sincerity in his voice and the way his eyes analyzed every inch of her, she knew he wasn’t lying; he was still worried that despite her presence before him, she was somehow threatened or harmed by the rival gang.

Frowning with a soft sigh, she mumbles, “no, I’m fine”.

Kaz grinds his teeth and tightens his grip on his cane, “you’re lying to me”.

“Kaz-“ Jesper whispers in warning.

Pursing her lips and shaking her head as she lifts her gaze to stare back at Kaz, she rebuts, “you really don’t see the irony and hypocrisy here”.

“Yes, I’m lying. Because you’re right about you and Nikolai having different opinions on what that question entails. You and I also have different opinions on it. All you care about is whether or not anyone physically harmed me” she states harshly.

“Which is a no. So congrats, Kaz, you and Nikolai did a fantastic job of that!” She sarcastically compliments.

“But as far as if I’m hurt? Or was hurt?” She laughs breathily, “yes. Not physically, but by you. While you may not let yourself feel anything, other people do Kaz. The pain you caused, not even King Nikolai could have prevented”.

Kaz swallowed thickly, “I did not want you to be hurt y/n, you must know that”.

“You didn’t want me to be hurt? Really? See this is my point!” She huffed, “if you actually did not expect this to hurt, then you didn’t care about me… about us… at all”.

His eyes closed and voice strained, he shook his head slowly, “that is not the case”.

Sniffling before composing herself, she straightens her back as she looked him over, “I’m just supposed to trust that?”

He shook his head again, eyes slowly opening to see her, “that’s why I wrote… “

It was now y/N’s turn to close her eyes to keep from crying, “I… I told you why I couldn’t open them”.

“I know” he admits, “I don’t blame you. But regardless of if you choose to come back, I have to know…When you were gone, did you ever think of me?”

Biting hard on her bottom lip she nods firmly, “you know I did. I couldn’t stop. That’s the problem “

Nodding he purses his lips, “now you understand my situation “.

She sighs loudly, looking between him and Jesper with her pain displayed clearly on her facial features.

“You two can figure this out” Jesper encouraged, “this is far more talking than I expected already”.

When neither one laughs at his attempt to break the tension he sighs.

“Y/n, will you come back?” Jesper asks hesitantly.

Kaz flinches as he watches her bottom lip tremble and chest dip inwards towards herself, shoulders curling forward as her eyes stare blankly into the void between them.

He knows he should be the one to ask her to return, to beg her, plead with her, and promise to make up for his mistakes.

But he can’t.

Part of it is his ego; he knows that.

But if he’s being unusually honest with himself, he knows he’s terrified of her answer.

And for her to say no to Jesper is one thing, to Kaz himself, he’s not certain he’d handle it well.

Y/n takes a shaky breath and stares over at Kaz, her eyes scanning his for some sign of the right choice.

Kaz reluctantly meets her gaze, his uncertainty clear in his eyes.

“I… I need some time, need some space, to think about all of this” she stated with forced elegance.

Ignoring the fact that her tone was likely a lesson from Nikolai, Kaz nodded, “I understand. The offer does not expire”.

“What offer, Kaz?” She asked as he neared the exit, needing to hear him say it.

Turning around to face her, he gave her a small curl of his lips, understanding why she pushed it despite Jesper having just asked her to return.

“I am offering for you to return to the sl- return home” he began, steeling himself confidently once he saw the surprised but pleased stare she responded with.

“With no strings attached. You may once again do as you please… with whom, you please. Wherever you please… the offer is that should you chose to return with us, now, or when you’re ready, you will find a place to stay” he told her.

She listened carefully to each word, her eyes frozen on his face.

“A place you were always wanted” Kaz mumbled softly, uncomfortable with the declaration albeit true.

She gives him a weak smile “thank you”.

He nods slowly, his eyes catching the troubled look in hers, “you mustn’t decide now. Take your time to think this over”.

“Saints know Kaz did” Jesper joked, causing Kaz to glare over at him as y/n choked bac a laugh.

Still, the faint laugh made Kaz’s glare disappear as he turned back to her and gave her a small nod.

“Kaz?” She asked as he opened the library door.

He turned to her patiently awaiting her question.

“May I ask one more question?” She whispered shyly.

Kaz frowned at her even asking permission but nodded, “you know you can”.

Biting her lip, she looked into his dark but patient eyes, “why didn’t you force Nikolai to have me read the letters?”.

Resting his hand loosely on the doorknob, he sighed, “It was not my right to do so. I already violated your free will by forcing you to go with him, I was not going to be cruel enough to do it again”.

“Yet, you still wrote?” She whispered.

He nodded once, “I needed you to know that I… well…”

Y/n nodded, “I understand”.

Kaz gave her a thankful small smile for not making him scramble for a way to describe his feelings especially in front of Jesper.

“Thank you… for…, not requiring Nik to make me read them when I wasn’t ready” she smiled faintly.

Jesper smirked silently as he watched his best friends.

Kaz furrowed his eyebrows slightly and nodded, “you do not need to thank me for that. Besides, even if I was selfish enough to insist, I have a feeling that… Nik… would have refused”.

Raising her eyebrows y/n stared at him in honest confusion.

Kaz chuckled once softly at her expression, “he’s interested in you y/n”.

Squinting, she pokes her tongue against her cheek, “I thought you said he got nothing in return for complying with you sending me here, that you w-“

Kaz shook his head rapidly, “stop. Nothing like that. I didn’t, I wouldn’t, ever do that. He accepted out of necessity to fulfill a favor he owed me, I’m certain you’ve put together by now how I obtained the ability to ask such a favor?”

Y/n nodded, having learned of the Nikolai and Sturmhond connection by now.

Kaz smirked, “mmm, figured you would”

Staring intently into her eyes, he added “He merely accepted to repay the debt. I, in no way, implied any further benefit to him accepting. I did not require anything more from him than your protection.”

Despite it being clear y/n trusted him, Kaz continued, “I assure you that if I feared, for even a second, his intentions weren’t appropriate or he’d cause you any discomfort; I would not have sent you on the ship that night”.

She nodded slowly as she took in his words.

“Nonetheless, it seems… his emotions maybe have… changed in this whole ordeal” he clarified.

Y/N’s lips parted as she silently processed this information.

“I will not ask you to choose. As I stated earlier, should you decide to return, you of course may do so in whatever manner you chose, with or without whoever you’d like” Kaz stated.

She was clearly deep in thought; both over Kaz’s numerous declarations and arguments, as well as the Nikolai revelation.

Once she gave him a polite smile as a small nod, Kaz made a gesture to Jesper.

Jesper caught on, squeezing y/n’s arm sympathetically as he exited the room.

Taking a painfully deep breath, Kaz gave her one final look before stepping into the hall.

He was not sure how long it would take her to process their conversation, let alone decide how to proceed with both aspects.

Nor did he know what that would entail.

But, he’d stick to his word.

Bastard of the Barrel, Kaz Brekker, would cave to whatever she chose; even if it wasn’t Ketterdam, and/or wasn’t him.

He’d find a way to do his part and accept her decision.

Kaz now owed it to y/n to make sure she wasn’t just safe, but happy; even if it meant he wasn’t.

Part 2 Here

Lying Bastard Mini-Series Navigation Here

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m0nost4tic · 5 months

Text

someone's gotta hear me out here;

octopath traveler ii apocalyptic au.

it has SO MUCH raw potential, no matter which route you want to take for it.

soooo.... prepare yourself for a ramble on potential ideas. do keep in mind i divided it up by sections only after writing most of it though 💔

-- general concept //

i've mentioned the idea to a handful of friends, and most of them assume i mean an apocalyptic au placed in a more modern setting. that in itself is interesting and a whole other concept to explore, but what i've *really* been thinking of is one set in solistia.

at first, i wanted to use the stereotypical zombie virus. but when i further thought on it, that wouldn't really make sense in ot2's context. i mean, yeah, it could be a situation like castti's - but how would a mutated virus tie back to an overlooming shadow the same way trousseau's poison does?

there were a billion different ways to create or sever that tie. the virus' mutation could have been caused by the darkness, or the virus itself originating from a creature of it, or something else among the lines of that. i couldn't really settle on just one solid idea - until i remembered osvald's final chapter.

osvald's final chapter features people who are "possessed" by this shadow magic. they are unable to speak and appear violent to *some* extent. plus, after you're able to free them from this trance, they seem to be unaware of what had only just taken place.

in addition to this, while playing the game, you have a set chance of encountering a monster who looks *just* like one of the others, save for its darker palette and shadow-themed battle scenery. this also appears in ochette's final. and temenos' final, when that magic mutates kaldena into some sort of monster? AND the darkblood blade causing a similar instance with mugen?? ANDDD the dark akala/mahina for ochette's final???? and not to mention trousseau using "poisonous shadow energy" to cause fatal illness. the perfect set-up for a zombielike concept is literally all RIGHT there

-- hikari //

HOWEVER. using the shadow as a direct cause of it brings up a few questions that need solving. if we go with a "the last of us" sort of concept, where the people who are infected are *alive* but serve as "hosts," then what would that mean for hikari??? there's a bunch of different ways to explore that. would he technically be born infected and, therefore, have partial immunity?? if so, how would his infected state affect not only him but the other travelers as well??? i imagine it functions pretty similarly to the original curse, maybe with a few sickly symptoms?

i think one of the key differences with hikari and other forms of the shadow is sentience. with the people from osvald's ch. 5, they're reduced to just making animalistic sounds in place of speaking. in hikari and temenos' finals, both mutated versions of bosses have a VERY limited speech pattern and seem to entirely lose themself. in ochette's story, it afflicted animals. on the flip side, when it comes to hikari's curse, we have this shadow within that can speak and think for itself. while it is a possibility this sentience is limited because most (if not all) of what it thinks about is violence, it's perfectly capable of interacting with people (...if it ever wanted to without hurting them)

so...maybe it wouldn't act like the other infected whenever hikari loses control of it? but it probably still has a strong lust for blood. PLUS, being that this is set in an apocalyptic setting, being around violence is going to be an incredibly common occurrence. hikari'll have to be dealing with it. a LOT. i feel like at some point the other travelers start to notice that something's up, depending on which representation of the curse you wanna go for. like, if it's just partial infection immunity, hikari could be bitten at some point, start feeling a faint bit sickly, and everyone's grieving and preparing for his loss, and then...it just. doesn't happen. or, if you wanna go for something like the shadow being recognized as something similar to the infected, there could be an instance where hikari is struggling against it, and the infected they were in the middle of fighting charge toward him, set to attack, and— then they just walk around him, as if he didn't exist at all. this would probably act similar to the whole smell disguise thing in the walking dead or like the zombies ignoring the ill in world war z

-- throné //

the shadow's relation to the apocalypse would also raise a few questions for throné. for instance, if this widespread infection is marking the beginning of vide's return and the end of time, what would this mean about throné being a 'vessel?' what about her own blood ties to d'arqest (and the ones she shares with hikari)?

since throné doesn't have 1-to-1 interactions with her dark ancestry (the shadow), i wouldn't go quite as far as hikari's concepts. like, i don't think she'd be immune to them. buuuuut, as she was born as a potential candidate as vide's vessel, i can see her being better at handling the infected. maybe it'd be something like a heightened sense or intuition of their actions. there could be more of an understanding that's beyond just empathy of the tragedy. after all, these things are technically vide's creation, and she's not so far off from being considered one too. i wouldn't go off into fantasy land and say she can talk to them or something, but i can see her predicting some of their behaviors. if they ever try to sneak up on the cast, both because of her assassin/thief history and this trait, she'd be the first to notice them and spring into action-- even before they're actually near the group. it's like a feeling of paranoia except, most of the time, it's true

ochette could perhaps possess a similar ability (though not quite the same) due to the orign of the beastlings, and because of her being basically pure light LMAO. even vide couldn't find a way to corrupt her

another note- i feel like traveler stories relating to vide would be much more rooted in cultism than they were originally. you've probably seen films or shows of post-apocalyptic scenarios. cults spresd FAST. and, speaking of which...

-- the moonshade order //

THESE GUYS. eugh i both love and hate them sm i'm gonna throw them

anyway. so, in this version of what i'm describing, the only main world change is the timeline order. long story short, these guys managed to pull a lot of the big bad strings way back, maybe even before some of the travelers were born (glances at agnea) but i haven't fully arranged it out yet

ALTHOUUUGH, as we know, there are circumstances that were only capable thanks TO the travelers. (ex. kazan using the ku civil war to retrieve the blade). i think this is EXACTLY why vide has yet to fully return. maybe they've managed to get 2 or 3 of the flames out (i'm not completely sure which ones are possible and which ones aren't. i'd have to look back at it later... it's currently 12 am at the time of me writing this, so there's zero way i'm checking atm </3). in this csse scenario, i see this like a weakening on the seal, and hence, allowing for the beginning of the end to start

otherrr than that, post-apocalyptic, i see them functioning as a cult. ..well, they technically already are, but a more influential one. like, let's take kazan, for example. he would definitely use the apocalypse as an opportunity to 'advise' the king and general mugen. ...iiiin other words, basically manipulating them.

!! subsection about ku because i rambled a bit //

since ku's so war-heavy, after the kingdom falls (and, geographically wise, they'd likely be one of the last standing), i envision them having a survivor group ran by the royal family. kazan would use the chaos and conflict to paint himself in to a higher, more influential role in this group. as hikari would be pretty young when the apocalypse began, i can picture kazan becoming his mentor in this au. he'd probably speak to hikari and other people of ku about vide and the end of the 'cruel and ugly world' and such, and, because most people are willing to listen to just about anything in this stats of emergency, they start believing in it, too. maybe not as deeply as kazan, but it might influence them in behaviors or habits, like serving to only worsen ku's war-thirsty nature or people of the group beginning to adapt a more "ah, well, it is what it is. this cruel and ugly world will end soon anyway" mindset

also, on kazan mentoring hikari, this would definitely be another manipulation tactic. enough people of ku know about the curse (and, in mugen's case, about hikari's mixed ancestral bloodline) for it to be expected that kazan is fully aware of it. i wouldn't even be surprised if part of the plan was to use hikari to, at last, fully free vide. orrr, maybe kazan treats hikari as if he's vide's intended vessel? either way, this would cause much deeper rooted psychological problems for hikari. like...ku's violence meter probably went WAAAY up due to the stress and panic of the apocalypse. and then you add in the blackouts associated with the shadow within that he's not fully aware of until adulthood. and also a lot of the similar event sequences to his original storyline.

i just really quickly fetched a few small hypothetical concepts i sent to a friend about post-apoc ku late october;

" hikari's upbringing would therefore likely have a lot more of kazan's involvement in it, as well as all those bad behaviors.

ofc, just like he strays from his family's history of violence in canon, hikari often strays away from the path kazan tries to set up for him. he disagrees with all the violence and a good amount of the questionable behaviors clan ku exhibits

in facctttt

one idea i had for this version of ku, was that they sometimes keep others hostage for bargaining, torturing for information, cult-like related reasons, etc. but this would be pretty rare because ku would fucking murder most of their hostages

there was one scene i imagined would perhaps make a tie between him and another character (most likely partitio due to ku and oresrush's proximities)

in this case, lets say there's been a group near their area that they've been struggling to "sniff out," and they finally happen to find one of the members of that group. if this was as a tie to partitio, then this would likely be one of his friends - nikki, joe, maybe even alrond, etc.

young hikari realizes he's roughly the same age as the hostage and, ofc, feels super fucking bad. and hence sneaks out at night to bandage the captive's wounds and maybe try to free him

during that whole interaction, i imagine him saying something along the lines of "it's okay," offering out his hand to show the bandages and his intent to help, "...i'm not like them."

if/when he frees this person, kazan would definitely have the suspicion it was hikari and eventually find the evidence it was (likely through manipulating hikari to spill), and young hikari would get *a ton* of shit for it

to mimic a lot of things that happens in hikari's story, another thing i did sort of want portrayed was his mother's death;

but i thought it more similarly to a twd character, where his father clings onto a zombified version of her (and this could serve as another reason for the occasional captive and excessive bouts of manslaughter)

until, one day, she's found fckin dead. wound indicates a sword to the head and all. hikari personally felt a sort of peace with the fact, because he saw it as her *finally* being allowed to rest properly. he knew and recognized that the walkers were anything but human, and while they once were, the person they were before was most definitely *gone*. (hence he'd be the type to go out of his way to put an end to walkers that're trapped or hung, because he wants those people to finally feel a sense of peace instead of being trapped in whatever sort of hell that was. if the shadow was to have a big hold on him, it would also contribute to this sympathy because he'd *know* some of the hell they'd gone through)

....however, the rest of clan ku would *not* see it that way and treat it as an assassination. and that's another pointer to hikari that things around him are kinda lowkey fucked up

....and because of the way he viewed it, and him being young and not yet really knowing that view was VERY frowned upon, a lot of the clan ends up thinking he was the one who carried it out. henceee more of the shit hikari receives. the shit w/ jin mei would also be connected 2 this "

!! back to moonshade //

mindt may cause something sort of like that among the church, or be able to spread the word of vide under the disguise OF the proper church of the sacred flame. people are 10x more likely to listen to official clerics instead of some rambling lunatic, right?

okay i'm getting too tired to keep writing tjis it just turned 1 in the morning and i didn' sleep yesterdah. 😭😭. i MIGHT come back and revisit this if anything else comes to mind!!!! most of my thoughts have pertained to hikari and thr ku kingdom, so if this post somehow manages to pique anyone's interest at all, i'm really open to hesring any ideas you might have for any of tje travelers or ot2 chatacters! orrr any input about things i've already thought up. i really wanna find some way to implement ships into this too but i haven't gotten to think on it much. i'm personally a sucker for partikari, castthroné, and knightlight/crimenos. but also just relationships in general, like the close-knit friendship between throné and temenos. .....this is making me realize how much more thinking and planning i have to do 😭

ps i'm newer to tumblr so i'm sorry if the formatting in this is god awful💔. i wanted somewhere to rant about my silly little slow work in progress apoc au in the middle of the might and thought you guys would be best suited lmfao

#octopath traveler 2 #i really just spent like 2 or 3 hours typing all of this on my phone instead of sleeping #god i'm so ill about ot2 actually #hikari ku #octopath #alternate universe #throné anguis #kind of. she's mentioned #octopath traveler ii #this is so hikari centric atm #my bad guys #its the illness getting to me again /j

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