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coldresolve · 1 year

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Moneymakers, pt.xvii // American Boys

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People never talk about boredom as anything more than a mild inconvenience. They never talk about the constant fight to keep it at bay. They never describe the sense of being eaten alive by it, of being consumed right down to the fucking bones.

Renee is starting to feel it.

Lying on his back on top of the covers, sufficiently energetic music filling his room, he throws a baseball at the ceiling and catches it, again and again. Every movement of his hands elicits a small ache in his bruised knuckles. The only thing that boredom does, in situations like these, is fuel his anger. People don’t understand what it’s like to be bored, not really. They think they do. They don’t.

Renee could speed up the reconciliation, he supposes, but then again, he’s never been one to bend down for a handshake. Davin can go fuck himself.

Throw, catch. Throw, catch, until he gets fed up with that too.

He sits up on the bed. He wants to scream. Decides it’s probably a better idea to go for a smoke instead.

In the kitchen, he finds Davin with his back turned, cutting fresh vegetables. A cookbook lies open on the counter among bags of groceries that have yet to be unpacked, and his laptop, ever present, sits open on the island. Davin doesn’t look up as Renee enters the room, just continues to prepare food.

If he talks to me as I walk past him, I’m gonna go for his throat.

But Davin doesn’t say anything. Lets him by unchallenged.

Renee feels oddly disappointed at that. He shakes it off, stepping out onto the porch.

As he smokes, he watches a couple of crows picking at the seeds of pine cones that have fallen on the mossy grass at the far end of the yard. They jump around, flapping their wings in the frigid air, feathers huffed up for warmth. Soon as one takes off to leave, another swoops down to replace it.

Once the cigarette is gone, Renee flicks the filter in their direction. One of them jumps up to inspect it, picking at the ground around it before it realizes it’s inedible and jumps back to its peers. Snorting, Renee heads back inside, heading back toward his room.

“Renee,” Davin says. Because of course he does.

On the threshold between kitchen area and hallway, Renee stops in his tracks. Runs a clawed hand through his hair as he lets out a sigh.

Davin’s voice is calm, careful. “If we don’t let his wounds heal, he’s not going to last a month. It’s the same reason we don’t have streams back to back, remember? We already had this discussion.”

Renee turns around, crossing his arms over his chest.

Davin stands leaning against the cabinets, hands propped up on the edges of the countertop. “You asked me what side I’m on. Well, I’m on the side that wants this to run as smoothly as it possibly can.”

“I get it,” Renee mutters begrudgingly.

There’s a period of silence, wherein Renee becomes painfully aware of his awkward position in the room, he’s just standing there in the middle of it. He doesn’t try to mitigate the awkwardness, though, decides to just live with it, as he looks at the other.

“Are we good?” Davin asks eventually.

Renee snorts. “Sure,” he says, not fully meaning it.

Davin nods courtly. “That has to be good enough, ‘cause here’s something I need you to see.”

He goes to his laptop, finger dancing around the mousepad until he finds what he’s looking for, and spins the laptop around so it faces Renee.

Renee somehow simultaneously feels his stomach drop and a careful rush of excitement. He looks at Davin. “For real?”

Davin nods. “Watch it.”

The screen is paused on the video of a news broadcast, the header reading: TORTURED LIVE ON “DARK WEB” – POLICE PRESS CONFERENCE. In frame stands a middle-aged man in uniform, reading from a paper, his bald head gleaming with sweat in the sunlight. In front of him are several microphones bearing the logos of various major broadcasting networks.

Renee clicks play.

“—formed a special task force specifically for this case,” the cop says, “as well as established a tip line for citizens to call if they have information that might help in our investigation.

“I want to make it clear that anyone paying for, watching, distributing, or otherwise engaging with this content will be prosecuted for the solicitation of torture. Let me repeat that: Simple viewers are not to be treated as mere bystanders in this case, but as active participants in the torture and degradation of Mr. DeWitt. Out of respect for him and his family, I implore anyone with knowledge of videos circulating the surface web to report them to the authorities, so we can collectively minimize the impact this has on Mr. DeWitt and his family.”

He looks down at his notes, a serious expression on his face as he takes a breath to collect himself.

“Speaking directly to the perpetrators of this crime,” the cop says more firmly, as he looks directly into the camera. “I want you to know that that this department will not rest until Conrad DeWitt is returned safely to his family. You cannot outrun the law. Rest assured that it is only a matter of time before we hunt you down and bring you to justice.” He pauses for emphasis, letting the words hang for several seconds before he directs his attention at the reporters off-screen. “Thank you,” he says, and takes a step back, away from the microphones.

Off-screen, a crowd of people erupts as a dozen questions are shouted at once, all blurring together into one continuous stream of noise.

As Davin pauses the video, Renee straightens up, closing his mouth. He isn’t sure how long he’s been moping.

“Well, that’s something,” he says. He laughs out loud, then catches himself. Tries to gauge Davin’s expression. “I mean, should we be worried about this?”

Shrugging, Davin spins the laptop back around to face himself. “As always, the cops are pretty uptight about the information they choose to divulge to the public, but they’ve made no mention of having any suspects, if that’s what you’re asking.”

“But they know it’s Conrad?”

Davin nods. There’s a faint smile on his lips. “It’s blowing up, Renee. I’ve seen articles online mention Conrad by name as far as Germany.”

“You’re kidding.” Renee can’t begin to unpack it all, can’t pinpoint exactly why his heart is fluttering away in his chest, as if he’s on a roller coaster. “We’ve gone fucking viral,” he says.

Davin nods again.

Renee laughs, staring in amazement at the back of the laptop.

Something is forming in his mind, the tentative beginnings of an idea. “We have to respond to it,” he says. “The press conference, I mean. Think about it, we can’t just let the cops have the last word.”

Davin looks at him. “Do you have something in mind?”

Renee only smiles. “Oh, yeah,” he says.

💵

Unlike the last time they met, the weather is relatively mild that day. The puddles still lingering in pockets on the cracked asphalt have begun to shrink and become less frequent. Birds, previously absent, have begun to flock in the highest tree crowns. They orbit the parking lot, eyes scouring the ground for anything even remotely edible. Although the air is cold, the sky is almost completely clear.

When Renee pulls into the lot, he finds Lazarus parked in the same spot, albeit this time, he’s waiting outside the car, leaning against the trunk, hands firmly tucked away in the pockets of his insulated down coat. As always, he looks freshly groomed, his brown hair framing his forehead on either side. He smiles as Renee pulls up beside him.

“I didn’t think you’d come back to me so soon,” he says as Renee gets out.

Shutting the car door, Renee shrugs one shoulder. “What can I say? I have addictive tendencies.”

Lazarus chuckles ruefully. “You don’t say.”

The moment he is within reach, Renee lets Lazarus pull him closer for an embrace, lets him grab him by the nape of the neck to pull him down for a kiss.

It’s so easy for Renee to get lost in his own senses when Lazarus is concerned. The simple feeling of a breath mixing with his own, of willing lips meeting his, makes the warmth rise in his chest even despite the frigid late autumn air. It’s something he’s reluctant to pull away from, but…

“Business first,” he hums.

Lazarus rolls his eyes, hitting him lightly in the shoulder, but he’s laughing.

He feels a strange urge to ask Lazarus if he has seen the news about Conrad DeWitt right then and there, just to gauge his reaction, but has to admit that that would be a stupid idea. Instead he keeps silent as Lazarus pops open the back hatch of his car, pulling out a white grocery bag from the far corner of the trunk.

“Took some pulling of strings to get on such a short notice,” he says. “And this kind of thing isn’t exactly my expertise. But this should be all you need to get started.” And he hands the bag over.

But before Renee can take it, Lazarus stops him.

“I won’t ask what you intend to use it for,” he mutters. “But I’ll say this, Renee. If I see you on the news because of this,” – he gestures at the bag – “you’re going to have to find a new dealer. You understand?”

Renee nods. “That’s alright,” he says a little awkwardly. He isn’t exactly surprised that Laz is taking such a firm stance on it, but his bluntness about it isn’t something he expected.

Lazarus watches him for a long time, and then nods a little, finally letting the bag into Renee’s grasp. It’s a lot heavier than he anticipated, certainly heavier than it looks; its contents, divided into three separate cardboard boxes, barely takes up a gallon of space in total, but it must weigh the better part of five pounds.

Lazarus smirks as he closes the trunk, then crosses his hands over his chest as he leans up against it. “I make too many exceptions for you, Renee. Before long, you’ll have strung me along far past the brink where my comfort zone ends. You’ve done that in the past, you know.”

“I’m sorry,” Renee mutters, genuinely. He isn’t sure he even remembers what Laz is talking about, but knowing himself, well… yeah, he probably did cross the line at some point. He kicks at the dirt, burying his hands in the pockets of his jeans. “I’ll pay it back to you,” he says.

Lazarus gives him a look. “You already paid, sweetheart.”

Renee grimaces. “I mean the favor,” he says. “All the trouble you went to, y’know. All that.”

Lazarus smiles. “How would you do that?”

Renee lets out a chuckle. “Oh, for that I’ve got several ideas.”

💵

In the far end of the backyard, right before the pine grove, he props a plank up between two chairs, then carefully arranges six full cans of beer in a row on top of it. As he’s walking back toward the patio, he thinks he catches a glimpse of a face in the guest bedroom window quickly darting out of view, and he chuckles low to himself.

Seating himself on the patio steps, a cigarette dangling from his lips, he pulls the largest package out of the grocery bag, shifting its weight around in his hands just to get a feel for it. Then he opens the box and takes out its contents, somewhat relieved that it came already assembled.

Despite the gun he has tattooed on his hip, Renee isn’t particularly savvy when it comes to firearms. He knows the basics, but that’s about it. So he has a go at reading the manual, but once he’s about a third of the way through it, he decides it can’t be that complicated, and discards the manual on the ground.

A second package from the grocery bag is full of ammunition. Live rounds. Renee unloads the empty magazine already in the gun, and spends a good ten minutes filling the clip, one bullet at a time, until the spring can’t give way any longer. The excitement builds in his chest at the satisfying click when he slides the magazine back in and it locks in place.

Getting to his feet, Renee stands at the front of the yard, facing his makeshift target, and cocks the slide back, a little surprised at how heavy it is.

He lifts the gun with both hands, clicks off the safety. Aims at the left-most can of beer and slowly pulls the trigger back.

The first shot rings out in the yard – in the whole neighborhood, Renee is certain - as he steadies himself from the kickback, grinning from ear to ear, a new rush of adrenaline surging through his system. The sudden violence of it, no matter how much he was prepared.

He missed, of course, but it’s been a while since he shot. Giggling to himself, he raises the gun again, this time paying close attention to his breathing, in and out, as he takes aim.

Another thunderous crack splits the air in two, as the beer can explodes in the same instant that the gun recoils.

Without turning his head, Renee tries to visualize the extent to which Conrad’s eyes are glued to the view through the guest bedroom window. He must be shitting bricks right now. As he should.

Fuck, he has no idea. Zero fucking clue.

Renee snickers through his teeth as he rases the gun anew, steadies himself, and aims.

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#writing #moneymakers #its sunday early again cause im excited to get things moving #officially welcome to arc 2 boys

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gumnut-logic · 3 years

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Virgil Hugs

@tsarinatorment asked:

Hugs #33: ‘picking them up’ hugs with Virgil&Scott

Consequently, we have a sop fest of total fluff. There is so much fluff, there is fluff on the fluff. I ran out of time - it is now well past midnight on a work night, so this isn’t as long as I would have liked, but it is enough, I hope.

Gonna add this one to the Hugs series I think :D

Many thanks to @tsarinatorment and @janetm74 for the read throughs and support.

I hope you enjoy it :D

Send me a Touches Game Ask

-o-o-o-

Virgil hugs came in many flavours.

So, okay, Scott was the eldest and technically speaking, he was the least likely to need any hugs from his younger brother. In fact, Scott took pride in branding his own big brother hugs because, let’s face it, he was the eldest and nobody wanted to knock him off that throne. Virgil had been quite adamant about it on several occasions.

So only Scott could give the eldest brother hugs and they were very useful for distressed younger brothers, sad younger brothers and even on those occasions where the hug turned into something that could more be considered strangling younger brothers.

Scott wielded his hugs just like any other tool in his arsenal. Expertly and precisely. But it had long been declared that Virgil gave the best brother hugs and if he was honest, Scott was quite happy not to compete.

What exactly made Virgil hugs better than any other Tracy hugs had yet to be determined. The fact that Virgil was the biggest brother probably helped. Not the tallest. Scott and John were still discussing that title. No, his sheer mass enabled the biggest, warmest, softest, cosiest hugs of them all. Virgil was just buff and meaty.

Scott groaned. Meaty. That was a Gordonism, a subject that required a whole other essay to discuss. His fish brother had a way with words that sometimes curdled the stomach.

But hugs, yes, Virgil with his well worn ever so soft flannel and big meaty…Scott groaned again…arms gave the best hugs.

But, as stated previously, they came in many flavours.

The most common was the fond hug. An arm would snake around the victim brother and literally drag him into Virgil’s embrace. You could be standing alongside him, politely minding your own business and for some reason the engineer would just reach out and grab. Occasionally the arm wouldn’t make it all the way around and Virgil would clamp onto a body part and yank. Arms, chunks of uniform or clothing, a random ribcage. There was the time Virgil had actually pulled Gordon out of the pool by one leg. Possibly in revenge. But after Scott had suffered a cardiac arrest, Gordon had somehow ended up sprawled on top of Virgil on the grass. It had cumulated in laughter and a pile of noogie to Gordon’s hair, grins all round.

Yes, his brother had a hug zone around him and if you stepped into it at the wrong time, you were toast.

One of Scott’s favourites was the ones that defied gravity. Those big arms were strong and, on occasion, a little over enthusiastic. Ribcages creaked, hoarse voices begged to breathe, and feet left the ground.

Yes, even Scott had been tackle hugged and picked up off the ground and spun around. It had been after a particularly long deployment in the Airforce. He had been out of contact with his family for a long time. The day he finally got home, Virgil had barrelled into him in the farmhouse hallway, grabbing and lifting both him and his bags off the floor in an excited embrace that spun them around almost twice.

Scott had dropped his bags in surprise and squawked. His uniform bunched up against the ribbons on his chest and the world went around.

“Virg, my god!”

Dropped to his feet once more, he found himself wrapped in a brother who seemed much bigger than he had been when he left.

And he was clinging.

“Virgil?”

His brother cleared his throat, face buried in Scott’s jacket. “Missed you.”

Scott had returned the embrace wholeheartedly.

No words were possible after that as the two youngest realised their biggest brother was home and all hell broke loose as they and the rest of the family congregated.

But the genuine love in Virgil’s eyes as he stepped back to let the ratbags in on the party had stayed with Scott for a very long time.

Of course, there were other hugs that were much less joyous. Ones where everything was dark and hurting and Virgil would pick it up like he had radar or something. Could be linked to his legendary medic-sense. After all, mental health was exactly that. Just another form of health.

There was the time Alan vanished. Up and completely disappeared. This is a somewhat challenging thing to do on a rather singular rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Scott had been on the verge of calling John for a location, but a hand had landed on Scott’s tense shoulder and squeezed gently. They had been standing out on the balcony. Virgil gestured quietly and, looking up, Scott saw the tiny figure of his littlest brother curled up on the cliff just below the roundhouse.

There had followed a mad rush up the peak to make sure Alan was safe, find out what was wrong…because something was definitely wrong…and fix it.

Turned out some asshole online had been bullying Scott’s little brother, ruining the game contest he had been so excited about three days earlier.

Scott saw red and deployed John. The culprit had been found and eliminated.

Very eliminated.

John particularly hated online predators.

But after that conversation, Scott had turned around to find Alan curled up in Virgil’s arms sobbing.

Jammed up against the wall of the roundhouse, Virgil himself had wet eyes and was combing his fingers through Alan’s hair. As Scott sat down beside them on the floor, Virgil pulled Alan in a little tighter. The engineer buried his face in his little brother’s hair and closed his eyes.

In those moments it was like his brother was bleeding something of himself into the person he was hugging. His expression almost willing comfort into Alan.

Of course, Alan eventually dove in for a Scott hug as well, the thirteen-year-old dragging both of his brothers into a comforting pile that was able to push away the nasty experience and eventually bring back their confident little brother. But it was Virgil who performed the hugging first aid while Scott hunted down the person responsible – whether it be via John or other means.

It seemed to be their roles in the family.

And it wasn’t limited to family.

Out in the field it was more caring hands and reassuring touches and words, but it was Virgil’s way of comforting the injured. If he had time, he would talk with the rescuees. Warm and kind words asking gentle questions about their lives, distracting them from the bleeding, the screaming and the horror.

And ultimately holding those they couldn’t save, giving parts of himself to make those last minutes a little less terrifying.

It was after those rescues, those moments, when Scott would have to hunt Virgil down. Sometimes he would find him at the piano pounding emotion into the keys. Other times locked in his studio.

They had a running tally of how many times Virgil had had to replace the lock on that door. Scott rarely took ‘no’ for an answer when he knew a brother was in distress.

But the worst times often led Scott on a hunt across the Island to a remote beach, cliff or other lonely landform. Thunderbird Five’s scanners had been used several times. Times where Virgil was determined to be alone to suffer by himself.

Sure, Scott could respect that…if that was what Virgil needed.

It wasn’t.

Because the hug machine that was his brother needed hugs in return.

Sure, he had methods to refuel other ways, but honestly, these were the times Scott felt a direct transfer of energy was warranted.

Those were the days he would hunt his brother down, grab him and hold him until the trembling stopped. He would sit with Virgil staring out across the ocean either just being quietly beside him, or answering the raging questions of injustice.

Those were days he would drag him back to the couch and they would fall asleep together in front of a movie neither of them was watching. A hand or an arm continually in contact.

Those were the days where touch was needed to give back what was so freely offered at all other times.

Scott’s hugs may be tactical but they were no less full of love.

And love his brother, he did.

Ever so much.

-o-o-o-

#thunderbirds are go #thunderbirds #thunderbirds fanfiction #Scott Tracy #Virgil Tracy

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solalunar-eclipse · 3 years

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Scars You Can’t See - Chapter 12

Chapter title: Beliefs

Word count: about 4100 words

Author’s Note: How did I write over four thousand words?? Mostly I’m just grateful this chapter got out in time, but still. Wow.

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...

Over the next few days, Team Sonic dedicated their time to helping their counterparts recover from the exhausting ordeal of the past couple weeks. Tails worked to replace some of Omega’s burnt-out wiring (from his attack on G.U.N.), while Knuckles and Sonic...well, they wanted to take care of Rouge and Shadow, but it was very difficult when both Mobians kept insisting that they were “fine really, don’t worry about us so much” despite looking like they could collapse at any second.

The general stress level on the island was only raised upon a second call from the president, since she requested that a few of them come see her to discuss what should be done with G.U.N. at her office. Shadow and Rouge obviously weren’t going. Neither of them were ready to deal with the president, let alone the press (even if the latter continued to insist otherwise). The sheer idea of being in the same city as G.U.N. had especially shaken Shadow, even if he refused to say so.

Sonic had seen how he cringed at the mere idea.

Since Knuckles absolutely refused to leave his island, it was decided that Sonic, Tails, and Omega would travel together to see the president and hear what she had to say. She seemed pretty trustworthy, and if any of her staff wasn’t...they’d be able to handle themselves just fine.

While Tails helped haul Omega into the back seat of the Tornado (an impressive feat considering that he’d used to struggle with lifting Sonic in his early years) and prepared for takeoff, the hedgehog in question was zipping all around the island, trying to make sure everything would be okay while he was away and unable to defend his friends.

“You guys are sure you’re gonna be alright?” he asked for what was probably the fifth time, after Shadow had needed to physically stop him from starting a mini-whirlwind.

“Yes, Blue, we’ll be fine. Now go! You don’t want to keep the president waiting!” Rouge insisted, pushing the worried hero towards the Tornado.

He twisted around, trying to make eye contact with both of them. “You’re really, really-”

“Sonic.” Shadow said calmly. “It’s going to be alright. I promise.”

The hero could practically feel his body untense, finally willing to jump onto the top wing of the biplane and prepare for takeoff. Before Tails fired up the engine, he took one last look at his friends.

Knuckles had walked up beside Rouge and looked like he wanted to put his arm around her waist without being awkward...which just made him look awkward anyway. The bat took the initiative herself, leaning against him comfortably. Her eyes were back to teal again, since she and Shadow had both taken out their contacts pretty quickly.

Rouge had taken off her leather jacket by now, and Sonic could see it lying on the altar next to Omega’s generator- Angel Island was pretty warm, after all. Shadow was still wearing his hoodie, though he’d taken off the glasses. Omega had tried them on once out of curiosity and nearly broken them in the process...so the hybrid simply hadn’t bothered with it after that. His quills were still in a ponytail, which Sonic wasn’t complaining about in the slightest. (It was a good look on him, that was all!)

He switched on his earpiece and settled into his ‘flight’ position once again. “You guys read me?”

“Loud and clear, hon.” Rouge said. “Now go!”

The Tornado’s engine kicked up a roar as the plane wheeled down the clearing and began to lift off the ground. Knuckles and Shadow both waved, while Rouge opted for a mock-salute, which Sonic returned cheerfully as the plane pulled up above the altar.

He crouched low on the top wing as Tails pulled into a turn, angling the plane so that their course was set for Central City yet again. The fox switched on the turbo engine, too, but it would still take them about an hour and a half to reach the city at this rate.

To pass the time, Tails and Omega started talking almost immediately about how they needed to take some time in the workshop to fix up the latter’s various dents and scratches. Both of them seemed pretty excited about this- the former because he’d get to return to his workshop, the latter for style reasons, and both because they’d get to spend time together. Somewhere along the way, Omega insisted loudly that Tails “must return me to my original color as soon as it is possible to do so.”, clearly less than happy about his current paint job.

Sonic sighed as the conversation turned to advanced technical terminology, feeling a little bored. It was a little funny for him to say so, considering that he was blasting through the sky on a biplane going at speeds rivaling advanced jets...but here he was. Bored.

He tapped his feet, trying to look for shapes in the clouds or enjoy the feeling of the wind on his face, anything to avoid checking how long they’d been up in the air….

Too late.

The hero sighed loudly upon discovering that it had only been ten minutes since takeoff. How could something that was usually so cool be so...just...not?

Sonic quickly decided that he had to call up Angel Island right now so that he could find somebody to talk to. As the earpiece patched through to the other end, he heard a sudden “Ngh-” followed by a loud sigh.

“Hey, everything okay there?” he asked, resulting in a startlingly high shriek from the other end.

“Sonic! Don’t do that!” Shadow hissed at him. “Give me a little warning next time!”

“There’s, like, actually no way for me to do that without talking.” Sonic shot back cheerfully, feeling more upbeat already.

“Ugh.” the hybrid groaned, before some sort of thud came through the mike.

“Seriously, though, you okay?”

Shadow sighed. “I’ve spent the past four minutes walking through a tangled, vine-filled forest in any direction that is away from the altar. It could be worse, but it could be better too.”

Sonic frowned, worried. “And why were you walking away from the altar? Are Rouge and Knuckles with you?”

“No.” the hybrid muttered. “They’re kind of busy making out. At the altar. Which is why I’m not there, obviously.”

“Aw, man...they probably just missed each other a lot.”

Shadow sighed. “I know they did, and I’m not judging them. But they deserve some privacy, and I really deserve to not have to watch that.”

Sonic grinned. “Hah! That’s fair. So whatcha doing now?”

“Lying on the ground next to a lake and watching some Flickies on a tree. You?”

“Sitting on the plane. And bored. Or, at least I was. Bored, I mean.” Sonic amended quickly.

The hybrid snickered. “I’d hope you’re still sitting on the plane.”

His smile only grew. Talking with Shadow was always fun- he didn’t know why he hadn’t called sooner!

“Soooo...you feelin’ any better after those power naps of yours?” he asked curiously.

“Actually, yes. Mostly it helps to not be looking over my shoulder all the time.” Shadow sighed again. “It’s…” he trailed off, clearly embarrassed.

“Hey, you can tell me!” Sonic said encouragingly.

“It's difficult to adjust. I...still catch myself looking over my shoulder only to see it’s a fly buzzing, not a plane, or something like that. I shouldn’t be, but I am.”

Sonic wished he was back at the island already so that he could give Shadow all the comfort he deserved. “There won’t be any planes there, Shadow. I mean it. And none of that ‘shouldn’t’ talk, either, ‘kay? It’s alright to be a little stressed, just remember everything’s gonna turn out fine.”

“That means a lot...thank you. Again.”

Sonic could feel a grin spreading across his whole face. “No problem! Now, what I really need to tell ya about is……”

He spent the rest of the flight chatting with the hybrid, catching him up on all the jokes, memes and random news he’d missed over the past couple of weeks. Shadow was eager to listen, and Sonic was so glad to finally be able to tell him everything that he swore he’d never take his friend’s presence for granted again.

Eventually, though, he was pulled back to reality in the middle of a particularly passionate explanation of why exactly it was so cool that the Tomatopotamus 2 movie’s release date was finally out when Tails tapped on his shoulder. “Uh, Sonic? We’re here now.”

“What?” The hero glanced down, only to discover that yes, Central City was in fact right beneath them. “No way, that was like twenty minutes!”

Omega shook his head. “Correction: it has been an hour and twenty minutes.” He sounded smug for some reason, and Sonic glowered at the robot irritably.

“I guess I gotta go for now, sorry.” he sighed into the earpiece.

“Good luck to all three of you.” Shadow said. “I’ll be listening in, and I’ll go break up Knuckles and Rouge now.”

“Good luck to you.” Sonic snickered. He could practically hear Shadow roll his eyes at that one.

They coasted to a stop on the back lawn of the president’s home, the hedgehog pointedly ignoring Tails and Omega’s conversation about the theory of relativity, or something along those lines. Even though he didn’t know what exactly they were talking about, he could guess, and he didn’t approve. At all.

Sonic hopped off the wing of the plane before it had even finished landing the moment he spotted someone on the grass, waving hello as the president herself walked over to greet them. He rushed over to her, taking her hand and shaking it happily.

He and the president had spoken a few times before- being a hero meant he ended up talking with quite a few famous people, but she was one of his favorites. She was relatively young compared to most of the others who had held that title, but she handled herself with the confidence and strength she deserved (and needed) for this station.

“Hey there! How’s the job?” he asked with an understanding grin, knowing all too well how it felt to be responsible for large groups of people at a time.

She dropped his hand (and the remaining air of formality) in favor of running copper fingers tiredly through her hair, letting out a long sigh. “These last few days have been tough, but I know it’s probably not as much stress as you guys have been dealing with. Still sorry about that, by the way.”

Sonic looked up at her, still sympathetic. “It’s not your fault. I bet you’ve probably got a lot on your plate too- dealing with this fallout ain’t gonna be easy.”

“I know, but it’s what I have to do. For your friends, and for everyone.” she said, squaring her shoulders determinedly.

Tails rushed over not long after, having parked and shut down the plane by now. “Hi, Ms. President! How are you?”

“Hello, Tails,” she said. Impressively, she was one of the few adults who refused to talk down to the young fox, instead treating him like the mature person he was. (This definitely earned her a few extra points in Sonic’s book.) “I’m perfectly alright...I hope you all aren’t doing too badly.”

The president had the thoughtfulness to at least look a little awkward at that, clearly embarrassed by the fact that some of the United Federation’s most famed heroes were now essentially unable to live in the country without being in serious danger.

Omega greeted her as well as he made his way over, clearly alright with being at least somewhat decent to the woman who had helped shut down G.U.N.

“Would you like to come inside?” she asked politely. “I promise, there’s nothing inside but some Secret Service...and hopefully cake, if I requested it early enough.” she added with a warmer smile.

“What are we here for?” the robot asked bluntly, unprepared to trust as easily as the two Mobians were.

“Right!” she said, taking his question in stride. “I’m working on a new set of rules with the congressional branch that deal with some of the problems within G.U.N. so that they don’t crop up in the future, as well as trying to figure out what to do with them in general- so I wanted your opinion on both of those subjects! As long as that’s alright with you?”

Shadow spoke up in Sonic’s ear. “Rouge is interested and so am I.”

“Totally!” Sonic chirped, following her inside. Omega agreed with Rouge and Shadow (somewhat reluctantly), having tapped into the hero’s communications as they were landing.

Halfway up the stairs to the president’s office, the first lady came rushing in the opposite direction, apologizing all the while for getting in their way. “Hi, Sonic! Hi Tails! Hello, Omega! So nice to see you! Sorry, the cat’s gotten loose again…” she sighed, sagging against the railing briefly.

“We really need to get him a tracking collar, don’t we?” The president shook her head, her soft Afro bouncing as she pinched the bridge of her nose briefly. “Good luck finding him, anyway.”

“Have fun in your meeting!” the first lady chirped, winking overdramatically at her wife for emphasis before rushing off in search of their cat.

Tails grinned up at the president. “I know how you feel...sometimes I want to get a tracker chip for Sonic when he stays out too long on a run.”

“Hey!” the hero protested, but nobody seemed to be terribly worried about his pride. He could hear Knuckles, Shadow and Rouge laughing in his ear, too, and he pouted, wishing more than anything that he could offer a snappy comeback- but he couldn’t give away the fact that he had an earpiece in.

The president invited them into her office and began to lay out her plans for how to improve the country. The legislative body was working with her on some sort of complete shutdown and restructuring of G.U.N.- it seemed like there were going to be new leaders, new hiring processes, review systems, a different set of priorities…and that was just the start.

It was a lot, but Sonic was glad that she’d at least given them the opportunity to hear about these plans. Shadow and Rouge got to provide their input as well, which was great, but only through Omega, not Sonic. They would’ve trusted the president with that information, for sure, but the two members of the Secret Service behind her desk?

No way.

Especially not when Rouge recognized one of them from G.U.N.’s special training programs. They might not be close enough with the organization for it to really mean anything, but the group definitely didn’t want to take chances.

Partway through the meeting (not long after the cake arrived), the main phone on the president’s desk rang, startling everyone out of their conversation. She picked it up with a calm “Hello?”, but her eyes quickly widened as the person on the other end began to speak.

“Thank you.” she said quickly, before putting the phone down. Her eyes met Sonic’s, and he felt his stomach drop. The hero suddenly wished he hadn’t eaten just yet…

“Three representatives of G.U.N. are at the front gate.” the president said quietly.

The hero heard a gasp in his ear. He wasn’t sure who had done so, but the sound made his surprise morph quickly into defensiveness. “Omega. Tails. Do you guys want to meet with them?” he asked coolly, his face losing most of its expression.

“I would...like to do so.” the robot said.

Tails met Sonic’s gaze. “Yeah, same here.”

They moved to the main conference room, and the three heroes stood at one end of a long table, waiting for the members of G.U.N. to appear. It didn’t take long before they were buzzed in, and Sonic could feel himself shifting into a more confrontational stance, prepared to fight if necessary.

The commander was the first one to enter the room. His presence immediately raised everyone’s tension levels- at the very least, he seemed to be aware of it. He almost looked...a little embarrassed?

The silence on the other end of the communicator was near-deafening.

He was followed almost immediately by an agent that Sonic didn’t recognize, a wolf who seemed more than a little bit awkward and apologetic. She sat down to his left, sneaking glances at each of the three heroes in the room.

After that, a skinny, pale sort of guy entered the room, looking incredibly full of himself. Sonic wasn’t usually one to get bad first impressions of people, but this person irritated him almost immediately. Omega obviously recognized him- and not in a good way- as he began to make several loud clicking noises not unlike those of guns loading. On purpose, of course.

The commander sat down last (still seeming less than comfortable), cleared his throat, and looked up at the other three. “Before I speak, is there anything you would like to say?”

Sonic, Tails and Omega regarded him in stony silence.

He shuffled some of the papers in front of him and sighed quietly. “I would like to begin by apologizing for the distress I and the organization I serve have caused to you and your friends. All of you. I wish...no, I should have handled this in a different manner- requested a meeting, spoken with you first, done something to ensure that my intentions did not appear malicious. But instead…

“...instead I have distanced myself from three of the most skilled people ever to serve under my command, as well as further tarnished G.U.N.’s already ruined reputation. I…” The commander sighed here. This speech was already taking a lot out of him, Sonic could tell.

“I fear that my father’s views have heavily influenced my own, to say the absolute least, especially regarding my job and what needed to be done to serve this organization. ‘Shoot first and ask questions later’ was a favorite motto of his, and one that I accepted for a long, long time...my family has discussed with me lately (and quite gently, perhaps more so than I deserve) about how that ideology is problematic, to say the least.

“I liked to think I was not a bad person. That I was being more open-minded. But now I see that I was foolish to believe as much. I chose to try and salvage G.U.N., to cover up the mistakes as others have done before me because it was ‘for the good of the country’, because ‘other people wouldn’t understand what needs to be done’, and more. My guilty conscience wishes I would blame my father for my mistakes, but at some point, one must take responsibility for one’s own failures.

“Particularly…” and here he looked directly at the three of them, though he almost seemed to be searching for someone else instead, “...having alienated the last person on this planet who truly can comprehend the life I have led.”

Sonic realized with a start that he was talking about Shadow.

“All I can say now is that as of tomorrow, I am resigning as commander of G.U.N. I clearly have not succeeded in improving this organization at all, so I believe a new, younger face...someone without prior biases or contacts...would be better for us now.”

The hero heard gasps in both his ears- one from Rouge and Shadow, the other from the wiry man in front of him. Said human immediately started stammering at the commander, asking him why in the world he thought this was a good idea. The older man in turn merely waved him off with a stern word or two, forcing the other human to sink back into his seat with an obviously displeased expression.

The lavender wolf, the president, Omega, and Tails, on the other hand, all seemed to approve of the commander’s decision, as did Sonic. The hero felt nothing but relief now, hoping that finally, the big things could start to change for the better.

They spoke a little longer, the tensions mostly eased now (with the exception of the skinny guy, of course, who Rouge irritably identified as the less-than-respectful PR officer that the team had spoken to way back in the beginning). The conversation wasn’t very important, just polite nonsense about how change should be made soon and all that.

Things weren’t comfortable by any means, and they shouldn’t have been, but...Sonic felt a little lighter at the thought that someone important in G.U.N. at least accepted what was going on.

As the three heroes left, the commander asked them for one favor. “Could you please tell Shadow and Rouge that I apologize for the way G.U.N. has behaved? The way in which I have commanded this organization is wrong...I can see that now.”

Sonic offered him a quick flash of a grin, realizing that the commander truly didn’t know about his earpiece, nor Omega’s connection. “Hey, being able to apologize says a lot, too. I’ll be sure to let them know, don’t worry.”

“Thank you, and safe travels.”

“You too, alright?” he replied politely, before hopping onto the Tornado with a wave.

The flight back seemed to take forever (really, this time), partly because Sonic was dying to get back and partly because his friends seemed too busy talking seriously to chat. He tried his best to bask in the feeling of hope, but it was difficult to focus when his excitement was rising with each passing second.

As soon as they landed, he jumped off and ran over to his friends. “It’s gonna be alright now, guys!” he said, grinning at them. “You’re gonna go home soon!”

Rouge gave him a big smile back, before rushing over to Omega to celebrate. “Did you hear that, Omega? We’ll be home in a couple of weeks, max! Shadow-”

She trailed off, watching him carefully. The hybrid was staring down at the ground, his hands trembling slightly. “It’s...done? Then what now? What should we do?” he asked, trying to keep his voice calm and failing miserably. Sonic’s ears drooped a little as he heard the shake in his friend’s voice.

“Now you get to rest. You’ve earned it, you know that? I know it’s tough to just...go back and chill after everything, but you gotta know when to let other people carry on the work ya started, alright?” Sonic said carefully, stepping closer and closer to Shadow. His hands hovered slightly over his friend’s arms, unwilling to touch the hybrid unless he was alright with it first.

Suddenly, Shadow leaned into Sonic’s chest, his eyes shut tightly, clearly fighting back some sort of emotion. The hero held his friend tightly, sinking to his knees in an attempt to comfort Shadow better. Rouge and Omega rushed over, holding him tight as well. “Hey…” the bat said gently, “Shadow, we’re all going to be okay, I promise. We can stop now.”

“How do we know? What if something happens and it all goes wrong-”

Sonic stopped him right there. “We can set up whatever you need to feel comfortable, but trust me, we’ll all make sure nothing goes wrong. I’ll hold the president to her word, and so will everyone else here.”

“But...nobody’s ever really been able to stop G.U.N. before...not even me.” Shadow said quietly.

“There are more people on your side now, Shadow.” Omega replied, looking down at him. “You are not alone in this fight- so many others want this too.”

“I’ll have to wait and see before I can believe that.” he muttered, sighing.

Tails and Knuckles walked over too, the former offering him a hopeful smile and the latter clapping a hand on his shoulder. “You guys can stay here a while longer, I guess, until everything’s sorted out.” the echidna said, trying his best to help.

“Yeah!” Sonic cheered. “We’ll make sure this all gets fixed up properly, alright?”

Shadow smiled faintly at him. “I’ll hold you to that, Sonic.”

The hero couldn’t help but grin back, all his hope for his friend bursting through. And when Shadow’s smile grew just that little bit more real, he was determined to do absolutely whatever it took to make the hybrid smile properly again and again, without any fear holding him back.

He knew, without a doubt, that Shadow was more than deserving of all the happiness in the world.

#shadow the hedgehog #rouge the bat #e 123 omega #sonic the hedgehog #miles tails prower #knuckles the echidna #whoa that's a lot of people #scars you can't see #sycs #sol's fanfiction #i almost thought i wouldn't be able to get this out in time...#life has decided to throw lots of work at me so the last chapter might be a couple of days late #we'll see #also a few clarifications:#the commander is beginning to realize that his father taught him about the world in a very very biased way #and feels pretty bad about it #i didn't know how to end this since it was the chapter with the least planning behind it #so hopefully it turned out alright #and finally #i tried to make it clear that the president is Black but in a respectful way #if i failed to do that then please please please let me know and i will change it #also hopefully shadow wasn't too ooc at the end there #:S #hope you enjoyed the update and have a wonderful day!

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misstinfoilhat · 5 years

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Whumptober 2019 #12: Field-Medicine - Bungou Stray Dogs

(This is one of the optional alternatives in the prompt-list for Whumptober, replacing “don’t move!”) xXx12xXx The thought “why do I always find myself in situations like these?” had occurred to Osamu Dazai a number of times. Like, the time he had woken up, stranded on a deserted island without even remembering having boarded a ship, or the time he had locked himself out, on top of the roof of the Agency building in the middle of winter and being stuck there for hours without his coat. It turned out that Kunikida had been well aware of where he was, but apparently had such a strong need of a break from him, that he honestly did not care if he stepped off the ledge and plummeted down from the roof to the sweet relief of his death or not. Obviously, that had totally killed his desire to do just that.

Still, he kinda did. He summoned his inner Chuuya and climbed down two stories, just so he could knock on the office windows, smiling and waving as every face turned towards him paled sickly, and full panic had erupted.

It had been totally unnecessary and completely over the top. Sure, his fingers were freezing and he couldn't feel his toes- one wrong move and he would surely have fallen off. But, he felt like he had the situation mostly under control.

That wasn't necessarily exactly what was going on right now though, but he for sure felt the same way about it. He was stuck in a very unpleasant position without any obvious way of getting out of it.

They were out on a mission, looking for a young boy that had been missing for a couple of hours. The kid had gotten scared when he had realized that he had a special ability. Neither of his parents had any, and the boy had no experiences with that kind of power. They weren't sure what kind of gift he possessed yet, only that it had almost resulted in their entire house burning down. It had been an explosion, but luckily, no serious injuries or fatalities. The fire department had found a gas leak in the grand country house, but the boy was the only one who could answer what had actually triggered the eruption.

In other words, this child could potentially be very dangerous to himself and others if he wasn't found soon.

The search was what had led him into these woods. Dazai absolutely hated the woods. There were mosquitos and horseflies, the air was humid and he had stepped in a puddle of mud, which he was about 85% sure wasn't bear excrements.

So now his feet were cold and he had several of itchy bites all over his arms and who-knows-where-else. Also, he was soaking wet after an undesired swim down the stream.

Oh, and then there was the bullet that was currently lodged inside his thigh.

It would seem like they quite possibly had another Atsushi on their hands, (his name even resembled the tiger boy's own name) because someone was after this kid. Someone they didn't know yet, but dangerous enough to carry weapons and be out here with them in the middle of nowhere, looking for him.

Dazai had been separated from the rest of the group when the shooting had started. They didn't see anyone, but they had clearly seen them. The shooting came from behind a thicket of bushes, and none of them had really felt the need to linger around to check it out once they were being fired at. He had no idea where the rest of them were, but he could only hope that none of them had been fatally wounded.

When he first realized he had been shot, he hoped it was just a graze. Tumbling down a steep hill while trying to avoid the bullet rain that chased him didn't leave much room for stopping and assessing the injury.

Luckily, he had been able to crawl his way off the trail, painstakingly slowly and made his way through the grass, finding a small creek. He was unable to walk, so his best, or perhaps only option to get away, was to let himself flow down the stream for a little bit. He wasn't much of a swimmer, but he wasn't much of a walker right now either. He plumped into the water and drifted down for about a hundred meters, where he spotted a large rock that was placed in a way that it looked like it might have a gap under where he could hide. Once he was back out of the water, he was able to crawl his way over to it and worm his way into the small space. It wasn't a good hiding spot, but it was the best he could do at the time. His phone was obviously dead from the swim, which was so typical that he wasn't even able to be bothered by it.

Now that the adrenaline had started to wear off, the burning sensation in his thigh was making itself very well known. His hands patted the underside of his thigh carefully, and it quickly became clear that the bullet hadn't gone all the way through, which would mean that it was still boarded inside his leg. That was not good. The bullet had also penetrated his flesh way too close to his femoral artery, which meant he had to remove the bullet quickly.

Wearily, he leaned his head back, resting it on the rock and cursed silently. It wouldn't be the first time he had to pry a bullet out of himself, but he had hoped that the time before this would have been the last. Oh well, better luck next time, he scoffed unimpressed. If he was going to get the bullet out on his own, he would need to make an emergency-tourniquet. Making a proper tourniquet was impossible to do on oneself. If done correctly, it was humanly impossible not to faint from the excruciating agony one would feel. That also meant that there was an increased chance that he would bleed out before he was able to get proper medical treatment- well, if he didn't nick the artery in the process of course, which would without a doubt make his demise quick and very unpleasant.

Either one was not a desirable way to die- lying in the woods, being eaten on by maggots and flies and eventually having his face bitten off by some predatorial animal was not what he had in mind when planning his death.

He really hated those goddamn bears. And he would much rather bring his face with him into the afterlife.

Heaving for a deep breath and holding it, he twisted his injured leg a little, winching and biting his lip to not cry out in pain. Of course, it would be the same leg as he held his switchblade on. He lifted his pant-leg and dragged the folded knife out from his sock, before settling back into a more bearable position. He unfolded it with a slight frown, before cutting a long piece off the bottom of his coat.

His blood-covered hands left splatters all over the highly beloved jacket, and each tear in the fabric tore a small piece off his soul.

With quivering hands, he inched the piece of textile under his thigh, a little above the wound and started binding the cloth around his leg. But, he had to pause mid-knot, because the brambles in front of him started rattling. The sound of footsteps came closer and closer, and Dazai tried to sharpen his senses and listen closely.

All he had to defend himself with, was the small folding knife, which would not hold up in a gunfight. The phrase, don't bring a knife to a gunfight, had never felt more fitting.

Out of any other options, he tried to get to his feet. As soon as he laid any weight on his damaged leg, it gave out under his weight and he was left dragging it behind while trying to get some distance between himself and whoever was heading his way.

Right behind the rock he'd been hiding under, he collapsed. Beams of agony fired through his entire leg and blinded him for a moment, long enough to make him lose his footing and topple to the ground. He pushed himself as closely to the cliff as he could and tried to stay hidden while peeping towards the bushes.

The first thing he noticed was a disheveled head of blonde hair and two chubby hands pushing the overgrown plants away before two large hazel orbs watched anxiously from side to side.

It was the boy.

Just as Dazai recognized him, the kid startled abruptly, noticing the blood trail that Dazai had left behind. He backed away with staggering footsteps and was ready to run off.

Dazai threw himself from his hiding spot, hitting the ground and squirming a few feet to make himself visible. If he could only remember the kid's name.

“Wait,” he screeched after him in an asphyxiated voice. His wound was not content with the harsh treatment and pulsated tortuously. His left hand clutched to it, hoping it would stifle the pain while his right hand reached out for the boy.

“Please,” goddammit, what was his name? “Y... Ya- Yasushi? Yasushi Inoue, right? Please, I'm Osamu Dazai, I'm here to help.”

The kid turned around, eyes glossy with unshed tears and he looked horrified at the bloodied man in front of him, still ready to jolt if Dazai gave him any reason to.

“I'm not going to hurt you, and you're not in any trouble,” Dazai deliberated calmly, but couldn't get rid of the tension in his voice. Demonstratively, Dazai held his hands out, showing that he did not have any weapons. The knife was left behind the rock, so he couldn't have reached it if he tried.

“H-how do you know my name?” Yasushi asked in a shaky voice, fighting back the sobs that desperately wanted to escape from his chest.

“I'm from the Armed Detective Agency-” Dazai began but realized quickly how those words could sound triggering to a boy he was trying to convince that he was in fact not armed. The blonde child was already getting ready to split as Dazai quickly tried to clarify. “-b-but not actually armed. We have abilities, you know, just like you,” Dazai explained desperately, catching Yasushi's attention again. Dazai swallowed down a cry of hurt before he was able to proceed.

“We've been hired by your family. They're really worried about you, and not angry. They just want you to come home safely.”

Green eyes looked away, still unsure if he should split, or if he should trust this stranger, lying as a bloodied lump on the ground.

Dazai determined that the child was very smart to not trust him. He didn't look like the most reliable character at the moment.

“Also, I think you should stick with me. There's someone out there. I don't know who they are or what they want, but...” he eyed his leg and chuckled humourlessly, “...but I think we should stay together. I will help you to get back to your family, and, to be honest, I could probably need some help from you too.”

A stout hand quickly brushed over the young boy's eyes, falling back to his side while he approached carefully, like a frightened animal. “W-what happened to you?”

Dazai wracked his brain for the right answer. He had never been good with kids, but he knew that he needed to keep some things from them. It would be unwise to blurt out that he had been shot by someone hunting for the kid when he needed him to be calm and level headed.

Still, there was no denying that he had a gunshot wound to his leg, and he still needed to dig the bullet out before they could move anywhere. This “throwing himself around” business had been hazardous enough, and he only hoped that it had not made anything worse.

“If I tell you, will you promise me that you'll continue to be brave for me and not run off?” Dazai finally returned, peering intently at the boy who had slowly moved closer towards him now.

With a small frown, Yasushi subsequently nodded. Dazai mirrored his motion, taking a deep puff before he began to explain what was going on, keeping a close eye to the kid's reaction.

He didn't respond like Dazai had anticipated. Instead of looking alarmed or distressed, he simply looked guilty. His lower lip started to wobble somewhat, and he bit it tightly to prevent it from showing.

“It's going to be okay, Yasushi-kun,” Dazai cooed. “We're going to to find my coworkers, and then, we'll get you home.”

Yasushi lowered his head in shame and sniffled softly. “I burned it down,” he muttered quietly.

Dazai could've kicked himself. He needed to be more careful about how he chose his words.

“Well actually, they were able to save most of it. Only the kitchen was destroyed from what I read in the report. But you're right, you won't return there tonight. We are going to reunite you with your parents though, and then you're probably going to spend a couple of nights in a nice hotel, or with extended family perhaps.”

The child swallowed audibly and finally looked up. “Okay,” he said hoarsely and bobbed his head. “Okay, I'll trust you.”

“Great,” Dazai beamed. “That's really great. But now, if you would be so kind, I need you to grab my switchblade from over there so I can dig this bullet out of my leg.” xxxxxx

This kid was seemingly a bottomless pit of vomit. He hadn't even been able to assist Dazai in rotating the stick to help to tighten the tourniquet before he was out for the count.

That was certainly a little annoying.

Dazai turned to look for another small stick, luckily finding one close enough to reach without moving and placed it in his mouth and bit down on it hard.

There was no reason to put it off, any hesitation would only make it worse. He grabbed the twig sticking out from the knot in the cloth and turned it quickly, several times until the pain shot up his leg like a lightning bolt and he could feel his teeth quirk from the harsh bite on the branch in his mouth.

He let it go, letting go of the stick between his teeth and allowed his hands to fall to his sides while he strangled a growl and tried to breathe through the nauseating pain. A couple of choked coughs wracked their way through his body and he had to fight to stay conscious.

Good, that meant it was good enough.

As long as he could stay conscious, it would be as good as it was going to get, especially since he was going to prod this bullet out all on his own. Glancing over at the kid, who had finally stopped dry-heaving, that seemed to be the most likely scenario.

“Hey kid, you okay?” Dazai asked weakly, still wheezing heavily. Beads of sweat were trailing down his face, burning lightly at the small cuts that scattered his face from that tumble down the hill earlier in the day. “Y-yeah, sorry.” Yasushi sounded even worse than him, wiping his mouth and getting up from his stance at all fours into a seated position, while being careful not to catch a glance at the gore that was going on behind him.

“Good... This got a bit much for you, huh?”

The young boy only hummed his response, while nodding his head vigorously. Dazai imagined that what he really wanted to do was to shout something along the lines of “fuck yes.”

“Well, uh, just so you know, I'm going to remove the bullet now... If you could talk to me while I do it, it would be of tremendous help,” Dazai admitted.

He wasn't looking forward to this one bit, but it had to be done. It was getting dark, and he was starting to catch a chill from his wet clothes. Yasushi was not dressed for a night in the woods either, only wearing a t-shirt and shorts.

Also, where the hell was the rest of the agency? He hadn't drifted down that far.

“O-okay, I can do that,” the boy agreed and pushed himself a little closer, still looking pointedly in a different direction.

“Thanks,” Dazai replied, shifting his attention back to the wound. The knife was in his hand, and he started to cut open his pant leg. The bleeding had slowed, which had been the point of the tourniquet after all.

The hole in his thigh was almost black from old blood, while still spilling out fresh, brighter liquid. Dazai only wished he had gotten this done when the light was better, but now he needed to get a move on before it got even dimmer.

“I'm starting now,” he announced and pinched around the wound to squeeze out the access blood that was just remaining inside the deep wound. He winched, but kept his hands steady and wiped it away.

“So,” Dazai began, in a tight, tortured voice. “How about you tell me a little bit about your ability?”

“I- I don't want to,” Yasushi denied. He sounded scared, which Dazai determined that he probably had every right to be. It was new, and yes, really scary.

“But, if you don't mind me asking,” the kid continued, falteringly.

“No, not at all, please continue,” Dazai pressed in agony, just as he let go of the pressure.

“When did you discover yours?”

Dazai closed his eyes and mentally prepared himself to put his finger inside the wound to feel around for where the bullet was stuck.

“I can honestly not remember,” he said, slowly inserting his index finger. It was deep, and the bullet had probably hit the bone. A whispered few curses left his mouth as he carefully forced his way through muscle and tendons, breathing through the pain.

“Oh,” Yasushi uttered in disappointment.

“But, I was presumably born with it. It's just always been in use, for as long as I've been conscious enough to know what was going on around me,” Dazai resumed explaining, as he touched the tip of the bullet with his finger and bit his teeth together while he was retracting his hand. Without taking the time to gather himself, he placed the tip of the knife to the wound and made a small, careful insition.

“Can I ask what your power is?” Yasushi asked shyly, knitting the edge of his t-shirt together as a defense mechanism.

“Yyyyes,” Dazai wailed out in obvious pain, while he made the first step towards digging around in his thigh with the serrated knife. “I can nullify all abilities,” he continued in a strangulated voice.

“Are you okay?” Yasushi asked fearfully, half-turning his head to check on him.

“D-don't look right now! Trust me,” Dazai panted, implanting the knife further into his leg while twisting the point, searching for the bullet. “J-just keep talking.”

“Of course, sure. Sorry. Uh.” He desperately sought for anything to talk about, catching the aggravated grunts and moans coming from the older man seated behind him.

Oh God, the only thing Dazai had asked of him was to continue talking to him. Why wasn’t he even able to do that?

“My ability shoots bullets,” he suddenly called out, hastily covering his mouth as if it would somehow take back his dark secret.

“W-what?” Dazai uttered, stopping his prodding for just a second.

“I'm sorry,” the boy begged, finally turning around. His hazel eyes were filled with tears now, and they were steadily gushing down his face. “I'm so, so sorry. I... it was me. I think... I heard you in the woods and I got scared. I sent the bullets at you.”

Dazai looked at him quizzically, one hand holding the knife while the other clamped down around the bullet wound.

“Huh,” he deadpanned and cocked his head. “That was certainly unexpected.”

The boy had scooted all the way over now and was sobbing freely, masking his face with his hands and cradled himself back and forth.

Dazai wasn't sure what to do.

“Listen, Yasushi-kun, I need you to pull yourself together, just for a little bit. There's currently a knife, inches away from my femoral artery and it hurts and I kinda need to focus on that right now.” The child snorted a couple of times, nodding vigorously, rubbing his eyes raw.

“I can do that,” he stammered weakly, slowly peering up into Dazai's dim eyes.

“Thank you,” the ex-mafioso sighed and prepared to proceed.

Yasushi scooted over to sit beside Dazai, a little to the side as not to accidentally look at what the older man was doing. Again, he had needed to think a little about something to say. His expression changed as he suddenly realized what Dazai had told him moments before.

“Dazai-san? You said you could cancel abilities, right?”

“Mhm,” Dazai squawked. All Yasushi could see of what he was doing, was small movements in the slender man’s shoulders, but his voice was pained and intense.

“Then why were you not able to cancel mine?”

“I have to,” Dazai began but needed to quit talking to prevent himself from shrieking out as he reached the bone in his leg, and had to tilt the knife to catch the bullet.

“Ngh, I... I have to be in direct contact with... oh, fuck, with the individual,” he wheezed painfully.

It was so close now.

“I would have to touch you to stop it,” he eventually managed.

“But, if... if I was unable to control my ability, if I was scared, w-would you be able to stop it if you tried?”

“Most likely,” Dazai stated as he finally saw the bullet surfacing from the gaping gash in his limb.

With one last, possibly too rigid jerk, the bullet moved down his thigh and hit the ground. Utterly spent, Dazai dropped and skidded down against the rock with half-lidded eyes. The sweat ran uncontrollably down his face and his breathing was rough and raspy.

“I'm done,” he said quietly, and Yasushi shifted around.

“Are you okay?” he asked worriedly, frowning frightenedly at the pale heap next to him.

“I don't know, but I don't have a bullet in my leg anymore,” Dazai murmured, bearly lucid.

“It's my fault that you're hurt,” the child mused with tribulation.

“Stop that, it's not... you said it yourself, you can't control it.”

“No, but you wouldn't be here if I hadn't run off, and you surely wouldn’t have been shot. I destroy everything.”

Dazai only wobbled his head. It was getting hard to stay awake.

“I have a friend...” Dazai started but quickly trailed off. The boy's green eyes were focusing expectedly at him, and he suddenly remembered what he was saying.

“I have a friend, that you remind me of. He couldn't control his... potentially dangerous ability either when I first met him. I think you two should talk.”

Yasushi perked up, smiling for the first time since Dazai had met him. He was a cute kid when he wasn't bawling his eyes out.

“Atsushi,” Dazai informed silently, smiling himself at the thought of how far the young prodigy had come since he first met the starved kid.

“What?”

“Atsushi,” Dazai repeated, glancing back at the perplexed child.

“What is it?”

Dazai rolled his eyes tiredly. He could not start with this.

“Never mind.”

They sat together in comfortable silence for a couple of minutes. Dazai was freezing, and he could hear the kid's teeth begin to clatter too. If something didn’t happen soon, he wasn't sure if he would be able to make it.

That's when it finally dawned upon him.

“God...dammit,” he uttered, catching a glimpse of Yasushi as he blushed deeply from the bad word.

“Yasushi-kun, if those bullets came from you... there isn't anything out there to be afraid of. The only people out there are my colleagues, and they are out here to help.”

“What do you mean?”

“You should try to find them.”

“B-but, you can't walk.”

“That's why I'm not coming with you, kid.”

Yasushi waved his head. “No, I'm not leaving you.”

“Yeah, you are. Now, get going before it gets too dark.”

“But, what if I'm not able to control my ability again?”

“Then you should aim at the tall blonde man with glasses.” Dazai gave the boy a pointed stare.

He fidgeted a bit, twirling his thumbs and clearly pondered about something.

“O-okay, fine. I'll get them. And then we're coming to get you, okay?”

Dazai gave him a tired smile, finally able to relax his body a little. He nodded faintly at Yasushi before the younger turned and started to walk away, sending worried glances towards the fatigued figure he was leaving behind.

For some time, Dazai was able to stay awake. He would prod lightly at his wound whenever he felt himself drifting off, giving himself a shot of pain to stay alert.

Could bears smell blood? If so, they had a fiest waiting right there.

More time passed, and he still couldn't hear voices or see the shimmer of flashlights that might be out searching for them. But eventually, as much as he poked at the gash (at some point wondering if he should push the bullet back in and start the process anew, just to stay awake), he finally succumbed to unconsciousness.

---------

For once, waking up again was a relief. He could hear faint sounds of familiar voices closing in from the distance. He honestly thought he had kept himself awake, but when he blinked, he abruptly gazed up at Yosano's apprehensive expression.

They were still out there, so at least he hadn't been out too long this time, but he couldn't see the kid. “You did a good job at slowing the bleeding down,” Yosano smiled reassuringly. Kunikida loomed behind her with a deep furrow on his forehead.

Dazai could feel his gaze getting more and more blurred, and he knew he didn't have much more time to make sure that Yasushi had found them before he would be out again.

“Yasushi,” he urged in a rasped voice, looking quizzically at the peering eyes that were currently assessing his injuries.

“Atsushi's fine, he's back at the base,” Kunikida answered dryly as he assisted Yosano with something.

Not this again.

“N-no, Ya-sushi,” Dazai tried to over-pronounciate, but all he got in response was Yosano's hand on his forehead, checking for a fever.

“Yeah, he's burning up. We need to get him to a hospital right away,” she told Kunikida urgently.

'No, not what I meant!' was what Dazai aspired to say, but he was unable to move his lips anymore. His brain was processing so slowly and sluggishly now that he didn't even realize that was blacking out again.

He could faintly sense himself being moved off the ground before everything went back to all darkness. --------------

The white ceiling looked vaguely familiar, and the white dots flickering in his vision even more. His head was pounding and he felt generally awful all over.

Only when the sickening smell of antiseptics reached his nostrils, he understood that he had just woken in the hospital.

Damnit, he didn't really feel like waking up yet. Not to the miserable existence inside a hospital room. At least it didn't seem like anyone had realized he was awake yet, so he might as well just go back to...

“Ya-sushi,” he exclaimed suddenly, eyes widening in terror and suddenly completely alert. “Where is Yasushi?”

He tried his best to sit up, but for some infuriating reason, his body just wouldn't let him.

A head of unnaturally light hair came into his vision, dual-colored eyes looking worriedly down at him.

“For fuck's sake,” Dazai cried out furiously before a second blonde head appeared beside the tiger-boy.

“Oh thank God,” Dazai sighed as he recognized that glassy, hazel glare, and closed his eyes for a moment.

“Are you okay, Dazai-san?” Atsushi asked with an anxious pout, looking confusedly at the smaller boy next to him.

“As long as everyone calls you Nakajima as long as you two are in the room together, I'll be just fine,” Dazai exasperated, slowly opening his eyes and smiling serenely at the two boys. ------------

So, I'm not going to pretend to be very familiar with Japanese authors, so I had to look for a name that could fit the original character in this story. I did a google search and found a book called The Hunting Gun, which I figured would make a good name for his ability. Then, I realized the whole name thing, and somehow it took over the whole story. Also, sorry if there’s a lot of spelling errors in these stories. English is not my native language, and my spelling-check is being kind of a brat lately.

#whump community #whumptober #whumptober 2019 #bungou stray dogs #bungo stray dogs #Dazai Osamu #original character #OC #field medicine #day.12

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bewarethelivingwra · 5 years

Text

Correspondence (Paege)

Paege Ravenswood-Gladwynn appeared in Acherus much like her brethren tended to – by magical waygate – startling herself with the sound of her boots on stone after previously being on the soft dirt and grass of Grizzly Hills. She smoothed her hair, not covered by a coif for a change, and adjusted the armor she wasn't as accustomed to. She had eschewed her saronite for something a bit less poisonous to the living, for obvious reasons. She smiled to herself just thinking about it before glancing around to see who was coming and going. She didn't need anyone knowing of her secret cache in the wall, lest someone more loyal to their faction find out and make trouble.

She walked over, trying to look casual when she was both rather flustered from the evening (an odd sensation for her, as she usually alternated between deep despair and anger, with most of her time spent in a sort of calm middle ground), as well as looking about for any sort of prying eyes. Or even Sam. The latter would be most unfortunate.

She removed the rock when she was sure no one was looking and saw a letter lay inside, sealed with purple wax. As if the rune he had drawn outside wasn't enough to give it away, he had used the other clue they had agreed upon ages ago when they started this risky venture. She took the letter out gingerly, replacing the rock, and sat down in the quiet nook to read and reply.

She tucked herself in by a large glowing purple brazier, sitting down on the cold stone with a metallic clunk from her legplates. She settled her bag beside her, crossed her legs, and broke the seal on the letter.

Dearest Paege,

I'm hoping this letter finds you well and still above ground. I've had my worries, not only just because of the war, but due to your unique position among your people. They aren't known for being even-keeled over certain matters, and with your outspoken and stubborn nature, I start most days wondering if you are still with us.

Things on our end are going as well as could be expected. My daughter fights on the front lines now, alongside me, which is refreshing. I admit, I wish you could be too, but circumstances prevent that at present. Maybe sometime in the future.

I wanted to let you know, now that we're safely far from the events over the last few weeks, that I was there for you when you gave your speech among your gathered people. I was in awe of the passion with which you spoke of feeling passed in servitude to several masters. It resonated with me, even if I only experienced a fraction of what you did. The hush of the crowd leads me to believe you may have changed some hearts and minds that day. If I could, I would have been bursting with pride. As it was, it took all my restraint not to reveal myself from the shadows and embrace you.

With all that said, however, I know we both pledged to each other's contentment, if not happiness, and I do have something to reveal. I have spent several pleasant evenings with a friend here in Stormwind, one known in passing to us both in fact, when home from the front. Another lovely widow that I met by circumstance. Of course nothing will ever come of it, as they tend not to for our kind, but I feel as if I should tell you, since emotionally (as odd as that sounds), there is a connection there, and I would never want you to feel blindsided. I would assume you would give me the same courtesy should situations change. I would hold no ill will toward you seeking easier companionship in these circumstances, though I would hope for your return to me eventually, as we both know the years lay before us endlessly, so long as we hold ourselves together, so to speak.

With that, I hope to not run across you on the battlefield as enemies, though I hope to just to see your face. I miss the days of milling about in Acherus, of missions that crossed those faction lines, of an odd fellowship. And a certain evening with the stars in Stormheim.

Give your sisters and the little smithing demon my love.

Yours, even in these trying times,

Sam

She held the letter, surprised for a moment that he had done just as she had, though likely not with similar results. She blinked for a moment before letting out a soft laugh, feeling almost as if she was off the hook for the random events of this week that had led her to worry over hurting Sam. She dug out her writing supplies from her bag to try to compose something even half that eloquent, explaining things as she recalled best in the haze of blending days as well as long evenings over the past week or so. She ended her letter with the offer to return his things if he wanted, his flask that she had been dutifully filling and testing as well as his wedding ring he had laid against her bare skin on a chain ages ago in that evening in Stormheim. She folded the letter against the cold stone she sat upon before rising to melt wax by the purple brazier and seal it. She sighed before returning to the stone to add her letter and change the rune outside.

Dear Sam,

Things continue on as they always do here, endless days, constant battles, my siblings, my apprentice. Other than the highlight of the speech I gave, each day blends into the previous one to the point that I barely know one from another. How I wish you had shown yourself that evening. I could have used the support, even if it looked as if I had some in the crowd, it was one of the more stressful things I have ever had to do. Your presence would have bolstered me greatly.

I find it amusing that you say you have been spending evenings with another, considering similar has been happening with me. I met someone while taking a breather from the new islands – also a widower. We had been having a lovely time making jokes with acquaintances when he told me of his situation, and we both clicked then with how similar we truly were. I worried over how you would feel, yet while I'm sad we're being pulled different directions, I'm grateful still we both have company during these trying times. Company that won't get one or the other of us killed.

Please let me know if I need to return anything to you, either by niche or in person. I will understand if this bothers you, even if I'm glad for the both of us, it seems fortune isn't smiling on us together as of now.

Give your daughter my love.

Paege

She laid the letter gently inside the niche she had dug out ages ago, and held the silver chain on which Sam's wedding ring dangled. It had remained against her skin, along with her husband's and her own, since that evening in Stormheim when they had shared a laugh at how foolish they were trying to have anything more than a warm affection for each other. She closed her fist around it, considering putting it inside and allowing him the option to take it, as well as making things less awkward with her current interest. She didn't know how he would take it knowing what she wore. With a heavy sigh, she removed it, placing it in the niche on top of the letter. If Sam still wanted her to have it, he would leave it behind. She decided to keep the flask for the time being. The bet they had made under the stars still stood and she wanted to win. She smiled a bit to herself, not just with those memories on her mind, but the adventures of the previous week as well. Even if she and Sam parted ways, they both seemed to have at least something of a future laid out ahead of them.

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reylo-prompts · 6 years

Text

for the loneliness will stay with me and hold me till i fall asleep

Read on AO3

Rey’s eyes shot open has a familiar unsettling feeling swiped through her. She blinked a few times, adjusting to the low light of the evening as the moon shed its moonlight through a few clouds. She rose up, her back stiffened as she took in the tall, dark silhouette a few feet from her. The indescribable sensation of the Force-bound invaded her; she was starting to get used to it as more and more of their impromptu meetings happened.

He had his back to her. His head tilted up ever so slightly, indicating that he felt her coming to consciousness, yet made no attempt to turn around or start the conversation like he usually did.

‘’Seriously, in the middle of the night?’’. Her tone was clipped and sarcastic, but she had to repress a hint of a smile tugging her lips. The absurdity of the situation almost too much for her nerves.

He shifted somewhat awkwardly on his feet, still not turning around. He cleared his throat before replying, ‘’I don’t exactly control it, same as you I presume.’’ She caught the sight of his fingers, crossed behind his back, fidgeting.

‘’And you’re planning on making me talk to your back until it’s over?’’ She kept her voice neutral, but the situation grew more amusing to her by the second despite her better judgment. It all felt too surreal.

Another throat clearing. He leaned on his left side before muttering so low Rey almost didn’t catch it. ‘’It felt inappropriate. Staring as you slept.’’

A bark of laugh escaped Rey’s throat before she even knew it as happening. That made Kylo finally turn around, looking confused as ever, and as Rey watched him tilt his head, brows furrowed, standing in the moonlight as a teenager about to be grounded, she laughed even harder.

Still silent, he raised a questioning eyebrow. ‘’This whole situation is just too absurd. You’re Kylo Ren, feared monster throughout the galaxy, right hand of the Supreme Leader of the First Order, and you’re just… here. In the middle of the night, feeling inappropriate to stand here as I’m sleeping. This is just ridiculous.’’, she eventually said after her laughter had died down, wiping a tear at the corner of her eye.

Kylo’s lips twitched up slightly. He blinked a couple of time, looking less menacing than ever. ‘’I suppose you’re right. I’m not quite sure what do you about it.’’

Silence fell between them as they looked in each other eyes. The wind blew. The Millenium Falcon creaked behind her. The dying fire next to her crackled.

‘’Well I don’t know about you, but I’ll get back to sleep.’’. She readjusted her cover around her shoulders but didn’t make a move to lie back down yet. ‘’Why aren’t you asleep, by the way? What time is it where you are?’’

He looked at his feet, then to his right – to Rey he looked like he was staring at the see. She saw him swallow before answering sharply. ‘’Are you trying to pry information out of me?’’.

Rey rolled her eyes, sighing loudly. ‘’Suit yourself.’’ She turned around, lying back down and pulling the cover around her body. However, she didn’t close her eyes yet, but let her body relax a little bit. She still felt his presence, and even felt his ill at ease-ness, uncertain of how to behave in this situation.

Acutely aware of his every movement, his every breath, his emotions passing fleetly through her, she stayed still. Eventually, she felt him move, and sit. She waited a few seconds before his deep voice broke the silence. A murmured admission.

‘’I don’t sleep very well.’’

For a brief moment, a something flashed before her eyes. A memory. A feeling. Green light. Absolute dread. Then a void.

It lasted only a few seconds before he closed off completely. When she turned back around to face him, he avoided her eyes. He was sitting stiffly, jaw locked, and she wasn’t sure if his anger was directed at her for looking into him, of himself for allowing her to look.

The wind blew harder. The fire cracked loudly, drawing Rey’s attention for a second.

When she looked up, he was gone.

*******

‘’You’re doing it wrong.’’

Rey closed her eyes at the sound of his voice and took a deep breath. She tightened her grip on the little cavity in the rock, readjusting her weight. A drop of sweat slid down her temple.

‘’Shut up.’’, she barked through her gritted teeth.

She felt his amusement from above her, and she knew if she looked up and saw him standing at the edge of the cliff she was climbing, it would only infuriate her more and she would lose her concentration. She inhaled deeply, trying to relax her tensed body as much as she could and tried to extend herself to the surface of the cliff, scanning it for holes or holds she could exploit.

‘’Suit yourself’’, she heard in a mocking tone. She clenched her jaw even harder. She kept getting distracted by the life on the island, the animals in the sea, and most of all his presence, dominating the rest around him.

‘’Fuck you!’’ Her concentration slipped. Her right foot lost its press hold and suddenly, her leg was dangling in the void. Panic started to rise in her chest. Luke made it seem so easy to climb this eighty feet cliff, and she was starting to regret having the brilliant idea to try and follow him. Her foot brushed the surface of the sharp rock below her, trying to find something to hold on to.

Her heart was racing, and her left arms was beginning to shake. She opened one eyes, peaking a glance below her and started assessing how deep the water could be and if she’s survive the fall if she dropped. What a fucking waste it would be to have come so far just to be defeated by a pile of rock – granted a very tall pile a rock.

Anger replaced panic for a split second as she heard a sniker coming from above. Rey groaned as her foot finally settle on a small rock stable enough to support her weight. ‘’Either say something useful, or stop making any noises!’’, she yelled as she balanced herself against the cold surface.

‘’Stop trying to look for something. You have to let it come to you. Be in harmony with the system rather than trying to use it.’’

Holding back a snarky comment in the line of ‘That’s rich coming from you’, Rey closed her eyes again, breathing in deep. As Luke showed her once, she reached out for the Force around her, in the living and dying beings. She let her mind wander across the silent island, along the waves, across the sky with the birds, Kylo’s presence, Luke’s far away. Her body relaxed. She exhaled. Out of their own accord, her limbs started to move by themselves, and she didn’t fight it. In the moment, she just knew what she had to do.

She loosened her grip in her left hand and pressed on her right foot, propelling herself a bit higher when her finger found a cavity. Then repeated the movement. Letting go. Push. Grip.

She slowly but steadily climbed across the cliff’s surface until she finally reached the top. Hand flat against the grass, she hoisted herself up in one last effort, gritting her teeth as her arms burned and eventually collapsed on the ground with a painful moan and a relieved sigh.

When she opened her eyes, she was greeted by Kylo’s clean, leathered boots. She quickly got up, not wanting to be in such a vulnerable state in his presence.

He was standing tall, stiff as ever, hsir perfectly brushed in place, but his usual impassible and cold demeanor was instead replaced by a mocking smirk. ‘’Told you you needed a teacher.’’

She let out an annoyed groaned was she leaned on her knees, taking her breath. A few stray strands of hair fell in front of her eyes, and sweat was dripping from her forehead. ‘’God you’re insufferable.’’, she breathed out.

A small chuckle made her look up as she was not excepting this reaction. ‘’Because you’re always so easy to be around.’’ She glared at him, cursing him under her breath. He obviously caught it as he continued, ‘’I rest my case.’’, and gave her a pointed look.

When her breathing evened, she straighten her back, looking at the large body of water in front of her. The sun was low in the sky, making the ocean shine like a sea of a thousand diamonds, shimmering in a low light.

Part of her almost wanted Kylo to be able to have the same view, for as they stood there, side by side in silence, she felt the same feeling of loneliness during those endless nights on Jakku echoing through him – the same sense of unsettling yet familiar void in his heart mirroring hers. She knew he felt it too.

But he didn’t close off this time.

*******

His muscled tensed as pain ran through every fiber of his body when the lightening stroke him. It was swift and small, but hit him right in the scar on his left shoulder – the scar he got during the fight in the forest. The Supreme leader knew that, and meant the strike as a reminder of his weakness.

Kylo lowered his head, locking his jaw and blinking away the tear starting to sting his eyes. Thankfully, he still had his mask on.

‘’You’re dismissed.’’ The voice echoed against the walls, and resonated through his chest. The hologram glitched, then disappear, and darkness filled the room. Only a ray of dim, blue light pierced through it, coming from a small window high above, hitting Kylo’s masked face.

He waited until his breathing was even and his side wasn’t hurting as much to open his eyes and start moving. He stopped dead in his track, freezing on the spot when he caught the sight of Rey’s silhouette in front of him. The light was hitting her from behind, creating a blue halo all around her.

She was staring at him and he almost felt like she could see though his visor. In her eyes was dancing something he never saw before in her. Compassion. Pity. He clenched his teeth even harder has he stood up, dominating her with his height.

Yet she was the one who made the first step, approaching him slowly, and he was the one who felt small and vulnerable in front of her gaze.

‘’GO AWAY’’, he yelled, the mask distorting his voice. She didn’t falter, her brow wrinkling.

In this moment, he knew she saw everything. Felt everything he felt. The shame, the loneliness, the despair, the fear. And he couldn’t handle it.

He thrusted his hand forward, projecting his raw power at her. It didn’t have the effect he expected. She gasped at first, and shrugged it off immediately and he was left feeling as powerless as that day in the interrogation room. When she saw his soul.

‘’I DON’T NEED YOU, GO AWAY’’. His voice cracked. He realized he was trembling, and clenched his fist to try and regain composure.

‘’Then why did you call me here?’’, she simply replied. He couldn’t handle the softness in her voice. He couldn’t face her eyes.

He turned around abruptly. ‘’That’s not how this works.’’, he denied. It was the Force, they both didn’t know what this bound was or how it worked. They couldn’t control it.

‘Isn’t it?’’. Her voice was just a whisper in the darkness, in the numbing silence around him, and he felt like someone had shot him in the heart.

A tear slid down his cheeks, dampening the fabric underneath his mask.

Long after she was gone, and he was still standing still in the room, he swore he could still hear her whisper.

*******

It took her most of the day to find out what was Luke’s problem. As the day began, she noticed he seemed even more irritable than the usual. Harsher, more closed off, more elusive. She doubled down her effort to get through to him, asking more questions, pressing him over and over. Eventually he cracked and she almost regretted insisting.

She watched as Luke’s silhouette was walking away, cape flying around in the wind, and her heart ached as his haunted, sad eyes were still present in her mind. The weight of the few words he pronounced were still on her mind when she sat on the pile of rock at the top of the mountain.

She crossed her legs, facing the ocean, resting her opened palm on her knees.

Breathe in.

‘It’s his birthday today.’

Breathe out.

Suddenly, she was back on Jakku, on the carcass of the war machine from a forgotten time, half buried in the sand, staring at engraved lines in the metal. A little girl waiting for her parents. A girl with only her loneliness and the humming of the sand hitting against cold metal as company, lighting a piece on rope in a useless piece of metal as a birthday candle, wishing that someone would come for her.

And across the galaxy, she felt the same kind of longing resonating in a mind clouded by darkness.

When she opened her eyes, he was here.

‘’Did you call me, or did I call you?’’, he asked softly.

‘’You tell me.’’

‘’I think… I didn’t want to be alone right now.’’

She merely nodded as he sat beside her. And for a moment, they didn’t feel so lonely.

#reylo #reylo fics #star wars #kylo ren #ben solo #rey #*fics

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minhoslut · 4 years

Text

♡ summary: Since long ago the seven kingdoms of Lentavia have worked together as one, sharing their resources and prospering because of it. Each kingdom has its own prince, each a beautiful man who rules fairly, caring for their people and distributing their resources amongst the kingdoms. The seven of them are much like brothers, having grown up together in their joint castles that sit in the middle of the island. They are free to rule as they please and do what they wish, as long as it is harmonious within the kingdoms. They must, however, follow one rule. At age 26 they must marry a person of their choosing in order to fully take the throne and become a king. The eldest prince, Seokjin, is 2 days from the date he must choose his betrothed and has yet to even suggest someone as an option.

♡ pairing: Kim Seokjin x fem!reader

♡ chapter: 1 | 2 | ? |

♡ series warnings: blood mention, injury mention, swearing, anxiety, death mention, depression

♡ series genre: fluff, smut, slight angst

♡ series rating: Mature

♡ word count: 1760

♡ posted on: AO3

♡ chapter one: cabin in the woods

Since long ago the seven kingdoms of Lentavia have worked together as one, sharing their resources and prospering because of it. Each kingdom has its own prince, each a beautiful man who rules fairly, caring for their people and distributing their resources amongst the kingdoms. The seven of them are much like brothers, having grown up together in their joint castles that sit in the middle of the island. They are free to rule as they please and do what they wish, as long as it is harmonious within the kingdoms. They must, however, follow one rule. At age 26 they must marry a person of their choosing in order to fully take the throne and become a king. The eldest prince, Seokjin, is 2 days from the date he must choose his betrothed and has yet to even suggest someone as an option.

“Jin you know you’ve got to choose someone! You could have anyone you wish, I’m sure they’d say yes.” Jimin said as he fixed his silver hair in the mirror. “Ugh, I know that Jimin. But that’s just it! None of them truly want to know me! They just want the riches, the power, or my good looks.” Jin said with a sigh, casting himself across the couch dramatically, a hand across his forehead. “How about I bring some suitors in for you to meet?” Namjoon suggested from his seat across from the couch. “I suppose it couldn’t hurt, but don’t bring anyone weird!” Seokjin said sending a look in Namjoons direction, reminded of the other times his friends had attempted to set him up with someone.

“I’ll have them come by in the morning then!” Namjoon said with a clap of his hands, standing up and heading back to his sector of the castle, probably to notify the so-called suitors. Seokjin stood up as well and went over to Jimin, pressing a kiss to his cheek before bidding him farewell and heading to his side. Truth be told Jin was fairly certain he wouldn’t be picking anyone Namjoon suggested, and once he reached his room he began searching his closet for an outfit. Since he had to pick someone tomorrow he might as well just go for a walk in the afternoon and marry whoever he came across. It’s not like he had never been looking but, no one ever seemed to want to know the real him, they only cared for his status and ended up treating him, well, like royalty. It was annoying and frankly, Jin believed there wasn’t someone out there who he was meant to be with.

Running a hand through his black locks, he looked out over his kingdom. It was hard to believe that he was actually coming of age, and really was going to marry somebody. Turning away from the window, he began stripping his clothes and headed to his ensuite to run a bath. Sinking into the cherry blossom scented bubbles, he tried to forget his responsibilities for just ten minutes and relaxed his muscles. It must have been very relaxing as next thing he knew someone was knocking at the bathroom door. “Your majesty? Are you going to be dining with the others?” The voice called. “Yes, yes! I’ll be there shortly.” “Of course, your majesty.” Jin stepped out of the bath and toweled himself off before slipping into some blue silk pajamas. It wasn’t a formal dinner anyway and he couldn’t be bothered to get dressed only to change into sleepwear a few hours later.

“Ah! He finally graces us with his appearance.” Jungkook called gleefully when Seokjin entered the dining hall. “Shut up! You’re lucky I even dine with you.” Jin said sticking his tongue out at the youngest prince, who quickly returned the favour. “Neither of you act your age.” Yoongi said shaking his head at the two of them. “Whatever~” They said in unison, as Jin sat in his chair. Jin opted to listen to the younger boys talk about their day instead of speaking himself. He was tired of the marriage thing and was afraid it would be brought up if he spoke of his day. Taehyung put his hand on Jins hand under the table and gave it a squeeze, sending him a comforting look. Taehyung could always tell when Jin was in a funk and always gave some kind of warmth to let him know he was there. Jin returned his look with a small smile and a mimicked squeeze of his hand.

When everyone had finished dinner Jin opted to retire early, giving each boy a hug and kiss on the cheek before heading back to his room. Tucked into his bed, he tried to keep his worries about tomorrow out of his mind. It seemed to be a failing battle as the minute he shut his eyes the anxiety flooded in. How was he going to pick the person he was to live with the rest of his life within 24hrs? Yes, he technically had had 26 years but he wasn’t ready to choose! Traditions could suck his dick if he was being honest. Tomorrow was a disaster already and it hadn’t even begun.

After a completely not restful night, Seokjin dragged himself out of bed and slipped on a light blue silk shirt and some fitted black slacks, a diamond choker made it fancy and showed off his status . It was a trick of sorts to see if anyone would treat him differently, just because of the elegant look. Sighing, he pushed the hair out of his face and made his way to the dining hall to have some breakfast before Namjoon brought in the suitors. Jimin and Jungkook were seated at the table when he came in, eating some pastries and chatting happily.

“Hello~” Jin sang as he took a seat for himself, grabbing a scone and digging in. “Seokjin! Are you excited to meet the suitors? Namjoon says they’re all really pretty!” Jungkook said, sounding much happier about the whole thing then Jin did. “Ah, I suppose…” Jin mumbled, focusing on his food instead of going deeper into the question. Jimin elbowed Jungkook, “Not everyone is dying to pick a partner Jungkook!” He scolded the younger boy, making him pout. “It’s alright Jimin, he can be excited, at least one of us is...” Seokjin said, assuring Jimin it was ok with a wave of his hand.

They moved on to some other casual topics and soon everyone had joined them at the table, except for Namjoon, who was apparently collecting the suitors. Jin tried to engage and not seem anxious but time was just ticking by as they sat here. Eventually, everyone had eaten their fill and the servants began to clear the dishes. Jin stood up, giving a shake of his arms in an attempt to forcefully remove the anxiety from his body. It didn’t help. “Jin! Everyone is ready in the hall.” Namjoon called as he came into the room, a bright smile on his face. “Alright, lead the way Joon.” Seokjin said with a deep breath.

Namjoon hadn’t been lying when he told Jungkook the suitors were pretty, the eight people he found in the main hall were stunning. But as he greeted each of them, the idea of marrying any of them faded quickly. The look in their eyes of idolization was common, the compliments and flirty gestures all too familiar. It’s not that these eight were bad people, it’s just that none of them were seeing him for him. Maybe it was unfair to assume such a thing, but he wasn’t feeling anything from them, even if it was just because he didn’t really want to marry someone.

Seokjin shook his head at Namjoon and exited the hall, leaving Namjoon to explain and herd the failed suitors out. Jin appreciated Namjoons attempt, feeling slightly sorry for leaving him to let those people know they wouldn’t be marrying him. Sending a silent apology in his head, he headed out on a walk into the woods behind his sector of the castle.

The woods were much prettier than Jin remembered them being, though he hadn’t been since he was a child. It was calming, the fresh air and nothing but the sounds of the creatures of the forest. The soft carpet of grass was comforting, and Seokjin briefly considered just running deep into these very trees and never returning. The thought of his six sweet brothers whom he loves so much brings him back to himself. Just find a kind person who won’t drive you crazy. He thought to himself, trying to find something positive in this craziness. The sound of breaking glass interrupted the peace of the forest, and piqued Seokjins interest. He headed towards where the sound came from, slightly cautious.

A small cabin covered in green moss came into view as Seokjin rounded the corner, it was surrounded by a circle of flowers, which was currently being stomped on by some village teens. They were throwing rocks into the windows, crushing the sweet blue flowers with their boots and yelling some terrible things. “Hey, you kids! Leave this place alone, this is not permitted!” The teens took one look at Seokjin and fled in a hurry, a few more curses and insults leaving their lips as they ran. Carefully stepping over the flowers, Jin headed to the door and knocked gently, “Hello? Is anyone home?”

The door slowly creaked open revealing a pair of grey eyes and a head of auburn curls . “Can I help you?” The person asked, voice quiet but melodic all the same. “Oh, well, I’d like to pay for the replacement of your windows. Those village kids really never learn…” Jin said, awkwardly shuffling his feet. “Oh, no, no, it’s ok. This happens quite frequently, so I have plenty of, uh, spares.” Jin furrowed his brows at that, “I’m so sorry, that’s terrible. Is there anything I can do?” He wanted to do something at least. “Ah, I wouldn’t want to bother you, really, I’m used to it.” Clearing his throat, Jin stood a little straighter, “I am one of the princes, the eldest, Jin, there must be something I can arrange?” The stranger giggled at that. “I know who you are, but really, unless you can make me a house not in the villages or in the forest, you can’t help me.”

At that moment a thought struck Seokjin, a solution to both of their problems. “Then how about you marry me?”

#bangtanhq #bts #bts x reader #kim seokjin x reader #kim seokjin #forget me not

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lordofthecoffee · 2 years

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My yard is fulls of cats'-ear right now and it's so sunny and cheerful! Convinced the neighbors hate me, but I hate mowing more, so ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

#i want to do an island in the middle and eventually replace the grass with kurapia #i do wish they were true dandelions just because these leaves are kind of hairy and wiry #not as nice to lay on but clearly that isn't stopping Dixie #oh or lawn daisies i would love to get my hands on lawn daisies

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totallyrhettro · 7 years

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The Lone Jedi, Chapter 23 (final)

Word Count: 2744 Rating: This chapter: G. Overall story: explicit Warnings: none Summary: Jedi Knight Rhett McLaughlin managed to escape the purge of the Emperor to become one of the last of his celibate order. After years of a solitary life, he finds himself with a former slave for a friend. Despite his efforts to maintain anonymity and the jedi code, he starts to realize that doing either is easier said than done. Notes: Star Wars AU; Events take place between episodes III and IV

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

*See the end of each chapter for additional notes on star wars terms*

Link POV

It was late when Link returned to the house. He was surprised to see the lights in the small hut weren’t on yet, but it didn’t concern him right away. Even as he stepped inside, looking around the rounded wooden structure, and saw that it was empty of life, he didn’t fret. The main room, consisting of the kitchen, a dining area and a living room, didn’t look disturbed. All was neat and tidy, without a trace of any struggle or turmoil. Setting down the large bag of fruits and vegetables that he had purchased earlier onto the stone kitchen counter, he walked out through the back door. It was a short stroll through the long grass to the edge of the nearby beach. There, on the shore, sitting on a long-ago toppled tree with a fishing pole in hand, was his friend. His love.

“You’re going to get sunburned,” he noted, stepped up behind the tall figure. Rhett didn’t turn, but sighed quietly.

“Not one bite,” he complained, ignoring the warning. “On a planet renowned for its ocean life, I haven’t gotten a single bite.” Link chuckled, sitting down next to Rhett, and shook his head.

“Didn’t you tell me this planet has some of the most dangerous ocean life in the galaxy?” Link asked. “Why would you want to catch any of it?”

“So I can eat it,” Rhett answered simply. There was a bright smile in his eyes as he tried to keep a straight face. Link gave a low chuckle.

“How about you make that cassarole you were talking about earlier. What’s it called?”

“Tiingilar. It’s Mandalorian.” Reeling in his empty hook, setting aside the rod, he leaned against Link and put his arm around him. “I think you’ll like it.” Ducking down, he nuzzled against Link’s neck.

“Something tells me you aren’t exactly hungry just yet.” Not that Link would be unhappy about that fact. They had lived here for several months now and he had never been so content. This seaside abode was a far cry from the towering ruins of the academy. The massive complex was long gone, replaced by luscious grasslands on a tiny island in the middle of a giant ocean. Stone and bricks walls replaced by those of wood, straw-filled mattresses by a real bed with cotton sheets and fluffy pillows. It was still a simple life, but a cozy one, and one that Link was thrilled to be a part of.

“Oh, I am,” Rhett admitted. “I’m just having a little bit of an appetizer.” Link pushed him away in a huff.

“I am not an appetizer,” he asserted, looking hurt. Rhett’s smile was gone instantly, replaced by worry and confusion. Then Link smirked. “I’m dessert.” There was a split second were Link saw the light go on in Rhett’s mind before he got to his feet and out of the taller man’s grasp. “Come on,” he said, walking back to the house. “I’m starving.” As he started making his way back home, he walked with a slightly exaggerated swagger, swinging his hips. He knew it made Rhett crazy, and he loved to make that man crazy.

He didn’t make it far. After just a few steps, Rhett was right behind him, his presence like a gathering storm. Link stopped by a large tree near some giant boulders, turning around just as Rhett caught up with him. He leaned against the trunk, casually. This was one animal he was always pleased to have pursuing him.

“Yes, Rhett?” he asked, teasingly. Rhett stepped closer until they were toe to toe, placing his arm against the tree just above Link’s head.

“You’re a tease, you know that?” There was a soft growl in his voice, his eyes looked deep into Link’s, half lidded and dark. Link felt his heart begin to flutter, thoughts of past nights of them together racing through his mind. His love for this man never faded, his desire as fresh as the first time he felt it. Rhett was intoxicating and Link adored him.

“Oh?” he inquired. “I was just walking…”

“You know what your walk does to me,” Rhett accused. Link tried to hide his smile, but it was no use. “I’m not sure I can wait for dessert.” His green eyes gazed over Link’s loose-fitting shirt and matching pants. Even dressed in these clothes Link felt completely naked under Rhett’s scrutiny.

“I think you might be letting your emotions take control of you,” Link teased, raising a single eyebrow. For a moment he thought he had gone too far, Rhett’s expression faltering into a solemn frown.

“Perhaps.” Bending down, the former jedi kissed Link, his lips both gentle and full of passion, his hands holding the other man tightly. He held him there for a blissful eternity before finally taking a breath. It took a moment before Link’s world stopped spinning. “Or maybe I’m controlling them.” Link glanced around, seeing three huge boulders and a multitude of smaller rocks just casually hovering around them. Rhett’s head didn’t turn, his eyes still boring into Link’s soul. The shorter man couldn’t help but feel a rush of something surge through his body; a tiny bit of fear mixed with a great deal of excitement.

“You’ve got to teach me how to do that,” he whispered, unable to hide the lust in his voice. Rhett grinned and kissed him again, this time soft and chaste. The rocks and boulders fell gently to the grass.

“Let’s eat first,” he suggested. “I really am hungry.” Link gave him a playful shove.

“Alright, alright,” he laughed. “I’d hate to keep you from your fancy bean dish.” Taking Rhett’s hand in his own, Link led the way back to their little abode, a smile plastered on his face.

“I do like beans,” Rhett pointed out with an exaggerated nod.

“I remember.” There had been at least ten different kinds of beans growing in the gardens back at the academy ruins. With Link’s help, Rhett had started a new garden when they moved here, but the plants had yet to sprout anything edible. “Hopefully we’ll be able to grow some here and you’ll never go without.”

“Truly, this will be paradise,” Rhett noted, mockingly. Link gave him another shove for that one.

After they had left Svivren, the small rebel base there, and found this secluded spot, Rhett continued his daily meditations. He didn’t really consider himself a jedi knight any longer, but that didn’t matter. He still believed that the practice was important; it helped him feel at peace, and more attuned with the Force. Once he managed to craft a new bokken and a new target dummy, he resumed his martial training as well. He enjoyed keeping up with his workouts, both physical and mental. After very little coaxing, Link joined him for the combat portion of his routine. Pretty soon he was quite adept at hand-to-hand fighting. Never again would he fear being taken against his will, and he grew stronger every day.

That evening, once their food was digested and the sun started to get low, Link joined his friend by the water’s edge. He didn’t usually participate in the meditations, getting quickly bored with the whole process, but today he wanted to try. Today he was ready to listen.

“Now, don’t get discouraged if nothing happens,” Rhett told him, sitting down cross-legged on the blanket he had laid out for them. “Communing with the Force isn’t about moving rocks around with your mind, it’s about finding inner peace.”

“How long did it take you to learn how to move rocks?” Link wondered.

“Uh, well…” Rhett flicked the hairs on the back of his neck nervously. “Let’s not focus on that right now…”

“How long does it normally take?”

“Well… Look. Not everyone is force-sensitive, Link,” Rhett explained. “It’s actually very unlikely that you’re ever going to be able to move rocks like that.” Link slumped across from him, disappointed. “It’s not impossible,” Rhett added, trying to cheer him up. “I just don’t want you to get your hopes up for nothing.”

“I understand.” Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath just as he had seen Rhett do a hundred times. ‘How hard could it be?’

After a few minutes of breathing exercises, Link felt himself become very relaxed. The soothing sound of waves gently washing upon the sandy shore was incredibly calming, and just having Rhett nearby always left his mind more at peace then when he was alone.

“Clear your mind,” Rhett instructed. “Feel the Force, its energy flowing through you. Let go of your conscious self. Stretch out with your feelings.” Link tried to empty his thoughts of everything but Rhett’s voice, but instead of feeling calm he felt restless. Despite his efforts to stay focused, he could hear everything all around him at once. The wind, the waves- it all rushed in at him. After a moment his eyes flung open and he panted, overwhelmed and out of breath. Rhett was very understanding.

“It’s alright, Link,” he told him. “Meditating can be its own reward. I think you’ll find it to be quite satisfying, even if you aren’t Force-sensitive.” Link shrugged. Maybe it was naive to think he could be a jedi just like Rhett.

“It isn’t very relaxing,” he countered. “What do you say we just watch the sunset for a while?” Not waiting for an answer, Link flopped onto his back with his hands behind his head. Rhett followed suit with a gentle smile. “This is my kind of meditation.”

“Good idea,” Rhett agreed as he laid down beside Link. “Maybe we can try again tomorrow?”

“Maybe.”

Over the next few weeks, Link meditated with Rhett every evening, but he couldn’t seem to move so much as a grain of sand.,though he didn’t tell his friend he was even still trying. Eventually he gave up completely, just using the time to clear his mind of stress and worry. Any day now the rebels were going to make a move on the nearby Imperial base. That was one of the reasons Rhett and Link had moved to this planet after the Hutt’s mining facility on Andasala was put out of business. Lovely and serene though it might be, it would probably just be temporary. Link tried not to think about that, or what dangerous the future might hold. Now that he was out of hiding, Rhett was determined to help the rebel alliance defeat the Empire as best he could, without revealing his jedi past. As far as they, or anyone else knew, he was just a soldier looking to help out in the fight.

“Chances are we won’t have to leave,” Rhett assured his companion. “Though we might have to stay off world awhile in order to keep the imperial troops from finding us.”

“I really like it here,” Link sighed. It had been his home for some time now, and he was just starting to feel like his life was almost perfect.

“Me, too. Believe me, I don’t want to move anywhere either, but I want you to be prepared to leave and find a new home if we have to.” Link knew Rhett only meant to keep them both safe, to keep Link ready for what might happen in the future, but sometimes it made him worry. Meditating helped immeasurably, clearing his mind of unease and negative thoughts. It definitely seemed to help Rhett as he never appeared concerned about anything.

“Are you really not worried at all?” Link asked one night, as they settled into their shared bed.

“Sometimes. I’m just like any other man-”

“-who can lift giant rocks in the air,” Link added.

“Still, I do worry sometimes, but I’ve been meditating for nearly my whole life. Jedi are trained to control their emotions, including anxiety.” Rolling onto his side, Rhett looked at his friend and lover, the starlight that shone through the window sparkled in his emerald eyes. “Besides, no matter what happens, I’ll have you to protect me.”

“I am getting pretty good with a bokken.” Rhett hummed in agreement, pulling Link in close and settling in to sleep. “Maybe someday you can teach me how to use a real sword, or your lightsaber.”

“I think you’d would do better with a blaster, but if you want to learn, we can buy you a metal blade to train with.” Link’s face lit up at the thought. Chances were good that he’d never be able to be a full jedi, like Rhett, but maybe he could live like one. Once Rhett was able to tell him the truth about his past, there seemed to be no end to his tales about the jedi. The legends and passing rumors Link had heard over the years didn’t seem to do the great knights justice and he quickly grew enamored with notion of becoming one himself.

“I almost wish we had grown up together,” he mused, snuggling closer. “Then we might have been jedi together.” Rhett gave an amused nod.

“But we couldn’t have been anything more than friends,” he reminded Link. “Or I probably would have been thrown out of the order as soon as I hit puberty.”

“Still, it would have been wonderful to have those years with you.” Rhett kissed his nose as he wrapped his arms around him.

“We have many years yet to go, and I intend to spend every single one of them with you.” Link sighed contently, holding Rhett’s arms against his chest.

“I love you,” he whispered. ‘With all of my heart.’

“I love you, too.” For a few minutes they were silent, but while it was more than enough time for Link to drift off into dreamland, he had one last question to ask.

“Do you think I could have been a jedi? If I had grown up in the order?” Rhett didn’t open his eyes, but gave Link a cozy hug.

“You would have made a great jedi.”

A few days later Rhett and Link were sitting by the ocean meditating, as they did every morning now, when Link opened his eyes. He couldn’t seem to concentrate today, unable to stop thinking about the impending rebel strike on the nearby Imperial base. In just a few hours it would begin, and the two of them would be right in the thick of it. He wasn’t worried about their victory; along with the rebel fighters, both he and Rhett had been making attacks on various targets for some time now. The rebellion was slowly growing in strength and size. It wouldn’t be too long before they landed a great blow against the mighty Empire. No, it was the usual worry that something would happen to Rhett. Link wouldn’t have been able to bear it if his love got so much as a scratch during their raids. He couldn’t help but worry.

“Everything will be fine,” Rhett told him, not opening his eyes. “We must trust in the Force, trust that the light is on our side.”

“I know,” Link sighed. “I just…”

“I understand how you feel,” the former jedi began. “This is why we meditate. So we can clear our minds of these thoughts. Close your eyes.” Link nodded and did just that. “Focus on your breath. See the world around you through the force, not with your eyes. Feel the light flow through you. Embrace it. Make it part of you.”

Taking a deep, cleansing breath, Link tried to reach his calming space. He had been practicing these meditative techniques for some time now and he was getting very good at it. Eyes still closed, he reached out with his thoughts, sensing the environment around him. The waves crashed nearby, rolling waters serene and powerful. The wind blew through his hair, gentle and warm, caressing his skin and winding through the long grass. Small animals scurried nearby; Link could feel their life force as well as he could hear them. Reaching out to the small rocks near him, he examined them through and through, fascinated by their texture. Concentrating on them, he could almost feel their rough surface with his fingers, though he had not moved from his spot. He concentrated a little more…

“Link.” Rhett’s voice was a whisper. He was obviously trying to remain calm, but there was astonishment in his voice. “Link… Open your eyes.”

The End

Additional Notes-

None required.

More Fics

#rhett #link #rhink #fanfic #star wars #starwars #the lone jedi

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penguse · 7 years

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he thought nothing of it and carried on. rocky’s birthday would be arriving soon and he was sure everything would blow over eventually as it always did for him. soon days became weeks, weeks became months. he glanced at a calendar in his ships quarters, autumn had been upon him now. though with his poor education he cannot read off of calendars well, he knew rocky’s birthday took place in the summer. he remembers the crisp green grass and sitting out front on a picnic with jim’s family; rocky’s first snowcone. he associates his birthday month with this memory. regardless of this he up & leaves, going on to continue his day.

though not apparent to him at first, in time he takes notice jim’s ship is absent from the docking board. he tries to switch up his hours to see if it makes a difference, at one point hanging out at his stand all day and partially night. his ship not in sight. now marco was a sly penguin, he found he could fish information outta just about anyone – whether it be a location of something down to someones business. casual talk, lowkey jabs, bribes, threats – he knew a way around it all. YET, with each hopeful lead came up with nothing other than rumors of his brother being sighted in various other parts of the island.

after a while he found himself subconsciously searching merchant island, as well as sailing every route jim’s ship used to frequent; though it goes untaken. he even goes as far to anchor his ship in the middle of it in wait. the sea falls silent.

he became FED UP with this assumed to be silent treatment, as if to be disciplined like a child – and he was not going to continue to go out of his way for his brothers or anyone elses acknowledgement. he spits on the pavement near the line of ships docked, as if to send his own message.

other than interactions with suckers customers, his fellow unpleasant merchant company, and tenants at the pub. at the end of the day he always heads back home to his ship, which is not out of the ordinary. though these nights he finds himself hanging half off his hammock, lying in thought. something he did not like to do however, the situation outright forces him to reflect on his actions. marco never felt the consequences of any of his actions personally – as everything he did were to either benefit himself or his own cause. it took time for him to realize aside from jim being his only ‘family’, he been the only one who bothered to make an effort with him; regardless of how it may had faded over time. at the very least he saw his brother, frequented his ship route alongside of him and if able to have an opportunity to team up with him does so.

he did not want to take anything away from this experience other than his brother did not wish to be around him any longer. bullheaded he refuses to admit he was in the wrong. he had no real grasp of how to connect with children, therefore setting up a market stand would bring an environment he was familiar with. at the same time he had selfish intentions, kids are easy to trick and could sell anything. the penguin scouts, for example. perhaps, jim’s reasoning were valid. perhaps he is not fit to be around rocky, or his brothers new family, his own family, or anyone. this almost brings him to reconsider his life, until bitter feelings came up that debuffs these feelings and instead replaces them with detest towards jim.

a year passes. on a whim he tries to reach out through a letter though cannot think of what to say. he uses rocky’s birthday as the messages subject, even if it’d gone by for months now. with a quill in one flipper he fills the piece of dirtied paper out.

‘’ Jimmy,

hadn’t heerd from ya. i gotten your lad a’ gift. cans i drop it off? let me know. sendin blessings to ya fam ily.

regards, Marco ‘’

the last straw should have been when he spent thanksgivin’ alone, but then the last straw should have been easter, st patricks, fourth of july, christmas.

now, marco has been alone before – many times for as long as he can remember, but he has never felt alone.

with each passing month his determined personality began to chip away, a more hombodied, temperamental penguin taken over. he gotten angry easily at his customers which steered away his business. not a lot of good it would have done anyway, as it did not appear to be open as often anymore. he mostly got his kicks off of looting others ships recklessly, which gotten him in many unfavorable entanglements. scars prove these events that took place.

DURING one of his many illegal raids, while searching through a ships trunk he came across it’s captains naval outfit. a highly respectable position, he thinks, rather than his own. the attire reminds him of jim and stifles him from stealing out of this ship any further, which does not go over well with his crew.

days later he decides to walk around a regular market for nothing in particular. perhaps to get away from the environment he caused onto himself. he scans through the stands, one catches his attention with the scent of baked goods. a whole display of freshly made desserts, of which he hadn’t had in forever it seems. he spends his only coins on shortbread cookies cut into shapes, along with an apple pie. this purchase sparks an idea, and he decides to make a bold decision; to use them as conversation pieces in attempt to pay a visit to his brother.

#( today on the chronicles of Why Do I Make Myself Sad )#┇ × ( marco v// MAIN )

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skythegardener · 4 years

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50 questions about Sky

No one asked, but here it is. Check under the cut:

Name: Sky Sweet(Viva Pinata Universe)

1. What does their bedroom look like?

>Plain. They have a king sized bed. The room was painted in a forest-y scene. They have a bathroom thats clean and a closet of clothes(they prefer their heart shirt and jeans).

2. Do they have any daily rituals?

>They wake up, go downstairs and have coffee or tea(or nothing. depends). Care for any pinatas or animals or people needing care at the time in their house before showering, brushing their teeth, and getting ready for their day.

3.Do they exercise, and if so, what do they do? How often?

>Never, unless to keep up appearances. Their inhuman strength is just a natural extension of their less-than-human-ness

4.What would they do if they needed to make dinner but the kitchen was busy?

>Sky’s kitchen is never busy, and they don’t need to eat. But if for some reason they needed to cook for someone and the kitchen is busy, they’ll force themselves in there

5.Cleanliness habits (personal, workspace, etc.)

>Extreme hypocritical cleanliness. Bathes at least twice daily, makes sure there’s nothing dirty in their house. But habitually leaves dirty clothes in their laundry room to forget about. Don’t talk about the dishes. If they’re out working they don’t care as much.

6.Eating habits and sample daily menu

>They don’t eat if they don’t have to or want to. They don’t mind drinking stuff, but food? Eh. They eat if it suits them or if they need to seem More Human

7.Favorite way to waste time and feelings surrounding wasting time?

>Wastes time exploring and studying the land. They have numerous unreadable journals going on about life and plants and everything on Pinata Island. As well they may waste time in the…. Company of others or starting fights if they’re in a sour mood. Maybe drown sorrows at a bar or in the middle of the forest. They don’t mind themselves or others wasting time.

8. Favorite indulgence and feelings surrounding indulging?

>Ahem. Again, the company of others. They find it enjoyable and encourage others to enjoy their life how they see fit.

9. Makeup?

>Doesn’t know how to use it in human form. Used to be your basic emo in feline form.

10. Neuroses? Do they recognize them as such?

>Some residual depression and PSTD. Not as bad as it once was, but sometimes it flares up.

11. Intellectual pursuits?

>As much as possible. Eternity is boring and long, why not learn stuff while you’re waiting for the end of existence?

12. Favorite book genre?

>None. Reads whatever

13. Sexual Orientation? And, regardless of own orientation, thoughts on sexual orientation in general?

>Pansexual! Just fine with anyone being anything.

14. Physical abnormalities? (Both visible and not, including injuries/disabilities, long-term illnesses, food-intolerances, etc.)

>Able to shapeshift, obviously. If they chose to they have ‘vitiligo scars’ and they have sharp teeth in their human form. As well as a tail. Their hair ‘naturally’ grows in blue, but they may claim that they dye it to avoid scrutiny. Their eyes are cat like, and in times of high emotion or weakness they may lose control of their shapeshifting and gain feline/demonic traits.

15. Biggest and smallest short term goal?

>Biggest: Hatch the Dragonache eggs they have. Leo needs siblings! Smallest: fix that fucking fence those pinatas keep breaking

16. Biggest and smallest long term goal?

>Biggest: continue exploring and gaining information on the island as well as maintain their garden. Smallest: Maybe find a relationship? Who knows. They’re fine with their current situation,

17. Preferred mode of dress and rituals surrounding dress

>Simple, but they don’t mind dressing up. As gender neutral as possible, usually ends up masculine leaning. They like their paw boots, their gloves, mask, jeans, and heart shirt. They’ll wear a lot of things though.

18. Favorite beverage?

> Coffee, Tea, or Alcohol. All of which are residual habits.

19. What do they think about before falling asleep at night?

>If they can fall asleep, they’re probably thinking about their original universe, past ‘lives’, what to do tomorrow.

20. Childhood illnesses? Any interesting stories behind them?

>Was never a child in the VP universe.

21. Turn-ons? Turn-offs?

>Sky prefers to share those with partners.

22. Given a blank piece of paper, a pencil, and nothing to do, what would happen?

>Sky might jot down things in one of their original languages, sketch things they remember, or just ask for something to do.

23. How organized are they? How does this organization/disorganization manifest in their everyday life?

>As organized as possible! They carry around the same things, obsessively straighten things or move things to the right spot, and might spend time fixing something they already fixed in order to feel some control.

24. Is there one subject of study that they excel at? Or do they even care about intellectual pursuits at all?

>Not particularly. At least not human subjects. Magic is a great skill of theirs, but they limit it to their “calming” magic so it specifically works on pinatas and animals.

25. How do they see themselves 5 years from today?

>back home maybe, or still on Pinata Island living a life and studying.

26. Do they have any plans for the future? Any contingency plans if things don't workout?

>Not particularly. Eternity is a long time.

27. What is their biggest regret?

>Oof. On pinata island? Probably getting into a fight with someone and permanently hurting them. Or hurting them beyond their sort of idea of how it’s okay to hurt them. Original world? Dying.

28. Who do they see as their best friend? Their worst enemy?

>On the island, they get along well with Petula and Leafos and their family. Costalot and Sky would brawl if they ever crossed paths probably.

29. Reaction to sudden extrapersonal disaster (eg The house is on fire! What do they do?)

>Unless it results in the hurt or death of say a person/animal or the permanent death of a pinata, they don’t mind. Things can be replaced! People, animals, and pinata? Not so much.

30. Reaction to sudden intrapersonal disaster (eg close family member suddenly dies)

>Sky’s for sure gonna blame themself if at all applicable. They’ll grieve and move on eventually though. They always do.

31. Most prized possession?

>None, materials don’t matter. But they would like to keep these interesting packets of seemingly infinite grass, sand, and snow. They’re neat!

32. Thoughts on material possessions in general?

>Mortals seem to care about them, so they try to remember how to care about it for them. Really doesn’t matter to them though.

33. Concept of home and family?

>Searching desperately for a permanent one, but they know that’s impossible. They’ve got Sherbet in their universe though, thats all that matters.

34. Thoughts on privacy? (Are they a private person, or are they prone to 'TMI?)

>Doesn’t care about privacy much at all. They’ll tell people who ask that they’re supernatural and a shapeshifter and immortal and whatever, but they likely won’t admit to being a demon. If someone smart might put 2 and 2 together they’ll avoid telling about anything unnatural about themselves at all.

35. What activities do they enjoy, but consider to be a waste of time?

>None, they don’t find wasting time an issue.

36. What makes them feel guilty?

>Unnecessary cruelty or being unable to help or save someone. Fighting does not count as an unnecessary cruelty though. Bloody noses and broken bones can be fun and consensual sometimes.

37. Are they more analytical or more emotional in their decision-making?

>Both. If it’s something very important, they’ll think it over. Most of the time they’re emotional, preferring the spur of the moment decisions to help or maybe beat the crap out of someone.

38. Would they consider themselves a Type A or Type B personality?

>Type B? I dunno :/

39. What recharges them when they're feeling drained?

>Sleep, going out, exploring. Who knows

40. Would you say that they have a superiority-complex? Inferiority-complex? Neither?

>Superiority complex. Vainest mfer. Really trying to stop being so high and mighty but… not always successful.

41. How misanthropic are they?

>Eh. They find seculusion the easiest but sometimes you must go out on the town to just fuck around with people. It’s fun!

42. Hobbies?

>Studying stuff!

43. How far did they get in formal education? What are their views on formal education vs self-education?

>A highschool equivalent in their original world, none on the island.

44. Religion?

>Yes. All of them. In their world, there was no real wrong answer! These uncertain universes scare them some though, they really rely on hope?!

45. Superstitions or views on the occult?

>Yes! All of it also. Listen…. Their original world is Wild. Also magic does exist on the island.

46. Do they express their thoughts through words or deeds?

>Both, but prefers action

47. If they were to fall in love, who (or what) is their ideal?

>Anyone. As long as they’re willing to put up with Sky. But they have a tendency to fall for those who are scary looking and could probably beat them up because who doesn’t like a little danger?

48. How do they express love?

>All sorts of ways! Keen on physical affection and gifts. Good luck getting those three words out of them though

49. If this person were to get into a fist fight, what is their fighting style like?

>Professional, but extremely unethically brutal. Sure it’s above the belt, but They Did Just Purposefully Break Your Nose. And kick you really hard in the side.

50. Is this person afraid of dying? Why or why not?

>Done it a lot. Already technically dead. Bring it on baby!

#50 q #i dont remember where i found this sorry #sky

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cellerityweb · 6 years

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Elex – New Challenges for the Environment Art Team

Creating a believable game world for the players to explore and live in is essential for a game like Elex. Lead Environment Artist Victor Karp can tell a thing or two about it.

Unlike our two previous titles »Risen 2« and »Risen 3«, »Elex« once again offers a large coherent world which can be explored completely with no load times at all. Although the islands of the previous games may have been practical in terms of being enclosed locations, after a while we kind of lost interest in setting up new beaches, ports and big main locations again and again on each island. Hence, for Elex we decided to return to one single land mass.

Plus, we wanted to mix the old fantasy traditions up a bit and integrate modern elements mixed with sci-fi components as new settings in Elex. Since our Environment team of about six members is rather small, we had to revise our existing workflows in order to be able to make this giant project work.

Texture generation 2.0

For the last Risen game, we generated our textures exclusively from photo resources in Photoshop or in Mudbox by projecting textures on high-poly objects. By the end of the development, PBR Rendering had gained more and more importance in game production, and Quixels nDo and dDo had become more and more popular. In the prototype for Elex, we took our first baby steps with this tool and quickly realized how much time we could save without compromising on quality. Not only were we able to complete things faster, the graphics were also looking better than before.

In contrast to the old workflow, we could now bake ID masks from our high-poly meshes onto low-poly meshes and try them out quicker with material presets in dDo to see what looked good and what didn’t. Adding late changes to the color or material of several objects no longer resulted in confusing layer adjustments in Photoshop. Obviously, the transition didn’t just happen overnight; it took us a while to get adapted.

During the production of Elex, we made the transition from dDo to Substance Painter since we were quite impressed with the number of features and the simple handling. However, this meant that the old data was no longer compatible with the new tools and all textures we had created had reached a technical impasse. We had to live with this problem for the time being, which we eventually managed to solve during the polishing phase towards the end of the development by reworking the textures from scratch in Substance Painter wherever necessary. If you compare old screenshots of the game to new ones (top), you will see that the texture quality has continuously improved since we gradually worked our way through it to create a consistent look.

We create more and more tileable textures used on large areas such as (house) walls or terrains with Substance Designer. This way, we are no longer dependent on suitable photo textures, and sometimes it also replaces the need for high-poly sculpting. The Designer lets us create materials from scratch and revise them again and again until their look meets our demands.

You don’t have to bake it all

Due to the team size in the Environment department, we had to realize that we weren’t able to create as many high-poly sculptings and meshes as we had done for the previous projects. Somehow, we had developed the basic idea that an acceptable quality could not be reached without high-poly baking. Due to the scope of Elex, we had to get rid of this mentality, and we started to realize that we often did unnecessary extra work which the players didn’t really notice in the end. A lot of objects in Elex were still created by high-poly baking, however, we skipped this step for a large number of items and props this time and textured the low poly directly. Thanks to the large number of features in Substance Painter, the objects still have well-defined graphics and don’t stand out negatively when looking at the overall picture.

Manual UV mapping abolished

No matter how fast you can create textures with the new tool, you still have to do the layout manually. That job is neither rewarding nor fun – and what’s even worse: It takes up valuable time! Those who have created a complex UV layout for a mesh before and realized in the end after having almost completed the puzzle that there are pieces missing, will know that depressing feeling.

Our Tech Artist Mario Röske decided during production that he wanted to automate this necessary deed and simply went ahead and wrote a fully automated UV Packer which, unlike the integrated Packers of ordinary 3D tools, makes successful use of space and is faster and more efficient in packing than any artist could do by hand. What was meant to be a small project

Without the creation of tile sets, building such a large number of objects like ruins in the game world of Elex would have been – logistically – very unlikely.

to save our studio time turned out to become a successful product by the name »IPackThat«, which is now used by many big gaming companies throughout the world.

Tile sets for more Variation and volume

In Risen 3, we still had a very manageable number of large buildings which were all used as individual objects in the world. There was, e.g. the fortress of the demon hunters on Calador, the mages’ camp on Taranis, or Shani’s treehouse on Kila. The only true tile sets were the old ruins which occurred at the beginning of the game on Crab Coast and again later in the spider cave on Kila, as well as the great prison on Skull Island. For the large number of ruins in the old world and the new factions in Elex, we needed more objects which could be reused and expanded. Hence, we created more tile sets for the old ruins of the lost world, the buildings of the clerics, the connecting corridors of the Albs, the medieval fortresses and the great metal pipes (right). That way, we could freely arrange scenes directly in the engine and produce additional parts as needed. In addition, we still used large, individual objects like the houses of the berserkers or the radar station at the beginning of the game.

A new vegetation system

The world of Elex confronts the players with various climate regions, from forests to deserts to icy arctic regions.

Elex’ great land mass requires a new vegetation system which automatically generates grass, pebbles and flowers. In Risen 3, we still had to do this step manually on each of the islands and use a brush to paint the grass and pebbles on the height map. If the height map was modified later, all vegetation had to be removed from the respective locations and redrawn from scratch. For Elex, we’re using a system which works automatically and can be manually fine-tuned afterwards. Depending on the foundation material (e.g. grass, gravel or ashes), the vegetation is spawned based on a set of rules. The rules stem from a hand-written XML file with a hierarchical structure where zones and subzones can be defined, so that grass is growing on flat land, interspersed with flowers, and pebbles appear on slopes. As needed, we can draw a particularly large number of flowers in certain locations or make the grass grow higher or lower or remove it completely.

Another new automatism are vegetation modification volumes which can be attached to any given object. This way, we can make some plants grow only under certain trees or prevent grass from growing underneath chests, which would then grow through the bottom of the chest when opening it.

Better tools for streets

Large roots grow through Edan and roads are winding through the world where rusty crash barriers remind us of the lost world. The fact that they can do that is owed to our team of programmers which added a spline system to the editor. This system allows us to create curves in the editor where any kind of meshes are spawned. Without this innovation, we would have had to build, form and export all streets individually as meshes, which would have been impossible from a logistics point of view. Our spline system allows the definition of objects at the beginning and the end of the spline, which aren’t used in the middle part (like the end of a long root) as well as a series of parts exclusively for the middle part, which the system selects automatically. This allows for variations on long splines without having to deal with the settings once everything has been configured.

Water on!

Various automations make building the vegetations, streets and rivers significantly easier.

Another indispensable innovation was added to our river system. While nothing changed in regard to the controls, a flow map is now created underneath the hull for the entire world. Before that, it was really difficult for us to bring together several rivers since the seams were always visible, a fact that we had to cover up with lots of particles and objects. The flow map generation not only seamlessly merges all rivers and oceans; the system also automatically calculates the speed of the river depending on the incline, transports color changes caused by mud with the water and visibly runs around obstacles as opposed to, as before, right through them.

Where does development go from here?

In Elex, both our workflows and the engine have made a big step forward. For our next project, our goal is to optimize the Environment department even more to be able to produce better content with less effort. To get there, we will set our asset generation pipeline completely to the substance tools Painter and Designer and terminate the company tradition with 3ds Max (which we had been using since Gothic 1) and replace it by Blender.

Blender can now match the big competitors, but is still only slowly picking up in the games industry. I followed the development in the last few years with great interest and made a complete transition during the development of Elex, both privately and professionally. I regard the high update frequency, modularity and the large number of ever new features as a promising alternative to the existing industry standards.

Our goal for the next project is a well-organized material database which we want to generate with the Substance Tools. We can then use this catalogue for new objects instead of having to reinvent the wheel all over again for each new object. When modifying the database, we can update all of those objects at once. That way, it will be a lot easier and more streamlined to try out different looks. Additionally, in terms of meshes, we’re planning an object catalogue of smaller attachments to use when creating large objects. This gives us the opportunity to create large objects with simpler geometry and attach small, more detailed objects like buttons, knobs, levers, switches or trims, without having to texture or build them from scratch every single time. Blender’s feature to import objects from other scenes in instances will come in handy here.

We want to use the experience we gained with the tile sets in Elex and build on them for the next project since this is where we see one of the major factors for more content and less stress on the developer side. At the end of the day, not just us, but the players also will be able to benefit from that.

About the Author:

Victor Karp

is Leading Environment Artist at Piranha Bytes.

Victor Karp is working on Elex as Lead Environment Artist. In 2012, he joined the industry as an intern at Piranha Bytes, supporting them in the development of Risen 3. He completed a training in Digital Media Design and became head of the Environment department in 2015. His interest in level design stemmed from the first »Quake 3« map in 2006. Creating home-made levels for »Quake«, »Counter-Strike« and »Unreal« is still one of his hobbies today. More information about Victor can be found here.

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