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were-changing-cake-vaults · 6 days

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See, the thing is, Grian isn’t lying when he says that the snails aren’t his doing.

He gets why people are saying that; the timeline of him finally getting the stupid book and the snails emerging from the sea line up near-perfectly, as if they were another manic machination of his boredom. It’s also the fact that they just straight up came out of the sea, or at least should’ve- he swears up and down that the pink one shot down from the sky, he saw it with his own two eyes. But, considering he doesn’t control the sky, the pink snail cannot be his doing at the very least. And the teal one? The one that people are calling his snail? He just found it after a particularly stormy night, chilling on the docks, and he found it just so damn cute that he took it as a pet. Both of those aren’t Grian’s fault. They can’t be, by that logic.

But honestly, by now, he’s getting a little worried about the snails, in either case of his innocence with them. He’ll be the first to admit that he’s not the sanest person on the Hermitcraft server—he’s not sure who is, really, when everyone has their own things going on—particularly within the past few weeks, if the beard and book count as indication. His memory has been a little foggy for a while, so it very well could’ve been him putting snails everywhere, and he just flat-out forgot for one reason or another. Though, that doesn’t seem likely- he’s strong, but not strong enough to haul a giant snail out of the sea and onto a literal freight train, nor does he have the patience to meticulously choose snails that are sturdy enough to replace the wheels. That had to be a meticulous and pre-planned process, something Grian doesn’t really have the time for.

This leaves him with three conclusions: if it is him behind the snail acts, he’s not the only thing occupying his body. If it isn’t, well, there’s still something causing the snails to make their way through the works of Magic Mountain, and it certainly isn’t another hermit, based on their reactions. If it’s a mix of both—considering he’s found himself freeing snails from the cages Scar put them in without remembering how he got there—then the snails aren’t so cute anymore, and Grian’s just about ready to—

To—

He’s just—

Where was he?

Right. The snails. They’re not his doing, pinky promise. Grian got his book, he filled the prophecy, and he’s stopped fishing like it’s his last day on earth. The bit is over. He’s moved on- why would he beat a dead horse into the ground like that? Sure, he can still smell rot wafting from the river, but he’s Gem’s neighbor, and she’s got that whole fish horror thing going on, so it very well could be her. Nevermind the fact that they were eating her lighthouse, and she wouldn't do that to her own hard work. And sure, she came to him when a snail chose her--the way he said it would--but she was probably under the assumption that it was his, just like everyone else. It wasn’t. He’s sure it wasn’t.

The snails would explain his white-hot anger at Scar’s little cooking prank; the way Grian’s skin felt like it was burning every time he looked at the pan. How, despite knowing that his friend was just messing with him, every instinct was telling him to kill him where he stood, no mercy. How it felt like the same seething rage he felt when Scar had fished up a copy of the book weeks prior, and he’d done that very thing. And maybe, just maybe, it would explain how sometimes, on the nights where his dreams are the most vivid and gross, he wakes up in the Chamber, positioned as if in a prayer.

But if it is…

A streak of fear runs up his spine. The weather, despite his dedication to the sea released, is still stormy and grey. The water is still murky and washing slime up onto his shores. The dreams of the book haven’t stopped, despite him clutching it like a rosary on even good days. The whispers of the wind are an angry, menacing thing in his ear. He thought it would be over once he got what he wanted. He thought it would be enough to satisfy whatever the ocean needed from him.

There is a rod in his hands, he realizes. He throws it as far away as he can. It lands next to a clump of snails, who all turn to look at him with an otherworldly menace in their pitch black eyes.

Just what has he released onto his home?

#oceans calling au #grian #hermitcraft #geminitay #goodtimeswithscar #woosh writes #ITS BACK BAYBEEEEEEE #YOU THOUGHT OCEANS CALLING WAS DONE? LOL. LMAO EVEN #Gem said ‘there’s something in the water’ and I went OH IS THERE #is this kinda terrible? yeah. doesn’t matter.#anyways enjoy

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nineevees · 29 days

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general thoughts on the wk “our blue and green world” special (for funsies)

they had me in the beginning, by the end they completely lost me tho lolol

!! SPOILER WARNING FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T SEEN THE EPISODE YET !!

things i liked:

the intro was!! very good!! loved how they started in space and then gradually zoomed into earth, that was really fun :D

always excited to see how the background of the final shot changes in these specials !!

right away i am so glad they finally color corrected everything i couldn’t stand how bright everything was in season 6 T_T

chris being able to just effortlessly fold his t-shirts into a stack made me laugh lol

i don’t care if anyone says the song sounded flat as hell. the disbelief i had when it first came on. “what is this music what is goin- IS THIS A SONG??” the pure, unadulterated joy i experienced from it. it may be cringe but it has set me free.

idk. i’m just glad to see all these characters back after the hiatus :D

the resplendent quetzal is!! so cool!! so pretty!! i’d love an episode just dedicated to it

saw someone say this already but common aviva W for inventing two creature power discs at once !! it’s her world we are simply all living in it

BLUE WHALES ARE AS BIG AS TWO BRONTOSAURUSES?? waow

i think ever since i’ve gotten past the age of. elementary school. martin’s nicknames for animals have been kind of hit-or-miss for me? (though it might just depend on who’s writing the script i dunno) but i liked kablooey!! (kabluey?) it’s a very cute name :D

zach remembered that he has hacker bots he can use (which are. arguably his best invention?? i’m pretty sure?? i get why they don’t use them every single time zach shows up bc that would get old quickly but it establishes that despite being a whiny man-child who couldn’t tell a walrus from a wombat or a wallaby, he can still be a threat to the wk team)

indri lemur my beloved 🫶🫶

and everyone’s been talking about that so um. let me throw my hat into the ring then.

i can see the intention behind trying to redeem paisley, but it just. doesn’t really match with what’s been established by her character?

the entire special hit me with subsequent punches of “wow this is a kid’s show and i am NOT the target demographic” when they were talking about the water cycle and explaining global warming. so it makes sense, in a sort of wish-fulfillment kind of way that they’d try and redeem the villain whose goal is arguably the most realistic out of the main four.

zach’s main gimmick is using wild animals for his own technology. donita uses wild animals for fashion. gourmand cooks and eats wild animals. yes, the latter two can and do happen in real life (not… really sure about zach’s but that’s not the point). but paisley’s gimmick was never about harming animals, but destroying the environment they live in, in order to build things for humans instead. she’s the kind of person who you’d most likely encounter in real life. redeeming paisley has nothing to do with her character (a businesswoman who finds nature “yucky” as seen in the spirit bear and Asian elephant episodes), instead her general gimmick. wouldn’t it be nice if we could get the people destroying animals’ homes to truly see how beautiful nature can be? so much so that they stop trying to destroy it and instead attempt to help preserve it?

(this is just a personal nitpick but paisley’s new design absolutely is NOT working for me srry)

after i watched the special i had some ideas abt how it potentially could have gone instead?:

don’t redeem paisley at all: again, i get the general idea of why they did this but also. it doesn’t?? line up with her character at all?? the way she was acting in the beginning was fine and perfectly in character for her. she just wants nature out of the way in order to complete her plans, and she has no time for zach being overly concerned with the wild kratts. you could argue that her knowing that dolphins and whales weren’t fish but mammals was foreshadowing to her redemption, but like… paisley’s not dumb?? donita has also corrected zach on not knowing his animals in the past so unless you’re also going to argue for a possible donita redemption in the future then. yeah. i dunno. the other villains didn’t need a redemption to make the special they were in interesting, i don’t see how this one should be any different.

another redemption fake-out, but do it much earlier in the story: i have. my own gripes about how the plot of this special went but we’ll save that for later. have paisley initially be dismissive of the wild kratts’s presence, but once she learns that the kratt brothers are arguing and that aviva, koki, and jimmy are spending all of their time trying to get them to make up, pounce on that opportunity. have her go all over-the-top (like she did in her canon redemption) and trick the wild kratts into thinking she’s turned good, only for her to turn on them in the second half. this might be too similar to “a creature christmas” though. this one would take up more of the plot if that’s any consolation?

give a hint to a paisley redemption arc, but don’t make her do a complete 180 right away: if they’re adamant on redeeming paisley (again, i see the general idea behind this gimmick-wise), then they could still do it and make it fit with her character. remember that paisley’s intentions are not to harm animals, but their environment (which is not any better, making that clear). she can still have her awed-by-coral moment, but maybe. tone it down?? she can have second thoughts about going with the plan, but have zach or rex* encourage her to continue. she steels her resolve, but remembers the coral, and hesitates. and the kratt brothers use that last-minute hesitation to defeat zach’s zachbots and paisley’s pavers. have paisley question why she couldn’t go through with it as she and zach leave madagascar. you could have aviva or one of the other wild kratts theorize that paisley has started to have a change of heart after seeing what nature is capable of, if left to thrive. but again: don’t redeem her right away. hint at it, and then explore it whenever she appears as the main antagonist in an episode of season 7.

*i’m admittedly not caught up on all of wk, but like. did paisley fire rex or something. WHERE WAS HE THIS ENTIRE SPECIAL??

as for the plot point of the kratt brothers fighting… yeah that definitely could have gone better.

(again, minor nitpick but jimmy saying that this was the first time he’s seen the brothers fight,, then implied that it happened every single laundry day,, but also he’s definitely seen them fight before? or had disagreements at least?? isn’t that the premise of at least two different episodes not counting this special. this script is also Not My Favorite. not sure how to explain it but some of the dialogue seems a little awkward?)

ik that the brothers get into danger 24/7 but i feel like. martin should be a little bit concerned that chris was getting squeezed to death by a green anaconda?? like you don’t have to make him overtly worried to the point of apologizing, but you could at least. make him look at chris with concern? i get that the point is that “oh no the brothers are fighting so they won’t help each other when one’s in danger” but. martin your brother is dying STOP SMILING NONCHALANTLY.

the resolution between the brothers was. kind of rushed? all it took was chris complimenting martin (“nice one, bro!”) and then activating some creature powers and then everything was fine. is. is that all it took?

if you liked it then that’s 100% fine !! i’m glad you enjoyed it :D it just wasn’t for me

just my personal preference but i think i would have preferred it if we spent more time with the brothers solo (martin at sea and chris in the rainforest) and have them come to their realizations that the planet needs both blues and greens to thrive separately. like martin sees the planktonic soup and acknowledges that the creatures who live in the ocean need a little green to survive. or chris sees how important rivers are in the amazon and remembers how the rivers will eventually flow into the ocean. and both of the brothers remember their adventures with each other (or aviva, koki, and jimmy remind them). they can still be stubborn and not forgive each other, but i’d like them to at least like. acknowledge each other’s pov and respect it.

or: do something with aviva trying to program two creature power suits at once (the brothers are both in madagascar at this point). like, what if there was a creature power suit malfunction where martin is a blue whale at first, but then turns into an indri. and chris starts our as an indri but then his suit malfunctions and he becomes a blue whale. the bros swap places, with martin going on land and chris going to sea, and then they realize that the other had a point - the land is home to so many wonderful creatures and so are the oceans. and how both are connected and make the earth their home. boom, reconciliation.

also another personal preference thing, i really wish they spent more time with kablooey/kabluey and mambiky (?). i’m here for cool creatures and i wanna see more of the cool creatures !! is that so much to ask for !!

also also. i think the indri-conda was born bc someone saw the pun potential and to that i say. no comment.

i still have. a lot of thoughts but i think i’ll just leave it there for now. ik i criticized it a lot but i did genuinely enjoy the special :D i’m happy to have the brothers back from hiatus and can’t wait to watch the other episodes !!

#wild kratts #wild kratts spoilers #our blue and green world

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necros-writing-stuff · 6 months

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(Spoiler warning about some really obscure scenes in-game. Also, tw: mentions of human trafficking) Do you think Eden and PC met in the past? Maybe when PC was younger? Ivory Wraith refers to Eden as an “old friend you never knew”, and Eden mentions the fishing magazine he/she reads was given to him/her by “an old friend”. If PC asks who his/her friend is, Eden just holds PC closer. “Old friend” MAY be referring to Bailey buuuut, and this might be a far fetched theory…

If you work in the docks, there’s a scene where you find a kid trapped and bound inside a cargo box. You’re able to secretly rescue the teen, take them somewhere to eat, and give them money to leave the town. (I think there’s also an option to bring them to the authorities, but I haven’t been able to trigger the scene again to try it. I didn’t because I don’t trust the police in this messed up town.) The kid is not able to speak but they communicate with body language. If your PC has the wolf TF, and you pass out in town, there’s a chance you might end up in the dog pound where you can find secret documents about the PC in an underground tunnel leading to the beach. You’re able to confront Bailey about it, but he simply takes the documents and the contents are never explained. The only thing that’s emphasized is that the letter B is written on the document. (B for “bought” maybe?) My theory is: what if Eden worked at the docks at one point and found a younger PC in the cargo. It’s possible there’s some illegal child trade or human trafficking happening in the town (considering the underground brothel exists, I don’t think it’s a far-fetched theory, but I know Vrel has a strict 18+ rule.), hence why the secret documents and secret tunnel exist. Eden may have found PC. That’s probably why they’re so convinced they’re meant to be PC’s protector.

I don’t believe anything is confirmed about PC’s past. So, if my theory were true, I can imagine PC may have tried to read things when they had just woken up and maybe struggled, one such thing being a random fishing magazine they swiped at the docks. Maybe Eden read it to PC, and PC gave it to them or forgot about it when Eden took them to the orphanage. If Eden is around 25, which I believe is what Vrel said, he could’ve been a teenager at the time and PC would’ve been a pre-teen since they’re 18 in-game.

I also have a theory, if PC is a reincarnation or time traveler as many theories suggest, maybe they traveled through and emerged from the lake. Eden might have found PC reading a random fishing magazine they found on fishing rock.

Sorry this message is so long, I just had to let this all out because it has been bothering me, and I’ve noticed Eden rescues PC like… A LOT so I imagined this scenario. I’m probably looking too much into it, but it’s a fun what-if to think about!

Hey! I really don't mind long posts like this- I love them actually, they're so fun to read so thank you for taking the time to write it all!

First up, I want to comment on Eden's age - they're mid to late 30s (same as Bailey) and old enough to be PC's dad. PC, at the start of the game, has just turned 18. Judging by how Vrel has said Eden dropped out of school before they could graduate and had very few jobs before entering the forest, I believe Eden was out of town before PC was even born.

So far the only thing that's been commented on in terms of PC's past is that Bailey might have known their parents (but I can't find the screenshot where this is said).

The reason I 100% think the old friend is Bailey (in terms of the magazine) is with all of the evidence that we have that the two genuinely share a bond (or shared, it seems some resentment has built on Bailey's side).

As for Ivory Wraith... its so hard to say with them. That scene makes it seem as though PC isn't included in what they're talking about - maybe it's to do with someone Eden used to be friends with who has changed and become a new person? Like Bailey's aforementioned complicated feelings?

So yeah, I don't believe that Eden and PC have met before. I think Eden's need to protect them comes from a place of "Oh shit I used to be like that." Eden, if they were an orphan, sees themself in PC and it kicks them into possessive big bear mode.

#spill your guts #anonymous #eden the hunter #cw trafficking

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mooniwrites · 1 year

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Borrowed love letters (snippet)

Pairing: Lewis Hamilton x blacklatinafem!Reader

Summary: It’s your birthday and Lewis have a few surprises for you. WC: 687 Warnings: besides sickening sweet love and Lewis being a simp, none, I think.

Author note: I haven’t write anything in a very long time, so please be kind! Also, English is not my first language, and I’m not a 100% fluent in it, so I’ll probably have spilling/writing errors. Constructive (and kind) criticism is received and appreciated.

One of the downsides of dating a writer it’s that it doesn’t matter what I write, it’ll never compare to what you can come up, even in one of your ‘worst’ days, when -and I quote- “writers block is kicking your ass”. So that’s why I’m going to borrow the words of famous writers and poets to try to express my love for you, even though I know words aren’t enough to do so.

Today marks the day that you were brought to this world, a day in which the colors are more vibrant, the birds sing a little more and the sun hides because you outshine it.

Today I will give you 27 gifts, 26 to commemorate each year you have walked this earth, and 1 to celebrate the year you have shared with me (the first of many, I pray).

Today, I borrow the words of Kafka “in a way, you are poetry material; you are full of cloudy subtleties I am willing to spend a lifetime figuring out.”

The first gift is a Rothschild Slipper orchid, one of the most expensive and exotic orchids in the world. As a plant mom, I know that you’ll take amazing care of her (please wait for me so we can name it together). The reason of this being the first gift it’s because I know you have been looking for this orchid for years, and also the fact that it flowers every 15 years is a huge proof of patience, love, perseverance and resilience, all things that I link to you, to who you are. I still remember the afternoon where your parents told me about your birth, that you were born death and the doctors had to bring you back to life, how complicated it was and that you spent your first month of life in hospital. I’m glad that baby you was so stubborn and fought.

The second gift is a vintage cigarette holder. Because your soul feels like an old one, one that has seen and felt and cried a lot, and still maintains the kindness and naiveness of a young one. Your existence is an exquisite mix of contradictions, like a very aesthetic artifact that was originally designed for a purpose, but a dark skinned Latina woman that loves to cook while listen ballenato would stare at and wish that she could put those incredible gorgeous Florasis lipsticks (I also pray for the day that they become cruelty free baby).

The third gift is a reversible sapphire white 14K gold ring, just because as soon as I saw it I thought of you wearing and it was meant to be (don’t worry baby, that engagement ring is in the making).

The fourth gift is a rain cloud diffusor, I knew you have wanted one for months, but haven’t got it because you forgot, or you would rather buy something for someone else (because you are selfless like that).

At 5, you fell in love with what is still today your favorite animal: whales. I still remember the way your face got warm when you told me that at 5 you believed whales could come out of anywhere that had water, including rivers or puddles, so it’s only natural that your fifth gift it’s related to them. One of my most precious memories it’s almost frizzing myself to death in Alaska just to see whales doing their dance to eat, or as you would call it “the coolest breathtaking and most beautiful method” , I remember all the times you explained to me how whales do the bubble net fishing method, how they work like an orchestra, with the trumpeters, that swim deep and release air to form bubbles and group the shoal, then the one that call the rest so they can go to the surface and eat, while also singing to confuse the fishes, seeing you get excited hearing their songs, the way your eyes illuminated when they appeared right next to our boat, your tears of happiness because you couldn’t believe what you just witnessed warmed me up better than any jacket could. And even that freezing winter in Alaska it was warmer than the ones I spent without you by my side.

#lewis hamilton imagine #lewis hamilton fanfic #lewis hamilton x reader #lewis hamilton #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #f1 fanfic #f1 fluff #f1 x y/n

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mazegays · 4 months

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could've followed my fears all the way down

Chapter 17

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 18

The first few days are easy. Familiar. They’ve gone out scouting this far before, and there are little paths worn in from use. The weather is kind to them, but they’ve got plastic sheets for when it starts to rain; their sunny days won’t hold forever.

Sonya points out the different plants they’ve tried in the greenhouse, to see if they’re edible at all.

Most of them aren’t, which sucks, because they could really use more easily-accessible food sources.

Thankfully, none of the ‘testers’ (mostly just Sonya, and whoever else she can get to try it.) have died from any of the plants. They collect what they can and eat most of it themselves.

Thomas’s food pack has to last a lot longer than theirs.

“What do you think you’ll find, Thomas?”

“More plants, hopefully. I’m thinking if we’ve scared off any deer around here, but maybe if it’s just me, I’ll see some. I wonder if Frypan knows how to make jerky.”

“I don’t think there’s anything he’s not willing to try making, at least.”

“Good that.” Thomas laughs. “We’ll split tomorrow morning, then. Are you going right back?” They’d made better time than he’d planned for.

“No, we’ve got a few things around here to take a look at first. I haven’t been out this far before. Have you, Aris?”

“This is the first time I’ve been in here for more than a few minutes. I wanted a change from fishing every morning.” He explains. Thomas hadn’t even realized that Aris was fishing every morning; it explains why he hasn’t seen much of him at dinner. He’s pretty sure that Aris has to be up, like, stupid early for fishing.

“When will you get back, Thomas? I know Aris and I plan on being back in three or four days. How much food do you have?”

“I’ve got enough for three days out here and the trip back. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me. I’ve got a good handle on running in the woods now, too. If it comes to that I’ll run back. I’ll be maybe a week behind you.”

“What do I tell Minho and Gally about why you’re not with us?” She challenges.

He’d really hoped she wouldn’t say that.

“That you lost me? No, don’t tell them that. They’ll flip out. Tell them I was an idiot who went off on his own. They’ll believe that.”

“You can’t avoid them forever, Thomas.”

“I don’t want to. But it’s better if I do.”

“How long should we wait?” Aris asks. “If you don’t come back?”

“I’ll come back.”

“Will you want to?”

“Yes, Aris, I’ll come back. I was never planning on not coming back— ” Not this time, anyway, “— but this will be easier with just me. We won’t have enough food for all three of us, or even two of us.”

“You planned it that way, Thomas, don’t try and fool us.” Sonya sighs, tugging him over so he’s sitting next to her. “I don’t know why you’re trying to run away from them, from yourself, but it’s not going to work long-term. You’re going to crash and burn eventually, or one of them will. You can come back with us. I don’t think Jorge really expects you to stay out here alone that long.”

“I’ll be okay, Sonya. I’m not running, I promise. I just need to think.”

“And you can’t do that around everyone else?”

No, he can’t trust himself not to tell them everything.

He doesn’t even know what ‘everything’ entails yet. It’s not worth saying something and then finding out he actually felt the opposite.

He doesn’t want to do that to them.

And, he reminds himself, there’s the matter of Rosa— who won’t believe him when he says he’s not being abused, which he hasn’t told anyone about.

She had, however, led him to realize how much happier they were when he wasn’t around.

It was better this way. Minho and Gally could sort things out without him in the way, and he could get over himself alone, with no one else having to deal with his issues.

With him.

Sonya stares at him, hard, like she can read his thoughts.

She’d probably knock him out and drag him back if she could.

continue reading or finish on ao3

The shadows of the canopy are barely there when he leaves the next morning. This deep in, he can hardly see the sky, but he knows Sonya and Aris won’t be up until sunrise at least.

He’s not going to risk the chance of them convincing him not to go on. He’ll have to move more slowly at first, and watch his step very carefully, but by the time they wake they won’t be able to follow him.

He’s so focused on going as far as he can, getting away from everything, that he nearly forgets to stop and eat.

His body doesn’t allow that for long, so he finds a good spot— near berries that look edible but aren’t ones he’s seen before.

He wraps a handful up in cloth and tucks them away. Someone might recognize them when he gets back.

Thomas moves more slowly in the afternoon, taking in everything around him; different plants, more than one he knows is edible—he digs a couple of each up carefully and wraps the roots.

More food sources are never a bad thing.

Still, he doesn’t find much else that day; no animals other than birds or squirrels.

It’s lonelier than he thought it would be, out here.

Yeah, it’s kind of nice, peaceful, but… the solitude is itching at him already.

The white-walled room, the treadmill, the inconsistent meals

He can’t think about that now.

He’ll just keep a routine. He’ll leave shortly after sunrise each morning, eat lunch when the sun is highest, and then settle in right when dusk starts to fall.

That will help.

Minho tries running on his own, but even though he’s allowed to now, it just feels wrong. He’s used to having Thomas by his side, used to finding his balance with a hand on Thomas’s shoulder or back when he stumbles, used to Thomas doing the same on him.

He can’t do it.

It’s… it’s not the same. And it’s not as if he could run with Gally, because Gally’s still hurt, and would probably laugh at him if he suggested it in the first place.

Minho would ask Harriet or Sonya, but Sonya’s still on the scouting trip with Thomas and Aris and Harriet’s got enough on her hands.

So he doesn’t run. He can take a few days off, he reasons, just until Thomas gets back.

“Stop acting weird, shank.” Gally throws a pillow at his head. “So you don’t want to run. Have you considered walking? A nice stroll, perhaps?”

“Shut up, asshole.” That’s one of Minho’s favorite new words. Sometimes the adults get all huffy about it if he uses it around them, though. Why’d they teach it to them if they didn’t expect them to use it? Seems dumb.

“Min, seriously, you’re driving me crazy with all of your pacing around. You need to go and do something, man.”

He doesn’t want to leave Gally alone, though. He knows that Gally would be okay without him, but the ache in his chest when he thinks about Thomas (he knows it shouldn’t be so strong; it’s only been a few days, but he wants to see Thomas again. And talk to him, and take naps together, and tease Gally together, and eat together.) is only lessened when he’s with Gally.

Minho’s not going to read into that too much right now. All he knows is that he doesn’t want to leave Gally alone, but he can’t settle down, either.

“You know what I would suggest if we were back in the Glade?” Gally’s smirking when he looks at him.

“Yeah, I think I do.” Of course, he’d be doing all the work, Gally can’t do anything right now.

“I mean, if you want to…”

He does want to. Kind of. He and Gally never did this sort of thing together, but they’ve both heard things about each other.

“What if we get caught?”

“That never bothered you before, from what I know.”

“It was different, in the Glade. It was only boys our age.” When Chuck had come up in the box, those of them who were typically louder (Alby and Newt) and more likely to fool around in easily-accessible places either quieted down or moved somewhere else. If Chuck hadn’t been so damn curious and wanting to get into everything, it wouldn’t have been a problem. At least, not as much of a problem as it was. But the kid would sneak up on you no matter what he thought you were doing, and privacy was almost a foreign concept to him at first.

“So?”

“So I don’t want Anya or Harriet to walk in on me sucking your dick, Gally.”

“Oh, is that what you wanted to do?” Gally motions for him to come closer to the bed. “I was mostly joking. I don’t think I’d be up for much of that anyway. You could take a nap, though. You haven’t been sleeping at night.”

“Yeah, I know.” Both of them have been having bad nightmares since Thomas left. All of the things they try not to worry about during the day only come back to haunt them in the middle of the night.

When Minho wakes up again, he’s back on the Burg. He can tell because even after days, twisting his back in certain ways burns.

He can tell because Newt’s here, and Teresa, and a group of girls in the corner.

He can tell because Thomas isn’t. Which means that…

It means that WCKD has killed him.

He’s going to have to live without Thomas.

Minho doesn’t know why that loss hits him so much harder than the others he’s faced recently. He hasn’t even known Thomas that long. A month, at most.

But he already knows he doesn’t want to live without him.

He tells the others what he’s thinking, what he thinks WCKD did, but it almost feels like it’s not him.

And then Ratman brings out Thomas’ body.

‘Something’s not right. This isn’t how it goes.’

He ignores the thought, because Thomas is dead and Minho’s decisions killed him. Minho killed him.

Not in the same way he killed Gally, not directly, but he killed him. And he’s going to have to live with that.

He doesn’t want to live with that.

‘This is wrong.’

Yes, it is wrong, because Thomas isn’t here. Thomas should be here. Minho should have picked someone else, he should have chosen.

But he couldn’t do that, could he? He couldn’t pick another of his friends to die. At least this way, he didn’t name anyone.

‘Minho, wake up!’

He is awake. He just really wishes he wasn’t. If he weren’t awake, then he wouldn’t have to face the fact that Thomas is dead. His body’s right there, Minho could go and touch it if he wanted to.

He doesn’t want to.

Doesn’t want to think about Thomas like he’s dead.

He wonders if the others will leave him here, if he asks.

(He already knows they won’t.)

Minho sits on the floor, facing away from the evidence of what he’s done, and waits for WCKD’s next move.

It’s all he can do now, anyway.

‘MINHO, WAKE UP!’

This time, he listens.

“Minho!” Minho flings an arm out to let Gally know he’s awake. “What was that about?”

“Mmmm, give me a minute.” It hadn’t felt like a nightmare, but apparently he had been reacting like it was one.

“You were, like, crying in your sleep, Min. I’ve never seen you do that before.”

“It was after the Scorch.” Minho sits up, wiping at his face. He doesn’t think he’s cried during nightmares before; Thomas hasn’t said anything if he has. “They separated us and had us all do these different trials. Mine was picking someone for them to kill. I refused, but when they brought me back to the main room, Thomas wasn’t there. He was gone longer than anyone else, and I thought--we all thought--that they’d killed him. They hadn’t, clearly, but in the nightmare they had. Ratman even brought us his body.

“It didn’t feel like a nightmare, though. It felt like I was still there. Like that’s where I was supposed to be. There was something telling me that it was wrong, but I didn’t listen because of course it felt wrong, they’d killed Thomas and it was my fault.”

“That’s… that’s a rough one, Minho.” Gally says. “I don’t know what to tell you.”

“That’s okay. I don’t know what to say after nightmares, either. Especially when it’s something like that.”

“Would it be better if Thomas was here?”

“Yeah, but he’s off on his little mission. Why do you think he keeps leaving us behind?” Minho knows Thomas trusts them. He knows Thomas likes them, but he can’t figure out why Thomas keeps running away from them.

“I don’t know. It’s frustrating, though. If he just stayed put, we could talk things out, and we’d be okay.” Gally takes his hand, and Minho moves to lie at the top of the bed with him without more urging.

“Good luck with that. I don’t think Thomas knows how to stop. I don’t think he even knows how to slow down.” Not that Minho’s much better at it. It’s been really hard, forcing himself to remember that he’s not in constant danger these days. He doesn’t have anything to solve, nothing to be looking out for.

“If anyone can out-stubborn him, it’s us.” Gally points out. “He’s our boy, alright? And we’ll take care of him.”

“Yeah. Yeah, I like the sound of that.”

It might just take some time before they can convince Thomas that he doesn’t have to be trying to fix everything all the time.

Shuck, they’ll have to learn together.

<- 16 18 ->

#thomas #minho #gally #thominho #thomally #sonya #aris #tmr fic #tmr #nix writes #could've followed my fears all the way down #thominho fic #thomally fic #whump fic #whump writing #ao3 #ao3 fic

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yeehawbvby · 6 months

Text

Falling Away With You | Ch. 45

Sebastian x F!Reader and M. Rasmodius x F!Reader

Rating: Mature/Explicit

Chapter Summary: Time for that cute date with Magnus! :^)

Author’s Note: I was gonna release this chapter either tomorrow or next Wednesday, but here it is early, as a little Halloween Spirit's Eve present!! (Totally beating myself up rn for not lining up the Spirit's Eve chapter to come out today.. ough)

Anyway, there's a lotta RomRas referenced in the first half of this one! It’s pure, cavity-inducing fluff >:3 And some sillies, because of course there is.

I hope y’all enjoy it, take care, and happy Halloween! x

Table of Contents + Work Summary

Check it out on ao3!

Prev | Next

After freshening up in Magnus’ restroom, I jog back downstairs to the main floor, where he’s patiently waiting for me to head out.

After I slip on my shoes, he takes both of my hands in his, calmly stroking my knuckles with his thumbs. “Ready?”

I hum my affirmation, nodding and smiling at the handsome wizard in front of me. As per usual when I’m being teleported, I close my eyes, saving myself from any potential freak-outs. I’m curious to know what it looks like to teleport, but today isn’t that day… Or tomorrow. Baby steps, (y/n).

I realize we must be at our destination when I feel a soft breeze against my cheeks and hear the sounds of nature.

The air smells fresh and crisp, and as Magnus steps aside and I open my lids, I’m met with a beautiful, serene forest, like something out of a fairytale. The pine trees directly ahead of us are coated in green moss and beige fungi, and as my eyes scan upward, I notice that there’s a vast cliff behind them, with more woodland up top.

As my gaze pans right, I see a waterfall that drops onto a small, elevated piece of land before creating a new and thicker cascade just below it. There’s a pale rainbow forming around the foam at the bottom, making every straying droplet look like glitter bouncing through the air. The crystal-clear water of the river it flows into shines iridescently under the sunlight, and as I turn around to follow its path, I realize it’s all gathering into a vast lake full of fish I’d never known existed. Some are purple, with pointy pink fins; others teal, with what looks like small rubies and emeralds and sapphires embedded into their scales.

Completing my full circle, I peek behind Magnus, noticing a similar pattern to what I’d already seen: a long and wavy river, waterfalls, and trees galore. When I finally look back up to him, he’s peering down at me. His cheeks are pink but his eyes stay maroon, and he has that cozy, lovestruck gaze he usually does when looking my way.

“Where are we?“ My voice comes out quiet, as if speaking any louder would somehow disrupt the peace.

“Grenville Falls,” he answers. “A forest of magical origin that lies far from civilization, and one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever come across in my travels.” I guess that explains why it’s so serene here. Humans haven’t been around to taint it yet. “Until now, most of the magic we’ve discussed has been almost purely pragmatic.”

“Almost.” I give him a shit-eating smirk.

My brother in Yoba is seriously trying to pull the “Magic must be used responsibly!!!” bullshit after casting spells on me for his own horny entertainment on several occasions. Magnus laughs before looking around at the grove we're standing in.

“Buuut,” he pointedly continues, “we’ve only barely touched on the simpler joys that magic can bring.” He turns back to me and laces our fingers together, a soft grin slightly plumping the warm apples of his cheeks. “I realize that, spiritual interference or not, it must have been hard to befriend me – let alone begin seeing me romantically – given how suspect our first interactions must have made me seem, alongside how out of touch I am in current social practices.”

Oh. So he really had almost no idea that I was unwillingly swooning right off the bat? I thought he’d read my mind plenty back then… maybe it was less than I’d assumed.

I give his hand a reassuring squeeze. Maybe he knows now, if anything – and if not, I could always just tell him when he’s not, like, pouring his entire heart out to me.

Magnus continues, “And yet you took the trouble to give me a chance, my dear, in spite of all that stood in our way. You’re so incredibly precious to me, and I wanted to give you even a sliver of the joy that you’ve brought into my life. So,” he sighs, reaching into his shirt pocket, “Although I don’t have a bouquet, as per tradition with the humans of the Valley, I thought you deserved to be properly and officially courted.” Magnus pulls out a fucking ring, and upon seeing the whites of my eyes, he chuckles. “I promise, this is not a marriage proposal.”

“Oh thank god.” I breathe out a nervous laugh, my right palm resting over my heart.

“But I am asking if you’d do me the honors of being my… girlfriend?” Magnus looks off to the side briefly, tilting his head as his eyes pinken. “I’ve always preferred the term ‘partner,’ but I’m not sure how common of a label that is in these times.” He shrugs, bringing his gaze back to mine, and beaming with again-maroon eyes upon seeing me enthusiastically and vigorously nodding my head.

“‘Partner’ is fine, I like ‘partner,’“ I squeak out. My cheeks are on fire, I can’t tell if it’s more from the thick blush coating them or from smiling so wide.

I jump to koala myself onto Magnus, unable to resist pecking his cheek and burying my face into his neck before accepting his gift. As always with physical contact, he barely needs time to think as he wraps his arms around me for support, one hand resting on my lower spine and the other against the back of my hair.

“I honestly didn’t think you were gonna ask,” my mumbles muffle into his collar. “I just assumed it was some sorta elemental tradition for sex to solidify a relationship, or something.”

“That is true in many cases, actually,” he confirms, setting me back on my feet. “Luckily, we more mindful beings have a say in the matter.”

Now that I’m not frazzled by what seemed like an engagement waiting to happen, I can actually look at the ring – which Magnus had looped onto his pinky for safe keeping during our embrace – up close. It’s fucking gorgeous, oh my god. A small moss agate is clasped against a gold band, and the bits holding the stone in place look like thin vines. Seems almost too delicate to wear.

Holding the ring between his left thumb and forefinger, he says, “That necklace Lady Welwick gifted you is an artifact imbued with her clairvoyant magic to aid your clairvoyant magic, generally speaking. But artifacts can be made to assist you in any aspect of magic, or of life itself, really.” Bringing his right hand up to his right earring – with his usual long, red ones adorning both ears – he explains, “These are similar, in that they provide a defense I don’t normally have. Although young for my kind, I’m still… er. I am an old man.”

My lips twitch as I attempt to hide a smirk. Magnus notices and chuckles.

He shushes me teasingly before continuing, “I don’t have the same oomph in me that I used to, so I wear these to keep myself safer in case anything should go awry. The rings I often wear serve a similar purpose — but those, I change to accommodate what is on my schedule each day.”

I nod in understanding, eyes wide with intrigue as Magnus brings his hand down to match his left.

“I conjured this with the same purpose as my earrings. I’ve yet to teach you defensive or combat magic, and while you may hopefully never be put in such a way that someone or something could threaten your well-being, this will offer a veil of protection, as well as invigorate you once you’re able to arcanely fend for yourself.”

“That’s so cool,” I mutter. “Thank you, Magnus,” I smile up at him. Swooning completely. “I love it, it’s perfect.”

“It’s the least I could do for you, my love,” he offers, his expression mirroring mine. He then asks, presenting an upturned palm to me. “May I?”

I nod, opting to place my right hand in his. Rather than looking down at our hands, I keep observing him:

The way he mutters something about hoping it fits under his breath.

The soft squint in his eyes.

The way his bottom lip rests subtly beneath his top teeth.

How his almost nervous expression turns into a bright grin as the ring is slipped on in a flawless fit. That familiar spark I experienced when putting on my necklace for the first time buzzes through my newly-accessorized digit, but I ignore it in favor of watching Magnus for just a bit longer.

Happy, dense crows feet form at the corners of his eyes as he pans them up to mine, before they widen slightly, his irises turning rosy as he notices that I’m staring. I simply smile up at him. The crinkles next to his eyes come back and he chuckles, taking my cheeks in his hands before leaning way down to softly plant a kiss on my forehead, and then my lips.

I giggle out of our smooch.

“What?”

“This feels like an actual proposal, honestly.”

His brows furrow. “Did I do too much?”

I get back on my tippy toes and pull him back down to me before he’s out of reach, whispering, “No way,” before stealing his lips again.

_______________

After all the cheesy stuff, Magnus summoned us a picnic! It took him a bit, and I needed to lend him some mana as he had to teleport it all from storage at home, but he managed. The blanket he brought for us to sit on has a purple gingham pattern, and the food and drinks were rested within a stereotypically tan, woven picnic basket.

Encased within the basket was a large bottle of cherry wine, a few empty cups, and some snacks. Mostly charcuterie-type things, like cheeses, fruits, and sliced meats, but he included some raw veggies and a few dips for ‘em as well. When I asked about the extra cups, Magnus said that the water here is perfectly safe for drinking, and that he added those so we wouldn’t need to mix the water and wine at all.

As soon as he told me that, I grabbed a cup and rushed over to the river. I’ve never had fresh water like this before – and holy fuck, it was so nice. Never tasted anything like it.

Fast-forwarding to right now, we’re laying side-by-side, lazily snacking on the few crackers and apple slices that are left. Both feeling all silly and happy and wine-drunk. About halfway through the bottle’s contents, we abandoned our cups in favor of occasionally passing the glass vessel back and forth to each other.

Speaking of which, now seems like a good time to top myself up!

I lean up onto my elbows and grab the bottle by its neck, chugging a few gulps back. Magnus, who’s peacefully lying still with red cheeks and closed eyes, startles a bit when I tap his arm with the bottle. I smile down at him.

“Sorry,” I giggle, “want more?”

He nods, then shuts his eyes again. “Feed it to me.”

My giggle turns into an ugly snort-laugh. “Why?”

“I’m sooo comfortable, (y/n)…”

“Too bad! It’s dangerous t’drink laying down.”

Magnus rebuttals, “I love danger.”

“Why are you lying?”

“Who, me?” He opens just one eye, smugly smiling up at me.

“Don’t play dumb.”

“To think my beloved partner would accuse me of such a horrible thing…” he trails off, sighing dramatically while closing his eye again.

I know Magnus is only teasing, but I still pout with furrowed brows. What a little shit! It’s at least nice to learn that he’s a coherent drunk, instead of the bumbling mess I am.

“Y’know what? Fine!”

I take a little wine in my mouth, then lean down, meeting Magnus with my lips against his. A surprised hum escapes him, but he melts into the kiss regardless. I stay still, so as to not blow my own cover (this would totally blow it easily in most cases, but right now, he doesn’t seem to notice). Finally, the moment Magnus’ lips part, I let the wine trickle onto his tongue. It’s barely even half of a sip, so it should be safe enough.

Another startled noise emits from the wizard’s throat, but he quickly adapts, swallowing the wine before bringing a large palm to the back of my head. Kissing me harder and deeper. Catching me off-guard. Oh boy.

I put a palm against his chest to steady myself, feeling my already-toasty cheeks heating up some more when he adds tongue. Noticing that my lower half is heating up too, I pull away, rolling over to lay on Magnus’ belly. It would feel wrong to do The Sex in such a seemingly sacred place.

My head jostles as Magnus sighs contentedly, and I turn onto my side to look at him.

“You’re s’handsome…” I murmur, reaching over to trace his jaw.

He raises his head a smidge to meet my gaze. The little bit of a double-chin this gives him is adorable. Makes me laugh. After a lazy smile, he lies flat again. As he moves, he reaches a hand to my hair and begins running his fingers through it, occasionally soothing my scalp with some light scratches. I hum, thoroughly enjoying how it feels.

Magnus sighs again, then dreamily murmurs, “It’s truly remarkable how lucky I’ve gotten meeting you.”

Smiling, I shake my head. “It’s more—“ I swallow back a small hiccup, “S’more fate than luck, no?”

“I suppose, but it feels lucky, nonetheless.”

I pop the last bit of apple into my mouth before letting myself relax into his touch. After a few moments of thought, I wonder out loud, “What kinda hobbies do y’have other than magic?”

Magnus doesn’t respond right away, but knowing how little time he has for things not magicky, I don’t rush him.

“I’m not so sure, honestly…” he eventually answers. It comes out quiet, almost whispered. “Gardening, I suppose, although that is often tied to my magic in some way.”

I frown, then suggest, “So let’s figure something out together.”

He peers down at me. “Anime,” he announces determinedly.

“Wh-“ I cut myself off to laugh, “What?!”

“I would like t’watch anime.”

Maybe it’s the booze, but I hug my tummy as I roll to lay on my side, curling in on myself with giggles. I almost knock the wine over, and Magnus quietly tuts at my clumsiness.

“Why don’t we start you off with manga instead?,” I suggest once I’ve relaxed. “Might like it better.”

“Manga?”

“Anime, but in book form.”

“Oh, that sounds splendid!”

“You read it backwards, just so you know. It’s usually published in Gotoroan, an’ translated for distribution elsewhere.” I emphasize the last two words with a vague wave of my hand.

“I can do that.”

I close my eyes for a few moments, the conversation coming to an abrupt end by my spinning head. “Is there a spell t’cure drunkenness?”

“I don’t believe so.”

I groan, rolling some more to nuzzle my face into Magnus’ chest.

“Although,” he adds, “a cheeky dip over there might help us sober up.”

“What about the fish?”

He snorts. “Why would they care?”

…Y’know. I was worried, at first, about the potential danger of swimming with these funky lookin’ fish. But something about how candidly Magnus responded convinced me that I should’ve been more worried about the critters’ opinions.

And you know what? He’s sooo right! Why would they care? Why should I care?!

I flop off of Magnus, laying flat against the blanket for a moment. He stumbles onto his feet, then assists me in doing the same, before beginning to strip.

My mouth falls open, a little bewildered. For some reason I thought he’d conjure up swimsuits, or that we’d swim in our underwear, or something like that. Promptly, I begin lifting my sweater over my head.

I observe, “We’re raw dogging this lake, huh?” The chilly air gives my skin goose bumps, but I don’t mind, given how much alcohol raises my temp.

“What are we ‘dogging?’”

I snort. “Oh. Slang.”

“For what?” he asks, stepping out of his boxers. He stumbles a bit and I hold his arms to stabilize him. Shamelessly give him a once-over, too.

“I’ll tell you when you’re older.”

“I’m very old, (y/n).”

“Not old enough!”

Seeing me struggle out of my skirt, Magnus offers the same assistance I gave him. Then, he glares at me. Silently, but not even telepathically, telling me he’s gotta know. Sighing and remembering his yearn to be hip and cool, I give in.

“Fine. Sex. But like, without protection or whatever.”

“Ah… we are indeed raw dogging this lake!”

I chuckle at his enthusiasm. “Hell yeah we are!”

He holds his hand out to me, and practically drags me with him upon contact. I stumble a bit, then jog, wanting to match his pace. Don’t have the time or coordination at the moment to hold my boobs in place, which has me feeling a little self-conscious…

The water shocks me out of any negative thoughts though.

“Holy shit, s’freezing!” I strengthen my hold on Magnus as if it’ll steady my shivers.

“It’s not that bad.” His teeth are chattering.

“Liar.” I splash him with my free hand. He lets out a tiny yelp and tries to pull away, but I keep my grip firm, attempting to hit him with a few more watery snipes.

“Oh, if it’s a war you want, so be it!”

“What?”

“Hold your breath,” he warns before promptly yanking me down.

I scream out bubbles, laughing in delirium due to both the sudden change in temperature and Magnus’ own distorted under-water laughter. After a short moment of observing how ethereal he looks — his purple hair floating around him, the sparkle of his pale gray skin being tinted blue, the otherworldly fish circling around us — I shake my hand free and promptly bring myself back up to the surface. He follows my lead.

“Damn it,” I continue to giggle, repositioning my wet hair out of my face. Swiping some water from my eyelashes, I once again mentally thank Yoba for waterproof makeup. “So cold…”

“This seems to be doing the trick though, wouldn’t you agree?”

Unfortunately, he’s right. I feel surprisingly more level-headed now than when I was laying on him in a wine-driven stupor. “Yeah, yeah…”

I look around, admiring the beauty of our surroundings again, now from a different angle. I don’t notice anything new, but it’s still just as pretty, nonetheless.

Feeling something tickling my ankle, I look down into the water, watching as a sparkly blue fish swims around me. I giggle.

“Hey buddy,” I murmur, reaching down to try and stroke its scales. The movement scares it away, though. “Aw, man.”

“‘Twas a good effort.”

I meet Magnus’ fond gaze and furrow my eyebrows. “Not good enough.”

“Maybe someday.”

I sigh. “What are these fish, anyway?”

My partner shrugs. “Many are your typical river fish, such as carp or bass, whose forms have been altered due to the magical properties of the area.”

“Huh,” I grin, returning my gaze to the fish that swim a mere few feet away from us. “That’s sick.” I look back up at Magnus, quickly diverting my attention again when I notice the dreamy stare he’s still boring into me. My cheeks heat up, warming my whole body a little, as if I’m not skinny dipping in an almost freezing-cold river.

Then, my mind ruins the moment — as it typically does — suddenly drifting to my fish friend’s scales, then back to the weird note I received earlier.

“Can these fish’s scales be made into ink, or something?”

“Perhaps.” With a brow furrow and head tilt, he asks, “Why do you ask?”

“Um…” I think for a moment.

Do I tell him? Well, I suppose there’s no backing out now, really. He’s looking at me so expectantly, and he could read my mind if I were to lie too poorly.

“I got this letter earlier,” I go on, “and the ink looked really similar to that blue fella that was here before, right down to the way it shimmers. Never seen anything like it.”

Magnus frowns. “I hope it hasn’t come from one of them.”

A particularly small fish swims closely by the old wizard, this one a vibrant purple. It almost matches his hair. He reaches a gentle hand towards it, and it doesn’t back away, unlike the blue fish who graced me a moment ago. Lucky…

“It’s been a mutual decision between the Ministry and First Slash that places such as this remain unscathed.” He peers back up at me, letting the guppy move on. “Who was its sender?”

I shrug. “Didn’t have a name or return address. I didn’t feel any energy from it, either.”

He hums in thought. “I’ll take a look, if you don’t mind the intrusion. Maybe I can discern who or what it’s from.”

I offer a small salute. “You got it, boss.” Then, I sniffle. It’s super boogery. I better not be getting sick from this…

“Let’s get you out of here,” my partner prompts, noticing my… goopy state.

Magnus wades over to me, reaching out a hand. I’m surprised it’s so warm as I clasp mine into it, and take advantage of his body heat, looping my arm through his and pressing my bare body closer as he guides us to the shore.

“We’ll head back once you're warm and dry, alright?”

I grin up at him. “Sounds good to me.”

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ms-neens · 2 years

Text

James May, Jeremy Clarkson and Richard Hammond in "Come what May!"

My longest comic about the Grand Tour so far ～♡ This time Jeremy, James and Hammond head off to Britain’s number one car show! Sadly heavy traffic and certain weather conditions give them a rough time on the road...but thank goodness it’s Friday! *✦.°

All paintings, story and text by me (February 2022 - October 2022)

Thank you very much for reading and I hope, as always, I could make you smile with it! ♥︎ This comic will be released as a real book together with my “The Long Way Home“ comic, my “Scandi Flick“ poster, more single artworks of the trio and a bit more in 2023! Please stay tuned if you want a copy of the book for yourself! ♥︎ I’d like to add the pre-release cover as well:

A few words by the author (yeah, that’s me): This time my goal was to write/create/draw a sweet, funny, and heartwarming comic about the trio focused on a simple car ride. In typical fashion of all the comics I do, you won’t find any action based scenes or rude stuff (also I’m no native speaker, but you shouldn’t notice that while reading!). As a result the trio acts a lot nicer and definitely more helpful than in real Grand Tour episodes. The three guys have a super big place in my heart ♡ and because of that, once again, all I could create is something cute and adorable (I could never be mean to them!). Also not everything can be accurate, I have never been to James’s Pub, the Diddly Squat Farm Shop, inside Jeremy’s car or at a car show myself. I had a few reference photos, but 90% of this comic is drawn by memory and how I imagine environments. Anyway, I still hope that I got everyone in character, recognisable and enjoyable for you to look at! Stuff you might have missed:

On the outside of Jeremy’s farm shop you can spot Sansa and Arya, who were puppies when I started working on this comic, so I kept them that way…I am always happy when I spot a photo of the two on Jeremy’s Instagram! ♥︎

Actually everything in that comic takes part in the past, as I was working on it way too long...

Jeremy explains that it’s lucky to turn right at the start of a journey. Of course it’s from the Grand Tour Mongolia Special.

The numberplate on Jezza’s car is a pun on "Jeremy Clarkson 1 Diddly Squat Farm", in case you haven’t already noticed. I thought that’s funny.

James talks about fish finger sandwiches, he posted about them on his Twitter and FoodTribe accounts several times in the past and it’s a really nice and easy dish I like to eat as well!

The CDs in Jeremy’s glovebox are "Supertramp - Crime of the Century", "Yes - The Yes Album", "The Who - Who’s Next", "Genesis - Seconds Out", some album by Eric Clapton you cannot read and "Pink Floyd - The Dark Side of the Moon". Despite my age, these are all albums and bands I absolutely love and I think he does as well. ～♡

I had to make something up for the broken air conditioning, something like that is always happening on their journeys (especially in James’s cars!). I’m sure after the events of the comic, it was completely fine again! ^◡^

They always take photos of themselves sleeping and post it somewhere online, this time it was my chance to draw a scene of that! I enjoyed working on that one! Hehehehe...

Jeremy and James’s painful high-five I got from the Grand Tour Colombia Special

In James’s Pub Hammond gets served Spag Bol (yeah, I have this from "Oh Cook!") and Jeremy ordered the infamous fish pie. The reason why I’ve chosen two different meals is that Richard doesn’t like fish, a running gag I keep constant in all of my comics. Also it can be taken as a reference to "The Perfect Road Trip".

James’s apron I spotted in "Lochdown", I think it really suits him! ♥︎

And this time there’s even a moral of the story: Don’t drink and drive!

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drades-lair · 8 months

Text

Tummy Ache

Fandom: HelluvaBoss

Pairing: Striker/Chaz

Rating: T

Note: This was inspired by this twitter post https://twitter.com/apparentwr1ter/status/1701249709677879766

Chaz swore the ratty rug beneath his feet was starting to form a hole with how many times he was pacing it. Striker was Six weeks overdue from his current job, a day or even a week wasn’t unusual however six weeks was highly unusual for the pale imp. Sighing heavily Chaz trudged to the bed where he curled up, tail coiled around himself like a frightened pup as he stared at the twenty unanswered texts under Striker’s name on the shark’s phone. Chaz gave a little whimper, rubbing his stomach gently as it clenched sending little pangs of pain through him. Suddenly the door to the motel opened causing a moment of panic followed by relief as Striker trudged inside, he was dirty with a few obvious minor injuries, but ultimately the imp was fine. Striker released an irritated, exhausted sigh as he shut the door behind him and toed off his boots before turning back around to Chaz.

“Howdy fish cake,” Striker greeted, tossing his duffle onto the small round wooden table, arching a brow at seeing the money he’d left Chaz for food still sitting on the tables surface.

“Welcome back, you were…gone for a long time,” Chaz smiled remaining on the bed with his knees pulled up to his chest.

“Yeah, fuckers tried to screw me over with the payment forcin’ me ta chase ‘em halfway across hell,” Striker groused, digging around in his duffle till he found his med kit.

“Oh…did you get my texts?” Chaz wondered.

“Nah, sorry fishy, during the initial job they broke my phone,” Striker explained, shrugging off his jacket followed by undoing his vest.

“Okay, we’ll have to get you a new one,” Chaz chuckled softly.

“Yeah, I’ll pick one up on the way out of town,” Striker agreed, pulling his long-sleeved black shirt off.

“I made three hundred dollars in tips at the saloon,” Chaz informed Striker with a proud little smile.

“Humph, good for Ya fish cake,” Striker chuckled softly, moving over to the small fridge in the room only to furrow his brow in confusion at seeing the same pizza that had been in there when he left.

“Hey, isn’t this the same pizza that we had before I left?” Striker inquired, standing up straight with a gesture into the fridge. Chaz immediately looked away as he coiled in on himself a little tighter, something he did when Striker called him out on something he’d tried to hide from the pale imp. Striker pulled the pizza out of the fridge to toss it in the trash on the way over to the bed where Chaz was sitting.

“What’s goin’ on fish cakes?” Striker asked, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.

“Nothing…I just…forgot the pizza was in there…” Chaz trailed off.

“Oh yeah, did Ya forget about the money on the table as well?” Striker pointed out.

“N-no…I…” Chaz stammered unable to come up with an excuse.

“When did you eat last?” Striker asked now getting a concerned tone to his voice.

“A couple…days ago…” Chaz mumbled out earning him a shocked wide-eyed expression from Striker.

“What? Ya haven’t eaten in a couple days?” Striker asked in shock.

“I…I’m sorry…” Chaz apologized under his breath, fearful that Striker was angry at him.

“What about the last eight weeks?” Striker asked now highly concerned.

“I was eating normally for the first couple weeks but after you didn’t come back, I started only eating the free meal from work,” Chaz explained, frown settling firmly on his features.

“Isn’t that just a side like fries or somethin’?” Striker asked seeking clarification.

“Yes,” Chaz mumbled again, pulling his tail tightly around his legs.

“What the fuck…? Why haven’t Ya been eatin’?” Striker wondered; concern now thick in Striker’s tone because normally Chaz was a garburator that never stopped eating. Striker was trying hard to not scare Chaz, he wasn’t angry at the shark just extremely concerned at the odd behavior.

“I’m sorry! Mmm,” Chaz whimpered, his hands wrapping around his stomach.

“Huh? Did Ya get hurt? Or are Ya sick?” Striker asked noticing Chaz’s action.

“N-no…” Chaz mumbled out again, laying his chin on his knees.

“Okay, look fish cake I ain’t mad but somethin’ isn’t right wit Ya now what’s goin’ on?” Striker insisted getting up to walk around the bed to the side Chaz was sitting on, placing a hand gently on Chaz’s shoulder.

“I…don’t know, it’s just something that happens every now and then. My stomach starts aching then I lose my appetite,” Chaz explained to the best of his ability, rubbing his stomach for emphasis.

“Ya…have a…stomach-ache?” Striker repeated, arching a brow in curious confusion.

“Yes…my tummy hurts,” Chaz mumbled under his breath with a small pout on his face.

“When did this start?” Striker curiously inquired, slightly amused at the childish demeanour of Chaz.

“About a week after the two weeks you told me you’d be gone for,” Chaz explained.

“When has this happened in the past?” Striker asked, starting to piece together what was going on with Chaz.

“Well, it happened after jobs went bad or before really big jobs, sometimes it happened when I had to meet with my bosses or…” Chaz rambled for a few moments before Striker held up a hand to stop him.

“Alright, alright, I think I know what’s going on here,” Striker chuckled.

“Really?” Chaz asked taking his turn to be confused.

“Yes, those were all situations where Ya were stressed or that’s what I’m assumin’ and it sounds like Ya get a stomach-ache when Yer stressed,” Striker concluded, pushing off the bed.

“What? Really? Makes sense I guess…” Chaz trailed off thinking through all the times he’d experienced his stomach problems.

“Now, Ya got stressed cause I didn’t come back?” Striker inquired curiously, heading over to his med kit on the wooden table.

“M-maybe…I was afraid you weren’t coming back,” Chaz mumbled again, averting his gaze once more.

“Okay fish cakes, hang on,” Striker sighed in exasperation.

The pale imp popped open his med kit to pull out a rubber water bottle that he carried into the bathroom for a few moments. Upon returning Striker located Chaz’s bag on the floor which he rifled through for a pair of joggers and a T-shirt that he tossed at Chaz causing them to land on the shark’s head. Chaz took the hint to change into the outfit while the pale imp rifled around in his own duffle till, he pulled out a can of chicken noodle soup. After the soup was heated and Chaz was changed Striker made swift work of tending his minor injuries then changed himself into a pair of boxers before getting onto the bed next to Chaz. Handing the water bottle to Chaz, Striker instructed the shark to put it on his stomach followed by passing over the bowl of soup for Chaz to eat. Chaz finished the soup unfortunately his stomach started cramping immediately afterwards making him whimper as he recoiled in on himself.

“Hey, easy fish cakes. Come here,” Striker gently encouraged, pulling Chaz closer till the shark was curled up next to him with his head on the pale imp’s lap. Striker grabbed the hot water bottle that Chaz had set off to the side while he ate and gingerly pushed the shark’s shirt up off his stomach till the hot water bottle could lay against Chaz’s skin. Chaz gripped Striker’s thigh as he continued to whimper through the waves of pain when Striker gently slipped his hand between the hot water bottle and Chaz’s stomach. The shark gave a hum as Striker started gently rubbing in circles providing a modicum of relief from the waves of pain rippling through Chaz’s stomach. Slowly Chaz closed his eyes eventually falling into a soft sleep with Striker continuing to rub the sharks stomach till he too fell asleep.

#HelluvaBoss #HelluvaBoss Fanfiction #HelluvaBoss Striker #HelluvaBoss Chaz #Fanfiction #Chaz x Striker #Straz #Fluff #Cuteness #Romance #Comfort #Sick Fic

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astra90x · 2 years

Text

Flufftober Day 12 - “You Kept This?”

@flufftober

Fandom: Stardew Valley

Pairing: Sebastian x Reader

Word Count: 1210

Reader Pronouns: She/Her

This is one chapter of an entire linear story! It can be read separately but is better when read as a whole. Enjoy!

❤❤❤♡♡♡♡♡

Ever since you had Robin renovate your house, cooking has become one of your new favourite things. You have no idea how you managed to live before, only eating granola bars or fresh produce without having any way to prepare it. But now that Robin has blessed you with a gorgeous kitchen, you find yourself excited to try out all the newest recipes you suddenly have access to.

As well, because you’ve been spending more time in the mountains lately, you’ve become acquainted with the old man who lives in a tent up there, Linus. He’s full of old stories and is a pleasure to talk to, and he seems to appreciate your company as well, as one of the only people who understands his choice to live off the land rather than in the town with everyone else. While you’re fishing at the mountain lake in the evenings, Linus has become one of your favourite people to talk to.

While watching you fish one night, he tells you about a recipe he used to make, which involves cutting up raw fish into thin slices. It’s a dish called sashimi, and to you, it sounds both excellent and easy to make, so you figure you’ll give it a go.

Early the next morning you head to the river in town to catch a salmon, which doesn’t take long, and then you lug the large fish back to your farm so you can make the dish with it. You make sure to be careful while cutting the salmon, watching a YouTube video while you do to make sure you’re using the correct method. It takes a while because you’re trying to make it perfect, but by 11:30, you have a plate of sashimi big enough to feed a family. Maybe you should have gone with a smaller salmon…

It would be unfortunate for this to go to waste, you think, looking at the huge plate in front of you. I think I remember Sam saying something about Sebastian liking Sashimi, should I bring him some?

It is late enough to be eating lunch by now, so you don’t think it would be too weird if you brought Sebastian some of the sashimi to share. Maybe it’s just an excuse for you to visit the raven-haired boy, but it’s also an opportunity to do something nice for him, so you figure why not?

Packing two servings of the sashimi into a Tupperware container, you tuck it carefully into your backpack—along with two pairs of chopsticks—and then exit your house, heading to the mountain path that you’ve gotten so used to walking on in these past few months. Five minutes later, you’re knocking at Sebastian’s door, and Robin answers with a grin.

“(Y/N)! You know you don’t need to knock,” she says, stepping aside to let you in.

“I figured I should be polite,” you explain. “Plus, I’m not here for shop reasons, I was hoping I could visit Sebastian.”

“Of course. He’s downstairs, like always.” Robin shakes her head slightly. “Tell him to come up and visit his poor mother at some point, I haven’t seen him in days.”

“Will do. Thanks, Robin.”

You squeeze past Robin and turn down the staircase to the basement, and when you knock on the door, you hear the sound of shuffling and then the door creaks open just enough for Sebastian’s eye to peer through. When he sees it’s you, he pulls the door open more, looking relieved.

“Hey, (Y/N). I thought you were mom,” he says. “What are you doing here?”

“I brought you lunch, just in case you hadn’t eaten.” You shrug the backpack off your shoulders and reach into it, pulling out the container of sashimi. “I know you’re working, but I was thinking maybe you could take a break and share with me?”

Sebastian’s face lights up when he sees the contents of your Tupperware container, and he quickly steps aside to let you into his room.

“This is nice of you,” he says, sitting on the couch next to the door and gesturing for you to sit next to him. “Sashimi is one of my favourites.”

“I’ve heard. And I figured you would be busying yourself so much that you wouldn’t give yourself the chance to have lunch.” You take the seat next to Sebastian and pop open the container, handing him one of the pairs of chopsticks. He wastes no time in taking the first piece and taking a small bite.

“This is amazing,” he says, his mouth still full of fish. “Have you made it before?”

“First time,” you reply, taking a piece of sashimi for yourself and trying it. It’s really good, surprisingly. Putting care into things does pay off.

Together, you and Sebastian manage to finish off about two-thirds of the sashimi, but you’re too full by then to eat the last portion. Sebastian insists that you take it home, at first, but you still have a huge amount that you left at the farm.

“You like it more, anyway,” you say. “Consider it a gift.”

“Strange gift, but alright. Thank you.” Sebastian puts the lid back onto the Tupperware container. “I’ll give this back to you, promise.”

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” you reply. “I’m sure I have a million more back home.”

“Yeah, but maybe you’ll miss this one.” He puts the container down on his desk and stands up, moving to his bedside table and rummaging through the top drawer. After a moment, he produces a sharpie. An obnoxiously hot pink sharpie.

He brings it back over and picks up the sashimi container, taking off the sharpie’s cap with his teeth and writing on the side, “(Y/N).”

“There, now I won’t forget,” he says through the cap still in his teeth. He turns to you and his eyebrow furrows slightly when he sees the way you’re staring at him.

“That’s the marker from Pierre’s store, isn’t it?”

Sebastian spits out the cap and looks down at the sharpie. “Um, yeah, it is.”

“Why did you keep it?” You gesture towards it. “I highly doubt many situations call for that colour.”

“Well,” Sebastian starts, fiddling with the cap by pushing it off and back on again. “It was just a nice memory, helping you out. I wanted something to commemorate it.”

You don’t know what to say. It’s sweet that Sebastian enjoyed helping you so much that he wanted something to remember it by. And really, it was the first time you two had really interacted, aside from the coat-swapping incident. That sharpie could almost be seen as the start of your friendship.

“I think it’s nice,” you say finally. “I’m glad you enjoyed breaking and entering enough to want a keepsake.”

Sebastian chuckles. “It was criminal activity in the name of justice, that makes it okay.”

“Either way, I appreciate that it was the main thing that brought us together.” You reach over and tap the lid of the Tupperware container. “Now you have an awesome friend who makes you awesome meals.”

“If you continue making me sashimi, I’ll gladly be your best friend for life.”

Honestly? If that’s the price of a friendship with Sebastian, you’ll gladly keep paying it.

❤❤❤♡♡♡♡♡

#flufftober2022 #day 12 #stardew valley #sdv sebastian #stardew valley sebastian #x reader

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baeklination · 2 years

Text

Midsummer's Soft Eve

Date: 220624

Warnings: Cosy SMUT 🔞, fucking, sucking, nature, gen.expl.lang.

Pairing: Baekhyun x F. Reader

WC: 3,2k

Masterlist

¤¤

“No, keep your shoes on, we’re just going through”, you hear Astrid saying from the hallway.

The jovial commotion of guests always brings a flutter to your heart. It doesn’t matter if it’s a good friend, an acquaintance or a new face - everyone brings Happy on Midsummer’s Eve. Just as you close the oven you recognize it’s someone you don’t recognize, by their voice.

“Oh, what’s that smell, Astrid?”

“Not my making.”

“I might have to do as they say and kiss the cook.”

Being praised for your cooking is always nice and you can tell - the way you sometimes just can tell - this guy is going to be loads of fun so the introduction is welcome.

(“Wow…)

“Baekhyun, cook, cook, Baekhyun”, Astrid says pointing between the two of you. “Pucker up..!”

“I’d say excuse my friend, but you know her”, you smile and reach out to shake his hand. “Y/N.”

“Hi. Baekhyun. Is that..?”

“The scent worthy of a good snogging?”, Peter, Astrid’s husband, asks, opening the fridge. “What will you have, my man? Beer?”

“Sure, thanks. I didn’t say…that word, I just meant-”

“I know the expression. But yeah, that is probably what you’re smelling. Västerbotten-cheese pie.”

The way he cocks his head, knits his brows and leans forward in trying to understand what you just said is endearing enough to shut your brain off for a few milliseconds.

“Eh..it’s… It’s basically a cheese pie. It’s always made with this type called Västerbotten cheese. It’s a place up north.”

“You know how I said three things make Midsummer? First one”, Peter explains. “Well, unless it starts raining first…”

“Three? I know you put schnapps or general alcoholic beverages on third, which means…you just opted out of strawberry cake…”

“Oh, shit. No, I didn’t, I just forgot. Four things, Baekhyun. Four things make Midsummer.”

“Got it, four things. I can’t wait to try it. I would’ve brought something for you too, but I was foolish enough to think the hosts would be the hosts”, Baekhyun jokes.

“No, of course not. I didn’t make everything, really. Besides, I insisted.”

“Yeah, insisted we can’t cook.”

“And there goes my good first impression, thank you Astrid. Should we go outside, wait a bit before we eat?”

From his white shirt, navy shorts - even the beige penny loafers - to his bright, somewhat shy but open disposition towards the other guests, five of which he didn’t know, Baekhyun seemed to be taking to it like a fish to water. Asking questions, answering questions, hesitating in front of a few side dishes, eating most with gusto, slowly sipping on his beer, making faces when he gets acquainted with schnapps. He didn’t mind a few notes going over his head due to unfamiliarity - when the chatter became very specific he’d look across the table and you’d sign “not important, years ago, their kid”, to give him some context and his eyes would glisten when he smiled and nodded.

“He’s very unmarried.”

“You make me sound desperate and pitiful, Pete..! Like an unwanted bachelor”, Baekhyun protests.

“Your words, not mine.”

“Save me…”, he groans, shutting his eyes.

“Help me clear the table? Ast- we’re ready for dessert, right?”

“I think so. Everyone? Sure.”

Yes, he did send out an SOS, but you can tell Baekhyun has the nature of a gentlemanly guest and that’s why it’s no bother for him to go back and forth until all plates, bowls and cutlery have been brought inside, rinsed off and put in the washer. He was even jokingly sending out the SOS, but you could tell he was happy when you engaged. The smallest questions of where to put this or that, smallest gestures of putting things here or there had the strongest undercurrent of attraction.

“...plates are in the left cupboard.”

“Nine, right?”

“Yeah, nine”, you concur and take out the pièce de résistance - the strawberry cake.

“Why haven’t I met you before?”

His tone isn’t merely curious; it’s intrigued, as if he’s asking “Where have they kept you?”

“Good old fate to meet on Midsummer's?”

Laughing, he reaches for the cake.

“No prints in the cream”, you warn, suddenly grabbing his wrist.

Aside from when saying hello this is the first touch and it feels wholly different. Baekhyun looks at you wholly differently. Frozen in fire. His mouth opens ever so slightly when his posture changes-

“Oh, what should we do for sparkling?”, Astrid interrupts with her chirpy voice.

Letting go of his arm, you move back while he casually touches his neck, clearing his throat.

“I, phh… Not my area, Astrid. Maybe Baekhyun can help?”

“Anyone, Peter?”

“No, I hate cutting cake.”

“Me neither”, Stace jumps in.

“Well, I made it so I definitely don’t have to cut.”

“I’ll do it”, Baekhyun says standing up, picking up cake server in one hand, plate in the other. Sizing it up, he looks at you. “This alright?”

“Hey, we’re the hosts, us first..!”, Peter whines in a bombastic voice.

“But she made it.”

Baekhyun’s remark gets a hail of taunting “for us, chef’s always last” etc., which he coolly silences with the threat of them having to do it themselves before continuing to serve your piece.

Healing. The time of evening when sky and water look nearly identical in their dusty pinks, yellowy beige and periwinkle blue. The laughter and happy shrieks of your friends swimming and splashing water on the ones less prone to jump head first into the cold. You don’t blame them. You’ve had your feet in the water, hanging from the dock for a while now and it still feels cool whenever you swing them a bit. Through your lens you capture Cybil’s unsuccessful attempt at an underwater handstand but ruin the shot of her croaking due to your excessive laughing then out of nowhere there’s a touch on your shoulders; you flinch, for a moment thinking someone is pretending to push you in.

“You were shivering…”, he explains about putting the blanket across your back while he sits down, also putting his feet. “Wow! How are they swimming in this?”

“I don’t know… But I’m not cold, it was just the water”, you say and shake the blanket off. “No offense…”

“Non taken.” Dangling his feet in the water, he gazes at the horizon, seemingly finding the same peacefulness as you before adding. “I prefer it.”

As the hour grows late and the temperature lower you all decide to go inside and enjoy the rest of the night inside and chill-free. In the hustle and bustle of everyone taking their shoes off you inconspicuously loiter around, having seen Baekhyun is the last to come in. Standing out of sight of the living room it’s abundantly clear that it’s him you’re waiting on - he can’t keep the smile from his face. He throws a glance to the side, making sure no one is coming, then cups your face; a delightful blend of a hum, giggle and sigh escapes him right before he opens his mouth.

His lips are as supple as can be, gently, silently, hugging yours.

As quiet as a mouse he asks:

“Where’s your room?”

“The other house, the small one.”

“Mh, I saw it. Can I…visit later?”

You nod eagerly, then cover your mouth so any laughter won’t slip out.

“Okay… Eh… Who goes in first?”

“You go, say I went to the bathroom if they ask. You think I went.”

He kisses you again and now, with both of you definitely on the same page, he braves placing his hands on your waist - what a sweet torment it is when he lets go with a sigh and the waiting begins.

You feel as rigid as C-3PO going back, practically knowing they’ll all be exchanging snickering looks, but when you rejoin the party no one seems the wiser and why should they be? Amidst the games, drinking and talking everyone disappears at least once during a get-together, be it to get a drink, have a cigarette while checking in with the nanny or actually going to the bathroom, so your absence is only noted when deciding you’ll roll the dice last. If anyone had been on their tippy-toes they might in fact have thought the opposite - that Baekhyun had fallen out of favour - considering the minimal interaction and looks between the two of you compared to earlier in the day; he even avoided contact when handing over the dice, dropping them in your palm instead of just putting them there. Just when you feel the pressure-cooker of urgency (fun notwithstanding) is about to go bust, Stace and Cybil are the first to signal K.O. and seeing his window, Baekhyun does the same. Pretending to let yourself be convinced you agree to stay for another round “but just one”.

¤¤

With the light feet of a champion you make your way to your cottage, noting the day is already breaking. It’s still dark out, but through the clouds that have started to gather there’s a big difference in blue by the horizon and the sky up above and no wonder, it’s only really pitch black for an hour this time of year.

You never asked what room Baekhyun was in, so there’s no use trying to signal him, especially not when all the windows you see are dark, so you brush your teeth and do the same thing; flick the lightswitch then sit on the bed, waiting with delightful nerves. “What if he-” your phone lights up the ceiling like a torch and you read the message with excitement.

“Did you fall asleep?”

“No.”

“I think they did. Can I come?”

“Yes.”

Jogging across the lawn, he stands out like a sore thumb in his white shirt.

"I feel like a teenage boy running over to the neighbours daughter", he huffs with excitement, cups your face and gives you a long, deep kiss.

"Me too"

"Like a teenage boy?"

“Aeh..! It's raining?”

“Just a sprinkle. Cozy digs you’ve got.”

And it is. Being a guest bedroom it isn’t flashy (a comfortable bed, dresser, and chair - and pantry-size wc), but it’s all light and fresh.

Now, not having to be discreet, he doesn’t hold in his hum of liking as he touches your body or moans of want when you touch him. His hands search for an opening on your back and when he finds it it takes him the blink of an eye to open and push it down to the floor.

“Aren’t you gonna…take mine off?”, he breathes with a mix of cheek and hurry, undoing the top buttons. “They got wet, it’s pouring outside…”

“Clearly…” Sticking your finger under the hem of his shorts, you pull him towards the bed.

When the clasp of your bra comes open, he tosses it to the floor and runs his hand up your side; cupping your breast he puts his soft lips on it, carefully kissing, licking. You draw his attention away when you put your fingers through his hair, but he lets his hand stay massaging it while you’re deep in wet, sucking kisses. The way his hands and lips work in unison to heighten your lust is unbearable.

“Do it…”, you whisper over his lips, trying to push down his boxers.

“Are you ready..?”

The anticipation when feeling his fingertips on your stomach is increased when he slides his hand over your panties, moving them around.

“Hm, you’re ready…”, he moans in appreciation and pulls them off. “Let me change…”

He bends to the floor and when you hear the tear you understand what he means. It’s obvious he’s more than ready too. but he still doesn't rush. He lets the weight of his body press on you when he lies down, rocking his body, stroking yours, wholly immersed in the open-mouthed kisses and taste of you. Sliding your hands along his back to his cheeks you press them down, lifting yourself up, then move your hand to his cock. He only has to feel your entrance to start thrusting on his own - but you like the feel of his tightening muscles in your grip, so you continue pushing; both of you slowly rolling against each other.

“You like it slow..?”, he whispers in your neck. “Mh.”

“Everything.”

“The back..?”

“Back..?”

His hair tickles your skin when he shakes his head.

“Not that”, he chuckles. “I just met you.”

He’s quick to follow your lead when you roll over, guiding his cock in again grabbing your wrists above, pressing deep.

“Ah…”

His mouth is nearly at your ear so no breath or groan of pleasure gets by you as he vigorously slides his length in-and-out, pushing his head against yours when he gets extra satisfaction from a certain thrust.

Inhaling long, he releases the air in a faint moan and firm kiss on your cheek before putting his hand on your pelvis for better control. The room fills with the sound of Baekhyun’s chase and fierce smacking - anyone walking by would hear it. A shudder, a stutter, a renewed grip and his drives get tighter, tighter, until he gasps and comes in long, hard thrusts, pushing your cheeks up.

“Fuck… Ah…”

He rolls his hips, presses hard, then exhales loudly. Finding your breast he keeps his hand there as he kisses your shoulder and softly bucks, breathing heavy.

¤¤

*knock, knock, knock*

“Rise and shi-ine, the day is fi-ine..!”, Astrid chirps through the door.

With such a happy tone she could never wake you up the wrong way and she’s right; gone are the clouds and outside shines the brightest summer sun on the greenest of leaves.

“Are you fine?”

“Tip-top. Stace wondered if you could get some blueberries, she’s making something for brunch..?”

“Sur-”

Hearing shuffling behind, you realise and remember Baekhyun and hurry to close the curtain, wondering if you were hearing a tone in Astrid’s voice.

“Sure. I’m on it..!”

“Thanks.”

Frowning, Baekhyun gives a thumbs down.

“You should be on me, not that…”

Feeling his hard length against you through the thin sheet you agree, but a promise is a promise.

“Stop rolling, I can’t think. Come with me? We’ll say I recruited you, ran into you while you were answering nature's call.”

“You wanna pretend you caught me peeing? Ooh, naughty…”, he purrs in jest.

“But you have to change clothes.”

“Yeah. Wear something less I didn’t sleep in my own bed.”

“But why do we have to pick before we...?”, he tries.

“Because I won’t feel like picking if I’m tired. Here, try”, you say, holding one up for him to taste. “Sweeter, right?”

Not very interested in nature’s kitchen, he leans forward and pushes his lips onto yours. As if so confident in his seduction, he settles for one soft, wet, kiss, where the trace of berry is felt, before standing up.

“You’re sweeter.”

You’re not afraid to show it gives you butterflies in stomach and lower, just as he’s not thinking twice about being open either.

“If you help it’ll be quicker.”

“I’m trying to, I just don’t have that berry-eye you d- oh wait! There’s loads over there..!”

“Where? I don’t-”

“Behind that large tree…”.

“I know you didn’t come for blueberries”, you sigh but gladly follow him.

“No, I’m just a lonely huntsman trying to find one of those woodland fairies I heard so much about…”, he says, hugging you from behind pushing his hard-on up against you. Holding a condom between his fingers, he nibbles on your earlobe. “...I think I found one.”

“And yet you go straight for the main course.”

“There’s entrée?”, he muses, turning you around.

Of course there is. Sure, the hint of hangover lust from yesterday's moderate intake plays a part, but the open air does all the more. There’s something about - has always been something about - being outdoors. Surrounded by lush green, the smell of moss and trees, the occasional ocean breeze finding its way through the warm moisture trapped by the foliage feeds your imagination in a way that could have you staying here for hours.

The chirping of birds and merriment from some nearby neighbour softens when Baekhyun puts his mouth to yours again. He’s not playing at seducing you; his kisses are tight and full - he wants you. His bathing shorts rustle under your fingers, it seems your whole body is pulsating with eagerness to pull them down, and true enough it’s not he but you who moans when you close your hand around him. Feeling him hard in your hand makes you want him everywhere, jump between scenes, try everything at once.

“Is this the entrée…”, he mumbles.

“Do you want something more..?”

Combing his fingers into the back of your neck, he nods in his kiss.

“Yes.”

His cock isn’t sweet, but so sweet to suck. The unyielding stiffness and trace of last night’s cum mixed with the way he’s almost silently enjoying - carefully breathing with his mouth open, occasionally closing his eyes with a low moan - ignites a desperation of just one more each time you tightly pull your mouth back.

There’s barely any difference in temperature when he pushes your t-shirt up and bottoms down. When the girth of him stretches you out you feel the treebark come loose under your clutching fingers. Turning your knees inward you breathe - try to breathe, but the air is stuck in your throat due to pleasure. Baekhyun is the same, holding his breath at length, only pushing out short sounds as he claps his groin against your wet entrance. He’s barely holding on to you, letting his hips do the work, eagerly pressing himself down to the shaft each time.

On the glittering waters there’s a boat - far enough to not notice you but close enough that it makes your hidden activity more titillating; you point it out to him with a smile.

“Ahh… I hope they see…”, he mumbles, gets a firmer grip and thrusts faster, encouraged by this safe exhibitionism.

His groans get darker and constant, stacking on top of each other until his pounding turns to one deep press, then another while he moans through his clenched jaw, trying to suppress the sound of his orgasm.

“Wait”, he says, kneels and shimmies your t-shirt up. “Wait, wait, wait…”

Somehow this feels more exposed, but you nonetheless hold your shirt against your stomach and open your legs.

“Do you wanna sit?”, he asks, but doesn’t wait for a reply before feathering his tongue against your clit.

Wetting his fingers he looks up at you while sliding them in slowly pumping before putting his mouth back on you. You close your eyes and-

*crack*

Startled, looking around you put your hand on his head.

“I heard something.”

“A bird…”, he mumbles, sucking on your clit.

Just as you’re about to relax you see it:

“It’s a dog!”, you hiss and push him away.

“What? Where?”

He helps with your bottoms, then wipes his mouth on the sleeve of his t-shirt just before the owner of the dog comes into view; covering his mouth he, just like you, can’t help laughing.

Just before you reach the end of the woods Baekhyun strokes your neck with his thumb and gives you a kiss on the cheek:

“Don’t worry, I’ll make it up to you first chance I get.”

#baekhyun #baekhyun smut #Midsummer #BBH-NET #cosy smut

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sombersummerskies · 3 months

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A Champion's Love: Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Recovery Word Count: 2556 CW: None

Want all the chapters? -> Masterlist

~~~ <> ~~~

You awoke to a room with dim blue lighting. Your body was partially submerged in shallow water, your head supported on a rather soft folded towel that acted as a pillow. When you attempted to move, you grumbled in confusion when you felt how stiff your body was. It was as though you hadn’t moved in days.

After a solid minute of struggle where you forced your numb limbs to function, you were sat upright in this little pool of water. You found you’d been stripped of the majority of your armor, leaving you in your undergarments and a thin white tunic. You could feel you were also bandaged around your torso, and your arms and legs looked as though they had some sort of clear salve on them.

Your eyes slowly adjusted to the low lighting. After scanning the room you were relieved to see your armor on a table at the other side of the room, along with the gear you’d had on Ruta and the bag of supplies you’d left on the reservoir.

On a table beside you sat a glass of water. With a shaking hand you reached out, lifting it to your lips and desperately gulping down its contents. Your dry mouth and throat felt instant relief.

The sound of the door opening caught your attention, and you turned your head to see a Zora woman with pale blue scales walk in.

“Oh, you’re awake,” she smiled, setting down the bottle she’d held in her hands and walking over to your side, “Prince Sidon is going to be very happy when he hears of this news.”

“The prince?” you asked, your voice hoarse and scratchy. After coughing and clearing your throat, you kept talking, “Prince Sidon? Why would he be happy?”

You supposed that you were friends at this point, especially after battling Ruta together. But how worried could he really be?

“Oh, well the prince has been very concerned since he brought you in, Champion!” she informed you, grabbing an intricately sewn hand towel and dipping it into a basin of water, “Pacing outside in the hallway, constantly asking for updates. Everyday this week after his meetings with the council, he’s come right here to check on you. We haven’t allowed him into the room, of course, for your privacy. But you gave him quite a fright passing out like that.”

She reached a hand out for your arm, and you lifted it in compliance. You watched as she ran the now wet towel back and forth across the limb, wiping away the salve that had been spread across it previously. Your skin was littered in scratches and a few older scars from the various battles and fights in your past.

“What’s this gel?” you asked curiously as she moved to wipe it off of your other arm.

“A healing salve,” the nurse answered, pointing to the bottle she’d brought into the room with her, “it was created roughly one hundred years ago. When Lady Mipha was still alive she was our primary healer, bringing not only warriors back to prime health, but the civilian Zoras as well. After she passed we needed other ways of aiding those in pain, so this medicinal salve was created. It works nowhere near as efficiently as Mipha’s healing powers once did, but it’s much faster than traditional techniques. The salve is on your back as well, but it had to be bandaged as the wound was a rather nasty one.”

While she had been speaking she’d cleaned off the rest of your arm and both your legs. “I see,” you mumbled once she was done explaining, the mention of Mipha causing a sadness to creep into your thoughts.

“Well, now that you’re awake you must be starving,” she said with a small laugh, “you have been out cold for a few days after all. I’ll send a message to the kitchens and they’ll prepare a meal for you. How do you feel about seafood? Any allergies?”

You shake your head, as if to say no. “I don’t mind fish either, when you travel as much as I do you learn to eat anything available,” you reply.

She nods her head politely and pulls the door open, and before you can ask any further questions she walks out. Once the door is shut you’re left with nothing but the luminous stones and the quiet sound of trickling water.

‘Dammit… I was going to ask how long I was knocked out for. Guess I have to wait ‘til she’s back…’

With caution you test your range of motion. Your arms are still somewhat stiff, but you can flex them and stretch up and down. Ever so slowly you step up and out of the pool of water, your legs needing to readjust to holding your weight once more. After a few minutes of pacing you’re able to bend and stretch them as well. You’re still sore, but feeling significantly better than when you first awoke.

You take the next few moments to tend to your appearance. Digging through your bag, you pull out some tailored slacks you’d bought in Hateno Village and slip them on. Satisfied that you now had both a tunic and pants, you tried to find any kind of mirror to see how you looked. You noticed a plaque on the wall above the water basin that was reflective and stood in front of it, wincing at the state of disarray you were in.

Dipping your head down into the basin, you wet your hair and took the time to sort it out, untangling some nasty knots and brushing out random specks of dirt and debris from your scalp. You wipe your face, ridding yourself of any smudges or marks that may have remained after the battle. Once satisfied, you grabbed your boots and pulled them on, and plucked an old hiking bandana from your bag to wrap it around your head.

At the sound of a knock you paused your movements, looking over as the door was pushed open. ‘That’s probably the nurse with my food-’

Sidon was standing in the doorway, a tray of food in his hand. You locked eyes, but you couldn’t quite decipher his expression. He harbored a mix of emotions, but most of all he just looked so happy to see you standing there.

Before you could even speak a hello he set the tray down and shut the door, rushing over and pulling you into a tight, warm hug. You squeaked as he picked you up, lifting your feet up and off of the ground. It felt as if you hadn’t been hugged in ages- and that was mostly true. You haven't been hugged in the last hundred years.

Your arms instinctively went to his shoulders, wrapping around to hug him back. Lifted up like this, your head rested on his collar bone. If you’d been on the ground the top of your head would’ve barely passed his upper torso, but you didn’t mind all that much. Your fingers danced along the silver bands he was adorned in as you embraced in silence.

After a few moments he set you down, though he seemed to hesitate when pulling his arms away from you. He cleared his throat as he looked down at you, and though the lighting in the room was dim, you could see the glint of his bright golden eyes.

“I…” he began, and his lack of words caught you off guard. You’d never seen him speechless before.

“I was so worried about you, young one. Seeing you collapse at the bridge quite nearly gave me a heart attack. You have no idea how happy I am to see you alive and well, my friend,” he confessed, an edge of sadness wavering in his voice, “but, that is in the past now. You’re on the path of being fully healed, and you reclaimed Vah Ruta! Please, tell me all about your venture into the Divine Beast.”

And so you did. You told him everything that happened from the point of stepping onto Ruta to collapsing at the bridge. You told him all about Ruta itself and its various rooms and functions, how you could control the trunk, the different puzzles to access each terminal. You told him about the strange black and pink gunk that had been all over the Divine Beast, and the monster you fought at the end made of the same substance. When you got to telling him about Mipha, how she’d been there with you the whole time and how you actually saw her, your voice began to crack and become shaky.

You wrapped your arms around yourself. Shoulders tense.

“Then she- um… she…” you mumbled, tears welling up as you tried to continue explaining.

Sidon shifted beside you. “Young one? Are you alright?”

You forced out a laugh, but with your throat closing up it felt painful to do so. “P-perfectly fine,” you lied through your teeth as you began to sniffle.

The prince’s hand tentatively touched your back, rubbing it in an attempt to soothe you. “I’m not sure I believe that,” he says softly, “I’m here to help you, please tell me what happened-”

“It’s my fault!” you sobbed. You’d been trying to hold it in ever since you go to the domain, but the dam had finally burst.

Your heart pounded in your chest as you cried, “she’s dead and it’s my fault! Why couldn’t I have protected her? I didn’t protect any of them- and they’re dead, and it’s because of me-”

You were hyperventilating and couldn’t stop yourself. The dull pain from your wounds was being exasperated as your lungs were desperate to fill with air. “And- and you’re here- and you’re helping me- but it’s my fault that-”

The prince cut you off. He pulled you close and wrapped his arms around you, using one of his hands to rub soothing circles into the top of your back. “Breathe,” he gently instructed, “slowly. Breathe in and out.”

Though you felt frantic you tried your best to comply. Your nose was clogged from all the tears so you breathed through your mouth instead, holding onto Sidon’s arms to ground yourself.

“There you go, good job young one,” he murmured, and you could feel the rumble in his chest as he spoke.

Once you’d calmed he pulled back. As you gazed up at him he used one of his hands to wipe away the streaks of tears from your cheeks.

“It is not your fault,” he said, semi-sternly.

“But-” you began, only for the Zora to cut you off.

“But nothing,” he retorted, “what happened one hundred years ago was out of your hands. My father told me what happened then. The calamity was unlike any threat Hyrule has faced in recent history. Your duty had been to protect Princess Zelda. The fates of the champions were entirely out of your hands.”

You chewed on the inside of your cheek, a nervous habit you’d recently picked up.

In the low light you could see the prince’s expression soften. He gently took your hands into his own, “the people of Zora’s Domain have spent the last century coming to terms with the fact that my elder sister is now gone. Many people, my father included, feel as though they have to shoulder the blame. But that’s not true, and it’s not true for you either.”

“Think of all the good you have done for my people this week. You put a stop to the endless rainfall. You reclaimed the rampaging Divine Beast. You put my sister’s spirit at ease. You’ve done more for this domain than many could claim,” he said with a smile.

He released your hands, and you finally felt relaxed. “... thank you, Sidon,” you mumbled.

The prince let out a good natured chuckle, “of course, young one, you’re most welcome. Was there anything else you wanted to explain?”

You nod, “there was one other thing. After defeating the blight and meeting Mipha, she gifted me with her power of healing. She calls it Mipha’s Grace.”

Sidon gazed at you with intrigue, “her healing powers? Could you please demonstrate them? It’s been quite some time since I’ve had the honor of watching a display like that.”

Standing up straight, you took a few steps back from Sidon. Putting your hands in front of you, you momentarily paused, trying to think of what to do. Your thoughts went back to those fleeting memories of Mipha you had, and your body was flooded with a gentle warmth just like it had back on Vah Ruta.

Next thing you knew streams of blue light had enveloped you, and you watched as they formed into bubble-like spheres around your body. Slowly, each of the small scars and scratches you’d been covered in began to fade away, showing no sign of past injury. You could even feel the wound on your back seal up beneath all the bandages.

When the bubbles disappeared, you were left standing there, looking pristine and fresh. Sidon looked amazed, and jumped up to circle around you, inspecting the effects of Mipha’s Grace.

“Astounding! I haven’t seen such healing since… well since Mipha,” Sidon said as he stepped back, giving you your space, “Oh, but I’ve been distracting you, haven’t I? You must eat and regain your strength! Once you’re done eating, my father would like to have a word with you. And I believe my people would like to see the courageous Hylian who saved them.”

You blushed, rubbing the back of your neck at the sound of his compliments and brimming praise. Looking over at the tray of food he’d brought in, your mouth watered at the sight. A sauteed hearty salmon, honey-glazed apples, and crab cakes.

“I do hope it’s to your liking, I didn’t exactly know what you might like to eat so I asked the kitchen to prepare something they would think is top quality-” Sidon began to apologize, but stopped himself when he realized you were too preoccupied with stuffing your face to listen to him.

You’d always been a big eater, and your love of food knew no bounds. You could eat just about anything that was handed to you. After shoveling down one last piece of crab cake, your face flushed and you coughed awkwardly, realizing how impolite you must’ve just looked eating like that in front of the prince. “Uh… sorry.”

“No need to apologize, my friend!” Sidon chuckled, handing you a glass of water which you gratefully accepted, “it’s been three days since you passed out, meaning three days since you’ve last eaten. I understand the haste in doing so.”

You choked on your water and gasped, “three days? What?” You knew you’d been out for some time, but you assumed it had been around a single day or so, not three.

“Yes, three,” Sidon sighed, “your body needed quite some time to recover after that battle inside of Vah Ruta, I assume. Nonetheless, I’ll be waiting outside. Once you’re ready, join me and we’ll go up to the throne room together.”

He gave you one last cheeky smile before stepping out of the room, leaving you with your thoughts and not much else.

~~~ <> ~~~

Previous Chapter

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#botw #breath of the wild #totk #tears of the kingdom #loz #fanfic #x reader #reader insert #female reader #prince sidon #prince sidon x reader #sidon x reader

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kumeko · 1 year

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A/N: For the Tactician’s Soliloquy zine! I tried to capture as many different flavours of Robin (well, Chrobin, really, but shhhh). Thank you FeH for giving me so many Robin outfits to work with.

…

Robin closed her eyes and breathed in. The sharp sea air cut through her senses, stinging her nose slightly. It was as salty as she’d imagined. There were other strange scents mixed in, some fishy, and she wasn’t sure if it was actual sea creatures or something else. A cool breeze brushed against her bare skin, a small relief from the summer sun as it beat on her. Maybe she should take off her cloak and just walk around in her bikini.

Opening her eyes, she stared at the endless blue ahead. In the distance, the sky met the water, but Robin couldn’t’ see any land there. She couldn’t see any at all touching the sides. “Naga, it’s so big.”

“You said that an hour ago.” Chrom chuckled. Crouched by the shoreline, he inspected the small pebbles scattered about him, half-hidden by the sand. The sea lapped the shoreline, small waves crashing against his bare arms as they reached land. It was a good thing Frederick had forced them all to change into swimsuits before they’d arrived; if the water hadn’t ruined their clothes, the sand would have.

Robin flushed, embarrassed. Gripping her spear tightly, she grumbled, “That’s because it’s still true.”

“I guess so.” Finding a particularly flat rock, Chrom stood and skipped it. The rock bounced thrice before sinking into the sea’s murky depths. “It is amazing.”

“I wonder if there’s something on the other side,” Robin mused, rubbing her chin. “Theoretically, if we sailed long enough…we’d have to make sure we got enough food and water…perhaps via rain and fishing…”

“Is that why you have so many?” Chrom teased, pointing at the net bag looped loosely around her belt. “Didn’t think you’d become a fisherman after all this.”

“Huh?” Robin blinked, looking down. She’d almost forgotten all about her sea-findings. As she’d walked the shoreline the past hour, she’d collected every shell, fish, and small creature she’d come across, and it was only thanks to Frederick’s spartan training that she could carry it all. Not that she would ever tell him that. “Oh, no, I was just collecting things. Miriel might help me understand what they are.”

“The fish?” Chrom raised a brow and chuckled. “Did you lose your memories again?”

It was tempting to toss one of her hard-earned specimens at him, but that would have been a waste. Maybe she could just toss a fist full of sand at him instead. It’d take months before he got it all out.

“No,” Robin sniped back, frowning. “We just haven’t caught these before.” She pointed at the eight-legged orange creature poking out of the bag. “Like that? What is it?”

Chrom stared at it, his brow furrowed as he concentrated. After a minute, he guessed, “An octopus?”

“Yes—I mean…” Robin sighed. She should have thought it all out before she’d started talking; it sounded absolutely ridiculous when he said it. “I haven’t really—most of our campaigns have been inland, away from the sea—we only get them dead and eat them—”

As she babbled, Chrom merely stared at her, his amused grin growing wider.

There really was no way to explain this without sounding silly. Robin fumed, giving in. “Fine. I mean, I might have seen them before you found me but none of it feels familiar. It might as well be brand new to me.” Pulling a small pouch off her belt, she opened it and pulled out a small shell. “Even these are different than the ones we’ve seen before.”

“Oh.” Immediately, Chrom walked over and squeezed her shoulder apologetically. “Sometimes, you’re so smart, I forget that you’re still relearning things. It is amazing when you see it for the first time or even now.”

Robin softened. It was hard to stay mad at him for long. Reaching up, she covered his hand and smiled. “It’s fine. Have you been to the sea before?”

“Yeah, once, with Emmeryn and Lissa.” Chrom lowered his eyes, his gaze distant as it always was when he thought of his sister. She wondered how long it would take before it didn’t hurt to say her name.

Probably as long as it took her to fill the void where her memories used to be.

Chrom smiled gently, scuffing his toes against the soft sand. “We made a sandcastle, I think. Lissa wasn’t much more than a baby. It was probably Emmeryn’s last break before she took on her duties.”

“It’ll be different for you,” Robin replied carefully. “You got all of us to help out; the country won’t notice if you disappear for a day or two.”

“Don’t tell Frederick that, or he’ll give me more work,” Chrom joked, but his smile reached his eyes now and she was relieved. Tugging on her cloak, he asked, “Why’re you still wearing this?”

“Ehh….” Robin scratched her cheek, not sure how to explain. It was tempting to remove it all, especially after the sun’s unrelenting heat. Yet, it felt like a second skin and she couldn’t imagine going anywhere without it. “It has pockets and I’m picking up a lot of rocks,” she half-explained.

Chrom looked at her doubtfully before shrugging. “Alright, but if you pass out, I’m leaving you there.”

It was an empty threat and they both knew it. He hadn’t left her behind when she was just a stranger, passed out on the side of the road. He wouldn’t do it now that they were more than that, their past and future weaved together in a tangled tapestry.

“Where’s Frederick?” Robin asked, pushing back her pigtails as she glanced along the beach. She hadn’t seen hide nor hair of him since they’d arrived, which should have been impossible since she’d been with Chrom most of that time. Frederick never left Chrom’s side.

And Robin meant never. It had been hard enough to talk to Chrom back in those early days, when his faithful knight hadn’t trusted her as far as he could throw her. At least now she could actually breath easy next to them.

Their entire time at the beach, Robin had seen Tiki smashing watermelons with Nowi, Cordelia and Sully dueling, and Gregor and Virion swimming. Even Panne and Lon’qu had somehow managed to relax. Yet, no matter how hard she thought about it, she couldn’t remember the last time she’d seen Frederick. “I thought he’d be clearing out the beach by now.”

Chrom shuddered. “Don’t even joke about that. I actually had to stop him three times.” He glanced at her bag and smirked. “Though, I guess you’re doing it for him.”

Robin punched him in the arm. “Don’t.”

“I give, I give.” Chrom backed away, hands in the air. “I think he’s with Gaius and Inigo. He said something about discipline?”

“Oh.” Robin averted her eyes, silently bidding farewell to her companions. At least they could have a burial at sea. She’d have to reorganize the army after their loss.

There was a shout further along the beach and Robin looked up to find her son shouting. “Mother!”

Barefoot, Morgan ran eagerly across the sand to her. He sank slightly in the sand with each movement. Clearly her child, he also had his cloak on. They’d both die of heatstroke.

Ignoring Chrom’s snickering, Robin leaned forward and smiled. “What’s the matter?”

“I found a tidal pool.” Morgan’s eyes lit up and Robin suddenly understood Chrom’s amusement at her reactions earlier. There was something endearing about watching another’s excitement. “It’s filled with all these little rocks and fish.”

“Oh?” She ruffled his hair affectionately. He even had a small satchel of his own, clacking with every movement he made, and Robin felt a surge of pride. Morgan was his mother’s son, in every way that mattered. “That sounds great. Good job finding it.”

Morgan beamed, his chest puffing at the compliment. “But that’s not the best part.”

“What is?” Robin cocked her head, curious. Just what could have sent her son running here? “Eels? Lobster?”

“Bigger!” Morgan pumped his fists. “There’s a shark in there.”

Now that caught Robin’s attention and she thrummed with excitement. “A shark?”

Behind her, Chrom yelped. “A shark!?”

“Yeah!” Morgan tugged her hand, leading her forward. “I thought you’d like to see.”

“I do!” Robin picked up the pace, almost dragging him forward now. “Where is it?”

Behind her, Chrom shouted, “DON’T PICK UP THE SHARK!”

#chrobin #fire emblem awakening #chrom x robin #fe robin #fe chrom #fanfic #morgan

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peronica · 2 years

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Dragons: Rescue Riders Season 6 Review and Rant. MAJOR SPOILERS!

This is basically a short review of the series, watch the show first if you don’t want spoilers, but if you don’t care, continue.

Ok, is it just me or did Rescue Riders just get really intense? At least in comparison to the previous seasons. Don’t get me wrong, it’s good for shows to address topics like friendship, bullying, sign language and medical conditions, (Wiffy the Stinkwing naturally being stinky until he changes his diet). Those are good things to tackle, especially for a kids show, (yes, this is a kids show, Riders and Defenders of Berk along with Race to the Edge are the big kid shows, for lack of a better term).

But those are filled with funny things in them, and then we have the episodes like: If we don’t find the special clam, our whole day will be ruined! Ruined I say! Sheep falling in love, a race with their home on the line that shouldn’t have happened, Winger never should have betted the Roost on a race, it was easily avoidable.

And then we get season 6! Apparently the last season and they went full out with it! The twins having to go undercover with pirates in order to save Walnado, Elbone almost drowning at the bottom of the ocean? A dragon almost succeeding at stealing the Roost, amnesia? And, my personal favorite: “What makes you think we’ll work for you?” “What makes you think I’ll feed you if ya don’t?” I mean, in Race to the Edge sure, but Rescue Riders?

MAJOR SPOILERS FOR “THE GREATEST SHOW DRAGONS.” Basically a review, skip if you haven’t seen it, seriously the best episode in the series.

And Burple and Cutter’s backstory? I’ve been wondering for months why Burple is a bit… slower than the others; Not knowing certain words, eating things he shouldn’t eat, being oblivious to things… I figured it was because every show need a dumb person to bounce of off. (Sorry, can’t think of a better word for it). HTTYD had Ruffnut and Tuffnut and to an extent Snotlout, but they were smart in ways the others weren't. Gravity Falls has Sues, The Emperor's New Groove has Kronk, Spongebob Squarepants has Patrick, (although it’s pretty much every character by now).

BUT NOW IT MAKES SENSE!

Burple wasn’t raised by dragons, dragons he could ask as he grew “Why’s the sky blue?” “What does this word mean?” “Why do we spit rocks and they shoot fire?” “Why shouldn’t I eat that human hammer?” He was raised in a cage, by a human who used him as an act. He couldn't ask him anything because Arno didn’t understand dragon. And Burple tries to make friends with everyone he meets because the dragons were probably constantly changing around him; Why would Arno keep a dragon if it refused to do anything? Waste of space, time and fish. He didn’t want to leave because at least here he would always have at least one friend, or at least someone to talk to.

And Cutter? He was in there for about a year, a year where the more tricks you do, the more fish you get. That explains why he’s always trying to show off; It may not be trauma from his time in the circus, but an instinct he picked up. And his ability to know when someone is a con or just fake? He spent a lot of time with Arno, he probably recognises the signs when he sees them.

His closeness with Burple makes more sense to; Cutter is sharp and clever, Burple is a little slow and naive. It seems like Cutter would be better friends with Winger or Summer, and he definitely connected with Aggro like they’ve known each other forever. It didn’t make too much sense, but now it does!

Cutter was probably scared and confused when he got captured, and Raf was probably no help at all, but Burple would have been. He would have been used to dragons freaking out after being captured and would have learned how to calm them down. With only three dragons to talk to, and one being very rude, of course they would have bonded. Cutter saw how Arno mistreated Burple, and while Burple saw nothing wrong with it, Cutter definitely did. He couldn’t get Burble to understand that it was wrong, so the next best thing was to keep him as safe as he could under the intimidating eye of Arno.

Also, the way Arno hit the bars to tell Burple what to do has to be a reference to the Quakens in Between a rock and a hard place.

Long story short, the two became brothers, and when they were finally free, Cutter could have left, found more Razor wings, contempt with the fact Burple would be fine with Winger and the gang, but he didn’t want to leave his brother behind, even if he would never admit they were brothers.

Summer’s backstory was good, for what it was, it didn’t go as hard because it didn’t need to. They didn’t have to go all out for Cutter and Burple either: If they were found at separate times, never knowing each other and having some other reasons to join the team, it would have been just fine. But they did, and it connects so many things.

Remember when the darkest thing was when Walnado tried to kidnap and sell the kids to the highest bidder? (Treasure Riders). Also, all of Grublegard’s kids are technical orphans, that's kinda dark when you really think about it.

Anyway, that's my rant. Despite all I’ve said, I do love this show and wish more episodes would come out, maybe a final movie about Winger, Dak and Layla’s mom and what happened to her? The writers of this series are incredible and the animation is pretty good. It sticks to the books in a way the HTTYD movies never did: The dragons can talk, the kids were raised by dragons, the competitions Huttsgalor had with other tribes were like what Berk had with the Bog Burglars, (not exactly, but close enough), and lots of references. (Yes, I read the books, great job Cressida Cowell, you’ll never see this but I love your work). Winger is even blue, just like The Dragon Furious! The twin’s hair is red, just like book Hiccup. Grublegard could be a reference to The Dragon Furious, if you squint really hard.

(By the way, this is my first review of anything, so please don’t be mean. You can disagree all you want, but don’t be a jerk, I’m sensitive). And above all else, I hope you have a great day, whether you agree with me or not, at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter.

#dragons rescue riders #dragons race to the edge #dragons rescue riders cutter #dragons rescue riders burple #httyd books #DreamWorks dragons

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peppermintchaos · 1 year

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this was written on my phone so hopefully it formats fine. picks up some time after where i left off with the last fic but i wanted to get the idea out of my head 👍 word count 1821

“You knew Green?” Mochi asked, surprised. “How is that possible? You’re what, 16? Fey died centuries ago!”

“First of all, I’m 25, I just age funny. Second of all, Gods can’t die.” pointed out Peppermint.

“Well, we can’t die, but you know what they mean.” Takeover said, taking another sip of her tea.

Mochi sighed. “Either way, it doesn’t make sense.”

Peppermint shrugged. “I managed to survive a nasty fall into the Graveyard of the Gods. I met Green there. Makes sense to me.”

“...”

“Was Green really strong enough to help you survive and get out?” Pondered Takeover.

“Well, it wasn’t just Green. Do you know the story of The Raven and The Dove?”

“No,” said Takeover.

“I do, but I haven’t the slightest what that has to do with any of this,” Mochi said.

“You should tell Takeover the story.”

Mochi stared at them. “Is this really leading anywhere?”

Peppermint nodded. “It’s the best way to explain everything, and I’m not good at telling stories.”

“What is the story about?”

“It’s an old kids story,” explained Peppermint. “It has its roots in truth, though. There’s an addition to the tale that’s gotten popular in Obtunclif recently, too.”

Takeover leaned in across the table. “I’d love to hear it.”

“If that’s what you want,” Mochi said.

“Once upon a time,” they started, “There lived a Raven and a Dove. The birds were siblings, and the closest of friends, and they both lived in the highest branch of the highest tree on the highest mountain. The Dove heard everything, and the Raven was very wise. Together they were very respected among animals all over the world.

One day, the pair traveled into the forest-”

“Skip the forest,” Peppermint interrupted.

“Why?” Asked Takeover.

“We can’t just skip the bear,” protested Mochi. “It’s essential buildup!”

Peppermint rolled their eyes. “You’re only saying that because you’re roomies with the goddess of literature! The bear is boring and 90% of salamanders are assholes. The fish is the only good one.”

“You’re acting like you know them personally.”

“I do.”

Takeover tapped her fingers on the table. “We can’t skip the buildup, it’ll mess up the story structure.”

Peppermint huffed. “You sound like a salamander.”

“What does that mean?”

Mochi sighed. “We can skip to the fish if it matters that much.”

“It does.”

Mochi started again.

“One day, the pair traveled down, all the way across the land to an estuary, and met a young fish.

‘Oh, Raven, oh Dove,’ cried Fish. ‘Everyone says you two can solve any problem, and that you know everything, and I need help.’

‘Of course we can!’ Tittered Dove. ‘What’s wrong?’ asked Raven.

Fish gurgled in distress. ‘I’ve gotten lost from my school, and yesterday I heard some egrets bragging about the biggest meal it’s had in ages- did the egrets eat my school?’

The birds looked at each other. Dove fluttered her wings uncomfortably.

‘Please,’ cried Fish. “Tell me the truth!”

‘Yes, they did,’ chirped Dove sadly, for she had heard from an egret earlier about the occurrence. She plucked a pure-white feather from her wing, and gave it to Fish. ‘Here, she said. “Take this, and it will give you the ability to carry on their legacy.’

‘I’m so sorry,’ said Raven.

Fish sniffled. ‘That’s what I thought.’

Dove flew away, but Raven stayed a bit longer. ‘Fish, have you ever been down to the ocean?’

Fish shook its head.

‘You’re a strong fish, and your kind can live in the saltwater. Why don’t you go down to the bay? They’ve had some struggles recently, and they could use someone like you, especially now that you're a feather-holder. It would make your school very proud.’

Fish looked up at Raven.

‘Do you really think so?’

‘I’m sure of it.’

Fish swished its fins. ‘I know where the bay is. If you think it’s a good idea, I’ll go see what I can do.’

Raven cawed. ‘That would be lovely.’

Fish swam away, sunlight glinting off it’s scales.

The next day, Dove flew by the bay and again heard all the creatures praising Raven’s brilliance.

(“Did that also happen the first two times?” asked Takeover.

“Yes,” replied Peppermint. “Context clues.”)

Dove seethed in anger as every fish, crab and dolphin in the sea chattered about how Raven had helped Fish, Salamander, and Bear. What about her? She had been there too! She was just as good, if not better than her sibling! Why anyone would pay so much attention to that dark, dull bird over her splendid light was beyond her.

As Dove flew back to the nest she shared with Raven, she grew more and more jealous, and finally decided to get rid of them.

When Dove got back to the nest, she approached Raven. “Dear sibling,” she cooed. “May I borrow one of your feathers?”

Raven, trusting their sister, plucked a gossamer black feather from their wing and handed it to her. “What do you need it for?”

Dove didn't respond, instead fluttering over to the edge of the branch.

“Dove?” asked Raven again, scared of losing a feather, for birds feathers are not to be wasted.

But Dove still didn't respond, instead dropping the feather down, down into the deepest valley in the land.

“Dove!” shouted Raven, and Raven chased and chased, but couldn't find the feather, for the feather made the valley darker and darker until the valley was coated in night. By the time they had found it, the valley was too deep and too dark to get back out, and so the Raven lived there, and does to this day. The end.”

Takeover leaned back in her chair. “What an interesting way to end the story.”

“That's why I never liked it. It feels unfinished, with the poor raven stuck forever,” Mochi said.

Peppermint laughed. “That's because the story isn't finished!”

“Really?” asked Mochi. “That's all of the story I’ve heard.”

“Well, it only got added onto recently, but someday, Raven will escape. Want to hear the rest?”

Takeover nodded, ever intrigued by a new story. “Please tell us.”

Peppermint closed their eyes.

“Once upon a time, there was a raven who lived in the deepest, darkest crevice of the deepest, darkest valley. Even though the valley was dreary, the Raven didn't mind it. Their eyes had long since adjusted to the darkness. It had been a long time since they were sent down by their sister Dove, and they enjoyed the lush foliage of the valley. Even if they couldn't talk to anyone, the Raven gained new wisdom. So they lived, alone, until one day a goat showed up.”

Mochi and Takeover shared a glance.

“Goat carried a wreath of gently glowing flowers around their horns, and for the first time in years, Raven saw light.

Goat bleated in joy when they saw Raven. 'I knew it!’ they said, happy to have found the bird. ‘I heard about a bird as black as night, but when I asked about it, the Dove came and flapped her wings in my eyes until I fell down here!’

Raven flapped their wings in surprise. ‘Who are you?’ They asked.

Goat blinked. ‘I’m sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. I’m goat, a feather-holder from the mountains. Are you not Raven?’

‘I am Raven,’ cawed the bird. ‘Has it been so long that people have forgotten me?’

Goat nodded. ‘I’ve only read about you- very few feather-holders are around to remember you.’

Raven was wise, and knew their sister. 'Dove has made sure that no one can find me, even among her feather-holders, hasn't she?’

Goat stomped their hoof. 'Probably… that's why I’m here. How do you survive down here?’

Raven tilted their head. ‘I can show you how to live here, if you like.’

Goat bleated in exitement. ‘Please!’ they cried, ‘It would be an honor to learn from the Raven themself!’

'Please, Goat. Think of me as a friend.’

‘Of course!’

And so the two were friends, and with their shared knowledge were able to achieve many feats down in the valley, even planting a garden of glowing flowers together.”

“Is this where it ends?” Mochi interrupted.

“Not quite- for years apon years later, a caterpillar, who had lived the smallest fraction of a lifetime compared to Goat and Raven, fell into the garden of flowers.

Caterpillar cried and cried, until finally Raven and Goat found them.

‘What?’ said Goat. 'What is a small caterpillar like you doing all the way down here?’

‘I slipped and I fell,’ wailed Caterpillar. 'Before I knew it, I was all the way down here!’

Raven cawed in sympathy. 'Don't worry, little Caterpillar, for your kind can grow wings- perhaps, with the help of Goat and I, your wings will be strong enough to fly you out of here.’

Caterpillar sniffled. ‘If feather-holders can't get out of the valley, how will I?’

‘Goat can't fly, and I couldn't find my way out no matter what I did,’ Raven explained. ‘But once you're a butterfly, you could.’

'That's right!’ said Goat. ‘I will teach you how to farm and how to fight, and Raven will teach you how to be wise. A caterpillar like you doesn't deserve to live down in the valley.’

‘Alright,’ said Caterpillar, stopping their tears, for they had no other choice.

Little Caterpillar trained with Raven and Goat until they were ready to go into their cocoon. But in the cocoon, feathers grew instead of flowing butterfly wings, as they had changed from their time around Raven and Goat, and were hardly a caterpillar by the end of it. Caterpillar emerged from their cocoon a bright red Cardinal.

When Cardinals wings were strong enough to fly out of the valley, they turned to Goat and Raven, determination filling their black eyes. ‘I promise to get you both out of here, one day.’

'Don't make promises you can't keep,’ warned Raven.

‘I will keep it,’ swore Cardinal. ‘I’ll find Dove and make her release you, and whoever else might be stuck in the valley!’

‘If you say that you can,’ said Goat.

‘I’ll trust you to make good on that, Cardinal,’ said Raven.

Goat and Raven watched the crimson bird fly off into the distant light.

The end.”

“So ‘feather-holders are gods-” Takeover said.

“Goat is Green, Dove is the goddess of light,” Mochi continued.

“You’re the Cardinal, and Raven was your other master, the one who helped you escape.”

“A god of darkness?”

“Technically, Ash is the god of the Void,” said Peppermint, “but close enough.”

Takeover hummed thoughtfully. “Are you really trying to take down the Grand Goddess?”

Peppermint smiled nonchalantly. “Well, me and my commander- Fish, from the story- have been… how you say? Gathering our resources.”

Mochi grimaced. “That sounds… incredibly dangerous.”

“It is!” they said cheerfully. “Bus one day-”

Their smile dropped.

“I will kill that god with my own two hands.”

#words

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shadowsshowdown · 1 year

Text

Deus Ex: Human Revolution Shadow’s Showdown: Chapter 4

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The Fly Girl.

The Jackdaw.

Laura probably wouldn't have known this lovely place if Faridah hadn't brought her here. The tavern was decorated in a pirate style with wooden tables, chairs, and benches. Fishing nets were hanging from the ceiling, the pirate flag was also noticed by Laura. Even waiters took care of the right atmosphere. Faridah led her friend to one of the tables at the back, near the wall, where the menu cards were already prepared and waiting for customers. Laura put her backpack on the floor, took off the wet hoodie, and hung it on the backrest of the chair. She fixed the sleeves of a long-sleeved dark grey top and then sat down.

"I recommend you Tortuga Soup. It is delicious and warms you up well.” she suggested seeing Laura shivered from the cold several times.

"This is what I need, thank you." It's strange, but she had the impression that she would find a common ground with Faridah and despite the rules which she set earlier, Laura wanted to have a friend in her. It was a simple desire to avoid sitting alone in an empty apartment.

They didn't wait too long for orders. The soup was indeed delicious and warded off bad moods.

"What did you want to talk about?” Laura asked carefully. While waiting for an answer, she continued to eat her portion of soup.

"About Adam." As Faridah spoke the name, Laura felt her throat tightens. It took her some time to swallow that knot with Jensen’s name written on it. Why him? Out of a million different topics, she had to choose the one that boosts her anger.

"What about him?" she asked evasively, hoping that she could redirect the conversation to something more pleasant. "Wait a minute, maybe she thinks that he and I... For all the plagues of the world: IMPOSSIBLE!” she thought with an explicit disgust.

"I know you've been here for a short time and I really don't care where you worked before. It's not my concern. Just don't start your career by making enemies." Faridah said this quite harshly, almost like a warning, but it was hard to find any ill will in it. She just cared for Laura in a manner of an older sister.

"But I..." she tried to squeeze out a reply while looking at Faridah with her eyes wide open.

"Adam is doing his job, that's what he is paid for. He is firm and cold because he has to be like that, so don't throw obstacles under his feet. Remember for the future: I can be a far worse enemy than he is." she finished without letting Laura get a word out. Great, now instead of a friend, she has another problem.

Laura lowered her gaze to gather thoughts and sighed heavily. On the one hand, she was supposed to be a cold bitch who wants to achieve her goal by playing hardball, and on the other hand, she wasn’t heartless to just hurt anyone without hesitation. Faridah emitted such a calm aura of trust, that a moment more and Laura would tell her whole life story with every spicy detail. "So that was the point." she thought. Everyone except Frank treats Adam like a god or something. Who is he, in fact, that he deserves it?!

"If this is so, why did he mock me? Why did he make a fool of me?!" Laura spoke reproachfully, and her eyes burnt with anger. She promised to keep it for herself and only for herself, but she needed to confide in someone. Apparently, the easiest way is to talk with a stranger.

"Because you resisted, you tried to play games with him instead of cooperating. That's why you got what you asked for." she explained, helping Laura to understand the whole situation at least a little. "But believe me or not, he doesn't enjoy it at all."

"Oh, sure, he's probably hiding in a corner and crying." she hissed. "So now I should kneel before him and beg for forgiveness?!" Laura continued angrily, after a moment of silence. "I'm not going to apologize for something I haven't done, and the great Mr. Jensen doesn't need a defender!" Life has also taught her how to be tough and to deal with all circumstances. Asking for help or apologizing was not written in her nature, as she just remembered. To think that a moment ago, she was ready to fall apart.

"It is best to leave what has passed and not make the same mistake in the future.” Faridah did not even raise her voice.

The force of her calmness inflicted the feeling of guilt and shame on Laura again and again. This feeling swiftly coalesced into something very heavy, a turmoil that overwhelmed her heart and mind. Maybe Fly Girl was right and instead of attacking, she should keep a low profile and stay out of Adam’s sight?

"Think it over, girl.” Faridah advised and smiled friendly. „Meanwhile, it's time for me." she bid farewell and raised her hand in a goodbye gesture.

Fly girl stopped at the bar before leaving to pay for her lunch.

Laura did not want to go home, so she ordered a second bowl of soup and a cup of rum. She wished to get completely drunk and forget about everything.

Sarif Industries. Frank Pritchard's office.

Adam did not give up on the matter of Laura. Though everything seemed to be fine at the same time, he felt that something was not as it should be. She appeared in a mysterious way, without his knowledge and checking it beforehand. Each employee of the company went through these procedures. This is the way. If the girl has nothing to hide, why is she acting like this? Why is she fighting with him and trying to cheat on him? It was hard to explain with mere malice. Still, Laura intrigued him more than anyone else. A girl who is like a ghost, a mystery, direct opposition of him, fire for his ice soul. Everything, that could ruin his precisely arranged world. Total chaos. During these short moments spent in her company, he felt so carefree and could remind how is it to laugh.

He was not only bound by duties that forced him to follow the rules and regulations. Adam did that also because as an ex-SWAT he didn’t become acquainted well with the off-duty life. If she doesn't understand it, too bad. Besides, he didn't feel like meddling into new male-female relationships, not after what he had been through with Meg. He must admit that part of him still believes that this isn’t over yet, and he can’t just simply let go. Of course, Faridah was the first one who tried to convince him that being a turtle is a bad idea, but she gave up pretty quickly. So he finally decided that Laura would absolutely remain on the formal side of the list of people he knows. It’s the best protection he could create. Just hide behind a solid wall and exist.

He stopped in front of Frank's office for a moment. He had to gather his thoughts and prepare spiritually to face him. They did not like each other and did not even try to be nice to each other. Jensen tried to settle all matters quickly, and at the same time not to be provoked by his taunts. He entered without knocking, as always. They had pushed aside all formalities long ago.

"Jensen, it's just you." Frank croaked from behind the monitor. "What do you want? I'm busy." He grunted reluctantly.

"Laura Werner – does this ring any bell?” Adam slowly asked, crossing his arms.

"Of course it does! What a ridiculous kind of question is this?!” he replied angrily and for the first time looked at Jensen. That’s what the head of security wanted to get – his 100% attention.

"That girl works for you, right? What do you know about her?" he asked openly, knowing that Frank was about to point his lack of knowledge and use it as a weapon.

"She is NOT just ‘that girl’!" Pritchard raised his voice. "Laura is the best asset I could ever possess. We understand each other without any word. But you're just a lesser being which knows nothing about our language, codes, and COMPUTERS.” Adam wanted to interrupt and say that she’s not a thing either, but Frank didn’t let him speak. "As for that question of yours - Yes, she's been here for a couple of weeks. Does the head of security, the best of the best, top of the top, pinnacle of wisdom, supported by Megan Reed herself, know nothing about it?" His words were like jellyfish burns, but Jensen kept his poker face.

"If your gracious had honored me and delivered the report as soon as Laura was transferred, I would have known enough." he bit back, pointing out his lack of professionalism. "Meanwhile, I have to come here and waste my time."

"Oh forgive me, dear Adam, but if you knew anything about computers, you would have discovered the e-mail I sent some time ago." Pritchard retorted with a venomous smile of triumph.

"I didn't get any e-mail." The head of security admitted, knowing he was going to regret it.

"Exactly. I'm sorry, but your lack of knowledge is beyond my control. If you could separate spam from the rest, you would have noticed my message."

And he regretted it. The head of cybersecurity won this clash, but the time for revenge will come.

"If that's all, I'm asking you to get lost."

Jensen did not comment on the last words. He didn't react, he didn't punch him in the face. He did not even slam the door. He just left. Adam knew that Frank would be more pissed off than he would be in a verbal skirmish. He returned to his office, and as he does not like to leave unfinished business, he looked through the mail again as Pritchard had suggested, and this time he checked the spam. To his surprise, there was no message there that could be a report. He was perfidiously lied to. He decided, however, that he would leave it as it was and better focus on watching Miss Werner. To complete the formalities, he searched the files of Sarif Industries employees but found only basic information there. He sighed resignedly, hoping for more than a description of her appearance, a record of achievements, and a position. He leaned against the backrest of an office armchair which tilted slightly back and reflexively looked at the place where Laura had previously stood. He silently admitted that he had acted quite cruelly, and this was not his style, but her arrogance was asking for the lesson of humility he gave her.

He moved his gaze to the watch on the computer screen and found out that it was lunchtime coming, and his stomach was telling him so too. For a long while, Adam thought about what he wanted to eat today, and when he made up his mind, he logged out of his profile, then got up from his chair, scooping up the cigarettes and a lighter from the desk and went up to his coat hanging on a hanger. There was still a coffee stain on it. He had no time to clean it. Jensen looked at the office again, checking if he did not forget anything. He put the collected things into the coat's pocket, threw it over his forearm, and left. With a skilled move, the head of security entered the code at the electronic lock and waited for the light to start flashing. He walked down the stairs swiftly, dressing his coat on the run.

The streets of Detroit greeted him coldly, so he popped up the collar of his coat. Adam looked left and right at the crosswalk and after crossing to the other side he turned left from the main street, agilely avoiding the puddle. After few steps, he rounded a corner and was almost there. Jensen decided not to experiment and choose a place that he knows, and where he is already a regular visitor.

The Jackdaw.

Laura finished the soup and drank a cup of rum. At the moment she was in a slightly better mood, and there was already a second mug in front of her. If necessary, she will order a third one, then a fourth. Drinking like a fish wasn’t anything new to her, she did that dozens of times over and over again.

"Welcome aboard, please take your seat and we'll set sail soon." she heard the same words of greeting.

Instinctively she turned her head, and what she saw did not please her at all. The second cup was empty in the blink of an eye. But of course, he had to come here as if it was the only place in the area. Wait, maybe Faridah sent him. Either way, the situation was dire. Escaping from here asap would be the best solution, but Jensen was just heading in her direction and seemed to be on a collision course. It was far too late for evasive maneuvers.

"Dank Farrik!" she thought, drumming nervously with her fingers on the tabletop. "Stay calm, just stay calm. Inhale, exhale. I am one with the Force. The Force is with me." she recited in her mind. "He will hit the Mass Relay in 3... 2... 1…"

"Hello again, Miss Werner. What a meeting." The inevitable arrived. She will be eaten alive. "Lunch break?" he asked, trying to start a conversation.

"Boss gave me a day off, so I’m using this time before he changes his mind." she replied. The rum she had drunk gave her courage, but not enough to reject her fear.

“Mr. Captain, as always, reliable. Same as usual?" the waiter asked with a smile, expecting what the answer would be.

"Yes, and a cup of rum." the head of security replied, taking the cigarettes from his coat pocket.

"For me, twice." Laura asked, waving an empty mug when the waiter finished taking notes.

Adam did not react, although he saw that the girl slowly had enough. Personally, he did not encourage drinking to unconsciousness but also did not like to interfere. He also didn't ask if he could smoke in her company. Laura didn't care today anyway. Under other circumstances, she would probably declare war against him. She looked at him stealthily after a long while. She didn’t even notice when he took off his coat. Adam moved his pointing finger across the datapad screen and inhaled with a cigarette, then shook his head. A waiter placed a bowl of steaming soup in front of Jensen along with the cup of rum, and the other two cups he placed in front of Laura. She drank the first one at once and wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. She put the mug on the tabletop with a loud tap to draw Jensen's attention. Unfortunately, without a result.

"I can see that curiosity eats you up." she muttered when she saw how much he was engrossed in reading.

Laura assumed that Adam was studying her data right now, so she decided to use it to her advantage.

"I will disappoint you. There is no mention of the transfer in my file, but I will enlighten you. I previously worked at Milwaukee Junction as head of cybersecurity, but the branch there was suspended so I automatically moved under Pritchard's wings. Here is the whole great mystery. Satisfied?" Laura triumphed, she felt the pride bursting through her. At last, Adam got what he deserved. She finally won.

Adam looked at her with a frown before he said anything. "But I'm not reading your file now. Not at all." he replied with disarming frankness and turned the screen towards her.

"Dank Farrik! Dank Farrik!! Dank Farrik!!!" She thought, seeing the latest news from Picus. Once again, she was humiliated by this idiot. She won't forgive him. Revenge is a dish best served cold. Meanwhile, rum started to do its job, Laura felt that she was losing more and more contact with reality, but that didn't stop her from drinking the last cup.

"I must admit I appreciate your gesture. It's all clear now, so I won't bother you anymore." Saying this, in a decisive move, he took away her cup before she could empty it.

He didn't say anything, but the little gesture affected her so much that she couldn't stay with him any longer.

"Oh, I lingered here for too long, I should go now. Goodbye Mr. Jensen." she muttered as she stood up. Laura quickly grabbed her backpack and rushed to the bar to pay the bill.

Adam was surprised by her behavior, there was clearly something strange in it. Miss Werner looked like she saw a ghost. After a while, his eyes fell on the hoodie hanging on the backrest of the opposite chair. He wanted to call Laura, but she had already left. He was sitting alone with an unburned cigarette and a half-empty cup of rum. A trail of smoke curled lazily through the air. He sighed, putting out the cigarette butt.

All chapters can be found: [AO3], [dA], [Wattpad] and [Tumblr]

#Deus Ex #DXHR #Deus Ex Human Revolution #Adam Jensen #Shadowfanfic #crunchy-shadow #Shadow's Showdown #Nifriel #I never asked for this #Fanfiction #Evie Dormer OC #Joe Mando OC #Chapter 4: The Fly Girl #cyberpunk #writers on tumblr

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