#he could have walked away at any time after regaining his mental faculties!
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I need people to understand that Jason doesn’t kill because he was trained by assassins to do so, Jason was trained by assassins because he wanted to kill
#dc#jason todd#red hood#batfamily#batfam#batman#league of assassins#talia al ghul#dc comics#i think it’s an important distinction!#he could have walked away at any time after regaining his mental faculties!#jason wasn’t being held captive or forced to kill!#he made his choices and he chose violence!#pls stop taking that agency away from him#the loa has done a lot of awful stuff but this is not one of them#also ‘pit madness’ was never canonically a factor in anything he did
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— just the two of us
request: I almost read all of your jujutsu kaisen writings and I love it. Your writing is really good! I do not know if a request about a fics🥞 about satoru gojo who is really in love and not very possessive with an oblivious reader. It will be fun to see Satoru try to flirt with her and she doesn't get it🤣
pairings: gojo x oblivious! reader
notes: THIS IDEA IS SO CUTEEE I absolutely loved every second of writing it! thank you for the request and I hope you like this! 🥞 breakfast has been served!
word count: 3.3k
warnings: none, other than this is unedited and written humorously rather than seriously~
masterlist !
Gojo doesn’t know whether he’s lucky – or completely cursed – over the fact you’ve got no idea he’s so in love with you.
It’s a bright sunny morning, perfect for outdoor training, and he walks with you all the way to school with his hands shoved deep in his pockets. You stretch your arms out in the sky to bask in the morning glow and warmth of the sun, sleeves pushed up to your forearms to “get that vitamin D.”
Satoru snickers at your statement, because you’d totally be getting a different kind of Vitamin D if only you’d notice him. Sometimes he wonders, if maybe you’d inherited the Six Eyes instead of him, would you finally be able to see him – or would you still remain unaware?
He doesn’t even know where it began. A year ago, Yaga introduced you as the newest staff member. You’d been so fidgety and nervous then, unsure of what to do and worried if maybe the kids wouldn’t love. They did, of course, how could they not. Not only were you extremely fun to be with, you’re also caring, fretting and even crying whenever one of the students got injured over a mission.
Shoko reminds you all the time that this should be normal for you by now, but you always cry every time, sobbing that they’re still only kids and should be out having fun.
Yeah, maybe that’s where it began. Your kindness struck a chord in Satoru’s heart, and before he knew it, he was falling for you. Hard. Next thing you know, he shows up five minutes before you leave for work, mock-saluting you before inviting you to breakfast. He does this every damn day, and you still don’t get a single thing.
“That café was really good,” you muse, fingers stretching outwards and giggling as the sun peeks through the spaces. Satoru sighs beside you, wanting nothing more than to slip his fingers through those softer ones. “We should go back there sometime. Maybe even take the kids with us this weekend so we can all have breakfast together!”
Satoru masks a snicker with a cough. It reminds him of the time Megumi called you mom and dad by accident, to which you happily responded with before tackling the boy in hugs, while the strongest jujutsu sorcerer only flushed in embarrassment.
Him being him though, Satoru played it off cool, flipping his hair before striking a pose. “Huh, a dad?” he smirks, “The only person who gets to call me daddy would be no one else but Y/N.”
The raven haired first year student immediately recoils in disgust. Meanwhile, the innuendo flies straight through you, and you peer up at him innocently with your head tilted to the side. “Daddy? Why would I call you my dad? My father is still alive and well, and I don’t see you marrying my mom or anything,” Just as Megumi nearly howls in laughter – another evidence that you’re really something else to get the usually stoic boy to lose his composure like that – you snap your fingers, the light bulb above your head practically shining. “Oh, I get it! You prefer younger women and you want them to call you that! Kind of like the hype for onii-chan nowadays.”
Hopeless, Satoru wants to say, you’re absolutely, utterly hopeless.
“Hmm, I don’t know,” Satoru shrugs nonchalantly, sending a smirk your way. It usually drives everyone crazy, but you only smile back up at him in the same way you smile with everyone, and he tries his best to not show his shoulders are deflating. Nevertheless, he doesn’t give up. “How about you and I go out somewhere this weekend? The movies, perhaps?”
Say yes, say yes – please say yes.
Really though, he’s waiting for that ‘no’ already. Satoru knows you always go out of town during the weekends to visit your family in the countryside, only coming back on Monday the next week with a basket of fruits and traditional goods that isn’t so easy to find in the city.
But then you clasp your hands together in excitement, lashes fluttering delicately as you beam up at him. “Really? You’d like to go to the movies with me?”
“Of course I would,” Satoru tries not to stutter, hiding the fact that he’s completely taken aback. He’s the Gojo Satoru for heaven’s sake, he shouldn’t be this affected by anyone’s presence. “What makes you think I wouldn’t want to?”
“Oh, nothing, I just thought you were busy. This Saturday, then?”
Holy crap, holy crap, holy crap, it’s actually happening – his mind was barely functioning at this point, and he even slapped his cheeks to snap him back to life. “I thought there was a fly,” he lied with a chuckle, “But yeah, Saturday. I’ll pick you up?”
“Yeah, sure!”
Satoru wouldn’t stop smiling the whole way to the school. Even when Yuuji had face planted into the ground and Megumi sprained his ankle from training, he wasn’t able to get rid of the ridiculously big smile that stretched across his lips. He’s floating in cloud nine, flowers erupting from his ears and heart-shaped emojis bursting in his background.
“Well, you look creepy,” Shoko commented in the faculty room the moment you excused yourself, “Did you land a date with her or something?”
“That I did,” he stated proudly, even banging his fist on his chest like a deranged form of King Kong.
“I can only hope Y/N makes it out alive,” Nanami announces from behind the newspaper he’s reading, legs crossed over another before he peeks above the paper, narrowed eyes dead set on the blindfolded man. “Don’t be too wild with her, Satoru. She’s a gentle soul despite being a sorcerer – I humbly suggest you don’t mess with her feelings.”
“Are you kidding me? She’s the one messing with my feelings by being so fucking cute all the time!”
“Who’s cute?”
Shoko nearly spits out her coffee the moment you enter, glancing around the room and sitting down next to a shock-still Satoru. Nanami only huffs in his seat with a shake of his head. It doesn’t take long before Satoru regains his confidence and recovers from his shock – he’s turned to you with his torso completely facing your way.
You bask in the attention, mimicking the gesture until your faces are mere inches from one another. The fact you’re so responsive and attentive to him yet still painfully naïve strikes a mental war of himself debating whether he wants to kiss you or knock your head upside down. Satoru chooses neither options as he leans closer, his smile growing wider when you don’t pull away, and he doesn’t stop moving until his lips are right beside the shell of your ear.
“You’re cute.”
Shoko shudders at the same time Nanami just gives up on everything, folding his paper and lying that he’s got someplace to go with Ichiji. Satoru patiently waits for your reaction; for you to crumble this time around.
You’re silent for a moment, brows almost right across each other when you register his words. Satoru ends up holding his breath for your next words, wondering: is this it? will she finally understand what I feel for her now?
Even Shoko ends up sitting at the edge of her seat, silently watching the exchange with interest barely hidden in her sparkling eyes. Satoru watches as your lips open, his eyes transfixed on the way the soft flesh moves. They tilt upwards, revealing a set of a wide smile – the smile he can never get enough of. “Thank you!” you giggle at his compliment, “You and Shoko are very cute too! And the kids too, especially Toge! Not that I’m saying he’s my favourite—”
“He’s definitely your favourite student,” snorts Shoko who is ignoring the way Satoru turns completely gray beside you.
It turns out you still haven’t figured it out after all.
“The kids this – the kids that,” the tall, lanky man whines, his head falling back on the back of the leather couch. He looks so utterly defeated you can’t help but lean over him to check if he’s okay, but Satoru pouts and hides his face under his uniform instead. “Why can it never be just the two of us?”
“Sorry, what did you say?”
This time, you’ve kneeled on the couch to hover him. You even pluck one side of his blindfold off to see how he’s doing, and suddenly thankful you can’t see the way his cheeks are absolutely flaming right now.
“Nothing,” he assures, his smile hidden behind his shirt. You look absolutely adorable hovering over him like that – eyes wide and lips pouty – what he wouldn’t give to kiss those lips right now, but it isn’t the right time, and Satoru just needs to find a better way to tell you how he feels. “It’s nothing.”
It’s absolutely not nothing.
Saturday couldn’t come faster.
Satoru finds himself willing time to go faster. Once the awaited day finally comes, he wastes no time in choosing his best outfit; an oversized black shirt tucked into black skinny jeans before styling his hair up the way he likes.
He winks at his reflection in the mirror, going ooh and aah at how hot he looks. It’s another reason why he can’t comprehend why you don’t like him yet, when, uhm, he knows he looks damn good? He’s pretty funny too – and his strength and power is already a no-brainer. Satoru can’t wrap his head around any possible reason why you wouldn’t like him; it’s basically a life or death mission at this point.
With that end goal in his mind and a spritz of perfume later, Satoru sashays out his apartment. Even though it’s already dark outside and he spent the whole day walking back and forth in his room trying to come up with ways to confess to you, he acts coolly all the way to your apartment.
This time around, he’s more than confident. He’s going to have you wrapped around his pretty little finger, “Wow,” is the first thing he says, pulling his blindfold down just to look at you.
Satoru feels blessed in that exact moment to witness how the heavens took their time with you, creating only the best out of the best and birthing the most magnificent person ever. Suddenly, he grows an urge to run to the countryside and thank your parents for going funky one night and creating you, because you’re an absolutely magnificent gift and it really baffles him how you’re real.
“Wow,” he repeats again, and you chuckle when he shakes his head. “You look beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.”
“Thank you,” you look him up and down, smiling in satisfaction. “You look very handsome yourself.”
Satoru’s been called handsome a million times before that it’s gotten too much in his head already, but hearing it come from your lips hits different. If he was excited before, it’s nothing compared to what he feels now when you loop your arm through his, dangling off his arm like you were a lover.
He knows it’s not real and this is probably just a friendly date for you – something he intends to clear up later – but it doesn’t stop him from puffing his chest up a bit, almost as if bragging to everyone around you that he was the one you’re with, and that he was the one you’re going to the movies with.
All your babbles about everything goes straight into one ear and out the other. He wants to listen to you, he really does, but he’s so intoxicated with your voice that he just ends up nodding at everything you say; his attention mostly on how sweet you sound and smell.
His feelings only intensify a hundred times more when you finally make it to the theatre. Not only is it dark, but you’re sitting right next to him, arms and thighs brushing against each other. He takes note of every little movement you make, smiling to himself when you don’t pull away from his thigh flush against yours.
In this close proximity, your perfume overwhelms his senses. He finds himself leaning closer just to get a little more taste of it, his arm resting on the armrest beside him and placing his cheek on his open palm.
He doesn’t even know what the movie is about. All he can see, hear, feel and recognize is you – nothing and no one but you. Just as he wanted, it’s just the two of you.
Satoru reaches out to the bowl of popcorn in his lap to distract himself from the need of kissing you already. He was so smug that he’s on this date with you; now he feels like the world is laughing and mocking at him because you’re so close yet so far away. The last thing he wants is to say something weird and have you running for the hills. It’s clear you don’t like him, after all.
You end up reaching for it the same time he does, making your fingers brush. It sends a jolt of electricity down his spine and he immediately retracts it.
Looking up at him with an apologetic smile, Satoru knows he’s messed up. “I’m sorry,” you blurt out, raising your hands in surrender with a nervous chuckle. “I should’ve gotten my own bowl instead.”
Satoru stares at you through his blindfold. You’re close enough that he can count your lashes – both top and bottom row – and he’s so stupefied at this point that he just says the first thing that comes to his mind; absolutely anything just to get your attention. “Cold,” he shows you his hand, “I’m cold.”
“Oh,” you nod and slip your fingers through his. Satoru nearly gasps at how electrifying the sensation is from having your smaller, softer fingers collide with his, your hands fitting perfectly in his bigger, calloused ones. Then, you close your intertwined hands and smush your cheek with it to transfer your heat – completely unaware that Satoru feels like he’s floating in his own Infinite Void right now. “Feel warmer now?”
“Yes,” he replies. “Extremely.”
Something beast-like wakes within him after that. Now that he knows you don’t mind touching him at all, Satoru can’t help but want to take out all his playing cards and just go fuck it. So he does – and he might regret, he might not – who cares? It’s just the two of you, and you’re the only one he ever cares about this much that he’d pretty much let you do anything at this point.
“You know,” Satoru begins, shifting until your joined hands are resting on top of his chest. His heart is just about ready to burst through its confines at this moment, but he holds back. It’s now or never. “Shoko and Nanami are annoyed that I talk about you all the time.”
Your eyes widen at his statement. “Really? Do you talk badly about me or something?”
“No,” he nearly groans in frustration, “You’re really pretty and cool. You’re amazing during missions, too, when you fight, it’s like I’m witnessing a warrior princess. So cool.”
This makes you laugh until the person sitting behind you rudely shushes you. You bow your head in apology, turning to Satoru with a softer smile this time; one that looks reserved and private compared to your big grins. “Oh, no,” he closes his eyes even behind his blindfold, “Don’t smile at me like that. I don’t think I’ll still be cool if I end up stuttering over my words.”
“Satoru!” you whisper-hiss, although your chest is filled with so much giddiness too that you’ve both forgotten about the movie; unaware that the entire theatre was crying over the main character’s friend’s death. “What are you going on about?”
He wants to laugh so damn hard. He thought confessing his feelings for you would end up in a pitiful heartbreak that you’d be weirded out and push him away. For a moment, he forgets it’s you, and that nothing is ever difficult or painful with you – other than, of course, you being oblivious, but that isn’t something he can’t fix. He’ll get you on the train one way or another.
“I have a confession.”
“Yeah?”
“I was practicing how to ask you out for a whole hour in the mirror,” Satoru whispers, careful to not ruin the melancholic mood of theatre. It doesn’t even surprise him that his world is filled with nothing but sunshine even if the world around you has descended into grief and loneliness. “I also called Nanami on first date tips.”
“Nanami?” you echo with a gasp, “Why Nanami?”
“Because he’s married, that’s why. Mans know some tips for sure.”
“Wait, so,” you chuckle nervously, and Satoru waits, waits for you to pull away or push him back – anything that would indicate discomfort. He’s patient the whole time, watching carefully as you only squeeze his hand and gesture to the both of you with your free one. “This is a date? Our first date?”
“Only if you want to be,” Satoru shrugs, grimacing afterwards at how sappy he sounds. “Well, I actually consider this our first date and I’ve been waiting for this for like forever now, so I sure as hell hope you want this too. I didn’t dress myself up today only to come back home crying.”
Satoru’s heart – if possible – only beats crazier and sings the syllables of your name when you start laughing harder to the point you have to muffle it by burying yourself in his bicep. He feels like his muscles and nerves could erupt at any moment. It’s crazy – absolutely insane – how you have him wrapped around your finger like this. He doesn’t complain though; he never will.
“I’m glad,” you mumble through his shirt, your erratic heartbeat matching kiss when you take the first tentative step of kissing his jaw.
Satoru stiffens underneath you, a low growl ripping from his throat. He’s feral, wild, drunk at the sight and scent of you. You make him feel like he’s fluctuating between dimensions, all the planets just crashing on one another until the stardust is left in your eyes because what else could be an explanation for what he’s feeling other than a supernova collision of hearts?
“You always make me feel so happy when you’re around that I still can’t believe you feel the same way. I was so worried that maybe you wouldn’t get my hints.”
Satoru groans, “What the hell? How long have you liked me?”
“I guess when you started bringing flowers to Megumi randomly just to piss him off.”
Satoru wants to rip his hair out. That was just a few weeks after you’ve started working with him, meaning you both have liked each other this whole time and he’s been suffering and feeling stupid just for nothing?
“God, Y/N,” he mutters to himself, “You really do know how to make a man go crazy, huh?”
That innocent smile on your face lets him know that as usual, you’re oblivious of everything. Satoru is right; he still can’t decide whether he wants to whack you in the head upside down. With a sigh, he ends up choosing the latter, nearly falling over his seat when you let out a surprised yelp at the feeling of his lips on yours.
It doesn’t take long before you grab onto his shirt and cling to dear life, laughter bubbling through your lips as you kiss. The sound is so precious he wants to bottle it up and keep it treasure for the rest of his life, but Satoru doesn’t rush anything.
With you and only with you is he ever capable of feeling like it’s just the two of you in a world filled with chaos and destruction.
#gojo x reader#gojo satoru x reader#gojo x reader fluff#gojo x reader imagines#gojo-satoru-x-reader#gojo x reader romance#gojo satoru x reader fluff#gojo satoru x reader imagines#jujutsu kaisen x reader#jujutsu kaisen x reader fluff#jujutsu kaisen#jujutsu kaisen fluff#jujutsu kaisen imagines#jujutsu kaisen fics#jujutsu kaisen gojo satoru#jjk fluff#jjk x reader#gojo satoru#gojo imagines#gojo satoru imagines#gojo-satoru-x-reader fluff
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Like a balm on frozen wounds (Bucky x Hydra nurse reader)
First of all, thank you @harlekin6 for the original idea. I'm sure it doesn't suits what you had in mind but I loved the idea of an HYDRA nurse taking care of Bucky so...thank you and lot of kisses.
Summary : What if you were an HYDRA nurse, taking care of Bucky as they try to turn him into a weapon ? What if you were his only spark of light and warmth in the painful darkness ?
Warning : maybe blood, pain, mention of torture, manipulation
Themes : hurt Bucky, HYDRA, healing, torture, comfort, love
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The ambient humidity makes the walls ooze, giving the impression that they are dripping with black, foul-smelling blood. The hour of glory is far away, the Führer is dead and they had to flee, hide far away in the mountains while waiting for less gloomy hours. In the stench of failed machinations and scientific manipulations, HYDRA continues its experiments in the hope of being ready for a new golden age. Screams tear the silence, an agony that never seems to end even though the person strapped to the table is more dead than alive. His forehead is dripping with sweat, his bones are burning, and his gaze is veiled and haggard like that of an ox at the slaughterhouse. Around him, men in soiled blouses talk, put away their instruments. It is still a failure, it will be necessary to do it again. The same scene seems to repeat itself over and over again and the progress is so slight ... With a weary gesture, a man asks guards to transport the patient to his room, they clean the fluids on the icy tiles, they drag the young man in his dark cell, the rusty door of which is slammed, not without a frail figure having slipped inside. The prisoner must be treated well or there will be no other experience.
The spectacle is more heartbreaking with each visit, the once-vigorous body slumped against the wall, silent and listless. Gently, you wipe the wet forehead, the drool on his chin and above all, you speak to him in a low voice, almost caressing like a lullaby. At first, he refused your presence, being cold and ironic in front of a HYDRA nurse. It took a while for him to accept that you were a prisoner too, refusing your attempts at treatment even though he had never gone too, never violent. You remain a woman and he a gentleman. At least he was. Now the electroshock has burned his humanity, destroyed his sanity even though he still happens to be himself again when calm returns, which he can think a bit. At such times, he repeats his registration number, random words or even first names: Steve, Rebecca... These moments are shorter and shorter, more and more rare but still present. You are now the only one who can hear James B. Barnes and not an empty shell.
"... er ... newspapers ... shoes ... shoes ..."
The prisoner rolls his eyes and mumbles in a broken voice, gradually regaining his foothold in reality after locking himself in to avoid the pain. You suppress a painful sigh as you help him change position. As delicately as possible, you heal his wounds, your eyes moist as every time you see him in this state. A gleam passes through the tired blue eyes and James waves his one arm, too weak to touch you.
- Y/N... Y/N...
- Yes, it's me, Mr. Barnes, it's me. Don't worry, you are safe for now.
A shiver runs through the young man as his face seems to express a little relief, he lets himself go against your hand as you heal his temples. You are not allowed to call him by his real name, you are forbidden to speak to him but whatever, you are not afraid of dying. All that matters to you is to stay close to him, to comfort him. You are the only glimmer of hope and life in the perpetual fog of his existence. Your hand stops for a moment on his unshaven cheek, under your fingers you can feel his face, emaciated by hunger and suffering.
"I'm gonna take care of you, James, I'm there. Don't worry, rest if you can. I won't leave."
No one will be looking for you for hours, you can stay hiding here with the patient, speak quietly to him to chase away the darkness a little. But first, he has to eat, even if it's an infamous cold porridge. With any luck, no rat will have had time to taste it. Making sure James is seated, you pick up the spoon and help him bring it to his mouth, guiding his heavy, aching hand. If they continue to be so violent, he will soon no longer be able to feed himself, you will have to help him. HYDRA doesn’t understand anything, it is just a bunch of brutal and cruel animals. Slowly, very slowly, Bucky comes to his senses a little, eats with more ease even if he remains leaning against you to enjoy your warmth. The idea of kissing you crosses his mind but he still feels too weak right now. His stump hurts, it took all your energy to keep him from succumbing to the fever caused by the infection. You know the doctors have plans, they want to put a prosthesis on him, but as long as he's not a little more docile, it's impossible. One day he will crush them all under his fist.
- Dance... me...
- Promise, when you'll feel better. We'll go to dance.
Your voice shakes a bit, as always when he says he would like to dance with you. When he'll be free, he's gonna thank you, be a charming man like he used to be. Obviously, his thoughts are not that clear but it doesn't matter. Feelings remain. Exhausted, his eyes closed and he slowly falls on your lap to enjoy a little bit of peace, a few hours of rest. As always, you walk with the movement, a cool hand on his forehead as you part the long brown brands to clear his face. Sometimes you happen to hum to help him fall asleep, you love more than anything to see James's face relax as he sinks into unconsciousness and oblivion. In your arms he can taste a little peace and that's all that matters.
"Sleep, sweet soldier. You are safe with me."
He looks much younger when he is enveloped in sleep, sometimes you forget he's only in his twenties. All these tortures, these sessions of electroshock to break, it will end up killing him or turning him into a powerless vegetable. HYDRA scientists are fools, as if sheer violence can produce a result. You know that human beings need comfort, to feel safe. You have to be able to tame an animal other than with a whip. Governing by fear leads to rebellion sooner or later. But ruling from the heart is a more subtle game that pays bigger dividends.
"I'm gonna take care of you, don't worry ..."
Admittedly, James' enslavement produces faster results now that he is only a shadow of himself than if he had had all of his mental and physical faculties. The poor man is in so much pain that he is no longer able to think, not really. Slipping you next to him, caressing his bruised soul is extremely easy, your gentleness creates a flagrant contrast with the tortures of HYDRA, like a balm on burns. He may already whisper your name in his sleep, immediately relaxing upon contact with you. They want to break the soldier, you have already figured out how to reshape him into a more submissive being.
Footsteps are being heard outside, it is time for you to slip away so as not to arouse suspicion. You kiss tenderly the dry mouth of the young man and you feel him respond to your kiss, weakly but with a sigh of pleasure. Whatever they do with him, you know that what you have implanted is deeper, more undetectable. No violence, no key words or manual of instructions. So you come out of the cell with a smile, knowing full well that you will see him again soon. Day after day, you are there to comfort him, to rock him with sweet words by telling him that he is safe with you, that you are going to take care of him. Gratitude mixes with docile love, how could it be otherwise? You are his whole universe, his light in the frozen darkness.
As time goes by, HYDRA's haphazard method begins to bear fruit and they finally get the weapon they dreamed of. Of course, the Winter Soldier still gets startled, wants to attack his masters but he is gentle as a lamb under your hand, hugging you, kissing your lips devoutly, visiting your body like a sacred temple. It doesn't matter if they put him in a box while waiting for him to serve the interests of some madman, you know he will wake up just as amorous and docile and that you will be there to welcome him, whatever the time.
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Silver Service
The Winter Games at Lythikos begin, and Liam and Olivia are seen together more and more. Anton’s condition deteriorates.
Word Count 3558
A/N One more chapter to go and this series comes to an end.
22 Not Quite Over
‘Well this is a step up from my last visit to Lythikos’ Drake said as Sophia consulted the list of bedroom allocations, remembering how she had helped out last time she’d been there. ‘Olivia always put me in the chalet furthest away from the Lodge, with only just enough room to walk round the bed and a shared bathroom.’ He explained to Riley ‘Mind you, that meant raiding her wine cellar all the more tempting. Sophia and I made a bit of a dent in her collection’ Sophia shuddered at the memory, remembering she had gone there after an ominous meeting with Constantine, when she wondered if Bastien would have to give her up for his job.
‘Maybe you and I can pay a visit this time’ Riley grinned, squeezing his arm as they walked along the narrowing corridors of the guest section of the lodge. The room they had been allocated was at least in the main building, and Drake knew that all of them had their own en suite bathrooms, though the section they were coming to was at the lower end of what the building had to offer. Still, it was better than queuing to shave and having to wrap up warm to get to the main house. Sophia stopped to look at the schematic she’d been given.
‘It’s just at the end of the corridor on the right’ she said, and as she did, her phone beeped with an incoming text message. She looked at it and smiled ‘It looks like Bas has some time off, so I’m going to go and meet him’ Riley grinned at her.
‘Don’t do anything we – oof!’ she grunted as Drake interrupted by elbowing her in the ribs.
‘Don’t remind me that my mentor has a healthy sexual appetite’ he grumbled, then rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly ‘Sorry Soph’.
‘It’s fine’ she said ‘I’ll probably see you at dinner, there’s a buffet in the main dining room at six’.
‘Sure thing’ Drake waited until she was out of earshot before leaning across to whisper in Riley’s ear ‘Now let’s go and give our bed a thorough testing’
‘Okay Tiger’ she murmured, and they went off to explore their new quarters.
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It was late when Olivia and Liam finally got time to talk again, as the Duchess had people to greet and meetings with her staff to make sure all was ready for the opening ceremony the day after. This time it was Olivia’s suite where they met. Liam had and adjoining room with a connecting door. Olivia sat heavily on the bed, and Liam went to sit with her, taking one of her feet to massage it.
‘I’m glad I had that nap in the limo’ she groaned ‘My energy levels aren’t what they should be’
‘Naturally, your growing a whole new person’ Liam smiled softly. ‘You can always delegate to me, you know’ She scoffed
‘This is my duchy, Liam’ she replied, and lay flat, looking up at the ceiling.
‘So what do you think of my proposal?’ He asked ‘I understand you’ve not had a lot of time to think about it, but I’d like to know what way you’re leaning.’
‘I know I need to give you an answer’ she said ‘Time’s getting on, and if I say yes, the announcement will be considerably different than my bearing the heir, to say nothing of our problem with Anton. I’m still his wife’
‘Now that’s where I’ve got good news for you’ he replied, and she sat up to look at him.
‘Good news is exactly what I need right now’ she said.
‘Well, there is yet another ancient Royal marriage clause that states that both parties must be reasonably expected to physically beget or bear children. King Theodore’s eldest son wasn’t allowed to inherit the throne after he had a riding accident that paralysed him from the waist down and made him impotent. The throne went to his brother’
‘But that didn’t apply to Regina. She was known to be barren when she married Constantine’ Olivia pointed out
‘Constantine already had two heirs, so that clause was null and void.’
‘So Anton’s condition – oh wait, Lucretia said death was certain’ Olivia mused.
‘But even if he lingered for years, we could argue that he’ll never be able to beget an heir’
‘It sounds a bit shaky’
‘A bit shaky is better than impossible’ Liam said ‘It’s our best argument so far’ Olivia lay back down with a sigh.
‘It’s not a good thing to wish another human being dead, even Anton Severus’ she grumbled ‘But it would solve a number of problems’
------
The following morning, Olivia and the King declared the games open. A winter fair with tents, stalls and marquees close to the lodge ran all through the event, and the sports started off with a downhill ski race that morning. There were enough entries for three heats, and four from each heat would go through to the final, to be held the next day. The next morning there would be curling on the lake and the afternoon hosted the downhill ski finals. The following morning was set aside for a figure skating event on the lake and snowboarding in the afternoon. The third day saw skating speed races in the morning and ski jumping in the afternoon. The fourth day was set aside for finals, awards, and a closing ceremony.
The event was well attended, and it looked as if Olivia’s fears of being unpopular were unfounded. She made sure to mingle with the crowds at the fair and with the competitors and sponsors. That meant that at the end of the day she was exhausted, which worried Liam.
‘Livvy, you need to take a break’ he said as she got ready for bed, too tired even to take a bath.
‘You know I have to work hard at this’ she sighed ‘There’s nobody to delegate to here, not even you.’
‘Then let me take care of you’ he said, and took hold of her shoulders, looking into her eyes ‘You know you can trust me’ She sighed, and he pulled her close ‘You’ve done really well today’ he continued ‘I plan to tell the country about our arrangement at the closing ceremony if things continue like this’ He felt her stiffen.
‘And if Anton’s still alive? He’s still legally my husband’
‘I’m working on it – remember that clause about being able to provide an heir? I’m waiting for a report from the hospital that will confirm that’s impossible’
‘You’d say it all hinges on who I choose’ she said ‘and you know I’d never choose Anton’
‘I suppose that’s true’ he replied ‘Now come on, let’s get you to bed, you need to rest’
------
The second day was a roaring success, and Olivia continued to make herself seen, but now Liam kept her company. There were whispers and rumours about the two of them, but they all seemed positive. Sophia was happy to discover that Bastien’s duties were light, and they spent most of the day together watching the sports and visiting the winter fair. She made sure to keep abreast of the media, monitoring opinions on the budding friendship between Olivia and the King. Late in the day, it was confirmed at last that Anton was unlikely to recover enough to reign, let alone provide an heir for his line. An broadcast to the public was arranged for early evening.
Liam chose to film the broadcast in the lounge of the suite Olivia had provided him with. It was to be recorded and broadcast within an hour. He sat at the desk by the window, the snowy slopes of the Lythikos mountains behind him. He gazed into the camera with sincerity, and began.
‘My dear citizens of Cordonia - although Lord Severus and I were at odds regarding the monarchy, I am deeply saddened to hear how ill he is. He is receiving the best of care, but the doctors tell me that he is extremely unlikely to recover full mobility. It is also doubtful that he will regain his mental faculties.’ he said gravely. ‘I need to go through due process, but I believe that his condition precludes him from ascending the throne. It is also evident that as Lord Severus is unable to sire an heir, and as he is the last of his line, that also means that Lady Olivia can be released from her betrothal, as set down in Cordonian law’ The camera crew couldn’t help but react to this statement, and Liam knew he would be answering some searching questions in the press conference after the broadcast. He paused to let his statement sink in before starting again.
‘Staying here in Lythikos, I am aware that I am not on home ground, and over the centuries there has been rivalry between the houses of Rys and Nevrakis. I am aware that my own father also caused disharmony with House Severus. In this day and age, I hope that we can use diplomacy and frank discussion to solve disputes between families, or Duchies or countries.’ He paused for a moment
‘The charity tour that I have instigated has proved popular, so much so that I hope to make it an annual or biennial event. Each Duchy has a chance to raise money for deserving causes, and involves all levels of society, unlike the lavish balls and other events that have been run in the past almost for the sole benefit of the nobility. Here in Lythikos, the Winter Games and the fair have proved popular, not just with Lythikans, but with Cordonians from all corners of the Kingdom. I hope that our two houses can at last co-exist in harmony and unity with strong intentions for the prosperity of all our citizens. I am open to talks with any dissidents who have disputes that have remained unsolved in recent history, or indeed with longer standing issues.’
‘In conclusion, I would like to add that I will be making another address to the nation at the end of the games. I am honoured to be responsible for the prosperity and peace of such a beautiful part of the world, and intend to reign wisely and benevolently. Thankyou.’
-------
After the broadcast, Liam went to Olivia’s lounge, to find her dressed for bed, reading a book on Lythican traditions. He stooped to land a kiss on her forehead, and she looked up, surprised.
‘What was that for?’ she asked
‘Do I need a reason?’ he asked ‘You look more relaxed this evening’
‘Not being married to a snake like Severus goes a long way toward relaxing’ she answered ‘That, and the games are going really well.’ She put her book down and stretched. Liam knelt in front of her.
I know something that would relax you more’ he smiled, crooking an eyebrow.
‘I’m sick of massages and warm baths’ she grumbled ‘I’ll be glad when I’m into my second trimester. I’m told things are much more comfortable then’
‘Neither of those’ Liam replied, tracing a finger up the inside of her calf. When he reached her knee, she put her hand on his to stop him going higher.
‘Liam’ She said, drawing a breath ‘I’m pregnant, we don’t have to…’
‘Why not?’ he replied ‘I have it on good authority that orgasms are good for mother and child’ He took his hand back and put his palm to her cheek, rising as she leant toward him for a lingering kiss. She gazed at him, and he back at her.
‘You’re beautiful. Olivia’ he breathed ‘As soon as I let off the pressure of having to declare a bride, I relaxed, and saw who you truly are. You’re loyal and strong and passionate, and you never back down. I need someone like that in my life. You complement me perfectly.’
‘Liam’ she protested, but he stayed kneeling in front of her.
‘Just hear me out’ he said ‘I’ll accept whatever terms you want. Be my Queen, my lover, my consort. Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you willingly. Anything to have a loving family. You don’t wear your heart on your sleeve, but I see it. I see how selfless you were, offering to have the heir, asking nothing in return’
‘Why, Liam – what changed?’ she asked ‘You told me you weren’t capable of love, that you wanted to be free’
‘I saw what I was missing’ he said ‘I saw Bastien with Sophia, Drake with Riley – and I wanted the same. I just want to be with one person, and you – you know me inside out. I didn’t think I could expect anything like a normal relationship, but I think we could have something together. We’re a lot the same, you and I’ Olivia looked at her hands, but he caught at them.
‘Be mine, Olivia. Share your nights with me, be seen with me, stay by my side. I know you’re an independent woman, but I’d be so happy if you kept me company. Being King is a lonely job’
‘This is – well it’s not sudden, I suppose I’ve seen this coming.’ Olivia said ‘But will you feel the same this time next year?’ Liam looked thoughtful.
‘To be honest Livvy, I don’t know’ he said ‘Not for certain. But I have to try – if you’ll try with me’ Olivia nodded
‘I suppose none of us really know how things will be in the future’ she replied ‘I have given thought to your offer, but I’m not ready to answer you just yet.’
‘If it was up to me, I’d give you all the time in the world’ he said ‘But you know the sooner I announce you’re pregnant, the sooner the country will have some stability. If I can call you my Queen too, that would be incredible. I need to know by the end of the Games.’ Her eyes widened, but she nodded
‘I understand. I’ll give you an answer before your closing speech’
-------
Liam’s speech was well received, and as he had expected, he had questions to answer about Olivia, who accompanied him outside in a marquee at the Winter Fair the next morning, on the third day of the Games. The crowd demanded to hear from her, which of course Sophia had planned for, so she stepped up to the microphone.
‘I’m both honoured and humbled to have our new King, a close and long standing friend, attend this event, and am delighted that so many citizens have come to make it such a success. As you know, funds go toward setting up a new modern Intensive Care Unit in Lythikos capital, and we are well on the way to our target.’
‘What about Lord Severus?’ someone shouted out. Olivia composed her face.
‘I am of course saddened at the circumstances that have terminated my betrothal, much as I disliked the arrangement. As you know, it was planned before my birth and enforced by a very ancient law that was extremely difficult to negate. I would rather have found a legal solution to the problem than the tragedy that befell Anton. As you all know, my aunt acted without my knowledge and consent, and she will be dealt with under the law that she upheld and which bound me by an arrangement I did not seek or want.’ She smiled at the throng of people, a thin lipped smile which nevertheless reached her eyes so that the corners crinkled in genuine benevolence.
‘Lythikos has had a long tradition of solving its problems by force and conflict, but I hope under the guidance of King Liam to bring our Duchy into the twenty first century by relying on diplomacy and negotiation. War may be glorious, but it leaves widows, widowers and orphans, and the more Lythicans there are in the world, the better we can share our culture and arts.’
‘Can you comment on your relationship with his Majesty?’ someone asked ‘You’ve been seen together a lot recently. Is there some sort of alliance coming in the future?’ Again Olivia smiled, but enigmatically.
‘Liam and his family took care of me when my parents died’ she pointed out ‘We have a deep and close bond, and it’s only natural to seek each others’ company. Lythikos is part of Cordonia, and we hope to strengthen our bonds with all the other Duchies of Cordonia now that I am free of my betrothal.’ She looked at the clock at the back of the room ‘If you will excuse me, I have an appointment with the medals committee. Please feel free to watch the games and observe the wonderful talent our country has in winter sports thanks to Lythikos.’ She stepped away from the microphone, and Liam took over.
‘Thankyou for your time and patience, ladies and gentlemen. I will also be giving a speech at the closure of the games later tomorrow. Until then, please enjoy yourselves.’ As Liam walked away from the dais, Bastien approached him.
‘Your Majesty, I need to talk to you privately’ he said, a grave expression on his face. Liam nodded, and followed the Guard into to an empty lounge in the Lodge.
‘What is it, Bastien? I need to go and join Olivia’
‘The hospital called, Sir’ he replied ‘There’s been a deterioration in Severus’s condition. As he has no relatives, they need to know whether to keep him on life support, and you appear to be the person they feel best qualified to make the decision’ Liam frowned
‘That’s not good’ he replied ‘I could be accused of maliciously terminating him if I agree to turn the machines off’
‘That is true, Sir’ he replied ‘I suggest that you put the matter to an emergency Council meeting. All the members are here’
‘That’s excellent advice. Get everyone assembled in my lounge as soon as possible’
-------
The nobles and commoners of the current Council took a vote after both Liam and Olivia abstained from the motion that Anton be taken off life support once the doctors were certain that his quality of life suffered so much that he would have less than a minimal quality of life. Under present Cordonian law, unless family members could vouch for a patient’s care, it was customary not to let cases such as his remain on artificial means of support indefinitely. The threshold of viability, as it was known, was rapidly approaching, and although Liam vowed that the law would be changed, that would take time – time that Anton didn’t have. Nobody had stepped forward to claim responsibility for his welfare, so the Council voted that the machines be switched off at the discretion of the Doctor in charge of Anton’s care.
Liam was relived, as the decision took responsibility away from him, as it did for Olivia. It was decided that only one representative of the Council would be present when the machines were turned off, but not the King, not Anton’s unwilling wife, nor the Captain of the Guard. Bastien was yet to be sworn on to the Council.
‘Poor soul’ Liam murmured to Bastien ‘I’ve heard that those who made a last minute recovery say that it’s torment. Doctor Reeve told me that they will keep him hydrated and pain free, but that’s as much as they can do for him. I can only hope that he’s not aware enough to suffer.’ Olivia sat next to him, ramrod straight, her face unreadable to those that didn’t know her well+.
‘You’re too soft’ she muttered ‘I hope he suffers for all he’s put us through – you and me, and Sophia and Riley - and Drake, and Bastien and Adelaide. The list is too long for him to leave this life peacefully’ Liam bowed his head and closed his eyes.
‘Perhaps you’re right’ he said after a while ‘I have the feeling my Father would have handled this differently, but I can’t bring myself to follow in his footsteps. I’ll be glad when it’s all over’
@sirbeepsalot @stopforamoment @drakesensworld @katedrakeohd @texaskitten30 @be-still-my-aching-heart @hopefulmoonobject @dcbbw @classylady1234 @rainbowsinthestorm @kimmiedoo5 @bascmve01 @ibldw-main @addictedtodrakefanfic @trappedinfandoms @ravenpuff02
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Chapter 2
Lilith stood there paralyzed as the demon in child form walked towards her sister. Her magic was gone snuffed out like a candle. Lilith couldn’t even a cast a spell to warm her body and she felt so.. cold.
“Such a monstrous creature .. I should make this permanent.. No, I won’t do that, it’s not what Eda would want..”
”That voice.... Her entire presence feels so dark...” Lilith felt horrified at the feeling of the human’s mind..
Warmth began to return to Lilith’s body and she slowly began to recover. Just in time to see a human child undoing her curse with ease.. Seconds after she begins to gawk at Luz who had reclaimed Eda’s staff and began to fly away.
Thirty minutes later…
“She is to be left alone..”
“Sir?”
“She altered the flow of your magic twisted it with ease..” Emperor Belos sat in the chair with a cold demeanor.. “Luz or whatever the entity wishes to call itself could have stripped the magic from your body as easily as breathing..”
“But isn’t she a danger?”
“Immensely so.. Nevertheless the power she possess though infinite could be taxing on her mind. Notice the duality she struggled with after casting such a spell.. The more power she accesses the more memories there is of this Shabragnido in her mind..” The Emperor shook his head at the idea of that. This entity was an unknown. Letting it loose was dangerous, but provoking it when it proved capable of damaging his palace despite his best spell? That was foolish..
“And my sister?”
“The same.. Keep your distance until this creature is gone or weakened..”
“.. Yes my lord..”
“The Human is dangerous, but can be maneuvered around... The instincts of this entity however.. It’s an animal it craves destruction...” The Emperor seemed fascinated and yet repulsed as he continued to described her true nature.. “And the scale of it’s appetite are for lack of a better word far reaching… I have never felt such sadism from any being.. She wanted you dead Lilith in a way a mere mortal cannot desire.. The only thing that held her back from finishing you off is Amity Blight..”
“Amity?”
“Love…” Bellow began to laugh cruelly.. His head shook with cruel mirth.. “Such a novel thing.. And so easily twisted.. Hard to believe such a malicious thing like Luz Noceda could love..”
There was a cruel cackle of laughter that echoed from the throne room. And all across the palace even the servants of the emperor shivered in fear.
Elsewhere…
Luz looked in the mirror trying to find anymore demonic features staring back.. She finally sighed in relief. Besides her red eyes and her shadow occasionally flickering between a demonic figure or a girl; Luz still looked human for the most part.
“What am I gonna do?”
“Kid don’t worry.. Word up the grapevine is that you’re not to be crossed..” Eda patted Luz on the shoulder trying her best to comfort the young girl.. “Apparently whatever show you put on has them spooked..”
“Great..” Luz smiled sarcastically.. “Hexside is gonna be awesome..”
The following day…
Luz was not used to being avoided like this. The countless eyes staring at her with fear and trepidation were unsettling. More so was the reverence some of the faculty and the older students were showing..
“Lord Ruby Eyes….” Principal Bump gave a bow as he passed Luz by. “We’ll attempt to keep classes normal as per your desires..”
“Thanks…” Luz continued to walk through the hallways only to come across Willow and Gus. She smiled at the sight of them and approached them. “Hey guys how are you doing?”
“Oh hey Luz.. We’re doing fine..” Willow seemed rather unsure of herself. Her family were of the old worshipers devoted to the first dragons. They knew of the battles between Ruby Eye and her Lord.. “I’m glad you made it out in one piece.”
“Thanks I’m glad you’re doing good as well..” Luz hugged Willow who was caught off guard but she embraced her friend tightly.. “You guys didn’t get in trouble did you?”
“Nope..”
“Our parents.. were concerned but they’re holding off judgment…”
“Judgment?”
“You’re kinda a religious figure in Old Witch lore..” Amity walked in with a small smile. She held several books upon approaching Luz.. “You made combat magic, curses, hexes, transformation magic, we owe you much and it’s terrifying having your legends walking among you.. Especially when there’s a lot of evidence you are who you say you are.. Your aura is old, ageless, and dark and you matched Emperor Bellows easily despite being a “human”.. No one wants to make a god angry.”
“But I’m not a god it’s just me..” Luz protested even as her shadow shifted once again to the notice of Willow and Guz.. She muttered annoyed and was about to protest. Suddenly it felt like static in her brain and there was the taste of copper in her mouth. Then Luz looked at her hands and saw they were soaked in blood.. “No…..” The girl couldn’t believe what she was seeing and was distrusted by it.. “No No No No NO NO NO..”She ran towards the water fountain.
The girl scrubbed and scrubbed trying to get the blood off. She heard the crying of children and death screams of countless people. It hurt, it hurt so much and to feel that to understand that was absolute torture..
“Please stop it Luz!!”
You gotta stop Luz..”
“Luz!”
How many people did she kill as Shabragnido? How many jealous husband cursed their wives using her spells? How many kings sacrificed their children for power in her name. How many civilizations did she lay to waste just because she enjoyed doing it?
“Please stop Luz!”
“Your hurting yourself please stop Luz!!”
“LUZ!!”
Luz finally stopped scrubbing. There was never any blood she finally realized that. Though her hands was heavily rubbed raw and shaking. “Amity…” She grabbed her friend tightly and began to cry..
“It’s going to be okay Luz..” Amity promised..
The classes were thankfully over quickly though Luz had to lean on Amity constantly for her support.
That Afternoon..
“Well I figured something like this could happen.. Luz’s old life is ancient. And reawakening her powers has caused those memories to unspool. It’s not gonna be an easy job.”
“But you can do it right?” Amity looked at her crush’s mentor.
“Of course I can, best witch on the boiling isles here..” Eda boasted before sighing looking tired. Despite the fact that physically she felt great and had even regained her red hair; the witch was exhausted after making this artifact. Hopefully this would block out her old memories for a short time.. “Now once the spells have set this will keep your past from rearing it’s ugly head during the day. But you need to take it off later after school it has to recharge after eight hours.. Also your mind needs to deal with these memories Luz..”
A black head band glowed yellow mysteriously in Eda’s hands..
“Are you sure!?”
“Yes and I’m serious this could cause damage to your mind..” Eda gave her apprentice a stern no nonsense gaze. She wouldn’t budge on this in the slightest and upon seeing the over enthusiasm for the artifact put it into a jewelry box and locked it.. “You’ll take it off after school and you’ll be doing mental exercises with Amity and me for a few months..”
“Exercises?”
“Excuse me?”
“After your little excursion last time into Willow’s mind. I think you get the gist of it..” Eda leaned down to Luz and hugged her tightly for a moment. “It’s something similar but you two are gonna do deep diving and organizing of Luz’s old memories.. It’s going to be hard.. But, it’ll get easier and eventually you won’t need those little tuneups..”
“So this is not a permanent thing?”
“No it’s just a matter of helping Luz’s mind deal with the impending shift in gears.. Once that’s done she can heal naturally..”
“Oh thank goodness…”
“Why? Are you worried about seeing your crush’s mind?”
“Shh Luz doesn’t know that!!” Amity blushed angrily as she looked towards Luz who still seemed to be stuck in her thoughts. Thankfully she heard nothing.. “She’s going through a lot right now!! Luz can hear about that later..”
“Sure just don’t wait too long. Last thing we really need is a love triangle..”
Amity glared at Eda even as she fought to keep her face from blushing hard. She couldn’t believe her teacher and this woman were related..
“There’s something that I’m wondering about… Is Shabragnido really me?” Luz looked towards her shoes trying to avoid seeing what form her shadow was taking on at the moment. ”Part of me says yes…Or am I just a vessel for him? I feel things he felt, remember things he experienced. But, this goes beyond just sympathy or empathy doesn’t it?”
“There’s no one else in there Luz..” Eda waved off her concerns of identity.. She held her apprentice’s gaze with a compassionate smile. For a brief moment her eyes glowed yellow for a few seconds. “Frankly your soul looks different.. At some angles it looks human, and others it looks like an overpowered demon.. But, it’s just you Luz.. There’s just more to you than you actually knew about.”
“What if I go full demon? What I get swallowed up in all these memories..” Luz’s eyes began to tear up only for Amity to take hold of her shoulder and smile. “Thank you Amity..”
“No problem it’s what friends are for..”
“Now then let’s get started.. Here’s hoping you kids don’t land into one of Luz’s fantasies..”
“What?!” The two girls screamed before they both faded into Luz’s mind. Eda shook her head laughing to herself. There was a sudden knock at the door she tensed for a moment before summoning her staff. The Elder Witch opened the door slightly.
“Who’s there?”
“H-Hello… Eda..”
“Leave Lilith.. You weren’t welcome here, but now my policy is shoot to kill on sight..” Eda glared at her sister with a cold unfeeling stare. She felt her mind shift to a number of deadly spells. “You’re dead to me.. Get away from my house. Go wherever you want to go, but to me Lilith Clawthorne died at age fourteen..”
“Eda..”
“I will never forgive you..”
Lilith’s head began to ring as those words rippled through her mind. The words that she never wanted to hear from her sister and haunted her darkest dreams.. Those words that were never spoken until today. I will never forgive you. I will never forgive. I will never forgive you. I will never forgive you. I WILL NEVER FORGIVE YOU!!!
Luz’s mind...
Luz and Amity slammed the door on the door. They were both blushing heavily and sweating while they walked away unable to look each other in the eye. Amity never knew Luz had such an attentive and creative imagination when it came to those things..
“Okay...” Amity looked a thousand miles away her face was blushing pink. She stared blankly ahead trying not to remember that vivid scene. Nope we are not thinking about. It’s Luz’s fantasy and I am not going to comment about it!! “Let’s just try to get into your memories and put things in order..”
“Soooo let’s get started..” Luz looked ahead towards a greek looking door.. She felt that it was new a recent emergence into her mind. “That place looks like a good place to start.”
“Ancient Atlantis… Whoa..”
“What?”
“Sorry it’s just a bit of a sore spot for witches one of the most magically developed civilizations.. Now we’re getting a look at those days..” Amity smiled excitedly. She took Luz’s hand into her own. “It’s a huge deal think of the discoveries that we can make..”
“I can’t believe that Atlantis actually real..”
They walked into the streets of an Grecian like city. Luz and Amity were in awe of the architecture. Water flowed through various aqueducts buildings were being built in seconds through magic. They were quickly approaching a black stone temple. Luz flinched at the sight of Shabragnido’s statues..
“Huh, I’ve never actually seen what Lord Ruby Eyes looked like ..”
“… So where is he? I mean where am I?”
The two girls suddenly heard the sound of laughter in the streets below the temple. They followed the sound until they saw a little girl playing with a strange horned brown rabbit with ruby eyes.. The rabbit was glumly silently even as he was forced into an embrace by the child. For a moment they actually saw a glimmer of enjoyment in it’s eyes..
“Damn my idiot of a brother..”
“Wait is that supposed to be me!? Why am I so adorable?!!”
#luz owl house#owl house#eda the owl witch#the owl house#fanfic#slayers#dragon slave#luz is shabranigdo
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Chapter 4
CW/TW: N/A
It was late the next week when she received the letter. That morning had been a busy one; the household had been preparing for guests they would be receiving early the following week. She, despite her significant reservations regarding the guests in question, decided it would be best if she pretended the proposal she had received from the younger of the two hadn’t occurred. Bolkonsky had been storming around the house, seemingly unaffected at the approaching visit. Although he insisted the choice was hers to make, Y/N could tell the old Prince was upset that Marya could possibly be leaving, newly married to Anatole Kuragin, for life in the city.
When the letter arrived, she managed to slip away for a few moments to read it. The first thing she noticed was the return address listed on the envelope. She had almost feared that her last letter hadn’t made it into his hands; he usually wrote back within a few days' time. Carefully, she opened the seal, managing not to split it while doing so. The letter was short, shorter than she had expected it to be. She read through it quickly, stopping halfway into the message. Her hand shot out, quickly grabbing the envelope sitting on her desk. She looked carefully at the seal, noticing its purely white coloring. This wasn’t a letter from Pierre, this was an invitation. An invitation to his wedding. His wedding to Helene Kuragina.
Then came the shock. She had never expected Helene would marry Pierre. She was too vain, too narcissistic, too repulsed by Pierre to have been truly interested in him. Nor had she expected Pierre would ever ask. Y/N decided that the Prince Vassily must’ve been responsible for the engagement. Thinking it over, she wasn’t surprised. After the old Count’s death and Vassily’s failure to secure the fortune, it made sense that he would do everything in his power to receive some semblance of the wealth Pierre inherited.
She refolded the letter, carefully sliding the paper back into the envelope. After regaining her mental faculties, she stood, turning to face the dwindling flame of her fireplace. Glowing embers fell periodically onto the stone beneath the blackened logs. The letter felt heavier in her hand than it had a few moments ago. As soon as the letter was placed on the flaming timbers, it ignited; white wax bubbled, dripping down what remained of the invitation.
Y/N knew she would have to respond to the letter, but she would save that for the evening. She would decline; Lise needed the company. At least, that’s what she would tell him. Truthfully, she wasn’t sure she would be able to watch Pierre marry someone like her. Y/N had seen it happen before, and she didn’t want to see it again, much less to someone like Pierre. Nevertheless, there wasn’t anything she could do to stop it, even if she tried.
~
The Kuragins’ visit approached quickly. To Y/N, it felt like just the next day they pulled into the Bolkonsky’s drive. Anatole and Vassily stepping out of the ornate carriage. Y/N watched from the window, highly uninterested in spending any more time with the pair than necessary. A sharp knock on the door brought her to her feet, striding quickly to open it. Outside, Marya stood, out of place in her colorful clothes and faintly rouged cheeks.
“Marya, what-?"
"N/N, I feel so foolish dressed like this, I-”
Y/N cut her off, drawing her into the room. “Marya, you look fine," she sat her on the nearest chair, moving to grab the water pitcher sitting on the nearest table. After pouring Marya a glass of water and placing it in her hands, she sat in the chair beside her.
“He won’t like me, I know it…”
“Marya,” she thought about what to say, not wanting to ruin Marya’s chances for a marriage that would be beneficial for her but also not wanting to get her hopes up when she knew the kind of man Anatole was, “if he’s a man worthy of your affections, then he will be noble, kind, and love you regardless of what you wear. If he isn’t, then he isn’t worth your time or your hand. Marya nodded, seemingly comforted by this statement. Y/N set her hand on Marya’s, squeezing it lightly before she stood, beckoning her to the door. “You should head downstairs, they’re probably waiting for you. I’ll be down in a minute, just let me get dressed.”
Marya nodded, shutting the door quietly behind her as she left. Y/N quickly removed her house clothes, easily undoing the clasps holding the dress together. She sifted through the fabric, looking for something appropriate for a visit like this. A dress quickly caught her eye, and just as quickly closed around her waist. It was modest, anything to avoid the attention of Anatole. Long sleeves with a high collar, much like something Marya would wear. She heard laughter and conversation begin to drift up the stairs and decided that she should join the group.
As she entered, the conversation quieted slightly, short introductions were made, and the talking continued. Unfortunately, the only remaining seating was next to Anatole. Y/N sat, placing herself as far away from him as possible without making her aversion known. Vassily began making small talk with her as the others continued to speak.
“Ah, Princess Y/Y, have you heard the good news? Pierre and Helene are married.”
“I have, I have. A very… auspicious match for dear Helene, give her my congratulations.”
“Oh, you didn’t attend, did you? I thought you and the Count were good friends.”
“We are,” she thought quickly, searching for her excuse, “I just didn’t want to abandon my sister, she’s in a very delicate state and needs the companionship.”
Vassily nodded, seeming to understand.
“Yes, it would be a… terrible shame if something were to happen. I’m sure it was for the best, Count Bezukhov doesn’t need any distractions.”
Distractions? Nothing could distract Pierre from Helene, that much she knew. Besides, Pierre was grown and could make his own mistakes. An awkward silence fell over the two, and they turned back to the main conversation, catching the quiet words between Marya and Anatole. She could tell Marya was intrigued, how could she not be? A girl who’d never received compliments like this from a man before, much less a rich, handsome one who seemed interested in her.
She excused herself, having deemed the amount of social interaction with the two men enough, and moved back to her room. Luckily, her room was quite far from the parlor of the house, allowing for plenty of distance from the guests. Her violin sat neatly in its case next to the linen-press in her room. After ensuring it was tuned and her bow was tightened, she began to play it softly. She wasn’t sure what she was playing, but it was good. Walking slowly around the room, she continued to play, noticing a new paper on her desk. Abruptly, she stopped, setting her violin gently on the chair and moving towards the letter. It was from Andrei. Y/N’s eyes widened, snatching up the letter.
It was short, very short. But, it was better than nothing. He told Y/N not to tell Lise that he’d written this, not wanting her to worry or expect consistent letters. Andrei said he was okay, he wasn’t injured or anything of the sort, thankfully. Y/N continued to read through the message, noticing how labored his handwriting was. He must’ve been exhausted when he wrote it. Surprisingly, he had apologized to her, something she had not been expecting. She set it down with a small smile, ensuring it was well hidden under the other stacks of parchment on her desk.
At least he’s safe, for now.
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With Time: Chapter 39 - A General Upward Trend
Author’s Note: Ladybug finally has a talk with her former teammates, and Marinette gets around to finishing something she's been putting off.
Chapter Summary: Ladybug and Chat Noir's interactions in this chapter are very precious. Like, they're real cute. Prepare yourself.
No warnings! This is a calm chapter. It's so weird to say, but there's only three left after this one, and chapter 42 is just an epilogue, so this story is well and truly wrapping up.
Goodness.
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Adrien is doing better. Marinette smiles at him, happy to see him resting happily. He’s basically recovered at this point, but she’d insisted he rest a little more, and being the cat he is, he didn’t protest.
She glances out the window and sighs. It’s no longer light enough out that she can justify waiting. It’s most certainly dark enough that Ladybug could go out without issue.
“Tikki, spots on.”
As quietly as she can, she creeps past the model and heads out through the balcony.
Whizzing through the city on her yo-yo, she gets to her first destination.
The window opens when she knocks.
“L-Ladybug?” Nino looks surprised to see her.
“Hello. I’m… I’m here to apologize. Last time I visited, I dropped some very shocking news on you with no explanation. I’m willing to explain myself now, especially since I believe you’ll be more receptive to what I have to say.”
“Oh. Yeah, uh, Dudette, I definitely figured it out.” He looks away.
She forces a gentle smile. “I understand, but I feel like you still deserve to hear a proper explanation from me, and the opportunity to ask any questions you might have.”
He nods, still not meeting her eyes.
“Due to the high rate of akumas at your school, Chat and I keep tabs on it. We… became aware of a situation with Ms. Dupain-Cheng and Ms. Rossi. After a few months of you and Alya both only further bullying Ms. Dupain-Cheng, I came to the realization that if I couldn’t trust you two to treat your friends well, I couldn’t trust you to be a good member of the team. Nino, you wielded the miraculous of protection, and you not only failed to protect your friend, you went out of your way to harm her. I could not let you continue to be Carapace.”
Tears have welled up in his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me? Why didn’t you let me know so I could fix things?”
She sighs, doing her best to keep herself together. “I had already spoken directly to Adrien, and soon learned Marinette had been a witness to that conversation. Two of your close friends told you that Lila was lying, and you dismissed them. You made no effort to track me down for confirmation. You also immediately turned on me the day after I informed you of Carapace’s retirement. You refused to accept that you could have done something wrong and blamed an innocent girl so that you had someone to take it out on. You were given chances, and it shouldn’t have been up to me to let you know you were in the wrong. You ignored the signs, and that’s on you.”
He removes his glasses, wiping at his eyes with his forearm. “Y-yeah. I know. A-after what I did to M-M-Marinette…”
“Is there anything else you want to know?”
He shakes his head, returning inside.
Ladybug takes a few breaths to steady herself. That was more emotionally exhausting than she thought it would be.
One down. One to go.
It’s barely night, and it’s already a long one.
She goes to the roof, intending to get on her way to Alya’s when a dark figure catches her eye.
Chat Noir stands on the roof, arms crossed and looking at her, eyebrows raised.
“Ladybug. You did not specifically wait until I was asleep to sneak out and confront your former bullies alone again, did you?”
“Uh, well, when you phrase it like that…”
He sags, approaching her, face softening. “Bug. I told you, you don’t need to need to do this alone. You can have support.”
“I just didn’t want to bother you, and you need rest anyways, and-”
“Bug. Look at me.” He walks up to her, taking both of her hands in his. He leans down, touching his forehead to hers. He looks at her eyes for a moment. “I will say this as many times as it takes, but no matter what it is, no matter who it is - no matter what, if it is important to you, it’s important to me. If something’s bothering you, you can tell me. If you aren’t feeling well, mentally or physically, you can tell me. You matter, you’re important, and you are not alone.”
Her breath hitches, and a few tears show up in her bright blue eyes.
“Do you understand me, Mari?”
She nods, separating their hands to wrap her arms around him, burying her face in his chest, squeezing him tightly.
He holds her, kissing her hair. “I love you, Bug, I just want you to realize how important you are.”
“I love you too,” she sobs, voice cracking slightly.
She lets a few tears fall, then regains her composure.
“Alya next?” Chat asks.
She nods, and he follows her to the ex-reporter’s house. He sits on the roof, waiting for her as she goes to Alya.
“Alya?”
The girl whips around at her hero’s voice. Her eyes well up immediately. “Ladybug. I- I’m so sorry.”
“So am I. I’m here to apologize for how I broke the news to you in November-”
Alya shakes her head. “I don’t deserve an apology. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did.”
“No, Alya, it was perfectly understandable. You deserved an explanation and that’s what I’m here to give you, even if it’s a little late. You deserve to have your questions answered. Chat and I keep an eye on your school, because so many students and faculty members have been akumatized there. We became aware of the treatment of Marinette Dupain-Cheng, and the role you played in that. You and Nino needed to be heroes with and without the miraculouses, and you didn’t do that. If anything, you were villains. It wasn’t my job to point things out, especially after I’d already outed Lila to two of your close friends. As the Fox, you had the power of illusions. You should have been able to see through the very clear lies that Ms. Rossi was spewing, and as a friend, you should have stuck-” Ladybug stops. Alya is sniffling and tears are streaming down her face endlessly. Her face falls. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to rub salt in the wound-”
“N-no I-I-I d-d-de-deserve it.”
“No. No you don’t.” Ladybug puts a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You were a victim of Lila. That doesn’t excuse your actions, but you shouldn’t beat yourself up over it.”
Alya clearly isn’t having it, so Ladybug tries to change the topic. “Is there anything you want to ask me?”
After a minute or two, Alya calms enough to mumble, “W-wh-why d-didn’t y-you t-t-t-tell th-this me b-before? Wh-why w-w-wait to e-explain-n-n?”
Ladybug sighs, staring at the sky. “I… I wasn’t doing very well late last year. I’d… lost some people that were very important to me, and I was having a rough time. I didn’t want to lose Carapace and Rena Rouge too, but I knew I had to let you guys go. I put it off for a while, but I was starting to slow down from the cold and I knew I couldn’t put it off any longer. I’m sorry about how I went about that.”
“Oh,” She sobs, “and I yelled at you. I’m so so sorry!”
“I- It’s fine. I didn’t really do the best job at explaining it to you.”
“Still.” Alya hiccups a few more times, trying to get her emotions under control. “I-I think you sh-should go home. You should r-rest. You sh-shouldn’t have t-to be up l-late because of m-me.”
Ladybug smiles at her a little, then nods, wishing her a goodnight and heading to the roof. Chat is waiting for her with open arms, and she collapses against him, shaking.
“It’s okay Bugaboo, it’s okay.”
“I- I just- I th-thought I w-was o-over all- all of this.”
“It’ll take more time than this. No one is expecting you to be all healed by now.”
She doesn’t respond initially, then she whispers, “Ladybug is supposed to be strong.”
“Oh Princess. You are strong, I promise you that.” He holds her face, wiping away a tear with a thumb. “You just have a hard time appreciating yourself.”
The soft smile she gives him makes him wonder, not for the first time, why he’s the sunshine child. Everything about her is blinding in the best possible way.
“Kitty, what would I do without you?”
He scoops her up. “Well, fur one, you’d have to get home on your own.”
She kicks. “Hey! You’re sick, you shouldn’t be patrolling, let alone carrying me!”
“Paw-lease, I’m mostly recovered and we both know it. You’ve been keeping an eye on me, so it’s time for me to return the favor. Now I get to take care of you!”
“What do you call most of this school year then?”
“Being your friend. Obviously.” He rolls his eyes, as though it was ridiculous that she even had to ask.
Before she can protest further, he takes off across the rooftops. He lands on her terrace, and sets her down. He bows. “I do hope you enjoyed your cat-xi ride, mademoiselle.”
She gives him an odd look, and murmurs to herself, “...catzee…?” A look of realization dawns on her face, and she punches his arm. “That was really bad, Chaton. It’s not even a taxi ride, because I didn’t pay you.”
“Your prrr-sence is enough,” he says, kissing her hand.
She blushes, but pushes his forehead back with her index finger. “That’s enough from you.”
“Claws in. Guess it’s Adrien’s turn then.”
“No, no cheesy pick up lines from you.” She turns away, finally entering her room.
Pouting, he follows her. “But cheesy pick up lines are the best,” he whines, sitting on her chaise, across from where she sits at her desk chair.
She raises an eyebrow, then grows concerned at the cheshire grin on his face. Before she can ask what he’s up to, he starts to talk.
“I can make do without pick up lines, beautiful.”
She turns a little pink, and decides to pretend to focus on designing. He rolls around on the chaise, laying on his back but facing her.
“Hey. Hey. Marinette. Heyyyyy, Mariiiiiii! You’re really pretty, and you’re so nice, and you’re super smart, because, like, you always come up with the best plans all the time, and your eyes are absolutely stunning, and you are such a good person and-” He glances at her, and her face is about the same color as Tikki. “Maybe I should stop, I’m worried about all your blood going to your face.”
Adrien hangs off the lounge, looking at her upside-down. He waits until her face begins to cool off, then he adds, “Not that you don’t look good in red, of course.”
She squeaks, and her face goes crimson again.
---
Patisserie Princess: so um
Patisserie Princess: i think im gonna go through all my old stuff finally
Patisserie Princess: so if you guys want to come over and help then yeah
The Mom Friend: omw
Melodie: I’m close already, so I’ll be there quick.
Kid Mime: im on ur roof
Felix: I will head over.
Patisserie Princess: thanks
Patisserie Princess: wait wat
The Mom Friend: the roof roof or the balcony roof
The Mom Friend: coz 1 of those is v dangerous
Kid Mime: balcony roof
Melodie: Okay.
Patisserie Princess: how and why????
Hug This Boy: Because Claude.
Hug This Boy: There is no logic where there is Claude.
The Mom Friend: yep
Patisserie Princess: but on my roof???
Felix: I found them clinging to the outside of my window once.
Kid Mime: that was fun
Kid Mime: mari is it good for me to come in now
Kid Mime: ur flowers r pretty but ur prettierrrrrrrrr!!!
Patisserie Princess: yes u can come in
Once Marinette sends that, she hears her trapdoor open and turns to see Claude landing on her bed, smiling wide.
“You really were on my roof.”
They grin more. “That’s what I said, isn’t it?”
“Well yeah, but my roof? How did you even-”
“Mari!” Claude gasps. “You should know that a magician never reveals their secrets!”
Adrien comes up through the trapdoor, bearing a tray of cookies. “Hey Claude. Cookie?”
“Yes!”
Marinette just blinks, still trying to figure this out.
Kid Mime: haha
Kid Mime: i got the first cookie
Melodie: Because you were on the roof.
Melodie: For who knows what reasons.
The Mom Friend: 4 claude reasons obviously
Kid Mime: see? mom gets me
Felix: No one truly understands you, if we are all being honest.
Patisserie Princess: yea im still confused
Melodie: Honey, by now I would have thought you’d know not to dwell on the how.
Kid Mime: ive been told i cause headaches
The Mom Friend: and heart attacks
Felix: Marinette, it would be for the best if you did not spend an excessive amount of time attempting to comprehend him.
Felix: He is Claude, and that is the best explanation we will ever truly get.
Patisserie Princess: i suppose
Melodie: I’m here!
Kid Mime: thats great
Melodie: …
Melodie: Don’t let Claude finish off the cookies.
Kid Mime: wat wood make u think id do that
Patisserie Princess: he just stuffed three in his mouth
Patisserie Princess: u may want to hurry
---
When they’ve all arrived, Marinette retrieves the stuff from last time when they’d sorted. Marinette looks over the piles, trying to decide what to do. The others wait patiently.
“Okay, I think I’ll keep all the pictures. This is basically my entire childhood, and I’m not going to let what happened taint my past. Especially a lot of these early ones.” She looks over a few photos, finding some with especially young versions of the classmates. “I’m not going to blame four year old Nino for what present Nino did.”
“We can help you find a photo album for all these sometime then.”
She nods gratefully.
“Paper then… uh, if it’s just schoolwork, we can recycle it. Unless it’s some big project or you think I might want it, then I can look over it. Um. Designs can stay. I’ll look over cards…” She continues to list off what can happen to anything they might find in the mess. “Anything else, you can just leave to me.”
So they get started, and the pile of things getting thrown out or recycled grows and grows. It’s not nearly as tense or sad of an atmosphere as it had been last time, instead, they talk and joke as they would any normal day. Sometimes Marinette grows quiet, looking at something in her hands with an expression that doesn’t fall into any singular category.
Glee and anguish are usually considered opposites.
The mess of pining, fear, nostalgia, grief, and an unending amount of other emotions on her face is almost physically painful to see.
If she seems okay, they’ll keep talking, letting her feel in peace. Other times, she’s clearly struggling, so one of them will touch her softly, or hug her gently, pulling her from the past back to the present.
She laughs plenty too. This time around is clearly easier for her, and her progress is undeniable.
It’s good to see her good.
---
Author’s Note: I told you they were precious. I told you! How does it feel knowing that the angst in this story is basically over? You've got mostly fluff and sweetness until the end. Sure, I'll be getting those extra one-shots up eventually, so those will have salt, guilt, etc, but the next chapters? Smooth sailing, my friends.
Speaking of sailing, yes, our ships will be sailing by the time this is fully posted. No worries, we'll get a kiss, it's already written and everything.
I keep realizing I'm not really doing anything productive, and I'm like 'Oh! I'll just work on With Time!'. Nope! Can't do that anymore, so I'm finally getting around to those one-shots I've been promising. I'm sure some of you stalk the comments, do any of you remember anything I mentioned getting around to write that took place in the main story but didn't get into a chapter? If you don't that's fine. If you think of anything you want to see, regardless of if I've mentioned it before, just let me know. I'm finally starting a legitimate list. So far, I have Tikki and Plagg talking after the reveal (low priority), Alya and Nino's respective apologies to Adrien, and Gabriel and Nathalie realized they screwed up after the GoodFriends™ launched their whole thing last chapter. Anything else?
Thanks for reading! Feel free to leave any thoughts, theories, constructive criticism, or anything really in my ask box, in replies or through reblogs. I love seeing what you think!
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#miraculous ladybug#with time#fanfic#marinette dupain cheng#adrien agreste#ladybug#chat noir#alya cesaire#Nino lahiffe#good partners#ml felix#quantic kids#allan#allegra#claude#claude being claude#marinette is healling#precious babies
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A life of her own - chapter 7
Read on AO3
She is having a panic attack.
Mukuro blinked, trying to figure out where the voice that kept repeating these words was coming from. She knew Sakakura-san had brought her somewhere less than an hour ago, but for some reason, she couldn’t quite make out what had happened since then. Whether her eyes were closed or open, all she could see was a bright shade of red, surrounded by darkness. Other than the voice, the only thing her ears seemed to be registering were their own ringing.
It wasn’t only that, though. Breathing was extremely complicated, and her muscles didn’t seem to be responding anymore. She knew she was kneeling on the floor, but she couldn’t get up, no matter how many times she tried. It was as though her body no longer belonged to her.
Because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence.
She tried to focus on the voice – on what the words could mean, but even that escaped her. Was it even directed at her? Mukuro didn’t know anymore. She didn’t know anything, as if she weren’t really there. Was she dreaming? Was she dead? She had no way to tell, and this worried her. She wanted to scream – scream for herself to snap out of this; scream for someone to save her. Regardless of what was happening to her, it couldn’t be right. That was the only thing she was convinced of.
She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence.
Her chest felt abnormally heavy, making it hard for her to breathe. Still, whatever was now supporting her was softer and more comfortable than the floor. It gave her the impression that she was floating, as if up in the air. Despite that, she still couldn’t breathe properly.
She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence. She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence.
Her head was pounding, the pain getting gradually intense along with the urgency and speed of the voice.
She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence. She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence. She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence. She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence. She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my exi—
The red slowly began to fade away, until everything went black.
-
When she opened her eyes again, Mukuro had no idea where she was or how she’d arrived there. In spite of that, she was grateful for the fact that she could make out what was around her. Besides, it seemed like she had regained control over her senses and body, which reassured her. She let out a deep, content sigh and closed her eyes again. She was safe. Whatever had happened to her hadn’t killed or harmed her.
“Ah, you’re finally awake, Ikusaba-san. I was so worried!”
She rubbed her eyes and turned to him, having a hard time believing he was there.
If Naegi-kun is here, it means that he was around when it all happened to me, she thought, trying to piece her memories together. It doesn’t make any sense, though. Last thing I remember is walking with Sakakura-san. There’s no way he’d have taken me to Naegi-kun.
“What am I doing here?” she asked.
“Gekkogahara-san told me you passed out during a training session with Sakakura-san,” he explained. “You really should take it easy, after everything that’s happened to you, y’know?”
She smiled back at him and nodded, attempting to hide the fact that she knew there was something about what he’d just told her that didn’t add up. She had never trained with Sakakura-san before, and even if that’s what he’d come get her for, they wouldn’t have needed to go to the faculty staff building. No, there was something weird about what had happened to her, and it probably was something that only she and a few others could know.
“Ikusaba-san, what’s wrong?”
“I think I’m just tired. I guess you’re right when you say I should take it easy,” she lied, hoping it would be enough to stop him from asking any more questions. She didn’t know what any of it was about, but she got the feeling that getting him involved with whatever it was would cause more harm than good.
He stepped closer to the bed and rested his hand on her shoulder. In spite of everything that was going on in her head, Mukuro felt her cheeks get warmer and her heart start racing in response.
“Well, I’ll let you rest then. We’ll reorganize the picnic with everyone else whenever they let you out of here,” he said warmly, smiling at her.
“Okay, sure. Thank you.”
Her voice was weak, but it had nothing to do with the mental and physical fatigue she was currently experiencing. No, it had everything to do with how vulnerable Naegi-kun made her feel. Despite this vulnerability, she didn’t feel threatened or like he would be causing her harm. She felt safe. It was just a shame things were so different whenever they weren’t in the same place.
She took a deep breath as waved goodbye and gently shut the door behind him. She still wasn’t sure why she was here or what had happened to her, but she felt fine. She was aware of the fact it wouldn’t last, but for now, she was happy. Naegi-kun had been waiting by her side for her to wake up. This meant that he had been worried about her. This meant that he cared. But most of all, this made her feel good.
For a few minutes, it didn’t matter to her that he was so close to Kirigiri-san and that he usually talked a lot about her. Her own insecurities about whether she was good for him had disappeared. Not only that, but the sketchy things going on in the academy had also stopped existing. Naegi-kun cared about her. Nothing else mattered.
It really was a shame that she couldn’t feel like this for more than five minutes at a time. It also didn’t help that Gekkogahara-san opened the door without knocking, bringing her back to reality. Hopefully, this wouldn’t be too painful, and she’d finally find out the truth about what had happened before she got here.
“Good afternoon, Ikusaba-chan,” Usami’s voice greeted her. “I’m really happy to see that you’re doing better than last night!”
Last night? I don’t remember seeing Gekkogahara-san last night, Mukuro thought as she sat up. Is she the one that brought me here?
“You don’t remember what happened, do you?”
Mukuro shook her head. Truer words had never been spoken about herself, as far she knew. She didn’t have a single clue as to why she’d woken up here. Still, this didn’t worry her that much. She trusted Gekkogahara-san. She knew that the fact she was bringing it up meant that she would be telling her the truth.
“Is… Is something wrong with me?”
“No!” Usami protested, crossing her arms and pouting. “I didn’t expect you to remember any of it. It’s your brain’s way of protecting you.”
“Why can’t you just tell me what happened instead of… of going on about this. I don’t really care why I forgot what happened. I want to know what happened.”
“You’re going to have to be patient.” The bunny started to move its magic stick in circles. “I don’t want to reactivate your trauma; it wouldn’t do you any good!”
Trauma. The word began to echo in Mukuro’s head, as though she’d heard it recently – as though it was extremely important in regard to what she was discussing with her therapist. In spite of that, she couldn’t make out why that was. She frowned.
“That doesn’t mean you’ll never remember!” The artificial voice said, snapping her out of her thoughts. “We’ll be doing different exercises to help you remember and process the trauma.”
As she heard these words, Mukuro felt her stomach turn. They felt so familiar and yet so foreign, and that sensation was disturbing her.
Trauma. Mukuro’s breathing suddenly got heavier.
Process the trauma. She felt her heartbeat get much faster. It was another feeling that felt familiar and foreign at the same time. She hated it.
Process her trauma.
“Oh god,” Mukuro muttered, realizing that the voice was back. She had forgotten about it until then, but now that she remembered it, there was no way to get it out of her brain.
She is having a panic attack because she has not processed her trauma related to my existence.
She gripped the bedsheets tightly, attempting to keep herself grounded. She did not want to slip away the way she had when she’d first heard these words. It didn’t matter who had said them. It didn’t matter why she’d been so scared of them. She had to be strong this time. She had to face it.
Gekkogahara-san, who had moved closer to the bed without her noticing, wrapped her hand around her arm and gave her instructions on how to steady her breathing via Usami’s voice. She followed the orders without thinking about it, enjoying the little bunny’s voice more than she had ever had. It was much friendlier than the one she’d been hearing.
A few minutes passed, and Mukuro was back to normal. She looked at the screen and realized that Usami had taken a frustrated expression, as though something was bothering her. She hoped that it had nothing to do with what had just happened to her. She didn’t get any type of clue as to what it was, though. Instead, Gekkogahara-san had her avatar ask her if she could tell her about what had made her so distressed.
“I heard a voice,” she said. “It sounds crazy, doesn’t it? Am I going crazy?” Mukuro asked, burying her face in her hands. She didn’t feel like crying, but she felt exhausted. There was nothing enjoyable about the situation she was in – she felt like she had no control over anything that was going on in her own head.
“No, it’s normal. You will need time.” Mukuro looked at the screen again and noticed that Usami looked like she was lost in thought. “This isn’t a very conventional method but—”
“Tell me.”
“That’s what I thought. You want to know, don’t you? Besides, I wasn’t there when you saw him and Sakakura-kun and Munakata-kun weren’t able to give me enough details about what had happened for me to be able to identify any of your possible triggers.” She paused, bringing a paw to her chin. “Yeah, if you’re okay with it we can try it the hard way. I wouldn’t recommend it, though.”
“I just want to feel normal again.”
There were a few minutes during which neither of them spoke. Mukuro hoped that despite her hesitations, Gekkogahara-san would tell her what had happened to her. She didn’t care if it was going to make it hard for her to breathe again. She needed to know at this point. It was the only way for her to get rid of all the confusion and questions.
If only Naegi-kun never left, this would be of no importance to me right now. That’s right, she told herself, I need to have this figured out so I can tell Naegi-kun that we should have that picnic with our classmates already. Then, I’ll confess to him. I’ll tell him how I feel, and everything will be okay.
“Please, Gekkogahara-san” Mukuro pleaded. “I have to know what happened.”
The therapist lowered her scarf and placed her hands on Mukuro’s back, who jumped at the unexpected touch. She didn’t mind, though. At least she would have both her physical and psychological support – she understood very well that she would need it.
“Do you remember,” Gekkogahara-san started, the sound of her voice surprising Mukuro, “Kamukura Izuru?”
Mukuro saw a flash of piercing crimson red eyes staring at her in the darkness of what looked like a small bedroom. Warm tears began to roll down her cheeks as the rise and fall of her chest became faster.
How could she forget the one who was the reason why all these things were happening? How could have her brain shut down the memory she had of the one who had led her sister to her death? How could she have not realized that the voice had belonged to him – the one who had ultimately changed her life?
She cried, choked, dug her fingernails into her arm. Yet, this wasn’t as bad as when she’d seen him. Gekkogahara-san was right there, giving her instructions to regain control on her breathing and heartbeat. The room was also brightly lit, which helped her focus on everything that was around her.
“I can’t believe I’m so scared of him,” she eventually sobbed. “I… I’m supposed to be the Ultimate Soldier, but he terrifies me.”
“That’s alright,” Gekkogahara-san reassured her. “We’ll work on that.”
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(Here’s a fic that I started months ago but have procrastinated on like I do with everything) It is post-game, multichaptered, and this is the first chapter.
It's weird waking up and remembering things that aren't real...
He wakes up to light, which is odd because he doesn't remember falling asleep. He remembers walking hand in hand with Maki and Himiko towards the future, leaving their nightmare behind.
He's not even outside anymore. Shuichi looks around to realize the light is artificial, beating down on him like a seed in a small pot that needs to be started inside, for it to survive outside. The artificial light is so bright and close; it's as if it's trying to emulate the sunlight it would never be. He glances around the room to see that the walls are also white, and so is the window. The atmosphere behind the panes houses a blue sky, completely unlike the reddened sky of the post-apocalyptic world they all saw and remembered.
He can't see the floor, but he can see himself. He's covered to the waist in a papery white sheet, and above that, he's in a hospital gown. Attached to his arms are multiple wires, and he can see some (separate) wires leading towards his head. They trail under the helmet; he feels the further dips they make in his skin compared to the fit of the headgear.
(Huh...)
There's a small, wall TV in the far left corner of the room, and beside that is a door. More artificial white light’s coming from the window of the door, and judging by the style of the room and his attire, he's most likely in a hospital -- or a mental facility (Less likely, as many of them don't use hospital gowns). Disengaging himself from the wires and the other things that keep him where he is is the next thing he does.
He stands to find that his legs are really shaky, much more than they ever have been. It's like they won't respond properly, even though he can still stumble along in a fashion that resembles walking. Putting his hand on the chilled metal of the doorknob, it takes an astounding amount of effort to just push down the handle and open the door; it feels like it's made of solid brick, not some plastic-encased wood.
He's already out of breath by the time he falls to the tile floor. The door shuts behind him. It's loud compared to the near lack of noise in the bright, empty, hallway.
The automatic locking of the door he just passed through startles him. Shuichi's pulse quickens in panic of the unknown. He's deduced that he doesn't know his current location or the reason why he's there (he could guess, but that would make things much worse).
A male voice resonates through the empty hallways, a prerecorded message through the wall speakers. "Congratulations! You've won! Please exit through the left hallway. Follow the green arrows to the main room to receive further instruction."
Shuichi remains leaning against the door he exited from. He can't bring himself to listen, too focused on the loudest question in his mind, other ones following.
'It's not over yet, is it?'
'Where am I?'
'What do they/it mean, I've won?'
Followed by a less persistent, resigned thought
'I'll have to do what they want sooner rather than later.'
Defeated, the detective stumbles along the hallway to the left, following the green arrows as directed. The voice continues as he walks, "due to the safety concerns of the team members, you will not meet or contact any faculty at this time."
So the 'they/it' debate settles on a 'they' . Multiple people are the cause of Shuichi's current situation, he supposes.
The green arrows lead to a door. It automatically opens when he walks in the vicinity, revealing Maki inside.
Her head lifts from its deep-in-thought glower to meet Shuichi's. "Shuichi," she acknowledges.
"Maki." His shock is apparent and his gaze pans around the rest of the room- a seating area, empty, save for Maki and himself. That means, "...where- where's Himiko?" He asks her.
"I don't know." She looks away, withdrawn. It's not out of the ordinary. Maki's been withdrawn a lot lately, at least, during the killing game. It makes Shuichi wonder whether she was like that before, too. It's gotten noticeably more apparent ever since-
Another automatic door opens, revealing Himiko. Her eyes are red and her cheeks look wet. She seems even more surprised to see them. "Nyeh... You're here. I was worried I wouldn't have enough MP to find you guys."
So she was afraid she'd end up alone. "I'm glad you two are alright," Shuichi tells them, and he is.
"Shuichi," Maki regains his attention, "how did we get here?"
"I... don't know. The last thing I remember is escaping the school."
"It's the same for me." Maki pauses, her face hardening. "I would know if I went unconscious."
"Hmm..." Himiko hums in thought.
"I can't say for certain, but something tells me it's not over. If it was... we'd be outside. The sky is different as well."
"The sky?" Maki questions.
"Yeah. When we escaped, the sky was red because of the meteors and destruction, but there was a window in the room I woke up in, and the sky appeared blue."
Maki expression turns to one of pondering.
The same male voice from the speakers interrupts all their qualms. "Please direct your attention to the monitor in the center of the room. You will view a presentation explaining many of the things you may be wondering about. All other questions will be answered in time. Please wait patiently."
They turn to the screen, and it lights up. A middle-aged man in a suit begins speaking in a familiar voice. It's the same voice on the prerecorded messages. "Welcome, winners of the 53rd season of the popular TV show, Danganronpa, created by the workers here at Team Danganronpa, including myself. Now, let's begin, shall we?"
The program cuts to a cartoony depiction of many people seated around a futuristic conference-like table, chatting soundlessly amongst themselves as a tune resembling elevator music plays lowly in the background of the man's voice as he continues, "Team Danganronpa is a company that writes, develops, produces, and carries out all the processes of the show, Danganronpa. Members of the team come together to create character backstories, memory altering machines, character designs, and various other details needed for each season of Danganronpa."
The scene continually changes to correspond with what the voice talks about.
"Fans of Danganronpa from all over the world register, in hopes that they'll be selected to audition for the following season of the show. The team then hosts the auditions for the first 600 eligible fans. Out of all of these admissions Team Danganronpa carefully chooses a lucky 14-15 people to participate! Each of you winners, were one of the chosen."
"Next, Team Danganronpa sends out members to 'kidnap' you. Call it an... initiation of sorts. This information is kept privy to participants only. This is because it serves as the basis for the implanted memories which will later be explained."
"You are immediately taken to the TDR facility. This is the building you are currently in right now. At that point in time, all participants are required to read and sign a contract before entering the game or undergoing the memory alteration process. After they've completed that task, they are sent to rooms assigned alphabetically among five different hallways, some of which you just came from. In their rooms, they enter the virtual world, or as you may know it, the killing game. This is where the killing game begins."
"TDR staff members alter your memories for the first time as soon as you lose consciousness, removing all memories post your kidnapping/initiation. During your season, all participants were permitted to explore the game before losing the rest of their memories, and prior to gaining their ultimate talents. Though you don't remember it, you will be able to access the footage of this at the beginning of your season, the 53rd season."
"After the initial entrance, you were all infused with your ultimate talent in-game abilities, along with the character style and memories surrounding them. Everything that happened proceeding that point, you already know about, of course."
"During your time in the virtual world, you were given 'breaks' where, although you would not regain consciousness, you would receive muscle stimulation and nutrients in order to prevent atrophy. Feeding would also occur during these breaks so that your physical state would decline as little as possible during the course of the show. If you've noticed, you are currently able to walk despite having been in a comatose-like state for approximately six months. You're welcome."
The video cut back to the middle-aged man speaking, "That just about sums up the explanation. Now, please exit through the door labeled 'Danganronpa Community Center: Main Room' to meet with one of the staff members. They will answer any and all questions you may have. And thus concludes the 53rd season of Danganronpa. Thank you for your participation!" The screen turns black.
Stunned into silence, the three make their way to the designated door. It opens automatically as well. Big windows cover one wall entirely, shedding light onto the couches, tables, and chairs that make up a room that can only be a recreational center.
A woman stands before them at a height that's slightly shorter than Maki. Her white lab coat adorns a pin that says DR, with the signature monokuma eye below. She begins to read off of the red clipboard in her hands, "Participants #798, Maki Harukawa, #804 Shuichi Saihara, and #808 Himiko Yumeno, congratulations, you are the winners of the 53rd season of Danganronpa. Now, I understand you may have questions and I am here to give you answers." The woman smiles. "Oh!" she exclaims after a moment, "Here is a copy of each of your signed contracts if you wish to read through them." She passes them all a booklet, each page with their own signature toward the bottom of the top sheet.
Maki takes her contract first, leafing through the papers before shooting an accusatory glare at the woman. "How do we know this isn't forged?" she challenges.
The woman smiles again, "I thought you might say that; follow me."
And she begins walking through another door, the three winners following after. The room has a counter with seating and a few dispersed chairs. She makes her way to a computer that's turned on in the corner of that room and speaks, "we have footage of each of you signing and reading the contract if you'd like to view it." The room has a counter with seating and a few dispersed chairs.
"Ah," Shuichi responds. None of them bother watching it, all taking the woman's word for it.
The contract is lengthy, and once each of them is left to their own devices, (the woman tells them to just let her know if they come up with any questions. They have many, but they're not quite sure they're ready for the answers.) Shuichi begins reading through it. It mentions prize money, a million dollars each (over one hundred million yen), that they will receive at a later date. Written in ink is their agreement to getting out in a simulation where they may carry out murders, or be murdered. They all consented to relinquish their memories to be replaced with false memories, which causes Shuichi to wonder how little he had to lose if he was willing to give it all up. He doesn't know his past self, and he thinks he wouldn't ever want to.
Shuichi learns that they all have a locker at the center, where they left their electronic devices as well as a notebook entailing every important password and piece of information about themselves, so they would still be able to log on after the game. Everyone of them is entitled to therapy, paid for by the company, all medical and health concerns will also be addressed and paid for by Team Danganronpa for the remainder of their lives. The signed booklet also entails all the risks they may face: PTSD, trauma, physical atrophy, brain damage, sensory overload, mental decline, stress, panic, and various other things he's maybe heard in passing- or he hasn't heard in passing because all of his memories are false .
He doesn't even have an uncle. The school he thought he went to doesn't exist; every single experience of his is completely shrouded in lies that were fabricated for the sake of some stupid show he wanted to be a part of.
Nothing can compare to how surreal it feels to be told that no one is actually dead though. It's obvious once he reads about the consolation prize to the other participants. He runs over to the woman from earlier who's now sitting at the high counter, filling out paperwork and awaiting any questions that may come her way (He’s a little dizzy when he abruptly stands up, but his legs are more steady than they were before)
"Where are the others?"
She smiles, why does she keep smiling? - "It's only 5:33 AM. They're still sleeping. The bedrooms are right through that door if you'd like a peek." She points, and he wastes no time.
Himiko's head whips away from the page she was reading right to them, "That means I can see Tenko? And, Angie?" she questions, more eager than she's been since waking up.
Shuichi's already through the door before he can hear the lady's reply.
There are seven bedrooms on each side of the hallway, and one of them even bears his name. It reminds him of a hotel, the carpeted hallway, rooms all beside each other. There's one for each of them, except Tsumugi and Kiibo. Tsumugi is part of the team and Kiibo was just an AI. He stands in front of Kaede's door for a minute or two, not wanting to knock and disturb her sleep, but also glad she's alive after all. He just hopes she'll wake up soon. He wants to tell her that it wasn't her fault, that she didn't kill Rantaro.
He returns to the others and waits, waits for anyone to wake up. He's like a kid on Christmas morning, waiting to open presents: eager, impatient.
Korekiyo Shinguji walks through the door first, startled and stunned once he sees the three of them. "Oh, you're awake," he says. It's a few minutes before six o'clock.
Shuichi rephrases his earlier thought to 'anyone but the incestuous serial killer' but then frowns at himself for thinking like that. Still, he would've preferred Kokichi or even Angie, to Korekiyo .
The long-haired male seems to notice this in Shuichi's face, as he blurts out, "ah, I see... you hate me ," and it sounds like he's accepted it.
Shuichi opens his mouth to respond but finds that he doesn't know how.
The other two are wordless too.
"I'll leave you all be," he tells them as he crosses the room and exits through another one of the doors.
Gonta comes within the next twenty minutes. Shuichi isn't paying attention to the egress and is startled by the booming, "Shuichi! Maki! Himiko! Gonta is so happy to see you!"
"Hi Gonta," Himiko greets, standing to her feet. She wobbles a little, and grips the arm of the chair at first. After blinking a few times with wide eyes, she steadies herself and smiles.
Gonta envelops her in a hug before moving to Shuichi and hugging him tight. He hugs Maki, half against her will, last, not considering that she's not big on acting friendly. The harmless giant is meanwhile dripping with excitement. "Gonta is so glad to see his friends! I know! Gonta can go wake up other friends too!" He rushes to the hallway with all their assigned bedrooms, pounds on every door before anyone can stop or quiet him, and tries waking everyone up.
Rantaro opens his door with a tired look on his face. "What is it Gonta?" He raises a brow. "Oh, hey," he greets them with a slight wave of his hand.
"Rantaro," Shuichi speaks as Maki nods her head faintly in a distant greeting. Himiko's already following Gonta to the next door.
"What is it Shuichi?"
"Ah, I just- In the game, Kaede didn't kill you."
"Oh I know," he begins airily, adopting a thoughtful expression, "do you know who did though? I was too distracted by the metal ball that fell past me from the ceiling to get a look behind me at my killer." He would've gathered that Rantaro had probably already talked to Kaede about the murder if he didn’t have so much to process.
"Ah, um, yea." Shuichi is taken aback by his bluntness- why did he have to think of the word bluntness? - but he recovers quickly. "...it turned out the mastermind killed you and framed Kaede. It was really Tsumugi all along."
Rantaro opens his mouth- "Himikooooooooo!" He's interrupted by the voice of Tenko Chabashira, who's clad in her pajamas and rampaging in the short redhead's direction like a charging bull.
"Tenko!" Himiko exclaims.
"I'll take care of these degenerates, HAIYAH!" Tenko's eyes center on Gonta, Rantaro, and Shuichi, taking on a fighting stance.
"If they did anything wrong I would stop them... with my mag-" she sighs mid-word, sounding even more tired when she continues, "they didn't do anything wrong Tenko," she explains, saving the three from Tenko Chabashira's wrath... for now.
“Gonta, what is it that you need?” Kirumi exits her door, fully dressed in her maid-like attire despite the loud awakening. Her hands are linked in front of her skirt, prim and proper; it looks like she might bow or curtsy any moment. Shuichi and Maki turn towards her; Himiko is still getting reacquainted with Tenko.
“Kirumi, look! Friends are awake!”
“I see. That is fortunate, however, it is not gentlemanly to awaken others before they are ready.”
“Oh no! Gonta no mean to be ungentlemanly. Gonta keep quiet now like true gentleman!”
She turns to the three survivors. “I would like to apologize. I failed to adequately serve you during the simulation. My duties to you all were superseded by Monokuma’s false memories given to me, and I behaved dishonorably. I sincerely hope you can come to forgive me, given time.” She bows and averts her gaze. “I will go prepare you some tea.”
“You don’t have to-” Shuichi begins, but Kirumi has already left the corridor.
“Gonta, what time does Kaito usually wake up,” Maki asks, though she doesn’t round the statement off with an inquisitive tone like a normal question would be asked.
“Oh! Kaito no here yet. Doctors say Kaito wake up later. Kokichi and Miu too.”
“They… aren’t awake yet? What do you mean?” Shuichi furrows his brows. He thought everyone was sleeping in their designated bedrooms.
“Gonta just woke up two days ago. Before two days ago, Gonta was still stuck.”
“Stuck where?” Himiko intervenes with Tenko looking over her shoulder.
“Hmm, Gonta not sure. Doctors told Gonta it was called something, a sim-lay-shun.”
“They’re still stuck in the simulation.” The bluenette surmises. How is that possible though? Didn’t the simulation end?
“Shuichi knows! Gonta no understand much, but hope Maki, Shuichi, and Himiko think Gonta helpful.” He scratches the back of his head with a nervous smile.
The assassin crosses her arms before speaking, “I have to go. There’s something I need to do.” Maki addresses the surrounding ex-students before leaving the hall. Shuichi knows that Maki is going to ask about Kaito. Himiko probably knows too. It doesn’t take a detective to figure that out.
“Oh! Gonta would like to bring friends around building! Like gentleman. That way, friends can know where to go!”
“I’d like that, Gonta.” Shuichi gives the helpful giant a small smile.
“Me too, nyeh, maybe I’ll be able to collect some mana on the way…” Himiko fiddles with her skirt, trying to hide her appreciation.
“I will go too and make sure neither of these menaces do anything suspicious!” Tenko asserts.
“Gonta no do anything suspicious! Gonta gentleman.
The three follow Gonta in his attempt at a tour, he doesn’t spend too long in the room connected to the bedrooms’ hallway or the main rec room, since they’ve already been there, but he still lets the others know what rooms they are. He also tells them some unnecessary information, like where the couch is, and other things that they can easily observe themselves.
“And this is room with tables to eat food at. Gonta ate breakfast with friends just last morning!” He explains cheerily as they walk into a dining area of sorts.
They enter the kitchen next, where Kirumi is staring at a teapot on the stove, her nose nearly touching the side. “This is room where food is made. Oh, hello Kirumi!” He waves to the former-maid who stands up straight and looks away from the teapot to respond.
“I apologize for the wait. The tea water is still boiling.” Teacups are set out on a tray, enough for everyone who is awake.
“Thank you Kirumi!” He tells her, and then he turns to the three. “Kirumi is true gentleman- no!” he corrects himself, “gentlewoman!”
Gonta brings them to a hallway and points to the bathrooms. It would be ‘ungentlemanly’ to enter them, Shuichi supposes. He tells them all about the terrarium in his room, that the ‘doctors’ gave him, on his way through the hall with, what Shuichi can only theorize are, Team Danganronpa employee-owned rooms with various uses.
This theory is proven when Gonta points and says, “this is room where Gonta talks about bugs with doctors.”
(which definitely means that that’s the ‘therapy’ they’re all entitled to .)
The three of them, (even Tenko) can’t help but offer a sympathetic smile when the former-entomologist’s ever present smile fades, and he confides, “Gonta no understand. Danganronpa facility so nice. Doctors smile so much... and even give Gonta bugs for room! But, they reason why friends look so sad all the time.”
They make their way back to the main room where Kirumi has their tea ready, along with dishes of various additives (sugar, honey, milk, lemon...). She bows and returns to the dormitories - assigned bedrooms - as Maki strides, unphasable, into the recreational room.
"I'm going to visit Kaito,"she announces before turning around and walking towards the hospital rooms. She stops at the door and looks back at Shuichi. "Are you coming or not?"
Shuichi nods and follows right after.
I also posted it on my Ao3 Account
#danganronpa#danganronpa v3#fanfic#postgame#shuichi saihara#maki harukawa#himiko yumeno#danganronpa shuichi#danganronpa maki#danganronpa himiko#eventual romance#eventual oumasai
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Harrison Wells (E-2) x Reader
Hello friends of tumblr I am a novice writer that does X Readers in my free time. The storyline of this piece was actually inspired by a dream I had a couple of nights ago. You went to CCU with Harrison wells and you Majored in Literature and Performing arts, the two of you were better known as a Campus Couple as the two of you were always studying and seen together, after graduation and before he became the renowned scientist that he is, he had a part time job as a Emergency first responder and you went on to become a stage manager at the local arts club and under a tough circumstance you to meet again not long after graduation.
Warnings: Angst, injury, breakups, mental illness.
Y/N and Harrison. Harrison and Y/N. There were no way to talk about one and not bring up the other, the two of them were always together like two peas in a pod, strange though since the two major in opposite faculties, they would bus to school together, have lunch together, study together, one time Y/N was having a bad day so Harrison didn’t go to his lecture, but instead comforted Y/N for the entire day in the library. Time do catch up with you, and the harsh reality was, they just weren’t meant to be, after graduation Y/N moved to Starling City and landed a job as a Stage Manager for the city’s grand production, and Harrison with his Bachelors in Health Sciences, now works as a paramedic and the two just drifted apart, every now and then Y/N would write Harrison a letter and he would write one back, after a year it was like they have forgotten about each other, until today.
“Y/N, did you pack the energy drinks?” questioned Andy, Andy was the Production assistant at the Theatre Y/N works at, the two of them are basically like siblings.
“Yeah, you won’t even need it it’s only a 2 hour drive”
“Better safe then sorry Y/N. I ponder, do you think you’ll bump into the guy you used to see at CCU?
“Who? Harrison? I’m sure he’s busy with his life, plus we’re only there for 2 days, there’s no need to bother him.”
“Hey, who knows maybe the 2 of you can respark that relationship?”
“Who cares Andy? I’m sure he’s happy with Tess right now, get in the car”
The two of them are on their way to a festival that is showcasing the latest and greatest live productions in the tri cities this year, it was around 6 in the evening, the rain started to pour, the entire evening just had a bad aura to it.
Y/N and Andy are about 15 minutes away from city centre, when from a far they heard what sounded like a honk from a trunk, some tire screeches, and a sudden flash of bright light. A drunk man decided it was a great idea to drive his industrial truck back while heavily intoxicated, resulting in a 3 way car accident, hitting Y/N and Andy first.
Andy wakes up from his momentarily lost of consciousness covered in glass, but luckily it’s seems that other then some scratches and bruises, he is mostly fine.
“Y/N are you okay, hey! Hey!”
No response. He inches closer towards her and finds that her head was bleeding and her arm was stuck out the window with a shard of glass right through it.
“Help! Someone please help! Call an ambulance! Someone is hurt! Help!”
A uniformed police officer runs up to their car, “Sir please remain calm an ambulance is on the way, at this time please step away from the vehicle and take a seat to the side” Andy took a deep breath in and he got a large whiff of gasoline.
“Y/N! Hey! Wake up! Come on!”
“Stop yelling, fuck. My head.”
“Y/N come on this officer and I are gonna pull you out, the car is leaking Gasoline, we have to get out now.”
Once they got Y/N out of the car they could hear from a distance the ambulance siren, and the team leader of the Paramedics? Harrison Wells.
“Over here” called over the officer
“Harrison? I- I don’t feel too great Harry, I think- I think something bad happened.
“Ma’am? Y/N look at me, don’t close your eyes. Hey I need a gurney over here! Sweetie I believe you have a concussion, I am now going to control the bleeding on your arm, this will hurt for a second” Said Harrison, and in a second he took out the shard of glass from her arm and pressed gauze on it to subside the bleeding. Y/N tried to stand up only to nearly fall and having Harrison catch here and put her onto the gurney, “Bring the two to CC General, give her 1/1000 mL of adrenaline, don’t let her lose concussioness I believe she has a grade 3 concussion”
After arriving at the hospital and undergoing 8 hours of surgery, Y/N finally regains consciousness, Andy sitting beside you reading a magazine with a bandage cross his forehead, “About time you woke up, you slept for an entire day, guess we won’t be able to catch those plays afterall. How are you feeling?”
“Like a down 2 bottles of tequila and jumped off my balcony landing on my head.”
“Wow, Sounds fun”
The doctor comes into the room doing his rounds, “ah Y/N we finally got you back with us! You were in a traffic accident resulting in a grade 3 concussion with minor brain bruising and fractured collarbone, the stab wound through your arm did not cause any nerve or tendon damage, but you will have to stay at the hospital for another couple of days to be kept under surveillance. On your way to the hospital we lost you for a second, but the paramedics used an AED to dave your life.”
All that came out of her mouth for a response was “Ah, I see”
“I will let you rest, I will be back in the morning to give you a check up”
and when the doctor left the room another uniformed gentle let himself in,
“I don’t see you in 2 years and when I do you’re covered in blood? I don’t see you in 2 years and I had to use an AED on you? Y/N L/N what the hell have you gotten yourself into? Complained Harrison
“It’s not like she wanted to get into a 3 way accident, that man was drunk driving and we just so happened to be there in the right time” Defended Andy
“Thanks Harry” Y/N whispered
He walked up to her bed and stroked Y/N hair,
“Kiddo, I’m just glad that you’re okay”
Y/N sees the engagement ring on his hand.
“Congrats! Tess is one lucky girl” Y/N says
“I’m the lucky one, wedding is in February I sent out an invitation to your old studio, but I don’t think you ever received it.
“No, no I didn’t”
“I was hoping you would be my Grooms-Women, none of my guys are as close as you and I, we can talk about it when you don’t have a concussion and under Morphine.”
“Sure thing Harry” Y/N smiled.
“I have another 3 hours before my shift ends I will talk to you later, and nice meeting you Andy”
Y/N smiles.
Harrisons phone rings and replies “Hey sweetie, Yeah I have 3 more hours and then I will come and finish the laundry, how about we go out for dinner tonight? I love you honey!” and he leaves the room.
#harrison wells#harry wells#harrison wells x reader#harrison wells reader#The Flash#the flash x reader
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prima donna // jung jaehyun
category: fluff, crack(?), (warning: mentions of explicit words)
pairing: jaehyun x reader
summary: you hated him because he ruined your first university week, but you’re too weak to fall for him after what happened that night before their school’s party.
word count: 3553
*author’s note: hey there! i want to thank y’all for giving love on my first au here! this one’s my weirdest au so far, because it’s another character of jae that i imagined and thought it will be fine to write about. but pls @ SM, let nct crossdress on their first concert! (re:edited)
Your second year in college has been sailing smooth so far, though sometimes you want to curl up and cry in your bed at your university’s dormitory from the reports and exams stacking up your schedule. Biology is fun, you thought before getting admitted into the university.
You seem to enjoy the course you’re currently taking but one thing’s for sure—you realized that something’s not good. So you asked your roommate, Shi, about that dilemma that has been clouding up your mind for more than a week. “Shi, do you, by any chance, seemed to notice something different at me?” You ask her.
“You still hate people.” She simply replies as she tore another scratch paper to write. She took creative writing and she does that every single time, and you got used to hearing the smearing sound of paper every night. You zone out once again, and suddenly you remembered the glares you shot to every student who walked past you everywhere before.
“Right. I mean… you know, it’s not my fault why I act like that—it was unintentional though.”
Shi rolls her eyes and adjusts her eyeglasses. “Unintentional… hmm, you think so? Damn it Y/N, if I could only conduct a social research of you glaring everyone you meet I am certain that the results and my assessed hypotheses will do good.” She looks at you with her typical resting bitch face and you only return a peace sign at her, defeated.
Because what she said was true.
You were about to get up from your bed and bring back your laptop from the kitchen when she added, “even my high school classmate was afraid of you.” You turned around and gave her a look. “Who?”
“The heartthrob from radio broadcasting department. You know, the Jung cutie.” Your roommate emphasized the Jung cutie, but you’re still clueless as hell.
“Huh?” You raise your left eyebrow and Shi clapped in front of your face. “Remember during university week last year? You were holding your favorite strawberry ice cream and someone just accidentally pushed your hand and the ice cream fell dramatically in your white polo shirt.”
The memory of that Jung guy who ruined your first university week as a freshman instantly flashed into your mind and your grip tightens as you muttered his name. “Jung Jaehyun.”
Shi snaps her fingers into a clicking sound and continues talking. “And then you glared at him and kicked his ass. Those people who witnessed your badass move just had their best day of their lives, to be honest.” She chuckles and she sits on the futon that your mother brought when you moved there, making you sit on the floor and exhaled deeply.
“I still hate him. It was my favorite polo shirt and I was looking for a cute guy that day but HE ruined it!” the pitch of your voice rose and you swiftly toned it down after you realized that it’s already dawn and continued. “He’s reminds me of that annoying kid in my grade school who crashes everyone’s day, too bad I only got a break during high school then another one appeared at college.”
The mini living room fell in silence, and later Shi talks again. “Actually, he’s a hottie, sis.”
You look at her and it felt like you rolled your eyes the most dramatic way possible and made a disgusted face. “Hell no. He may looked like an innocent one but looks can be deceiving, Shi! Who knows, he already slept with a lot of girls.”
Shi laughs so hard as her eyes form into cute crescents, and she looks so cute when she holds her tummy from laughing when hearing something funny, even if it is really funny or not. “Are you low-key telling me that you have an interest at him—“
“No!” you exclaim. “He’s never my ideal type. Never. Never.” You both shake your hands in protest and head no. “Never.”
“Believe me, he’s a nice guy. Maybe sometimes he looked like a bad boy but he isn’t. He’s one of my classmates in high school and actually doing great in academics. I mean c’mon, I think you two looked good together.”
It was that time when you give up on her annoying antics that you finally stand up and turn to the kitchen. “You’re not a wingman, Shi; you’re a writer in the making.”
-
Today’s weather is partially considerate to you since you’re an avid fan of cold breeze but hated getting soaked as you can feel the exposed part of your feet getting dampen from the fine rain while walking to your school’s building. You forgot to bring your umbrella, resorting you to sprint to the nearest shed and as when you are two steps away from the little shed, the rain poured harder. You cursed at the gods for making them hate you this type of weather.
You sit on the provided bench in the shed and check your backpack, and a relieved sigh escapes your mouth as you see your laptop’s case. There were thunders roaring at an interval and you have no choice left but to stay longer in the shed until the rain stops.
“Hey Y/N, if your class starts soon you can take my raincoat.” You turned around to see the person that you hated the most.
“Keep it.” You replied. His expression remains unchanged and shrugs as he looks at the dark sky for a moment. “It’s my first time seeing you this close though.” He adds.
“You… know my name?” You interrogated. It sounds surprised although you tried hard to shorten your conversation with him.
“Yeah? From Shi, your roommate.” He answered.
You huff as your gaze is fixated to the surroundings. “Considering you pushed me and my ice cream went straight to my white polo shirt, maybe so.” You keep your plain expression without looking at him, and you can see him looking away from you in your peripheral point of view. You tried hard not to laugh because he looked so dumb.
It took fourteen minutes for the heavy rain to stop and as soon as you noticed it pouring lightly, you immediately walked away from the shed and him because perhaps, he just ruined your day.
-
Another day has passed and still, you’re facing the typical activities done in your classes—report, moving exams, online quiz just in case when one of your professors are busy with their personal shenanigans and sometimes, laboratory works.
Sleep uproars to scarcity at your situation recently which is why you’re having a hard time dealing with everyone, especially your classmates’ shits in class and you wound up doing some of the easy activities just by yourself. You easily get irritated so the best way to get yourself away from trouble is to be alone.
Your last period finished earlier than you thought, so you rejoiced as you put your hoodie and walked back to the dormitory, hugging your genetics thick book close to your chest as you mentally plotting your sleeping plans.
Just as you reached the arts and sciences hall, you suddenly feel someone’s arm linked to yours that’s why you swiftly turned around and hit the person with your book at the chest. You gasp audibly as you looked up to see Jaehyun mirroring your expression. He then held his chest and acted as if he’s having a panic attack, and you were panicking when he sat on the ground, struggling as he holds his chest.
You put your bag as you held his shoulders firmly. He’s still in pain and you don’t know how to help him because first of all, he’s twenty centimeters taller and lastly, probably heavier than you. “Are you okay? I’m so sorry that wasn’t supposed to happe—“
“You’re so cute when you panicked.” His sudden change of expression made you halt in your position, deciphering what the hell just happened and you can feel everyone’s eyes on the two of you. Anger build up inside you, picking your book as you hit his chest as hard as you can. You yelled and got up, stomping your way to the dormitory, embarrassed and pissed.
-
“Sis, I swear that glass will shatter and hurt your hand.”
After getting back to the dormitory, you never utter any word; you only sit in silence, taking deep breaths, keeping your heart’s pace normal, and closing your eyes until your roommate arrives. She gave you a glass of water but that didn’t made you feel better because you’re conflicted whether you wanted to hide from embarrassment or wait for him at his first class tomorrow so you can throw your hardest punch at his face that everyone falls for.
“If you were on my position this afternoon, what would you do? Punch his face or leave him?” You asked, still gripping on the glass that she gave to you.
“Leave him? I guess. Then kick his shin the day after.” She folds her arms, watching you and the glass you’re holding—more likely she’s adamant that if she leaves you alone, you would rather break the glass just by yourself.
“You need to sleep, Y/N. That’s all. I swear you really have to cover up those horrifying eyebags of yours or else you’ll end up looking like a serial killer.” She sits beside you and massages your shoulders. “I’m sure he was embarrassed of himself too… trust me, it will be alright. ‘Kay? Let’s sleep.”
You drink the glass of water and sleep, hoping for the better days to come.
---
A week has passed and luckily you were able to regain your sleep since your schedule is quite vacant, and you’re glad that you can rest without stressing for academic works, thanks to the faculty of your department’s trip.
You’re alone tonight in the dorm since Shi is out somewhere. While watching a series on your laptop, your phone rings. It was her calling you so you pick it up.
“Y/N, do me a favor! Please I’m begging you!”
You paused the series and answered. “And that would be?”
“Please go to the other dormitory and bring our make-up kit. I was supposed to do the make-up for my friend on their school’s party and he has to dress up as a drag queen omiglob please Y/N for the love of God do it!”
You groaned in reply since you can’t decline her request because she seldom does that. You know how important it is for her so you’ve got no choice but to run to the other dormitory just with your sweatpants, hoodie and your make-up kit. “Fine. I’ll be at the brick building as soon as possible.”
“The dorm’s room has JJ on the door tag and thank you sis! Have fun!”
You ended the call and instead of wondering where Shi could’ve went, you were walking in a steady pace to the brick building as you try to revive your make-up skills. The stars are gradually appearing as the sky welcomes the darkness.
-
After arriving in the brick building, you searched for the room with a ‘JJ’ tag and knocked as soon as you found it. The door opens, and you wished that a grim reaper will take your life at this moment.
“You?” You exclaimed, and his eyes widen from shock and horror.
Jaehyun was peeking at the door, keeping himself safe from your attacks soon. You stare at him for a good minute, and he realized that he should let you in to turn him into a drag queen just for tonight. “I thought Shi’s going to do it for me.” His voice was soft as he opens the door for you to enter. “She just called me to do it for you.” You said.
Their dorm is partly large, with two beds occupying and a mini living room with kitchen, just like yours and Shi’s. Also, you were surprised from the fact that it was more likely neater than yours. You went to their mini living room where he placed the things he’s supposed to wear and out of the blue, your boisterous laughter echoed the room.
“I can’t imagine seeing you wearing those dresses,” you hold your tummy between laughs, and he tries his best not to blush from embarrassment. “It’s just for tonight. I lost in the draw lots so some of us have to wear like this.” He replies, a wave of panic rushing him as he placed two chairs beside the dresses.
You walked to their mini living room and placed the make-up kit. Fortunately, the lightings are all good and you don’t need to adjust yourself to find for a good light where you can match his make-up. He’s standing beside you, towering you with his height. You turned around at him and he averted his gaze from you. His ears are crimson pink and for the first time in your life, you reached for his face to make him look at you.
“Damn it, you’re so tall.” You retorted as you stood on the chair holding two dresses, one is a long sleeve maroon bedazzled crop top with pencil skirt and the other one with a star-designed dress with ruffles on its sleeve. You looked back on the table to see three wigs scattered and you placed the dresses back to fit the wigs for him.
You placed the first wig which you can liken to Marilyn Monroe’s signature hairstyle, and you think it was the perfect fit for him. You placed the crop top to see if it matches, and you want to jump from excitement as it fits him well. Jaehyun is just busy looking at the wigs, the dresses, and you.
“We have less than two hours to prepare actually.” He said. Worry is evident on his face and you assured him that he’ll stand out.
“I swear, I can make you shine on the spotlight. Trust me.” You look at him straight in the eye and he shies away from your sight.
“It’s okay though. I mean it’s kinda embarrassing to do this… ” He trails off, unknown what to continue. You gestured him to sit down and placed hair pins to clip his fringe away from his forehead.
You mentally cursed, realizing how handsome he really is. It’s effortless to put any temporary remedies on his face since he’s pinkish glowing and has less blemishes. You set aside the primers and search the perfect foundation for his complexion as you juggle the awkward silence by doing some short interrogations at him. “What major are you in?” You start applying foundation on his face, chuckling as you saw his expression obviously crying for help. “Radio broadcasting.”
“Nice,” you paused for a moment and asked him to close his eyes. “Okay, you can open your eyes now.”
He opened his eyes and you brought your eyeshadow kit. You try to contrast the color of your picked dress and the eyeshadow and you started applying for it. You perfect his eyebrows first, leaning closer to him as you gently stroke the brush to his eyebrow line. You lean closer to him to perfect the eyeshadow, slightly feeling the chill breath he exhales on your neck as his eyes are shut. The next thing you did was blending it with some strong colors to his crease line and told him to close for a while since you’re going to apply a liquid eyeliner to add boldness on his eyes.
You held his face as you slowly blow the liquid eyeliner to dry, and he opened his eyes after. He looks deadly gorgeous just with his eyes, and you added more emphasis on its bottom part by applying the same dark shade. He barely have eyebags so you apply a minimal amount of concealer to make it completely hide them. You gestured him to look up and you finally finished the eyes part.
“Amazing.” You muttered. Proceeding next to the contour, you motioned him to dress up first and you waited for a while in the living room. After few minutes, he’s finished and you wanted to cry because he looks so perfect, like a diva.
“Quick, now sit because I have to contour your face.” You commanded, and you opened the contour stick, applying them to his sides of his face, nose, and cheekbones. You can’t stop laughing from imagining what would he looked like after you finish grooming him up. You took the brush and started blending, then applying highlighter on his cheekbones and the tip of his nose. You added more emphasis on the top of his eyebrows, shimmering its part and applied blush for his cheeks.
“I kid you not, I’m going to strangle you if I looked odd.” He muttered as you partly leaned your palm to his face while placing long, fake lashes.
“Do it, I’ll break your bones.” And he fell silent. He opened his eyes afterwards and you motioned him to stand up as you apply lipstick. You picked your personal favorite matte maroon lipstick and you applied it carefully on his lip. You put some lip liners and asked him to spread it a little, creating a perfect lip.
You finalized the look and added some embellishments beside his eyes, and you wished that Shi was here to acknowledge your amazing work. You clapped your hands and placed the wig, retouching his look once again and you removed the piercings on his ears, replacing them with sapphire dangling earrings and necklace. “You’re so short.” He jokes while looking at you struggling to close the hook of the necklace. “Fuck off.” You answered.
You looked at him one last time, and you searched for a big mirror if he has any and found it on his bedroom, placing it in front of him. He’s in awe looking at the drag queen version of himself, and shots you a look in wonder. “B-but… this is so good. What the hell.” He can’t stop looking at his different version in the mirror but you don’t mind.
He keeps touching his face, especially his eyebrows and his jeweled temples. “Will you be able to manage wearing heels?” You asked as you make him wear the black pumps. He shrugged in response, unsure.
“Here, let me help you.” You make him hold your shoulder as he struggle to stand up. He outbalanced for a moment and you make him compose his posture. You guide his walk for some time around their bedroom and after familiarizing the posture and walking, he gathered the things he has to bring and you arranged the make-up kit. Both of you went outside their room and he thanked you for sparing your time to groom him. “You saved my night and I want to thank you for that. But I’ll promise this won’t be happening again.”
You only chuckled and motioned him to lean closer. You fix his hair and after that, you smack your lips to his plump ones and pat his shoulders. Jaehyun is immobile in his position and you pinch his sides, causing him to wince in pain. “Hey, what was that?” He asked, still startled from your kiss.
“I have no idea rather. You looked beautiful tonight!” You exclaimed. Picking up the make-up kit, you tiptoed to kiss his cheeks but this time he took the opportunity as he leaned and cupped your face with his jeweled hands to kiss your lips.
“Seems like you used your lipstick on my lips for a purpose.” His whispered, with his voice deeper unlike his usual and he smirks but you’re unbothered because he looks the usual drop-dead gorgeous diva he is. “You up for tomorrow? We can talk more at the grill house outside at 7 p.m.” He asks with confidence, making you chuckle because he just asked you out in his drag queen attire.
You gave him a thumbs up as you started walking back to your dormitory and winked at him. He laughed and walked behind you as he’s ready to stun everyone from school of communication arts with his transformation.
You walk back to your dormitory, and after seeing Shi using your laptop to watch your favorite series, you placed the make-up kit beside her and grabbed the water bottle she’s holding. “I kissed your heartthrob classmate from radio broadcasting.” With that, you never saw her pausing the series faster than before after you told her what happened.
“Uh, that was fast.”
You lay on your bed, closing your eyes. “I don’t know why I kissed him sis, honestly speaking. Maybe it was because I’m proud of what I did or I instantly fell in love with his charms and I think he’s so adorable.”
Shi hummed and asked one last time. “Well, which of those did you feel?”
“Both.” You simply answered, and Shi clapped her hands. “Good, I’m go for your relationship if that’s the case. Hah, never. Never!” she said, mocking those last bitter words you told her nights ago. “Good night dumbass!”
“Good night, Shi. Thanks.”
At that night, you find it hard to believe that your soon-to-be-boyfriend was the person who never fails to annoy you everytime the two of you meet, and the one who ruined your first university week last year.
#nct#jaehyun#jung jaehyun#nct jaehyun#nct au#nct scenario#nct fluff#nct crack#nct 127#nct 127 au#nct 127 fluff#nct u#nct u au#nct u fluff#jaehyun scenarios#jaehyun fluff#nct 2018 au#spoiler alert jaehyun will dress up as a drag queen#nct scenarios#kiwistories
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Obituary for My Brother Rano
“I may be born as a beauty
or maybe as a beast
but I will die for truth”
(Serrano G. Sianturi)
The architect of the Sacred Rhythm music festival and the founder of Sacred Bridge Foundation, Serrano Gara Sianturi, passed away on the 26th of January 2019 in his hometown, Jakarta, Indonesia, at the age of 58, leaving a wife and two sons.
Serrano had battled an extreme pancreatic cancer known as neuroendocrine carcinoma or small cell carcinoma. At the time of his formal diagnosis in August 2018 at the National University Hospital Singapore, the cancer cells had already spread rapidly to the lungs and brain. Professor Lawrence Ho, a senior consultant there who helped in finalizing the diagnosis, mentioned to family members that Serrano had had the same cancer to which Steve Jobs, the CEO of Apple, succumbed. With the expertise, guidance and warm hospitality from a great medical team led by Dr. Chee Cheng Ean, specialist and program director in medical oncology, Serrano’s wish was granted to be moved to Jakarta to share the time remaining with his loved ones, family and friends.
“He was a true fighter and was very lucky to have a loving family by his side throughout his journey” (Dr. Chee Cheng Ean)
Known to many simply as Rano, he was “the Heart and Soul” (LTTW, 2019[1]) of Sacred Bridge Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation based in Jakarta which focused on bridging cultures and making the world a better place through a harmonious relationship between man and nature; to reach this ideal necessitated faith in the integration of culture, economics, and politics. Of these, culture was of utmost importance. In Rano’s own terms, as a cultural economist, he reminded us that it is time to give culture a chance where economics and politics alone have often failed to provide solutions.
Though officially founded in 1998, according to Stephen Hill, who at that time served as the Director of the Jakarta Regional Office of UNESCO, they had been collaborating for two years including censor-challenging concerts in support of international percussion music in the period shortly before the New Order Indonesian Government of President Soeharto fell in the revolution of May 1998. This was a time when freedom of expression was politically severely constrained with communities tightly controlled, the early work using cultural expression to push the boundaries of rights and protest (Hill, S., 2019).
Rano felt that this crisis period was the right time to respond by establishing a foundation that could facilitate the urgency to regain mental strengths and trust within the communities. Utilizing creativity through the Arts was a powerful medium to heal the wounds, to exercise freedom of expression and to break down boundaries in order to establish respect and mutual understanding.
In response to the Aceh Tsunami of December 2004, the Sacred Bridge and UNESCO organised a field project called ‘Rising Above the Tsunami’ whose primary aim was to heal the trauma experienced, particularly by orphaned children, utilising the intangible cultural heritage as one of the society’s self-reliant supportive systems. Acehnese traditional performers were trained to incorporate local song and dance in a disciplined way and nurture a life-long sense of arts. The impact was powerful - the children were able to smile again and their communities quite literally came alive. The film, 'Rising Above the Tsunami’ was shown to the collected Ambassadors of the World (around 190) at the UNESCO General Conference in October 2005 in Paris; many in the audience were moved to tears. The film was later shown in New York.
Rising Above the Tsunami in Aceh, Indonesia.
As a core element of the foundation, an International Sacred Music Concert, the ‘Sacred Rhythm’, was inaugurated as a Millennium celebration at midnight December 31, 1999 in Bali. This evolved into a series of festivals opening doors to global musical friendships and included participants Stomu Yamash’ta, Farafina, Vikku Vinayakram, Mor Thiam, I Nyoman Astita and many more.
Later finding a new home in Kyoto, Japan, the UNESCO-sponsored event utilised the creativity of dozens of renowned musicians from five continents to bring together people from different faiths, nationalities and walks of life. By re-uniting humanity and nature, and upholding culture, the rising sun of the twenty-first century was embraced. Music then became a focal point of cultural development more than twenty years after the World Conference on Cultural Policies. Rano, as the main organiser and inspiration, together with Stephen Hill, Philippe Delanghe and Stomu Yamash’ta believed it was time to make a statement.
Sacred Rhythm: The Millennial Percussion for Unison in Bali, Indonesia (1999-2000).
Sacred Rhythm in Kyoto, Japan
“Collaboratively, they wanted to show to the world - on behalf of the United Nations - that if we are to reflect on the next one thousand years, this must be in spiritual and human terms, not commercial” (Hill et all, p. vi, preface Kyoto Manifesto, 2018)
“Use Cultural Currencies for equality and understanding” (Serrano G. Sianturi)
Rano spent almost a quarter of his life in the United States of America pursuing his education. A Bachelor degree in Architecture Engineering from Milwaukee School of Engineering in 1981 was followed two years later with a Masters degree in Earthquake Engineering at MIT. Returning to Indonesia, he joined the university Civil Engineering faculty, subsequently accepting the invitation to work with the then Directorate of Public Buildings of the Ministry of Public works. During this time, he trained and supervised the research of many Indonesian volcanologists. In 1988, he resigned from both organizations and returned to MIT to pursue a completely different course of education - gaining a post-graduate economics degree specializing in Cultural Economics.
Upon his return to Indonesia in 1991, Rano immediately established an economic and marketing advisory firm and served major multinational companies including Citibank, NTT, Club Med, Price Waterhouse, WWF, Jardine, Allied Queensland Coalfield, Fuji Bank International, as well as national companies such as the Jakarta Stock Exchange, Elnusa, and Telkom.
After seven years practicing as an economic consultant, he decided to pursue his long-time interest in cultural economics. He then established the Sacred Bridge where the foundation focused on action research works and model making covering five domains: Cultural Education for the Young, Cultivation of Roots Arts, Intercultural Dialogue, Capacity Building, and New Media. Since his involvement in the Foundation, Rano conducted research and field programs in Indonesia that included Aceh, Nias, Jakarta, West Java, Borobudur, East Kalimantan, South Sulawesi, Bali, and West Papua. Sacred Bridge itself was the first UNESCO counterpart in the field of culture. In addition to the field works, Serrano managed to consult and write for international journals as well as give academic lectures at many well-respected universities in the US, UK, and Japan, with focus on cultural economics.
His inspirations, achievements and contributions for Indonesia and beyond are immeasurable but he never worked for personal recognition. He was critical of the narrow and seemingly opportunistic viewpoints of many Indonesian academics and institutions in various fields and challenged them to aspire to a higher level of understanding and interpretation for the betterment of the country and humanity. While battling the cancer, Rano mentioned in several occasions that his unfinished book title ‘Economics for Humanity’ became the least important for many reasons, but one reason that stood out as a reflection of his faith in the young generations to come, he said their books would be far more important than his.
On many occasions, while reading local newspapers, Rano said to his eldest son, Boo-boo Sianturi, now the chairman of the foundation, “Hey, they’re my ideas, that’s my writing, completely plagiarized”. He then continued, “Oh well, that’s okay, as long as they learn things the right way, understanding the importance of fundamentals…and so on, let the people learn, let the nation learn”. Rano stressed the importance of understanding contexts and fundamentals challenging their credibility on ethical grounds. In his view, the most respected profession is teaching; not only are adequate knowledge and experience required but teaching also comes with a set of responsibilities.
“Serrano Sianturi, he was my best friend and hero of his mother country”, Stomu Yamash’ta (founding member of Sacred Bridge foundation)
In 2013, Rano brought together Stomu Yamash’ta, Stephen Hill and I Nyoman Astita in Bali where they visited villages, exploring a possible way of developing the Cultural Centre which Rano was planning as a Sacred Bridge Initiative. What transpired instead was the development of a very fruitful partnership of Rano, Stomu and Stephen with the just established ‘Centre for the Creative Economy’ at Doshisha University, Kyoto, and its Director, Tadashi Yagi. Together, they trawled the world for four years through Annual International Symposia in Kyoto in search of the best participants for their planned book which sought to re-ground global economics in our core humanity and spirituality. Prior to every Symposium Stomu produced his ‘On-Zen’ performance bringing Buddhist and Shinto priests together in combined ritual in Kyoto’s Daitokuji Buddhist Temple - in a ceremony of peace and cross-religious care - the first time in 800 years that Buddhism and Shinto had shared in such a way. Rano had brought Stephen and Stomu together in the first place – via the meeting in Bali, and spoke at the first International Symposium in June 2014, but unfortunately, after that, was too ill to participate any more.
Rano with Stephen Hill
Rano with Stomu Yamash’ta.
The book “The Kyoto Manifesto for Global Economics - The Platform of Community, Humanity and Spirituality” resulted from this collaboration and was published internationally last year by Springer. Under Stomu’s inspiration, Stephen designed the structure of the book as a ‘Symphony’, and then elaborated it further as a ‘Polyphony’, i.e. bringing two or more separate themes together into an overall harmony.
“We all, however, owe Rano an enormous debt of gratitude for his humanity, vision, commitment, generosity, and inspiration. He is both our own dear friend and a friend to humanity as a whole”. (Hill et al, Kyoto Manifesto, 2018)
During the last few months of Rano’s life, he believed that the Sacred Bridge needed to continue and was convinced that the younger generations were equipped and ready to lead the foundation into the second decade of the 21st century. On January 13, 2019, 13 days before Rano’s departure, the Sacred Bridge was marked by a “Reborn” gathering at their headquarters in Jakarta. The word “Reborn” itself was inspired by the Sacred Rhythm II (Reborn Unison) concert that took place in Bali last August 2018.
Sacred Rhythm: Reborn Unison in Bali, Indonesia. (2018)
Now, almost twenty years after the first Sacred Rhythm, Rano believed that it was time to elaborate the statement. Reborn Unison emphasises the need to work together for culture to become both driver and enabler of human development, sustainable development, or the upholding of continuous and inclusive improvement of human well-being. It is this old way that is cherished by Sacred Rhythm II (Reborn Unison), paving the ground for a new generation of artists, scientists, and spiritual activists to come together, shaping and spreading the message of culture through their world-wide networks.
Bintang Perkasa, who is now the programme director, concludes Rano’s view that in the eyes of Sacred Bridge, “reborn” is not merely rebirth, but also rethinking and revisiting its fundamental values based on guidance of the past and present life to re-focus (including re-evaluate) the foundation towards the future. He further emphasizes Rano’s own words that “changes can only happen on the ground,” capturing the very spirit of Sacred Bridge “Reborn”. This will be manifested in its plan to return to fieldwork, the change initiated and agreed by Rano himself with the acknowledgment and consent of the active founders.
Rano, Rest in the Peace You Deserve. The Peace of Love – the guiding light of your life!
Stephen Hill
26thJanuary 2019
Sources:
Hill et al, Kyoto Manifesto, 2018
Email exchanges (Boo-boo and Stephen), 2018-2019
Email exchanges (Boo-boo and Dr. Chee), 2019-03-02
LTTW, 2019 (http://www.listentotheworld.net/human-voices/serrano-g-sianturi-the-heart-and-soul-of-sacred-bridge/)
Sacred Bridge Web, 2019 (http://www.sacredbridge.org/the-bridge/history/)
[1] LTTW, Obituary SGS news, 2019 (http://www.listentotheworld.net/human-voices/serrano-g-sianturi-the-heart-and-soul-of-sacred-bridge/)
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Kookies n’ Cream || M
Jungkook | BTS | 5k words
Their lecture ended with the lecturer assigning Y/N and Jungkook to do a report on a topic which she is particularly interested in. Sex addiction. It was almost as if fate knew how her mind worked and what kind of things she likes. The topics were chosen by chance and her luck seems to be on point today.
Y/N stood up from her seat, her short skirt ridden further up her thighs as she does so. She was in the middle of pulling it back down, when she heard someone clearing their throat too close to where she stood, making her turn around to see where the sound came from.
Jungkook stood behind her attempting to avoid seeing anything that he shouldn’t see. Y/N looked up and smiled at the male. “Oh hi, Jungkook” “Hey, I was wondering when you’d like to work on the assignment?“ he paused then adds "Or do you want to do it separately and just work with the information later on?”
“Doing the research separately would just give us more things to do, so let’s just work together. I can’t really decide now when to do it, but let’s work at my place. I’ll just text you the details?” she rushed out.
Y/N pulled out her phone from her purse and pushed it into Jungkook’s hand indicating she wants Jungkook to leave his number. Jungkook hastily took it and punched in his number and returned it to Y/N who calmly saved his number and texted him so Jungkook would know that it’s her.
Y/N packed up her laptop and smiled nervously at Jungkook one last time before striding out of the lecture hall with a small smile.
She doesn’t usually get excited over getting a guy’s number. But this is Jeon Jungkook, probably the smartest good-looking guy in their faculty. Possibly even their cohort but despite the traits that girls usually fought after, Y/N not once have seen him with girls around campus. (Y/N would thought that he was gay, if it weren’t for the big mouths of her past hookups)
Jungkook hardly gives away his number too. She’s seen it with her very own pair of eyes, on several occasions. So she’s bound to get a tad bit enthusiastic over exchanging numbers with a guy that hardly is ever seen with girls.
She’s by no means a harlot; she just enjoys a good fuck or two… a day. And for the 3 years she’s been attending this university, she’s slept with a whole bunch of its students, men and women alike.
But for some reason, the one guy she’s been pining for, never did.
Y/N would try to asking Jungkook out herself, but she’s never asked anyone out before. So that’s hopeless, she thought.
__________
Y/N has always been a confident girl; nervousness is hardly something that you would see her experience. But for some goddamn reason, the thought of texting Jungkook to simply ask him to come over to work on their assignment, makes her palms sweat so much. Given, she has other plans in mind for the study breaks.
She couldn’t bring herself to imagine what she’d be like if Jungkook actually does come over. Whenever she’s reminded of her pending task, she pushes the thought to the back of her head and goes on about her life. Until she grew some balls to actually text the guy.
It was 4 days after the assignment was given before Y/N gained the courage to actually text Jungkook, asking him if he’s free. To which he replied yes to in no more than 10 seconds after receiving her text.
“You free?”
“Yeah”
“cme ovr 2 my place? Work on our assignment?”
“Sure, txt me deets”
Y/N typed out her address, double checking if she made any typos before sending.
Setting her phone down on her coffee table, she decides she might need a little something to calm her nerves. Y/N made a few trips from her room to her living room to grab her materials, her printer and her laptop and setting them on the coffee table before heading into the kitchen and grabbing herself a beer.
She had finished a bottle of Bud, her head leaning on the fridge door, when Jungkook knocked on her door.
Standing up straight and walking to her foyer to open the door. If you don’t look closely, you’d think she was completely sober even from the look on her face.
She was tipsy but she masks it well.
Y/N was so nervous; to the point of forgetting that she was wearing her pyjamas, which really just consists of her worn-out oversized t-shirt and her purple fuzzy socks and her lacy panties (might as well go to sleep feeling like a sex kitten). So she was confused to say the least as to why when she opened the door, it revealed a red faced Jungkook whom appeared to have taken great interest in the floor. But she paid it no mind.
Jungkook was led into her living room, where Y/N told him to make himself comfortable and set whatever he needs to set up. When Y/N was leaving the room, Jungkook was trying hard not to watch her perfectly round ass swaying naturally as she walked.
Focus, Jeon Jungkook! You’re here to get work done! He mentally scolded himself and shook the thought of her red panties peeking through the thin fabric of her shirt out of his mind.
About 5 minutes after she disappeared into her room; the girl came back out to the living room to see Jungkook in deep thought staring into thin air.
Y/N cleared her throat which caught the male’s attention.
“Jungkook-ah, would you like to have anything to drink?” The man shook his head.
“Maybe later”
Y/N simply nodded and sat cross legged a few feet next to Jungkook on the floor; just to make things easier and safer, or so she thought. The moment she’s fully seated, her shirt rode up her thigh, exposing more of her soft skin and giving Jungkook a clearer view of her underwear.
Jungkook let out a quiet groan at the sight, which thankfully, didn’t reach Y/N’s ears.
There have been a lot of times, where she’s found herself imagining things about Jungkook. Sometimes, she imagine things that’d make her smile and blush like; Jungkook innocently holding her hands, Jungkook adoringly hugging her when she’s feeling down, but most of the time though her thoughts trails down to hormone-driven areas that makes her clench her thighs and her cheeks flush like; Jungkook leaving hickeys on her neck, Jungkook kissing her breathless, and Jungkook fucking the life out of her, she’d imagine these things and not be able to look him in the eye for a few days.
__________
The two divided their work amongst themselves and went about like that for hours in almost utter silence. Safe for the sound of keyboard typing and Y/N sipping on a cup of tea that she keeps on leaving their station to make.
"Hey, do you want to take a break? I’m kind of tired of staring at our laptops for the past 4 hours.” she asks after she finished typing information she’s gathered so far for their presentation.
“Sure, yeah. We’ll just do it again another time when you’re free.” Jungkook said as he cleared the table a bit.
Y/N excused herself to go to the kitchen, picking up a beer case, when she realised how jittery she had been feeling for the past 30 minutes. Y/N finished her can and felt like she regained her sanity almost immediately. Y/N poked her head out and turns to Jungkook’s direction before asking him if he’d like a cold one which he gladly accepted. He doesn’t show it, but he was starting to get hard from the countless times her thighs came into his view and he’d like anything to help him ignore it.
Y/N came out of the kitchen with a 6-pack in her hand, that and other things they could munch on for the time being, which consisted of bags and bags of potato chips.
Maybe it’s because of the beer she had a few minutes ago. But she’s feeling rather daring at that moment. So when she walked over to where he was sitting cross legged, Y/N bowed down, so her face was directly in front of him and her shirt would show that she was completely naked underneath it.
Y/N handed Jungkook his beer and sat down right beside him and it drove Jungkook to finish it in record-time. One look at Y/N, and he finished 2 more cans.
“Whoa, slow down there, buddy” She says with her hand on his when she saw Jungkook was about to take another from the pack, stopping him.
After a moment or two, Y/N retrieved her hand and looked down at her lap. She looked up and saw that Jungkook had a dazed look on his face. It took her a few seconds to realise that the man was drunk.
“Y/N-ah, do you like our topic?”
“Sure, I guess I do.”
“Why? Any particular reason to like a topic such as this? Sex Addiction?” Jungkook mindlessly asked.
Instead of getting offended, Y/N found herself smirking before asking Jungkook “why, Jungkook. Are you trying to ask me if I’m addicted to having sex?” leaving him flustered at the question.
“Does your question have anything to do with my reputation for sleeping around?” she asked with her head cocked to the side.
“Uh… you do?” he asked her again.
This made Y/N laugh, because it’s ridiculous if Jungkook, who hangs out with most of the guys she’s slept with, didn’t know about her numbers.
Y/N lifted her beer to her lips and emptied the rest of the contents in one gulp, “Yes. Yes I do” She said with a slightly drunken grin. “I do, but that doesn’t make me a sex addict, does it? It just makes me someone who has a lot of sex.”
She wasn’t exactly proud of the number of guys she’s had meaningless sex with, but she’s always been happy about how many times she’s done the deed. Well, how many orgasms she had over the years, with or without a partner, to be exact.
Jungkook had a cute thoughtful look on his face when he took a sip, it made Y/N wanted to play with him so she says, leaning closer to him. “Don’t tell anyone I told you but the last time I had sex was 3 nights ago on the couch behind us.”
The look on Jungkook’s face was priceless, his eyes wide and he looked like he was about to choke on his beer. Before he could stop himself, Jungkook’s eyes wandered down to her chest where her breasts were now pretty much visible. Jungkook quickly looked away but it was fruitless, because Y/N saw Jungkook looking at her chest.
Soft chuckles left her lips as she settles her empty bottle onto the table where their textbooks and printed materials were stacked up on.
Y/N scoots much closer to Jungkook than she originally had been, whilst subtly pulling down her shirt a little just to tease the man.
The mere act managed to elicit a throaty groan from Jungkook and it made Y/N imagine the things she could do to hear it again.
“Kookie, to answer your ‘vague’ question, I’m addicted to sex. Because honestly, I’ve never craved for it nor do I think that I can’t live without it. Isn’t that what addiction is? a condition that results when a person ingests a substance or engages in an activity that can be pleasurable but the continuation of which becomes compulsive and interferes with ordinary responsibilities and concerns. It is only an addiction if it affects my interpersonal life, but it doesn’t. I’m doing great in school, I have genuine friends, I have a healthy relationship with my family despite my sex count.” She paused to stare into Jungkook’s hazy eyes before adding.
“But then again, maybe I just haven’t met anyone that makes sex addictive for me and that I’m using our school as medium to look for such a person” Jungkook visibly gulped as Y/N spoke.
Y/N was enjoying herself so much that she dares herself to look at Jungkook’s rapidly growing tent on his crotch to see if she’s affecting him much and it got her biting her lip at the size. All of a sudden feeling ballsy, she tentatively lifted her hand to palm at Jungkook’s clothed erection making him let out a surprised hiss.
As she was palming him she leaned into his ear and whispers “fun fact, Kookie. I like to experiment things. If a guy wants to live out my fantasies, I get excited.” Y/N pulls at his hand and places his fingers where her arousal was before adding “very excited".
She moved Jungkook’s fingers up and down her slit, putting slightly more pressure on her clit making herself whimper into his ear.
“So what do you say, Kookie? Care to take up a challenge? Cause I have something I’ve always wanted to try, but I never found anyone that I wanted to do it to” Y/N says as her lips softly grazes his ear making Jungkook’s fingers move on their own and without her asistance.
Jungkook didn’t say anything, he couldn’t. He seems to have lost his voice the moment Y/N brought his hand to touch herself. So he nods.
Y/N reluctantly pulled Jungkook’s hands away from where she was desperate for release and stood up, pulling Jungkook along with her by his hand.
She started kissing him; Jungkook didn’t waste any time before kissing her back. The hand that was clasped with Y/N’s was now under her shirt, stroking at the soft skin of her waist, while the other was holding onto the back of her neck to deepen the kiss. Their tongues exploring each others’ cavern.
Jungkook’s hand that was under Y/N’s shirt moved to cup her breast and fingers toying her pebbled nipple. Gently kneading making Y/N gasp into his mouth, giving Jungkook the opportunity to dominate the kiss.
Y/N’s hands were fisted on Jungkook’s chest but she unclasped her fist, ran them down his chest slowly and started to undo the buttons on Jungkook’s white dress shirt. When the task was complete Y/N pulled away from the kiss to kiss Jungkook along his jaw to his neck, before licking wetly on his collar bone and leaving a soft kiss on his broad chest after pushing the material off his shoulders.
Y/N pushed Jungkook to walk backwards towards the couch and all the while she was trying to undo the buttons and fly on his jeans, Jungkook tugged at the hem of Y/N’s t-shirt.
Both understanding what the other wants, even in their state of mind, takes off their own piece of clothing desperately. Jungkook’s lips attached themselves onto one of her nipples as soon as her shirt was off, and Y/N’s hands wove into Jungkook’s soft hair. Jungkook sat on the armrest while his mouth was latched onto Y/N’s sensitive nipple and his hand giving their attention to her other nipple while using his other thumb to rub at her clit painfully slowly making her gasp.
Y/N was only moaning softly in the beginning but now, with all the stimulation she was receiving, she thinks her entire building was about to find out she was about to fuck from how loud she was being.
Jungkook’s thumb was rubbing faster but it was consistent. With every time she felt a spark her moan was evidently louder and more curses would spill through her sinful lips.
It all happened so fast and she hadn’t seen it coming, one moment she was gasping his name, her eyes screwed shut and then she’s coming.
Y/N felt Jungkook’s fingers trying to collect all her juices, she opened her eyes and looked down and saw Jungkook gazing darkly into her eyes as he licks his fingers cleans and he moaned with his eyes closed as if she’s the best thing he’s ever tasted.
“You taste so sweet, come here. Have a taste” Jungkook dazedly said as he collects more of her on his fingers and holding them to Y/N’s lips. Y/N slowly opened her mouth with her eyes locked with Jungkook’s, only sucking on his fingertips at first but soon have the entire length in her mouth making Jungkook grunt deliciously.
Y/N kissed him hard on the lips and Jungkook kisses her back instantly with equal fervour, Y/N pulled away and spread Jungkook’s legs with her knees and situates herself on his thigh after sliding off her panties.
“I’ve always wondered if your thighs are as great as they look; I want to see if your thighs could get me off.” She murmurs onto his shoulder.
Legs on either side of his thigh, and she started grinding her hips onto his thick and muscular thigh making Y/N throw her head back at the delicious friction her grinding caused. She was a whimpering, moaning and gasping mess almost as soon as she started. Her wet lips spreading and leaving trails of her arousal on his milky skin.
His steady hands gripped onto her perfectly round bum encouraging and guiding her movements, making her moans to be even louder than she has ever heard it to be. Jungkook took her nipple into his mouth again only to let it go to pepper open mouthed kisses onto her breast on her ribs, onto every surface he could possibly reach with his mouth at that moment. He left hickeys on her chest, on her breasts and he pulled at her neck and left a number on there as well. And it made Y/N’s face flush with adrenaline.
He likes seeing his marks on her, he thinks. That, and accompanied by her cheeks that’s growing increasingly pink by the minute.
Jungkook pulled Y/N into a sloppy desperate kiss and he felt the naked girl clenching her insides and her thighs and he knew she was close as if he has always known how her body would react when she’s so close to the edge. Jungkook guided Y/N’s movements to be faster so she could reach her climax.
After a few more thrusts, she came hard and with a loud mewl of his name that left her throat dry.
Jungkook peppered soft kisses onto her sweaty skin to help her get her breathing back to normal. After a moment, when Y/N felt herself coming down from her high, she shakily gets up from his thigh and her eyes widened when she saw how she drenched Jungkook’s thigh with her glistening juices.
Almost instinctively, Y/N got down on her knees and licked herself off Jungkook’s thigh until there was none, all the while staring into his eyes. Jungkook pulled her face to his so he could taste her essence on her own tongue and he hummed in approval. “Even sweeter” he remarked and it made Y/N smile shyly.
She kissed a trail on Jungkook’s thighs before tugging at the waistband of Jungkook’s pre-cum stained briefs.
Jungkook hissed as soon as his cock was out, all red and swollen at the tip. Without wasting any more time, Y/N licked the back of his cock from the base to the tip. Earning a shudder and a loud moan from the guy. She kitten licked his slit, cleaning off the pre-cum that bubbled out, licked around the tip and had Jungkook clenching and unclenching his hands repeatedly at his sides.
Y/N saw this and pulled his left hand and placed it on her head, telling him to determine how fast she should bob her head.
Easing his entire length to the back of her throat, inch by inch and she swallowed around it, making herself gag. “F*ck, so beautiful. You looks ravishing with a cock in your mouth” Jungkook moans as his head is thrown back and he thrusted up his hips making her gag again.
“You look like you’re in the right place, right now. As if my cock belongs in your mouth.” He continued. Y/N lifts her head off his cock to suckle on the tip, moving her hands on the rest of his length and occasionally fondling his balls.
He kept fucking into her mouth, letting strings of curse words to flow past his lips and straight to her core.
He kept calling her demeaning names; she should feel offended by it. But she wonders why her body is reacting to it in gratitude.
Y/N had tears in her eyes from the lack of air when Jungkook gave her mouth a particularly hard thrust, letting his cock prod at her throat for a little longer than before, too lost in his own pleasure. Jungkook looked down and saw how red her eyes and gotten immediately pulled her away from his shaft worriedly.
“I’m sorry, are you okay?” He questioned with his palms on either side of the cheeks holding her face near his. She pecked his lips before nodding happily “Yeah I’m fine” and making a move to get down on her knees again but Jungkook pulled her back up.
“That’s enough, I’m gonna come before I even get to fuck you if you keep going” he whispered huskily in her ear, sounding completely fucked out.
Y/N blushed but nodded.
Jungkook stood up from the chair and moved onto the couch and gestured Y/N to lie down with her legs spread. Jungkook pulled her closer to the edge before sitting on the balls of his feet and situating his face on her dripping core.
This was not Y/N’s first time getting eaten out. And if she was to be honest, all other guys she has ever slept with always tried hard to impress her so the amount of times someone had eaten her out was equivalent to the amount of times she’s fucked someone. But how is it possibly that when Jeon Jungkook is sinfully licking, suckling and teasing her cunt, it feels like it’s the first time.
He moves two digits to her slit, scissoring her clit before kissing her bud tenderly. Pressing his finger into her, Y/N clenches at the intrusion, as if welcoming any part of him into her body. His tongue and fingers were relentless. While his tongue was flicking her clit, his fingers were fucking her, curling up to meet her special spot repeatedly and it made her toes curl and her knuckles white from clutching onto the couch as if her life depended on it.
Jungkook hadn’t seen it coming, neither did she, but she knew that it was because he was really good that she came right onto his tongue.
Jungkook pecks her lips as he positions himself to line his shaft at her entrance and before slowly sinking his entire length easily, the fullness making Y/N still and she’s biting onto his bottom lip so hard she could taste the metallic taste of blood on her tongue.
Jungkook, only barely holding onto his willpower as he waited for Y/N to adjust to tell him to move, caresses the skin of her thighs, coaxing her to relax her muscles with a shiver.
Y/N had her hands on Jungkook’s shoulders and the feeling of his cock inside her made feel complete. She tapped Jungkook’s shoulder lightly telling him to move, and he did just that.
Pulling back out completely only to sink back in balls deep, making Y/N whimper loudly at the feeling of his length stroking her walls. Repeating his actions and the noises Y/N makes only seems to grow louder and sexier.
Quickening his pace, Jungkook felt the longing he’s been keeping at bay for year rising up his throat and before he could stop himself, he was vomiting words.
“3 years! After 3 years, I finally get to know how this feels. How this feels with you. And fuck, this is better than I could ever imagine it to be. You feel so good… so good, Y/N” He almost cries.
Jungkook harshly kissed Y/N’s lips and hurriedly shoving his tongue into her mouth leaving her breathless.
He pulled back and put one of her legs on his shoulder, placing a soft kiss on her calve before continuing to piston his hips against hers filling her living room with sounds of skin slapping, loud moaning, throaty grunts and Y/N’s mewls.
Y/N couldn’t help but to watch the man above her, losing himself, in awe. The small sound he makes whenever she squeezes her walls involuntarily, the lewd words he says in low tones making her whimper pathetically.
Jungkook leaned down to capture her lips again in a kiss that had the girl feeling light-headed and when he started to really gain his speed, Y/N screamed at the top of her lungs, unable to keep her noises down
Y/N hummed when she felt Jungkook hitting that spot that had her toes curling repeatedly and she felt that familiar tightening in her belly and she clawed her nails onto Jungkook’s sides leaving red line on his skin.
“Jungkook, I’m close” Y/N breathed out making Jungkook’s cock twitch inside her indicating that he too was close. Jungkook moved his hand in between their sweaty naked bodies, to rub at her nub. It wasn’t long after that, that Y/N’s back arched off the couch, and she was coming with a chant of his name and “fuck”s.
Milking Jungkook’s cock, he followed soon after, releasing his own series of curses and pet names thrown at the quivering girl beneath him as he finishes inside her, filling her up to the brim.
Jungkook collapsed onto Y/N with a tired huff as they both try to catch their breaths and calm their erratic heartbeat. Jungkook was kissing at the crook of Y/N’s neck, as well as leaving a red bruise he sucked just like he’s always dreamed of.
Y/N had her legs around his waist and her fingers soft tracing the skin on his back and she gently bit onto his shoulder making the latter chuckle.
“So… 3 years?” Y/N started.
When she turned to look at Jungkook, he was already red in the face from embarrassment.
“Uh… Yeah, I’ve liked you ever since the fourth day of orientation.” he answered looking down, gaze focused on her bare shoulders to avoid her eyes. She had her entire body turned around to face him and kiss him adoringly on the lips before pecking his nose.
“Good, cause I like you too.” And then it was Y/N’s turn to blush profusely.
“But how come you never showed any sign that could clue me in on your crush” she asked with genuine curiosity.
“You were never with just one person, and I wanted something serious… So, I figured you just weren’t into dating exclusively.” he answered, sheepish.
“You should’ve made that known, at least. Maybe I would’ve wanted that too” she said quietly with a raging blush decorating her cheeks.
“Okay then… I have another confession to make.” Jungkook asked Y/N out of the blue.
“Okay, spill"
“I asked Mr. Kim to assign us together for this presentation. Because I wanted to spend time with you, so I could I ask you out.” Jungkook slowly trails off with pink cheeks.
“You wanted to ask me out?” Y/N asked with her eye wide.
“Also, you asked him to? How? Did you know he was going to give us this topic?” she rambled
This made Jungkook chuckled as he nods yes, before he stopped completely remembering something.
“Did you really have sex on this couch 3 nights ago?” The question made Y/N snort.
“I never take my hook ups back to my place. This is my safe haven.” She answered, brushing him off making the male grin.
“I shouldn’t feel as proud as I am about that. Because I’m guessing I’m the first person you’ve invited into your space for a lil’ frickle frackle.”
“You should ‘cause you are.” And then it was quiet.
“So… what now?“ Jungkook asked with a lazy grin.
A mischievous smile crept up onto the girl’s face when she happily suggested. “Round two?” And when Jungkook’s lazy grin turns into a shit eating one, Y/N quickly stood up from the couch and ran into her room with Jungkook tailing behind her.
By the time their frustrations for each began to fade out of their systems, both were sweaty and out of breath with chests heaving for every rapid inhale and exhale they desperately took.
“So… about the whole ‘asking-me-out’ deal, are you going to officially ask that question or was it just a thought?”
“Of course I am, I was going to ask you in the morning when you’re not so tired… But I guess, now will do. Should I pick you up tomorrow night at 8?”
The girl grinned as she happily nodded and Jungkook’s hand began stroking her inner thigh mindlessly. She’s been with so many other people before the man beside her, but none of them ever made her feel the things that Jungkook managed to draw out of her.
The urge to do him again and again is one of them. Which explains why when she turned on her side, her leg was immediately thrown on to Jungkook’s waist, pulling herself closer and dragged her core against his sweaty skin. The male’s eyes widened in shock when he says “again?”
#jungkook scenarios#jungkook smut#bts scenarios#bts smut#bts jungkook#bangtan smut#bangtan scenarios#jungkook#smut#writing#this is filth#omg im so sorry#the sex is bad too#idek if one could have so much stamina to come 5 times in one night
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Revelations ( part one )
(( Short story ))
Cold and dark was the night, a storm brewed over head… Ra’rhuk had waited out the hours by writing in his journal, and watching the blizzard roll in. He did not take to his patrol of Zul’drak that evening as he lacked a desire to. It was not until the storm had passed in the morning hours of the next day that he had taken to actually perform his elected duty.
Hours had passed undisturbed while he walked his lonely road, nothing of note other then a few animal tracks in the fresh white washed covering of snow. He merely walked, observed, listened to the silence while his mind traveled in the same repetitive loop as it had of late. He had tried to escape the melody that had returned by focusing on the environment. He had elected out of his own to stay here, he believed he wanted to stay in his homeland, just as he believed this was where his answers would be found. Through the prophet he had made contact with his loa, received a blessing, gained insight to what was required of him. It was deathly quite this morning, as if the world was holding it’s breath before a catastrophic event.
He had only seen one snow hare all day. It was getting late, he decided he would return to the temple to continue writing in his journal. A short time after looping back a small branch snap of a sound had gained his attention enough to cause him to pause in his almost silent tread. It was a sound he easily would have dismissed, yet the inactivity this day had been so profound he changed course to investigate. It was probably nothing more then a tree branch breaking due to the heavy snow fall and nothing more he had thought while he moved like a ghost in a fog towards the source. It was then he paused in his gait yet again, his tattered ear twitching as it picked up the faintest of sounds. A weakened heart beat within it’s confines, a shallow breath.
The figure under the shroud of a great evergreens bowing heavy bristling limbs, laid motionless on their side in a dusting of snow. His leaning forward frame righted itself, as he internally debated if he should end the life, or let it ebb away in the cold. This was not a beast by visual inspection, he instantly had known it was a female troll by sight and scent. Too many times, he had come across his people that remained in the region, they were always tainted by madness. It would be a swift mercy killing. After a long silent debate he decided to make certain that it was not some unfortunate traveler that had became lost in the storm. He highly doubted that she was a unfortunate traveler sent to these forgotten lands just by her condition, garb that was exposed, and scent. He had been proven wrong before, so he elected to leave no room for question by giving the individual the benefit of the doubt before he acted. He placed his hand on the female’s one exposed shoulder to turn her to face his direction, he would know upon a full visual.
His hand as if under it’s own volition slipped away when he was faced with the unconscious countenance of the filthy female. He took two abrupt steps backward, blinking twice as he was stuck still with complete confusion. The matted tight to the scalp hair looked grey as did her entire being, but there was recognition... this was someone he recognized, she was different, yet the same. He stood utterly still as if his mind was frozen in mid process of what he was seeing, it wasn’t registering who this person was to him at all. As he stood there in lock down, he hadn’t reacted to the signs that the female was awakening, the heart beat and breath quickening, or small movements of the body. Even when her eyes opened, he simply stared. While her features contorted into hard fear ridden lines he continued to stare unblinkingly, who was this?!
It was the sound that came out as a rasp whimper rather then the desired scream, that had him snap out of the enthrallment. “ You are suffering from being exposed too long to the elements. I’m not here to harm you, I’m here to aid you. “ He said in zandali with his typical monotone echoing voice. With that, and very little struggle on the almost unconscious female’s part he had hoisted her up to his shoulder to carry her off by.
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He had returned to the temple with found guest. The braziers had been lit, the female had been covered with warm furs. Ra’rhuk had allowed her to regain her strength in slumber before taking any more action with her. He had refrained from questioning as she was not in mind to answer, keeping his own disturbance to himself as he paced upon the stone floor. He was going through recalled faces of his youth attempting to do age progression in his mind. This was not the instant recognition he had when he had found his brother Kor’akk on the battle field. This female was someone he knew but could not place, he had believed before this moment his memory recall was flawless, now there was doubt. Through the night he had paced out the hours in his own thought, it was small sound she produced when she had rolled over that caused him to say a name as if his tongue had it’s own will power. “ Sandria.”
How could he not have recognized her?! As the realization of who this was struck him, he moved quickly to retrieve a basin, water, and cloth to wash her face with, to prove to himself without a shadow of a doubt who she was in name. He did not hold patience as he warmed the bowl and cloth by the fire, as if with angst of doubt, or possible denial, as if her face had to be clear of dirt to see the facts before him. His hold to her was tentative as he held anyone in an injured condition, yet all the same the grip was direct with intended purpose. He cleaned away the dirt from her brow, and dirt covered cheeks with gentle swipes. Age, and a hard life had stripped her once youthful beauty from her visage, but there were still those indications he recalled. Still he knew this was her, the memory of her young face that not too long ago gave him small comfort within a cave in a jungle a world away from here. He stared in silence for a long time as the last bit of dirt was cleared away. It was almost a reflex now to drop his frost presence around the living, although he would not be warmed until he fed, he would not be as icy cold. She was not as he remembered. Ra’rhuk had to remind himself there was a life time between them, what he saw now before had not always been as the present indicated. He did not draw her in close to give comfort, but he did not depart either as he laid her back down undisturbed to the fur covered mat.
If she was one of the crazed he would give her peace, If she had her mental faculties when she regained her strength enough to travel he would either deliver her to Shayna, or allow her to go on her way he had decided while she slept. At the moment her stability and the weather was preventing his direct departure to the priestess’s home. He was having difficulties processing still as to why he did not recognize her immediately, he should have known by sight, and scent. He did recognize her now, and that opened many more questions that he asked in silence while she slept.
A whole day passed, into a second day, Ra’rhuk did not do his patrols he merely kept watch over Sandria. There were times he was uncertain she would wake, as beyond keeping her warm with furs and fire heat. There was nothing else he could think that he could provide in aid her in regaining her strength. He thought of their past together in those longer seeming hours.
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Sandria was not a female he had loved with the depth that he had loved his Hisani. She had provided him comforts, and he in return provided for her needs, it was something arranged with mutual respect. She had no family remaining, no dowry, no rank, he provided protection, and a home to stay warm in exchange for her comforts. He had returned home from battle to a clean home, warm food, attendance to his wounds, and all his needs fulfilled. She in turn was granted an allowance of gold to provide for her needs, and a roof over her head. He had a few arrangements such as this, this one between himself and Sandria had lasted two years, one of the longest held. She did not complain, she spoke her mind, she was bold and direct, he had enjoyed her company when in it. She had always eased his mind when the need arose, and if she had issues with how things were handled in his absence she had authority granted to change it, and if she was unable to handle it upon his return he made ensured the adjustments were made to her standards.
It was a simple relationship, it saved her from working the fields or becoming a mate to a male not of her choosing. He was aware of her desire to become his mate, yet his heart had been fixated upon another to claim as his first. She did not pursue it, nor did she argue with him over it. She seemed as content in the position she had held with him, as he was with her. Ra’rhuk had been selfish in that regard when it came to emotional bonds, and perhaps had unknowingly mistreated Sandria’s value and worth to him in the process. It was unintentional of course, his mind had been more preoccupied on the battle field, the state his own gains, and how his home was ran then the emotional well being of the female. He could not see her for who she was, beyond the luxuries she gave to him, his ambitions were too strong and she had no name or place that would further advance him. Perhaps, there were small indications that she wanted more from him then he was able to give, but it was never clarified in voiced expression. it was a good distraction to come home to her comforts rather then an empty hut. It had seemed seamless and without complications. It was the way he liked it, he left home with less concerns then he had arrived with.
Ra’rhuk had never returned home after that last march.... All this time he had not thought about the fate of those that worked for him. It was as if he had dismissed their existence as one of obliteration, he had died, therefore they were no more. He could not comprehend how she was here... She should be dead by all accounts, not many had escaped Drak’Tharon keep, nor traveled with the Zandalari southward, those that remained behind that he had encountered alive were insane. These facts had caused him to wonder about her plight as Sandria slumbered. Had she waited all these years out of devotion, surviving on the meager offerings of what remained provided? Was she one of those that returned, in hopes that there was something to be done to resurrect Zul’drak to her former glory? Or was she like him.... seeking out the gods? Many thoughts invaded his mind as to how she appeared from the snow.
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Ra’rhuk rubbed to his either side of his temples with his index fingers, his eyes on the pale brazier fires that flickered and danced like the lapping of a serpents tongue. He knew she could not remain here, he could not provide for a living being, as it was he was struggling with what care she was needing in the present. With a fresh blizzard howling outside, he could not move her or he would have already done it. He should not have brought her here, he should have directly went to the priestess Shayna’s, but he had not thought about it only reacted as to what seemed best at the time. He attempted to think of what she would need until that departure when a voice interrupted his thought process.
~ Food, water, clothes, and a bath...~ Zor’din voiced from behind his brother.
Ra’rhuk turned his head quickly causing those segments and tendons within his neck to pop and crack. “ Where the fuck ‘ave you been?” Ra’rhuk stared the spirit form down.
~ Shhhh.... You’re going to disturb her. I’ve been... around. You just needed some time to yourself. Now you need my help, so here I am. ~ His image stretched a smirk of a smile, he gave a small bow of his frame. ~ Good to see you Zordin.. How’ve you been? That’s how normal people act when seeing someone they haven’t in a long time. Your tone, sounds like you were accusing me of avoiding you or something, very rude, even for you. ~
Ra’rhuk found himself standing up and turning to face his brother, his eyes wandering as if sizing the spectral image up. “ Hmmm....”
~ I really wasn’t expecting a warm welcome... You’re going to need fresh water, food, and other provisions if you are planning on keeping her, I was serious about that. ~ Zor’din moved closer to his brother seemingly stepping around the sleeping female. ~ And you’re going to need to feed too if you plan on keeping that presence, we can’t have you munching on the person you are trying to help.~ He snickered and as if he was actually making contact he seemed to shove his palms against Ra’rhuk’s chest plate. Not surprisingly his brother made no indication of touch, nor did his spiritual hands actually have any pressure to them at all. ~ Chop, chop, time’s a wasting. She’s going to wake up soon... I’ll keep watch over her while you’re out. ~
Ra’rhuk was silently just staring at the shade of his brother, unmoving, as if considering a great number of things. “ Very well, I’ll go, if she is sound of mind upon awakening I will take her to the priestess. “ He turned on his heel and walked out without another word.
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Chapter Six: The Devil’s in the Details but You Got a Friend in Me
But I'm a fire and I'll keep your brittle heart warm,
If your cascade ocean wave blues come
( Peace ; Taylor Swift )
May 20, 2018
Maggie buzzed around the small kitchen, trying to distract herself in one of the only ways she knew how: cooking. Using a knife, she expertly chopped whatever vegetables she was able to find in the fridge before sautéing them in a pan with she’d doused with a green-golden swirl of olive oil that sizzled loudly and quickly filled the room with the fragrant aroma of garlic. She grabbed a box of pasta from the pantry and read over the label, contemplating how much to make before settling on dumping the whole box into the bubbling water that waited in the pan below. Her head bobbed to the eighties pop-rock playlist that she’d quietly turned on from her phone as a distraction.
Since leaving the hospital earlier that morning, there was no doubt that she felt better. After everything was said and done, she’d slept for almost twenty-four hours straight. Each time she’d woken up, Steve Rogers rested in the chair beside her bed, usually awake and doing mission reports but several times she’d caught him slack jaw in his sleep, his head resting back on the headrest as soft snores came from his mouth. Her sunken cheeks and eyes had been reanimated with the hydration that the IV had given her, she no longer felt like she was on the verge of collapsing where she stood, and she finally had regained an appetite.
She was on autopilot; pasta primavera had been her go-to easy meal since she was a teenager and she was certain that she could make it in her sleep so it was the perfect mindless activity to keep her busy. She’d been released on the condition that she would take it easy, and make some attempt at relaxation, before returning to work on Monday morning. She had tried to write in her journal but quickly became frustrated with the task, needing something more stimulating to keep her attention.
Never one to completely obey orders, she’d returned to her room and, after a shower to rid herself of the sterile smell from the infirmary, began unpacking her things from the brown cardboard moving boxes. Making the unfamiliar space slightly more welcoming had been a feat in itself as she hung pictures and organized her books on the shelf alphabetically. It had been an all-day event; she hadn’t noticed that she hadn’t eaten since that morning until her stomach rumbled loudly while she sat on her bed, admiring her work.
“Please tell me you made extra.” Maggie was taken from her reverie by Natasha dragging a stool out from under the table and sitting down. Crossing her forearms, she rested her chin upon them as she watched the younger brunette move around the kitchen. The two had spoken some in passing but hadn’t had much time to get to know one another.
“I definitely did.” The quiet exhale of a laugh passed through Maggie’s lips, “When was the last time you had a vegetable?”
“I had chips earlier and potatoes are a vegetable, so then.” Natasha quipped back with a shrug.
“Okay, so it’s safe to say that you don’t remember.” Maggie shook her head as she tossed the pasta and rainbow of vegetable into the creamy, lemony sauce before covering it in a healthy, heavy blanket of parmesan shavings that fell like snow.
She plated the food and slid the dish in front of Natasha who accepted it eagerly. Quickly stabbing several noodles with a fork, she unceremoniously shoved the bite in her mouth before letting out a groan of satisfaction. “This is the best thing I’ve had all week.”
Maggie grinned, spearing a piece of broccoli on her fork, “Considering that I’ve only seen you eat sandwiches or frozen pizza since I moved in, I’d hope so.” The warm food was comforting in some way; the act of cooking was always soothing to her. She always found the process of making something whole from a variety of other things, and having a tangible result in front of her, rewarding.
“Mm, where are you off to?” Maggie looked up, following Nat’s eyes to see Steve entering the common area, wearing a pair of khaki pants and a tight, white tank top with a towel tossed over his shoulder. “Hot date?”
“Yeah, with this.” He held up a razor, a tired smile on his face. He ran a hand over the facial hair that he’d been sporting over the past several years. “I think it’s time to say goodbye to this thing.”
Natasha gave a disapproving frown, before speaking around a mouthful of food, “I liked the beard.”
“Me too.” Maggie chimed in, smiling over at Steve who met her gaze. She’d seen photos of him before, always clean shaven like the military man he’d been but she’d be lying if she said that the beard wasn’t incredibly attractive for some reason.
“Maybe I’ll grow it back someday.” He chuckled, continuing his way to the bathroom.
The two women ate in a companionable silence only broken by guitar strums and synth notes from the musical stylings of The Cars. After several songs, Maggie sat up after hearing a dull rumble. She drew her eyebrows together and glanced over at Natasha, a matching expression on her face. Through the window, in the distance, Maggie caught sight of a small but bright light and a large shadow above it as the dull noise grew to a roar, beginning to shake the building. “What the hell is that?”
Natasha was already grabbing her jacket, quickly making her way outside. Maggie followed in suit, seeing Pepper far ahead of everyone as Rhodey, Steve, and Bruce made their way out to see what the commotion was as well. The six of them stood near the landing area of the grounds, waiting with bated breath as they watched what looked like a glowing woman slowly help a large spacecraft come to rest on the ground after the landing gears deployed.
A ramp opened from the bottom of the ship and two figures stood at the top, illuminated from behind as it slowly unfolded. Without a doubt, it was Tony. A robot-like woman with blue skin helped to hold the frail man up as they carefully made their way to solid ground. Her breath caught in her throat and she watched as Steve and Pepper took off in a sprint towards them. She felt like she couldn’t move, a hiccup of a soft sob breaking through her lips as Rhodey gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder. He was home. Although worse for wear, Tony had somehow beat the odds and come back to them.
May 21, 2018
“Uncle T,” Maggie stood from the chair she’d been residing in for the past hour, exasperated as she followed the sickly man who’d somehow gotten someone to bring him a wheelchair, then decided he needed to talk to everyone else at the compound. “What the fuck are you doing?” She grabbed the tower to which his IV was attached and put a hand on the back of the chair as he attempted to get away, rolling her eyes and mumbling, “Pepper is going to kick my ass.” Quickly, she moved the drip bag to the chair’s attached pole and made sure it hung securely before ensuring the coast was clear.
“She’ll know it was my idea.” Tony gave a small shrug, silently grateful that he didn’t have to exert his already limited energy to push himself across the building.
Maggie took the handles and pushed him through the halls, keeping her eyes peeled for any nurses that would be unhappy with his silent departure. “Where did you want to go, anyway?”
“Living area. I need some type of nutrition that isn’t liquid,” He gave a disdainful look at the IV bag, “And I asked F.R.I.D.A.Y. to get everyone there.”
“When did you have time to do that!?” She raised an eyebrow though he couldn’t see her, shaking her head.
Maybe she was just like Tony, never knowing when to rest.
“When you were telling the nurse she didn’t know how to do a mental status examination and stole my chart.” His response was quick; if the examination hadn’t been conclusive, she could tell that his faculties were obviously still intact.
“She was doing it wrong.” Maggie defended while slowly rolling him backwards into the elevator, careful not to shake him too much. She knew he hated being treated like he was fragile but she’d never seen him look quite so sickly.
“Was she? Or did you just want to do it yourself?” She could almost hear the smirk in his voice when he quipped back.
“Shut up.” She grumbled, no longer having a defense as the ding let them know that they’d already ascended.
“Don’t tell me to shut up, young lady. I’m on my deathbed, or in my death chair—” He struggled to look back over his shoulder at her and, although he was only trying to make a joke, Maggie felt a pit drop in her stomach.
She stopped short, turning his chair so he could see her stern expression as she crossed her arms over her chest. “Don’t say that. Don’t ever say that.” He bowed his head, feeling moderately guilty for the joke as the young woman reprimanded him in the empty lift, “I know you’re kidding but you’re not dying. Not now, not anytime soon. Get it?”
“Got it.” He nodded, acquiescing her request.
“Good.” She gave a short nod before pushing him out through the doors and walking him down the hall in a tense silence before she finally broke it. “If you’re done being a drama queen, I’ll make you lunch.”
“Thank god.”
“It’s gonna be bland because you’re still delicate and I’m not dealing with you if you get sick.” She teased, only half-joking with the older man as she parked him at the table between the living area and kitchen.
“Yeah, that’s a fair trade.” He shrugged.
She turned on the stove, quickly grabbing a pan and soup from the fridge that she’d made a day or two earlier. As she sliced some bread, she glanced over at him, rubbing his tired eyes behind his thick rimmed glasses. In the moment, she couldn’t help but realize exactly how similar she was to her pseudo-uncle. Losing their parents before they’d really gotten a chance to know them. Always using false confidence and humor to mask past trauma and the constant fear of failure. Never not working.
Sitting the bowl and plate in front of him, she gave a gentle pat to his shoulder before the ruins of the tattered team filled in. Standing aside, she watched as they got down to brass tacks. The already-tense conversation quickly took a turn, Tony’s irritation radiating around the room and filling any empty space that it could. She winced as the clattering sound of glass broke the mostly quiet room before Tony ripped his IV from his arm and continued his rampage, finally standing precariously on his own.
As he tried to make his way to Steve, she was grateful that Rhodey grasped his arms, holding him up in an attempt to reason with him. She looked down at the table in front of her, listening as he pushed past his old friend to continue towards the man he had once considered to be one. Standing, she watched anxiously as he gripped the glowing apparatus in the middle of his chest and pulled it off forcefully, shoving it into Steve’s hand. While Tony spoke, she watched Steve’s expression flicker between regret and hurt, the lines on his forehead deepening with each blow given by Tony before he dropped to the floor. In a flash, Maggie made her way across the room just in time to see him fall over on his side, unmoving.
She hadn’t even had time to respond before he’d been returned to the hospital wing, that Maggie was now well-acquainted with, only minutes after he’d fallen. Pepper had met them there, Maggie looking properly reprimanded by her for letting him leave to begin with. “Just keep me in the loop.” She sighed softly, rubbing Tony’s arm gently as she gestured to the waiting room. With a nod, Maggie made her way out, following behind as the defenders of the universe discussed their next course of action.
In the evening after listening to their plans, she made her way back to the hospital room through the maze of hallways and doors. Through the glass, she saw Tony still asleep, his chest rising and falling evenly with each breath he took. With her head resting on her arms, leaned over the bed, was Pepper. Knocking gently on the door, she saw the older woman startle slightly before sitting up and waving her in.
Maggie didn’t completely enter the room. She felt like she’d had enough of this area for a lifetime and elected to stay by the door, relaying the information she’d gathered. Her voice was soft, not wanting to wake the exhausted man who was deep within the trenches of sleep, “They know where he is, that Thanos guy.” She still had a hard time believing any of this was real: aliens, other world, traveling through space. “They’re going to find him. They think that maybe they can fix everything; make it the way that it was before.”
Pepper nodded, taking the information in stride as she brushed a hand over Tony’s scruffy face. Maggie looked up to the ceiling with her eyes closed, silently sending a prayer to a god, that she didn’t believe in, that the team could do it— that they could fix this mistake. But after the sun had come and gone the following day and the team returned with their heads hung low, she knew that this was finally it.
This was defeat.
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[Recap] AMC’s THE TERROR Episode 9: “The C, the C, the Open C”
Over the course of AMC’s The Terror, we have been presented with four different horrors. First came the elements. The ice choked the ships to a grinding halt and the cold wind tore through the men’s clothes, turning their fingers black and ripping the skin off their bones. Next came Tuunbaq, the vengeful spirit of the Inuit peoples that terrorized the ships and their crew after the soldiers killed the Shaman tasked with keeping him at bay. After Tuunbaq came the actions of the men surrounding you. Mr. Hickey proved to be a lying, murderous psychopath who would do anything to anyone to advance himself. Dr. Stanley responded to reports of lead poisoning by setting himself and the carnival on fire, resulting in not only the deaths of several men, but also a loss of hope. This week’s penultimate episode showed us two camps of survivors with very different beliefs about survival, and in turn handed us our fourth and most terrible horror; the actions we must ourselves take in order to survive.
Would you massage poison down your friend’s throat to end their suffering? Would you be able to share a laugh as you only remaining companion walks off to draw Tuunbaq away from the camp, assuring his demise? Would you be able to stab a man crippled with exhaustion and lead in the back? Would you taste his flesh? Would you be able to tie a fork-adorned rope around your body so that Tuunbaq would choke on your corpse? In The Terror, first came the elements, then the rampaging beast, then the monstrous acts of those around you, and now we are forced to address the monstrous acts we must ourselves perform to ensure our survival.
This week’s episode was not one of its most action-packed outings, but it was never boring. It was a perfect set up for next week’s finale, showing us the differences between the two camps of survivors and raising the stakes for our beloved characters. Hickey and his group are marching away from the camp with Goodsir and a boat of provisions in tow. Hickey doesn’t do much of the carrying or dragging, posturing himself not as a captain, but as a god to the men following him. He moves from man to man like a roiling mist, whispering in their ears about his plans for survival. He wants to stop eating from the tins and begin using the bodies of the men to fuel their escape and survival. The other camp is led by Captain Crozier, who has regained all of his mental faculties after his detox and proves to be one of the most caring and honorable men still alive. Things are not going well for his men. They are tired and can no longer carry the weight of the sick men in the boats. The sick men include James Fitzjames in their ranks, who is rapidly falling apart and sits in the boat in agony. Showing his humanity, Crozier declares that he would rather leave behind their tents and sleep two to a bag than to leave any man behind.
This isn’t Crozier’s only moment of grace in this episode. When the captain finds out that his friend, and former caretaker, Jopson is in bad shape and can no longer care for himself, Crozier steps in to give him some company and cleaning. As he begins to tell one of his stories (that Jopson has heard a hundred times already, no doubt), he gently begins to wash the man’s face and neck. Jopson begins to weep and Crozier, without calling attention to it or causing a fuss, delicately wipes away Jopson’s tears and continues on with his tale about being thrown from a cow as a youth. He is quietly paying respects to the man who saved his life as he was going through his detox. Jopson has seen Crozier at his lowest, and never batted an eye whenever he was needed. That is true love. That is caring for your fellow man. It is yet another example of the tender moments that this series is full of, despite its nihilistic and gruesome nature.
“We’ve eaten from these tins of mystery for years now without ever really knowing what was in them. Veal cutlets tomato? Hmm. What could that be, really? Pieces of horse? A street dog? All that matters is we were willing to eat the things that served out needs. But our needs have changed, Lieutenant. We need to ask ourselves, what are we willing to eat next?”- Cornelius Hickey
In the separate camps, we are shown two men, both deteriorating and dying from the lead that has been poisoning them for years. In Hickey’s camp, Billy has fallen ill and his joints are in so much pain from the lead building up between the bones that he can no longer walk. In Crozier’s, Fitzjames has started bleeding from years-old wounds and can no longer even stand. Hickey hugs the man he once called friend, walks to his tent, grabs a knife and plunges it into Billy’s back, delivering an agonizing end to his pain. Crozier, on the other hand, tries everything he can to convince James that there is still time for him to get better. James knows the truth, however, and begs to be put out of his misery. He implores his captain to use his body after he dies. If it increases the chances of the others to survive this trek, he wants them to eat his body. To use him as fuel. Crozier takes medicine and, tearfully, massages the life-ending fluid down his brother’s throat, peacefully ending his journey.
Crozier refuses to fulfill James’ final wishes. There is no way that he would desecrate his friend’s body like that. He has the crew sew Fitzjames’ body into a bag and instructs them to hide his body, so that Tuunbaq would not be able to find and disrespect it. Hickey, on the other hand, has no qualms about eating the flesh of his fallen former-friend. It’s almost as if he killed Billy with the sole purpose of eating him on his mind. He holds Goodsir hostage with a threat to the other men because the doctor refused to carve Billy up into chunks of digestible meat. Finally Goodsir relents, cutting into Billy’s flesh and serving the other men his body. They sat at the table, chewing in to their fallen comrade with at first disgust, then pleasure in their eyes as their bellies became full for the first time in months. Hickey, much like the serpent in the Garden after he convinced Eve to take her first bite, smiles and rejoices in his work. How much more power can one have than the amount it takes to convince a man to eat another man? Crozier and Hickey are both wallowing at this moment, one in grief and the other in his power.
“If I’m reading right your accent, Mr. Hickey, you grew up in a home where you’d have to use every part of any meat of value your ma’am could procure. So, if you want to eat your friend, you’re going to have to cut into him yourself. Do not ask me again.”- Harry Goodsir
The end of the episode sees both Captain Crozier and his long-time companion Mr. Blanky perform heroic acts in the name of the survival of the other men. After being tricked by one of his men, Crozier is captured by the mutinous group following Hickey. He goes willingly, even offers up his pistol to the men as he gives his final order to the crew of the HMS Terror. He commands Little, who has placed in charge of the men, to repeat his final order. “We will live”, Little responds as his captain is led away, leaving his fate in the hands of the megalomaniacal god-man leading the other camp.
Blanky, in his ultimate act of heroism, delivers what has become my favorite scene of the series. He has an infection in his leg and he knows that he is going to die. So, to lure Tuunbaq away from the remaining men, he begins to walk to the ice, making as much noise as possible. He sits on the rocks when he cannot walk anymore, and finds himself staring at the Northwest Passage, the Holy Grail that set this whole mission in motion. He lights his pipe, wraps himself in a rope littered with forks, and waits for Tuunbaq to come. When the beast finally does show up in the final scene of the episode, Blanky gives us the best line of the series so far. He hears Tuunbaq’s roar, looks up and says, “What in the name of God took you so fucking long?”
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