#could never handle the idea of her being actually upset with him leaving her there when everything happened | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

highonmarvel · 5 months

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hi hope ur doing well. i was thinking, could u do a buckyxreader where hes paralyzed and like needs a caretaker. through some means reader ends up as the caretaker and all is well. but actually bucky was just pretending and hes not realy paralysed and he just pretended to get closer to reader and reader start expresing the idea that she might have to leave for whatever reason and buck does not like that so like he kidnaps her or something. I rlly luv ur work this is the first request iv sent

this is so good, i’m upset i didn’t think of it first. i’m so sorry for taking so long to get back to you, i really hope you enjoy, and thank you so, so much for the love. okay, here it is:

Himalayan Salt

Bucky Barnes: You’re assigned to a notoriously grumpy war vet, but he’s different with you.

content warnings here!

You nod as your supervisor goes over your final notes: James Barnes, World War II veteran, quadriplegic.

You follow her from the overcast weather into a beautiful but modest home in a fairly quiet suburb to meet the man sitting in a wheelchair in the centre of the room.

“Good morning, Mr Barnes,” your supervisor calls, tucking her clipboard under her arm as she waits for him to turn around. When he does, you’re surprised. You hadn’t seen a photo of him beforehand as this had been a pretty impromptu assignment, but you’re sure you were told he was born in 1917, yet he sits looking like he’s in forties, and aging well, at that.

“Hi, Mr Barnes!” you smile warmly at him, and he returns a friendly smile, introducing himself as Bucky and insisting you call him that.

“I just need you to fill out the last of the forms quickly,” your supervisor mutters, waving goodbye to Bucky as she leads you back out to her car.

You’re leaning against the boot of her oldish, red car, pen scratching against paper when she says, “He really likes you.”

“Hm?” you offer, raising your eyebrows but keeping your eyes focused on the form.

She leans her back against the trunk and shifts down a bit, speaking to you but looking over at your handwriting, “He’s known to be grumpy. You see the left arm? I don’t think he likes being dependent, I’ve had to swap out a lot of people.”

“And you didn’t tell me this before I took the job?” you frown, still finishing off the document, “Didn’t think I could handle it?”

“I know you’re capable, but I thought you wouldn’t want it. But listen, the organisation needs this, I don’t know if there’s anyone else we can find for him.”

You complete your signature with a satisfied smile, handing back the clipboard, “Don’t worry, I can do this.”

She nods then gets in her car and drives away, leaving you in the driveway. You stretch your arms then make your way back inside. When you enter the living room, there’s a draft you swear wasn’t here a few minutes ago. Bucky hasn’t moved, but you notice an open window. You furrow your brows as you look down at him, “Can I close that? It’s a bit chilly in here.”

“Go ahead,” he nods, and you walk over, pulling the handle it, and ignoring the recent-looking fingerprint marks on the glass.

***

A few hours into your first day, you’re a little taken aback by how friendly he is; even despite your boss’ warning, you’ve never had a patient so willing to co-operate, especially not veterans — they tend to be angry they need help, or have episodes due to PTSD, but Bucky seems perfectly in his right mind and understanding of both his and your position.

“Did they tell you I was a pain in ass?” Bucky asks before opening his mouth for a spoonful of food.

You laugh as you pull the spoon back, scooping up more of the rice and curry you made to lift to his lips, “Kind of,” you admit, “Said you were grumpy, is that true?”

He smiles, “I tend to be,” he confesses, “But I can’t keep that brooding persona up around you,” he takes a spoonful.

“So that’s what it is?” you raise an eyebrow as you pile the last of the meal onto the utensil, “A persona?”

He swallows the last of it and shakes his head with a grin, “No, but I can’t not be amused around you.”

***

You have no idea why your supervisor said he was difficult, your next few weeks with Bucky are light and fun, and you feel you’re even developing a friendship. You don’t see to him at night, and he has minimal needs during the day — some days it just feels like you’re there to keep him company.

You’re doing so well, in fact, that your supervisor wants to transfer you to a veteran from Vietnam who’s apparently even worse than Bucky (by other people’s stories — to you, if he’s anything like Bucky, he’ll be nice to see), convinced you have some magic touch.

As much as you’re developing affection for Bucky, you have to put work first, and you’re compelled to leave him for the other man who clearly needs you more. Bucky seems to be doing well, you’re sure you can’t be that special, and you’re sure someone else could take care of him just as well, if not better.

“Hi, Buck,” you greet with a smile as you close the door behind you. You hear his motorised wheelchair come rolling down the corridor to greet you.

“Hi, why could you only come in at ten today?”

You usually come in at seven on weekdays and eight on weekends.

“Sorry, I had a meeting,” you sigh, setting your tote bag down as Bucky switches his chair to manual.

“A meeting?” he asks as you take hold of the handles and push him to the other side of the kitchen island.

“Mhm,” you nod as you open the fridge, rummaging around for something to make, “There’s this other guy my boss wants me to help,” you call with your head still in the cold, “A Vietnam vet, no one else in the org will take him.”

You emerge with some eggs and milk, shutting the door with your foot before placing the contents on the island, “Did you eat? I assume Carol made breakfast but I can make more.”

“Are you going to take it?” he inquires, ignoring your question, “The job.”

“I mean, maybe,” you answer, placing your hands on the counter and tilting your head as you think, “I’m not sure yet.”

“But what about me?”

“The other guy needs full-time care, I’d have to spend virtually all my days there, but if I leave, Carol can take over for me, she can go from night to day, she’s amazing, and she doesn’t complain about you, at least not as much,” you wink, but he doesn’t crack a smile.

“Bucky, I didn’t mean to upset you—”

“It’s okay.”

“It’s just that—”

“It’s your job, I get it,” he replies, and you can see the stoicism build up.

“Nothing’s final, yet,” you say as you walk over, “And you’re doing great either way,” you give him a kiss on the forehead, “We don’t have to talk about that, let’s just eat, I’m starving.”

He nods and attempts to smile, but you can tell it doesn’t reach his eyes.

You try to make conversation as you make yourself an omelette, but you can tell he’s not in it, giving short answers and not reacting to your jokes. When you reach to grab the salt, he stops you.

“Not that one,” he says, “Use the pink salt, Himalayan, I swear it makes everything tastes better.”

You grind some onto your food and sit across from him on the island. Digging your fork into it, you see something flash across Bucky’s eyes. Your first thought is hunger, but he’d just eaten and swore he wasn’t hungry. You ignore it as you bring the fork to your mouth, savouring the taste, though it’s not necessarily a chef’s rendition.

It tastes fine, but there’s something off. At first, you think it must be the salt, but it’s not the taste that’s off; usually when you eat, you feel that warmth in your throat and then your stomach, but now, it’s like it went to your head. You press a hand to your forehead, feeling like you’re burning up. Trying to stand, you immediately sway, only not falling by gripping the counter so harshly and hastily you bend a nail. You try to look to Bucky to tell him you’re not feeling well, but he’s out of focus. In fact, he’s not there. Just as you collapse and close your eyes, you feel a tall shadow over you, but you don’t have time to figure out where it’s coming from before you fall unconscious.

***

You groggily wipe at your eyes when you finally stir before turning over to reach for your phone, at first thinking you had had a dream, but your phone’s not there, and the nightstand isn’t yours. You shoot up in panic and look down at your sheets: Bucky’s sheets. Okay, maybe Bucky rang Carol and she came and set you in bed. Your head still hurts, and everything’s a little hazy.

When the door opens, you expect to see Carol, but it’s Bucky.

“Bucky!” you gasp as you throw the sheets off of you.

He gives a lopsided grin, and for the first time you notice how tall he actually is, because he’s standing.

“Christmas miracle?” he offers.

He walks over to you and sets a glass of water on the bedside table.

“That Himalayan salt is really exotic, isn’t it?”

You don’t even have time to process exactly what he means by that, he’s still standing over you, using his arms and legs just fine, in fact, like he’s been doing it every single day forever. You should have suspected something was up; how could a paralysed man stay in such good shape? The thought briefly crossed your mind once when you ran your fingers over his muscled arm, but you brushed it off.

“Bucky! You- you—”

“Are perfectly fine, I am, and you will be too, soon, those drugs just need to wear off. I know you’re having trouble understanding, just drink some water and sleep it off a little longer.”

He leans down to give you a kiss on the forehead, but you dodge him, nearly falling off the bed in the process.

“Woah, there,” he chuckles as he catches you with ease, his reflexes so sharp it’s nearly unnatural, “Now I’m taking care of you.”

You’re not sure if you can’t speak because of the drugs or if it’s because you’re in shock. He gently sets you back down and your head falls against the pillow as you struggle to keep your eyes open, spots of black blocking little bits of your vision.

“I’ve been needing someone, I’ve gone through a few, but you, honey, you’re special, and I knew it from the moment I saw you. You can’t leave me, I still need you.”

✪

[taglist; @cjand10]

#dark bucky barnes #dark bucky barnes x reader #dark bucky x reader #dark bucky barnes x y/n #dark bucky barnes x you #dark bucky x you #dark bucky #soft dark bucky #dark!bucky barnes #dark!bucky barnes x reader #dark!bucky x reader #dark!bucky barnes x y/n #dark!bucky x y/n #dark!bucky x you #dark!bucky barnes x you #soft!dark!bucky #yandere bucky barnes

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throneofsapphics · 7 months

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have your little girlfriend, part five

Rowaelin x f!Reader

Summary: She never wanted to find out whether a blood oath or mating bond would be stronger. Gods only know it might take months to unravel the mess they’re in now.

Word Count: ~6.5k

Warnings: darkish aelin/rowan, possessiveness, toxic relationships, minors injuries/mentions of blood, smut, thigh riding, nsfw, minors dni!

A/N: honestly idk where this is going, i’m just writing on vibes, but reader still has a backbone. this got deleted somehow :(, special thank you to @moonlightttfae

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“I’ll be with Fenrys,” she said. It was another iteration of the same conversation they’d had the last three days. Her bringing up visiting home, Aelin and Rowan not disagreeing or agreeing, but questioning the safety of it. Technically, she supposed she didn’t need their permission, but it would be much easier if she could convince them to agree. Would they drag her back to Orynth if she left on her own? She didn’t want to find out. Her eyes shuttered closed. She wouldn’t give up on this, she needed to see her family. Needed to get some space. Fenrys had offered to speak to them, but she wanted to handle this on her own. To fight her own battles.

She had an idea. One she would surely regret. “What if …” she swallowed harshly, “I agreed to train with you,” she directed her gaze towards Rowan first, and then Aelin.

“Without complaining?” Rowan leaned back, crossing his arms.

“I’ve never complained,” he raised one brow at her. Maybe she had, once or twice. “It’s not my fault you’re …” she tried to find a nicer word to say.

“Ah asshole?” Aelin offered. “Dickhead? Bastard?” Rowan cut a glare at her, but she only grinned.

“Harsh,” you settled on.

“I promise I'll be …” Rowan’s the one who couldn’t find a word this time. She pressed her lips together to stifle a laugh. “Considerate.”

Aelin chuckled. “How kind of you, your Highness.”

She straightened in her chair. “I’ll train with you,” she tapped her fingers on the table. “Three times.”

“Seven,” he countered. She started low on purpose.

“Five.”

“Ten.”

Gods-damned in. Aelin only looked on amusement. Ten times. She had to leave in twenty days. Between work, spending time with them, and her friends, she didn’t quite have time to train everyday. Well, not in the way Rowan likes to train - grueling sessions, at least three hours.

“Seven.” She countered, he looked like he was going to raise it further, but Aelin fixed him with a look.

“Fine,” he grunted.

The weeks leading up to the visit, she spent so much time in her animal form it began to worry Rowan. He remembered the ten years he spent in his … after Lyria’s death. Maybe she was still healing - from everything she’d lost during those ten years. Her parents, several of her family members. He glanced down at the white fox, curled up next to his desk, snoring softly. She looked peaceful, and at ease.

She was leaving in three days and something in his chest clenched at how far away she’d be, at how he wouldn’t be there if anything happened. Or how difficult it would be to get to her. Aelin had threatened Fenrys so thoroughly he didn’t need to do it. As much as the male could annoy him sometimes, he trusted him with his life, and more importantly with hers. If anything happened to her, he’d make him regret being born.

He called her name softly, and her head raised, pretty eyes blinking away the haze of sleep. “Shift back,” to his surprise, she actually listened - and didn’t look too upset at his order.

“You interrupted a perfectly good nap,” her fists rubbed at her eyes, lips turning into something between a frown and a pout.

His mouth turned up at the corners, and he held out a hand. “I missed you.”

Her eyes softened, and she took it, letting him tug her into his lap. She nestled her head into the crook between his shoulder and neck, he had one arm wrapped around her, the other still shuffling through reports he had to get through by the end of the night. A few more days, and everything should calm down for the holidays. But by then … she’d be gone.

He opened his mouth to say something, but her breaths had evened out, body relaxing into him, and he was reluctant to interrupt her sleep. Again. Rowan pressed a kiss to the top of her head.

The door swung open, and from the corner of his eye he saw Aelin striding in - looking both irritated and exhausted. She paused, tilting her head to look at the two of them, before a small smile creeped onto her face. Aelin had certainly come a long way, managing to curb most of her jealousy surrounding y/n, at least with him.

“I’m stealing her,” her eyes said. He narrowed his. “You’ve had her for the last few hours.”

“She just shifted back.”

“And?” Aelin shot him an irritating grin, making her way to their side and pressing a kiss to his cheek. She perched up on his desk, shoving some of his papers out of the way.

Y/n stirred in his lap, lifted her head up. She beamed as she saw Aelin. Looks like Aelin wouldn’t have to steal her anyway. Aelin leaned forward, balancing precariously, and pressed a sweet kiss to her lips, before sliding off the table.

She cupped one hand around her cheek, tilting y/n’s head to deepen the kiss, the other female moved, brushing against him. His teeth tug into his bottom lip as he bit back a groan, hardening beneath her. The little devil noticed, because she moved again, more intentionally. His hands gripped her hips, holding her firmly in place, she was straddling his leg now, back arching as Aelin kept pulling her closer. Fuck.

He kissed down the side of her neck, scraping his canines over her pulse point. Rowan kissed over the two small scars on her neck. His mark. Where he’d claimed her. How everyone would know exactly who she belonged to.

Her arousal started dripping on to him, her hips wiggling to try and get some release, some friction. He dug his fingers into her hips in warning, and she stopped. Aelin let out an edged chuckle. She was always amused by how easily y/n listened to him. Well, how she listened when she wanted to.

“Please,” her voice was breathy, and he knew she was asking him. He wrapped an arm around her waist, tugging her back to meld her body against his. Aelin leaned back against the desk, hands gripping at the wood - lips swollen.

“Let her.” Aelin shot him a look. She was always soft when it came to her.

“Go on,” he told her, and pushed gently between her shoulder blades, landing a gentle swat on her thigh. “If you want it that badly, take it.”

Her head twisted over her shoulder, tilting her head at him.

“Ride his thigh, petal,” Aelin said.

He groaned in mock frustration, before gripping her hips again, helping her to start moving.

“Don’t be mean,” Aelin tutted at him. Rowan ignored her, focusing on y/n, currently growing bolder with her movements, rocking her hips back and forth over them, soft moans and whimpers leaving her throat. Aelin’s fingers white knuckled against the wood, fighting the urge to step in, but flames danced in her eyes, lust glazing over as she watched, scenting the same arousal he did. Three different scents mixing through the room, flooding it. It was strong enough that anyone would know better than to knock. If they wanted their head still attached to their shoulders.

As much as he liked to tease Aelin, he was equally territorial over her. If anyone else even glimpsed her like this, he’d rip their gods-damned eyes out.

“I’m close,” she panted, “please please please,”

“Go on,” Aelin said before he could answer, winking at him. His eyes rolled, but he tightened his grip on her hips, helping her move faster, harsher.

Her thighs clenched around him, body stiffening, and Aelin leaned forward to swallow her moans, letting her ride out her pleasure. As soon as she started to come down, started to relax - muscles loosening, Aelin swiftly gripped under her thighs, pulling her up into her arms. Y/n laughed as her legs wrapped around her waist, arms draping over her shoulders.

“You’re invited,” Aelin said over her shoulder as she headed for their bedroom, a sheet of golden hair swishing behind her. Hair he wanted nothing more than to bury his fingers into. The other female buried a laugh, tucking her head into her neck. He scowled. Aelin’s well aware he still has work to finish. A wink, and she disappeared, kicking the door shut behind her.

The next three days passed quickly, and a few tears slipped down her face as she left, but she managed to wipe them away before Aelin or Rowan could see. She would miss them, absolutely, but she was incredibly excited for the trip. For the chance to get to see everyone again - and to visit her home. Well, Orynth was her home, but so was out there. In the mountains, far beyond any of the hustle and bustle of the cities.

Fenrys shifted first, and she followed - taking off at a steady trot. They traveled in peaceful silence, listening to the various bird calls, water from the streams splashing on stone, pattering of paws against snow.

Freedom, that’s what this felt like. Majority of their journey was spent in their animal forms - the easiest way to stave off the cold. They hadn’t brought much food with them, knowing they could hunt for whatever they needed.

They only shifted as they approached the village, a mile or so out. Fenrys had shivered, wrapping his cloak tighter around him. She nudged him in the ribs, “at least act tough, brother.”

He cut a nasty glare at her, but she shot a grin back his way. Y/n thought about making it a surprise, but ended up sending word ahead that she’d be coming with Fenrys. They’d remember him, of course. He’d already made several trips this far north for his duties as Emissary. Although this one was more pleasure than business.

“Nervous?” He asked, glancing at her.

She swallowed and nodded. “It’s been a while.”

Fenrys gave her a side hug, a silent it’ll be fine. She appreciated it. He released his arm as they approached the village, a female sprinting out towards her with a squeal.

Her cousin, Lida. She shoved her pack into Fenrys’s arms, ignoring his oof, and sprinted towards her.

The decorations in Orynth were beautiful. They always were this time of year, but something was missing. Someone was missing. Rowan held her hand, running his thumb over the back of her palm.

“We’ll make sure she’s here next year,” he murmured, voice soft enough only she could hear.

“Every year,” Aelin corrected. “I don’t want her to leave again.”

“Neither do I,” Rowan said hesitantly, “but we need to be careful.”

Maybe it’s wrong. It’s definitely wrong. But, Aelin hoped she was feeling as miserable as she was - was missing her just as much. There’s nothing wrong with wanting her mate close by.

A muscle in her jaw flexed. She was surrounded by all of her court - her family, but without her it didn’t feel complete. Without her and Fenrys. She ran her tongue over the back of her teeth, and refocused her attention on Lysandra’s story. Something about the local ghost leopard population.

“Are you ready to be home?” Fenrys asked. They had about three hours left, and decided to travel the rest of the way in Fae form.

“I don’t know,” she gave an honest answer, not looking at him. “It was nice to see everyone, and I missed them, but …”

“You’re not certain how they’ll … be,” he finished for her. Y/n nodded at him, lips pressing into a tight line. Part of her feared Aelin and Rowan wouldn’t let her go again, and she told Fenrys that.

“I’ll do my best to make sure that doesn’t happen,” he’d replied. No promises or guarantees, and she appreciated that. The blanket honesty he always came with. He’d fight for her, she knew that, but if Aelin or Rowan put their minds to something - there isn’t much either of them could realistically do about it.

The gates came into view, two figures along with it. Aelin had broken into a sprint. Fenrys quickly tugged the straps of her pack off her shoulders, and she sprinted to meet her halfway.

The impact sent her stumbling back a few feet, but Aelin wrapped her arms around her waist, holding her upright. She breathed in her scent, letting jasmine and lemon verbena overtake her senses. Her mate. The bond between them thrummed with joy, that they were together again - reunited. Like it was mad at her for spending time apart. Another warm body caged her in, somehow managing to twist her around in Aelin’s grip, her face turning to press against a hard chest. He laid a kiss down on the top of her head.

They didn’t need words to explain it. She felt it - their relief that she was back now, and safe in their arms. The pure possession in their touch filled some part of her, the wanting to be desired - to know her mates claimed her as much as she did them. How she proudly wore her mating marks - never making an effort to hide them, never disguising her scent, wrapped up in theirs so thoroughly everyone knew who she belonged to. As much as she was theirs, they were hers.

She didn’t protest as Rowan slung her up over his shoulder, tapping her ass lightly as she laughed. He carted her right off to the bedroom, Aelin hot on their heels, and showed her just how much they missed her.

She was still sleeping when Aelin snuck out, no doubt exhausted from the trip and traveling back. Trudging through the forest and snow for days was enough to exhaust anyone - even in animal form. The first person she sought out was Fenrys - who apparently was expecting her, and asked her what took so long.

“Tell me how it went,” Aelin instructed him. The male let out a slow breath. “All of it.” Aelin added, and his face tightened. Whatever it was, he wasn’t keen on telling her - and a few years ago she may have felt a bit guilty, but when it comes to her mate she wants to know everything.

“They were very welcoming, and thrilled to see her. She … came alive.” Y/n did seem to be glowing. “It took some convincing to get her to stick to our original itinerary.”

Aelin could read through those lines easily, she didn’t want to leave.

“Aelin,” Fenrys cautioned as she felt resentment build up inside of her. “She needed it, she’s already lost so much -”

“She has us,” she interrupted, but he ignored it.

“And her family needed her.” Aelin swallowed harshly. He knew exactly what strings to pull. A duty to her people as well, and if some of them needed her mate’s presence, she couldn’t easily deny it. Her oath to the country wouldn’t allow her. “They’re true northerners,” Fenrys switched subjects, “I don’t think I’ve ever been that hungover before. I’d bet gold her family could drink you or Aedion under the table.”

He went on to describe some kind of homemade liquor or wine they made, strong and dangerous apparently. You couldn’t taste the alcohol in it, but luckily y/n had stopped him after the third glass - telling him her family was getting him that wasted on purpose, to test him out.

“How was your trip?” Rowan asked, sitting down at the breakfast table. He’d been reluctant to let go of her, at all, and currently she was perched in his lap. He needed the closeness, to feel her body against his - to know she was here and present.

“It was good,” she said hesitantly, glancing between the two of them, her neck arching to search his face. He ran his knuckles down the column on her neck, her pulse fluttering beneath them.

“Just good?” He raised her brows at her.

“Wonderful. I missed them. It’s beautiful out there.”

“Can’t be as pretty as Orynth,” Aelin mused, taking a sip of her tea. Y/n gave her a small smile, but didn’t comment. He narrowed his eyes at his wife, tucking y/n’s head back into his chest so she wouldn’t see their silent argument. She could always read the words in their eyes, so he ran his thumb over her cheekbone, sure enough her eyes closed at the touch, a small sigh leaving her lips. He’d taken his sweet time to learn all of her reactions, how every touch affected her.

Are you going to say anything? Aelin teased him. She also knows what he’s doing now. If y/n does, she hadn’t said anything, but he suspects she doesn’t.

I know what you’re trying to do. Turquoise and gold eyes narrowed at him. Aelin wanted her to say she liked Orynth more, or put some kind of primary claim on their city. Wanted some kind of assurance that she wouldn’t up and move back out there. This is still her home.

Aelin didn’t look wholly convinced. His arms tightened around her. She’d tried to leave once, when it was just her and Aelin, and he knew that fear always settled in the back of his wife’s mind. That she’d slip through a crack, through their fingers, and they’d lose her.

I can’t lose her. Aelin said, as if she’d read his thoughts.

We won’t.

She knew they were speaking, having some sort of silent conversation. Rowan doesn’t know she’s aware of his little trick, but she’s more observant than he gives her credit for sometimes. She’ll never tell them she’s aware of it. Because, even if she can’t hear it - knowing when they’re having it, and what circumstance, tells her plenty. It’s obvious they’re speaking about her - they’ve never hidden talking about state matters in front of her.

She let out a yawn, covering her mouth. “It’s good to be home,” she mumbled into his chest. “Can we take a nap?”

“You slept twelve hours,” Aelin chided.

She twisted her head enough to see her. “And I’ve been running for a week.”

Her mate’s mouth curved up at one side. “Fair enough.”

She waited six months before approaching the subject again, and did so casually over dinner. She hadn’t approached Fenrys yet, but figured she could thro the idea out there. “I’m thinking about visiting again, soon.”

As expected, they both went preternaturally still. They were going to have the exact reaction she hoped they wouldn’t, but realistically knew they would.

“Why?” Aelin asked, too casually.

“I miss them.” She frowned. Wouldn’t that be obvious?

“You have us.” She countered. “You just saw them at yulemas.”

“I’d like to see them more, It’s not enough just to -”

“We’ve always been enough. What’s different now?” Aelin hissed at her.

“You’re putting words in my mouth,” she snapped. “I need my friends, I need my family, I need you. You can’t expect me to pick and isolate myself from everyone else.” They seemed ready to cut in, but she kept going, “I was embarrassed at how shocked they were to see me,” tears built in her eyes. Her tears were always Aelin’s weakness, and sure enough the female’s face softened - even as Rowan’s remained a solid wall of stone.

“Stop. Crying.” Rowan said through gritted teeth. That only made the tears fall heavier. He didn’t seem to give a damn. “If you’d quit being emotional, we could actually talk about this.”

She shoved her chair back, rising to her feet. They both rose with her, her fists clenched at her side. “There’s nothing wrong with crying or being emotional.”

“It keeps you from thinking clearly,” he countered.

She needed to get out of here. The tension in the room was stifling. Maybe it made her a coward to flee, but she couldn’t, couldn’t handle this right now. She made it one foot from the door, before a shield of flames blocked her exit. White hot anger and rage filled her, how dare she? Slowly, she turned back to face them. Neither of them looked apologetic, or like they thought anything about this was wrong.

“We need to talk about this.” Rowan said mildly.

She didn’t care. Maybe she was overreacting, but at this point common sense left her. “I don’t want to talk,” her voice rose, “I want space.”

“I don’t give a fuck.” Aelin matched her pitch, crossing the room to stand before her.

Rowan watched his two mates scream at each other. Normally, he would’ve interfered by now - diffused the situation, but he was pissed. She wanted to leave them, after she’d just gotten back. Six months is a decent amount of time, but every minute away from her hurt. Did the bond not feel as urgent to her as it did to them?

“You leave for weeks at a time, why can’t I?”

“We have duties to our country,” Aelin seethed.

“I have a duty to my family. Are they not as important?”

“You’d choose them over us?” Rowan cut in, moving to stand next to Aelin. He wasn’t being fair, and he knew that - but he didn’t care right now. All of their tempers were too hot.

“I refuse to choose.”

“And if you had to?” He cocked his head. He wouldn’t make her choose, but he wanted to know the answer.

She shook her head rapidly, “don’t make me answer that.”

“It’s a mating bond. You. Can’t. Leave.” Aelin said through gritted teeth.

Her face was flushed, fists still clenched at her side. “I’m not fucking leaving. Get it through your head.”

“Watch your tone,” he snarled.

Aelin surged forward, gripping her chin with one hand, and kissed her. Y/n stiffened beneath her, but her body reacted on instinct, lips moving against Aelin’s. He watched - almost in slow motion, as her mind caught up with what was happening, and she shoved Aelin off.

”You don’t get to kiss me to shut me up.”

He saw red.

Aelin felt Rowan’s anger, and held up a hand before he could do something he might really regret. He paused, he’d been mid stride heading closer to y/n, and took a step back, body tight and stiff.

“I’m sorry.” She apologized, half-heartedly.

“You’re not,” she countered coolly. Aelin shrugged, but noticed how she watched Rowan with pure … terror. She’d never looked that afraid of him before.

“Rowan won’t do anything to you.”

Her shoulders relaxed, slightly. Rowan couldn’t hurt her, not really, but she knew if y/n made Aelin upset - hurt her in any way, the blood oath reacted to a potential threat against his Queen. The last thing she needs is for her to be afraid of him, for any more damage to be done. She never wanted to find out whether a blood oath or mating bond would be stronger. Gods know it might take months to unravel the mess they’re in now.

She thought about that time, years ago, when she originally tried to leave. She’d needed to figure out how to keep her, and keep her happy in the process. Aelin had an innate fear that she might leave one day and never return. Politics wouldn’t let her storm into the staghorns and take her back. The bond would likely bring her back, eventually, but she didn’t want to take that chance.

“Let’s find a compromise,” she offered.

“Why do I have to compromise when it comes to my family?” She was still spitting mad. Aelin winced at the bitterness in her tone. “Just give me some space, Aelin.”

The wall of flames still blocked the exit.

“So you can run away?” Rowan had crossed his arms, but not moved an inch.

Hurt and betrayal filled her eyes. “You really think I’d leave you?”

“I don’t know,” she gave her an honest answer. She owed it to her not to lie. Owed her that respect, even if it hurt her. She circled around them, giving Rowan an especially wide berth, and headed towards the bedroom. She watched her, not trailing after her. If she wanted space, she could have it in here - or in the castle. The door closed behind her, and she heard the lock snick closed, as if that might actually keep them out.

Early summer, and the sun was still bright - despite the late hour, soothing and warm on her skin as she braced her hands on the balcony railing. Tilting her head up to feel the sun, her mind replayed the encounter. She hated fighting with them, hated it so gods-damned much. And hated that she could see where they were coming from.

Choosing. She knew the answer they wanted to hear, of course, but refused to give it to them. He had no right to ask that of her. It’s like asking them to choose between Terrasen and her, and that’s something she’d never request. Not in an eternity, not for the entire life they’d get to live together. Mainly because she knew the answer. Aelin would never abandon her country and neither would Rowan. But, the difference is she’d never make them choose.

Gods, she’d lost too much already. Her family, the ones left, are something she can’t stand to lose as well. Part of her, a part she needed to shove deep, deep down, was tempted to leave for a while - to prove a point. She pressed her head down against the railing. Prove that she could leave and come back. That she was still capable of having a life outside of them. But who was she proving that to? Herself or them?

Would it serve any purpose? If she really wanted to go, would they let her? If they dragged her back, it would break her but if they let her go, it would too.

Maybe some part of her is broken, for even thinking of testing them like that - of putting them and herself through that kind of pain.

The perfect phase had passed, and everything was shattering around her. The sun was setting before her, she needed to do something. Maybe they’d “let” her go down to her workshop. Or she’d argue with them enough til they either had to let her go or knock her out.

“I’m going down to my shop,” she announced as she strolled back through, sparing a passing glance at them. She seethed internally as Rowan gave her a quick nod. It was probably acknowledgement rather than permission, but everything was out of sorts for her now. Everything was skewed. Her mind shut off as her feet took the usual path, through back halls and servants passageways, avoiding all occupants of the castle.

Slowly, she opened the door. Everything in here was just as she’d left it this afternoon. Down to the tools strewn around the place, as if she knew she’d need to come back later. Aimlessly, she wandered around the space they’d created for her.

Something snapped. Tomorrow, she wouldn’t be able to tell how she got to that point, but as soon as she picked up an object - a glass ball, painstakingly painted with small intricate designs - she threw it across the room, watching it shatter on the floor.

It felt good. She picked up another, and another, watching them all smash to the floor - into a thousand tiny shards.

She didn’t hear the door open, didn’t hear the low curses, but heard her name. She whirled around, ball still in hand, arm cocked back. Fenrys. He held both hands up, taking slow steps towards her. His eyes scanned the room, picking up on all of the shattered glass behind her. She took a step back, and back, not registering the glass digging into the bottom of her feet, when did she lose her shoes? Her balance faltered, sending her careening forwards, knees digging into the glass. The pain didn’t register.

Fenrys called her name again, eyes pleading. She froze, and recognized the look. Haunted by something in the past, in his past. His boots crunched, glass breaking further beneath him. Y/n let him take the small ball left from her hand, watched as he slowly placed it on the table before coming back, offering a hand out to her.

She took it, rising up to her feet - wincing at the first hint of pain. “Don’t take me to them. Please.”

He only nodded at her, and carefully picked her up - minding the shards of glass still sticking from her skin. She didn’t feel anything as he took a pair of tweezers, plucking the small bits out. Her body healed quickly, not leaving a scratch behind. He found a washcloth somewhere, wiping the blood away - any last reminders of what happened as well. Finally, he took a seat down across from her.

“Do you want to talk about it?” She shook her head. “Do you need to talk about it?”

Her throat bobbed, constricting almost painfully, and she nodded. An arm reached across the table, palm facing the ceiling. She placed her hand in his, letting him squeeze, and everything spilled. With the exception of her thoughts about leaving, because Aelin could easily ask him - and he’d feel obligated to tell. But, she could tell he saw where her mind went.

“I know what they’re doing is wrong,” he started - and she heard the but. “This isn’t an excuse,” he took a deep breath, “Rowan lost Lyria, almost lost Aelin several times, and Aelin almost lost you. That’s what they’re scared of the most.”

He let the words settle in, waiting patiently for her thoughts.

“They really thought I'd leave. Permanently.”

He paused, leaning back in his chair. “You need to make them believe you won’t, that’s the only way they’ll loosen up.”

“What am I supposed to do? Take them home with me?” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “They’re always reluctant to meet my friends, or family.”

Fenrys let out a big sigh. “Then pester them until one of them comes with you.”

“It’s a long trip,” she frowned. A long time for one of them to be away from the capitol - and to leave the other completely alone. That would only brew jealousy.

Fenrys leaned forward, propping his elbows on the table. “Whitethorn will visit Allsbrook at some point - likely next time the Bane is nearby there. We’ll time our visit - get him to fly his ass over the mountains, a quick trip.”

“You really think there’ll be a next visit?”

“I do try to go there frequently,” he grinned. Fenrys had gotten along well with her cousin, who had visited Orynth once in the last few months. She refused to ask any questions about it. “We’ll make it before the next snow hits - the trip will be shorter, you’ll end up away for less time.”

She groaned, leaning forward to press her head against the table. “I don’t know if it’ll work,” she mumbled.

“I’ll make it work,” he promised her. “Let me do the talking this time. You and your family are alternating now, correct?”

She’d forgotten about that. They’d talked about alternating who visits where for holidays, and she couldn’t make a promise - but they’d told her they’ll be in Orynth this coming yulemas. “We’re going to try to,” she muttered, still not moving her head.

Fenrys rose, and she finally lifted her head. “I’ll take you back up, then i’m having a little chat with their majesties.”

“Anything I can do to change your mind?”

He gave her a forced grin and shook his head.

Aelin lifted her head as the door opened, revealing both Fenrys and y/n. Immediately, she noticed the small spots of blood - one on the edge of her dress, one on Fenrys’s hand. The male sent her and Rowan a warning glance, shaking his head once. Y/n didn’t look at them as she headed right for the bathroom. Against all of her instincts, she didn’t follow. Not with the look Fenrys was pinning them with. She heard the tap running, starting a bath.

“I need to show you something,” Fenrys muttered, jerking his head towards the door. They were both on edge as they followed him. He led them right down to her workshop, and turned his head slightly. “Don’t lose your shit.” He paused, hand on the doorknob. And blinked. She counted, five times. This is real. Her heart dropped to her stomach. What the hell happened?

Glass. Broken glass covering the entire floor. And blood - y/n’s blood.

“This is what I walked into.” He said quietly. “She’s like a sister to me, and I don’t know what you’re doing to her, but for fucks sake. Fix whatever the hell it is.” He met Rowan’s glare head on, but she could only stare at the room.

Aelin swallowed harshly, and could only stare. Had he picked all of the glass out of her? Waited until she healed? Cleaned the wounds for her - like they were supposed to. Months, she’d spent months making all of those little glass balls, and only one remained. Decorated with the Lord of Terrasen, a flame between his antlers - green forest in the background. Yulemas decorations.

“Why didn’t you bring her to us?” She could sense Rowan’s temper flaring.

“She asked me not to.” He was leaning back against the wall, eyes still fixed on the glass. “But she managed to get out some of her rage. Anyway, I wouldn’t dare tell you what to do-”

“Yes you would,” Rowan interrupted him, and Fenrys snorted - rolling his eyes.

“But maybe consider getting your heads out of your asses. Don’t get me wrong - she’s no angel right now, but try and figure it out.”

Aelin hissed at the small insult against her mate, and he let out an edged chuckle, before sweeping his gaze back over the room. There was still a haunted look in his eyes, and she knew exactly where he was taken back to. Rowan looked between the two of them, and left without another word.

“Are you still banned from cleaning up in here?” Fenrys asked her after a few minutes. She huffed out a laugh, but nodded, and watched as he grabbed a broom - starting to sweep all of the glass into a pile.

“Keep the glass,” she murmured quietly. He tilted his head at her. “She might want to make something else out of it.” He didn’t question her, and she stood as moral support. They talked about everything and nothing - carefully avoiding speaking of y/n. If Fenrys was her confidant, she wouldn’t push him for answers now, even if she desperately wanted to. The back of her head hit the wall as she looked up at the ceiling. If she wanted to know something, she’d ask her directly.

Rowan came in silent, and she tensed - still in the bathtub. He stopped in the doorway. “That was stupid.”

At least he didn’t mince his words.

“It was therapeutic,” she countered. He didn’t reply, but his eyes scanned over her body, and she felt his magic reach out - checking for any kind of lingering injuries.

“You spent months on those,” he finally said. “Why?”

She leaned forward, pressing her cheek against her knees, arms tugging them close to her body. The water was already cold, and a small shiver went down her spine. “I don’t know. It’s all a blur.”

He saw the goosebumps down her spine, and grabbed a towel before striding over towards her. He stopped a foot away as her body tensed. “I won’t hurt you,” he promised.

His rough and calloused palm was warm against her skin, and she let him help her out of the bath. He started running the towel over her body, and she tried to snatch it from him. “I can do that myself.”

He pinned her with a look, and continued, gesturing for her to turn around. She grumbled the entire way, but laughed as he gently swatted her ass. It felt so … normal, and she leant into that feeling, the moment, and didn’t let the events of the last few hours taint it.

By the time Aelin came back, she was already in bed - half asleep, half sprawled on top of Rowan, his hand running soothing strokes up and down her back. Wordlessly, they’d agreed to table it until tomorrow. Until everyone had a clear head.

She blinked her eyes open as the sheets rustled, Aelin slipping in beside her.

Aelin pressed a kiss against her forehead, murmuring “tomorrow,” before moving closer, caging her in between the two of them.

She woke the next morning, wincing at the nausea in her stomach. There was a slight cramp in her legs as well. But .. she’d only had her cycle a week ago, she wasn’t due another one for six months. And, she took her tonics like clockwork. Carefully, she untangled Aelin’s arm from her waist, awkwardly climbing over her, and slid towards the edge of the bed. She’d planned on an early start, to re-stock after her little episode.

Her feet hit the soft carpet, toes wiggling against it. Gods, she hated dragging herself out of bed in the morning, especially if the two of them were still sleeping next to her. Turning her head over her shoulder, she spotted half-lidded and wary green eyes watching her. She fought the urge to roll her own, he was watching at her like she might flee. Not entirely unreasonable, but he didn’t know that.

As she stood, pain shot up her legs, ricocheting as her muscles seized. She let out a small yelp, before crumpling forwards, barely tucking her arms in time to avoid breaking her wrist. Rowan was there in an instant, Aelin a second or two behind him. He fell to his knees before her, carefully propping her up with one arm as his magic ran over her. His nostrils flared slightly. “You’re settling.”

A shield of wind covered the room on instinct.

Rowan saw her eyes widen, tears starting to fill them, the scent of her fear filling the room. Aelin had settled shortly before she met y/n, and it was a difficult process to say the least. It wouldn’t be his first time helping someone through it. He knew how dangerous it was. How vulnerable Fae were during it. She could lose control of her power, or lose her power entirely throughout the process.

Meeting Aelin’s eyes, her expression mirrored his thoughts. If she thought they were overbearing before … he turned back to y/n. “It’ll be fine,” he assured her, stroking one hand through her hair. “You’re not alone.”

Months of her body re-ordering its aging process and magic re-adjusting. If she lost her magic .. although he didn’t think she would, it would wreck some part of her. She relied on it for some of her crafts as well, a large portion of which she’d just destroyed.

She’d already lost it for ten years. To get it back, and have it taken away again … he shoved the thoughts from his mind. If it came to that, they’d handle it. In the meantime - he’d do everything he could to prevent it.

#rowaelin x reader #poly!rowaelin x reader #poly!rowaelin #throne of glass x reader #rowaelin x y/n #poly!rowaelin x y/n #throne of glass fic #rowan whitethorn x reader #rowan whitethorn x y/n #aelin galathynius x y/n #aelin galathynius x reader #aelin x y/n #aelin x reader

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yourheart-inmyhands · 8 months

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Just had a thought a continue of my archon ask

How about there reaction to reader accidentally killing there attacker

-🌮annon

You can ignore this if it makes you uncomfortable

i didn't really go into detail about the whole murder part, more so the aftermath so no worries :D i hope you enjoy

Warning: this post contains yandere-themes, including mentions of murder, delusional behaviors, implied being held against will, psychological bullying, and other potential topics. Please read at your own risk!

Yandere!Venti would use this to his advantage, helping you dispose of the body and discard all the evidence. This is how he keeps you tied to him, by saying he’ll expose your secret to everyone with no shame.

He didn’t care how you felt about him, now there was really no leaving him. He had helped you get rid of a body after you accidentally murdered someone, there’s no coming back after that. You can’t even blame him for it because he made sure he that he left no traces behind, but your dna was under the nails of the attacker, your fingerprints were on the murder weapon that he conveniently forgot to burn, and you were the last one seen with the deceased. If anything, the second you act out of line he’s threatening to expose you to everyone. He’d never actually do it, but he’s very good at making you think he will.

Yandere!Zhongli would simply sigh in frustration. Of course he’s more than willing to help cover up your crime, after all he doesn’t wish to see his beloved rotting away in a cell. He never lets you live it down though, using the haunting memory of it to constantly beat you down mentally.

“Don’t go acting all innocent now, you’ve already killed a man, breaking a vase should feel like nothing to you. You’re a murderer after all.” Zhongli’s smile was pleasant and gentle looking, but his tone was anything but. He stood over you as you knelt on the floor, weeping over his reaction to you breaking a prized vase of his. Of course he had expected you to accidentally break it at some point, having replaced all his original artworks with replicas, but he had still found joy in bringing up your haunting little secret every chance he got.

Yandere!Raiden would do nothing personally. She’d instruct some of her faithful servants to handle it, keeping you locked inside Tenshukaku with her for a while. She doesn’t bring it up, but you can tell with the way she looks at you, that she’s upset with you.

Another silent meal, another long hour spent awkwardly eating your food as she sat across the table from you staring you down unblinkingly. It wasn’t that she stared at you, it was something you had actually grown rather used to, but the way she stared at you. Like a mother catching their child sneaking desserts before dinner or a father catching his son playing with his tools. That look of sheer disapproval. You didn’t know how much longer you could stand it.

Yandere!Furina is conflicted. On one hand, she doesn’t want her citizens to think she favors you above justice, but on the other, she knows you’ll be deemed guilty and locked up and she simply can’t bear to be without you. So she calls for a private hearing and keeps the case under tight surveillance. Of course, the family of the victim has no idea that the whole trial is fake, has no idea that the way you cry as you're dragged out of the courtroom to an awaiting prison is all an act, one very carefully constructed by Furina and her closest confidant, Neuvillette.

Furina feigns heartbreak as she watches you get hauled out of the courtroom. She’s decided to overrule your sentencing and punish you herself in your shared home. In the basement of the lavish manor she had a special cell prepared for you, where you would fulfill your shortened sentence. This is so that you understand the severity of your crimes without her having to give up her time with you. Furina doesn’t think you deserve to spend any time behind bars, considering it was an accident, but she’s the Archon of Justice and the family of the deceased demanded something be done.

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impish-ivy · 9 months

Text

Something I think I’ve only seen someone mention maybe once or twice how Solomon is handling being in the past.

He is incredibly close to Simeon, Asmo, Luke none of which remember him. And the only one who does, Barbatos, hates him.

Solomon, Simeon and Luke are very close, spending their time in the devildom living together. It’s obvious being forgotten by them would hurt, even if he doesn’t acknowledged it. Even now, as Simeon doesn’t remember him he’s trusting him with a big secret—one even at the start of the second season we don’t know.

The nature of Solomon and Asmo’s relationship is up to you, lovers, friends with benefits, or really good friends. Regardless of what you think, they’re very close and their relationship is obviously very important to Solomon. Solomon has previously never mentioned why or how he made a pact with Asmo but he’s mentioned it twice now. Clearly he’s thinking about his relationship and history with Asmo. It’s something he’s been thinking of and he misses his close relationship with Asmo. It’s why even after mentioning how potentially dangerous it could be forging a pact with Asmo right now, he still does it. He misses having that connection with Asmo.

And Barbatos, oooooh Barbatos.

These two have a long history, how far back we’re not sure but it’s fairly reasonable to think it was before he was immortal. Solomon summoned him on the verge of death, and then Barbatos nurses him back to health. Barbatos also gives him his title of Witty Sorcerer, one he’s very proud of. They were close even before Barbatos became Diavolo’s butler and seem to have a father-son like relationship, or at the very least a familiar relationship. Barbatos speaks very highly of him in the OG, saying he trusts him completely and speaks proudly of his intelligence. Which struck me as odd at first because he’s never been the type to speak so openly about his feelings or Solomon. He even goes on to talk about how they met to amplify how highly he thinks of him. Barbatos trusts Solomon wholeheartedly and completely, the fact he hates him so much in NB most definitely hurts Solomon a lot.

The worst is he doesn’t even know why. What did past him do to make someone who loved and trusted him so much hate him? Whatever is was, it was something he never did.

So you can imagine how upsetting that is that someone you love and care about all of a sudden hates you for some unknown reason and you have no idea what happened—you didn’t even do it.

Fortunately it seems that Barbatos is warming back up to him, he (in a roundabout way) expresses concern for both Solomon’s mental and physical wellbeing after sending MC to help the brothers while hungover.

(Lesson 18-A)

I know the main story won’t ever address the emotional implications of their main gag but it would still be nice to see how the people he’s closest forgotten (or hating in Barbatos’s case) him affects Solomon.

But he has 13 still and while on the surface their relationship seems troubled, it’s obvious she cares about him. And Im sure it brings him great relief that even thrown years in the past and probably an alternate reality she and him have the same relationship. One where he can take refuge in her home and she’ll complain and demand he leave but never actually push him to.

#obey me nightbringer #obey me shall we date #obey me Solomon #obey me spoilers #obey me nightbringer spoilers #obey me Barbatos #obey me Luke #obey me Simeon #obey me Asmo #I could honestly go on forever about Solomon and his bonds with the other characters #especially 13 and Barbatos #I had more to say about Simeon and Luke but I couldn’t write in a way that satisfied me #definitely think Solomon thinking about his pact with Asmo often is out of guilt #we’ve gotten far from the Solomon who thinks everyone is ‘toys’

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majimasleftasscheek · 11 months

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Have you played Yakuza 6 yet? If so ya got any kazumaji head canons based off the events of the game?

I absolutely love your ideas for them and I am beyond upset that Majima was barley in the game. Or even mentioned that much.

They did the boi dirty in this game, I swear.

*clenches my ass hard enough to shit diamonds*

oh I have OPINIONS about 6 I'll tell you that but it is good fodder for the kazumaji agenda 👀 I'mma be kinda rambly in this but I promise it all ties together kdjfjkldfkldf

so we all know Kiryu goes off to find Haruka and because I'm a big fan of dadjima, I can only imagine Kiryu lets him know while he's stuck in jail and Majima's just like WHAT

so Kiryu does a lot of self reflection but acting upon it is another matter. I can see Majima chastising him, saying she ran away cuz that's all Kiryu ever does (part of him is still pissy about him leaving in y3) and she's never had a healthy role model other than the king of hypocrisy. Kiryu would go on about how it's just to protect people yada yada but Majima would be like my guy, you left a bunch of kids in the care of your daughter who should not be parenting for you. you refuse any and all help because you think you can do it all on your own. you left me with Daigo who you said I wouldn't be babysitting AND YET—

I just want Majima to absolutely rail into him about how self serving he's acted despite better intentions. like of course Haruka ran away, look how much pressure she was under, what she went through in the idol bizz (maybe I'm a loser but I did not like Haruka's part in y5 that shit icked me), what you (Kiryu) do every time you feel like a burden to people. how naïve it was to think any part of Kiryu's past would leave him behind just because he wanted it to. how his lone wolf thing impedes on everybody else. how in 5 he literally says he needs to stop running from his past and he does it anyway. this game FRUSTRATES ME rrhrrhhrhrr KIRYU FRUSTRATES ME ACK. but also I have a thing for Majima just being angry at him, to actually lash out and spew all those feelings of being left behind or being refused to let help because Kiryu's stubborn. how he let himself be used all those years to help Kiryu out just because he asked and now once again Kiryu's off on his own, never changing his tune about how he doesn't wanna rely on people. Majima's not perfect either and frankly he communicates like shit too but I just want that RAGE to get out and explore how Kiryu would hear him but never listen. makes it all the more tragic when he finds out Kiryu "died."

*tho I must note, as much as it does irritate me, 6 makes sense entirely for Kiryu's character lol. nothing he does in it surprises me in the slightest so while I'm not a fan of the story, it's pretty fitting for him since he's the downfall of his own story half the time. and it's not so simple as just saying Kiryu's to blame. he's constantly forced to deal with shit just as much as he wants to be left alone. he struggles and he tries hard I'll give him that. I don't think he's a bad person for what he aimed to do in 6 but he's not infallible either. and sometimes it's just par for the course. like how he makes the compromise at the end of the game to disappear so his family can be at peace all the while in his history, he's had major problems doing what he's told - never truly disappearing anyway, going about whatever's gonna happen in gaiden. could you imagine if Haruka caught wind that some resting bitch face motherfucker is beating the shit outta armies somewhere? could you imagine her finding out that Kiryu left again?

honestly I think his character is really interesting cuz of this. he has good intentions and I feel like to him there's some expectation that people should understand this, that people should accept his choices. I think it's fun to explore how others react to that - how it's in a way offensive, that Kiryu thinks he knows what's best and how to handle it as if he has all the power and say. how pissed people feel about him shoving them away for the sake of their safety, etc. I don't think he'd listen to Majima tbh but I think it's important that someone unafraid of Kiryu's dumbassery would lay it out how it is to him in a way that cuts, more so than Haruka, Date or like Akiyama could.

ANYWAY, Majima's mad at him lol but can't really do anything atm due to the surrounding circumstances. I like to think he's got some of the Majima family watching out for Kiryu and Haruka if they happened to see them. Nishida at least cuz ain't no one gonna arrest a cutie patootie like him. it's not much but it's a little peace of mind. Majima knows Kiryu's reckless as all hell so he's worried and doubly annoyed that Kiryu doesn't care (about his own safety or that other people are concerned for him).

so since Majima has a fat 5 minutes in the whole game, there's not much to say about his involvement overall (other than oopsie stuck in jail) but I've had some thoughts about what all the jimas³ are doing in the meantime.

all the jimas are grouped together because I said so even tho realistically they'd prolly be separated lol. Daigo and Saejima are handling things well enough but Majima's bouncing off the walls in boredom and nothing irks him more than being stuck in one spot while Kiryu's out probably getting hit over the head with a stop sign and refusing medical attention. Daigo's losing his mind but he can agree Kiryu's bullheaded and talking about that keeps Majima distracted. Saejima does his part in trying to get Majima's mind off things now that they have all the time in the world to catch up on whatever.

time passes and I'm rewriting the part in 6 where they show up at the end cuz I live in a fantasy world.

Kiryu "dies" and suddenly the three of them are released early, no doubt knowing his death had something to do with it. Daigo gets Kiryu's letter and Majima makes some joke about Kiryu's literacy but a quick scan of the letter makes Daigo's face drop. he reads it and Majima doesn't think it's real. he doesn't know how to feel. even Saejima is in disbelief. but the letter is vague. it's conjecture written by Kiryu of his own death so there's a chance he's fine. Kiryu's fine, he's always fine. he's been shot and stabbed a million times, he's fine.

but it's not long till it's confirmed by Date. Daigo's skeptical cuz his inner punkass doesn't trust cops. Saejima's on the same page but Majima's in full denial whilst also believing it to be true. his reaction is immediate and violent. he wants something to be done, he wants revenge but Daigo wants to follow Kiryu's wish to avoid war. Majima's so outraged he frankly couldn't give less of a shit about Kiryu's wishes so it's up to Saejima to wrangle him back *insert a dramatic fight here.* Majima gets his ass beat and he's just a mess. things move fast though - the fate of the clan is up in the air and he just couldn't care. but Daigo needs him and for that he pulls it together, just barely.

fast forward to when the jimas go into hiding. they get set up in a lil safehouse via Nick Ogata. I like to see it as a basic bitch type of place, very out of the way, very ignorable but the inside is nice enough. they have to stay cooped up as much as possible and it drives Majima insane. he's fidgety, always pacing. Saejima tries to calm him down and it works for a time until Majima falls into another slump and repeats.

they took a few things with them that they could, mostly small stuff, some clothes and the like. Majima brought along a few of Kiryu's things, namely some pocket cars and a shirt. he wears it often, being very against washing it. Daigo's too stressed to notice but Saejima watches Majima just break down into someone he doesn't know. he's tired, closed off, guilt ridden. Saejima starts to think this is who Majima was after getting out of the Hole. a shell of a person taking blame for things out of his control. losing the will to care for himself as some sort of self imposed punishment for not doing more. seething in silence in the powerlessness.

his beard grows scraggly, his hair is unkept and the circles under his eye grows darker everyday. his behavior mimics his Sotenbori days where everything was for Saejima, all he could think about was Saejima, how he failed him, how if he tried hard enough he could see him again. it's not the case with Kiryu though. he didn't even get to see the body himself.

he's always on his phone reliving memories through photos and conversations. he freaks out when anyone touches the pocket cars and eventually the shirt gets worn out. he's spiraling while the others look on, unsure how to deal with someone whose entire personality revolves around having a fake one.

Saejima takes initiative. maybe he's seen Majima like this before or maybe he hasn't. doesn't matter because he gives Majima a bit of tough love, telling him to get a grip. telling him that Kiryu wouldn't want to see him like this and, under his breath, he needs him in better shape so they can beat the shit outta whoever was responsible. it's not easy of course. it takes Majima awhile to learn how to live again and frankly he doesn't want to talk about Kiryu but Saejima forces him to - to get comfortable with mentioning him, enjoying the memories they had. letting him know it's okay to be vulnerable. it's not a kind or pleasant recovery but it's there. it's helping.

and perhaps some time under supervision, he goes to see Haruka and meets Haruto for the first time. he tries to keep a strong façade for her but she can see right through him and gets one of those rare moments where he's just quiet. where he's real. she catches him up on things and it's a rough one for the both of them, especially since he has to keep the visit short. she doesn't bother asking him where he's going afterward but he promises to keep in touch and that he does. she sends him a lot of photos and videos of the family and he backseat-parents Yuta whenever possible. Haruka's never been a fan of always having Kiryu at arms length but this arrangement helps her deal with the long distance since there's effort on both ends to stay close.

Majima's not used to having others around to help him cope but he eases into it decently enough without the Tojo Clan on his shoulders. he even gets along better with Daigo who has time now to focus more on himself and the grunge within his soul. he's a silly lil dork and that charm reminds him of Kiryu but in a way that doesn't send him spiraling. he starts to see all reminders of Kiryu in a more hopeful light, one that brings back his energy. for most of their home confinement, Majima wouldn't even go out as Goromi since half his confidence came from Kiryu's support. but now and then, with Saejima and Daigo backing him, he can tiptoe a bit back into his fav dresses, ones that Kiryu gave him, ones that hurt to put on because of the baggage they carry. he doesn't even have his wigs anymore so he assembles what he can, how he can into something he knows Kiryu would have called pretty regardless. it stills hurts but it helps.

but, he'll always dip back into the pain of it all. missing intimacy and things taken for granted. he regrets his last words with Kiryu were criticisms knowing he's not perfect himself. maybe he's faced with realizations that he can't survive without certain people, that his attachment issues are brought to the forefront for everyone to see. it's ugly and embarrassing and for the first time in a long time he feels very seen. death's always been a reality for him and he's never cared much for it in regards to himself but losing someone so close, so suddenly? without closure or goodbyes? he's forced to deal with the frailty and mortality of someone he thought was invincible.

and it scares him.

#oughoghg messy messy messy #postLAD I imagine the mess is even worse and love it so much even if it makes me shit and cry and throw up #my hcs #kazumaji #yakuza #ryu ga gotoku #kiryu kazuma #majima goro #saejima taiga #my art #dojima daigo #goromi

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selenacosmic · 7 months

Note

May I request warlords had a big fight with MC until she cried, and now they have to comfort her because she is locking herself in a room and refused to come out. (She is sulking) What if they are married? Thank you!

Hello! Ohh this one will be sweet! Thank you for the request.

Warlords comfort MC after a big fight.

Oda forces.

Nobunaga Oda.

Nobunaga is the kind of person who, when faced with problems with his relationship and doesn’t know how to handle it, will call all the warlords for a war council to ask for advice. It wasn’t his intention to make you cry, but now it was too late since you wouldn’t come out of your room.

After taking in all the advice he receives, Nobunaga stays on the other side of the door to your room and begins apologizing, offering to share his favorite candy with you. He will keep doing it until you open the door.

Hideyoshi Toyotomi.

Hideyoshi doesn’t like fights, he tries his best to avoid them. Specially when they can lead you to cry. But on the occasion that it happens, he will try his best to spoil you until you aren’t upset anymore.

If you lock yourself away, he will be making constant visits to try and talk to you and leave a gift for you, all that until you open the door.

Mitsuhide Akechi.

Mitsuhide pays attention to not go overboard with fights, precisely because he doesn’t want to argue and hurt you. But if that happens, he will make sure you don’t even have time to lock yourself away.

The moment tears fall from your eyes, he will pull you into a hug and comfort you with sweet gestures.

Mitsunari Ishida.

Fights? What fights? Mitsunari is too sweet of a person to actually make anyone cry, even if a fight does happen.

Ieyasu Tokugawa.

Ieyasu can be… harsh with his words, and that’s something he tries to work on as to not upset you. If a fight does occur, he will flinch and freeze once he sees that you are crying.

He will calm down and apologize for his words, feeling guilty that he made you shed tears because of him.

Masamune Date.

Masamune will think a lot about how to ask for forgiveness, and after a lot of thought put into it, he will cook your favorite food to attract you out of the room. The moment you are out, lots of kisses and a tight hug awaits.

He will easily comfort you and melt all your anger away.

Ranmaru Mori.

Again, what fight? This another sweet guy can’t stand the thought of making you upset and wouldn’t start an argument, he wouldn’t want to see you crying.

Keiji.

Keiji is another one who doesn’t pay attention to how harsh he may sound until it’s too late, he will curse himself for hurting you and will think of ways to cheer you up.

The best way for him to apologize would be, ironically, being honest with you and tell you how he feels and that he didn’t want to make you upset.

Uesugi-Takeda alliance.

Kenshin Uesugi.

Kenshin would actually think of punishing himself, he is willing to destroy anything that may hurt you, that includes himself. Of course, after the others convince him to focus on making you feel better, he will do his best to comfort you.

Considering that he can be a bit… extra, kenshin will arrange many gifts and have all the bunnies surrounding you to give you comfort.

Shingen Takeda.

Shingen could never forgive himself for making you cry, he really was a full. For starters, he hates arguments and tries to avoid them. But when it happens, he thinks a lot on what to do to apologize and comfort you. Thousands of sweet words, kisses and apologies would come your ways

As well as him calling himself a fool for even making you cry.

Yukimura Sanada.

Yukimura will panic when he sees you crying, he didn’t mean to but it ended up happening. What will he do? He freaks out and tries desperately to calm you down and comfort you.

Of course, he was scolded by shingen and was given advice on how to apologize to you. Part of the advice he wouldn’t be able to pull it off, mostly because it was Shingen’s idea on how to apologize, but he still managed to be honest without saying something rude.

Yoshimoto Imagawa.

Yoshimoto is another who avoids fights at all costs, even if an argument is about to start. He is good with words, so if he ends up upsetting you, he will know how to comfort you immediately.

Sasuke.

Sasuke is a peaceful guy, he wouldn’t even start an argument. In fact, he is incapable of it.

Kanetsugu.

Kanetsugu can be… another rough and harsh man, so he makes a lot of effort in comforting you. He lowers his voice and holds you before you can lock yourself away in a separate room.

#ikemen sengoku #ikesen #ikemen sengoku shingen #ikemen sengoku nobunaga #ikemen sengoku kenshin #ikemen sengoku mitsuhide #ikemen sengoku hideyoshi #ikemen sengoku masamune #ikemen sengoku mitsunari #ikemen sengoku yoshimoto #ikemen sengoku yukimura #ikemen sengoku keiji #ikemen sengoku kanetsugu #ikemen sengoku ranmaru

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padfootagain · 4 months

Text

Something Good (XXV)

Chapter 25 : Mending

Alright, here is the end of the crisis!

Hope you like this new chapter, tell me what you think!

****

Pairing: Ben Barnes x Reader

Warnings: Fluff angst, Slow burn, professor AU.!

Summary: Coming out of a divorce and trying to get used to being a single mom, while teaching your classes at University, you thought your life could not get more complicated than it already is. But when you are asked to take care of the theatre club with the colleague that you really can’t get along with, you realize that everything can still get ten times more complicated in your life. And when you start actually liking Professor Barnes, the troubles only grow exponentially…

Word Count: 3950

Masterlist for the series – Ben Barnes’ Masterlist – Main Masterlist

It was past midnight when you called Ben. Sally was finally asleep, even if she was still upset when she surrendered to slumber. She refused to tell you why she was so upset about all this, and you didn’t want to push her. Ben had left a couple of hours ago, you had argued that you needed to handle your daughter on your own. And if he had claimed to understand, he was still worried sick when he put on his coat and left for the night.

“Is Sally asleep?” he sounded tired, but you had no doubt that he was still wide awake when you called.

“Yeah. She’s still upset though.”

“Did she say anything?”

“Nothing… I don’t know… I thought she could have questions, that she might be a little stressed for a while. But I wasn’t expecting a full-on outburst like this.”

“Yeah, me neither. I don’t understand, I thought… I thought she liked having me around.”

“She did. She talked about you all the time.”

“I don’t understand what we did wrong. Do you think we should have just… shown her. Like hold hands and stuff?”

“She would have asked herself questions, it might have stressed her a lot.”

Ben heaved a sigh.

“What are we going to do now?”

You remained silent, feeling tears come to your eyes again. And on the other side of town, Ben was wiping his cheeks.

“I don’t want to lose you,” he confessed in a breath. “I know that you’ll take the decision that will be best for Sally, and I’ll never blame you for that. But I don’t want to lose you, Y/N. Can we… can we try to fix this before I have to be pushed away?”

Your voice was low and raspy when you answered.

“Of course, Ben. We’ll talk to Sally again. First, we need to figure out what got her so upset. I’ve never seen her like that. And we’ll try to fix this. I… I don’t want to lose either. I won’t leave unless there is truly nothing else that we can do.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll try to talk to her tomorrow. You can come see us in the afternoon, as planned.”

“You’re sure it’s a good idea?”

“Yeah. We need to try again. Together.”

“Alright. Do you think I have a chance to bribe her if I bring ice cream?”

You chuckled at that, feeling a little better thanks to him and his soothing voice.

“It might not be enough, but it won’t hurt.”

Sally was staring by the window at the falling rain.

She had barely spoken a word in the whole morning, which was threateningly unusual for your buoyant girl.

You looked at her tiny frame, at her Stitch t-shirt and the mess of her hair. How could such a tiny human hold so much love and space in your heart?

“Sally, do you want to prepare the pasta sauce with me?”

But she shook her head, eyes still fixed on the blurred world beyond the window. You heaved a sigh, walking closer.

You had left her alone this morning, thinking that she would need some time to process what had happened. But she was still cold and distant and just… apathetic. She was like that when her father left…

“Angel, about what Ben and I told you last night…”

But she turned further away from you, a silent way to show you that she didn’t want to talk about this. It needed to be done, though.

“Angel, you know I love you more than anything in this world,” you went on, voice soothing but with a tinge of vulnerability through a tremor. “Ben and I being together… it won’t change anything. It won’t change that. Nothing can ever change that.”

You reached for her, and Sally didn’t push you away when you ran your fingers through her hair.

“I thought you liked Ben.”

“I did,” the girl quipped.

“But?”

“But I don’t want that. Why do you want that?”

You held her against you, and she let you gently press her head to your stomach.

“Because he makes me happy. Because he’s kind, and he’s willing to take care of us. Because he’s taking good care of you. Because I trust him. And because he’s sillier than me, so you and I can team up against him and make fun of him.”

Sally chuckled at that, and you grinned at the sound, still running your fingers through her hair.

“I don’t want things to change again,” Sally said, breaking your heart.

You remembered the mess you were in after your break up with your ex-husband. You were just now finding your footing in all of this. And despite your best efforts to protect your daughter, no one could leave such a change unscathed.

“I understand. But that’s what life is, Sally. Things change all the time. And sometimes, they change for the better. We have to seize those when we can.”

She finally turned around to encircle you in her tiny arms, pressing her face into your belly.

“Will we still have tomato Tuesday?” she asked, her voice muffled in your clothing, and you chuckled fondly at her.

“Of course! And we’ll still see grandma every Thursday. You’ll still go to your dad’s the same. We’ll still do the same things, only… if you want, Ben can join us too.”

She didn’t say anything, and you didn’t push her. A few minutes later, the doorbell rang, and you went to open for Ben.

He gave you a warm smile, although the dark circles under his eyes betrayed his worry and lack of sleep.

“Hey. Brought ice-cream, as promised!” he said, showing you his bag, making you smile.

You kissed him before he could take off his coat, letting his soothing presence slow your heart as you breathed in his perfume.

“Hi, meerkat!” Ben greeted your daughter as he took off his shoes, the same warm smile on his lips.

She was looking at him with an unreadable expression, her bunny Mr. Carrot pressed against her heart.

“How are you today? I’ve brought ice-cream for dessert!”

But she didn’t say anything, merely looked at you and Ben with wide eyes, and she ran off before you could hold her back.

You could feel your throat tightening as you stared at the space Sally had just left empty, tears coming back to your eyes, but Ben’s hand on your arm made you turn to him at last.

“I’ll go talk to her.”

“I’m not sure it’s a good idea.”

“I’m the problem. I need to fix this.”

He didn’t let you reply. He knew that you would claim that he wasn’t a problem, but he was. He was always the problem. He was never enough…

Ben strode to Sally’s door instead, leaving you behind. The door had been left open, but he knocked anyway. She was sitting on her bed, looking at Mr. Carrot as if her plushie held the answers to everything. And Ben wished it could be that simple…

“Hey… can I come in and talk with you for a second?”

Sally didn’t look up, but she nodded, and so Ben came to sit beside her.

When he spoke again, his voice was gentle, barely more than a whisper.

“Look, Sally… I understand that it might seem like a lot to take in, and I get that you might need time to wrap your mind around all this. But… you were very upset yesterday, and you seem to still be. Can you tell me why you’re so upset? So we can try to fix that?”

She slowly looked up at Ben, with those eyes that looked just like yours now drowning in tears. Her lips trembled, and Ben wanted to abandon everything. As long as Sally could stop being sad, he would have done anything…

“You can tell me. You need to tell me,” Ben went on, blinking his own tears away. “Because… if you don’t tell me, then I can’t make it better. Do you understand? I need to know what’s wrong to make it better again.”

She went back to looking at her bunny, but she spoke this time. Voice a little hoarse, but holding the blunt honesty of childhood.

“I don’t want you to be with mummy like that.”

Ben’s heart broke in a thousand pieces. Still, he nodded, dried his cheeks with the back of his hand as he sniffed.

“Why not? What bothers you so much about that?”

She vehemently shook her head and started crying again.

“I don’t want a new dad!”

Ben frowned at that.

“I don’t want not to see my dad!”

“Sally, of course you’ll see your dad…”

“Jeremy… at school he said… that his mummy had a new husband, and then he never saw his daddy again… I want my daddy!”

“Hey… hey…”

Ben dropped to the floor, kneeling before the crying child, and held her face in his gentle palms so she would look at him, drying her cheeks.

“Hey… what are you talking about, huh? No one is going to replace your dad. You already have a dad, you don’t need another one. And you’ll keep seeing him, just like you do now. I don’t want to be your dad. I’m just ‘Ben’.”

“But then, what will you be?”

Ben blinked, taken aback and looking for the right words. What would he be if this worked out? If he could stay with you? If he was pulled into your life? If he stayed?

He smiled.

“You know what… I would be very happy if in a few years I could be… like your uncle. But a cool uncle! A fun one! Cause I’m super cool!”

He made a funny face, making her giggle.

“You’re not so cool,” she replied, and he faked outrage.

“How dare you! I’m super cool! I’ve brought ice-cream!”

But she blinked, and looked at her plushie again.

“So… you’re not gonna take daddy away?”

“Of course not, meerkat. No one is going to take your dad away. I’ll be whatever you allow me to be to you, and nothing more.”

He gave her an encouraging smile, and he thought the look in her eyes was calmer now. But she stood without warning, and headed to the living room in search for you.

“Mummy… I want to go see daddy.”

You looked at her in surprise.

“Right now, angel?”

“Yes. I want daddy.”

You heaved a sigh, picked up your phone. That wasn’t a good sign. But if she wanted to see her father to process all this, then so be it. You couldn’t say no, anyway. She was too upset for you to refuse her anything.

So, you grabbed your phone, threw a questioning glance at Ben but the distraught expression on his face spoke volumes. You listened to the beeps of the phone with a lump in your throat.

He answered on the second call.

“Everything alright, Y/N?” he asked in a neutral tone.

“Hey, Liam. Yeah, huh… Sally wants to see you, can we drop by?”

“Now? It’s not my week.”

“I know, but she wants to see you.”

“I’m working right now… can we talk over the phone? I thought we had agreed that we needed to respect the planning.”

“No, she…”

You turned around and lowered your voice to hide your words from your daughter.

“Ben and I talked to her, and she’s upset. She’s asking for you. I think… I think she doesn’t want to see me, right now.”

You hated the hurt in your voice that you couldn’t quieten, and you hated even more Liam’s silence.

“Can she come?” you asked again.

“Of course, I’ll be here in twenty.”

“I can drop her to your place…”

“No, I’ll pick her up. You’ve done enough as it is.”

He hung up, leaving you shocked with the violence of his words.

“Is daddy coming?”

You blinked your tears away, turning to Sally again and forcing a smile.

“Yeah, he’s coming. He’s leaving his flat right away, angel.”

She nodded, turned to go back to her room.

“I love you, angel.”

She slowed her steps, but didn’t turn around. As soon as she had disappeared, Ben walked over to you to hold you tight.

Liam was enraged at this point. That this Ben would try and take you away was one unbearable thing, but that he would hurt Sally in any way? He was ready to smash his skull.

As he pulled away by your home, he was already picturing himself punching Ben in the face. Breaking his fucking nose.

But then, you opened the door, all red eyes and dry lips and dishevelled hair. The looks you had when you separated. When he fucked up. The looks of sadness he had wished to never see again.

And it was this Ben’s fault…

“Daddy!”

“Angel! Come here!”

He picked up Sally without a word to you, or to Ben, who he had spotted by the end of the corridor, looking sheepish, the bastard. How dared he still be here? As if he hadn’t caused enough damage already.

“Where are your stuff, Sally? You want to sleep at daddy’s place tonight?”

The girl hesitated, looked at you.

“I don’t know. I just wanted to see you.”

“Well, let’s pack a bag, just in case. Come on.”

He walked to Sally’s bedroom without another word. Put down his daughter on her bed and shut the door.

“Alright, which pyjamas do you want? The rainbow ones? Or the pirates?”

“I don’t know.”

When he turned to her again, she opened her arms, silently asking to be picked up again, and he obliged. Holding her tight, in a reassuring, constant embrace to show her that he was here, that everything would be alright. That nothing bad would ever happen to her, he would make sure of it…

“Ben is mummy’s boyfriend,” she said in a tiny voice against his shoulder.

“I know. She told me.”

Silence for a while, even the air was still.

“How does that make you feel, angel?” he asked gently, rubbing her back.

“Scared.”

“Scared? Why?”

“Jeremy at school said that his mummy replaced his daddy. And that his daddy didn’t want to see him after that.”

Liam felt his heart shatter at her words. He looked into her eyes with something offended in his expression. Sally’s eyes, your eyes, the ones he adored above all in the world…

“Sally! Don’t be silly! I’m not going anywhere. I’ll always be here for you, angel.”

“But you weren’t sometimes.”

Liam clenched his jaw at that, but held her gaze despite the tears that gathered in his eyes. Your voice rang in his head then, your warnings that he had to prioritize his family over his work, that this was the important thing he needed to fight for. And that if he wasn’t careful, Sally would resent him later.

He forced a reassuring smile.

“Look, angel… It’s been a bit hard for me at one point. But I’m still here. I’ll always be here. I won’t leave you, angel. No one is going to push me away, or make me leave. Okay? I love you, more than anything. And it will always be the case.”

“So… if mummy and Ben are together, you won’t leave?”

“Of course, I won’t leave. And I won’t let Ben replace me, okay? Did he say that he wanted to replace me?”

“No,” Sally shook her head. “Mummy and Ben said the same thing. That you would always be my daddy. Ben said that… he would be happy if he could be a cool uncle.”

Liam nodded, unsure of his feelings at this answer.

“And… would you like that? For him to be a new uncle?”

Sally pondered the question for a while, holding Mr. Carrot close. And then she nodded.

“Yeah… He’s fun! I think he could be cool too! That could be nice.”

Liam nodded.

“No matter what happens between Ben and mummy, you’ll always be my little angel. Okay?”

She nodded, holding him tight for a while longer.

“Can I stay at mummy’s tonight?”

“You don’t want to come to daddy’s?”

“No… I like my bed here better.”

He laughed at how blunt she was, but nodded, kissing her hair, breathing in her cherry shampoo, his favourite scent in the world.

“Alright.”

“Are you angry because I made you come just for a little while?”

“No, you were upset. You can always call me when you’re upset. I’m you dad, that’s my job. It’s alright. Do you want to play for a bit before I leave? I can stay for the afternoon.”

“YES! Can we make tea for Mr. Carrot?”

“Sure thing! Get everything ready, I’ll talk to mummy for a moment, and then I’ll play with you.”

Sally was happier again, although she wasn’t fully back to her bubbly self. Liam left her to find you and Ben sitting in silence on the sofa. He was holding you close, his arm around your shoulders and your head on his chest. And Liam wanted to break everything in this room…

You blinked up at him as he entered, and then you were on your feet.

“Is everything alright?”

But Liam nodded, surprising even himself.

“She’s just scared, she’ll be alright.”

“She’s packing for tonight?”

“No, she wants to stay here. She just wanted me around. I’ll stay for the afternoon, we’re making tea for Mr. Carrot.”

“She hasn’t eaten lunch yet.”

“We’ll see about that later. I’d like to talk with Ben first. Let’s step outside.”

He didn’t wait for Ben’s approval, or yours. He merely strode towards the door, and waited then in the cold air. The rain had stopped, but the sky was still dark and threatening. The street was quiet, no one was around.

Ben remained silent stepping outside the building. He waited for Liam to speak first. And he wasn’t disappointed.

“Give me a reason not to punch you right now, Ben.”

But he didn’t rise to the provocation. Instead, he remained silent again, forcing Liam to turn towards him, at last.

And Liam hated what he saw. The dark circles over his cheekbones and the red in his eyes that told that Ben had been crying for hours, barely slept at all last night. The exhaustion on his face, the fear in his gaze, the worry in the lip he had bruised after biting on it too much. And Liam hated him because Ben was clearly not a bad guy. He loved you, it was obvious in every of his movements, all of his gazes aimed for you. And he cared, clearly. He was a good man, and Liam hated him for it, because now… why would he punch him in the face?

“Is Sally alright?” were the first words Ben spoke, voice hoarse with sorrow, and Liam’s hatred only deepened.

“She will be. She thought you would replace me.”

“I don’t want to replace you…”

“No?”

“Of course not. I’m not her father. You are.”

“And yet, you are taking my place.”

Ben narrowed his eyes, and Liam withstood the challenge. He was more hurt than he thought he would by Ben’s earnest words, though. They were lethal in his ear…

“I’m not the one who was stupid enough to let Y/N go.”

Liam let out a dry laugh.

“And you’re so much better than me?”

“No, probably not. But it’s not my fault if you’ve lost her. You’ve managed that on your own. You can’t blame me for falling for her. And you can’t blame her for loving me either…”

“You think she loves you?”

“I know she does.”

“Has she told you that?”

“Yes. And I’ve told her the same.”

Love… you couldn’t love another man… infatuation, perhaps, but…

“Look, Liam, I… I know that you don’t like me. And if I’m being honest, I don’t like you either, so we’re even. But I love Y/N. And I love Sally. And I don’t want to hurt them in any way. And I don’t want to replace you, I’m not Sally’s father, and she doesn’t need me, she needs you. I’m well aware of that…”

“But if you settle with Y/N what will you do? If the two of you have children, will you push her away?”

“God, we’re not there yet…”

“But if you are?”

“Of course not. She has a father, and the best I can be for her is some weird uncle figure. And I’ll be more than happy if I can be that for her. She loves you as a father. It doesn’t mean that I can’t love her as a daughter.”

Ben shook his head, heaving a sigh, pinching the bridge of his glasses before pushing them up his nose.

“Liam, if we manage to do this, if… Sally accepts me enough for me and Y/N to be together… we can’t be enemies. I don’t like you, you don’t like me, but we can’t show it. Can we call a truce?”

He offered Liam his hand, but he didn’t take it. Instead, he walked past Ben, bumped into his shoulder for good measure, and went back to his daughter, walking before his wife.

Ex-wife.

God, he hated Ben. He hated all this.

Still, as he settled with Sally to play, he was smiling, and gentle, and when she asked about next weekend, he reassured her about their plans to go to the museum, and promised her nothing would change between them and that everything would be alright…

Ben gave Sally and you some space during the following week. He didn’t drop by after Liam’s visit, arguing that Sally needed time to think and process what was happening. You tried to argue, because you missed him; but not too much, because you agreed.

Still, after over a week, on Monday evening, Sally spoke about Ben again for the first time.

“Why is Ben not coming anymore?”

“He was just busy. And we thought that perhaps you didn’t want to see him that much…”

She nodded over her bowl of soup, but frowned when she looked up at you again.

“Daddy said he was always going to be here, and Ben said he wanted to be my cool uncle.”

You couldn’t refrain a chuckle at that.

“A cool uncle… that sounds nice. Not sure he can be cool though.”

“He is cool, I think.”

You hummed in agreement, swallowing some soup.

“Can we invite him to tomato Tuesday tomorrow?”

You blinked away your tears at your daughter’s words.

“Sure. You want to call him to ask him if he wants to come?”

“Yes!”

You grabbed your phone, and called, not waiting for the end of the meal. You usually didn’t interrupt dinner, but you were too happy to wait…

Ben grinned as he saw you and Sally appear on the screen.

“Hello, ladies!”

“Hi, Ben! Sally wanted to invite you to tomato Tuesday tomorrow, do you want to come?”

Your heart was warm and full as you noticed that he was blinking tears away.

“Of course! I’d love to! Thanks, meerkat!”

“But, Ben! This is serious business!” Sally warned him. “Because on tomato Tuesday, we make the BEST pasta sauce in the world!”

“The best, really?”

“Yes! So you have to peel the tomato, and then have to boil, and to smash and mummy won’t let you eat any piece of tomato, because she’s mean… and…”

And Sally babbled away about tomato sauce, and the pasta that you cooked every Tuesday with her.

And perhaps things would be okay, after all…

***********************************************

Taglist: @reg-arcturus-black @sergeantbuckybarnes @wolfmoonmusic @idek-what-to-put @kpicard @rhapsodyonthethames @friendly-philosopher @squirreljoe

#ben barnes #ben barnes x reader #ben barnes x you #ben barnes x y/n #ben barnes x female reader #ben barnes x fem!reader #ben barnes fanfiction #ben barnes fanfic #ben barnes series #series #fanfiction #fanfic #writing

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bronx-bomber87 · 5 months

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Happy Saturday wonderful fandom :) Ahhh the next in the line of goodies to come. This one doesn’t have a ton for them but doesn’t mean there isn’t absolute gems in it. So it'll be a littler shorter than the last one ha Also Aaron is amazingly hilarious in this episode. I love him to death. Let us get started.

5x09 Take Back

We start off with Tim being Watch Commander while Grey is miserable in NYC ha Things get immediately awkward when Chris arrives. Still clueless as ever asking Tim of all people about Lucy’s taste in houses. I mean if you don’t know her taste at this point should you really be buying a house together? Tim looks intrigued when he says he needs his opinion then it gets so awkward when it's about a house...

Tim is so very uncomfortable when he asks his opinion. Knowing this is going NOWHERE for Chris. I’ll never forget this hilarious post I saw about this scene after it premiered. I couldn't find it this time around. Had the lyrics from anti-hero by Taylor swift. ‘It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem it’s me.’ You ain’t ever getting that house with her because of that man sitting there LOL Idk why that post made me laugh so hard but it did. It stuck with me clearly haha

It’s so very weird Chris comes to Tim for this. It's obvious he knows Tim knows her the best. Crazy to me he's not threatened at all by that fact. Clearly he isn’t if he’s coming to Tim for advice. Blows my mind how blind he is. Lucy comes in asking what they’re talking about? Chris tells her he found THE house. Lucy looking as uncomfortable as ever at this news. Saying he's going to call the realtor and call her later. Lucy's high pitched 'I can't wait...' Couldn't be more awkward if she tried.

He gives her a kiss on the cheek and leaves. Tim giving that good ole fake Sanford smile when he does. Tim's face crack me up. Like he stole your girl and you have no idea you putz heh Also just so on brand for Chris to not see how uncomfortable Lucy was. He’s been blind their entire relationship It’s unreal. You can also see how much Tim hates seeing him kiss her. Even if it’s on the cheek.

It’s almost a grimace really as he watches it. Probably thinking of all the ways he could easily kick his scrawny ass haha That fake smile begging for Chris to leave the room so this awkwardness can pass. How Chris doesn’t pick up on either of these vibes I don't know. But then we call him the clueless clown for a reason don’t we?

Lucy doesn’t look comfortable till Chris leaves the office. Tim asking 'How the breakup is going?' HA Cleary it's going well Timothy...Lucy tells him she’s in the planning stages. Just reviewing the literature. Classic Lucy response. Wanting to plan this out completely before pursuing it. Tim telling her a psychology journal isn’t going to tell her how to break up with Chris. I mean he's not wrong.... It's just a bandaid you have to rip off even if its uncomfortable as hell.

He’s so matter of fact with his wording. Using a sports metaphor to explain how she should do it. Makes me wonder if he's actually done this before? Ha She’s adorable in her reply of saying ‘Playbill?’ She truly has no idea what he’s talking about. It’s too funny. It's comical really Tim giving her advice on how to break up with Chris. So you know he can date her haha

Tim has been very patient in all this but you can see him getting a little antsy about it. It is interesting how full circle this moment is. He set them up in 4x12 and now he’s ready to help break them down in this 5x09. Tim is just so ready for Lucy to do this cause he’s anxiously waiting to be with her. It’s pretty damn cute if you ask me. He’s trying to be patient but also is like can we hurry this along a bit?

Lucy says that’s too cruel she wants to handle it her way. No matter how this goes down Chris is going to be hurt though. It's how breakups go there is alway someone who walks away more upset about it. Her empathy taking the front seat in this decision. Where Tim just wants her to rip the bandaid off. Get this over with ASAP.

This is where we see little bit of Tim’s self doubt kick in. It's written all over his face when he asks her if she's having doubts? Worried she’s delaying this because she is having second thoughts about him. About them. Lucy immediately squashes his anxiety with her reply. Shooting massive heart eyes his way as well. She wants Tim to know she’s all in just like he is. That there is nothing for him to worry about.

I love how sure Lucy looks when she tells him 'No, I'm not'. She is so certain this is what she wants. Needs him to know this as well. Not a doubt in her mind about this whole thing. She just has stuff to work out with this breakup first. The certainty in her eyes is everything. Nothing makes more sense to her in this moment than him.

That confidence of hers is why Tim relaxes the way he does above. His whole body draining of the tension he was carrying. His cute smile saying ‘Good.’ Could this man be more of a soft puppy for her? Look at him. That hope and excitement back in his eyes. Lucy replying in kind with her own 'In love 'gaze. They’re both all in and it makes my heart very happy. Also they’re having a full on flirt session in Grey’s office for everyone to see.

I adore Tim being so open and vulnerable in this scene. Making sure she wasn’t backing out. The same Tim who couldn’t communicate in his other relationships to save his life. But with this he is checking in with her. Letting Lucy know his stress about her not breaking up with Chris yet. Lucy assuages his worries instantly. When it’s the right one the harder stuff seems a little easier. More natural. Lucy sensed that panic and instantly calms him with her words and heart eyes. Gah so good. Look at these idiots in love. I just adore them so very much.

This next scene with Aaron is pure gold. I love him so much he cracks me up. Never expected him to be as funny as he is. He notes how quiet she is being and is asking what's going on? Lucy letting him know she needs to break up with Chris. First off like to say we are all Aaron when he says ‘Finally.’ To her breaking up with Chris. Yesssss and Hallelujah finally breaking up with the clown. Nails it even further when he says Chris was never on her level. I mean yeah he never was. Not ever.

Aaron is speaking for the whole Chenford fandom in this moment LOL Chris had nine lives with her and they've finally run out. Aaron's reaction is the best part of this scene. I love that he knew where Lucy's heart was and it obviously wasn't with Chris. He knows it’s with Tim 100 percent. Like most people in their world do. Tim is her equal in so many ways it’s insane. Chris could never compare as Lucy figured out last ep.

Aaron tells her they can practice her breaking up with him. So it’s much easier when the time comes. It’s not a bad idea tbh. This is where it gets hilarious. Lucy brings up them looking at houses. Aaron kinda judging her for letting get as far as looking at houses. Telling her 'Yikes....' HA Tell us how you really feel my man. Lucy reprimanding him saying that is not helpful....Oh Aaron I love you so very much.

Lucy starts her speech trying to find her footing in what she is trying to say. She looks over at Aaron in the middle of it and see he is crying. lol If you didn't laugh at this scene you're dead inside. It's so damn funny. Lucy asking him WTF he is doing? Aaron telling her he is channeling Chris's pain LMFAO I mean he's not wrong she had to be prepared for an emotional response. It's just the way he went about this that is so hysterical. He is having way too much fun with this.

Telling her they should do angry next. I'm rolling. Lucy is doing some channeling of her own. She is channeling her man in this scene. It’s so funny. So aggravated with his role playing in this. Wondering why she asked for his advice in the first place? hahaha They then get a call about a 'Navi'. Lucy is so confused. Aaron geeks out and says it's from Avatar. Tells Lucy she should ask if it’s full grown. The look she gives she is channeling her husband again so much. ‘Aaron, it’s a fictional character...’ LMAO

I really love this ending scene with them. Aaron wants to do one more practice run with her. Lucy tells him she doesn’t need it. (Oh but you do....) That she’s just going to go with her gut on this one. It sounds like a solid idea in the moment but it's honestly the worst thing to wing it. Especially when it's something this intense.

When something is this emotional the right words tend not to just come to you IMO. They sure don't for me. I love him being brutally honest with her about it LOL Saying it’s a terrible idea. That he likes the sentiment but this isn't going to end well. I mean he’s not wrong as we will see here in a bit. Lucy once again channeling Tim in this moment. Cutting him off from saying anything else and just tells him good night haha

We get to the breakup scene we’ve all been waiting for. Lucy is bumbling and awkward. Not knowing where to start. Chris once again blind as a bat. He has no idea why she’s acting this way. Lucy curses Aaron for being right about this moment. Saying she should practiced more LOL I adore her panicking and defaulting to Tim’s playbook advice haha idk what’s funnier that or her being shocked Chris knows what she means by saying that.

All that prep and thinking this out and she went with her man’s advice on how to end this. This makes me giddy to no end. I bet you it’s cause Tim was on her mind from the minute Chris entered the apartment. My guess is that is part of the reason she fell back on his advice. Literally the most Lucy Chen thing ever to use it then be surprised Chris knew what she meant. I love her sfm haha

Chris stumbles around shocked as hell she’s breaking up with him. He seems so very blindsided by the whole thing. I mean if the man opened his eyes for once he wouldn’t be that shocked…But this Chris we are talking about. Lucy tries to get him to talk to her more. Saying they should sit down and talk this out. Chris just bails not wanting to talk at all. Not wanting to fight for her at all. Just takes off like a child who didn't get what he wanted.

Now I’m ok with this. Obviously we all are. Just goes to show you Tim was willing to fight for her and Chris wasn’t in the end. Lucy said it was over and he just left. I mean he wasn’t wrong there isn’t much to talk about out. She doesn’t love him. But still no fight in him at all after Lucy does this. Just folds like a cheap suit. A clueless clown from beginning to end...

We’ve reached the scene of the ep that made us all swoon and squee. I remember feeling so anxious to get to this scene. I had to re-watch the episode to truly appreciate it all. I was too antsy to get back to them sharing a screen. I was so damn giddy this was the place we were in. They spent the majority of this episode apart. So all I could focus on was her coming back to him in this moment.

I adore Lucy coming back into the station to talk about the breakup right away. Needing to share this news with him as soon as she could. I love that she returned to work just to tell him about this. So anxious to get back to Tim after it was done. Lucy wanted him to know as soon as she could it was over with Chris. Knowing he was just as anxious as she was about the breakup. It's sweet how he tentatively approaches her when she says why she is back.

He wants to be understanding about it. Seeing if she wants to talk about it more. Doesn't just want to jump the gun and bulldoze her feelings about the matter. Lucy isn't there to chat about that though. She wants to cash in on him asking her out. Because she couldn’t wait another second without him asking her out again. They're both so damn nervous and sweet in this scene. Fidgety and excited about the prospect of their future. Lucy messing with her hands the entire time as she explains the breakup. Tim keeping his distance while she explains it.

Gah I love her fidgeting near her ring as she approaches Tim. Anxiously awaiting for him to ask her out again. Lucy’s nervous way of reminding him to ask her again like they decided. How she looks into the bullpen before approaching Tim. Saying ‘So…’ He looks nervously excited by her doing this. Eric the king of expressions strikes again. The way his eyes go to check the bullpen as well before refocusing on her. He isn't sure what she is going to do in this moment.

The entire station can see into this office. He looks so friggin cute in his nervousness. I love that that she makes him nervous like this it's so adorable. Lucy gains her confidence and looks him directly in the eye flirty as can be. Asking him if there's something he wants to ask her? The whole purpose of her returning to work is to secure their date. Telling him about the breakup was the catalyst yes. But truly she was wanting to hear him ask her out again.

Tim see's her confidence and starts shaking off his own nerves. Replying in a sassy manner. Their banter the undercurrent of this moment going forward. Fueling them with the courage to say what they want to. Tim can't help being playful and sassy with her replying ‘I can’t remember.’ Doing that cute smirk of his that I love so very much. Wanting to push her buttons a little because well it's Tim.

Lucy is affectionately violent in her reply haha Look at her she is beaming with adoration. She loves this goober in front of her so very much. ‘Don't make me hurt you.’ Because she would legit hurt him if she had to in this moment haha I saw a funny parallel from this to her ripping that tape off in 4x07. She'll do it Timothy LOL Don't test your girl.

I love how he gets serious after she says this. It's the way he slowly moves towards her. That intent look on his face in the first one. *fans self* gah. Then in the second one the way he melts for her. In a way only Lucy gets to see. Asking with as much giddiness and excitement as I ever seen in this man. "Do you wanna go out on a date? Look at this puppy of a man. He is beyond excited to ask her this question again. Knowing now he will get a yes with no stipulations this time around. There is still a little nervous hesitation in his delivery which is precious.

Lucy is bursting at the seams with absolute giddiness when she replies ‘Yeah. I do.’ So happy he's asked her again. How one looks when the man they love asks them out. There’s so much to love about this scene. He’s asking her out in the Watch Commanders office. I love that sfm. Both ecstatic they’re finally going on a date with nothing holding them back now. They’re at work and have to restrain themselves from being too obvious. Which you know they suck at heh

My god anyone looking in on them in that last gif could see how in love these two are. They're so excited just to be around each other right now. The way they’re just standing there looking into each other’s eyes with the dopiest in love smiles. I cannot. I remember thinking the break was gonna take forever to get through. What a time to be alive watching this the first time I remember. LOL

~~~

Side notes -non Chenford

Is it just me or does John have more chemistry with Genny than he does Bailey? Thought I’ve always had from this ep. Probably just me but I always thought they had solid chemistry.

Greys have a ROUGH SL in NYC.

Celina also has a hard time in the ep. With their suspect dying in custody. She has a tough rookie year.

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muldyfi · 1 year

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I don’t often do this, I am very team ‘Yay TV is the best and I’m either going to enjoy it or I’m not going to watch it...’ but I need to rant a little bit about the Mandalorian season finale.

I work in TV, I know stuff goes wrong. And a lot about this season of Mando felt like production issues. Obviously they didn’t have Pedro much (if at all?) and obviously Katee Sackhoff was contracted to appear in every episode which made for some weird story choices in the first two episodes (going from Nevarro to Kalevala to Tatooine to Mandalore instead of Nevarro, Tatooine, Kalevala, Mandalore which makes a lot more sense). And also rumours of stuff being cut from the finale (which it really did feel like happened).

But there were so many story things in this season that weren’t paid off.

1. The Mythosaur. I’m not saying I needed anyone to ride the Mythosaur or use it in battle or whatever, but to start with Bo-Katan saw it in the Mines of Mandalore and then got it on her shoulder pauldron and then NEVER MENTIONED IT TO DIN. That is such a weird story choice that I thought it was going to be a point of conflict between the characters but it just...wasn’t mentioned. Like if she was meant to have told him offscreen why didn’t she just tell him in Ep 3 when he woke up after she rescued him? And then to have all these random monsters attacking everyone all season EXCEPT the Mythosaur is....also very weird.

I actually didn’t want anyone to kill it or hurt it but it would have been nice for Bo-Katan or Din or the Armorer to have a moment being like ‘The Mythosaur is one of us, it’s part of Mandalore and we should respect it.’ Perhaps let the Mythosaur help them defeat their enemy. Basically a reason for it’s existence. Because right now the *only* reason it needed to exist is so the Armorer could be all ‘Bo-Katan saw the Mythosaur so she can lead our people.’ Which was also echoed in ‘Bo-Katan has the Darksaber so she can lead our people.’ Like we get it. She can lead the people.

But the Mythosaur just felt like it wasn’t paid off at all.

2. DinBo. I’m not talking about it as a shipper (I am one, don’t worry, but I didn’t expect anything to actually happen this season. No one in Star Wars gets together unless they’re dying). But why on Earth (or Mandalore) would you build this relationship so well all season, to the point of Din pledging his allegiance to her and then having Bo be all ‘Mandalorians are stronger together’ and then he leaves. What?

This was one of the best built relationships I have seen on TV in a long time. The way that they went from completely not understanding each other to strongly respecting and trusting each other. Where she became Grogu’s other parent. It’s so nice to see a healthy relationship like that. But then it had no pay off.

There needed to be a scene where she thanked him for everything. Where he told her he was leaving. Where Grogu and Bo got to say goodbye because she’s basically is mother now. Anything. Even just a ‘If you ever need me, you know where to find me’ moment. At the very least a scene of them waving at each other. Lizzo and Grogu got a better goodbye than Bo and Grogu did. This genuinely makes me (and I believe everyone else) angry.

3. The Darksaber. Okay so I’m not even going to be upset about the fact that apparently Gideon can crush a Darksaber with his hands when I couldn’t even bend the handle of my plastic one if I tried. But to me the idea of destroying the Darksaber is to prove to Bo-Katan that she can rule Mandalore without it.

It’s not the Darksaber that made her a good leader, but instead the lessons she learnt about uniting her people and trusting and relying on those around her, things she’s never been very good at. There needed to be a moment where she had a meltdown of some sort along the lines of ‘It’s gone, how am I meant to rule now?’ And Din (or the Armorer or Axe and Koska or all the above) tells her that her strength to lead comes from within and isn’t about the Darksaber at all. If this isn’t used to show character growth within Bo-Katan then what is even the point of destroying it?

Honestly this is the thing that annoyed me the most.

4. The Covert and the Armorer. All season I haven’t really been able to tell where they were going with her character or Din’s attitude towards the Covert. But in the pledging to Bo-Katan scene, when Din mentions he was told lies about the other Mandalorians I felt like that was him realising that maybe the Armorer wasn’t so all knowing, that maybe there was another way and that Bo-Katan represented that way to him.

Maybe it was just me being hopeful that he’d change his mind about his religion and take his helmet off so I could see Pedro’s pretty face more often, but if that line wasn’t about him learning that he’d been lied to his whole life I’m not sure why it existed. Honestly this point is probably more about personal taste but I still find it weird.

5. Coruscant. Why the hell did we spend 38 minutes in Coruscant? Why did we have to listen to Imperial officers chatting about Thrawn? Is this all set up for Ahsoka? Because in a season where most of the episodes were shorter than they should be what we really could have used was more time with our main characters having quiet character moments, understanding their wants and needs...which leads me to...

6. Din. Honestly this has never bugged me prior to this season, but suddenly I got really annoyed at him wearing his helmet because I couldn’t tell what he was thinking. If we’re not going to see his face, we need to have scenes where he expresses his feelings to someone in words. Otherwise we have a lead character who shows no emotions about anything and doesn’t have an opinion on anything. The most emotion we saw him have all season was when he showed his hatred of battle droids.

I’m sure the reason Bo-Katan ended up being the focus of the season was a lot to do with the fact her helmet was off a lot of the time and we could actually see her emotions. For us to feel like Din is the lead we need to understand what he’s feeling.

The appeal of the Mandalorian to me has always been that it’s simple, straightforward and fun. It’s about the love between a Mandalorian bounty hunter and his adopted son (yay!). And there was a lot of that great stuff in the finale. But it felt twenty minutes too short.

Jon Favreau needs a TV writers’ room. It is literally the job of a writers’ room to be like ‘What if we did this in this more interesting way?’ instead of just one man’s fan fiction. A group of people are always going to come up with something more interesting than one person, it’s why writers’ rooms exist.

Twitter and Tumblr were all very good at coming up with fantastic season finale plots - mind flaying Din, him being tortured and his helmet removed, Thrawn showing up, the Armorer being evil, Axe being a traitor, Bo-Katan dying and Grogu having to bring her back with the Force. All of these things that could have added a heightened emotion and stakes in the finale.

I’m not saying that creators should listen to the internet, this rarely makes for good television, but I am saying Jon Favreau as a solo writer has run his course on this story. He’s not a TV writer either and it was really obvious this season where Dave Filoni seemed less involved because he was focusing on Ahsoka.

Anyway I love this show and I will absolutely look forward to and watch any future seasons, but I was left super disappointed after the finale, despite really loving a lot of it, because it just felt too easy and too emotionally disconnected.

#the mandalorian #din djarin #dinbo #din djarin x bo-katan kryze #bo-katan kryze #grogu #chapter 24 #rant #mando

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rosiesdisneydrama · 8 months

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Funny thought I had at work:

What if Donald's family (mostly his sister/cousins) did notice him grieving after Uno was shut down?

Donald is upset about something but very tight-lipped about what and why. Up until one of them manages to get him to talk a little bit about it. (maybe Feathery? He seems like the sort who'd try to comfort someone without judging them or by promising to listen no matter what) And then they all extrapolate/misinterpret the reason from the crumbs they worm out of him.

Donald, obviously, doesn't want to tell them that Ducklair shut down his AI friend, and kicked him out of the tower without giving him the chance to say goodbye. And he doesn't know if he'll ever see them again (if Ducklair ever reactivates Uno). It's something that he really doesn't know how to fix it or make it better.

What his family gets out of him are:

There was a secret floor to Ducklair Tower that Donald had a friend living in.

The friend couldn't leave the tower, or even that specific floor. They could only see the world outside through windows and cameras.

Donald's friend had a lot of respect/a previously very good relationship with Ducklair himself.

His friend is now "gone" and Donald doesn't think he'll ever see them again.

Ducklair's comments/behavior were really out of character compared to the previous times Donald had seen or spoken to them. Shockingly harsh/cold.

And, considering the wildness of their family, these facts get twisted in a really interesting way.

Eventually, after the rest of the family (I'm mostly picturing Della, Gladstone, and Fethry. Maybe Abner, for funsies) do some serious debating to piece it all together without upsetting Donald even more, they make a loose frame of what they think the core issue is.

The end result?

They think Uno is a secret son that Ducklair was hiding because he had serious health issues that meant he couldn't leave the tower. Potentially because whatever health equipment he needed was there and couldn't be moved. The specific tower he'd lived in had potentially been sold by accident and when Donald was registered as the caretaker of the tower the security system let him onto the floor that Uno had lived in.

Potentially, Uno was also the reason Donald kept bailing on them while he worked there. Because the super-sick heir lived in a super high-tech building made by a mad genius, so there was a non-zero chance that their cousin was beating back crooks and wannabe villains who thought they could steal stuff to attack the city there. They wish he had brought them in on it to help more if that was the case.

And, finally, that friend had likely passed away and Ducklair's mood change was potentially due to poorly handled grief. There is a small chance that Ducklair had pulled a plug due to not being able to find a cure but it's hard to imagine because the man never seemed the sort.

(Also, since they have no idea if Ducklair has ever been married, there is the possibility that his son was actually a clone because the man was a Mad Scientist and anything was possible with those types. Which could also explain why no one knew the son existed in the first place.)

But this is the Duck family, so this also played like it's a soap opera/telenovela. It gets wild, especially when Gladstone's luck brings Layla in and she fights to keep her laughter internal as she watches the trainwreck of errors from the cousins trying to piece together Donald's secret life.

Oh, and they also think Uno was Donald's boyfriend and one of the reasons he never told them was to hide him from Scrooge.

#ducktales #donald duck #duck avenger #paperinik #disney duckverse #uno ducklair #everett ducklair #della duck #gladstone gander #fethry duck #lyla lay #duno

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nanomooselet · 3 months

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Episode Two: The Running Man

It's odd how little gets said about this ep, considering it's the most direct homage the earlier anime adaptation - but maybe that might be why? Since, as I said, this was my entry into the story, to me it felt out of place. It seemed like it was doing all it could to distract from how the previous ep concluded.

With hindsight, I think that's the idea.

The opening with the radio! I'm so weirdly fond of it. Yeah it's a flashback, but it shows Vash in a private moment without his mask; a glimpse of his secrets. He's not wearing his coat, so you get a look at how broad his shoulders are; he's also handling the tools to maintain his gun skilfully for someone who claims he's not a fighter. As he's contemplating the crash - he was there, obviously, and he has the photo of him, Rem and Nai still - the radio host says without the Plants, our ancestors would have died out long ago. How long ago? Long enough that Vash likely shouldn't still look such a gosh darn pretty boy? Yet it slips by.

(I do not understand the complaints that Stampede had no mystery.)

This is the episode where he's most committed to the bit of being cute but sort of hapless and silly, too, so the contrast is dramatic. I don't think he was actually expecting Meryl and Roberto to clear his name all at once, but I do think he was hoping, I don't know, maybe they'd believe him from the first. But nothing's ever that easy for my boy. I gotta say, Vash, optimism has its limits. Your story is that you're being framed by your previously unknown identical twin brother. You know it's true, I know it's true, but you might have had an easier time with some, I don't know… evidence? It's not surprising the reporters are sceptical.

Oh god, I'm so sorry, do you want a hug or -

(By the way, this means Knives told everyone it wasn't him, it was a one-armed man.)

He's being melodramatic, but I suspect also more sincere than what comes across - which is the whole reason he exaggerates, of course. (What? No, I'm not talking from experience. I have never, ever done this. Never ever in A MILLION YEARS have I exaggerated to obfuscate my sincerity.) The angle changes to show his face, and it's pretty clear how genuinely exhausted and upset even the thought of Knives makes him. Though it is still pretty funny that Meryl just isn't having it.

Also funny: Meryl versus the Worms, round one. Worms 1, Meryl 0.

Roberto greeting Tonis is really cute. He's a grump, but he's never an asshole to kids.

Ahhhh Tonis gives Vash his bugs and Vash pats his head and then he moves to take his hand away Tonis grabs it so he'll keep doing it and then when Rosa tells Tonis to leave Vash look dismayed and waves goodbye and it is so cute and IT IS SO SAD.

Because Rosa loves her son, wants him healthy and happy and safe, wants him shielded from the violence of the world and from decisions like pulling a gun on the hero of your town who's been nothing but good to you, better than you deserve - and yet we saw Rosa come to the decision that she would do this last episode. Right about... here. See the way she moves from standing in front of him, almost protectively, to beside him, clearing the way? By the look on her face, she doesn't want to. Vash proved himself yet again afterwards, saved the town without hesitation the moment it was endangered at great risk to himself. He's a good man, a friend, someone she trusts. But it's not him Rosa's thinking of now. It's not even the town. It's Tonis.

I have to say, Roberto doesn't look shocked or concerned. He just wearily sets down his mug and raises his hands, expression unchanged. Meanwhile Meryl's turned into a cartoon.

Vash understands. He didn't fight back against the MPs. He didn't instigate the duel. It's because of him that this is necessary. That just doesn't mean he's going to make it easy for them.

Ah, that old Stampede special: the undignified leg-spread landing.

Man the English dub is good, but it's this episode I started to realise how good. It's incredibly funny. "The furious fists of the Nebraska Family challenge you to a duel!" "Felt the fury right there!" "Money! Come back!" "I hope you like pancakes, because you're going to become one!"

There's one translation I'm not sold on, though, and it's Nebraska declaring "Power is justice! Power is truth!" I had the same problem in Persona 5 Royal when I played it and the characters kept going on about how they'll "prove our justice". It sounds so awkward.

From what I can tell, the word they're using translates more clearly to "moral rightness" or "righteousness", and the score title for Stampede renders what Nebraska says better: might is right. He's advocating Social Darwinism, basically. It's the natural order of the world: the strong deserve to flourish, the weak deserve to perish.

Nebraska: I hate cowards like you! This whole planet is fighting for survival! Anyone who runs is bound to die like a sorry loser! But you, Stampede! How dare you?! / You coward! I despise waste-of-life cream puffs like you! You have to fight tooth and nail to survive in this world! If those who can't hack it run away and die like chickens, then so be it! But you? I expected more, Stampede!

Vash: You might be right that I'm too timid. But is that such a terrible thing? Is fighting everything head-on so important? Even if it gets someone killed? / Okay, I may not be the bravest, but what's so terrible about being a little timid? Is fighting head-on always right? It risks lives, and for what?

Nebraska: Weapons… are made for fighting! Do you get it now?! There's no future for those who don't fight! / I might as well, huh? It's what the damn thing's made for! That'll show ya! Any snivelling slug too scared to fight must die!

Vash: Come on, can you back off? I really don't want to fight anyone. / Can you guys cool it for a second? I'm really not in the mood for violence.

Nebraska: That's the attitude that pisses me off! / When the world ends, will it ask if you're in the mood?

It's kinda funny that Nebraska keeps going on about it, though, because he also keeps demanding accommodation for his son's weakness. If he was really committed he'd rely only on himself instead of endangering Gofsef. And yet oddly enough, it's the hypocrisy which saves him, because it's how Rosa realises how much they have in common. He loves Gofsef, just like she loves Tonis, and Vash forgives them both.

Enjoy the subtle gag of Meryl mirroring her "parents'" expressions, BTW.

Nabraska judging the townspeople for drinking before 5:00PM as if he didn't just destroy half the place trying to steal their only power source.

Gofsef being creeped out by Tonis's Worm buddies.

And Roberto visibly tuning out as Meryl tells him off.

I think the reason this feels like it's all happening so fast is because this is the place where an episode of the older adaptation would end, leaving some implied time to pass before the next crisis. But this isn't twenty-six self-contained episodes, it's twelve instalments of one story. The running man must continue to run, because it was never humans he was running from.

And I didn't realise this until now, but the drone in Vash's room? It's looking for him, or his things. It doesn't find either.

When it doesn't...

E.G. launches his assault, though the drones had been patrolling since the previous night. Vash was about to leave when he heard the scream from the diner and rushed back to help. And so he stayed long enough for E.G.'s master to arrive in person.

Whatever happened in Jeneora Rock, it seems it was necessary for Vash to witness it, so E.G. had instructions to keep him in place.

So E.G.'s cyborg enhancements look like a bear trap.

Of course.

#trigun stampede #meta: tristampparty episodes #tristampparty #trigun meta #scriptwriters knew exactly what was going on in ep 11 by the way #wonder where they got that sketch of vash looking adorable #somewhat convinced knives chose it to annoy vash #dig the subtle worldbuilding of the cars out there all being crap #but the eom's truck never has a problem

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losermilk7 · 1 year

Text

Overprotective! Ink x gn!Reader

Another Request from Wattpad <3

Word count: 2183

Undertale + AUs Masterlist:

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

You were currently laying on the floor of the living room in the house that Ink had painted for you two in the Doodle Sphere. You were bored out of your mind. Ever since you and Ink had met he had always visited you whenever he remembered and had the time. Once he started forgetting to visit you more often he decided to take you to live with him in the Doodle Sphere so that he would never forget and it was more convenient. It wasn't that bad living with Ink, just he was gone a lot of the time so you were alone.

You sighed and rolled over so you were laying on your stomach. It was a shame your cellphone didn't work here, otherwise, you were sure time would've passed by faster. That's when an idea suddenly popped into your head. You weren't sure how you hadn't thought of this earlier, but what if you asked Ink if you could join him in whatever he was doing the next time he would have to go? That way, you wouldn't have to try taking a nap every 5 minutes (with no success) while waiting for him! They let you visit your home universe occasionally, so what would be the difference in tagging along with Ink for his missions? He'd almost always said that everything went smoothly, apart from when some Error guy disturbed his work in patrolling and protecting the universes. But he mostly stayed in his own world, so it wasn't likely he would be coming when you were there right?

During your mental theorizing, you hadn't even noticed Ink opening the front door and coming in until he said: "Are you okay?" You jumped and snapped out of your thoughts, slightly jump scared from suddenly seeing his face uncomfortably close to yours.

"Ahh, don't do that, I'm gonna have a heart attack! I'm alright, How was your mission?" You decided it would be best to wait for a few moments before making your request.

"It went like usual! Just chatting with some creators and walking around." He responded, standing up and walking to sit on the couch.

You sat next to him. "That's great!" You stopped for a moment, thinking about how to word out your next sentences. "I wanted to ask you something." You looked at him.

One of his eyelights turned into a red question mark when he blinked. "What is it?" He asked as he counted out his vials to see how much paint was left in them.

"Could I, maybe, come with you the next time you leave? It gets really boring when you're not around." You hopefully asked.

Ink froze, his eye sockets widening. "...What? Could you repeat that?" He slowly placed the yellow vial back into its place in his stash.

"Can I come with you on your next mission?"

Ink's POV:

Stars, this is just what I was afraid of happening. Images of Error taking her away from me plagued my mind. "No, you can't," I answered dryly.

"What? Why not?" They asked.

"Because It's too dangerous. Error could kidnap you and torture you or- maybe even Nightmare and his gang! And there's no getting you back if that happens." I glared at them, maybe I was over exaggerating a bit, but I didn't want to risk anything happening to them. While, I couldn't actually feel, every time I took my vials and was around them I felt strange. I worried for them when my vials were in effect. I felt so strongly about them and I don't think I could handle constantly being scared something would happen to them if someone took her away from me.

"But that rarely ever happens." They pointed out.

"That doesn't mean it won't happen. You being there would probably make it even more likely for something to happen."

They looked down sadly and crossed their legs. "I see.." They mumbled. I also looked down at my knees, I didn't mean to make them upset.

3rd person + Time skip to the next week.

You were currently sitting under the various papers that were hanging from the yellow-tinted 'sky'. You were upset that Ink refused to take you with him, but there wasn't anything you could do about it. Ink tried to suggest some other activities you could do while waiting for him, and they did work for a few days, but after a short while those got boring as well.

Suddenly, there was a 'thump' heard from behind you. You smiled thinking Ink had just failed his landing, though your smile quickly disappeared when you heard two voices from where the sound came from.

"There! That's them." A glitchy voice calls out. You gulp down your fear and turn your head to look at the intruders.

You saw two skeletons. One had error signs all over him and the other one was covered in some kind of goop.

"Are you sure? Doesn't look like anything special." The goopy one frowned and said.

Blue strings wrapped around you, squeezing you tight, but it wasn't enough to hurt you. You were lifted up into the air as the glitchy one, which you had figured out to be Error, spoke again. "Yes, why else would they be here?" He said.

"Who are you and why are you here?" You asked carefully.

They both turned back to you. "We're just going to take you for a little... vacation." Error said. Before you could respond the goopy one launched his...tentacles? at you and everything went dark.

Ink's POV:

I opened a portal to the Doodle Sphere, ready to see my dearest friend again. I really couldn't wait to see them, I even got them their favorite snacks.

I look around the Doodle Sphere trying to see where (Y/N) could be, though I couldn't see them anywhere 'outside'. I went over to the makeshift house and opened the door. "(Y/N)! Where are you?!" I yelled and waited a few seconds, yet there was no response. I grew a bit worried and started to search the house.

After searching the house I still couldn't find (Y/N). I dropped the snacks on the kitchen table and speed-walked through the front door, trying to see if (Y/N) was outside and I just didn't see them earlier. But they weren't.

I picked up my phone and decided to call Dream, hoping he had some kind of information on (Y/N)'s whereabouts.

"Ink? What's up?" I heard his voice on the other line.

"Do you know where (Y/N) is?" I asked.

3rd person:

"No. Are they not in the Doodle Sphere?"

"No, they aren't! Can you please help me find them?" Ink desperately asked.

"Of course, I'll meet you at the Doodle Sphere, I'll bring Swap as well!" He then hung up.

Ink took the phone away from his skull and fidgeted with it in his hands, he was so very worried for his best friend.

Meanwhile with (Y/N):

Error and who you learned was Nightmare had taken you to the Anti-Void. It was somehow emptier than the Doodle Sphere. It was entirely white with some dark blue strings hanging from the ceiling. Looking around made you feel nauseous, you couldn't tell when the walls ended, if they even did. You decided to just look at the ground for now and wait for someone to come and save you.

And soon someone did come! Though they weren't there to save you. Error had come back. You looked at him curiously as he summoned a huge beanbag chair and a TV out of thin air. You weren't sure how, but the TV seemed to be working surprisingly well for being in an empty void.

"What? What are you looking at?" He frowned and looked at you.

"When can I go home? Will you hurt me? It's even more boring in here than the Doodle Sphere..." You mumbled the last part so he wouldn't hear.

"It's not for you to know when you can go back to wherever you can from and no, I won't hurt you." He said grumpily and turned back to the TV.

You crawled a bit closer so you could also watch since there didn't seem to be anything better to do.

With Ink:

The Star Sanses had made out a plan to figure out where you are. Dream would try to sense your aura in AUs and if he felt it they would look around to try and find you. They had already tried on tens of AUs, yet they still had no luck.

"What do we do? What if we never find them?" Ink whined with tears in the corners of his eye sockets.

"Don't worry Ink! We'll find them." Blue encouraged.

"Maybe my brother or Error took them." Dream thought.

"Right! Error! But..why would he want (Y/N)?" Ink wondered.

"Maybe he's holding them hostage to lure you in?" Blue guessed.

"If that's true then we should come up with a plan instead of just barging into the Anti-Void and- ...Ink's gone." Dream sighed. "Let's go after him." He grabbed Blue's arm and teleported them to the Anti-Void.

They saw Ink already pulling out his paintbrush and running in front of (Y/N) protectively. Error looked annoyed, he stood up quickly and tried to shoot his strings to get a hold of (Y/N), however Dream and Swap had already rushed over and Dream had made a quick shield to block out the strings.

Before Ink could start really attacking Error, Dream grabbed him and said "Let's get (Y/N) to safety first!" Then he teleported everyone to Swap's house in Underswap. Ink took a deep breath and rushed to your side. He took your arm and put his other hand on your waist to help you get up and sat you down on Blue's bed.

"Did he hurt you? I swear if he-"

"No! He didn't hurt me. He was rude though." You cut Ink off.

"What happened?" Dream asked. "How did you end up in the Anti-Void?"

You told them what happened. After that Swap said he would make some food for you all and Dream went to help him.

You were left alone with Ink. He sat next to you on the bed and hugged you. "I was really worried (Y/N), I wish I was there to prevent all this from happening." He nuzzled his forehead into your shoulder while you hugged him back. "Did Error or Nightmare tell you why they took you?" He asked and turned so that he could look at you, still having his arms wrapped around you.

"No, they didn't. But Error said they wouldn't hurt me at least." You smiled at him.

He shoved his head back into your neck and tightened his hold on you. "That's good." He mumbled into you.

After a few minutes, he let go. Shortly after that Dream and Blue came back to tell you that the food was done, so you all went down to eat and have fun.

After you had all finished hanging out you and Ink headed back to the Doodle Sphere. Ink took your hand and walked you to the house, he then opened the door and let you in first.

He sat you down on the couch and sat down next to you. "I feel like I'm forgetting something...." He thought out loud. "Right! Wait here." He ran to the kitchen and came back a few seconds later with a bag of your favorite goods in it. He handed it to you and sat down next to you again. He turned on the TV for some background noise.

While you were excitedly looking through all the snacks he took a deep breath in and said: "(Y/N). I have something to ask you." He looked at you with a serious expression.

"What is it?" You glanced at him before going back to digging through the bag and taking out one of the snacks, opening it.

"I want you to stay in the house from now on when I'm gone."

"What? Just because of this one incident? They didn't even lay a hand on me." You thought Ink's request was ridiculous. You already had so little freedom and the only interesting thing to do anymore was watching the sky and sleeping until Ink came back.

"Do you know how worried I was for you? I can't risk you leaving me again, I don't think I could handle it." He sniffled and took your hands in his, trying his best to hold back the rainbow-hued tears.

You felt a bit bad, Ink really did seem worried, but that was no excuse for taking away the last bit of freedom you had! "Then take me with you when you go! That way, you can make sure I'm all safe and sound, right?" You wiped his tears with your sleeve.

He thought for a minute, then slowly hugged you again and buried his face in your chest. "...I'll think about it." He said.

And the next day Ink did take you with him! It was so much more fun than just laying on the floor in the Doodle Sphere.

Extra:

Before (Y/N)'s kidnapping,

"How do we beat the stars.." Nightmare wondered in a meeting with the Bad Sanses.

"Let's catch Ink's slave. That'll make all of the stars worried." Error suggested.

"I don't think-" Nightmare started

"That's a great idea!" Killer cut him off.

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Ink belongs to Comyet Error belongs to loverofpiggies Nightmare and Dream belong to Joku Swap belongs to the AU community Killer belongs to rahafwabas

#ink sans x reader #ink!sans #ink sans x gn! reader #ink x reader #error!sans #dream!sans #nightmare!sans #undertale x reader #undertale fanfiction

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sunshine-in-a-bottle · 4 months

Note

Punz for the ask game?

HELLO

First Impression

Dream friend??? Friend of Dream??? Holding him forever

Current Impression

MURDER HOBO, AUTISTIC BASTARD MAN WHO LIKES TO READ AND LIKES TO GAME AND HAS SPECIAL INTERESTS. He has latched on to Dream and will never let go. Touch his friend and Die.

Favorite Moment

He just fucking dropped TNT on those maids and he looked really hot doing it. There's nothing quite as delightful as him logging out right after like it was a Statement. I can imagine him doing a little two fingered salute as he leaves. All the finale stuff was awesome but nothing lives in my mind quite as rent free as the image of some ordinary hoodie gamer boy gently kicking tnt off his little perch to smite the catmaids harassing a giant demigod.

Idea for a story

listen. listen. I have like 300000 stories about him. But if I wanted to write something that wasn't those it'd probably be him running errands around the dsmp. the entire story would start out really average and slice of life but it would slowly get more ominous as his errands stop including blocks and baked goods and saying hi to Niki at the bakery, and start becoming Spying On XYZ, grabbing supplies for the drunz experiment bunker, preparing the traps to catch their latest test subject. Fun stuff like that!

Unpopular Opinion

this implies I know what other peoples opinions are fjghdfk

uhhhhhh I don't think if Dream decided he wanted to forgo The Plan that Punz would get upset and leave him. I think Punz would be really disappointed, but ultimately "being Dream's friend" and "being a bloodthirsty murder hobo who longs for godhood" are not mutually exclusive things. I've seen a couple of fics handle it really well, and I adore the conflict of Punz caring about Dream but also disagreeing with Dream's desire to make nice and do peace when it comes up, because Punz just. Doesn't have faith in humanity. Punz has the people he cares about, and everyone else can go to hell.

Favorite relationship

I'm the usual sucker for Drunz. If that's too obvious, then Punz and Foolish also makes me really happy, along with Punz and Sapnap and maybe Punz and Techno? You can get a lot of mileage out of Punz's surface nature of being really easy going while hiding a lot of anger and bitterness, even misanthropy if you want to lean really deeply into it.

Actually, wait, a friendship I really like to think about but don't often get to talk about is Punz and Niki. Niki goes through a disillusionment in her character arc that I think Punz could really understand. Punz would be cheering on her villain arc, but the thing that Punz doesn't get that Niki does is an opportunity through the Syndicate to find faith again, faith in her friends, in hope and humanity.

Niki and Punz could have a lot of interesting conversations, she could even give him an offer to join the Syndicate. I can see her reaching out to him the way she was reached out to, if only to try. I can't say whether or not Punz would take that offer, its entirely dependent on what story you're writing, but as easily as I think they could see each other in the darkness, I think they could see each other in the light, too.

Favorite headcanon

Punz is autistic. Listen to me. He fixates of his Special Interests and he loves to have Opinions About Things and he is a stickler for things being On Time and Done The Right Way. I'm projecting my mental illness on to him. I just want him to complain endlessly about books and have a favorite genre and have an eye for the quality of metalwork because my mom was a goldsmith and Punz wears jewelry. Let me have my insane man.

#suds asks #my writing #LISTEN #LISTNE TO ME

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vilandel · 19 days

Text

Silver Cats & Black Roses

Chapter 19 – Flaws of a Ball

A/N Nobles are being jerks, Charlottes aunt is one of the worst and Nozel confides FINALLY to his Vermillion aunt... who has her own wonderful words to describe papa Silva 💙💜

Ao3 link

♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣♣

“Are you serious?”

“I wish I wasn’t, but sadly, I’m not in a goofy mood right now.”

Most of the time when the Wizard King said that, he was actually acting goofy, either to everyone’s amusement or everyone’s annoyance, especially Marx the mushroom.

But as if the serious look in his eyes wasn’t enough, Yami could tell from his Ki that old man Julius was serious. Gosh he would have preferred if it was a bad joke. Heck, even Mushroom Head looked like he would have preferred a stupid prank for once. That was just how fucking upsetting those news were.

“This doesn’t make any sense,” Fuegoleon said, again speaking for all the captains. “The war with Spade was just six months ago, there are still some lingering aftermath and not only from this raid, but also from the whole ordeal with the elves and the Eye of the Midnight Sun and even a bit from this affair with the Devil Believers. Not to mention that we still have to deal with those thievery acts in the Common Realm and that most nobles still don’t trust the Magic Knights. So, why do they want to celebrate the victory with a ball already?”

“I agree with Fuegoleon,” Kaiser added calmly. “Most nobles these days don’t trust the Magic Knights and it’s not anything new. We could give the benefice of doubt, of course, and hoping they came to accept that we do anything to protect this kingdom. But we all know that this isn’t the case, houses from high nobility especially have lately taken many offenses from the decisions we made as Magic Knights. And isn’t this ball suggestion coming a bit out of the blue?”

“Yeah, what that moustache grandpa just said,” Yami sighed. Since Kaiser helped him to realize his love for Prickly Queen, Yami was rather unusually willing to support his purple colleague when he made a good point.

“If ya all ask me, this noble ball victory bullshit sounds fishy.”

“It does, as it wasn’t offered like a peace offering or anything like this,” Marx said with a deep frown. “More like a threat, maybe? No, this is a too harsh word. I can’t really call it a warning either.”

Goldie Guts had taken a look at the so-called offer, looking down at the parchment with a frown, as if he was trying to get the words right. Weird, William was usually one of those who could get behind a true message between the lines quite easily. Yami had to admit that this wasn’t his forte. Besides, written words didn’t had any Ki, so he could never tell if they were genuinely true or a blatant lie.

“Hm… At first sight, it looks like a banal and even overly polite offer or suggestion ask to Magic Knights. But those are mostly about trouble in some areas, about new dungeons appearing or any difficulties people wish to have be better. A ball of victory isn’t really something you turn towards Magic Knights.”

“You are right, William,” old man Julius answered, pensive. “And in this case, it’s not like a ask for help or a suggestion for a mission, like we usually get. I wouldn’t have talked about it if this so-called offer didn’t sound like a decision already made, giving us no other choice than to accept it. It might be just nothing to worry about, but the way it was handled to us, the choice of words and with all that happened even in the last two years, it concerns me. Besides, could anyone of you tell me what Three Leaves Glory mean?”

Yami shrugged, he clearly had no idea what this shit meant. The Beanpole and Miss Sleepy Hat also looked like they had no fricking clue what was about this fuss.

But the captains who were either nobles or royals, they seem to know.

And that bothered Yami. He, Jack and Dorothy were the captains that didn’t come from noble and royal circles. As a foreigner, a commoner and a witch, they mostly have no idea how all the things of nobility worked.

But the other six captain, they seemed to knew… And given their looks, it wasn’t some good shit, it seemed. Rill looked he still tried to remember what this stupid term, though. But the rest? Nozel looked like stiffer than usual, Fuegoleon let his left hand glide down his face, William just sighed, Kaiser just shrugged, and Charlotte…

Yami almost flinched when he took a look at her. She was stiff, her mouth was thin line, her fist were trembling and resting on her lap.

She knew what that three leaves whatever shit meant and she didn’t like it at all. Okay, when she was reacting like that, then Yami just couldn’t shrug it off and move on to new cigarette. Her reaction actually worried him more than he would have before being with her.

Discreetly, he laid his hand on her leg. It seemed to calm her down a bit and Charlotte even put her own hand on his. Yami almost smiled that she was taking his comfort immediately now. She never would have before.

But at the same time, they were a couple now. A secret one, there was no denying that, but still a couple.

In the end, it was Fuegoleon who finally explained what this three leaves whatever shit actually meant, translated from noble language.

“The Three Leaves Glory is basically a term for a ball where nobles and royals are deciding betrothals between any kind of house and any kind of people. Long ago, the Three Leaves Glory was a ball of three days, in honour of the three leaves of the Clover.”

Yami grinned when Fuegoleon put this much emphasis on the word honour. Hard Nose might explaining the topic as factual as possible like he always did, but even someone like him couldn’t entirely hide what he truly thought about this whole shitty mess.

“During the first day, the future spouses met each other for the first time. The second, they were betrothed. And at the last day, the marriages were celebrated at this ball. It was basically multiple weddings at once. That tradition was annulled over fifty years ago, due to various and complex reasons.”

“But the term of Three Leaves Glory Ball still remained, am I right?” Marx asked cautiously.

Fuegoleon only sighed, which practically an answer already.

“Yes. It’s more or less like a standard ball, now multiple weddings at once anymore. But… it’s still an important event on the marital market. Not official, but still very important. And decisive and final. It’s often decided between the future spouses back or at least one of them, only for them to learn it way later.”

“That sucks,” Beanpole groaned, sitting impossibly on his chair. “What was the use of forbid the original idea if it’s still practically some forced contracts?”

“Because noble house preferred to be in the centre of the attention at a wedding and multiple weddings at once takes the spotlight away from them.”

The cold disgust in Nozels voice was pronounced that each person present turned towards him in surprise. Yami as well.

Okay, he was more than used that Braids was strict royal with a stick up his ass who adores discipline, something a lot of nobles seemed to lack. But never did Yami heard that kind of disgust in his voice before. Either Bird Braid started to change his mind about nobles after the elves or after Spade. Or he hold his disgust for years and now he was so done to care and hold it back anymore.

Damn, if it was the latter, Nozel must have been using a lot of inner strengths for years dealing with hated nobles. Maybe he had not such a big stick up his ass after all. Yami would have thought that Braids would defend the intention of the nobles. But from all the people present at this table, Nozel seemed like the most offended about this perspective.

Along with Charlotte.

“So this is what my mother warned me about,” she whispered, so that only Yami was able to hear her.

Crap. He actually forgot about that. Auntie Dea, like most of the Black Bulls called Charlotte’s mother now, did warned Prickly Queen about some ball like that.

Was this what Dea meant with that warning? Knowing her, that poor Blue Rose Mom certainly had nothing to do with it, but she must have heard bits here and there, at least enough to warn her daughter about it.

Yami remembered how angry he got when his girlfriend told him that for the first time. Well, the mere thought that some people would want to marry off his Prickly Queen for their own schemes, as if she was an empty cup of a trophy, made him raging, wanting to destroy a wall over their heads or something.

Charlotte was the most wonderful woman in the kingdom on many levels. And she was his. No one had the right to decide over her future like that!

Charlotte must have felt the angry tension within him, so she put a hand on his leg, in an attempt to calm him down. And it worked. Who would have thought that a simple hand on a leg could be enough to calm someone?

The anger was still here, but thanks to her, it was now calm.

For fuck’s sakes, he really needed her on so many levels.

Charlotte seemed to have calmed down a bit herself, as she said, “But that kind of nonsense hadn’t been organized since five or six years. Why starting again with this and why using the victory against the devils in Spade as an excuse?”

“Because nobles are desperate, maybe,” Nozel said again in a cold, disgusted tone. Damn, what was wrong with him? Yami tried to read his Ki, but it was a mix of so many things he couldn’t recognize. Did nobles killed his favourite eagle or something?

“Who signed this so-called offer, by the way?” Kaiser asked and Yami admitted that he really wanted to know that too, for once. Just to put some nobles on his disgust list and making them potential candidates for a dimension slash.

Marx took the parchment again and said, “Well, we have of course a good bunch of Évantails on this list, the house head Bianca Évantail of course and Reginald Évantail as well.”

“Which Reginald Évantail?” Charlotte asked, a slight smirk on her lips. “Last time I checked, this house has two Reginalds. At least, for all I know, maybe there are some more cousins with that name.”

Yami couldn’t help but grin. This comment was definitely his influence on her and it made him proud of his Prickly Queen.

“It’s the father and the son,” Marx replied. “There is also a Prudence Évantail and… oh, Nozel, one of your knights has signed as well.”

“Samuel?”

“Exactly.”

Bird Braid let out a groan that was definitely not proper for a royal. Yami would have laughed if Nozels Ki wouldn’t have let out so much disappointment. Gosh, did he always had problem with this particular knight?

“Wizard King, I think my vice-captain and myself already made you aware of the annoyance Samuel gives, as well as the Silver Eagles squad. I can talk to him about this and scold him, but at this point there’s only as much Agatha and I can do with him. If he’s going too fast…”

“Then I will take the necessary measures. If Samuel Évantail continue to be this bold with his unknightly behaviour, we ‘ll have no other choice than to definitely kick him out of the Magic Knights, the arrangement between the Silver Eagles and house Évantail won’t change that. But are you sure about this potential measure, Nozel? Won’t this affect the Silver Eagles in some way or another?”

“Trust me, given Samuels deeds since he became a knight of my squad, him being not a Magic Knight anymore won’t change anything for the Silver Eagles.”

Crap, really? Yami felt kinda bad for Nozel, if he had to deal with that kind of knight, to a point that he would be happy to have him kicked out of his squad.

Were all the damn Évantails such assholes nobles, when even someone like Nozel Silva of all people was fed up with them?

“House Évantail has a lot of members and some are knights as far as I know,” Julius said thoughtfully. “What about the Évantails who are members of your squads, if you have some? We better make sure that they won’t do us any problem one way or another.”

“I don’t think we have to fear Marguerite on that matter,” Goldie Guts said. “She is not an easy person, but that is because she follows the rules strictly and point to point. She is unyielding about it, but she is loyal to the Golden Dawn and the Magic Knights In fact, Marguerite is the type of woman who would finish to write the rapports during a hurricane or a terrorist attack.”

“I have no complaints about Othello,” Fuegoleon said with a shrug. “He is old, but is still in his best shape and just enjoys of being a knight.”

Jack just laughed like crazy. “Nothing to worry about noble arrogance from Hannibal. He’s a perfect Mantis, just enjoying slicing things with this wind magic.”

Yami didn’t find that very reassuring, but okay.

“I have nothing to worry about Grenadine, she is one of the best knights I could wish for the Silver Eagles. And since she’s a bastard, there is no chance she would play a part in such schemes.”

“Hm, I have no complaints about Daphne,” Dorothy said with a peace sign. “She has her pride, that’s for sure, but her principal hobbies are romance novels and dresses from the modiste Soie Velours, not conspiracy. Besides, Daphne is not on good terms with most of her family since she became a knight of squad with a captain as witch, so no probs.”

Sleepy Hat wasn’t even upset about the prejudice that asshole noble house had against her. Damn, she had a lot of inner strength and good mood in order to do that.

“Belinda is not a problem either, she is way too kind for this. Besides, I think she is on a vacation right now.”

“Not exactly, Rill. Belinda is on maternity leave right now.”

“Oh yes, that’s it! Thanks, Marx!”

“I have no Évantail in the Black Bulls, so don’t ask me.”

“Églantine is not a problem either on that matter. In fact, she is one of the best Blue Roses I ever had and she keeps contact to her house to the strict minimum. I think that if she could, she would cut ties with them entirely, if it weren’t for her youngest brother and a great-aunt she’s very fond of.”

Kaiser stroked his moustache while saying, “Galahad is a shy, nice boy and a very loyal Purple Orca. But he is also rather afraid of his family. I will talk to him later and make sure he knows it’s okay to not follow his house in conspiracy.”

Yami looked at each captain, stunned. Fuck, were the Black Bulls the only squad with no Évantail? It probably wasn’t such a bad thing, given that most of Évantail nobles were asses. But still, Yami felt left out a bit. Maybe he should search for an Évantail as a new recruit. Would be nice to have newbies since Asta and Noelle.

But nice Évantails were apparently a rarity. Would he be able to find one, if there would be one not taken by a squad? He almost got one at the last selection exam, but Nozel decided to not be an arrogant jerk and give Grenadine a chance as a Silver Eagle.

“Good. In this case, we shall mostly pay attention to members of house Évantail who aren’t Magic Knights. Who else signed, Marx?”

“House Taliss, of course, as well as some members of house Lys. And house Vitrail, especially lady Athénaïs.”

Fuegoleon and Nozel made a face at that name, which made Yami grin. Gosh, that lady Athénaïs must be an awful noble to make those two made a disgusted face like that. He almost wanted to meet her.

“Are there also some relatives from the captain, Marx?” Julius asked.

“Let’s see… Ah, yes, there is a certain lady Rosamund Roselei.”

Oh no! Not Prickly Queens bitch aunt who wants to marry her to an old guy like Reggie! Why was that wench always on their way again and again?

He felt Charlottes hand again on his leg, as she said, “I have a very distant relationship with my aunt and I have no intention to change it, despite her trying it. Rosamund signing this kind of conspiracy offer is very like her.”

“And there is also… Oh. Lord Lac Silva.”

“Wait, he’s back in the country?” Julius asked, but he was the only one to comment. Everyone else slightly turned towards Nozel again. His face had now movement, except for the twitching eyebrow, proof that he was upset.

But his eyes. Damn, never before had Yami seen such a raging storm in those cold purple orbs. This wasn’t Nozels usual style of being upset, like when he was mocked by Yami and Jack. Now, this right now was deeper, harsher, probably lingering for years. He clearly had no good bonds with his old man.

“I have nothing to say to him.”

The tone was calm and cold, but you had to be a completely clueless idiot to not hear that Nozel didn’t have any affection for his father. Damn, Yami already knew that most noble and royal daddies weren’t really fathers to their kiddos. Prickly Queen and her old man was a good example of it. But Bird Braids case seemed to be a special one.

Geez, what did that man do to be such a bad father? Yami wondered if this Lac Silva dude was just as worse as his own old man or maybe even worse.

“Understandable,” Julius just said.

Yami frowned. Julius sounded like he excepted this answer from Bird Braid. Did he know this Lac dude? Well, it wouldn’t be surprising, Julius had been captain at the same time as Braids own mother. What was her name again? Something like Alice or Alicia, a sound like that. He certainly knew something about the Silva family drama.

Next to Yami, Glowing Hair looked like he was thinking really hard. But then he squealed for some reason, making every other person flinched or jumped up. Except for Dorothy, who just giggled.

“Oh my, Rill. Do you have something important to tell us?”

“Yes, Wizard King! Although it’s more like a spontaneous thought and it’s maybe too far-fetched. But… is it possible that the thievery organisation in the Common Realm have something to do with this Three Leaves Glory ball offer?”

There was silence. A long silence, which made the captain of the Aqua Deer visibly nervous.

“What? Is this really a stupid idea?”

“No, actually not. Given how little clues we have about this affair, we should consider each possibility,” Fuegoleon immediately said to calm down Rill.

“Not to mention that it is really a strange coincidence. Even if it’s nothing in the end, we should keep this possibility in mind until we have more proof about those thievery acts. That would be all for today’s meeting, you can now go, captains. As for me, I will-“

“Work on the belated paperwork instead of wandering of again, exactly.”

“Ugh, really?”

“You’re behind for like three months, no excuse.”

The nine captains actually chuckled at this little conversation, while Marx took Julius by the wrist to drag him out of the reunion room.

Maybe Mushroom Head deserved a raise, Yami decided. He was very loyal and worked his butt off to keep this country in shape. Maybe he was too harsh on him with the teasing?

Well, that was future Yamis problem. For now, he walked silently besides Prickly Queen, slowly so that their colleagues would be off soon. That captains meeting was as always hours long and he needed his Prickly Queen Comfort Time.

Nozel left immediately. Geez, the mention of his father must have upset that Bird Braid a lot. William was looking out of the windows, pensive. Kaiser and Fuegoleon were discussing something, either the whole affairs or it was about their beloved. Jack, Rill and Dorothy were in a heavy discussion about something like axes, porcelain cups and canvas.

Did he really even wanted to know what those three weirdos were talking about?

It didn’t take long for the other captains to follow Bird Braids lead and leave the hallway. There was no one else right now. Perfect.

Yami grabbed Charlotte wrist and lead her through the first door he could find. Just a small room with a couch, a small table and two paintings with winter landscapes on the wall, with only one window and lacy curtains. Probably a little break room. Good, no one would disturb them.

“Yami, really?”

“Come on, Prickly Queen. Hours sitting next to you while holding back, with only occasional touches? I was agonizing!”

Charlotte surprisingly didn’t complained too much, kissing him immediately. Gosh, she must have been on edge too during this meeting.

But maybe it was mostly because about this whole ball bullshit and that her aunt is one of those organizing this crap.

“You’re okay?” Yami asked they break from the kiss. “With that… ball bullshit? With your aunt?”

Charlotte smiled. “Thank you for worrying about me, Yami. Well, I’m strong, I won’t let her and the others decide about my future and my life. But… I would lie if I say that I don’t care about it. It really… gives me stress.”

“In that case, what about some stress relieving sex?”

Prickly Queen blushed, but she didn’t protested. She must be really needing this right now. And to be fair, he needed it too.

Charlotte nodded and the hunger in her eyes was enough proof how eager she was. Damn, how much did he love this miracle of a woman!

Yami promised himself to invite her to take a bite afterwards. He just hoped to have enough money on him this time.

They made out passionately as they lied down on the couch. Charlotte was on top of him, slowly getting rid of her robe and her upper clothes while kissing him deeply. Damn, she really became a master at this kind of multitasking.

Yami grinned against her lips. Nobles didn’t deserved someone like his Prickly Queen, as she was way above them with everything. But she was his and he would rather stop taking dumps than giving up on her.

♣♣♣

It was evening, but the sun still let it last rays shine on the Silva flower garden, bathing it in a soft golden light with sparkles of red. The Silva flower garden was always beautiful, even in November, but today it was especially stunning.

Nozel looked over at his aunt, who was walking beside him. Given the look in her blue eyes, she was delighted as well by the sight.

“Ah, it had been while since I was here, but this garden is still gorgeous as ever,” Océane Vermillion smiled, focusing on each flower she could see, on each tree they passed by.

Nozel was glad to get a grip on himself and for the first time in years, personally invited his aunt over at the Silva palace. Having her here, so casually, as if she just left the castle for the Vermillions yesterday, was a proof what a fool he was.

Océane would have helped him dealing with all the house affairs from the start. She would have let him grieve while dealing with it herself, then step by step teached him to do all of this. No one would have teached him all of those matters than his aunt.

Océane Vermillion was a master at gossip and politics, even though she wasn’t in the parliament and didn’t had such a position like Lac Silva. But this was exactly her strength. The power Océane had was subtle, masked behind smiles, love for pastries and a simple life. She was able to make a stubborn and corrupt noble change his mind with just compliments and facts she made sound like spicy rumours, even the most boring ones.

Yes, his Vermillion would have helped him the best he could. If only he hadn’t been so stubborn, convinced that he had to do everything alone. Not to mention that Océane was one of the last persons that had a direct and very close connection to his mother. It was also the case with the Wizard King or his knight, Julia Ambrosia. But Acier and Océane had been sisters, which made her connection the closest and most precious.

Nozel took a closer look at his aunt. She was almost closer fifty than forty, but she didn’t look like it. There was still a youth in her traits. He wondered if it would have been the same for his mother, if she would have lived to that age.

Océane and Acier were sisters, so they were also very similar physically. The same nose, the same soft face and the same frown when they were very focused on something. But Océane had curlier hair, her eyes were blue and not purple, the smile was also completely different. How strange, Noelle got most from their mother’s looks, but she got her smile from their aunt. Same for Nebra. She had started to smile more often and more genuinely after Spade and it was only then that Nozel had realized that his sisters had the same smile.

Nozel sighed. He certainly had a lot to say, but no word seemed appropriate. Still, there was one thing he needed to finally say.

“I’m… I’m sorry I never let you help me back then, when mother passed away. I should have let you help me.”

“Do you really think I blamed you, dear nephew? You were a grieving teenager, too young for all of this duties. You weren’t ready for all of this and no one let you properly grieve. I’m sorry I haven’t tried more to reach out. True, Achilles, that oaf, hold me back. But I should have tried more and don’t let the Vermillions hold me back. As well as my own grief and loss.”

“But you lost your sister.”

“And you lost your mother.”

There was a silence, filled with some memories of Acier Silva. How much she loved walking through the Silva flower garden, especially at the rose belvedere or the water lily pond, with the swing chair hidden by flowers and little birches.

“I’ve made many mistakes… I should have acted differently.”

“But you were still a child, you were fifteen when you took over the house, Nozel. You weren’t ready, you never were ready. Anyone would have made mistakes in such a situation, especially alone. And you were terribly alone. Long story short, you did the best you could and believed you could in those circumstances. And don’t forget that your parents’ marriage wasn’t stable back then, never really was. You know that as much as I do.”

He knew, of course he did. He knew it for long and before that, he already had a feeling. Even when he was a little boy, he knew without knowing that the marriage of his parents wasn’t a happy one.

“You had some burden already, as the oldest child and then everything that happened to Acier… You became an adult too quickly. A lot of people should have prevented it. Me, of course, but also your father…”

“You at least wanted to help me. Father… Lac never would have.”

“Oh yes, we agree on that. Helping his grieving son to carry a too heavy burden? No, that doesn’t help him with his own ambitions, why would he?”

Océane always had a very specific way to talk about Lac and it always made Nozel smile a bit.

“It doesn’t change the fact that it was a too heavy burden for you and that you had no one to help you. You might have not asked for help, that’s true. But you were just following the example of your mother. She also did everything alone.”

“Mother made it look so easy. For years, I thought I was doing wrong. It’s only lately that finally realized that… she might have struggled as well.”

“She made it look so easy, right?”

“Yes.”

“You also made it look so easy, my dear nephew. To be honest, Nozel, I was worried about you for years. You practically sacrifice yourself for house Silva, for the Silver Eagles, even more for your siblings. You never asked for anything in return. No normal Head of House, noble or royal, would have dealt with everything that way. I don’t say that you were wrong by putting your own interests behind for others. It shows how good of a heart you have and other house heads should take some examples on you. But… you did the very same mistake as your mother. You forgot to care for yourself, you forgot to have your own life. Not to mention your guilt issues. I was really scared you would sacrificed yourself to a point that it would be too late to save you from your pain.”

Suddenly, Océane smiled brightly. “But then, you came back from Spade. You had a spark in your eyes that I haven’t seen since your mother died. You spend more time with Noelle and your sisters were closer. But I think that this wasn’t what saved you from your cold. There is something that filled your heart and your soul. I saw it grow over the past few months and I see it in your eyes in this very instant. Something saved you and freed your kind heart from the golden cages.”

Nozel looked at her wide-eyed. Something in her tone made him suspect that his aunt might know. Maybe not about Vanessa directly, but that he had someone. But how? Well, his aunt was very observant, but there was no way she could-

No, not true. It wasn’t like Nozel and Vanessa took all the necessary precautions to hid their relationship. Not at the café, not at the willow in the parc, not when they were walking arm in arm in town. But this had been things they done together long before they were a couple.

Still, there were some moments when they have been careless. Vanessa and himself were actually lucky that no one witnessed them yet so far. At least, as far as he knew.

“So, what’s the name?”

Nozel managed to practically choke on air. It was unexpected.

“Don’t be so secretive with me, my dear nephew. Please tell me, what is the name of this amazing person that made this happy.”

Nozel hesitated, but not much, if he was honest. He knew he could trust his aunt. It was just… no one knew about him and Vanessa yet, so he wanted to protect their bond. Especially since his father was still out there and their whole situation.

But at the same time… Nozel was tired of secrets. He had secrets since the age of fourteen, he went through so much to keep it safe and look where it had brought him. Being with Vanessa made him happier than ever before in his life and he didn’t want to hide it. Vanessa was a witch, sure. But he wasn’t ashamed of loving her with all his heart. He wanted to show her at his side through the world, he finally wanted to share his happiness.

So, maybe telling his aunt wouldn’t be such a bad idea. It was just… difficult to put in words.

“Her… her name is Vanessa Enoteca.”

“Vanessa Eno… Oh, the Black Bull witch? One of Noelles squadmates?”

“You… you know her?”

“Silly nephew, I don’t know know her. It’s just that there was some talks about the Black Bulls during those last two years. I’ve seen her for the first time at the wedding of lady Finesse and lord Finral. If I remember correctly, you even danced with her that day. I must say, Nozel dear, you got quite the catch. She is a beauty.”

Nozel had no other choice than to agree. In fact, Vanessa was for him the most beautiful woman in the kingdom.

“She’s not just her beauty.”

“Oh, that soft tone in your voice… You’re hopelessly smitten, it’s so clear as crystal.”

“Hopelessly describes is it well. I… We talked for the first time in Spade, when the battle had been over, but when everyone was still resting and recovering. Vanessa needed some time alone and it was a coincidence that I ended up at the same spot she was. Or was it Fate? I don’t really know. Then we talked… we opened up, in a way. I was too tired to give her the illusion that I was cold and she seemed fed up with a delusion she had for a while.”

“A delusion?”

“I won’t tell you more about it, I don’t believe I have the right to spill her secrets to anyone. I apologize, aunt Océane.”

“Of course not. You were always a gentleman deep down. What happened after?”

“After Spade, at the beginning, we mostly talked over the communication device and occasionally at the Silver Eagles base, when she had to bring a rapport from the Black Bulls. Actually… it was more that she talked to me and called me on the device. I… I never tried to reach out at first, mostly because… I was convinced I never deserved that kindness she was so casually giving me.”

Océane only nodded, looking at him with compassion. Of course she knew about his guilt issues. Was there something in the kingdom Océane Vermillion didn’t know or at least didn’t suspected?

“But it changed after the royal wedding. We started to spend more time together. We talked, we enjoyed to be in each other’s company. It took some time, but I realized that I fell in love with her. It just took me some time to act upon it. For weeks, it was just Vanessa and me spending time a bit like friends, but with a tension between us. A comfortable tension, yes, but a tension still. But then… Lac reappeared.”

“Oh, that asshole! What did he say?”

“Aunt Océane! Didn’t you always told us to always watch our language?”

“In most cases, yes. But my sickening brother-in-law is just the exception that confirms the rule. So, what did that wannabe cockroach wanted from you?”

“First off, he wanted me to stop seeing Vanessa. Of course he couldn’t believe that I just enjoyed being in her company. For some reason, he thought she was my… my… that I used her as…”

Gosh, why was it so difficult to say? But of course, his Vermillion aunt understood him immediately.

“So typical of that elephant shit. Even lust shouldn’t be just a time to spend, but a tool to use in his schemes. I lost count about how many times this shitty rat moustache cheated on your mother for the sole reason to reach more power and influence.”

“Vanessa left soon after. At least, I thought so… and Lac, well, he wanted to talk about marrying me off. I… can’t…”

“You don’t need to put his speech into words, I can perfectly imagine what he told you. That conservative anarchist is sadly very clever to use the truth in his manipulation and not lies. Oh, my poor Nozel, he hopefully didn’t force you to a marital deal by threatening you! I’m gonna kill this butt face!”

“He tried, honestly. He also suggested that I can choose my own spouse, but only if I would accept help from him considering the thievery affair in the Common Realm.”

“What a backhanded deal. He would have been the winner in any case.”

“I know. After that, I… I actually fled like a coward.”

“You’re not a coward, Nozel dear. In this case, fleeing was probably the best option to get out of his grasp.”

“What I didn’t know was that… Vanessa didn’t really left. She stayed nearby and so, she heard the whole talk I had with my… with Lac. And when I fled, she followed me. I was so surprised to see her on my balcony all of a sudden. I thought she would have find me pathetic, for how I handled that talk with my… with Lac. But she didn’t find me pathetic, She was just so terribly worried about me. And…”

“You weren’t used for people worrying about you. Am I right?”

“Yes. Vanessa practically allowed me to be vulnerable in front of her. I was surprised about how… liberating it felt.”

“Ah, yes, I get that. Showing vulnerability is still wrongly considered as a weakness, but the truth is different, as it is a strength, since it takes a lot of courage. You’re lucky to have found someone like her, my dear nephew.”

“I know… That night, we talked. And we kissed. Actually… we spent the night together.”

Nozel blushed. The memory of their first night together was still so clear in his mind and filled his heart with a blissful joy. But telling anyone about it, especially a member of his family, this was difficult. He couldn’t say more than that he and Vanessa spend the night together.

And of course, his aunt immediately understood what this implied, as she started to laugh.

“Oh my, you both didn’t lose any time. That must have been a heavy tension you had for weeks. But at least, you’re happy with your beloved witch, am I right?”

“Yes. It’s like, she not only let me vulnerable in front of her, allowing me to trust her. She trusts me as well, she… Vanessa is always so full of joy and optimism. But she also had her own past pain. Different than mine, but somehow still similar? At least, she told me about it, she trusted me with it. It’s like… we’re healing together, as if we needed what we have now to start to come to terms with our past and moving on together.”

“Seems like a very healthy and loving relationship, if you ask me.”

“Honestly, I don’t think words can be enough to describe our relationship. Or maybe it doesn’t need words. I am happy with Vanessa, there is no doubt about that. Every worries I have seems either not important anymore or not impossible to come over when I’m with her. I feared that I didn’t deserved that kind of kindness, but it didn’t felt that way. It feels more like something so precious that I can’t give it away, that I need to protect to keep it save, but still letting it free because it deserves to be free. Aunt Océane, I’m… I’m even ready to give up on my royal status if I need to, if it means I can be with Vanessa.”

Océane just smiled at his speech, putting some strands of his hair behind his ears. Just like when he was a little boy. Nozel let her. His childhood had been taken too early from him and he was tired of always acting like a heartless adult. Vanessa often acted a bit childlike and she always encouraged him allow himself a bit of childhood.

Another miracle Vanessa has done to him…

“You’re just as romantic as your mother, my dear nephew. But unlike my poor sister, you’re not completely blind in love. And you are loved in return. That’s one of the greatest gift someone can get.”

“I never believed it before. But now I do. It’s just… our situation isn’t ideal.”

“A prince and a witch… Oh yes, the different circles. Status sadly still plays a role in our society when it comes to relationships. And you’re with a witch, that would be considered worse than a commoner or a peasant.”

Océane went silent, looking like she was thinking.

“You’ll have my support, Nozel. I would be a really bad auntie if I don’t help you and your lady love. It’s good that you realize that the situation isn’t ideal, it will help you to face the hurdles better. Over the years, I saw a bunch of nobles who fell in love with someone out of their circles and who didn’t pay attention to the hurdles and the consequences… which lead to tragic ends. But you’re not like this, thankfully. So I don’t need to pop your fluffy bubble to make you understand the situation.”

“But what can you do? It’s not like Vanessa and I are together for long at this point.”

“First lesson to learn, my dear nephew. Consequences and influences can last very long, especially when they’re subtle. And that is one of my specialties. You know I have my entries in practically every noble circles in the kingdom. If subtly and gradually start to talk about witches, the Black Bulls and royals being in love slowly in a more positive way, it can work miracles. Nobles are stubborn, but they also have double standards. It’s always good to use if you want people to change their minds. It’s a slow process, I’ll admit, but if you don’t want more hurdles to deal with than necessary, it’s one of the safest road. Besides, with that Three Leaves Glory ball on the way, it’s better to start early.”

“You already know about that ball?”

Why did he even asked? Of course Océane Vermillion knows about it already.

“Oh my, they already send the suggestion or offering or order, whatever it is? Nobles are really bold these days. Or desperate. No wonder, what happened those last two years in the kingdom show them how fragile their power can become. It’s sad that instead of questioning themselves, they cling more on their beliefs.”

“My father was one of those who signed it.”

“Oh. That fricking asshole of a wannabe mosquito!”

Nozel couldn’t help but chuckle. His aunt definitely had a very unique way to describe and insult Lac Silva.

“It’s clearly a trap to force into an arranged engagement. I will never understand how much hopes he has on your potential marriage, even though he hates you in particular and even though you’re the only one who didn’t got his magic affinity.”

Oh yes. Nozel just couldn’t forget that if he would have a magic based on water, he most possibly would have stay an only child. After all, Lac Silva was ambitious but never was appealed on fatherhood.

“Listen Nozel. I will tell you something you might don’t know yet. There is a dance that is always put on the program during this Three Leaves Glory balls. It’s very originally called the Three Leaves Waltz. Long before, it was the waltz that made each new betrothed official. It is way more subtle today, of course. But this dance is subtly put in place to make each dancing couple practically officially engaged. For those who haven’t any idea or who aren’t given any other choice, it’s a trap. I wouldn’t be surprised if your father is indeed intending to trap by forcing you to dance with the noble lady of his choosing and by that, trapping you into a betrothal.”

Nozel clinched his fists. This sounded like something his father… no, Lac Silva would do. He probably counted on the fact that Nozel isn’t well aware of all the complex and subtle details hidden in noble etiquette, making him easy to trap. Nozel was even certain that he would have trapped into this trap.

Never had he been so grateful that his aunt knows the world of nobility and royalty like the back of her hand.

“Then… what should I do until then? And when it’s the time for this trap waltz during the ball, how shall I react?

“Nozel, we don’t know every detail yet, there is no point to plan fifty step ahead, especially since some details can change at any moment. But I can tell you what you can do when it’s the time for this dance. It’s a good thing that Magic Knights will be invited as well. So, you will go directly to Vanessa and invite her for this dance. It would be even better if you only dance with her for all the other dances. A bit like Fuegoleon did with Lital back at the royal wedding. It will give everyone a clear message.”

“But… How can I know when it’s the time for this Three Leaves Waltz?”

“You’re smart, Nozel dear. I’m sure you’re going to recognize the signs easily.”

Well, that didn’t help him a lot. It was nice that his aunt trusted him so openly, but Nozel still would have preferred some more details.

“Nozel, I will help you so that you won’t be trapped into an arranged marriage. Heaven knows how much I’m aware how awful this could be. I might not have the worst husband, more or less and thankfully I had my children, a sister-in-law and most of my nephew and nieces to help me to make the best out of it. But not everyone is as lucky as me and I owe it to Acier that you won’t know this hell. Even more so, you’re in love, you have the best reason to fight for your happiness.”

Nozel looked at his aunt, stunned. He would argue that she owed it to his mother, but given how close Acier and Océane were, maybe his aunt had promised something like this to her sister before she died.

And why would he deny Océanes help, no matter the reasons? She was his aunt and she cared about him and his siblings, this was enough a reason for her to help.

“You seem tense, my dear nephew.”

“Well… the news about this ball and with my father involved, it’s not a good news for me. Especially in my romantic situation.”

“Of course. Will Vanessa be with you tonight.”

“Well… we spend practically every night together at this point.”

He wasn’t ashamed of his nights with Vanessa. But it was still embarassing to admit to his aunt that his beloved was with him basically every night.

“Thought that much. At least, this means that you’re certainly going to relax afterwards. And we both know how much you need that in general.”

This was true, but Nozel wasn’t ready to admit that yet. At least, not to people who weren’t Vanessa. And even with her, she needed to push and tease him a bit before he forgot his pride and admitted he needed to relax and to rest.

“Well, I better go now, otherwise my dearest father-in-law is going to try and to put me on time-out. Don’t worry too much, Nozel dear, we’ll find a solution. And it’s not only me, you might have more allies than you realize.”

Nozel just looked at his aunt with surprise.

“We might discuss some things, if you want. But make sure that I can properly your beloved Vanessa soon. I’m rather curious to meet the woman who the spark of your childhood back in your eyes. Until next time!”

Nozel just watched his aunt leaving the flower garden and disappearing back in the palace. Sometimes he couldn’t fully understand Océane and her motives, as she never liked to talk too much about her own past, how she was in away sold to the Vermillions and watched all of her siblings die, being the only one to probably grow old.

Océane certainly never had an easy life. That much Nozel knew, even though he wasn’t aware about all details. But his aunt cared and she helped, probably more than anyone could realize.

He certainly regretted to not have let her help during all those years. But today, she was at his side and despite his worries about the situation, it was at least a relief to know that he had at least one ally. And according to Océane, he might have more of them than he realized.

The sun was now completely down, only some red and orange lights were lingering over the horizon, the rest of the sky already in a dark blue, some stars appearing already. It was time to go back to his room.

Nozel knew that Vanessa would be there. A few days ago, he had let made a double of his balcony key, for her. So that she could enter at any time she wanted instead of waiting for him to open.

And indeed, when he opened the door, a flash of rosewood moved like a lightning before he felt her embracing him only one second after.

“I missed you, my handsome eagle.”

“The last time we saw each other was this morning,” he replied, quickly closing the door.

“Too long if you asked me,” Vanessa laughed, leading him to the bed and sitting casually on his lap. “So, how did the meeting with your auntie go?”

“Much more relieving than I imagined.”

“Told you so!”

“But you need to know that… she knows about us. To be fair, Océane has observed me and came to the conclusion that I… that I’m in love. There’s no use to deny anything with her and… I didn’t want to keep it a secret. So I told her. She’s giving us her full support.”

“That’s good news. We certainly need support, but it’s not like we won’t have people to help us. Also, speaking of, Yami mentioned something about a shitty ball when he came back to the hideout… Something happened at the captains meeting?”

Nozel couldn’t help but sigh. “Sadly yes. Something occurred and it’s a turn of events I really don’t appreciate. Especially since my father… no, Lac Silva has something to do with it.”

“Tell me everything, honey. But first… try to relax a bit. I know how worked up you can be when you’re tensed and burdened. I’ll help you.”

She really knew him better than anyone would realize. Nozel couldn’t help but smile.

He had no time to answer though, as Vanessa crossed her arms behind his neck and put her lips on his, pulling them both into a deep kiss. Nozel put his arms firmly around her waist, holding her closer.

It wouldn’t be an easy fight. But he wanted this more than anything else. He might lose some of his pride and his reputation in the process. But who cares, Vanessa was worth it.

#Black Clover #Black Clover Fanfiction #Silver Cats & Black Roses #Fluffmay #My Writing ☘️♣️#Yami Sukehiro #Charlotte Roselei #Yamichar #Yami x Charlotte #Nozel Silva #Vanessa Enoteca #Nozessa #Nozel x Vanessa #My Black Clover OC ☘️#Océane Vermillion #Magic Knight Captains #Julius Novachrono #Marx François #Majority of nobles are a pain

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