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#it's dangerous to everyone involved and nearby
zone-seven · 6 months
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Thinking about zones culture...
(Before I get into this, please keep in mind that I see the DD universe as like 75 years removed from the literal apocalypse, so things like communication, transportation, and infrastructure are very different from our modern world, or even the real world 1950s. Add that to extreme poverty, and you get zone dwellers living 'only' 200km apart who don't necessarily know that much about each other first hand.)
Really there is no singular "zones culture". Well, there is in a sense — in the interplay between the collective cultures of the California Desert — but that's nobody's real culture. It's just the natural result of cultures colliding.
This half-real "Zones" culture is little things — like everybody knowing a little bit of English, but not because they speak it for real, just because it's the lingua franca between communities, and between the desert and Battery City. It's using the same ingredients in very different cuisines because those are what's available in this time and climate. It's dressing pretty differently but following similar principles, since everyone lives with the same relentless sun, dust, and drought. It's broad things that came about due to proximity or convenience, not necessarily out of a sense of community.
But then there are smaller, much real-er cultures — local ones, lone ones, town-by-town ones. It does tend to cluster in regions, and there is lots of crossover of course, but each settlement, whether 100 people or 10,000 people, has it's own norms and customs. There's a lot of dead space out there; neutral towns vary wildly in their languages, religions, beliefs, and values... and smart folks will know at least a bit about their immediate neighbours! It's hard not to, to be honest. Life in the desert of California (and maintaining sovereignty from Battery City) requires a decent bit of cooperation and willingness to form alliances.
Some of the biggest towns in the Zones — the few approaching that 10,000 citizens mark — have quite the influence on the settlements around them. The biggest of them even exert influence on the entirety of the Zones, being big enough to support things like newspapers and far-reaching radio stations. Even then, though, people really do value tradition and custom; they've fought tooth and nail to keep it, as did their parents, grandparents, and so on. The city is already after their culture. They're not friendly to people trying to change their ways.
Killjoy culture is a little different.
Killjoy culture, as I'm defining it in my canon, is primarily the culture of ex-citizens of Battery City. Of course, it is also describing a political movement, and these escapees are not totally isolated in their politics, so it also includes some people who were born in the desert. There are plenty of reasons why desert-borns dislike the city, though few take it so far as to join up with killjoys. Similarly, some immigrants from the city have no interest in the political fight and instead do their best to assimilate into (usually) one of the larger towns. Mainly, however, I think about Killjoy culture as being heavily influenced by Battery City, especially in ways that feel very 'un-city' and free to people who once lived there, but feel restrictive and extremely 'city' to anyone desert-born. It's sort of separate from the cultures of desert towns as a whole, because they do not interact nearly as much or on as good terms. Neutrals don't have the sort of wariness with each other as they do with 'joys.
So, I think killjoy culture is sort of false in the same way that "zones culture" is false. It exists, but it's built first and foremost around something other than its people. Well, that combined with whatever scraps of Old World (pre apocalypse) culture their family in the city managed to keep. Very “killjoy” to have one-of-a-kind cobbled together cultures like that.
Killjoys do have a sense of community, though neutrals often miss this because killjoy community looks different than theirs. Killjoys are often rather nomadic, and they're always scattered. A lot of their culture is in media, and in folklore, and in the few events that are important enough for mass gatherings. Different than typical zones folklore, which often follows certain themes — killjoy folklore is heavily influenced by lobby culture, including a lot of droid religion.
But folklore is another topic…
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bonny-kookoo · 9 months
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Jungkook
TERRITORIAL. | Pretty Baby
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Who would've known that the big bad wolf isn't actually all that bad?
Tags/Warnings: Punk!Jungkook, Wolf!Jungkook, Good girl!Reader, Dom!Jungkook, Sub!Reader, Corruption kink, strangers to crushes to lovers, Fluff, Adult themes
Length: uuuh long idk
There is no taglist for this fic.
-> Masterlist
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Strawberry milk is your favorite.
It's always been a comfort thing for you- just like certain snacks or fabrics make you feel comforted, strawberry milk gives you that little bit of extra braveness at night after work has ended to finally make your way back home into the safety of your apartment.
But tonight, it's a bit different. Tonight, there's a group of vamps outside, clearly trying to agitate the wolves who've been ruling the streets for a while now.
It's not actual gang-behavior. They're not actively fighting or anything, there's never any guns or other violence involved- at least not on the surface. Underground, you're sure this must be a different story- but on the streets, the wolves play the tune everyone else dances to- the vamps only occasionally trying to provoke something, which never actually happens.
But that doesn't mean it won't tonight. Maybe tonight's the night it'll escalate.
And on nights like this, you sometimes feel like moving into the big city was a big mistake too, because this seems so normal to everyone else around you.
Back home in your little town, there wasn't anything like this at night. People would go to bed at reasonable times, you'd know every neighbor by name and house number, and you never had to fear going home alone. But here, things are different. Here, things are a lot more dangerous, especially as nothing but a human with no connection to either group.
You kind of want to stay neutral- even if, deep down, you feel more drawn towards the wolves with their more laid back approach to life.
Outside the small convenience store, you throw away the empty bottle of strawberry milk, before you reluctantly make a few steps- looks from a few vampires immediately making you retreat however, pulling out your phone to appear occupied. You can hear them snickering amongst each other already, laughing and talking, making comments about you.
You can't do this, fuck that.
You look around a little, when you notice someone from the nearby wolves looking back at you- a young man, golden eyes a tell-tale sign of what he is, as he sits on his bike that's perched up on it's kickstand. He's watching you, but not in an intimidating way- he's more so calculating it seems like, scanning the situation before he looks towards a friend nearby, who nods, some others nodding as well as they move closer.
He's got his hands in the pockets of his jacket, beanie hiding the slightly faded blue-ish strands of hair. Everyone of the tiny group appears relaxed and non-threatening. But there's a certain confidence in them that intimidates you a little as they walk closer.
That is, until he smiles at you-
and his black tail behind him wags, swaying from side to side.
"Alright guys, can we make some space here for the lady to pass through?" He asks towards the group of Vamps, who laugh, before they reluctantly make space for you to walk. The young man carefully moves to walk a little behind you, the other's shielding you just as much on the side that's turned towards the blood-dependent human variants. It just confirms to you that yeah, you're definitely more drawn towards wolves.
"There we go. Is your home far?" The young wolf asks, still keeping a respectful distance towards you.
"Uh.. no, not really." You deny, and he nods. "Thanks, by the way." You bow to him and his friends politely, everyone just waving it off- though you can see all their tails swaying a little. It's honestly.. cute, if they didn't all look like they could probably break your neck at a moment's notice.
But they don't. Instead, they all agree to your request to walk home now by yourself, and let you go-
though you can feel one person's eyes on you for a little longer, and when you turn around, he smiles that smile again.
A smile that's just.. genuine.
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You meet him again the day after at the convenience store, though he's sporting a fresh scratch on the top of his cheekbone. He doesn't seem to be in too much pain as he spots you however, having just bought your typical strawberry courage to go home tonight. "Do you always work this long?" He wonders, and you nod, sitting down next to him at the narrow table at the windows of the small store. He's been eating something, bowl now empty though, faint redness on his lips the last remnant of his meal.
"What happened?" You ask, pointing to your own cheek, when he seems surprised, touching his own before hissing at the sting. "No don't touch it-" You whine, before you look for something in your bag, opening another, smaller, makeup bag. "here- or... do you want me to help?" You wonder, making him nod and lean forward with a faint smile on his lips, hands holding onto the chair he's sitting on between his legs as he closes his eyes so you don't feel watched.
As you clean up the scratch and put a bandaid on, you kind of have to think about the fact that he seems awfully.. less threatening than you thought he'd be, considering he's a wolf from the big city. But maybe the one's you know from the smaller towns are just.. a little too full of themselves, pride getting the best of them.
"Oh-" You suddenly say, noticing the little cartoon fish on the bandaid you just placed on his cheek.
"What, 'oh'?" He wonders back, and you hold out another bandaid to him so he can take a look.
"I'm sorry, I didn't- I forgot I only have those…" You mumble a bit caught off guard by your own actions. But he just laughs, giving it back to you with a smile and shake of his head.
"It's fine- they're cute!" He simply shrugs, not bothered by it at all. "Thanks." He offers, tail swaying behind him. "So- can I ask what you work as?" He wonders, and you nod, putting your stuff back into your bag.
"Just data management. It's pretty boring." You shrug to yourself. "But I can work by myself and I like that." You explain, zipping your bag shut before you look at him again. "Although.. I might have to get myself maybe a dog, when I go home at night. A big, scary looking one you know? But they've got to be nice so I can bring them into the office with me.." You mumble, drinking the last of your milk as he turns his body to face more openly to you again, a playful smirk on his lips.
"How about I'll be your big bad dog then, huh?" He flirts, tail swinging side to side behind him. "Though I'm probably not allowed in the office.." He laughs, especially when you roll your eyes and still smile at his joking attempt at flirting. It was a joke.. right?
"Ha-ha." You say because of that, though he just widens his eyes, feigning innocence.
"Hey I'm serious!" He offers, leaning a bit closer. "I could take you home every night- and if I can't, someone of my pack could do the job instead."
"I- I'm probably not even gonna stay in the city for too long." You sigh, playing with the fluffy pom-pom ball attached to your bag. "I don't like it here very much.. it's too.. I don't know. I don't belong here.." You mumble.
"Maybe you've simply not seen the good parts of the city." He shrugs. "I could show you some."
"And by some you mean your bedroom?" You sigh, looking at him with a bit of an attitude- and he can't help but be intrigued by that little hint of spice you seem to have, underneath your pretty visuals and rather introverted appearance.
"If you'd like to visit, the door's always open for a pretty girl like you." he purrs, and at that, you clearly turn shy. "..And I don't ever open that door for anyone but myself, typically." He adds on, and at that, you look back at him, searching for the deeper meaning of that statement-
and you seem to find it, in the warmth of his eyes and the slight redness to his ears.
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"Have you ever been a backpack before?" Jungkook asks, as he waits outside of your apartment, one helmet on his bike and the other in his hand.
"Uh.. no-" you say, honestly never having heard the phrase.
"Would you like to try?" He asks, motioning towards his bike, holding out the helmet. "Got this one from a packmate. Should fit you." He says, black and grey tail wagging as you take it somewhat reluctantly. "And I'll drive extra careful too." He says, helping you put on the helmet properly before his hands adjust the strap under your chin.
"What if I fall off?" You worry, but he just laughs, putting on his own helmet. You notice that his hair seems freshly dyed- nor black.
"Not if you hold on to me." He explains, sitting on the bike after putting up the kickstand. "Hop on- I'll keep it stable." He reassures you, as you somewhat awkwardly climb onto the back of his bike. Only when his hands pull yours around his middle do you notice he's only really keeping you both and the bike stable with his feet alone.
And it makes you wonder how strong he might be.
"There we go. You'll figure things out as we go, trust me." He chuckles, small speakers in his head connected to his own too so you can talk properly. "Good to go?" Be asks, and you nod-
That is until his bike roars to life, and you instinctively cling onto him for dear life as he turns to drive off onto the main road.
He laughs. You're not sure what's so funny.
"Oh look at Jungkookies new passenger princess!" Someone jokes suddenly over the speaker, and you look around just to find three people on bikes as well at the same red light.
"Nervous?" Another voice asks, and Jungkook growls a little in front of you.
"You're making her nervous, hyung!" He complains, making the stranger's laugh. "Don't worry, they just want to mess with me.." he mumbles towards you, hand squeezing yours for a little in comfort.
"Yeah of course, after all Jungkook's finally all grown up!" The first voice laughs. "Finally up for an actual relationship now, fuckboy?" He asks, and at that, you grow a bit nervous.
Fuckboy? Relationship?
Just who is Jungkook really? You've got no idea. Sure, you've texted over the past few days, but you basically know nothing about him. He could just try and get into your pants, maybe that's his whole thing- maybe he likes them innocent and stupid to have a quick fuck and then drop them again. With looks like his that must be easy.
You're easy.
"Please don't listen to them, they're just assholes-" He tries to explain as the light finally turns green, but you're quiet, and Jungkook has a feeling that something's wrong. "You okay?" He asks occasionally, but you just nod and move on, not really up for talking anymore. He just wants to screw you anyways. Maybe he really is just a big city wolf down the line.
The scenery is nice, but you don't really feel like enjoying it too much as you just want to go home right away again. It's something you do- you hide from things, because confrontation just ends in you being at fault all the time. And maybe, this time, you are at fault.
You shouldn't just trust someone like that. You both barely know each other.
He parks at a gas station, turning off his bike in a more secluded parking area, before he takes off his helmet, and helps you take off yours too.
"What's wrong?" He asks, hair a bit wild, but eyes serious as they look at you, reflecting the light from the neon signs a little like mirrors.
"Nothing." You shrug, avoiding eye contact.
"He was just messing with me. They're always like that-" he tries to explain, and as you sigh, he knows that that's exactly what must've set you off. "Listen, I won't stand here and tell you I'm a church-going virgin because I'm not. Yeah, I fucked around, because sex is fun to me." He shrugs, and you're caught off guard at how boldly he says that. "But that doesn't mean I can't take things seriously." He offers, finally catching your gaze again. "And I want to take.. you seriously." He offers you, but you're not sure.
"...why?" You wonder. "Cause I'm pretty and innocent?" You jab at him. "Cause I'm the small town girl you can corrupt and then drop after you finally got into my pants?" You accuse. "Sucks to be you, I'm not a virgin anymore. I've had sex already, and for me it's not fun." You deny, crossing your arms almost defensively, though you quickly move your hands back on the bike as it moves slightly the moment he sits on it again, facing you however.
"I don't care about that." He tells you. "I won't lie that the corruption part isn't something appealing to me-" he chuckles, as he tests the waters, hands on your thighs not moving, just resting on the tops of them. "-But I'm not dropping you, if you ever let me have you." He purrs.
"What if I'm not ever letting you have me?" You respond, trying to act tough so he won't think you're easy.
"Then that's your choice." He nods.
"So if I say no right now, you'll leave me alone?" You ask.
"Depends on what you say no to." He shrugs leaning back a little, your legs feeling cold without his hands on them. "No to sex? Alright, we won't fuck then." He explains. "No to being with me? Cool, we'll just stay friends then." He goes on.
"No to me entirely?" He offers, eyes unreadable. "I'll accept that, and back off."
"That easy?" You ask a little caught off guard, and he nods. "So you're.. huh." You mumble to yourself, defeated. So he's not even up to put any effort in you. That's slightly disappointing, and honestly makes you feel a little ashamed even.
"So what is it?" He asks, and you shrug.
"I don't know." You answer honestly.
"Then how about I'll work for it?" He smirks, and you look at him now. "Let me take you out. Let's go on dates, I can take you to pack meet-up's so you can get to know those assholes better, hell, I'll even have you meet my mom if you want!" He excitedly proposes to you, tail wagging, hitting his bike occasionally. "Just- you seem really cool. Exactly what I've been searching for." He explains a bit softer now. "Let's try.. okay?" He asks.
"... okay." You answer, and at that his lips turn, part in a happy grin, before he gets up from the bike and punches the air once in his excitement before he returns.
"Okay!" He giggles to himself, helping you back into your helmet. "I know an awesome place to get some food-" he instantly rambles, kicking up the stand for his bike again before he drives off with you-
Eager to show you that he's the one for you.
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idsb · 7 months
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help me make sense of what's real and what's not, pleaseeeee. what happened with her cars? I'm seeing so much misinformation going around and I don't understand what's true anymore. like why didn't she have police with her? it truly seems like the authorities are retaliating against her because of her decision to postpone. it was the right thing for everyone involved, and I hope that this doesn't prevent her from trying again next tour and learning from how t4f operates and making sure to put into writing preventative measures
so, everything about her "hotel being leaked" and "people harassing her there" is total misinformation. Here is, as far as I'm aware, a complete list of the bad things that have actually happened:
a 23 year old girl named Ana died at the show. She passed out during Cruel Summer, was taken out of the venue, and was unable to be revived.
This was due to the heat wave and lack of water, an estimated 1,000 people fainted at the show for the same reasons
At lots of concerts in Brazil, there are groups of criminals who will run at the crowds leaving big events in an attempt to rob them. This happened to everyone leaving Taylor's show and there was very poor crowd control to help, which resulted in a VERY bad instance of this and many hearing alleged gunshots. Whether or not there were actually guns I'm uncertain, but either way it resulted in hundreds of fans cowering in fear in a nearby fast food place. They tried to shelter back in the stadium but were not allowed back inside.
it has been reported (allegedly, by people in Brazil) that from the moment Taylor found out about this she wanted to cancel the show, but was not able to due to pressure from the ticketing company
the show was prepped with tons of water bottles and ventilation was being made possible for show #2, but according to Brazilian fans, the venue was not following through on their promise to Taylor to allow bottled water inside; people were being denied them at entry
The mayor of Rio (?) held a press conference and said that Taylor was not doing well over this incident, and there seems to be some tension between the venue and the city council over it. [cannot find a translated source for this but have read about & surmised it]
Taylor called the show off after about half the crowd was inside; ~40 minutes before Sabrina's set.
Lots of people booed when this announcement came out over the loud speaker, but they were booing the fact that it was cancelled, not Taylor herself
Security was very negligent when this cancellation happened, still letting people in for a while and then using force to get them out, and once again it created a really dangerous environment
Taylor was apparently unable to obtain a police escort to the venue for any of the shows. This seems to simply be due to government negligence. As such, she blocked out the license plates on the cars (again I don't have an answer as to why this would've helped because it doesn't make sense to me, but I digress). This is illegal in Brazil, as it is many places in the world. Police seized the vehicles transporting her and her team. It is unclear how she will be getting to the next shows
If any Brazil swifties want to answer any of anon's specific questions or have anything to add please feel free! But since there's been SO much de-centralized info coming out so fast, I hope this helps them and others!
oh and I agree with you, anon. I really hope this ticketing company is put out of business
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bby-deerling · 7 months
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what comes after (zoro x fem!reader)
pure fluff! ft. zoro and sanji bickering and general strawhat antics. same reader in mind as my other zoro x reader fics, but they can all be read separately!
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Pure bliss enveloped you as you drifted in and out of sleep on Zoro’s chest, afternoon sun dancing across your limbs.  Quiet days sailing like this felt like heaven, with no worries in the world except for whatever antics Luffy would inevitably rope the crew into.  You and Usopp were usually involved with helping Luffy concoct whatever silly game or activity he would impose on everyone else, but today the two of them had secretly decided to initiate a round of your least favorite game: bugging Zoro with questions while you both were trying to nap.  You let out a sigh and try to roll off of Zoro’s chest as Luffy whines in his ear for him to wake up, but the hand he has tangled in your hair keeps you in place.
“What do you want?” he asks, voice raspy and with exhaustion dripping from every word.
Luffy rocks back and forth while sitting on top of a nearby crate, unable to keep still.  “Zoro, what are you gonna do once you’re the World’s Strongest Swordsman?”  You let out another small sigh, slightly irritated that you were both woken up for this, but you never quite had it in you to get mad at Luffy, especially when he had that goofy grin plastered across his face.
“I dunno.  Probably sleep, like I’m trying to do now.” Zoro says with a grimace, shutting his eye and tightening his grip on your waist.
“C’mon, Zoro, there’s gotta be something you want to do!” Usopp protested, not willing to let the issue go so easily.
Zoro groans, and then lets out a huge yawn.  You tilt your chin up to look at him, and catch him deep in thought, making your heart flutter and leaving you slightly spellbound.  More alert than you were before, your stomach began to fill with nervous butterflies.  The two of you had been together for a long time, and there was an understanding between you that you were both in it not just until death did you part, but whatever came after. However, you both took each day as it came, and dwelling on specifics of what your life together would look like once you achieved your dreams wasn’t something the two of you did often, if ever.
“A castle.  I’ll buy a castle.” he finally says, causing Luffy to burst out in laughter, and Usopp to question why he had such a seemingly random desire, especially when he had expressed to the crew how much he hated getting lost in Mihawk’s castle during his two years training on Kuraigana.
“Mihawk has one.” he said matter-of-factly, “If I’m going to be the World’s Strongest Swordsman I probably need one too.”
“Castles are huge!  You’re gonna make her clean all of those rooms?” Usopp asked, pointing at you.  You and Zoro both scrunch your faces, annoyed by the implication.
“Just because she’s going to be my wife doesn’t mean that she’s going to clean my house.  We’ll hire people for that.” Zoro says, eliciting a mixed bag of reactions from the crew ranging from more laughter to shock, to irritation.
“You’re not going to be hiring anyone while the two of you are both knee high in debt higher than your bounties!” Nami snapped, rolling her eyes, mainly directing her annoyance towards Zoro.
Sanji, on the other hand, had nearly dropped the tray of drinks he was carrying onto the deck.  “Since when are you two engaged?” he spit out, nearly choking on the word.
“We’re not engaged yet, blondie—” you assure him with a cheeky smile, before Luffy shouts out another question to Zoro, completely drowning out your request to him for a glass of water.
"When you do get engaged, can we have a big banquet? With tons of meat?" he pleads.
You both nod, and Luffy cries out in happiness. "Why don't you two just get married right now? You love each other don't you? Plus I'm so hungry..."
"Too dangerous right now. We'll do it once you're the Pirate King." Zoro replies, hand around your waist tracing circles into your skin.
"Gives me more time to talk her out of it." Sanji mutters, earning him a glare from Zoro, and an amused smile from you.
“Who’s going to cook in this castle of yours?” Usopp asks, causing Luffy to perk up, his mind never able to leave the topic of food on the backburner for more than a few seconds.
“Him.” Zoro says, pointing at Sanji, a wicked smirk spreading across his face.  “He’s going to be our butler.”
“Me?” the cook asks incredulously.  “And why the hell would I do that for a moron like you?”
“Please, pervert cook, all I have to do is get her to bat her eyelashes at you and you’ll gladly do it for free.” the swordsman snaps back.
“No fair!  Why do you get to take Sanji?  I wanna take him with me!” Luffy whines.  “I can’t cook on my own!”
“Zoro’s not an awful cook, y’know.” you chime in.  “His food was good enough for Mihawk to eat.”
Zoro smiles at your praise, completely forgetting his idea of making curly-brows your personal servant.  “Damn right it was.”  He says, sending another smirk to Sanji.  “Hear that?  My cooking is good enough for the World’s Strongest Swordsman.  What have you done?”
Sanji’s mouth nearly drops to the floor, becoming so heated he nearly catches on fire.  “What have I done?  How about what I do for you every single day, you miserable, ungrateful, moss-headed bastard?”
“What about you?  What does our super painter want to do once she achieves her dream?” Franky asks you with a grin, ignoring Zoro and Sanji’s bickering.
“I’d like to live in a small cottage by the sea,” you say with a smile, “with tons of wildflowers swaying in the breeze on a patch of land big enough to build a studio with lots of natural light and a gym for Zoro to train in.  And when we get restless, we can hop in a boat and drift to whatever island we land on first and drink until there’s no more booze left to sell us.”
Zoro’s fingers rake through your hair, a huge smile plastered on his face.  “Forget the stupid castle.  That’s what we’re doing.”
“How romantic!” Robin muses, giving you a sly smile.
“Until they die of cirrhosis at the age of thirty from heavy drinking.” Usopp says, causing Chopper to wail, and start to plead to Zoro’s deaf ears to stop drinking.  Eventually, the crew ends up going back to their own business, the little reindeer settles into the hammock with you both, and the urge to sleep begins to take over once again.
“You’re too good for him, sunshine.” Sanji whispers in your ear as he returns to the kitchen.
Zoro’s eye cracks open.  “Watch it, shitty cook, being our butler is still on the table.” he warns, snuggling both you and Chopper closer to his chest.
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thefiery-phoenix · 3 months
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how about yandere boyfriend h/c for Gun Park 🫶🏻
Sure
YANDERE PARK JONGGUN HEADCANONS
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If you have this psychotic fighting obsessed lunatic after you as a yandere or as a significant other, I seriously pray for you and your mental health. He's the cause of people's trauma and gave at least half the lookism characters their own sob backstories. You'd meet him in middle school. He's the heir of the famous Japanese Yakuza organization of the Yamazaki clan. You didn't want anything to do with him at first. He was the poster boy for being a troublemaker and kept beating people up left and right. You hated his cruelty towards the other students and wanted to stay the heck away from him. One day however you accidentally bumped into him and you spilled some water over his shirt. His bodyguards simply glared at you menacingly as Gun stared at you with a cold stoic look on his face. However when you apologized profusely with a flustered embarrassed expression on his face, a small smirk formed on his lips as he watched you with an amused expression, trying to wipe his shirt with that cute little handkerchief of yours
You've managed to intrigue him now, congratulations because you have a stalker on your trail. He quietly observes you in the classes, how you're always quick to answer the questions asked by the teacher, how you're so eager to finish doing your homework...you were such a goody two shoes, the typical girl next door and he found your personality rather amusing. He felt like a predator watching his pretty little prey and he felt a surge of power rush through him. He found out everything about you within 10 minutes and during the lunch period he quietly left a bottle of your favorite drink and left
He promised himself he'd never have time for silly frivolous distractions like love and that nonsense. He was supposed to destroy everyone in his path to attain his great title of becoming the king of the second generation, so why couldn't he fight you when he was about to hit some random moron because they'd dared to challenge him. "Leave. This doesn't concern you" he said with his usual cold look on his face as a slight flash of irritation flashed in his eyes. Why on earth would you defend someone so weak and insignificant when you're supposed to be by his side? Do you not know you belong to him now? However when he sees you extending your arms out and looking at him with a slight angry determined pout and asking him to leave the student alone, for the first time, he actually listened to someone and it was you. An amused smirk formed on his face. "Aww...how cute, a little princess is trying to be a hero...just know things won't always work out your way and you'll need someone like me in the end to protect you...I'll wait for that day to come" said Gun with a slight hint of malice dancing manically in his eyes as he left
A few years later you've heard of his fearful and dangerous reputation around South Korea of how he's busy terrorizing the other gangs with another blonde pest named Goo. However you had no intention of getting involved in things like gang wars and such, your only objective was to just survive high school and get a decent job and make a life of your own. If you thought for a moment he's stopped watching you, you're absolutely wrong. He's always on the lookout for you and is always keeping an eye on you. The other day some random guy started hitting on you despite your repeated attempts of refusing him
"She said no you lousy insect..get lost before I murder you" said a familiar cold voice as he came out of the shadows in his long black suit and black glasses as he smoked a cigarette and glared at the man. "Who the hell are you to tell me what to-" said the man but couldn't finish his sentence as Gun ended up grabbing him by his neck with his hand and flung him to the nearby. He then put out his cigarette on top of the man's unconscious head as he smirked at you. "Well princess...it's been a while since we've met" he said as he strode closer to you. He surveyed your features, you didn't change since the last time he saw you. However what drew him towards you was your childlike naivety and innocence. Something he wanted for himself
"I'll be upfront with you...I don't play games. Go out with me. And don't you dare refuse, you know you don't have that option" he said as he leaned closer to you just to make you feel more flustered which he was getting a kick out of. You sighed and agreed to go out with him as he smiled evilly at you. But deep down, he could feel his heart melt slightly at your acceptance. What a good little doll you were, doing whatever he asked from you
As a yandere, he would be possessive, obsessive and manipulative as well. He's not above to using other people as mere chess pieces just to get whatever he wants from you. But the bright side is, he doesn't hurt you, physically or emotionally. Despite him not being too fond of the idea of romance, he has a pretty good idea of what to do with a partner. He likes taking you out to nice fancy restaurants where there's a private booth so you won't be able to squeal for help. This sadistic MF here loves and lives to see you squirm and get flustered. Don't get too surprised when this jerk here keeps running his hands down your thigh with a smirk on his face
He ALWAYS knows your location, despite you not even telling him. A certain purple haired brat keeps him informed as insufferable as he might be. If you've guessed it was Kouji then good job, you win a cookie. Another blonde psychopath who goes by the name Goo keeps him informed as well. You're not supposed to go anywhere without telling your man where you're going. He'll always be stalking you from the shadows, you're never really alone. He doesn't want you getting involved in gang fights and crew messes and stuff. When you asked him to fight you, he simply cracked a sadistic amused grin. A few seconds later you found yourself on the ground as he pet your head and chuckled softly. "Naive little princesses like you aren't supposed to be in gang fights..." he said as he softly caressed your cheek
He'd rather take this to the grave than admit this out loud but he loves it when you rake your fingers through his hair. He feels like all the walls in his heart are breaking down and he lets out a soft contended hum of approval. Had it been Goo doing that, his fingers would have been bent at an unnatural angle and would have to deal with his incessant whining. He also likes to hold you and have you on his lap. He likes the physical intimacy. Plus the view is great too, there's a reason he wears glasses you know...this shameless perv 💀
Don't underestimate his power. The second you try to leave him or get away from him, he'll end up kidnapping you. He has his own reasons, selfish reasons to be precise. Scream, cry and throw as many number of tantrums as you want, you won't be leaving him anytime soon. There's no way you'll be able to even fight him so the sooner you get that silly little thought from your pretty little head, the better it would be for everyone involved. He'll just think you might need some time to adjust and he'll give you your space. However when you try kicking and punching him, he'll just take them with an amused smirk on his face and coo at you describing your hits compared to that of a bratty little child trying to hit someone
He'd spoil the hell out of you though, whatever your little heart desires it's yours. Just say the word. He also likes it when he comes back from a fight and you patch him up and he can't help but lean in slightly into your touch as he looks at you with a soft affectionate look, reserved only for you, the special one in his heart. Of course, he might be a cocky little jerk to get deliberately injured in fights at times just to feel your touch and to see how adorable you look when you're all concerned and fussing over him. Goo will eventually call him out on his BS only for Gun to whack him across the head with a slight smirk but he wouldn't deny it
Now, as for the people who dare to steal you away from him or try to take you away from him...not even the gods would be able to save them. He will have no mercy when it comes to such people. Perhaps if he's feeling a tad bit merciful and he wants to get home to you quickly, he'll just beat them up till they're literally hospitalized for a month. Or else it's straight up death in the most gruesome and horrendous manner possible. He does not hold back and will go even feral than usual. Some lousy moron tried to take pictures of you while you were unaware of it a few days ago. Gun didn't even bother to hesitate to break the punk's hand and crush it in one go, silently vowing to murder the little pest later on in the night
Don't even bother trying to escape from him, you'll just be making him laugh at this point. He doesn't even need any help tracking you down, like I said before, he'll always know where you are. He can read you like an open book and knows what your thoughts are. He might be cold and aloof at times but he does like cuddling with you and petting your head affectionately. As much as you nag him to quit smoking, that's something he wouldn't give up on. But he finds it amusing and endearing how fussy you get about it and will pull you onto his lap and quickly capture your lips in a soft yet passionate kiss
Ultimately at the end of the day, no matter how ruthless he is he just wants to come back to you and have you in his arms, right where you belong...
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echoingspectrum · 5 months
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𝑆𝑐𝑎𝑟𝑠 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐾𝑖𝑠𝑠𝑒𝑠
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𝑠𝑦𝑛𝑜𝑝𝑠𝑖𝑠 : 𝑎𝑛 𝑒𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑖𝑠ℎ𝑒𝑑 𝑟𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠ℎ𝑖𝑝 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑤𝑒𝑒𝑛 𝑎 𝑚𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑐 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑔𝑢𝑎𝑟𝑑, 𝑠𝑜𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑠 ℎ𝑖𝑠 𝑖𝑛𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑓𝑙𝑖𝑐𝑡𝑠.
Scampering over from cabinet to cabinet, you hurriedly opened each cupboard for any of your thread and needles, desperately searching for the tools you needed to mend your fellow passenger who happens to have a severe wound on their back upon their mission at Belobog.
Unfortunately, at the time, you stayed behind with Pom-Pom and the other two adults in the express. Assuming they'll manage to handle the situation with the stellaron inflicting the planet's harsh temperature and condition. 
Which, of course, they do ⏤ March and Dan Heng are two of the experienced members of the crew, known for their resourcefulness and quick thinking. You are not sure of March's caliber, but she does have creative problem-solving skills. You're not doubting March; she just has a colorful way of doing things.
As for Caelus, the newly-recruited member of the Astral Express, he has the spirit and essence of the stellaron within him; you're certain he will be able to withstand any extreme condition. Plus, with his unique connection to the stellaron, he might even be able to find a way to control or manipulate its attributes for the benefit of the mission. 
However, as experienced as one might be, one of them had fallen into the clutches of the fragmentum's assault and acquired a nasty bruise. 
So here you are, in your room ( aka the medical room ). The Astral Express has a ton of vacant rooms for you to stay in, but you're more comfortable with the aroma of the medical room. The scent of antiseptic and sterile equipment puts your mind at ease, reminding you of the countless times you've been patched up after intense missions. 
Dan Heng waited patiently and was seated in a chair nearby, his face etched with utter stoicism. That's him, alright. Always the poker face, despite the chaos and danger surrounding him. You've come to rely on his unwavering composure in times of crisis, knowing that he will always have your and everyone's back. 
As you finally locate the thread and needles, you feel a sense of relief, knowing that the train guard's wound can now be properly attended to. With a deep breath, you gather your supplies and rush back to where he was waiting. 
"Sorry for the delay, Dan Heng," you say, catching your breath. "I found the supplies I needed. Let's get to work and patch up that wound." 
Heng nods silently, his expression unchanged. "It's alright. I trust you to do what needs to be done," he replies calmly. 
Placing the tools on the metallic tray, you remained unmoving by his side. This caught the attention of Dan Heng's calm demeanor as he glanced at you curiously. "Is something wrong?"
Clearing your throat, your cheeks were painted with a drip of pink hue across your cheeks. Think professional ( Name ). 
"Would you mind if you…take off your upper clothes? I need to examine the wound thoroughly to ensure proper treatment. It's necessary for a thorough assessment and to determine the extent of the injury." You pause, waiting for his response, aware of the potential awkwardness of the request. 
Most of the injuries that you treated involved either a hand or their face. However, in this case, the wound seems to be located on his back. It'S nOt bECAuse yOU waNT TO sEe hIS aBS oR aNYthIng⏤
"Sure. Just give me some time." He then proceeded to remove his upper clothes, layer by layer. Shrugging his jade armor and his tailored coat, then unzipping his black turtleneck that hugs his accentuated, slender yet muscled body. 
You felt your heart skip a beat as you caught a glimpse of his chiseled physique. But quickly regaining your composure, debating your inner turmoil to be respectfully professional, and focused on the task at hand. 
'Stop simping and get things over with! It's rude to stare,' you thought to yourself. You cleared your throat and directed your attention back to the matter that needed addressing, reminding yourself that appearances should not distract from the purpose of the meeting. 
A gasp elicit from your lips as soon as your eyes were glued to his back, taking a moment to assess the severity of the train guard's wound. The gash on his back appears deep, with a 5-inch scar, but thankfully, it doesn't seem to be bleeding excessively.
But not only that, there were faint scars littering over his back. You wonder, How did he get those? Was it from his missions? Or something more?
"How long did you have this?" you asked, concern evident in your voice. The train guard turned around, thinking you were asking about his recent large gash on his back. "I've had it for a couple of days now," he replied, wincing as he shifted his weight. 
"Do you think you can manage?" he asked, his voice strained with uncertainty. You quickly snapped out of your thoughts and let out a whispered chuckle.
A small grin spread across your face as you reassured him, "You asked as if it's my first time. I've seen worse. I'll clean and dress the wound, and you'll be back on your feet in no time." Confidence filled your voice as you prepared to tend to the injured train guard. 
You fetch hot, boiled water, but not too boiled that gives a third-degree burn. Then, soaked with a fresh, neat towel, with a careful and practiced hand, you gently dabbed at the wound, cleaning away any dirt or soiled remains. 
Feeling something warm and wet provided a sense of ease for Dan Heng, knowing that you were taking proper care of his injury with nimble fingers. His muscles were now less tense, and he began to relax, trusting in your expertise. 
After all, you're Astral Express's best and only medic. 
You then sanitize both the needle and thread for the forthcoming medical treatment. "I'll be stitching your wound now. Tell me if anything is bothering you." Dan nodded, his eyes fixed on you as you prepared to stitch his wound. 
The room fell silent, except for the sound of your steady breathing and the faint hum of medical equipment in the background. With each careful stitch, you could sense Dan's solemn increase.
Your non-occupied hand was gently laid on his back, providing a comforting presence as you worked. As the last stitch was secured, you smiled reassuringly at him, putting on an ointment and then covering it with a bandage afterward. 
"There, that should do it." You beamed as you finished tending to Dan Heng's wound. 
Right before he could wear his upper clothes once more, you stopped him. "Dan Heng, do you want me to treat your other wounds as well? I know they are faint and not as severe as your current wound, but it's better to address them now rather than letting them potentially worsen over time." 
'Of course they would know.' Dan Heng sighed. Nothing escapes your vision. Contemplating whether he should let you treat his other wounds. He knew that you were skilled in medical care and genuinely cared about his well-being. 
However, he also didn't want to burden you with additional tasks or take up too much of your time. 
"I...thank you for your concern, and I appreciate your offer. It's just that I don't want to impose on you or distract you from more important matters. But if you think it's necessary, I trust your judgment and will gladly accept your help." 
"Admit it. You just want my hands around you~" you teasingly responded, playfully poking his arm. 
He can only sigh and roll his eyes at your jest. "You are insufferable." 
"I am, but you love me~"
"You won't get an argument from me..."
Your playful banter went back and forth until it was reduced to a peaceful silence. The twinkling stars gleamed brightly with delight and hilarity. Your medical room has a wide landscape for a window for you to infinitely stargaze upon the outside of the express in the comfort of your own space. 
You're thankful for Lady Himeko for giving you this room as your bedroom, too. Every trip you and your fellow companions take, you are solely focused on the cosmic tapestry right before you.
Now that you're with Dan Heng, there's a sensuous feeling to your stargazing sessions. As you both gaze at the stars, at the same time you're applying a gel to his fainted scars. 
You rubbed his back in a circling motion, feeling the warmth of his skin beneath your fingertips. The gentle rhythm of your touch creates a soothing ambiance, enhancing the tranquility of the stargazing experience. 
With each stroke, you can't help but feel a deep connection forming between you and Dan, as if the stars themselves are aligning to bring you closer together. 
That or you're quite delulu⏤
"These scars—where did you get them?" you ask softly, breaking the peaceful silence. Dan's eyes flicker with a mix of vulnerability and hesitation.
"They're from the mission. It was a hard time," he whispered as he traced his gloved fingers over the scars, careful not to erase the applied gel. His voice was filled with a tinge of sorrow, yet resilience was still there. 
Every night, he would glimpse a fragments of his past through his dreams. Everything he saw felt surreal and transcendent, beyond the reality of his current predicament. He had learned to carry the weight of his experiences, using them as fuel to drive him forward. 
Despite the lingered pain, he remained driven to make a difference in the world he's presently resided in, never allowing his scars to define him.
In the midst of his inner turmoil, he suddenly arched his back forward upon feeling the sensation of soft lips making contact with the un-applied scars. He swerved his head to lock his gaze on yours.
"W-What…are you doing?"
"Sorry, it's just...No one has ever kissed them before, so I’m doing it now." Your apology came out in a meek whisper. Your fingers tenderly soothe the wounds. Your gaze upon his eyes was silent yet solace. 
"Your scars echoed with endless tunes of agony and perseverance. They longed to be touched and healed. I don't know what past you're trying to escape, but hopefully, I can bring some peace of mind." You continued to gently caress his scars, littering some miniature kisses there and here.
Trails of kisses traveled across his scars, leaving a trail of warmth and comfort in their wake. Your hot breath contrasts with his cold skin, giving an electrifying sensation to his spine. 
An arm encircle around his torso, your head place softly against his chiseled back. ( Don't worry it won't affect the gel⏤ )
His heart beats fast against his chest, his breath hitching as he slowly regains comfort under your gentle touch. The vulnerability in his eyes spoke volumes, revealing a depth of insatiable pain that words could not capture. 
He doesn't know what possessed you to do an act like this. Even your inner self is conflicted and embarrassed by the boldness of your actions. But in that moment, all your mind could think about was providing your train guard with the sense of solace and ease he needed.
"Don't worry, I'm here..."
His calloused hand grasps your non-occupied one and gives it a soothing squeeze. He let his eyes drop to the ground. Letting the serene atmosphere engulf the both of you. Let the stars be you audience and your witness to this silent exchange of comfort and understanding.
Scars are permanent marks that trail beyond retrospection and future struggles. They are etched into the skin, just as they are engraved into our memories. 
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rubyarrows · 7 months
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He Knows
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YN sat at her desk, nervously fidgeting with a pen. She watched as Tony DiNozzo, her field partner and friend-with-benefit for some time now, strolled off the elevator with his trademark smirk plastered on his face as he walked over to his desk. She took a deep breath, deciding that it was better to get this off her chest before anything else was to happen today. YNN was beyond nervous, but she knew if anyone was going to be able to get through something like this it would be Tony. 
"DiNozzo!" she called out, motioning for him to join her. "Can I talk to you for a minute?" 
Tony raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued. "Sure thing, YN. What's up?" 
The YHC haired girl gestured toward the empty conference room nearby. "Let's step into the conference room. It's a bit more private." 
Intrigued by her serious tone, Tony followed her, shutting the door behind them. "Alright, YNN, spill the beans. What's going on?" He questioned her and crossed his arms. “And why are you being so secretive?” 
YN bit her lip, searching for the right words. "Tony, I'm pregnant. And it's yours." 
Tony froze, his eyes widening in shock. "You're... you're pregnant? Are you completely sure?" 
YN nodded, tears welling up in her eyes which at this point not even she could tell if they were happy or sad tears, and neither could DiNozzo. "I couldn’t be surer than I am at this moment. After the four different tests I took within the last twenty-four hours and the random fits of morning sickness I've had to fight off the past few weeks, I promise you, I'm sure." 
Tony's initial surprise quickly melted into a mix of emotions. He ran a hand through his hair, struggling to find his voice. "Wow. I... I don't know what to say." 
YN wiped away a tear, her voice trembling. "You don't have to say anything if you don’t want to. I just thought you should know. It's your decision what to do next." 
Tony took a step closer, reaching out to gently touch her arm. "YNN, you have no idea what this means. This... this changes everything. Not just on an aspect of me and you because God knows I will never let you go through this alone. Especially not when it's my child you’re carrying. But you can’t go out into the field, not pregnant anyway, there’s too many dangers in it. That’s a no from me and when Gibbs finds out it’ll be a hell no from him." 
YN sniffled, mustering a weak smile. "I know. But we’ll get through it." 
Tony nodded, his expression filled with a mix of concern and determination. "Of course, we will." He said and leaned forward and placed a sweet and gentle kiss upon her lips. As they exited the conference room, Tony couldn't help but wonder who else knew about their situation. "Speaking of Gibbs, does he know? Have you told anyone else?" 
YN shook her head, her gaze fixed on the floor. "Not yet. I wanted to tell you first. I thought we should face this together before involving anyone else. But it wouldn’t surprise me if the Gibbs senses were already in of this information before either of us." 
Tony placed a comforting hand on her back as they walked back to their desks. "That's probably for the best. We'll share the news when we're ready, when we've figured things out." 
YN nodded, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "Yeah, whenever that maybe. Though I'm half expecting to be barred from any of the fun stuff for the time being." 
As she sat down at her desk, McGee and Ziva looked at the two of them curiously. “There anything the two of you want to share?” Agent David asked, looking specifically at YNN with eyebrows raised. 
McGee was quick to put in his input. “Yeah, you guys did disappear in quite a hurry.” 
Agents YLN and DiNozzo looked over at each other and shook their heads. “No. Can’t say that there is.” Tony says and YNN gave a small nod in agreement. “Just had a quick little chat is all.” 
Just like being saved by the bell, in walked Gibbs. “Gear up. Sailor found dead just outside of Norfolk.” Everyone rose from their seats and headed towards the elevator. Well, that was till Gibbs stopped two of them before they made it out of the bullpen. “YN. DiNozzo.” 
Just by the tone in his voice when he said her name, YN knew that her boss knew. She looked at Tony with a I told you so look and then back at Agent Gibbs who was already staring her down despite the gentle expression on his face. 
“Yes, boss.” Tony said as he turned to face the older man. 
Gibbs looked from YN to Tony back to YN. “You know,” YN stated and looked back at Gibbs who nodded. 
“Be keeping an eye on you the past few weeks. You good to go today?” he questioned.  
YN nodded. “I’m good. I’ll let you know if that changes.” 
“Do that. And DiNozzo,” he said and turning to Tony. “Keep an eye on her. Letting YN out of your site is not an option going forward.” 
“Didn’t plan on it,” Tony said and looked over at the girl to his right with a small smile, knowing he would do absolutely anything to keep her and their little one safe. “To be honest if I had the authority to bench her right now, I would.” YNN turned to her partner and gave him a cold look. “Don’t look at me in that tone, it would give me peace of mind.” 
“Good thing it’s not your call then.” she said and turned back to Gibbs. “I’ll promise to always stay within reach of somebody, if that’ll help Mr. Paranoid over here calm his nerves.” 
Gibbs nodded. “Good. We got questions that need answers and a body waiting for us.” 
As the three of them got into the elevator, Gibbs leaned over and whispered, “By the way, congratulations.” 
YN smiled. “Thank you.” 
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froot-batty · 9 months
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next batch of designs are done! gotham city sirens time >:) blurbs about them under the cut, along with explanations of flags and neurodivergencies!
Pamela Isley came from a rural flower farm a long ways from Gotham. Her parents let her run wild from a very young age, and one of her favorite places on their property to go was the pond, deep in the woods, where everything grew just a bit too tall and nothing looked quite as it should've. Pamela didn't know that this pond was actually highly polluted by the dumping of experimental chemicals from a nearby "research" laboratory. She thought being able to communicate with the plants - the Green, she called it - was completely normal.
...Until the people from that laboratory heard about the mysterious girl helping the plants grow stranger. They came to Pamela's parents to ask if it would be possible to study it, and they, not realizing what exactly that meant, agreed. They whisked it away to a facility in Gotham, where Pamela would end up never seeing it's parents again.
She was kept there for the rest of her childhood and into her adulthood, being experimented on until she twisted into the plant beast that she is today. When she escaped, it came after years of hiding the true strength of her powers, so she could build them up enough to turn the facility to rubble.
(It is AroAce, Agender, and Intersex)
Harleen Quinzel always had trouble controlling her impulses. Coming from a very wealthy, very upper-crust family, any step out of line was harshly corrected by either of her parents. As a child she didn't know any better, but after years and years of repression coming from her family, she eventually clammed up and tried to fit into their perfect little mold. This included going to medical school, though she did at least get to pick something she was genuinely passionate about - psychology.
Harley was finally living on their own by the time they started working at Arkham, though they'd not yet broken out of that mental control their parents still had over them. Being in Arkham was like being on an alien planet. They had come from a world where everyone was fake, and Arkham seemed so...real. Talking with their patients opened their mind up even further. Even if what they did was violent, or utterly nonsensical to everyone else, insanity seemed like it was a sort of freedom that Harley never had.
This was compounded by it meeting the Joker. He saw that piece of it that wanted, desperately, to get free, and through their sessions he was able to get into it's head and...push it over the edge, so to speak.
(Harley and the Joker are not explicitly romantically involved in this, I should mention. They've got a weird queerplatonic thing going on. Also they're not toxic they're BFFs forever)
(They are Pansexual, Genderfluid, and have ADHD and Borderline Personality Disorder)
Selina Kyle grew up like an alley cat on the streets of Gotham. With two addict parents in the Narrows who cared very little about her, she was virtually homeless, with how little time she spent at home and how much she spent wandering the dangerous streets. It was in the Narrows that she met one of her closest childhood friends, Harvey Dent, and through him, the elusive Bruce Wayne.
The three of them were thick as thieves all through her childhood, though began to drift away when college time came around. Bruce had up and left the moment he turned 18 without any real warning to the two of them, and Harvey was off to college to try and become a lawyer. This left Selina all alone, once again.
But she had made a pact to herself. She didn't want to live on the streets of Gotham forever. She had started pickpocketing from a very young age, so she would just expand her skills - become Gotham's cat burglar. It started out as only a way to pay her bills, but she found she grew addicted to the feeling of it; the freedom of being able to slip into wherever she wanted and make some poor, rich fool a million dollars short. It was a sort of revenge for her (and the regular cash flow didn't hurt).
She was surprised when Bruce came back to Gotham and tried to reconnect with her. They hadn't talked in over a decade, but they found themselves reconnecting with surprising ease. Their close friendship would drive Harvey mad with jealousy, but neither of them realized that until it was too late.
The scar on her face is from Harvey's attempt on her life, after he became Two-Face.
(She is a Lesbian)
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A Fresh Start [6]
Din Djarin x F!Reader
Warnings: angst, but with like immediate follow up comfort, medical trauma? if you’ve ever been blown off by a doctor in the office and that frustrated you then be forewarned
Word Count: 5,119
Summary: When  you made plans for your future they never involved being hired by a   Mandalorian to baby-sit his adorable, green gremlin of a child.   However, after your life fell apart in the span of one disastrous  night,  you found it to be the only feasible option you had left.  Nevarro was a  far cry from Coruscant, but the thriving community turned  out to be  exactly what you needed. Every day you spend in Nevarro you  fall more  and more in love with your new life, but when your past rears  its ugly  head you find that perhaps peace wasn’t meant for everyone.
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Ch. #06: TRIKAR’LA, BUIR!    
Chapter Summary: Grogu goes to the doctor, and the Marshal decides he might need to murder said doctor. You get comforted by your boys.
 "Watch carefully,
 the magic that occurs,
 when you give a person,
 just enough comfort,
 to be themselves."
 - a t t i c u s
Nevarro didn’t have a large hospital. It had an emergency center and a clinic for routine appointments. Anything that couldn’t be healed or cared for within a day got transported to a nearby settlement on a neighboring world. Luckily, the transport time wasn’t very long, and Nima told you that the travel there wasn’t intense. The High Magistrate had worked out a deal to keep it that way.
Coming from a Level One Trauma Center on Coruscant, the office was shockingly puny. A simple two story building with emergency services on the first floor and routine medical care on the second. You had learned ages ago that the size of a medical center didn’t correlate to the kind of care a patient could receive. Some of the best physicians you’ve worked with came from smaller hospitals. You had no criticism there. The only thing that made you nervous was not having the kind of resources a Level One hospital would have. Coruscant had spoiled you in that sense.
For what had to be the hundredth time since leaving the station, you glanced over at Mando who walked right beside you. He held Grogu in his arms casually chatting with the boy. Grogu responded in a mix of Mando’a, Basic, and gibberish. It was painfully cute watching the Mandalorian interact with his son. Every inch of him screamed danger and intimidation, but the tender voice leaving his helmet’s modulator was nothing but soft and loving.
“Is something wrong?”
It took you a second to realize Mando was talking to you. “Hmm?”
“You keep looking over at me.”
You were getting pretty decent at reading Mando’s body language, and weirdly you could tell the difference between his head tilts. All of that, yet you still had a bad gauge on how far he could see out of his peripherals while wearing the helmet.
“Oh, er,” You scrambled for a response, “No. Nothing. Sorry.”
“Don’t apologize. You didn’t do anything wrong. I was just checking on you.”
You opened your mouth but stopped yourself when you realized you were about to apologize for apologizing. Instead, you tried to steer the conversation away from your staring. “Do you know how many doctors work in Nevarro?”
“Not enough.” Mando replied. “Three rotate on the schedule right now, I think. Karga is still trying to recruit more, but until Nevarro really makes a name for itself it’s a hard sell.”
“It’s pretty impressive so far.” You motioned around to the clean and cheerful street surrounding you. “And growing fast.”
Mando nodded and your lips curled up in a smile as you watched him allow Grogu to crawl onto his shoulder and cling to his helmet. He kept one hand up just in case the child slipped. “Yes, but as always, it comes down to credits. Karga spent a lot to get this place built up. Doctors are expensive.”
“True, but if you’re gonna spend credits anywhere healthcare is a good bet.” You shrugged. “There are doctors out there who’ll take less pay to work somewhere rural. I⏤” You stopped yourself and at the sudden halt Mando glanced your way. You had nearly told him you once considered working in a rural setting. It hadn’t crossed your mind in ages, since before the incident, but you didn't think twice before nearly blurting it out. You cleared your throat. “I knew someone. From the clinic I worked in. They were specifically looking for a job somewhere rural.”
Mando nodded. “Maybe you should send their frequency number to Karga.” You forced out an awkward chuckle. “For now though, we have Bacta and cautery. You could probably find e-bacta if you asked the right people.”
“Spoken like a true bounty hunter.” You teased.
Mando let out a laugh and began to wrestle Grogu from the makeshift jungle gym of his shoulders and helmet. The clinic had come into view and you felt a ball of nervous energy begin to form in your chest. This wouldn’t be your first time in a medical facility since that night, but it would be your first time going willingly. All this morning, you hadn’t thought about it. You didn’t think this would bother you at all, but staring at the building now your mouth was becoming dry and your palms clammy.
The weight of a hand on your shoulder startled you, and your head snapped to the side to see Mando facing you. Nothing about his helmet looked concerning, but you could feel the worry radiating from him. “I’ve been calling your name. You didn’t answer.” Grogu hummed in his arms and tilted his head. “Are you sure everything is okay, cyar’ika?”
“Yes. Just...zoned out.” You tried to find an excuse, but nothing was coming to mind. So, you went for the next best thing. Topic change. “What does that word mean?”
“What?”
“The word you called me. Uh, ‘shar ekah’?” You repeated it best you could, but the word was always spoken so swift and softly that it was hard to remember the exact pronunciation. Saying ‘buir’ had been much easier.
Mando’s hand fell from your shoulder and his entire body went tense. You furrowed your eyebrows at his reaction. He let out a soft cough, and now it seemed like he was the one searching for something to say. Your distraction had been successful. However, now you were very curious as to what he was calling you. Mando didn’t seem like the type to secretly be calling you ‘dumbass’ all the time.
“It’s nearly 2.” He blurted. “We don’t want to be late.”
“Right!” You nodded. As curious as you were, you’d happily accept any advancement of this moment. Anything to avoid him asking you what was wrong again. He passed you to enter the building and you took in one last shaky breath before following.
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The clinic’s waiting room was filled with children. This office saw patients of all ages, but with school starting up next week it seemed most families were doing exactly as Din was⏤ getting his child ready for day one. The schedule was running late so despite it being nearly half an hour past the appointment time, Din sat in the waiting room right beside you. Grogu had wiggled out of his lap to run around the room with other kids around his age. It made him nervous at first. He wanted his son to have friends to have fun to not ever feel left out, but the anxiety of him not fitting in was painful. You had reassured him that everything was fine, and you had been right. Grogu squealed and laughed as he played with three other kids.
Din was leaning back in his seat, hands clasped over his abdomen and ankles crossed, in an attempt to look as casual as he possibly could. The truth was the opposite. Din couldn’t stop peering out of the corner of his eyes at you. Luckily, the helmet made it a lot easier for him to hide his actions unlike you. Din was still worried about you. It was obvious something was making you uncomfortable, and he had been determined to get to the bottom of it. Until, of course, you innocently asked what ‘cyar’ika’ meant. That had thrown him.
The first time he called you ‘cyar’ika’ it had been entirely accidental. You had been hesitant about asking him questions about himself, and he didn’t want you to feel that way. In his reassurance the word had just slipped out. Since then, it fell out a lot more. Often by choice. Din liked the way it sounded when he was referring to you with it. He liked that every time it left his lips, you’d turn to give him attention with your pretty smile.
Technically, the answer shouldn’t be embarrassing to him. The best translation of ‘cyar’ika’ was ‘darling’ or ‘sweetheart’, but that didn’t necessarily mean it had to be used in a romantic setting alone. It was a generalized term of endearment. He could’ve said that. Din’s problem was that he knew, deep down, he didn’t feel just a ‘generalized endearment’ for you. Din was much too attracted to you to pretend it was said with any other connotation.
His panic hadn’t helped his situation. Din spent his entire life being trained for a fight. He was taught from a young age that panic led to mistakes and mistakes led to death or worse. It had been ingrained into every single cell of his body to the point where staying calm was a muscle memory for him. It didn’t take a conscious decision. It was his default, and that default was half the reason he was so successful as a bounty hunter. Despite all of that, all it took was one innocent look from you⏤ one simple question⏤ and he melted into a pathetic puddle.
Din glanced your way again. You sat ramrod straight in your seat, shoulders tense, and your fingers were tangled together in a vice grip. He wasn’t sure how you weren’t hurting yourself holding your hands together like that. Whereas his entire body sat casual, though a farce, yours screamed stress. His own hands came unclasped as the urge to touch you in reassurance overcame him. Din managed to resist and instead crossed his arms in hopes that this position would better control his instinct.
“I haven’t been to a doctors office in a while.” You blurted. The sound of your voice had his head snap to look at you in a nearly comical speed. You were watching Grogu play while you spoke in a whisper. “I guess I’m just nervous. It’s stupid.”
“How you feel is never stupid.” Din replied. He shifted so he sat up rather than leaned back. “You didn’t have to come with us. If I had known—”
You chuckled, “I know. You wouldn’t have made me. I think you might be a little too understanding for a boss.” Din swallowed the lump that had formed in his throat. That was true. Kriff, if you knew any of the thoughts he had you’d consider him the worst boss in this world— maybe in the entire Outer Rim. “I wanted to be here. For Grogu and— and you.”
“I appreciate that.”
“It’s no big deal.”
Din disagreed. You were acting against an active fear you had for him and his son. That meant a lot to him. He knew the kind of strength it took to press onward into a setting of discomfort.
“Can I ask why?” Din asked. “Why haven’t you been to a clinic in a while?”
You shrugged and your gaze drifted down to your hands which you began to wring together. Din stayed silent. He was content with giving you all the time in the world to respond. Finally, you looked up to meet his gaze. You smiled and your words came out jokingly, “Nobody likes doctors.”
“Still important to go now and then.”
“Uh huh.” You tilted your head at him, smile growing impish. “And when’s the last time you saw a doctor? Mr. Big Bad Bounty Hunter?”
Din’s lips curled up in amusement. He loved that you were comfortable enough to joke with and tease him. He shook his head. “I have bacta and a cautery at home. Those don’t require me to sit in a waiting room for 45 minutes.”
“Fair point.” You chuckled. “Bacta and cautery do have their own faults, you know.”
“Like?” Din asked. He didn’t really care about the faults of either, but if this distracted you from your nerves he’d play along. Plus, the sound of your voice was like music to his ears. He’d sit and listen to you read the instruction manual for a caf machine without complaint.
“Well,” You began, your shoulders beginning to relax, “Bacta is incredible. No doubt. Society called it a medical miracle and they weren’t wrong. It’s only as good as the person using it though. If the wound isn’t cleaned right or debris is left inside when the Bacta is applied then everything gets trapped inside as your tissue heals. Plus, if it’s already an internal issue Bacta can’t target that. It does nothing for fever control or symptom management.” Din could tell you were getting into the conversation because you twisted in your seat to face him. “If you use Bacta on a fracture, but you don’t set it right then it heals wrong. If you mess up the measurements in a Bacta tank or the settings are wrong it can ‘overheal’ a person which just means a person’s tissues and cells rejuvenate and are reborn so fast that it floods the body. Those excess cells wreck havoc and turn to tumors wherever they land.” Din let his eyes shamelessly trace your features. This was the first topic, other than Grogu, that he had seen you get so excited about. You pointed at him with a mocking grin, “And don’t get me started on a cautery gun.”
Din chuckled, “And what exactly is wrong with my cautery gun?”
“You’re essentially creating a wound to fix a different wound.” You scoffed. “It’s great for stemming blood loss and destroying infected tissue, but between infections and scarring⏤”
Din leaned toward you, a confident tilt to his head, “I’ve never had a cautery induced infection.”
“Never?”
“Never.”
You twisted your lips, amused, and he shifted so he was as close to you as he could manage in the separate chairs. You shook your head. “Fine. You, Marshal Mando, are the one exception of the system. Congratulations.”
Din let out a breathy laugh, and he wondered what it would sound like to hear his name spoken in your voice. The beeping of his communicator made you alter your position in the chair so you were back to where you had started. Din did the same and resisted muttering the curse words bouncing around in his head. Looking at the screen he saw it was Cara. Dank farrik. She’d only call if it were actually important.
He accepted the call and Cara started talking without preamble.
“Mando, we got pirates. Mayfeld and I are on our way to the tarmac where a group of them are causing trouble, but Karga said a few were spotted by the school.”
This time he didn’t hold back the curse that came to mind. Din turned to look at you and you gave him a reassuring nod. “Go.”
“I’ll be back as soon as I can.” Din stood.
“We’ll probably still be in here.” You motioned to the waiting room.
Din reached out to squeeze your shoulder and on his way out told Grogu to behave.
Kriffing pirates.
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Mando had been an excellent distraction. You had never been a fan of pirates at baseline, they were always the worst to deal with when they stumbled into the hospital in Coruscant, but now you really hated them. You tried to focus on Grogu who was still playing with a different set of kids as the ones he had been with before got called back to be seen. Before they left, you had actually exchanged a few frequency numbers to set up play dates at some point.
“Grogu?” A nurse poked her head out of a door.
He dropped the blocks he was holding to perk up at the sound of his name. Still in a playful and active mood, Grogu wanted to walk on his own rather than be held so you walked by his side as you both followed behind the nurse.
She went about taking vitals and getting some more information before leading you back to a simple room. You sat down in one of the two chairs in the corner, by the exam table, and let Grogu bounce around the room to burn off his excess energy.
“You are gonna sleep so good tonight.” You chuckled.
“No sleep. No.” Grogu chirped. “No, no.”
That was quickly becoming one of the kid’s favorite Basic words to use. You glanced up at the clock on the wall to see it was about an hour after your appointment time. Understaffed clinics got backed up, it happened, and you understood that better than most. You felt bad for the poor physician running around the office today. You were actually hoping you’d have to wait a bit longer though.
Mando wanted to be here for this, to be here for his son, and you hated that the damned pirates got in the way of that. If you could swap roles with him and handle the pirates so he could stay here with his son you would’ve. Unfortunately, that would’ve been messy for every single person involved. You didn’t have an extensive history doing well in a fight, and the only kind of blade you knew how to use was a scalpel. You’d never even held a blaster before.
“Skraan!” Grogu called out.
You shook your head. “We just ate lunch, buddy. I think we have some snacks left.” You dug around the baby bag you had packed for the day and found the container of star shaped cereal puffs you had put together this morning. “Here we go.”
Grogu bounced over to you happily and held his hands up to you. You dropped a few stars into his palms and watched him eat them one by one. He’d explored the room while eating the stars and would only return back to you for more stars. That became the routine for the next ten minutes and by then you were out of star shaped snacks.
A knock at the door startled you. “Come in!” You placed the container into the bag and motioned for Grogu to come sit on your lap. “Hi. I’m⏤”
“This is Grogu?” The man interrupted your introduction. He was older, you’d guess in his late sixties or early seventies, and was human. Thick gray hair covered his head and it matched the thick mustache above his lips.
“Yes. We’re here for⏤”
“Let’s see, school registration check up.” He read off the holopad in his hand. You shifted in your seat, eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, and bit back a snarky reply. “We’ll get some blood for lab work, give the usual booster shots, and get you on your way, yeah?”
You held Grogu’s hands, skeptical, “I was actually hoping⏤”
“There’s no need for⏤”
“Please stop interrupting me.” You snapped. There was nothing you hated more than not being able to get a thought out. Maybe you’d have more patience for it if you hadn’t spent all your training being looked down at for being a young woman. You couldn’t count the number of bloated attendings you worked under who were just like the man in front of you. The doctor stayed silent but you could see annoyance on his features. “Who are you?”
“I’m sorry?”
“When you came in, you never introduced yourself.” You said but paused before saying more. This wasn’t a hospital you had any sort of credentialing in. That meant if you wanted anything done, you were gonna have to stroke an ego. You cleared your throat and shook your head. “Sorry, I’m sure it slipped your mind with how busy you are today. I bet they have you running all over the place.”
The man chuckled. “You aren’t wrong. My name is Dr. Daelar. I am sorry about the wait time. I was caught in a different procedure room for the last hour doing a cryoablation of some skin lesions.” You resisted the urge to scoff. Doing cryoablation correctly took five minutes tops. Doing it insanely, incorrectly could maybe stretch it out to ten. You didn’t appreciate the excuse because you knew it was a lie. “As I was saying, we’ll draw some blood and get those booster shots going.”
“Thank you. We’re actually going to be forgoing the blood tests, and I was hoping you’d take a listen to his lungs.” You replied. Over lunch, Mando had explained that he wasn’t comfortable with anybody drawing blood from Grogu. He hadn’t explained the exact reasoning, but you gathered it was something from their tricky past. Even with your back to him, you could tell the topic made him mildly uncomfortable. “He’s had this night time cough I’ve noticed⏤”
Daelar shook his head. “That’s not wise. I strongly recommend the blood tests.”
“Okay.” You drew the word out. “Thank you, and I appreciate your thoughts on the matter⏤”
“These aren’t my thoughts, these are the facts.” Daelar interrupted again. “Blood work should be checked routinely for chronic illnesses. He needs this done.”
You didn’t know if Grogu could tell that you were in a bad mood, but he began to squirm and whine in your lap. He turned around and pushed up on his tip toes so he could bury his face into the crook of your neck. You scooped him up to hold him closer making the action easier.
“I understand the benefits of routine lab work, and I understand the risks of refusing.” You said as calmly as you could. If this was about legal issues then you’d say the magic words that he could type in his chart and waive all liability off himself. “That being said, we’re still refusing a blood draw today.”
Daelar scoffed and shook his head. “You’re being unreasonable. As a first time mom it’s understandable to be nervous and jittery, but it’s no reason to put your son at risk.”
Oh, you really didn’t like this man. Karga had somehow managed to hire a physician that represented everything wrong with healthcare. Nice. Between the bullying and assumptions, that would be enough to piss you off alone. Add the stress of being in a clinic after so long? You really had no chance of getting out of this without losing your cool.
“You’re not drawing labs on Grogu.” You snapped.
Daelar shook his head and shrugged. “Then I don’t know if I can clear him to start school.”
“Blood work isn’t necessary for school registration. Just the boosters.” Your voice began to raise.
“Ma’am⏤” He began once more but a solid knock at the door interrupted the interaction. A nurse poked her head in one second later and Daelar snapped at her. “We’re busy in here.”
“Sorry, sir. The child’s father is here.”
Daelar smirked at you. “Good. Perhaps, this will settle the matter at hand.”
The nurse slid out of the room and was replaced by Mando. You took in the sight of him, unharmed and unmarred, and a wave of relief washed over you. If dealing with the pirates had led to a fire fight then Mando came away with no obvious injuries. Mando’s helmet tilted just a bit and you could feel his eyes on you in the same way you had looked over him. His shoulders stiffened marginally, his stance still intimidating, and you wondered if your anger was notable. You rubbed Grogu’s back soothingly.
“Oh. Marshal!” Daelar greeted. “I had no idea this was your son. I⏤”
“What’s wrong?” Mando walked over to stand beside you, ignoring Daelar entirely. He rubbed Grogu’s head and let his hand trail from his son’s head to rest on your upper back. The way he stood beside your seat nearly blocked Daelar from your view.
You lifted your chin to stare up at the T-shaped visor. “Dr. Daelar has been adamant about a blood draw despite my very clear refusal.”
Mando turned around and his hands drifted to his hips. Daelar shifted awkwardly from across the room and he let out a cough. The doctor held his hands up with a smile, “No, I think this is simply a misunderstanding.” Your eyes widened, jaw falling open. “The little Mrs," Again with the assumptions, “She misunderstood me is all. I was simply offering my recommendation, but obviously the decision falls to your hands at the end of the day. We can just work on the boosters and finish the paperwork for registration.”
A disbelieving guffaw left your throat at the audacity of this man. Mando glanced over his shoulder down at you, and you took a sharp breath through your nose. Whatever. As long as Grogu got the care he needed. Mando looked back to Daelar.
“Have you listened to my son’s lungs?”
Daelar’s eyes widened. “Hmm? Why?”
“I know Soran would have brought it up. She’s attentive. Was there a misunderstanding about Grogu’s cough?”
“No. Not at all. Sorry.” Daelar sighed. “Bring the little guy over to the exam table.”
Without speaking, Mando held his arms out to take Grogu, and you tried to hand him over. Grogu clung to your shirt, his claws digging into the material, and he buried his face further into your neck. He grumbled, “No.” You shot Mando a look, and he reached out to help detangle Grogu from you. The little boy didn’t give in.
“Grogu.” Mando said firmly. He set a hand on his back. “Come to me, ad’ika.”
“No, no!” Grogu finally lifted his head to look at his father’s visor. He shook his head and you had to lean back to keep his ears from hitting you. Grogu whined, “Trikar’la, buir!”
Despite all the tension, despite the fact that you still only knew very, very basic Mando’a, you gasped with a swell of pride. Unable to bite back the smile you wore, you cooed. “Grogu, that was so good.” You had no idea what he said beyond referring to his father, but his words sounded like it could’ve been a full sentence. Plus, he had said it in front of Daelar, a virtual stranger. “Good job, sweetie.”
You lifted your eyes to Mando, expecting a similar reaction, but his entire frame was tense. Again, his helmet gave no signs of anger, but a seething energy radiated from him. You furrowed your brow in confusion. Grogu went back to hiding his face in the crook of your neck, hugging you, and Mando shifted his hands so one rested on your back and arm.
“Let me help you up.” Mando whispered in a kind tone. “You can sit on the exam table with him.”
“Alright.” You mumbled.
You didn’t need any help standing, but Mando kept his hands on you while you rose and all the way to the exam table. Once you sat down on the sanitation paper, Mando settled beside you. He kept his arm behind you, his hand leaning on the table by your opposite thigh. You turned to look at Mando, and because of his positioning you found yourself dangerously close to his chest. If you leaned forward you could bury your face in the crook of his neck the same way Grogu was doing to you.
His head began to turn to look at you and you quickly focused your gaze forward. Daelar came over with his stethoscope and began to listen to Grogu’s lungs. He did this for a few minutes before pulling back with a nod. Daelar cleared his throat. “I’m hearing a little wheezing. Very mild. I can prescribe a nebulizer treatment at home before he goes to bed. Hold the mask over his face and just let him breathe in the medicine.”
“Thank you.” Mando said, but his tone was more intimidating than grateful.
“I’ll send a nurse in with the boosters and the medicine.” Daelar said before rushing out of the room.
You scoffed, still in disbelief on how that had gone, but when the door closed Mando shifted so he stood directly in front of you. Now he had a hand resting on the table on either side of your thighs. You blinked in surprise at the sudden motion.
“Are you alright?” Mando asked.
You forced a chuckle. “Yeah. I mean, that guy was a total ass, but he wasn’t the first jerk I’ve dealt with. Won’t be the last.” You continued rubbing Grogu’s back, not knowing what else to do with your own hands. “Granted, I could’ve done without the gaslighting, but…” It occurred to you then that Mando hadn’t hesitated to take your side. “Thanks. For having my back, I mean.”
“Always.” Mando replied with ease. He let out a soft sigh. “I’m talking to Karga about this.”
You laughed. “You’re gonna get a doctor fired because he was rude to me?” Mando didn’t reply, but his shrug was highly unconvincing. “It’s fine.”
“He upset you. That’s not fine. Grogu said⏤”
You gasped, “Yeah! What did Grogu say?”
Mando paused before leaning back. “He said you were sad.”
Your eyes widened in surprise, and you glanced down to gently pull Grogu away from your chest to look at him. He stared up at you with concern in his large eyes, and you gave him a smile. “I’m okay.” You gave his head a light scratch and let your fingers trail to give his ear a light, loving tongue. “Thanks for looking out for me, little guy.”
Grogu lifted his hands toward your face so you brought it down toward him. He lightly patted your cheeks and did the same thing he did this morning⏤ pressed his forehead as close to yours as you could get it. Everyone in Nevarro showed different forms of affection to Grogu, he was too cute to not pay attention to, but the most important sign of affection was the way Mando lightly set his forehead to his. You had to assume that in Grogu’s mind, that was an important thing. The fact that he was sharing that bit of love with you was overwhelming. You tried not to linger on the thought too long this morning⏤ not wanting to fall apart⏤ but Mando being here sticking up for you without hesitation only added to the situation.
You felt yourself begin to get choked up and quickly cleared your throat.
“Here. Why don’t you go to your dad?” You held out Grogu, and Mando must have sensed your distress because he took the child with no question. You gave him a broad smile. “I⏤I have to use the bathroom. I’ll be right back.”
You hopped off the exam table and as you pulled the door open Mando called out. “Are you sure you’re alright, cyar’ika?”
You let a wide smile fill your features, every bit of real, and nodded sincerely, “I am. I promise. I’m⏤ This…” Considering how grateful you felt right now, you owed him as much truth as you could give. You nodded. “This is the best I’ve felt in a really long time.”
Mando nodded once, silent. Grogu lifted a hand and gave you a small wave. You rushed out of the room and made a beeline straight for the bathroom you had passed on the way into the procedure room. Finally away from prying eyes, you leaned against the locked bathroom door and began to trace the scar along your collarbone. Even with your fingers ghosting over the ugly patch of skin, you felt happy⏤ cared for. Maker, you didn’t think you’d actually feel that way ever again.
mando’a translations:
cyar’ika: darling, sweetheart
trikar’la: sad
buir: father
565 notes · View notes
itsscromp · 3 months
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Hi! Can you write a MWIII story where reader is Farah’s sibling who is part of 141, and dies instead of soap, and the team having to tell farah and grieve together? Maybe with flashbacks from their friendship with each of the team and farah?
They were the best of us
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The family will help her with this, she's not alone. Warnings: Angst and canon typical violence. Word count:961
Farah had high hopes for you when you were off to join Price and Gaz when he formed Task Force 141 after Barkov. She knew you would be doing amazing things with them.
"Promise me you'll try and write to me as much as you can ??" Like the worried sister that she is.
"I promise sister, I promise" You hugged her tightly before boarding the plane to join 141.
While she knew that what you were doing was potentially even more dangerous than being a freedom fighter, what she didn't come to expect was the emotional impact of your death...
When disarming the bomb, Makarov seemed to have broken out of his restraints and got his hands on a gun, Attempting to shoot Johnny square in the head. But you pushed him out of the way and took the bullet...
"Threat neutralised... One KIA" Price said as he saw your body lying limp on the ground. Simon rushed to you, while he didn't show emotion, his heavy breathing seeing you was enough to tell.
Farah didn't receive the news until late into the night when she was busy planning for the next day when she got a call from Alex.
"Alex, what a surprise, everything ok ??" She smiled as she wrote down on her notepad.
"Farah... There's been an incident involving y/n... They... They were KIA" She could hear the shakiness in his voice.
She froze as she heard KIA... no... Please no. The phone slowly slipped out of her hand and she started to shake and fall to the floor. Silently starting to sob. Her sibling was dead...
It was hard for the first few days, She was trying so hard to digest the news as best as she could... Her mind wandering to happy memories to help numb the pain.
"8...9...10 !!! Ready or not hear I come sister" You were about 6 years old and Farah only 4, Playing hide and seek at a nearby park. She managed to squeeze herself in between a brick wall, A perfect hiding place. You had a very hard time finding her until you heard a small giggle coming from the wall. Sneaking over you then gently as you could pulled her out. "I found you Farah" You smiled.
Those memories she'll treasure, But it didn't help with what she had lost, Alex had invited her to be with the 141 as they were also grieving hard from your loss too. She knew she shouldn't wallow alone... So she accepted.
She was quiet for most of the time on the plane to them, When she landed on the Tarmac and saw Price... She started to tear up as he took off his hat in respect and opened his arms for her. She hugged him tightly as she started to sniffle. "I'm so sorry Farah... I'm so sorry"
"I wish it wasn't like this..." She sniffled
"Me neither... Farah, Please know your not alone with this ok ??" He gently cupped her cheeks.
She nodded, to which price pressed a gentle kiss on her forehead.
Price decided to organise a bonfire night, Y/n loved bonfire nights with the others. It was their favourite pass time when a mission was finished. Always joking around with the others by the warmth of the fire.
Farah stared into the fire as Price began to set it up, Feeling the warmth of it as he then sat back down. "I know it's been tough... For all of us... But i do hope this will help you a little bit ok ??"
"Ok..."
The others soon joined in, Gaz and Price trying to fill the silence with small talk, But Farah didn't want to do this... Until Johnny decided to bring up something.
"What was you guy's favourite memory of y/n ??" He asked everyone as he looked around.
They were all quiet for a little bit, indicating Johnny to go first.
"I remember when they would always try to get us all together for movie nights, take the edge off... I always look forward to them..."
"They were always into the superhero movies" Farah chuckled lightly.
"Yeah... I'll miss that..."
"I remember the day when I made Y/n the best person at my wedding" Gaz spoke up shortly after. "They were the best encouragement when I started to get nervous. Not to mention they were a great dancer when we were at the reception"
"They do know how to pull in a crowd" Price softly smiled.
It went quiet again, the only noise being the fire crackling as the wood began to burn.
Price soon speaks up "I always loved our hikes, It was a nice getaway from everything, Just the two of us. Not to mention whenever they had a problem they would come to me... Showing how much they trusted me..." He sniffled as the memories resurfaced.
Ghost was the quietest for the whole night, He had too many memories to pick. He couldn't pick a memory about you...
Farah spoke up "I remember when I played hide and seek with them back at home when we were younger... I always found a very good hiding spot. In that moment it made me forget about the horror that was going on... it felt like... We were just kids being kids..." She started to tear up. Price wrapped his arm around her and rubbed her forearm.
It remained quiet again until Ghost finally spoke up... "I showed them my face the first time cause of them..." In terms that meant how much ghost trusted y/n, How much you meant to him.
Farah knew how much of an impact you had on all of them, You would be missed deeply, But your legacy... Never forgotten.
Taglist: @callofdudes
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kiirotoao · 2 months
Text
Protective Mike headcanons! To the whole main cast because a lot of my Byler headcanons involve Mike being protective already why not!
Mike will cross his arms and pretend that he’s not paying attention to Max when she skateboards beside him but after that fall in s2 he’s always ready to reach out and stabilize her in a split second
If Mike has any leftovers, he always offers his food to Holly first if she’s still hungry
He also makes sure she’s never unheard at the kitchen table. Lord save the soul who dares to speak over Holly because Mike will roar at them to SHUT UP and then smile at Holly like so what were you saying? :)
Lucas loves birds just because I’m projecting - and Mike doesn’t really care about birds but if Lucas sees a cool one nearby Mike won’t let anyone scare the bird off so that Lucas can have his fun
Mike is basically a crosswalk guard when he’s with anyone when they hit a crosswalk. Boy is extending his arms and holding the other person/people back, making sure the road is clear before they walk.
Mike is a notoriously slow biker when someone’s riding with him. In danger, he’s booking it, but otherwise, he’s vigilant and tries to avoid rocky paths
If anyone gets hurt near Mike, he’s going to become their personal crutch until they can move independently, sometimes even to the point of irritation. Like someone could hurt a toe and walk fine but Mike is right under their arm like hey you okay? He did this a lot to Dustin before s4 because I said so
Mike’s a little clumsy but if he’s carrying something hot or delicate or the like, he’s using both hands and shooing anyone in his way so he doesn’t drop that thing and hurt anyone
Going off his adorable binder of Will’s drawings, Mike keeps his school notes and papers (surprisingly to Lucas and Dustin) organized to the point where he can carry comics in perfect condition before he gives them away
When it’s raining, Mike makes sure that raincoat hoods are being affixed if they keep flying down - he started doing this to everyone in The Party after doing it to Holly so much
Mike gets so angry if people talk shit about his friends. This is canon, but I like to imagine that it extends to their families, too. Like he’ll throw Hopper under the bus but he’s actually really adamant that he’s a good person. Same with Joyce. You will see him after class if you even make a “your mom” joke about her
Mike is first to point out if someone is hurt and figure out the who, what, when, where, and why it happened and make sure they’re safe (Will’s first to notice which then leads to Mike interrogating)
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locobastaaa · 11 months
Text
The fine line between what's real and what's not
Tighnari x Reader
Tw: suggestive at the end, Wanderer (Sora) slander (we love him), hybrid bunny! Reader
Word count: 1.4k
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Your gaze felt heavy on him once he noticed, and you didn't take your eyes off him while he moved around in a frantic hurry. He didn't need to be so nervous under your stare, and he tried to seem unbothered by it, but his tail betrayed him, swaying around behind his back in rapid strokes. 
You chuckled at the sight, moving your palm to accommodate the curve of your cheek as you rested your head on the table, notes and ink splattered on the fair wood, your eyes following the dark spots, reminding you of the work undone. 
You sighed quietly, but your eyes found his figure again, following the droplets of rain curling at the ends of his hair and down the floor. He thought that maybe you'd taken Nahida's words too seriously, but shook his head. You were smarter than that, there was no way you believed that mushrooms would start growing on his head by some little rain that caught up to him when he finished up his daily routine of forest-watching. 
His ears flattened at the top of his head when he remembered the condition of the forest. The complaints of the citizens and wanderers about the increase of mechanical animals were getting irritating, even though he assured that none of the creatures were nearby the path that most (he wanted to say everyone but there were some that shook the recommendations of the forest guide off like it was a challenge to stay on the road, trying to make themselves brave by putting them and everyone around in danger just to prove guts) followed, the letters kept appearing on the mailbox, he even had to accompany some people down the path to see if he was missing something, if he saw what other people claimed he wasn't seeing (which he doubted, but better be safe than sorry), but as soon as they pointed out what seemed to be one of the monsters, forcing him to take out his bow, Tighnari had to restrain himself from shooting them on the head when he realized that the 'mechanical crab' was a deformed tree. 
"Tighnari?" Your voice took him out of his head, realizing his jaw was clenched and his nails had poked holes through his gloves. 
He spared you a glance just as quickly as he averted his gaze, falling down to the door in front of him to hide his flushing cheeks. 
Why were you this cute? He still didn't seem to find the answer, and he didn't find the answer as to how his name on your tongue felt electrifying either, but he'll eventually figure it out (or flat out admit it, since he already knew, Cyno's words, not his). 
"Yeah? Having trouble answering letters?" He spoke too softly for his taste, but you made no comment about it, spinning back to your desk as your hand picked up the abandoned pen from the desk. 
You shook your head, and even if he didn't see you, he heard your movements, he heard everything after all. This time the affirmation are his words, he grows tired of comments assuming his thoughts from his friends, specially if it involves his love life. 
Collei seemed to be on Cyno's side as well, even though she hadn't experienced any romance related situations (he and Cyno made sure of it, she's too young), she implored him to just confess his supposed feelings towards you. 
Unlike Cyno, he shook her off gently and said that there was no time for that sort of intimacy in his life, and that she should focus more on her studies rather than a fantasy of her own. 
Yet here he was, contradicting his own words, living in between reality and fantasy as he drew holes on the back of your head while you wrote, your long ears flapping with each stroke of the pen against paper, he wondered if your ears were as soft as they looked, or if his were softer (most likely not the case even though he took good care of them, they would never shine like yours, yet again, it's a different type of fur so who knows (he knows)). 
"Bunn- (Y/n)" the nickname that Cyno gave you (and that brought an unshakable ick on his chest) almost slipped up, but he caught himself just in time. "When you finish your papers let me know, I'll be in my office". 
He grabbed a few samples from a cabinet and began to walk away, but you wouldn't let him leave after his slip up. 
"You can call me Bunny, you know" 
His lips morphed into a line. 
"It's a thing between you and Cyno right? I wouldn't want to intervene" 
You cocked your head to the side in confusion, a thing between you and Cyno? 
"You know Sora gave me that nickname, right?" 
His eyes narrowed at that. That's even worse! 
"Never knew you and that man were so close". 
Your frown deepened, Tighnari seemed to have a particular hostility towards Wanderer. Sure, he was a bit rough around the edges, but you knew the hybrid had dealt with worse and always kept his cool...Paimon for example-. So it seemed out of the ordinary for him to be so shaken up by a boy who he hadn't had the chance to talk to properly. 
"What's up with you and Sora? He's not that bad when you get to know him" 
His ears flattened at the top of his head again. 
"I don't want to get to know him, I think I've been around him enough to know he's bad news" 
You stood up from your seat and circled around his body like a hyena, trying to catch his eyes. Tighnari gritted his teeth at the thought of you trying to defend that man so uptight. 
When you didn't speak any further, he felt the need to rant as his gaze locked with yours. 
"I don't know why but-," a tingling feeling coursed through his back, as if electricity was running down his veins. "He's crude and vulgar, and he looks at you like you're a piece of meat, talk about a walking contradiction".  His nails sharpened when he pictured how Wanderer basically undressed you with his eyes, it disgusted him. 
You took some sort of offense by this. "He does not look at me like that," his glare stopped your tracks for some seconds before your eyebrows furrowed. "You talk as if you're jealous". 
He did not even imply something like that, you knew that, but testing his waters was something you didn't have the chance to do so frequently, specially since he seemed to have a never ending patience towards you. It was a bit cruel, but- 
"I am". 
Well, that, you didn't expect. 
It felt like all of the denying and hiding was slipping through the cracks of his pride, trying to hold down the water before the dam collapses and he ends up confessing. But he can't stop the flow of it, it's too much, the water had grown out of proportion through the years of silent pining, denying and glances. He especially can't now, your face is so pretty when it flushes red, and he also can't help his body moving before his mind can. 
Your lips are soft against him, and he almost groans like an animal when your fingers close around his forearms tightly, pawing at the fabric of his hoodie. He's waited years to feel you against him, and he pushes the thought aside that a small discussion of a hat guy could have ended up like this. 
Your back is now pressed against the wall and you can't breathe, not because you were out of air, but everything was so sudden that it made your knees tremble and your lungs contract. 
You fought to close your eyes, you had to see it to believe it after all, but his hands felt heavy on your hips, and his body pressed so deliciously against yours that if you couldn't see it, you could at least feel it. Feel him. Feel his tail wrapping around your lower back as he pushes you flush against the wall and his chest. Feel his palms lowering to your thighs as he pulls you up in the air and around his waist, feel his tongue flatten against yours and his fangs brush your lips. 
The line between reality and fantasy began to blur yet again, his hold tightening on your thighs as his ears brushed yours. You were pliant as giddy under his claws, and it made his body temperature rise. 
Maybe telling Collei to stop gushing over some silly fantasy ended up in the  materializing of said spectrum in the real world, because damn if this was a dream he never wanted to wake up.
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irisposts · 10 months
Note
I feel like Ellie would have played basketball…
could you do making out with Ellie in a locker room after practice??
also I literally adore your writing🫶(no fr it’s got me giggling and twirling my hair and shit)
"Ellie, we can't," you protest softly.
Ellie closes the gap between you, her eyes darting left and right to check for any onlookers. She presses her palms against the gym lockers, trapping you between them. "There's no one around," she insists, a mischievous glint in her eyes.
You can't help but let a grin break through, the idea of sharing an intimate moment with your girlfriend, tinged with the thrill of the possibility of getting caught, is intriguing. Yet, you wrestle with your reservations. Ellie's popularity at the university is undeniable, but it also comes with the baggage of unsolicited opinions and unnecessary drama. Both of you have neither the time nor the inclination to deal with such matters. So, you had pleaded with Ellie to keep your relationship private, confined only to the two of you and your closest friends. Even your teammates are unaware of your romantic involvement.
"…I'm sweaty and gross," you lie, though there's a hint of truth in your words.
Ellie chuckles, playfully pushing her hips against yours. "Then we can smell like hot garbage together," she quips, a mischievous glint dancing in her eyes.
You let out a mock gasp, raising your hand to lightly slap her chest. "Gross!" you exclaim, a smile tugging at your lips.
She leans in, her lips dangerously close to your ear. "Admit it, the thought is a little exciting," she murmurs, her warm breath sending shivers down your spine.
You bite your lower lip, caught between your rational side that screams caution and your daring side that longs for adventure. Ellie has always been the one to push boundaries, to embrace the thrill of life. And, in this moment, her energy is infectious.
You meet her gaze, your resolve wavering. "Okay, maybe just a quick kiss," you concede, your heart racing.
Ellie's grin widens, victory evident in her eyes. "Thought so," she teases.
As your lips meet, a rush of electricity courses through you. The initial hesitance is quickly replaced by an intensity that has been building between you two. Ellie's lips are soft, her touch gentle yet demanding. The world around you fades into the background as you lose yourself in the moment, forgetting about the gym, the lockers, and everything else. You gasp at the pads of her fingers that skin along the curve of you're waist. Her fingers slightly digging into the flesh.
Just as the kiss deepens, a sound startles you. You both pull away in a flash, hearts racing, eyes wide. It's a false alarm—a ball hitting the court nearby—but it's enough to bring you both back to reality.
Ellie's cheeks are flushed, and her eyes sparkle with a mixture of excitement and embarrassment. "Maybe… maybe we should find a more private spot next time," she suggests with a sheepish smile.
You chuckle, nodding in agreement. "Definitely. As much as I love the thrill, I'd rather not have an audience."
Ellie presses a sweet kiss to your forehead, her affectionate gesture reassuring. "Deal," she says.
You link your fingers with hers, feeling a sense of comfort and excitement all at once. Despite the close call, you can't deny that there's something exhilarating about stealing moments with Ellie, about embracing the unpredictable adventure that she brings into your life.
I AM MONTHS BEHIND ON THIS OMGGGG SO SORRY. BUT ALSO THANK U OMGBSJSKW Hope everyone enjoys this, I’m trying to comeback from my long hiatus :") haha
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factual-fantasy · 5 months
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25 asks again :0000 🎄🎄🎄
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Never??? What part of my content ever suggested that I would ever draw anything like that??
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The snowy forests they tend to camp in are actually the forests attached to Snowdin :0 They tend to end up there a lot <XD No ones found them out there before so they've deemed Snowdin forests a safe camping spot..
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I'm not sure what you mean by a cliffhanger. My Octonauts stuff wasn't following a timeline or anything. I was just goofing around and drawing what ever I felt like.
If you're talking about the crab comic? I abandoned that comic on a cliff hanger because I didn't like how I wrote the comic and I didn't feel like re-writing it. :/ The Captain ends up totally fine in the end so its ok-
(Also thank you! :} )
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Thank you! Merry Christmas to you too!! :DDDD 💖🎄💖
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It kind'a depends.. what really exhausts him is making multiple mirrors back to back that all lead to different places. And how long he holds them open is also a factor..
Maybe a good guestimate is.. about 5? Maybe if he makes 5 mirrors in less than 3 days that would be enough to completely wipe him out. Maybe even knock him unconscious..
But its okay, the group usually is good at avoiding that scenario. Usually they jump into an AU and stay there for a few days before jumping into a new one. That way Jevil has time to rest and recover.
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@couchwow
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:DD Thank you! We wish the same to you as well! :}} 🎄💖🔥
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Oh yeah, very protective I imagine XD He wouldn't put him down or let him out of his sight for even a second.
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@ocinstituterep
I'd like to think he kept it and hung it on his bedroom wall yeah. But Knowing Peso and how much of a sweetheart he is.. I can totally see him giving it to Pinto for a keepsake/to show it off to his friends :}
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Only when they're using their magic in someway yeah. :0 The more magic they're using/the more they're straining, the more visible their pupil becomes.
And it can extend to their emotions. The more mentally unstable/emotional/afraid the cat is.. the more cracked and deformed their pupil can become..
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@bunny-coffee
Shellington got some angry cousins frfr XDDD
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(Post in question)
Ehh.. not exactly.. that situation with that Papyrus ended up getting really dangerous, and really scary, really fast.. They end up fleeing that AU and leave that Papyrus behind.. :(
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@fallingbones (post in question)
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WWAAAHHAGDG THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! THAT MEANS A LOT TO MEEEEE!!😭😭💖💖💖😭
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That's because I was gonna draw a comic revealing her new name but I never got around to it.. 💔
(Still keeping it a secret in case I change my mind lol-)
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ACTUALLY! I had an idea that if Jevil rushes a mirror, he just has less control over it and will have no idea where the mirror will end up. And one time Jevil hastily made a mirror and when they jumped though.. they all got dumped into a river 😬 which is very bad for nearly everyone involved-
Seam's chains got caught on a branch and he got stuck while everyone else got swept down stream. He was able to just barely get his chains free and drag himself onto land.
Grillby doesn't die or anything, but boy is it incredibly painful. Thankfully he's able to scramble out of the water rather quickly and collapse on land..
Spamton has a phobia of water so by the time him and Jevil are able to get out he's breaking down from a panic attack :'(
Goner kid cant really swim but she was very lucky and was able to grab onto some branches and scramble out of the water.
Asgore wasn't really in any danger but he did struggle to get out of the water. He was eventually able to latch onto a branch as well and pull himself out.
The group recollected and probably camped out in the nearby forest for a few days to mentally and physically recover from that ordeal-
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Upon Googling it, it appears to be a fangame about the yellow soul..? I also saw "Undertale yellow controversy" uh oh- I'm not sure what I think about it <XD
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Although I've never played/seen a playthrough of Resident Evil.. this sounds right up my ally! XD
Also thank you! Merry Christmas and a happy new year to you as well! :DD 🎄🎉
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XD Yes! I also have these two but they're not as cool/polished/original to me as the other 7 are-
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@octonauts16
Ultimately my thoughts are, "It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be/could have been. 6 outa 10, would watch again and recommend to my friends 🎤🐻👍"
And as for a sequel? I'm not sure if they'll make one.. if they do, I kind'a hope it'll be about the second game and they'll up the horror a bit more this time 👀
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@cupofmaplesyrup
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waaa thank you!! :DD
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I'm not sure.. I imagined Bibi likes the stuff I make, simply because I made it. I'm not sure what the rest of them would think.. :0
Although the 20k comic was a biggie. They all thought that project was cool XD
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@beryl-shade
I did! It seemed fitting for him. Also it helps visually distinguish him from Glamrock Freddy :00
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XD She has that effect on people
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When the when When?
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@love-is-the-multiverse
That's just how I draw skeletons that don't look really creepy :( 💔
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aerkame · 5 months
Text
A Spell For a Hoard Part 1
Thought I'd give you guys a lil' treat before I go off to sleep (I need to fix my sleep schedule lol). Also because I wanted to do a little bit of world building. Let me know how I'm doing! Fandom: Welcome Home Finfolk AU Relationships: Implied Wally x Reader Summary: Wally completes a deal with the stranger to get what he needs.
Note: Sorry there will be a part 2, I just got too tired to keep writing xd
______________________________________________________________
Everyone knew what the finfolk were capable of, if you were knowledgeable enough that is. This world was full of all kinds of creatures; but some creatures like his own kind, the finmen and finwomen of the sea, were not as known as the more infamous species such as the fae, dragons, orcs, vampires, and mermaids. The usual creature that comes to mind when one talks about myths and folklore.
Not being as well known of a species has its perks though, that's how Wally found himself here.
No one batted an eye at the short customer that made their way through the crowded town and into a nearby tavern. No one said anything or had shown any suspicion when said customer went into the back of the employee's area and up the stairs. It was almost funny really. Wally could walk around with his fins and scales in full view and not one person would know what he really is. If anything, the average person would probably mistake him for a siren or a mermaid, perhaps even a hybrid offspring of a land-dweller and a mermaid. And yet, there are so many out there that pride themselves in being oh so knowledgeable on every creature to ever exist. What prideful idiots.
Staring at the door, Wally squinted. There were faint glowing swirls and lettering of unknown origin engraved into the framing and wood. It took a bit of thinking. Draconic tongue, a protection spell from what it looks like.
With a droopy eyed smile, he straightened his clothing before gingerly knocking, arm folded behind his back to keep the friendly appearance.
Clicks and moving gears could be heard within the locks of the door. It only took a moment before the glowing lettering disappeared and the door slowly creaked open. Two glowing red eyes stared at him from the dark of the room. Lightning flashed briefly, revealing the humanoid, but clearly, draconic figure sitting at the desk.
"Take a seat."
A female's voice rang out throughout the office, it was commanding and demanded respect.
Wally gave a warm but lazy smile as he stepped in, the door shutting behind with a slam.
"I didn't take you as the type for protection spells." His voice came out buttery smooth, innocent, and comforting to listen to. He sometimes wondered if there was siren somewhere in his family tree. Wally lifted himself up and kicked his feet slowly while seated in the the chair, one far too big for him. He didn't feel like shifting to be bigger though.
"Don't be daft, you and I both know it would be unwise of me to leave myself unprotected." Those red eyes glared down at the 'puppet' man. Void and dreamy half-lidded eyes stared back.
Wally tilted his head to the side cutely, finger to his lip as if in thought. "Oh? Is it because you're expecting dangerous company?"
Claws dug into the desk, splintering the wood. "Don't you DARE get those half-witted detectives involved or so help me!-"
Putting hand up to stop whatever was next, Wally bent forward with a widened grin. "Oh, I won't tell anyone, I swear it." He began to lean over the desk itself, resting his face into the palm of his hand with those same sleepy eyes.
"That is if you keep your end of the deal. Riiiight?~"
His words were sickly sweet, Wally having sang song the last part as if he were talking to a child. It was adorable to anyone else, but here, it was a clear threat.
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railroad-migraine · 1 year
Note
In honour of Legend of Vox Machina coming out, can we have a Percy x (fem/gender neutral) reader with the prompt "You feel like home to me." Maybe reader also lost their home (or they were from Whitestone too)
'Welcome Home'
-> Percy x GN!Reader
Notes: Angst and fluff, hurt comfort. I started writing this piece in January 2022. As of June 2023, I have now watched TLOVM. Sorry it took a while Anon, but I wanted to save your lovely request for when I eventually got into Vox Machina 💙 Can be read as platonic or romantic
~ Poet
*****
It wasn't meant to be like this.
Things had not gone to plan. What was the plan, you say? That is debatable depending on who you'd ask.
To start, Vax was unfortunately spotted skulking around the enemy's camp. That then lead to small confrontation, one that he'd be fine to handle all by himself, one where he was suspiciously poked and prodded at innocently, but Keyleth instinctually stepped in to save him - thus getting the whole party involved and quickly overwhelmed. It was manageable until the exact moment where Grog lopped off the head of one of the bandits.
To put it simply, all hell broke loose and it all went to shit.
However, in the end, when the bandits lay dead and smloldering by the campfire, it was a victory for Vox Machina.
A victory, maybe. But not quite a win.
Wounds were in need of tending to, and Pike was far too exhausted to treat everyone. Camping in the woods did not seem to be the best option, the trees offering little cover, and neither did the cliff face nearby. Frustrated, tired, hungry - voices raising at each other prickled the hairs at the back of your neck and you knew you had to step up. To be the adult.
"There is a village," you start, but no one chooses to listen, your voice just another one in the argument.
"There is a village," you repeat, a little more firm and insistant, and the others begin to withdraw, eyes falling onto you, "not far from here. I- I didn't mention it before because it doesn't belong on the map. Not anymore, at least.
"We can go there, set up camp, sit down and just shut up for a few hours," you sigh.
Most of the party look hesitant but Scanlan raises a brow and shrugs with an easy nonchalance that you envy. "If you say it's safe, I'm down."
It wasn't meant to be like this.
"It is." You hope. "I promise.
Percy watches you carefully, the fading light of the Sun behind him casting shadows on his face, sharpens his already sharp jawline even further until it cuts into his coat's collar. Something dangerous in his expression. "Lead on, then," but he doesn't sound convinced.
And so you lead your friends to the home and earth that once nurtured your childhood, the very same that you abandoned all those years ago in favour of adventure.
You were still young. Like a child, scarrless, soft, green and new to the greater world that waited for you beyond your doorstep.
It wasn't meant to be like this, you think as you fall to your knees, taking in the grim sight before you. It's hard to tell what exactly happened, whether the homes had been raided and intentionally burned down, or if it had been a simple accident and the townspeople luckily fled somewhere safe.
How long had it been since you left home? What seemed like yesterday were many, many months for your people, and anything can happen in that time apart.
But you never expected to be returning home to a graveyard.
It wasn't meant to be like this.
"I'm sorry."
You sniffle and quickly wipe your nose with the sleeve of your shirt, choking back a bitter laugh. "Percy." He pulls his mouth into a straight line, a grimace of sorts. "You can be a thorn in my side at times, but why should you be sorry?"
He shifts his weight on his feet. "Because... because it's what people might have said to me when I was in a similar state. I'm not sure if it would ever have made me feel better, but I suppose it shows some level of... respect. Condolences. Comfort, sometimes. Or so I've heard."
He pulls his coat tighter around his torso, the bite in the air unforgiving even as you mourn for your childhood home while your knees press into dirt. You risk a glance up at his face, and his forlorn expression shatters your already broken heart. He feigns a weak smile, and ducks his chin in sympathy. "It's not for everyone, I suppose."
It's a cold comfort as your grip on the ashes of your home loosens, and slips through your fingers, like sand lost in the wind.
Percy says your name, clear and grounding, and you manage to tear your gaze from what's left of your history. "Look at me." You crane your neck to look to where he looms over your hunched form. "Home is a feeling... I know that more than anybody."
Slowly, so slowly and gentle as if caught in slow motion, he crouches down to meet your height. He appraises you for a hesitant moment, then reaches out to wipe a tear that trails down your cheek, one that you had accidentally neglected. It smears across your skin smoothly, leaving a clean line in the thin layer of dust you had acquired since the battle and trek over here.
He looks at you softly, and you nearly sob from the incredible amount of emotions you feel all at once. You grip his hand like a lifeline and press it into your face so that you can lean into the comfort he's providing, and a shudder washes over you at the warmth radiating from his glove.
Percy nudges your chin up with his free hand, and you have no choice but to meet his watery eyes.
"And you feel like home to me."
In that moment, you know you feel the same for him.
*****
[posts this and RUNS]
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