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skyloftian-nutcase · 2 years

Note

For the sickfic, what about Time and 6?

MwuahahahaHAHAHA someone took the bait YES

Y'all are about to find out about the Wild Card of Healthcare.

(Click here to read on AO3)

Warriors was the first to notice.

Approaching their leader, he asked, “Are you alright?”

Time grimaced, rubbing his flank. “Yes. Just some back pain, nothing to worry about.”

Wind gasped, his eyes wide. “Wow, you really are old.”

Four choked on his water, nearly dropping his flask, as Time smiled good naturedly, ruffling Wind’s hair. “I can still manage despite my centuries, Sailor. Let’s keep moving.”

Twilight was the next one to notice.

While patrolling in his wolf form, he could sense it, he could smell the change. Each member of the group had a distinct scent, and fluctuations in them usually gave him an inkling as to what was going on. A touch of iron indicated a probable wound, a shift in composition of sweat and breath heralded an oncoming disaster, such as when Sky had collapsed in convulsions from what he later described as Surface Sickness (and had apologized for scaring them, reluctantly admitting it was preventable if he just slowed down after being in higher altitudes for a while). So when he was patrolling and something about Time smelled different, he shifted into his Hylian form and approached his ancestor.

“Are you feeling okay?” Twilight asked softly to respect the man’s privacy. The entire group didn’t need to know if he didn’t want them to.

Rubbing his abdomen mildly, Time shrugged. “I’m fine, Rancher. Probably drank too much water.”

It was hard to drink too much water, but Twilight uneasily supposed it wasn’t impossible. Still, he didn’t like it. “Are you sure? Something’s not right.”

Time grew more serious. “What do you mean? You sense trouble in the area?”

“No, no, not like that,” Twilight said dismissively. “I mean with you.”

“I promise I’m alright,” Time said reassuringly with some affection in his tone. He put a hand on his shoulder and smiled before moving on to the front of the group.

Sky was the third to notice.

Time was being slow. He was never slow. Methodical, even paced, yes. But dragging behind like Sky would? Absolutely not.

Hovering close, but far enough to not annoy the man, Sky asked hesitantly, “Are you okay?”

Time made a motion as if he were going to reply when he suddenly remained silent. He furrowed his brow, clearing his throat, and then shook his head, rubbing his eyes tiredly. He waved Sky away carelessly, walking ahead. The Skyloftian took a hesitant step forward to follow, but he decided it would probably be better if the nagging came from someone closer to the elder. He glanced at Wild, Twilight, Wind, and Warriors, waiting to see if any of them would comment. Wind was oblivious, talking happily with Four, who was laughing, and Legend, who was listening with a small smile. Twilight and Wild were at the front, the former reeling the latter in from running off to chase some wild game.

That left Warriors.

The captain was also at the front, eyes alert for danger, not seeming to notice their leader dragging his feet towards the middle of the group.

Hyrule leaned in beside Sky. “Is the Old Man alright?”

Sky sighed. “If he’s anything like us, probably not.”

Hyrule gazed at him a moment, discerning his meaning, and then he chuckled.

After that, it didn’t matter who was observing and who wasn’t. Everyone noticed.

Time was sick. And he wasn’t talking. He was barely eating. His face was glistening with sweat.

It had become apparent that night when they’d settled and made camp, but everyone had left it alone to see if some sleep would help.

It didn’t.

“Okay, that’s enough,” the captain said as he approached Time, who was fiddling with his belongings the next morning. “Get back under the cover and get some sleep. We’ll bring you some food and water.”

Time seemed to ignore him, slowly pulling out his ocarina with trembling hands. The captain shifted his weight, and his demeanor de-escalated from commanding to concerned. He crouched down beside their leader, putting a hand on his shoulder.

“Sprite,” he said softly. “Come on, just lie down.”

Time paused at the touch, and then put the ocarina to his mouth. Warriors sighed in annoyance but didn’t do anything, letting him waste time for a little bit.

He played a brief, cheery little tune, confusing the group but also making them relax a little. Surely he couldn’t feel too bad if—

Thunder rumbled.

“What the—where did this storm come from?” Wild muttered, pulling out his slate. They were in his Hyrule, after all.

Legend shivered a little, huddling subconsciously towards Hyrule and Sky. Meanwhile, Time sighed, leaning against a tree and closing his eyes, looking a little relieved.

Warriors hesitated in trying to get him to lie down, but at least he was resting, so he let it go. Twilight corralled everyone into the cover of the trees, quickly gathering their supplies and weapons.

“The slate just says it’s going to storm for hours,” Wild said, reading his Sheikah item, bewildered. “I swear, it said it was going to be sunny today.”

“Hours?” Legend repeated, glancing out as lightning tore across the sky.

“Well, great,” Wind huffed. “This is going to be a miserable day for camping.”

“Good for hunting, though,” Wild noted. “The rain will cover our footsteps.”

“Champion, we’ve got plenty of food,” Twilight said exasperatedly.

Four looked around. “Uh, where’s the Old Man?”

Everyone whirled, facing the spot where Time had been sitting, to see nothing there.

Swearing, Warriors looked around and saw their leader stumbling through the open field, getting soaked by the rain. He stormed out after him. “What are you doing, get back here.”

Time ignored him, continuing ahead, his sword and shield on his back, even though he wasn’t wearing any of his armor.

“Why is he acting like this, anyway? It’s not like him,” Wind asked worriedly.

“Could be the fever,” Hyrule suggested. “I’ve gotten fevers and woken up in different places and couldn’t explain it sometimes. I’ve gotten in the habit of going to villages or hiding deep in caves that I’ve cleared out when I get sick because of it.”

Everyone stared at the traveler. Legend remarked, “You do know that fevers aren’t supposed to make you that delirious, right? Like if you got to that point you were really sick.”

Hyrule shrugged sheepishly. Legend groaned and buried his face in his hand.

“So he’s really sick, then?” Wind continued, looking back at Time as Warriors finally caught up to him.

Twilight put a hand on the youngest Link’s shoulder. “Maybe he’s just…”

Everyone stared at the rancher as he fumbled for a logical explanation, and then he sighed and shook his head. “Yeah, he probably is. But we’ll take care of him.”

No one could hear what the captain was shouting at Time over the pouring rain, but they could all see very clearly as he put his hand on their leader to stop him.

And they watched as Time smacked Warriors’ hand away aggressively.

Uneasiness filled the air. Everyone tensed, waiting to see what was going to happen next. Warriors was usually pretty good at de-escalating situations.

Today, however, did not fall into the usually category, as Time drew his sword all of a sudden.

“Holy shit, what the hell is he doing?!” Legend hissed as Hyrule sprang into action.

Warriors took hasty steps back, caught off guard, as Time glared fiercely at him. “Easy, Old Man, it’s me!”

Holding his hands up in a surrendering posture, Warriors maintained distance between himself and Time, trying to get him to come to his senses.

And then Hyrule came darting into view.

“Traveler, wait—!” Warriors yelled.

Time flinched at the noise and his attention immediately shot to Hyrule. Taking a large step forward, forcing Warriors to nearly fall over to move out of his path, Time swiped his sword horizontally, its length able to reach Hyrule and split his abdomen open. The traveler took a deep breath and leapt high into the air.

At this point, Twilight joined the fray, dissolving into shadow and rushing ahead as a wolf to cover more ground quickly. Sky pulled out his whip and grabbed Warriors’ shield, running towards the captain.

Hyrule came falling out of the sky, ready to land on Time and knock him down for the count, but the elder held up his shield to bash the teenager as he landed. Time side stepped to avoid crashing into Hyrule, who grunted as the shield swiped hard at his legs as he helplessly got swatted to the ground, unable to dodge midair. The traveler landed on his side in the mud, curling in as the wind got knocked out of him.

Time held his sword overhead in a finishing blow, and Warriors cried out, trying to reach the pair. Instead, Twilight got their first, snarling and leaping onto Time’s chest, knocking him flat on his back. Then the wolf whined, laying down on the elder to pin him to the ground and peeling his ears back.

Sky reached Warriors and handed him his shield just as Hyrule slowly rose, rubbing his legs with a wince. Sky slid to the ground beside the traveler. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” Hyrule grunted. “Just bruised.”

Time’s left hand scrambled for his sword, which was lying on the ground beside him, and Sky immediately drew the whip back and let it fly. It smacked the elder’s hand, and he flinched back with a hiss. Warriors quickly scurried over to grab the sword. Seeing the captain coming, Time rolled to his side, managing to counteract Twilight’s weight and knocking the wolf onto his side, pinning his four legs under Time’s torso. Twilight yelped.

“That’s it!” Wild yelled from the tree line, grabbing his bow and arrows. “This needs to stop!”

“Are you crazy, what are you doing?!” Four shouted, reaching for Wild’s arms.

“He’s right!” Wind agreed, grabbing his own weapons. “We can’t just let him hurt everybody!”

“Great,” Legend moaned, also arming himself. “This is just great. Don’t freaking kill anybody, got it?”

“Relax, I got this,” Wild said quietly as he nocked an arrow, focusing.

Meanwhile, Warriors kicked away the sword just as Time lunged for it over Twilight. The eldest Link’s hand instead snaked around the captain’s ankle and he pulled hard, making the captain stumble and lose his balance. An arrow flew through the air, pinning Time’s sleeve to the ground, but the soil was too loose from moisture, and he easily broke free.

Sky used the whip again, snapping at Time’s hand. The man yelled out, turning his attention to Sky with a furious look.

Shadows shifted around Time, and Twilight was suddenly curled into him, his arm and leg still pinned by the elder, but his left hand was free to punch the man right in the jaw.

“Snap out of it!” Twilight yelled.

Time’s face lowered once more to glare at the rancher, both eyes open. Twilight felt a chill run down his spine at the sight of the man’s blank right eye boring into him.

And then their leader relaxed, his expression shifting to concern.

Another arrow came out of nowhere and landed just beside Time’s head, and ice crystals began to spread from it an alarming rate. Time jumped, startled, and Twilight shoved him over so it wouldn’t hurt either of them. The eldest Link’s arm snaked around Twilight in an instant, pinning the rancher to his chest, and he sat up, grabbing his shield with his other arm.

“For Farore’s sake, will you stop being stupid?!” Legend yelled as he approached with Wind and Four. “It’s us, dipshit!”

“Old Man, stop it!” Twilight said, smacking the man on the collarbone. “There are no threats here!”

The blow made Time flinch, and he coughed, wincing. Hyrule and Sky grabbed Twilight under the arms and pulled him off their leader, and everyone hastily scurried a few paces back to wait and see what would happen next.

Groaning, Time held his side and slowly dragged himself into a seated position. He was gasping for air, and despite the poor lighting from the overcast and the rain, it was clear he was far, far too pale.

“Either we’re going to accidentally kill him or he’s going to kill himself from fighting,” Warriors hissed and then faced the others. “We need to finish this!”

“I’m open to suggestions that don’t involve clobbering him!” Legend snapped.

In the time they were arguing, Time lunged forward, his shield firmly gripped in his hand as he got within reach of Sky. Before anyone could react, Hyrule outflanked him and smacked him right across the skull with his own shield. Time collapsed in a heartbeat, out cold.

“Traveler, what the hell?!” Four shouted frantically, running to Time’s side. “You could have been a little gentler!”

Hyrule shriveled a little at the rebuke, but he still had fire in his eyes. “I wasn’t going to let him hurt Sky.”

Wind sank to his knees, the mud squelching beneath him. “What the fuck.”

At his words, the shock of what just happened started rippling through everyone, but Warriors shook it off. “We have to get him to a healer.”

“Yeah, since now he’s sick and injured,” Legend grumbled.

Sky put a hand on Hyrule’s shoulder, giving him a squeeze and a thankful smile, and then he rose and said, “So where should we go?”

Wild charged towards the group. “Is he okay?”

“For now,” Warriors answered. “Champion, this is your land. Where can we go to get him treatment?”

Thunder rumbled overhead, drowning out whatever noise Wild made as he considered it. Legend flinched.

“Before we’re struck by lightning, if you please,” the veteran added, the fire dying out of him quickly.

“Well, there is a stable nearby,” Wild considered. “But they don’t have much in terms of medical supplies. Zora’s Domain is half a day’s journey from here. They’re our best bet; not to mention they’ve got the best healers in Hyrule.”

“Half a day?” Wind repeated worriedly. “Is that going to be okay?”

“We don’t have a choice,” Warriors responded, crossing his arms.

Wild looked up at the clouds nervously. “Well, we should get out of this storm quickly. It’s a miracle none of us have been struck yet.”

“Struck?” Legend squeaked.

Wild nodded somberly. “Yeah. Happens a lot. I learned the hard way.”

Twilight, who had hovered at Time’s side alongside Four, sighed and pulled out his whistle. Epona came with haste, though she was clearly nervous from the weather.

“How are we going to get him up there?” Sky asked hesitantly. Time was not a small man, after all.

Legend smacked his palms together. “Relax, I got it.”

Pulling out his golden mitts, Legend easily picked up their leader, though he struggled at the sheer bulk of the man. Twilight hastily stepped forward to help, and together the two quickly got him situated on Epona. When he started to slide off the saddle, Four leapt in behind him, grabbing him around the waist.

At Twilight’s raised questioning eyebrow, Four snapped, “Well I don’t think Epona would appreciate carrying the Old Man and you, Rancher.”

“So what you’re saying is you’re tiny,” Wild snickered.

Four rolled his eyes, grumbling.

Getting in front of Epona, Twilight guided her since Four had no way of reaching around Time to get to the reins. Then he looked at Wild, who hastily took the lead.

Wind gasped. “Wait, our stuff!”

Warriors swore under his breath. “I’ll get everything.”

“I’ll help,” Sky quickly offered.

“Come on, let’s get going,” Legend interjected, shoving Wild forward. “We can’t linger out here.”

“We’ll catch up, Champion, don’t worry,” Warriors assured Wild, agreeing with Legend. “Lead on.”

As the captain and the knight rushed back to the trees where their discarded items remained, Wild started to walk ahead. He paused a moment, however, and looked at Twilight. “Rancher… you should go ahead. You think you can make it to the Domain if I give you directions? It would be best if they got notice before we arrive.”

Twilight nodded. “Good idea. Tell me where to go.”

“You shouldn’t go alone!” Four said worriedly, peeking around Time’s back.

Twilight smiled. “I’ll be alright, don’t worry, Smithy. Besides, you should all stay with the Old Man. He’ll need protecting.”

“From monsters, or himself?” Legend muttered.

Wind was ringing his hands nervously, and Hyrule looked away, eyes alert for danger.

It only took a minute or so for Twilight to be on his way, running at full speed as a wolf. The storm would hopefully keep most travelers off the road, allowing him to take the shortest and safest path. Not long after he’d departed, Sky and Warriors caught up with the rest of the group. Everyone’s weapons and metal objects were stored away, and they were on the move in no time.

The journey was blessedly uneventful, aside from the storm soaking everyone to the bone. The group walked with haste but in silence, too shaken up from what had happened and what might yet come. Halfway through the journey Four had to admit defeat at trying to keep Time situated on the saddle while unconscious, having been doing it for hours. Wind swapped out with him happily, and Four dragged his feet for a little bit, clearly worn out, until Warriors offered to carry him on his back. It was a testament to his exhaustion and stress from the day that he agreed without much argument.

The final leg of the journey was the most treacherous. Sky and Hyrule prowled ahead while Legend and Warriors watched the rear. A few monsters got in their way, but the rain helped them maintain a small semblance of stealth and sneak up on most of their enemies before they had any time to really engage.

By the time the group reached the Domain, Twilight was at the entrance in his Hylian form, awaiting their arrival alongside several Zora guards. The guards quickly assisted them with carrying Time off Epona and into the inn where a healer was waiting. Twilight happily reunited with his steed, thanking her for carrying his elder, and then checked on the others.

Despite there being space at the inn, the majority of the heroes were too worked up to settle or check on Time, knowing they’d just get in the way of the healer. They split into smaller groups and wandered. Legend, Warriors, and Four ventured into the local shop, busying themselves with resupplying for the team. Sky and Hyrule wandered to a tower in the periphery of the city, avoiding other Zoras and Hylians alike. Wind paced the entire domain so much that Wild was certain he was going to wear the soles off his boots, so he took the youngest Link to read the historical texts carved into stone near the sleeping ponds in the Domain. Twilight hovered by the cooking pot just outside the inn, unable to take his eyes off the healer as she worked.

Eventually, the storm system that had roared through finally started to settle. The band of heroes slowly meandered towards the inn, looking at Twilight for an update. Everyone was exhausted at this point and mostly beyond words.

Twilight gave a small smile. “Healer said he’ll be fine. He’s already woken up once for them, just out of it.”

As Twilight gave them the full report, Warriors wandered in first, standing over their leader and watching him silently.

Time shifted, sensing someone nearby, and slowly opened his left eye with a small moan. His head was killing him, as were his abdomen and chest. His taste buds weren’t exactly thrilled with that awful potion he’d been given, either, but that was clearly the least of his worries.

Looking around, he caught sight of the other heroes with whom he’d been traveling. They surrounded his bed, some farther away than others, and they all had a strange hesitation and timidity in their eyes.

Trying to reassure them, Time gave a small smile, sitting up a little. “There’s no need to look so forlorn, the healer already said I’d be fine.”

Palpable relief washed through the room, and everyone sighed heavily.

Satisfied, Time rubbed a tired hand over his face, shifting his focus to figuring out how in the world he ended up here. The last thing he really remembered was playing the Song of Storms to bring some cool rain in the hopes that it would help with how much he was burning up. At the time, to his addled brain, it had seemed a good idea. But they’d been in a forest when that had happened. What… ah, wait, there was something else. Something had happened… a monster horde? Some sort of threat, he knew that much. Something hadn’t felt right, and…

Time’s eye settled on the boys once more, really looking. They were all soaking wet and shivering. Hyrule, Twilight, and Warriors were covered in mud, and the traveler’s face was slightly scuffed up with small cuts. Every single one of his boys looked utterly exhausted.

Time’s chest clenched. He had a bad feeling about this. “What happened?”

Everyone shifted, looking at each other awkwardly. Time’s gaze settled on the captain, knowing he wouldn’t lie to him. Warriors sighed heavily, brushing his usually pristine hair out of his face, still dripping wet from the rain Time heard outside. “You were a little out of it, Old Man. You, uh, thought there was danger.”

Time felt his blood run cold as the truth of the matter settled heavily in his stomach. “I didn’t…”

“Yeah. You did.” Legend said flatly, crossing his arms. “You should be thankful. Traveler ended things quickly and all you got out of it was a lump on the head.”

“And a broken rib,” Four added helpfully.

“Yeah, but that was Rancher, not Traveler,” Wind noted.

Twilight bit his lip, looking at the floor.

Time didn’t know what to say. Logically, he knew that it wasn’t his fault. He’d been very ill. But he could have noticed earlier that he was sick and gotten better treatment for it. It was just that… well, it hadn’t seemed that bad. He’d honestly not really known what was wrong with himself. It wasn’t until he suddenly couldn’t speak that he’d grown worried, but by then it was too late. The confusion had settled in alongside the raging fever, and Time had lost all sense of lucidity.

Sky, reading the room as he always did, motioned to the others. “Come on. He needs to rest.”

One by one they filed out until only Warriors, Wind, Hyrule, and Twilight remained.

Hyrule hung his head a little. “I’m… sorry I hurt you.”

Time gave him his most convincing smile, filled with pride but also shame. “Don’t be. You ensured no one else was injured. I'm sorry I put all of you in that situation in the first place.”

Hyrule gave a small nod of acknowledgement and then shuffled out, and Wind immediately filled the space he’d left, eyes wide.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” he asked nervously.

Time’s heart clenched again. He felt far worse than he had before. He couldn’t believe he’d caused his boys so much pain. Swallowing, he said softly, “I promise I’m okay, Sailor.”

Warriors put a hand on the boy’s shoulder in reassurance and gave Time a small smile. “Rest up, Old Man. And hey…” here the captain locked eyes with Time, giving him a firm look that brooked no argument. “Don’t blame yourself. We know it wasn’t your fault.”

The captain didn’t give Time any moment to respond or argue the fact, guiding Wind out of the area.

That left Twilight.

Glancing at his descendant, Time saw a mixture of emotions going through the young man’s eyes. Guilt, shame, fear, relief. Time felt his shoulders droop at the sight of it. Of all the boys in the group, Twilight was the most likely to blame himself, the least likely to talk about it, and the last person Time wanted to put in this position.

Twilight took a deep breath, steeling himself. Time waited for whatever he had to say, unable to speak first.

“Did you know you were getting sick?” he asked.

Time lowered his head in shame. “I noticed, but I… wasn’t convinced it was serious until it was too late.”

There was a heavy silence that filled the room, and then Time glanced up at Twilight, saying, “I’m sorry I put you through that. All of you.”

Twilight moved as if to put a hand on Time’s shoulder, but he stopped himself. Time’s heart clenched at the sight of it. He knew everyone was likely going to be walking eggshells around him for the next couple of days. He’d have to make up for his mistake to them.

“So, the next time I say something’s wrong with you…” Twilight said firmly, trailing off with his arms crossed, waiting for an answer.

Time sighed heavily. “I’ll listen to you.”

Twilight nodded, swallowing, and hesitated again. Time shifted over in the bed, pulling the cover down and patting the mattress. The slowness in Twilight's movements betrayed his anxiety, and it took a very considerable effort on Time's part to not shrivel into oblivion right there.

Goddesses, he felt awful.

Twilight sat beside the eldest Link, and Time gently pulled him into a hug. The rancher was stiff initially, but he eventually relented and settled into the hold.

"You need to sleep," Twilight muttered into Time's tunic, trembling.

"I will," Time said, settling back on the bed and pulling Twilight down with him. "You need to as well."

Twilight said nothing, conceding the fact, and exhaled heavily as if releasing a burden he'd been carrying. It didn't take long for him to fall asleep.

It took even less time for the others to sneak back in, one by one, until Time was surrounded in the bed.

Sky and Warriors were the last to reenter, hovering in the doorway, their eyes glittering in the dark.

Time smiled at them. "I'm sure you can find someplace if the others will make room."

With Wind snuggled securely in one arm, Twilight in the other, Hyrule using his ankles as a pillow, Wild pressing his back against his legs on one side while Four did so on the other, and Legend slumped in a chair with his torso laid out on the bed and his hand gripping the elder's tunic, it would definitely be interesting for them to find space. But Time wanted to reassure them as much as the others.

Sky looked longingly at the bed and then shook his head, backing away as Warriors chuckled.

"We'll be alright, Sprite," the captain said softly. "Get some sleep."

Time felt the vestiges of his hurt from earlier sting like a needle poking into his heart, but he didn't show it. "Very well. But I'm getting you two tomorrow."

Sky and Warriors' faces warmed at that, and the two bade him a good night.

Drinking in the sight of the boys around him, Time settled and fell asleep.

#for those of you who don't know number 6 on the prompts was a UTI #the Zora have antibiotics don't question it #Hyrule woke up and chose violence that day #he saw Time acting up and getting ready to hurt the rest of his family and said NOT TODAY GANON #some UTI fun facts now #women are way way waayyy more likely to get them than men #like it's basically impossible for Time to get one lol so Dink used magic to give him a UTI Curse because that's totally a thing #you're probably thinking 'this is just fiction it isn't that bad'#LET ME TELL YOU #you're right #BUT #I've literally had patients who people thought were having strokes because UTIs made them act wacky #patients who couldn't talk all of a sudden #or who were leaning to one side like they had deficits #confused for no reason #or nauseous and throwing up all thetime #or on death's door and freaking knocking #UTIs are the wild card of medicine BUT #if you get one don't freak out #just take your antibiotics #they're only problematic in a few different circumstances; as a whole they're not a big deal #it's just when they go wrong they GO WRONG #anyway I'm done info dumping on medical stuff for sicktember #writing #ask game #writing prompt #linkeduniverse #linked universe #lu time #lovely anon

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transmascwillbyers · 2 years

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my dad: ugh, i hate mike wheeler so much. he's such a poorly written character. he's a total asshole to everyone around him for no reason, he's pushed away his best friend for no reason, and he can't say i love you to his girlfriend for no reason. the way his arc was handled in the past two seasons makes no sense. and finn wolfhard's a terrible actor. half the choices he makes don't make sense, and half of his choices just feel cringy and forced, ESPECIALLY in his scenes with eleven. don't even get me started on the monologue. mike wheeler sucks.

me: you know, maybe he actually likes boys. that would explain almost everything you just said.

...

my dad: nah, dude. he's just really Bad At Feelings because he's a teenage boy

#byler #no joke he actually pretty much said this #ugh the subtle homophobia #also maybe teenage boys are sometimes Bad At Feelings irl #but... mike wheeler is a fictional character and just having him be an asshole because it's realistic is horrible writing #how do you even resolve an arc like that anyway?#istg half the people who say this are homophobes and half just don't understand storytelling #meanwhile my dad is both #i apologize for the rant #i think i woke up and chose violence today #but anyway #mike wheeler i know what you are #the entire byler tag knows #*evil gay cackling*

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fxllfaiiry · 1 year

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⋆ ˚｡⋆୨ 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐲, 𝐣𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐬𝐲 ୧⋆ ˚｡⋆

pairing: charles leclerc x fem!reader

summary: the internet ships you with everyone expect your boyfriend. driver!reader

warnings: swearing. this is one is a little bit long 🫣

notes: requested ─ yes. don't think I'll be posting much this week as I'm pretty busy, but will definitely try to <33

liked by landonorris, danielricciardo and 799,135 others

tagged maxverstappen1

y/n.jpg we <3 cats in this house

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maxverstappen1 yes we do!!

usercloud finally some max and y/n content 😌

spookyszn I ship them, okay??

cottonsainz cat parents <33

verstappen_l/n I really hope they are together 😭

y/n.jpg added to their story !

liked by estebanocon, carlossainz55 and 1,678,952 others

yourusername 📷🌱🍓

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user222 WHO IS THAT??

ynsmybeloved maybe it's esteban, he liked??

sainzchilli is that charles?

rain4life_ no, they aren't even friends lol

usergasly but it could be tho?? they used to be pretty close

onlyhereforher that's gasley for sure ✨

user88 who stole my wife's heart???

liked by pierregasly, maxverstappen1 and 7,256,249 others

tagged yourusername

charles_leclerc mine and only mine 💞

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yourusername jealous much 🙄

charles_leclerc yes :((

yourusername noo, baby I was only joking, I'm only yours, I promise

loverofmany wtf is happening rn?? 😭

comaicsainz so we all feel stupid right 🤡

landonorris stop being horny and jealous, jeez.

charles_leclerc um... no

carrots_mick charles woke up and chose violence 🥰

pierregasly I have seen too much 😭

yourusername maybe knock first then 👍

musicalhigh_ pierre has seen things ✨

thea178 *sips tea*

leclerc_sainz brb, gonna go take a nap on the highway 😘

catscars_ so they've been together for three years 😶... okay, bro, okay

omgshesinsane charles decided to give everyone a heart attack <3

tokiss_incars how much did charles pay y/n to date him?

jezohjez bro got more rizz than me

charleshair. _ why and how did some random red car guy steal my wife of 4 years??

norrisricciardo I hope charles knows he caused a lot of chaos today 🫠

starjones me after seeing this: throws my phone out the window

djatsonlyatm rue, when was this?

#🩹 — my works ⌇ ་ ˖ ˚₊·#charles leclerc #charles leclerc instagram au #charles leclerc x reader #charles leclerc smut #charles leclerc fluff #f1 #f1 social media au #f1 instagram au #f1 x reader #f1 x you #charles leclerc drabble #ferrari

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cieloclercs · 8 months

Note

congrats on your 1K you deserve it‼️‼️

when you have the time could you write for lewis hamilton + nepo!reader ( male or female ) who is an actress / actor?

king of my heart — lewis hamilton

pairing. lewis hamilton x nepo baby!actress!reader

genre. social media au

face claim. gigi hadid

warnings. mentions of age gap, swearing, some online hate, lewis and reader are literally the hottest couple ever, daniel lowkey trolling lando, sex jokes ??, mixed up met gala years sorryyyy, some inaccuracies with race outcomes shshsh

author’s note. hello anon! thank you for being my first request for my 1k event 🥰 i wasn’t sure if you wanted an imagine style thing or not so i’ve gone for a social media au. hope that’s ok ! if not just let me know and i can redo this for you <3

liked by kaiagerber and 4,739,725 others

yourusername when he takes you on a romantic getaway to a private beach island after being away for a month 🥹🥹 lewishamilton i love u bby 💕

view all comments…

lewishamilton Only the best for my Queen 🤍

yourusername 😘😘

username stopppp they’re so adorable 😭😭

username WHEN IS IT MY TURN

danielricciardo get yourself a man who’ll spoil you even though you literally have a higher net worth than him 🤩🤩🤩

yourusername i highly recommend it x

username danielricciardo you looking for a sugar daddy? 👀

danielricciardo why you offering? 😏

username DANNY WTF 😭

landonorris me and who? 👀

danielricciardo your right hand

landonorris wow

username what is in the air in australia today 😭

username sis is winning at life 😔

username wdym lewis is the one who should count himself lucky 🤷‍♀️

username bc his girlfriend’s a nepo baby who’s never worked a day in her life? don’t think so but ok 😂😂

username WOAH WOAH WOAH

username you come for y/n you’ll have to get through ME FIRST BITCH 🔪🔪🔪

username girlie woke up and chose violence yeesh

username you did not just claim an OSCAR WINNING ACTRESS have never worked a day in her life oh my god 😭

*lewishamilton liked this comment

username embarrassing 😳

*lewishamilton liked this comment

username lewis out here defending y/n from the haters 🥹 where can i find a man like that??

zendaya the cutest couple 😍

yourusername thank you my love 😘

tomholland2013 ?? 🤨

yourusername 😐🖕

username team y/ndaya button >>>

*zendaya, yourusername and 5,736 others liked this comment

lilymhe oooh la laaa 😍😍

yourusername my girl 😚

username imagine being able to say you’re dating THE y/n y/l/n i’d never fucking shut up about it

username it’s a good job lewis doesn’t shut up about it then 😭

liked by yourusername and 59,136 others

themetgalaofficial This year’s hottest couple, award-winning actress Y/N Y/L/N and seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, Sir Lewis Hamilton, grace the Met Gala red carpet 🤍

username she’s everything. he’s just ken.

username you did not just call LEWIS HAMILTON ‘just ken’ 😭

username she doesn’t deserve him 🤢🤢

username seriously what does he see in her?? she’s completely talentless. the only reason she’s managed to land ANY acting job is because of her father. she’s a fucking fraud. 🙄

username no need for the negativity honey, lewis still isn’t going to fuck you x

*yourusername liked this comment

username SHE DID NOT 😭😭 WHAT AN ICON

username omg y/n looks like a goddess 😍 and lewis is there too i guess…

username fucking nepo baby. fuck off and blow daddy’s money somewhere else u whore 🖕🖕

username i smell jealousy…

username 😂😂 what’s there to be jealous of?

username maybe the fact that y/n is a thousand times richer and more successful than you will ever be OF HER OWN MERIT…oh and the fact she’s fucking lewis hamilton every night, which you so clearly want to do from the BLATANT jealousy your comments reek of 😘

username ATE AND LEFT NO CRUMBS

username ma’am, you dropped this 👑

username SAY IT LOUDER FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK 🎤🎤

username oh, y/n’s stylist has outdone herself with this one 🤩

username MOM AND DAD

username they’re so 😩😩😩

username i want them both so bad 🫠

username who’s the arm candy in this relationship? 🤔

username i’d say y/n because she’s prettiest…but lewis. it’s definitely lewis.

*yourusername liked this comment

username somehow i just know she walks him like a DOG

yourusername thank you for having us ☺️🤍

themetgalaofficial It’s our pleasure 🤩

username yourusername HEY QUEEN

username even the met gala is an y/n fan

*themetgalaofficial liked this comment

liked by yourusername and 7,241,936 others

tagged: yourusername

lewishamilton The happiest 4 years with my Queen 🤍 Here’s to forever x

view all comments…

yourusername the last picture was uncalled for 🥲

yourusername but i love you with everything that i have to give, my champion ❤️

lewishamilton I’m the luckiest man on earth to call you mine 😘

landonorris this is the sappiest shit i’ve ever read.

yourusername stay salty, lando 😚

danielricciardo landonorris it’s ok, mate, we know you’re doomed to be single for life. here if you ever want to talk x

yourusername danny 😭

landonorris ouch.

username SCREAMING CRYING THROWING UP WHEN IS IT MY TURN

username they’re so in love it makes my heart hurt

username the third picture is proof Y/N WALKS HIM LIKE FUCKING ROSCOE 😭😭

username ok but WHENS THE PROPOSAL COMING???

username lewishamilton WHEN??

mercedesamgf1 Happy anniversary to our golden couple 🤩

yourusername thank you admin! 🤍 can’t wait to see you in singapore x

mercedesamgf1 We’re looking forward to it 🫶

username i still don’t like y/n but…this is kind of cute

username now that’s character development 👏

username glad you’ve finally realised !!

zendaya happy anniversary, my loves 😍

yourusername thank you sweetie 😘 come visit soon !

sebastianvettel Happy anniversary! 🤍

lewishamilton ❤️

username omg seb interacting on instagram? what is this parallel universe 🫨

username yourusername lewishamilton YOU GUYS LOOKING FOR A DOG BC I CAN BARK

username girl wtf 😭

username when they have kids they’re gonna be the ultimate milf and dilf 🤩

username STOP i need dilf lewis rn 😭

username MY FAVOURITE COUPLE I LOVE YOUUUU 💕

username it literally feels like yesterday that they first got together 😭

username i knowwww how has it been four years already?

username i want what they have 🥹🫶

liked by lewishamilton and 10,256,947 others

tagged: lewishamilton

yourusername king of my heart 👑

…

lewishamilton 🤍🤍

comments on this post have been limited.

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lovrsm · 4 months

Text

ɢᴏʀɢᴇᴏᴜꜱ

sum: The story from media pov for the GORGEOUS writingg, I had so much fun making these! let me know if you want part two ad Happy New Years Day!

pairing: charles leclerc x singer!reader

warning: gossip and typos🫨

Media AU

Spotify - Apple Music

ᴍᴀɪɴ ᴍᴀꜱᴛᴇʀʟɪꜱᴛ

ᴘᴀʀᴛ ɪ - ᴘᴀʀᴛ ɪɪ - ᴍᴇᴅɪᴀ ᴀᴜ

y/n_norris

Liked by landonorris and 729,405 others

y/n_norris Took you long enough, not trying to call you all blind but… I definitely am😛🫨

view all 895 comments

y/n.fan not her laughing at us fools 😭

user92 did she just called us blind?😦

user892 I mean… she’s not wrong 🤷‍♂️

F1 That was quite a surprise 😅

norris.wow YOU DIDNT KNOW EITHER?

F1 Trust us, none of us did.

landonorris 😈

user1943 Lando woke up and chose violence today

user88 He surely did.

October 12 2020

landonorris

Liked by y/n_norris, charles_leclerc and 203,042 others

landonorris Everyone knows the oldest is the hottest. Sorry peanut🤗

View all 4 comments (restriction)

y/n_norris Mum was not happy seeing the caption

landonorris just saying facts

y/n_norris you know lying is wrong, Lando 😞

landonorris 🙄

October 12 2020

y/n_norris

Liked by F1 , landonorris and 579,901 others

y/n_norris 🥳

tagged landonorris & francisca.cgomes

View all 8,902 comments

francisca.cgomes 💃 ❤️

y/n_norris 💗

user829 manifestation came quickly

user103 I DID IT. No need to thank me guys🤭

landonorris don’t steal my friends 😭

pierregasly Dont steal my girlfriend 🥲

francisca.cgomes Late

y/n_norris Late

December 1 2020

y/n_norris

Liked by charles_leclerc, francisca.cgomes, landonorris and 689,0821 others

y/n_norris …so it goes like this, you ask I provide, I don’t think any of you are ready, or are you? 🖤

view all 18,028 comments

charles_leclerc can’t wait to know!

liked by the creator

user91 PLEASE LET ME KNOW THAT I’M NOT THE ONLY ONE READING THIS. HUH?!? HUUUH?!!

user819 No one pinch me. Let me live here. 🤫

user10 IS THIS HAPPENING?!?!😧😧😧 AND Y/N LIKED🤯🤯

landonorris NO EXPLANATION…🫨

liked by creator

user301 I love this duo fr😭🫶

user182 Lando tell me whats going on I don’t understand🤥

user76 TF do you mean charles leclerc knows what is happening. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN?!

user23 they’re in love (manifesting)

user35 PLEASE. 😩😩

January 19 2021

y/n_norris

Liked by charles_leclerc, landonorris, F1, scuderiaferrari, redbullracing and 1,017,921 others

y/n_norris I’ll stop playing with you guys, I love seeing how freaked out you are about my posts. Anyway, Reputation out June 16! With all of our love and dedication…🖤

tagged jackantanoff

view all 2,838 comments

user39 not @charles_leclerc liking the second this comes out😭 please HAHA

jackantanoff it was more than a pleasure working with you two!🔥

liked by creator

y/n_norris hope we see you again😉

charles_leclerc 🔥🔥

user189 THE FUCK DO YOU MEAN JACK?! YOU MEAN Y/N AND CHARLES?!?!! I am screaming right now holy shit.

user810 HUH, HUH?!?! WHAT DID I MISS.

user298 Charles is a master at piano, I just know that´s what this means

liked by creator

user09 y/n just gave you a like, I’m a 100% sure you’re right.

user76 Any of you notices lando gave us spoilers? “no explanation…🫨

user5 HE IS A MASTERMIND (tell me you got it 😔)

charles_leclerc 🖤

liked by creator

scuderiaferrari Can’t wait to hear this!

redbullracing Same here 👈

mclaren she’s with us, remember?

mercedesamgf1 we will need much more speakers, we are listening to this 🔝

scuderiaferradi yk maroon is just another tone of red, right? (y/n please, we loveee you)

F1 Signing y/n to do a show at this point 😇

lewishamilton please do🙏

liked by creator

maxverstappen1 y/n, when are we doing a duet? P would love it.

y/n_norris anything for P!🫶

carlossainz55 I can sing like maria carey, just throwing that out there…

liked by creator

user819 I just love every single F1 interaction here.🥺

April 16 2021

jackantanoff

liked by charles_leclerc, y/n_norris, sabrinacarpenter and 298,920 others

jackantanoff it was a pleasure working (and thirdweeling) with you two, this 4 months have been absolutely crazy, and I hope this isn’t the end of our journey😤🖤🔥

tagged charles_leclerc & y/n_norris

view all 1,182 comments

charles_leclerc amazing work pal, thank you for everything! 🔥

liked by creator

y/n_norris we love you jack, thank you for supporting and having with us this crazy adventure 🫶

jackantanoff you still have to pay my therapy, those lyrics MEAN something and I was mostly there for it. I can’t unsee what I have seen.

user10 NUH UH, JACK HARD LAUNCHING AND HAVING TRAUMA BECAUSE OF THESE TWO?! 💀💀 dying.

user93 Jack knows what to give to the people, we LOVE you Jack, thank you for these pictures 😊

liked by creator

user46 I'm confused, what did Charles do? Play the piano or f- and be the muse of y/n

y/n_norris BOTH. (All the background piano was recorded by Charlie, he did an amazing job!)

user87 This is so cute, UGH

June 20 2022

charles_leclerc

liked by jackantanoff, y/n_norris, vancityreynolds, blakelively, lewishamilton and 982,039 others

charles_leclerc thank you @jackantanoff, the soft launch is now ruined. Anyhow, look at this GORGEOUS woman I get to call mine❤️ Je t'aime, ma princesse, ma seule et unique.

tagged y/n_norris

y/n_norris ❤️❤️❤️

vancityreynolds y/n, he wrote you a whole ass paragraph and you just wrote this? Disappointed 😔

charles_leclerc DID YOU JUST COMMENT ON MY POST?!😨 y/n I’m freaking out.

y/n_norris sorry DAD🙄, just reminding you I wrote a whole album abt him. Charles is kindly asking when are we going out together? (I need to see @blakelivley)

blakelivley see you in a few days you lovebirds 😉

user991 HAHAHA charles freaking out abt Blake and Ryan commenting is so real🤓🤓

landonorris 🎶there is always a duo in a trio🎶 and, y/n EW THE SONGS?!

y/n_norris Grow up lando 😤

landonorris I don’t need to hear how good Charles is in bed, E. W. 🤢🤕

charles_leclerc sorry mate😅😅

user918 💀

PART TWO?!?!

Taglist

@delicatepeanutsublime @leclercera16 @ironspdy @architect-2015 @buendiabebeta @zlut1r

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dee-writes-smut · 16 days

Text

SPRING

FEATURING Azriel x Illyrian!reader

SUMMARY on a mission to discuss peace negotiations with the Illyrians, you find yourself in a tricky spot without your best friend. (part two is up)

CONTENT WARNINGS descriptions of injuries, pain, torture, depression, and misogyny. This one is dark, please ensure you are feeling comfortable and safe.

AUTHORS NOTE today I woke up and chose violence apparently. This fic is unbelievably long and It's been a while, so I thought I would appease you while I continue to work on the second part of the mark fic. I hope you all enjoy. <3

In the gentle embrace of spring, as nature stirred from its winter slumber, the world seemed to come alive in a symphony of sights and sounds. The air grew lively with vibrant colors of blossoming trees, their delicate leaves unfurling, whispering hope upon the wind. Each leaf and flower, each insect and animal all seeming to dance in the sunlight and bask in new chances of growth. It was truly a testament to beauty and resilience, to life.

But, amidst the beauty of renewal, there lingered a sense of sorrow, a deep heaviness that hung in the air like a dark cloud just breaching above the horizon. Spring had brough not only the promise of new beginnings, but a painful reminder for all that had been lost and forgotten. And as rain fell softly upon the earth, calling to mother nature to gift the soil with fertility, memories of pain consumed you. The gentle patter of raindrops against the earth did not serve to remind you of new beginnings, but set a somber soundtrack in your thoughts, a melancholy melody that echoed the ache you felt in your heart.

As pollen filled the air, coloring the wind and triggering allergies that left you sneezing and sniffling, you couldn't help but feel trapped within the confines of your own sorrow, isolated from the prospering world around you. Vibrant colors and sweet scents did nothing to comfort, rather building a prison of sorts, confining you to the memories of the person you once were, of the life you used to lead.

(Springtime, The Illyrian Mountains)

As you and Azriel ventured into the heart of the Illyrian steeps on a mission, the harsh terrain mirrored the cold, hardened demeanor of its inhabitants. The people of this unforgiving land, with their anger and hostility, were the only semblance of family you had ever known. Yet, their begrudging tolerance of your existence only fueled the resentment that simmered within you. How could you ever understand a people who would dare to strip you of your wings, your very essence of freedom, as a cruel display of dominance and worthlessness?

"Interesting how Rhys sends the two of us, who would sooner see the Illyrians burn, for peace negotiations," you remarked with a bitter chuckle, nudging Azriel to draw him from his thoughts. Azriel, your closest friend for three centuries, had become a steadfast companion since that fateful night when you first crossed paths with Mor at Rita's. Though the details of that encounter remained a blur, the bond forged between you and Azriel stood firm.

"Cass is stuck with Nesta. She’s been feeling off lately, she senses something stirring, but isn’t sure what. Elain shared her sentiments," Azriel grumbled, his countenance slipping into the stoic mask of the shadowsinger, overshadowing his gentle and kind-hearted nature that was generally reserved for you and the rest of your chosen family.

"So, Rhys sent the only other two Illyrians he knows. How convenient for us," you retorted, your wings instinctively folding in close as you navigated the lifeless streets of the Illyrian camp. By now, they had learned better than to challenge your presence for too long.

"Just stick close," Azriel advised, his voice tinged with caution. “There are still many men who wish to see you wingless and under their influence.”

You rolled your eyes and let out an exasperated huff but nodded in agreement. "Stubborn bastards," you muttered under your breath.

In hindsight, perhaps openly disparaging them while walking through their camp wasn't the wisest choice. But they were well aware of your disdain for them, just as you knew the depths of their animosity towards you. They had cast you out like prey when you were just a child, and you had since made it your life's mission to rise above them in every way possible. The mere thought of your superiority grated on them to no end, and you reveled in it.

Azriel chuckled softly, a wry smile playing at the corners of his lips. He nudged you back in the side as you approached Lord Devlon’s home, the both of you sharing a sullen look of understanding before Azriel knocked.

The response was immediate, Lord Devlon swinging the door open with a scowl that mirrored Azriel's own grim expression. "I don't care that you force us to let our women keep their wings," he spat, his tone dripping with disdain, "but I will not negotiate with one. Especially her."

Azriel's growl rumbled deep in his chest, his frustration simmering just beneath the surface. "I don’t give a fuck about your preferences," he snapped, his voice laced with barely restrained anger.

You sighed, your wings flaring behind you in agitation as you shot a withering glare at Devlon. Barely missing Azriel's own, which mirrored your movements, his solidarity unwavering.

Turning to Azriel, you spoke with a sense of resignation. "Go on. I'll catch up with Emerie and a few others."

Though reluctant to part ways, Azriel relented, “Fine,” he growled, knocking his forehead gently against yours. It was a gesture you both shared, a silent reassurance that you were never truly alone in the face of adversity. With a nod of encouragement, you turned and walked off Devlon’s steps, making your way back into town to seek solace in the company of the only Illyrian, aside from your bat boys, whom you found more than tolerable.

After sharing a drink with Emerie and catching up for a few hours, you felt a tug of responsibility urging you to check in on Devlon and Azriel. Yet, deep down, a part of you secretly hoped that Azriel had taken matters into his own hands and dealt with the pompous leader once and for all, though you dared not voice such thoughts aloud.

As you stepped outside, the tranquility of spring in the mountains enveloped you like a comforting embrace. The harsh winds of winter had given way to a gentle, cool breeze that whispered through the trees, carrying with it the promise of warmer days ahead. It was a peaceful scene, if one could ignore the harsh realities of life in this unforgiving land, and the unspeakable horrors inflicted upon its women.

You closed your eyes for a moment, allowing yourself to bask in the crisp, cool air, a stark contrast to the warmer weather of Velaris. But before you could fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of the moment, they struck.

It happened so quickly, the ambush catching you off guard. Before you could react, a blow to the back of your head sent you reeling, darkness descending upon you like a heavy shroud. In the blink of an eye, consciousness slipped away, leaving you vulnerable and defenseless against the unknown assailants. If you had had the chance to process the situation, perhaps embarrassment would have crept in at being caught off guard so easily. But the darkness of unconsciousness claimed you swiftly, dragging you down into its depths before you could even muster a response.

"Wake up, whore," a voice hissed in your ear, jolting you from the haze of unconsciousness. Your heart pounded in your chest as you struggled to make sense of your surroundings, the harshness of the voice sending a shiver down your spine. Blinking against the darkness that enveloped you, you felt a heavy weight pressing down upon your head—a bag, thick and suffocating, that obscured your vision and when you moved—thrashed— against the seat you were in, you quickly realized that you were bound.

Shit.

The bag over your head muffled your senses, leaving you completely disoriented and vulnerable to your captors. Panic surged through you at this revelation, causing a sudden spark of energy to send you thrashing against your restraints, deep realization sinking in your stomach with sickening dread.

The voice that had startled you awake, one that sounded awfully familiar, chuckled darkly, a deep, cruel sound that sent shivers cascading down your spine. “No need to struggle, sweetheart,” he mocked, “you’re not going anywhere.”

Your heart hammered against your chest as you strained to make sense of your surroundings, to recognize even the slightest detail, but all you could make out was the stench of damp earth and mildew. Fear clawed its way down your throat, leaving deep gauges as you tried to keep your composure, to get out of this place, this nightmare, before it was too late.

“Where am I?” You growled, your voice heavy with defiance as you demanded your location, only a slight lilt of fear made its way past your throat.

“You're not the one making demands here,” he sneered, tone dripping with pure malice. He must have been an Illyrian. No one else would have the gall to try something like this, either too afraid of you, or too afraid of Azriel’s wrath. Just the thought of him filled you with a desperate longing, a flicker of hope amidst the darkness that threatened to consume you.

As you struggled to piece together your next move, the sound of footsteps approached, echoing ominously in the darkness. You braced yourself for what was to come, steeling your resolve to survive whatever horrors awaited you.

The bag was roughly pulled from your head, and you blinked against the sudden onslaught of light, squinting to make out the figure before you. As your vision cleared, you found yourself face to face with your captor, Lyris, who you used to train with as a kid, his eyes cold and calculating as he loomed over you with a wicked grin.

As the realization of your fate settled like a heavy stone in your chest, Lyris approached, his steps deliberate and purposeful. He wielded a gleaming dagger in his hand, the cold metal glinting in the dim light of the chamber. Your heart hammered in your chest as fear gripped you like a vice, every instinct screaming at you to fight, to flee, but the chains binding you rendered you helpless.

With a cruel smirk, Lyris loomed over you, his eyes alight with sadistic delight. "Time to finally take what's mine, what those bastard whoresons took from me so many years ago," he sneered, the dagger poised menacingly in his grasp.

Your breath caught in your throat as the blade descended, slicing through the air with a sickening sound that made your blood run cold. You squeezed your eyes shut, bracing yourself for the searing pain that was sure to follow.

The first cut came swift and merciless, a sharp agony tearing through your being as the blade bit into your flesh. A strangled cry tore from your lips, the sound echoing off the walls of the chamber as your world exploded into a whirlwind of pain and terror.

“Look at these pretty wings,” Lyris hummed, his voice filled with the rasp of adrenaline. “I cannot wait to hang them on the wall of our home. To keep you quiet, pliant, and filled with my children; as you should have been from the start.” His voice, one you used to cherish, one that reminded you of the little boy who would sneak away to help you, to train you against the backs of his mentors, was now torture.

But the torment did not end there. With ruthless precision, Lyris continued to wield his blade, each stroke bringing fresh waves of agony that threatened to consume you whole. You writhed and thrashed against your restraints; your cries of anguish lost in the darkness of the chamber. Through tear-blurred vision, you caught a glimpse of your wings, once symbols of freedom and strength, now mangled, bloodied and broken beyond recognition. Hot tears streamed down your cheeks as you watched helplessly, the realization of your loss hitting you like a physical blow.

And as the last remnants of your wings fell away, severed and discarded like worthless scraps of flesh, a hollow emptiness settled in the pit of your stomach. You were no longer whole, no longer the person you once were. You had been robbed of your identity, your essence, and in their place remained only the cruel scars of your torment.

In the oppressive darkness of your captivity, each passing moment stretched into an eternity, the weight of your mutilation a relentless burden threatening to crush not just your body, but your very spirit. Bound and helpless, you lay upon the cold stone floor, every breath a labored struggle against the suffocating silence that surrounded you. The air itself felt heavy with despair, pressing down upon you like a suffocating blanket, leaving you gasping for air, for relief, for any semblance of hope.

Your limbs, once strong and nimble, now felt heavy and leaden, shackled by chains that dug into your flesh with cruel insistence, leaving angry welts in their wake. Each movement sent a jolt of searing pain shooting through your battered body, a constant reminder of the brutality you had endured.

Amidst the shadows that danced like malevolent phantoms in the night, a soft rustle of wings broke through the oppressive stillness, the whisper of shadows weaving through the air like an ancient, mournful melody. Your heart surged in your chest as a familiar presence enveloped the room, a warmth that banished the icy chill that had settled deep within your bones, offering a glimmer of solace in the midst of the suffocating darkness.

Azriel.

With a grace honed by centuries of training, Azriel moved with silent determination, his movements a symphony of lethal precision and raw emotion. Each step he took seemed to reverberate through the chamber, echoing the pounding of your heart as he closed in on your captors, his eyes burning with a fierce determination that bordered on desperation.

The sound of steel meeting flesh rang out like a mournful dirge, punctuated by the anguished cries of your assailants as they fell before Azriel's relentless onslaught, their tormentors becoming the tormented. The room erupted into chaos, the air thick with the scent of blood and sweat as Azriel moved with a fluidity that bordered on otherworldly, his wings unfurling like a dark, protective cloak as he danced amidst the shadows. It was a sight to behold, a dance of death performed with a grace and precision that belied the brutality of its execution, a testament to the depth of his devotion and the strength of his love.

Through the haze of pain and fear, a surge of gratitude washed over you, a profound sense of relief that threatened to overwhelm your senses. As Azriel approached, his hand outstretched in silent invitation, you reached out to him, your fingers trembling with exhaustion and relief, your heart overflowing with a love and gratitude that defied words. In that moment, as his steady presence enveloped you, you knew that you were not alone in the darkness.

“Gods, what did they do to you,” Azriel breathed, his own hands shaking as he helped you to your feet, the weight of your brokenness heavy in his arms. You swayed unsteadily, a marionette with severed strings, before collapsing against him, the pain of your loss too great to bear alone.

“Did-” You are cut off by a hiss of pain, the sharp intake of breath a dagger through your chest. You took a moment to collect yourself, the darkness at the edges of your vision threatening to engulf you. Azriel, a bastion of strength in the storm, gently guided you to the cold stone floor, his touch a lifeline in the suffocating darkness. “Did you kill him?” you managed to choke out, the words heavy with desperation and fear, each syllable a struggle against the encroaching oblivion.

“Who?” Azriel's voice was a low rumble, his grip on your hand grounding you in the present moment, a beacon of stability amidst the chaos that threatened to consume you both. Outside the confines of your enclosure, the sounds of chaos echoed in the air, a symphony of violence and retribution made in your honor.

“Lyris. Did you kill him?” Your voice wavered, the weight of your words a burden too heavy to bear alone. You felt lightheaded, the loss of blood draining your strength with each passing moment.

“Lyris? He was here?” Azirel's growl reverberated in the cavernous space, a primal sound that sent shivers down your spine. He was the only one you confided in about your history with the Illyrian male, the scars of your past laid bare before him.

You sniffled and sobbed, the floodgates of grief finally breaking as you allowed yourself to mourn the loss of your wings in the safety of Azriel’s presence. His arms wrapped around you, a shield against the storm raging within you, offering solace in the face of unspeakable loss.

“My wings?” you asked through sobs, the words a whisper against the backdrop of your anguish.

“Not here.” He whispered mournfully, his voice a lament for all that had been taken from you. You felt yourself deflate further, the realization settling like a heavy stone in the pit of your stomach. Your once friend, now tormentor, had escaped with the remnants of your shattered dreams, leaving you broken and bereft in his wake.

In the aftermath of your rescue, the pain that gnawed at your soul was not just physical but a deep, unrelenting ache that seemed to permeate every fiber of your being. With each labored breath, you felt the absence of your wings like a gaping wound, a constant reminder of the brutality inflicted upon you.

As Azriel guided you through the darkness, his presence a flickering candle in the void, you stumbled and faltered, your body racked with tremors of agony. Each step sent shards of pain shooting through your mutilated form, a relentless onslaught that threatened to consume you whole.

The absence of your wings was not just a physical loss but a spiritual one, a cruel reminder of all that had been taken from you. Once a symbol of freedom and strength, they were now nothing more than cruel stumps, a mockery of what once was. With each beat of your heart, the pain pulsed like a funeral dirge, a haunting melody that echoed through the caverns of your soul. You longed to scream, to rage against the injustice of it all, but the darkness of your despair swallowed your cries before they could escape your lips.

And through it all, Azriel remained by your side, his presence a silent witness to your suffering. But even his steady presence could not chase away the shadows that threatened to consume you, leaving you adrift in a sea of despair.

As you emerged into the cool embrace of freedom, blinking against the harsh light of day, you felt a sense of emptiness wash over you—a hollow void that seemed to stretch on for eternity. The road ahead loomed dark and uncertain, a twisting labyrinth of pain and sorrow that threatened to swallow you whole.

[NEXT]

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idyllic-affections · 9 months

Note

i’m thinking about kaveh first dropping off his kid in ghandarva ville. he did a good job explaining to them that he’ll be back before they know it and that he’ll alway be there for them. before he leaves he feels little hands clutching onto his leg as they just whisper “you promise you’re gonna come back? you won’t leave me, right? you promise you won’t leave me?”

i'll be back.

summary. kaveh finds the strength to leave his child in gandharva ville.

trigger & content warnings. fear of abandonment, references to kaveh's backstory.

tropes, pairings, fic length, & other notes. comfort, soft angst. adoptive dad!kaveh & child!reader. 0.9k words. they/them pronouns for reader.

author's thoughts. wow you just woke up today and chose gentle violence huh anon /LH i love soft angst. hard angst? yeah, it definitely hurts, but soft angst like this? idk. it hits different sometimes!!!

kaveh did not want to resort to this. he didn't.

the architect truly, sincerely had tried his very best to think of any alternate solutions—maybe he could convince alhaitham to give [name] a chance? no, caring for a child he impulsively decided to pick up off the streets isn't his roommate's responsibility and it really never would be unless the scribe himself decided to take it on, but some people have spontaneous changes of heart! why would alhaitham be any different?

(unfortunately, said man was not going to budge anytime soon. a child would disrupt the comfortable life he had put so much effort into building. kaveh had no choice but to accept that fact. well, really, he knew from the beginning! he was just hoping alhaitham might change.)

in the end, he managed to come up with nothing. he could not think of a single good or attainable option that would allow him to keep them. as much as he hated to admit it, only alhaitham's solution was a viable and reasonable one.

so, here he is, standing in front of tighnari's home in gandharva ville motionlessly with his child held securely in his arms. there were no words in any language that kaveh knew of that could describe what he was feeling. he wordlessly rubs soothing circles on their back.

the silence is impossibly loud.

tighnari does not rush him. he does not so much as even think of complaining. he simply waits quietly with collei at his side, the girl bouncing on her heels slightly in a nervous fidget. she wants to be a good caretaker to [name]; tighnari knows the prospect alone of having to care for them is making her nervous.

kaveh's slightly wavering voice finally breaks the silence:

"you know why i have to leave you here, right?"

they nod quietly, little hands clenched in fists raising up to rub at their watery eyes with their palms—they hope it looks like they're tired and not like they're about to cry, which they are. they hope he doesn't know they're about to cry. they hope he just thinks they're tired from the long journey. they hope he doesn't know the truth.

kaveh knows, of course.

he doesn't say anything about it, though, and only tries to swallow back his own emotions. he tries his best to repress the nauseous feeling stirring in his gut. he tries his best to repress the crawling of his skin. he tries his best to repress the thoughts that this is so impossibly wrong, so impossibly cruel of him.

he hasn't known this child for long, but...

he felt like he was abandoning them.

he felt like he was abandoning his flesh and blood.

absentmindedly, kaveh wondered if this was how his mother felt when she left to fontaine. he hopes not. this feeling is vile. he wouldn't wish it upon his worst enemy.

"and you also know that i'm going to come back all the time to see you, right? and i'm always going to be here if you need me?"

their voice cracks slightly. "yeah."

it's not at all that kaveh doesn't trust tighnari and collei; he does, and he knows they'll take good care of [name], but... still. he wants to be the one taking care of them. he wants to keep them.

he can't.

kaveh then kneels down, and their heart sinks in to the pit of their stomach, despite the fact that they already knew this was inevitably going to happen. just as they dreaded, he sets them down onto their own two feet.

they're reluctant to release their tiny grip from his shirt, but they do so regardless of their hesitance. a slight whimper rises in their throat when kaveh's warmth is gone from them.

kaveh hasn't ever really had to comfort children before.

he's... not sure what to do from here, quite frankly, so he does the first thing that comes to mind.

he leans forward, pressing the smallest, most hesitant of kisses to the crown of their head.

then, he stands up.

he doesn't get very far before one of their little hands is clutching his pant leg, and he inhales sharply, turning back to face them. "[name]..."

kaveh cuts himself off.

their eyes are wide, glittering with the sheen of unshed tears, and their bottom lip is split and cracked—they've either been picking at it or biting it, kaveh notes. how did he not notice before?

in their moment of sadness and stress, their accent peeks through a bit more heavily. it's in a shaky voice on the brink of breaking that they ask, "you promise you're gonna come back, right? you won't leave me, will you?"

...

kaveh earnestly believes he might cry about this when he gets home. oh well. alhaitham will simply have to deal with it.

for now, though, he doesn't cry. he can't.

the architect kneels back down to their height, wiping away the single tear that slid down their cheek with his calloused fingertips. "of course."

"you— you're not gonna leave me, right? you're not leaving me?"

"no. never. i promise, okay?" he whispers. "i'm here, okay? i'm always here if you need me. you just need to tell tighnari. he'll tell me you asked for me and i'll come back here. anytime."

kaveh briefly wonders if he'll regret making such a promise—his clients may suffer if they ask for him at a bad time—but then again...

he can't really say he ever will, not with the way they look at him with such vulnerable trust.

he can't regret it when they're putting their damaged trust into his hands.

please consider reblogging, it helps me out quite a lot!

#aphelion brainrots 🌸#favoniuslibrary #astronetwrk #: [ adoptive dad kaveh! 🌸 ]#platonic genshin impact #platonic genshin impact x reader #genshin x reader #genshin impact x reader #genshin x child reader #platonic kaveh x reader #platonic genshin x reader #kaveh x reader #kaveh x child reader #platonic genshin #genshin platonic

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bethanydelleman · 2 months

Text

Because today I woke up a chose violence, I'm going to point out everything wrong with this scene in 1995 P&P:

youtube

Upon seeing Wickham and Denny, Lydia crassly calls across the street and the gentlemen walk to her, though in the book she is not as vulgar.

All were struck with the stranger’s air, all wondered who he could be; and Kitty and Lydia, determined if possible to find out, led the way across the street, under pretence of wanting something in an opposite shop, and fortunately had just gained the pavement, when the two gentlemen, turning back, had reached the same spot.

This change is likely an attempt to display Lydia's vulgarity, but it goes overboard. She has enough propriety to not call across a street.

Lydia suggesting that Wickham come to their Aunt Phillips' makes Mary give Mr. Collins this side eye:

However, Mary shouldn't even be present:

Lydia’s intention of walking to Meryton was not forgotten: every sister except Mary agreed to go with her; and Mr. Collins was to attend them

This builds up the Mary/Mr. Collins ship, something the book does not do.

Only Bingley joins the party upon seeing the Bennets, though Darcy also joins in the book:

On distinguishing the ladies of the group the two gentlemen came directly towards them, and began the usual civilities. Bingley was the principal spokesman, and Miss Bennet the principal object. He was then, he said, on his way to Longbourn on purpose to inquire after her. Mr. Darcy corroborated it with a bow, and was beginning to determine not to fix his eyes on Elizabeth, when they were suddenly arrested by the sight of the stranger

Mr. Darcy not coming down off his horse to say hello makes him ruder than he is in the book.

Now here is the biggest issue:

Mr. Wickham touches his hat, Darcy just rides away. That is also not what happens:

Mr. Wickham, after a few moments, touched his hat—a salutation which Mr. Darcy just deigned to return. What could be the meaning of it? It was impossible to imagine; it was impossible not to long to know. In another minute Mr. Bingley, but without seeming to have noticed what passed, took leave and rode on with his friend.

Also, Darcy 1995 just freaking abandoned Bingley! That is very rude.

Does any of this matter? They are small changes but I would argue they are significant. Many people tell me that Mary was so in love with Mr. Collins, and her coming to Meryton and sharing a glance with Mr. Collins supports that theory. Darcy's strict sense of propriety is lost in these scenes, he's quite openly rude, even to Bingley! And Lydia is made worse than she is, she also insults Kitty:

Kitty asks if a bonnet will look good on her and Lydia replies:

Lydia never insults Kitty in the novel (though she does brag about her trip to Brighton). It's actually odd, since Kitty and Lydia are very close in the novel. 1995 makes their relationship more toxic than the book portrays.

Also, the actor playing Wickham was 38 during this mini? He looks his age here. Wickham is most likely 26 years old during the action of Pride & Prejudice.

But mostly, everyone tells me 1995 is SO accurate, but it does get important things wrong or different enough from the book that people remember them incorrectly. I just want to point out that this adaptation takes many liberties and isn't perfect. *ducks and runs away*

#P&P 1995 #adaptation problems #it's fine as an adaptation but it does make changes #especially to Lydia #so many people tell me Lydia steals from Kitty #not in the book!#pride & prejudice

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blackch-rry · 1 year

Text

This is Love, Isn’t It?

Pairing: Dark!Neteyam x fem!reader

W/C: 12.5k

Warnings: yandere, dark, name calling, character death, heavy manipulation, violence, making out, no use of y/n, a lot of arguments, almost sa but it doesn’t happen, light gore? idk, mentions of blood, reader is naive

Summary: Having such love and attraction thrown your way gave you no choice but to succumb to it. The desire to love him the way he loves you settling deep within, but there is a limit to how far love goes; a line that shouldn’t be crossed. Neteyam chose to cross it.

AN: sorry this took longer than I said :( pls be sure to read warnings!

***

Your family wasn’t as known in the clan as Toruk Makto’s, of course not. Growing up, your parents made it clear to you that the only thing you must do is work hard and keep your head down. You weren’t blessed with the other kid’s abilities to make friends and keep them for years. You stuck to yourself and focused on following your parent’s orders.

It was when you were fourteen you had a glimpse of friendship.

You woke up quite later than usual. The clan was bustling as normal and a cluster of young teens were already half way done with breakfast. You contemplated on getting something eat since today you and the cluster formed were going out to practice hunting. You needed energy, but there was little time left before you’d have to leave. You stood in front of your family’s hut, lost in thought, but a gentle hand on your shoulder brought you back. You immediately turned your head. Kiri.

You quickly greeted her with nothing but respect. She rolled her eyes. You were a bit taken aback but lightened when she had a smile on her face. “Please, you don’t need to do that. We’re all the same aren’t we?”

No, we most certainly are not.

Of course, she’s so humble. Everyone had the utmost respect for the Toruk Makto and his family. You never talked to any of the children let alone had one this close to you. You once had a thought cross your mind that the children of Jake Sully might have been too proud and arrogant, but you were proved wrong when the entire family showed nothing but kindness and respect back to everyone. Needless to say, fourteen year old you was a tad starstruck.

“Are you eating?” Kiri gestured to the display of food that was left. You crossed your arms over your chest.

“No, I have to go hunting soon. I don’t want to rush.”

Kiri tilted her head. “Well, will you sit with me while I eat?”

You glanced at her before looking away. Eywa, you have no friends. How are you supposed to not be awkward?

“I mean, no offense, but don’t you eat with your brothers?”

“I’ve had enough of them. Come on.” Kiri left her place besides you and sat a bit outside the group of other teens. You stood still, not sure what to do, but you remembered exactly who she was and hurriedly sat next to her. The two of you sat in silence. Uncomfortable silence on your end but Kiri didn’t seem to mind.

“You know, I’ve never done this before. I usually prefer to not interact with…anyone.”

You look at her in confusion and interest. You’ve had urges to do that as well. Walk up to other kids and make friends, but you never had the confidence. You carefully rotated the bracelet your mother made you around your wrist. A habit formed throughout the years.

“What made you come up to me?”

Kiri abandoned her food for a split second, “Don’t know. Just felt like it.”

Three years have passed since Kiri befriended you that day. Throughout the early days of your friendship you thought she’d be your only friend for the rest of time, but eventually you met the rest of the family properly and the other three siblings of hers took a liking to you as well. Especially, one in particular, but you thought of it has him being kind.

Besides Kiri, Neteyam would chat with you the most. He would ask you about your day, include you in conversations, was there to steady you whenever you stumbled, and always listened intently when you spoke. He was truly kind, a gentleman. Lo’ak, on the other hand, wasn’t as straightforwardly engaging as Neteyam. It bothered you slightly.

Having one friend was one thing, but having three more was hard at first. You remembered how awkward you felt when the Sully siblings took you out for their own little adventure all those years ago. Kiri had just turned fourteen and insisted you joined them. You, being a year older now and taller than her, looked ridiculous clinging to her side the entire time of walking into the forest. Her brothers were a ways ahead of you both, but Tuk stayed close. She was definitely the most excited when Kiri introduced you. She kept saying things like how nice it is to have another girl around. You almost ran out of their hut when Lo’ak agreed, a wave of butterflies swimming in you.

Before you even were acquaintances with them you’ve always taken a liking to Lo’ak. A silly childhood crush.

When you girls finally caught up to their brothers, you stopped walking. You’ve never been this deep into the forest before, too scared to wander in by yourself. They led you to a beautiful opening with a shallow lake and the natural beauty of Pandora surrounding you. You smiled when Tuk playfully ran around. You stopped your admiring and followed Kiri. Neteyam and Lo’ak were already lounging on the grass by the water. You sat in between Kiri and Lo’ak. It was a time spent peaceful. You and Kiri opted to look around and occasionally laugh when Tuk kept splashing water on her brothers and ran off before they could scold her.

The peace was interrupted when Kiri brought up Raziel. Another clan member who wasn’t very fond of you.

“Hey,” She nudged her shoulder with yours, “Will you finally tell me what happened yesterday with Raziel?”

You stared at her in surprise that she would bring it up, now and in front of her brothers. Out of your peripheral you saw Neteyam sit up from his previous position. Your tail began flicking out of nervousness and annoyance. Raziel was the epitome of douchebag. You sighed and leaned back on your hands. “It was nothing, really. Just kept messing me up during training. I couldn’t hit a single thing.”

“How?” You hadn’t noticed Tuk behind you, playing with your hair.

“He just kept grabbing my tail whenever I was about to shoot and calling me…”

“Calling you what?”

Neteyam’s sudden assertion made you shiver. You’ve never heard him like that unless he was defending his siblings. You mentally cursed yourself. You never wanted to tell the Sully’s what people have said to you, but at this point your sure they’ve heard it around. You stared at the rippling water.

“He and his friends just call me a leech…clinging onto you guys like a parasite.”

Kiri placed her hand on yours. “You’re not a leech. They’re just jealous because we truly like you and not them.”

You smiled at her, relieved she didn’t agree. Lo’ak spoke, “Kiri’s right. Fuck ‘em.”

“Language, Lo’ak.” Neteyam stared at his brother and shook his head before smiling at you and saying, “We like having you around.”

You felt warm and appreciated. It’s been a long time since you’ve felt like that. The atmosphere shifted after that, thankfully, and you watched as your friends messed around. Mainly Lo’ak, but you chuckled to yourself every time. Kiri, at one point, even got up and played with him. Time had passed and Eclipse was around the corner. You wondered when you all would head back, but that thought died when another presence took Kiri’s spot. You turned to look and found Neteyam staring ahead.

“I’m attending tomorrow’s training. If you need extra practice I’ll be happy to help,” he tilted his head. A shy look on his face as he waited for your response.

You’ve always known Neteyam to be helpful. Charming as well. Everyone in their family had a certain charm to them. You wished to stop the heat rising throughout your face. You could barely look him in the eye as you replied. “That would be nice, thank you, Neteyam.”

“Of course.”

Not a minute later he got up and called everyone to get back home before Eclipse. You only followed when you knew he was further ahead. You ignored Kiri as she teased you for a hint of pink dusting your face.

The next day at training Raziel and his friends didn’t speak a word to you. They weren’t even remotely close to you at all. Not when Neteyam was always at a five feet distance from wherever you stood. That didn’t stop their glares and incessant whispering. It made you even more insecure. Whenever you would catch their burning stares you wished Neteyam would just walk away and watch the others, but he stood behind you and kept giving you pointers that you had no choice but to execute. When the head of the group ended the session you let out a breath of relief and went to pack your bow and arrows.

A grasp on your elbow stopped you.

“Not yet, your form needs a little work.”

You glanced between Neteyam and the retreating group. He seemed to notice your concern and gently went to fix it. “It’s fine. I asked if we could practice more earlier. You won’t get in trouble.”

You nodded and picked back up your bow and got into position. His hands were on you too fast for you to prepare yourself.

“Here, aim higher,” one hand was on your waist and the other on your arm, “and make sure to keep your elbow back here straight and high.”

He moved his hand to your lower abdomen. “Take a deep breath.”

You followed his instruction, “Hold it there when your body straightens. Feel the difference?”

With his hands still on you, it took you a moment to focus. Eywa, you’ve never had a boy touch you like this. Neteyam checked your stance before taking in your side profile. You seemed determined but he saw your tail moving back and forth waiting for his word. He smiled to himself before leaning closer towards your face. “Go, shoot.”

The arrow released and flew through the air hitting the target dead center. Your smile widened and you look up at him. “Wow, I’ve never shot like that before!”

He smirked and placed his hand on your back, “Just needed a little help from me.”

You raised an eyebrow in a teasing manner at his cockiness. He laughed before his hands were moving you back into position.

“Again.”

That day of Neteyam helping you and the months after that flew by. Your sixteenth birthday was days away and that meant the moment of fighting your future Ikran was approaching. Neteyam kept staying after training sessions with you until you no longer needed it. Even the adult in charge of training said you were on your way to becoming a great hunter. You were still surprised to get this far with Neteyam’s roaming hands on you throughout each practice. You chalked it up to that he’s just a tactile person. Even when the both of you are heading back home he kept his hand on your lower back before you eventually parted ways. His lingering touches and presence around you became more frequent once the two of you spent more time together.

One evening you brought it up to Kiri.

“Is Neteyam a touchy kind of guy?”

“What?”

“I mean that he’s always touching me when I’m around.”

Kiri looked at you like she knew something you didn’t. She rested her chin on her knee. “He only comes in contact with us when we’re annoying him, especially Lo’ak, with a flick to the forehead but nothing else.”

Your confusion about his behavior towards you grew. Kiri caught your questioning state and sighed out your name.

“He likes you.”

“Well, we’re friends. Don’t you like your friends?”

Kiri gave you a deadpanned expression. “It’s so cute and frustrating how oblivious you are.”

“What are you talking about?”

“He likes you in a way that…he might want you to be his mate one day.”

You’ve never felt so embarrassed before. You still had a lingering attraction towards Lo’ak but he’s never kept his hands on you like Neteyam has. You let out a mortified noise, a hand brushing over your face.

“Kiri! Has he told you he likes me like that?”

She huffed, “Not outright, but if he’s not near you he stares you down. I’ve called him creepy so many times but he tells me to shut it,” Kiri smirked, “He’s been like that for almost a year…can’t believe you haven’t caught on.”

You shut your mouth from when it fell open in shock. Have I really been so oblivious? The rest of the time spent with Kiri went back to mindless chatter but as you walked home all you could ponder about was the fact that Neteyam, the next Olo’eyktan, liked you.

You tried your hardest throughout the days that passed between the revelation from Kiri and choosing your Ikran to stick by yourself. Not only were you incredibly anxious about trying not to die to an Ikran but became hyper aware whenever Neteyam was nearby and sneaking away before he could see you. You still had to fully process that his liking towards you was more than platonic and that you could be a potential mate, which is hard to do when you’re beginning your rites of passage and had no clue he was into you.

The three days that passed were dreadful. You woke up early to have something to eat and hid in your family’s hut until you had to go hunting. Normally, you tagged along with Neteyam and Lo’ak but you’ve only been going out with your parents. They were surprised at first, seeing as you haven’t gone hunting with them for two years. You just said you missed spending time with them. Which was true since all your time was spent with the Sully kids. After hunting, you made sure to follow your parents closely back home and wouldn’t leave the hut until the next day.

The night before choosing your Ikran you were eating dinner with your parents before there was a figure standing at the entrance.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Neteyam stood with his riding visor still equipped. He must have just gotten back, “Can I talk to your daughter for a moment?”

He kept his eyes trained onto your parents who gave him their respects before gesturing for you to go. You looked between them and Neteyam before reluctantly getting up and following him. You stopped when he chose a reclusive spot away from any wandering listeners, making sure there was a couple feet distance from him and you. Neteyam gave you a once over, “Are you alright?”

“Yes, why?”

“Well, you haven’t seen any of us lately. Even Kiri doesn’t know what’s wrong.”

You rotate the bracelet on your wrist twice, “Nothing is wrong, Neteyam.”

His eyes narrowed like he was trying to catch your lie. “If nothing’s wrong why don’t you spend time with us. Tuk misses you too.”

You gave yourself some time to come up with a response. Neteyam doesn’t think you’ll say no to hang with them now, so he reaches out for your wrist and begins tugging you with him. You quickly stopped him by gently grabbing his arm with your free hand. “Sorry, Neteyam , but tomorrow’s a big day for me…I just want to sleep early.”

He glanced at your hand on his arm before meeting your eyes. “It can be short. You can just say hi.”

You firmly stand in place before he can tug you with him again.

“Really, I’m tired.”

He looked at your face. You seemed irritated…maybe even uncomfortable. He hardened his stare before letting you go. “Right…go rest.”

You assumed he would head back home but he sighed and got close to you, like how he did when he helped you practice. He looked down at you before putting his hand on your shoulder, “You’ll do great tomorrow.”

He gave you a comforting smile which you returned. You definitely needed to hear some words of encouragement. “Thank you, Neteyam. Goodnight.”

You turned and disappeared back into your hut before sparing him one last glance. When you’ve gone the smile on his face dropped. He stayed there for a minute, watching the hut, before stalking off. Neteyam thought Kiri cleared the air and you would be quick to return his attraction. He wasn’t worried you would reject him. That wouldn’t happen. He just didn’t like how you’ve been ignoring them. Him. The look on your face when he held you…so tense and apprehensive. He despised it and he didn’t want it to happen again.

You woke up the next morning restless and ready to get it done with. When the time came for the small group of others your age to head to the top of the mountain, you were first in line. You glanced around the group and the family of Toruk Makto were standing ahead of the crowd of adults seeing you guys off. Sometimes older members of the clan liked to attend and watch the younger generations fight their Ikran, but you hoped not many would come. You locked eyes with Kiri. You felt immensely guilty for evading her as well, but the gentle smile she gave relaxed you. You sent her a small wave. Lo’ak even gave you a thumbs up. You turned away and bit back a growing smile. When the group left you were relieved none of the Sully’s were accompanying. You didn’t want to embarrass yourself and have them, especially Lo’ak, bear witness.

Half the day had already passed and you had time to catch your breathe while some other teens went first. You winced at the never ending screeches the Ikran’s gave and the piling droplets of blood shed as they attacked your group mates. You were one of the last to step forward. You looked back at another boy who seemed even more nervous than you. At least there were less watching eyes since almost everyone was taking their first flight.

The time for your first flight had come in a flash. A few Ikran disregarded you or either flew away, but when a deep blue Ikran with specks of varying blue colors screeched and attacked, you let the moment take over you.

Now, here you were, bonded for life, and soaring through the sky. You never felt such immense happiness in your life. Even if she gave you hell to feel it. You forgot the numerous gashes across your body as you took in Pandora. Ora, is what you called her. Her blueness reminded you of the clearing in the forest and the shallow water. You’ve heard the story of Neytiri and Seze. Now that you understand and feel the deep connection coursing through you, you pray to Eywa you will never have to experience the heart ache of losing your Ikran.

After the first flight, you landed on one of the clearings near home and the huts. Dismounting Ora and releasing your queue, you heard Tuk.

“You’re back!”

The joy displayed on your face increased as Tuk hugged you. The rest of the siblings falling in behind her. Kiri watched with bright eyes as you ran your hand across Ora.

“Wow, she’s beautiful!” Kiri said, full of wonder.

You nuzzled your cheek against the side of Ora’s head before she took off to rest. You all watched her go before Kiri grabbed your hand.

“How did it go?” She pulled you in for a hug of her own and wanted to bombard you with questions. Her time to start her rites of passage was coming soon. You stepped back and grabbed her hands, “It was amazing. I’ve never felt so happy in my life, Kiri.”

She went to embrace you once more, but Neteyam pulled her back. “Stop, Kiri. Can’t you see she’s injured?”

Neteyam let go of her once he could examine you. He turned you around before taking your hand. “She needs some of Mo’at’s salve for her cuts.”

His hand found a place on your lower back. You looked over your shoulder at Kiri before Neteyam continued to urge you forward. Kiri raised her eyebrows in annoyance but understanding. Her brother’s pining was getting on her nerves. “Come on, Tuk. Let’s go.”

Neteyam left you in his family’s hut while he went to get the salve. Lo’ak took a seat next to you.

“Does it hurt?”

You averted your eyes from the fresh cuts to him. “Not really. I don’t really care anyways.”

Lo’ak scooted closer, he threw an arm over his propped up knee. “I can’t wait until Kiri and I go up the mountain. You know,” He laughed to himself and you grew curious, “When Neteyam came back he was such a baby. Crying over the littlest of scratches.”

Lo’ak grabbed your arm closest to him, “Tinier than yours. He was throwing a fit when grandmother healed him.”

The thought of Neteyam acting as such caused you to laugh along with Lo’ak. The two of you didn’t notice he came back, hands full. The laughter died down when Lo’ak’s hand was being taken off you and Neteyam began spreading the medicine over your cuts.

“It’s okay, I can do it.” You went to take the bowl of salve but Neteyam moved it out of reach.

“I want to help.”

You turned to his brother but he just shrugged his shoulders slightly. That heat from before resurfacing. You watched Neteyam work on healing you gently. This touch of his making your heart beat in a way you never knew. After growing close with Neteyam you weren’t comfortable with his hands on you at first, but the conversation you had with Kiri crossed your mind. He does it because he likes you? You never had experience with boys. Your crush on Lo’ak was the first time you found that tight ache in your chest whenever you looked at him, the first time you ever desired to kiss someone.

You glanced away from Neteyam working to his brother. He’s distracted, folding a leaf into something Eywa know’s what. Lo’ak’s never been touchy with you, he’s never as attentive towards you as Neteyam. He doesn’t like you. You felt sullen at the thought.

Neteyam catched you eyeing his brother. He put the bowl down, a little bit too heavily, “Lo’ak, go find Kiri and Tuk.”

“What? They’re fine-”

“Lo’ak.”

Said brother shook his head and pushed himself off the ground, slinking off in annoyance. The coolness of Neteyam’s hands were back again. This time you brought yourself to stare at his face. He’s so focused but you can tell he’s thinking hard. There’s a quaint frown he’s got adorned. You let him be since you know he’s almost done. He went around you, searching for anything he missed. He hummed in satisfaction. You reached for his arm before he could start to bring the supplies back to Mo’at.

“Thank you, Neteyam.” You gave his arm a squeeze accompanied by a timid smile. He beamed back down at you. He turned his head around towards the hut’s opening and squatted back down to bring his mouth near your ear.

“Meet me after eclipse. I have something important to tell you.”

He left you there to contemplate.

Once the evening sky faded to nothing but black you silently got up from your lying position and peeked your head out. It was a known fact that no one was supposed to go out during eclipse, but Neteyam didn’t give you a chance to question him. You could get caught and suffer consequences dealt by your parents. You almost turned around and went back to sleep, but Neteyam’s deep voice, whispering in your ear, was too intriguing to abandon.

You kept throwing fearful glances as you hastily left the sleeping clan. He didn’t tell you where to meet, but there was a spot all the mischievous teens snuck out to on nights like this. You felt a pang of guilt when you spotted Neteyam leaning against the side of the mountain. He casually said your name. He sauntered over and you met him in the middle.

“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”

“It’s not a problem. You showed up.” He gestured with his head to follow. He sat with his legs falling over the ledge. You waited for Neteyam to speak. It must be something troubling him, you guess, since his tail was moving swiftly. Never have you had a conversation with him like this, just you and him, out past curfew. You didn’t want to seem like you were rushing him, so you waited until he was ready to talk. He stared ahead, towards the star filled sky.

“Are you attracted to my brother?”

Taken aback, your eyes widened. This was certainly not what you had in mind to come out of his mouth. You immediately said, “Did Kiri tell you?”

“So it’s true?”

“I’m not sure anymore.”

You really weren’t. Months ago, you asked your mom how she knew your father was the one she wanted to mate with. She told you stories from her past; how she was infatuated with another clan member but your father made her feel special. He left her gifts and spoke words of adoration before she decided to give him a chance. You’ve been thinking about how different Lo’ak is from Neteyam. If Lo’ak had an inclination of returning your feelings, maybe he would have been the one to help you practice, ask you to spend time with his family, take care of your scrapes and bruises. You turn to face Neteyam. Your tail beginning to move with curiosity.

“Why are you asking me?”

“I needed to know if you thought of him that way,” he side eyed your face. His expression changed to something you didn’t have time to decipher. He used his hands to assist in scooting back to turn his body completely in your direction.

“Neteyam, I’m not sure what-”

“I like you…and I can’t spend another day keeping these emotions to myself.”

You watched him take your hand. His thumb grazed over your knuckles. Not knowing what to say, you looked at him. He took this as his moment to continue.

“A few months after I met you, I just felt so captivated. You like to keep to yourself but when you finally let go and be apart of the moment you glow. I see it when you talk to Kiri. I saw it when you came back with Ora. Especially right now, even though we all emit light after eclipse, you are the only one I see. Glowing so bright…so beautiful.”

Neteyam moved your hand so it was resting on his chest. You could faintly feel his heart beating.

“I found myself desiring to see you like that at all times. I wish to become a reason for it as well.”

Speechless, you suddenly want to look anywhere but him. You don’t know what to do with words full of affection and intimacy being spoken to you. It felt warm. You felt seen. You kept your gaze leveled with his own. Neteyam still had his hand on top of yours that rested on his chest, so he lifted his other to move your hair. He then tenderly held a side of your face.

“I want to be with you.”

You couldn’t move away, not when his confession sent you into a daze. Being wanted romantically…you couldn’t believe the newfound emotions that coursed through you. You wanted to cry and the gathering of tears stinging your eyes didn’t help.

“Neteyam,” you let your fingers spread against his chest, wanting to feel his skin, desiring to see him the way he sees you. A sudden flash of insecurity hit. You pulled back, hesitantly removing your hand from him.

“I’ve never been with someone before.”

He smiled despite the loss of contact, “I know, but,” Neteyam inched closer. His knee hitting yours.

“Do you trust me?”

One thing you knew was that you did trust him; you trusted all of the Sully’s. Being here, with him choosing you to be vulnerable with, letting his true feelings for you shine, gave you a sense of something dreamlike. The way the warmth of his body spread and his eyes pulling you in…felt so tantalizing. Like he was luring you and you didn’t mind. You thought to yourself, were his eyes always this beautiful? You moved your gaze slowly across his face, taking in all the little details that escaped you before. Overwhelmed by his being and the entire weight of his confession, made you nod you head. Yes, I trust you.

That was all he needed so he grasped your face with both hands and brought your lips to his. This time you didn’t pull away. You let him guide you, letting the moment take the two of you completely. Unsure what to do you, you tried your best to keep up. He parted your lips with a swipe of his tongue. A few more shared kisses before he leaned away, only to bring the two of your to your knees so he could slowly rake his hands down your back and pull your body pressed up against his.

The heat of the moment grew. Two sets of eyes searching, waiting for what came next. A smile of pure joy graced his face making you display one as well. He wasted not another second before he dove back in to have you. You had to take little breaths of air in between the small amounts of time he allowed you. If you had known how good it feels to kiss someone then you would have been doing this earlier in your life. If you had known of Neteyam’s feelings then you could have been kissing him like this, like nothing could matter more in the world than his lips wanting yours, much sooner.

Neteyam let out a stifled growl. He needed more. His hands grasped the back of your thighs as he lowered himself to sit on his heels. He used the back of your thighs to raise you onto his lap. Neteyam smirked at the gasp that escaped you. It drove him to grab the back of your head, deepening the kiss. His lips begun increasing in movement. You finally withdrew when his other hand, the one that wasn’t cradling your head, kept inching lower and lower.

“Neteyam…I think we should stop now.” Your voice soft but strained.

He furrowed his brows, “Why?”

“It’s just a little too fast for me. I’m sorry.” He looked at you briefly, looking for a hint of deceit, but he remembered this is new to you.

“No, don’t apologize. You’re right. We can take things slow, for now.”

You removed yourself from his lap. “We should get back.”

He was quick to follow you. On the walk back to the clan you had an urge to hold his hand, so you did. Stepping feet away from your sleeping parents, Neteyam took a quick kiss. Before you departed he asked, “We’re together now, right? I can be with you like this forever?”

Still reeling from his touches and kisses, you had no other thought but yes. You nodded your head at him and basked in the tight embrace he gave you.

For the remainder of the night, sleep didn’t come for a while as you laid replaying the previous events. You never knew your heartbeat could be so fast. All because of him. Despite you not being on the same level of affection as him, you thought he deserved a chance to have his feelings reciprocated. You’re willingly to be with him and dreaming to see where it leads you.

While you couldn’t stop thinking of what happened, Neteyam couldn’t stop thinking about how he was the first to kiss you. The thought of him being the only person who will get to kiss and have you drove him wild. Nothing mattered more to him than making sure you were only his to touch, kiss, and mate.

Once you he was sure your love was as strong as his, he would make sure you and him stayed together even after Eywa decides it’s time. Nothing will come between Neteyam and what he desires. Not a single thing.

***

That fateful night seemed like an eternity ago. You and Neteyam had been together for over a year now, reaching two. The beginning was slow like how you wanted. Nobody knew of your secret relationship. The nights ended with delicate kisses and warm embraces. Kiri had a hunch. Even though you kept your part hidden, Neteyam didn’t shy away from having some form of touching and lingering around in your presence. His sudden outbursts at any comment Raziel threw at you grew each time. Not only did Kiri suspect, but almost everyone did. When things had become too hard to cover, you fessed up. The Sully family wasn’t surprised. Tuk hugged you for quite a while before Neteyam started to complain about it. Your parents were the only ones slightly shocked but were happy and prideful nonetheless. Especially since it was the son of Toruk Makto. As your relationship with Neteyam grew, so did the heavy weight of everyone’s expectations.

You soon realized the dream of becoming a mighty warrior might not come true. Your parents encouraged you to spend most of your time practicing the ways of Tsahik and so did Neteyam. He was exceptionally insistent you stayed home, with his grandmother, away from the dangers lurking throughout Pandora. After one heated argument with Neteyam over it, you reluctantly agreed. It wouldn’t be so bad to try at least. The past six months have consisted of seeing Neteyam off before he went out with his father to patrol, helping Mo’at grind herbs, staying in Neteyam’s arms when he came home for the rest of the day, and repeat it again.

You longed to see and mount Ora. It’s been weeks since you called for her. The handful of times that you did get to see her, Neteyam was there. You felt a tad guilty for wishing to spend time with your Ikran alone. You weren’t sure how to bring this up with him but you can’t stay holed up all day forever.

Neteyam has always been protective of his siblings, but over the course of your relationship he implemented it with you. You found it cute when he would wrap an arm around your wrist during gatherings for the whole time. He even made you a necklace, one that has matching beads as his.

“Never take this off, okay? If I ever see you without it, it would kill me. You wouldn’t want me to feel that way, would you?”

It was endearing, at first, how he had to beg you to tears to gradually not go hunting or exploring with his siblings without staying by his side. How he would cling onto you no matter what, kissing you all over and saying words of adoration.

But recently, the dynamic between you and him changed drastically. You could tell it was bothering him deeply, but you’ve been so torn up over what happened a week ago.

After dinner one night, you and the Sully kids circled up. You guys often went to a vacant space near the huts to spend time, talking and having fun, to have some sense of relaxation before adulthood crept up on you.

Kiri and Lo’ak seemed to be arguing over a topic that was probably not worth getting heated for, but you got amused watching them. Neteyam pulled you closer, if that was even possible, to give you a peck on the cheek. Which then lead him to tilt your face so he could indulge in deeper kisses to your lips. You never liked it when Neteyam was handsy or displayed this much affection in front of his siblings, especially Tuk. Before you could stop him from going further, an object thrown your way stopped him for you.

“If I knew how gross you two would be, I would have never introduced you! I don’t even want to imagine you two mated.” Kiri pretended to gag then fell into a teasing smile.

You honestly found it funny and so did Tuk and Lo’ak. Neteyam, on the other hand, hissed at her.

“You always find a way to be a little brat.”

You watched as Kiri’s smile fell, hurt replacing any sign of just messing around. You turned your head in shock.

“Neteyam! She didn’t mean it like that.”

“I don’t care. She’s always commenting on our relationship. I’m fucking tired of it.”

His fingers pressed into your side, his annoyance getting the best of him. There’s a scowl on his face towards his sister. It’s quite rattling seeing him snap at her when he’s never done that.

“Dude, chill. It’s not serious.”

Lo’ak glanced between in siblings then to the ground in thought before saying, “Honestly, you’ve been so weird lately. Like we get it, you two love each other, but nobody wants to be around us anymore.”

Your ears twitched. His statement making you confused. You did seem to notice a couple of other young clan members leaving whenever you were around, but you didn’t know why. They never were friends of yours, yet it still left a negative impact in your head. Did you upset them? The atmosphere shifted when Neteyam said his brothers name in warning. His strict voice made you shiver but you pressed further anyways.

“Lo’ak, what do you mean?”

His head lowered and his eyes went between you and Neteyam. The inner conflict he had was apparent. He shook his head, “I overheard some guys, Raziel and his friends. They were saying something about Neteyam…that he threatened them.”

“Is this true? Why would you do that?”

Neteyam scoffed, “You believe that shit? I didn’t threaten anyone. They’re just jealous of us, trying to take you from me.”

You squinted at him. It made no sense to you why they would want to separate the two of you. For over a year, nobody has made an intention like that known. Lo’ak, visibly irritated, kept his jaw tight. Kiri got up and took Tuk with her. She had a feeling things were getting ugly and frankly she was upset. Lo’ak couldn’t keep his anger down anymore, especially after a blatant lie.

“Bro, seriously? You told them you’d skin them alive if they even talked to her! You’re acting crazy!”

Before you could question Neteyam, he spoke, “I’m not fucking crazy! You don’t know what being in love is like! I’m just protecting her…I don’t care about what I said, I would do it if those lowlife bastards even breathed near her.”

Detaching yourself from him, you stared in fear at his words and the sinister voice that accompanied them.

“Neteyam!” You couldn’t grasp that he could even think about harming another person because of you. It made your stomach churn.

“Do you even hear yourself? Protecting her doesn’t mean you can act all psycho and beat someone up! People are scared of you, bro! It’s making them not want to be around us either…you need to chill.”

Lo’ak huffed after voicing out his anger. Lo’ak couldn’t stand to see his siblings being evaded over something that doesn’t include them, or seeing the fallen expression on Tuk when kids would ignore her. He couldn’t stand seeing his brother act like a stranger. Neteyam used to be so kind and good but now that he’s resorted to violence instead of his past level-headedness, Lo’ak doesn’t know what to think anymore. This isn’t the older brother he looked up to.

Lo’ak doesn’t blame you. He actually feels bad that you can’t see what Neteyam has become. Lo’ak has picked up on some weird behaviors his brother has displayed. It made him wonder how he could treat you like that since he’s never seen his parents act in such ways. Ways like how controlling Neteyam is over you; telling you what not to do, who to talk to, or keeping tabs on every little thing you do. Lo’ak didn’t know how to help. He couldn’t outwardly tell you that it’s wrong and not what a healthy relationship consisted of. He just didn’t want to see the both of you like this anymore, a side of his brother that irked him and you so head over heels that you didn’t notice.

Before he can think about it, Lo’ak said, “Honestly, you two should spend some time apart.”

It was a suggestion meant to be caring, to be helpful. You had no time to even process Lo’ak’s sentence. Neteyam left your side, moved so quickly that he pushed you with the action.

You gasped in shock as Lo’ak had been tackled to the ground. Neteyam hovering over him, his knees on each side of his brother locking him in place. His fists making contact repeatedly. You cried hearing Lo’ak’s weak pleas for him to stop. You too begin to plead for Neteyam to get off of him and you tried to grab his arm; unsuccessfully pulling him away.

You felt stunned when you took in the hatred on Neteyam’s face. You’re not sure when you heard their father shout and forcefully shoved his eldest son off his youngest. Lo’ak laid on the ground, coughing up blood, before falling unconscious. Jake could only look at Neteyam in horror before picking up his son. The sight of Lo’ak’s face bloody and unrecognizable made you kneel over and throw up.

When you’ve emptied your stomach, there’s a hand that soothingly rubbed your back. You immediately jerked away to stand, giving distance from Neteyam. You looked at his unscathed body and felt disgusted.

“What the hell is wrong with you? How could you do that to him?” You brought your hands up to your eyes, pressing your palms into them, as if it would help erase what you just saw. You let out a sob.

“Stop crying! You heard what he said! He wants you all to himself.”

You uncovered your eyes in disbelief. What was he talking about? Lo’ak was simply concerned.

“He didn’t say that, Neteyam! He doesn’t want me!” This outburst of his flipped a switch in your mind. Did he truly believe everyone was out to ruin your relationship? That his own brother would too? The longer you looked at him…you couldn’t deny a growing doubt. This isn’t the man you grew to love, at least you thought this wasn’t him. Were you really the cause of him saying awful and doing terrible things?

“Maybe he’s right. We should take a break.”

Neteyam’s sudden grabbing of your wrist caused you to stumble. His eyes squinted and held intense anger. His hand tightened around your skin, it made you wince.

“Don’t say something you don’t mean. We’re not taking a break.”

Despite the large amount of fear, you begun to get frustrated. You pried his hand off you, “I meant it, Neteyam. You scared me and I don’t want to be around you right now.”

You took steps backwards; wishing to be in your hut, alone.

“I’m sorry that I scared you, okay? But you’re hurting me, so much. You can’t leave…don’t you see how much love I have for you?”

Neteyam slowly trailed after you. He no longer looked upset but rather dejected. You swallowed a lump in your throat. The swift change in his demeanor made you cautious instead of guilty.

“I understand how much you love me, and I love you too, but I’m serious.”

You fully turned now, heading home. Your arms were over your chest and your head down.

“Get back here! We’re not done!”

Neteyam’s shout pushed you to quicken the pace. Nearing your hut, you looked over your shoulder. Neteyam walked after you was paused when his father stormed up to him, his hand firmly planted on his son’s chest. You saw Jake furiously say something, but Neteyam’s eyes were locked on your retreating figure.

You cried into your mother’s arms before falling asleep that night.

***

The day after, it was quite easy to avoid Neteyam since he was occupied with his duties, but it became increasingly difficult once he was free. You sat in silence across from Mo’at, who was equally as disappointed after hearing the events from the previous night.

When Mo’at was satisfied with your work she relieved you for the day. You thanked her and got up to leave. Neteyam was lingering around his grandmother’s hut ever since he got back, his face lit up when he saw you. Still mad at him, you ignored his presence and headed out of the caves to call for Ora. You desperately wanted a flight to de-stress. Seconds before you made your calling signal, Neteyam said your name.

“Please, can we talk?”

He stood close behind you. His posture tense. You tilted your head at him, “We’re on a break remember?”

Your words had come out harsher than you intended. You shifted your weight as you saw Neteyam tighten his hands, the healing wounds on his knuckles a reminder of what he did. Neteyam took a deep breath, his body swaying slightly as if he didn’t know what to do with himself.

“I just need to speak with you…please.”

His voice sounded anguished. Your chest tightened, conflicted you spoke, “Neteyam…I don’t know if I want to hear what you have to say right now.”

The silence that followed felt awkward. He came toward you, a scowl on his face, but stopped when you receded. He scoffed, raising his head slightly upward, breathing heavily through his nose.

“Don’t do that, move away from me like I’m scaring you.”

“Well,” you opted out from saying that he was making you frightened, you said, “I just want to be alone. Spend time with Ora, okay? We can talk later-”

“No,” he cut you off, “I need you to listen to me…I apologized to Lo’ak and I’m suffering the consequences, alright?”

Neteyam reached for your hands, holding them softly. “Everything’s okay now, I swear…even if he did deserve it, I promise you won’t see me like that again.”

You stared at him incredulously. How can he say Lo’ak deserved it? And act like it was just something to sweep under the rug?

“It’s not okay, Neteyam! Let go.” You tried pulling out from his grip and you thought you were successful. You took a step back as he fell to his knees, his hands dug into your skin.

“Please…please- don’t do this to me. Don’t be mad at me.” He stared up at you, eyes glossed over.

“Forgive me…”

Eywa, why did he make this so hard for you? Yes, his recent behavior angered and worried you, but you were never good at saying no. Your developed feelings for him were still present, all the good ways he’s made you feel hard to just forget. You felt a surge of guilt seeing him vulnerable. It would break his heart if you up and left him here without as much as a goodbye. You couldn’t bring yourself to do that, so you searched his eyes and gestured for him to get up.

His touch never left as he stood.

“Just give me time to think.”

You took his hands off of you and turned to call Ora. Neteyam protested, saying that you can’t leave him yet, but finally gave up as you hastily mounted your Ikran and took off. He watched from the mountain until you were a mere spot in the sky. A ball of rage grew inside of him at the sight of your Ikran taking you further away. He didn’t like that you could just fly off when he’s trying to have a conversation with you. It wasn’t right.

During your time with Ora, you spent most of it confessing your worries to her. The amount of mixed emotions taking over made you feel bad that Ora had to experience them as well. The decision made when you returned home didn’t come easy. You wanted to know why the beginning of your relationship seemed like an entirely different one than now. Neteyam used to make you flustered with his gentle touches, endless kisses, and private words that felt euphoric. Yes, you knew he has been protective since the beginning, but you used to smooth it over. Thinking that he acted like that over you because it was both your first real relationship. You thought it was cute. You begun to think back on every detail you must have dismissed before.

It conflicted you until you pondered about when he seemed to change. Back towards the fresh months of being together, Neteyam was nothing but the perfect gentleman, someone who you could see as your future. But when you remembered the very first instance of how he lashed out, the change must have started then.

You were too consumed with completing the task of gathering herbs to see a shadow come up behind you. After you left your bent position, Raziel made his presence known. He was so close to your body that when you saw him you stepped back in surprise. You glanced around the area and saw no one else.

“Raziel, what are you doing here?”

He towered over, his glare was piercing, “I just wanted to talk to you.”

“Why?”

Raziel looked down at you with disgust that slowly morphed into something corrupt, “I want to see what’s so special about you.”

“I used to think that you were a little prude…had nothing to offer.”

His eyes continued to roam over your body, “But if the oh so great Neteyam chose you, then there must be something.”

His hand reached out and his fingers played with the bottom of the piece that covered your chest. You shoved his hand away, repulsed by his action.

“Don’t touch me.”

“No, I think I will.”

He went to grab your arm but it was short lived as he was pushed to the side. Neteyam was breathing heavily as he stood beside you. He wasted no time shoving him harder, “What the fuck do you think you’re doing?”

This anger radiating off of him was something you have never witnessed before. You moved out of the way and stood behind. Raziel raised his hands in defense, he was never one to actually engage. He always let his friends take the punches for him with whatever fight he started. A pathetic person entirely.

“Nothing, man.”

As Raziel went to leave, Neteyam stared him down. You could tell he was riled up, his biceps flexed as if he was ready to throw a punch. You calmly placed a hand on his chest that brought him back. Neteyam softened his expression a tad seeing you concerned for him.

“It’s okay, love. He’s gone,” you rubbed his arm in a calming manner.

“What did he want? What was he doing to you?”

Still feeling uneasy and disgusted, you evaded his questions.

“Let’s talk about it later. Can we go home?”

Neteyam wanted to know that second but he what he wanted much more was to hold you. He did just that. You accepted the embrace, holding him tightly, and held hands on the way back home.

You didn’t find anything wrong with Neteyam defending you that day. You still don’t because if Neteyam hadn’t stepped in the events that could have transpired would haunt you at night. Maybe after that day the both of you had changed. The days had begun to bleed together when everything started to be the same. He had you with him from morning to night when didn’t have to fulfill his duties, he was twice as affectionate if that was even possible to begin with, and even if you were with your parents or Kiri you could feel him watching.

But you always saw Neteyam as your safety net, he was your protector. You begun to do whatever you could to please him. Ignoring the red flags that were visible to everyone else in the process. To you, Neteyam did no wrong, but who could blame you? You had fallen deep into his world, his eyes, his voice, his love.

That was true love wasn’t it? You give your entirety to him and he gives himself to you. Two people belonging to each other, breathing for one another.

On your ride with Ora, there was no denying how far gone you were. You have become to dependent on him and vice versa. Some time apart would be best, but you don’t think either of you would last. The idea of you being the one to hurt him, his heart, was something you couldn’t fathom. But when you get back you would have to come to an agreement with him. No more threats and violence.

Honestly, there were plenty of things still bothering you. If he was so enamored with anger why didn’t he come to you? Talk to you about it? Why didn’t Lo’ak tell you about his hidden concerns and feelings? You thought to yourself that you would have been understanding, but another thought popped up. Would you have been? Or would you have thought Lo’ak was crazy? That Neteyam was not capable of such things. You must have missed the warning signs. You thought a person couldn’t just act in ways Lo’ak described without it being built up inside.

You frowned to yourself. Was there another side of Neteyam that you couldn’t see? It stung your heart to think of him that way, but the idea formed never left your mind.

When you descended from the sky, Neteyam was there waiting. You must have been gone for hours. He continued to wait as you busied yourself with Ora before sending her off. You looked back to the sky and saw Eclipse was nearing. You still didn’t know what to say. You knew that you didn’t want to leave him, but how were you going to tell him something that could possibly upset him. You didn’t want to do that either.

Neteyam stood before you, his voice deep, “You’ll still be with me, right? You’ve been gone for so long.”

“Yes, I had to think about everything. Us.”

“Was it ever that serious though? To have to rethink us…me?”

His previous sullenness was wiped away, something unreadable taking place. You showed a displeased expression.

“I take your hostile words and actions very seriously, Neteyam. I don’t want you to feel that way on my behalf anymore. I just want you to talk to me when you feel angry. You should have come to me with what has been bothering you, not taking it out on others and making more people hurt and upset.”

Neteyam felt a flicker of irritation. He pursed his lips together as if he ate something distasteful.

“That’s hard to do when everyone in this fucking clan is out to destroy us! Tear you away! Why do you think Lo’ak started that fight? He wanted to put those thoughts in your head to make you question me…hate me.”

You were beyond bewildered. What was he talking about?

“No one is out to destroy us. What makes you think that?”

He looked at you like you were the one spewing nonsense. He shook his head, “How can you not see? Everyone glares at us! I can hear them whispering all around. Especially that fucker Raziel…I had to do something about him. Even my own brother has betrayed me.”

Frustration of your own was kicking in.

“Well, maybe they wouldn’t be like that if you didn’t go around threatening people! That’s the reason why. Kids look up to you, adults respect you, what are they supposed to think when you’re acting like that?”

“What?”

Neteyam scoffed, his tone dark.

“I’m serious. I hate seeing you like this.”

He stepped back as if you slapped him. His aura was like a dark cloud. His eyes cold as they stared into yours.

“You hate me then, don’t you? You don’t love me…if you loved me then you would agree. You would console me, you wouldn’t be arguing with me.”

“Of course, I love you, Neteyam. This just isn’t making any sense to me.”

The main thing that hurt the most was him questioning your love. If anything your deep affection should be so clear. You love him so that’s why you’re having this argument. To try and understand the cause. How can he say that you two shouldn’t be fighting. If you had just dismissed this whole thing then it would have been a massive weight within your mind. A never ending thought that would have consumed you day and night.

Neteyam towered over, “Well, it makes perfect sense to me…I can’t believe this. See? We can’t be doing this,” he displayed his hands out, gesturing to you and him, “This fighting…it’s not right.”

You squinted, disagreement on the tip of your tongue, “Couples fight, Neteyam. Do you just expect me to be quiet and obedient for you? Be a thoughtless servant just for you?”

“Yes.”

Stunned, you chose to stare at his chest. You wondered if this was his true self. Behind the layers of his kindness, heroic nature, and warmth, was a blazing fire of a dark desire. It burned you. He burned you.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t think I can be that for you. I won’t.”

You wanted to walk off; go anywhere but near him. Neteyam started to panic. He couldn’t help but say what was his truth and the amount of hurt radiating from you was too much. He wrapped himself around you, his hand caressing your hair.

“I- you just mean everything to me, baby. I meant it…in a way that I can’t imagine a life without you. I just don’t want you to give up on me.”

You couldn’t see his face but his voice was wavering and you thought he was starting to cry. A headache was beginning to surface. Is this what people called a one-eighty? He was so angry and now he’s crying on your shoulder. Admittedly, hearing his words made you feel better. He didn’t mean it. He just wanted all of you. The optimist in you outweighed the pessimist and you hoped that this was just a storm passing through.

You held onto that hope as you said, “I won’t give up on you, okay? Can we talk tomorrow? It’s late.”

Neteyam detached himself from you. His eyes were dry, like he didn’t shed even one tear. You pushed the observation away for now. The want to go home on the front of your mind. You tip toed and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek to catch him off guard as you scurried off.

After you greeted your parents and sat emptily to their scolding for coming home past eclipse, you laid awake.

Was he faking it? Did he put on a show for your forgiveness? Sleep didn’t come to give you rest that night.

The continuation of the previous night’s talk didn’t happen. You tried to bring it up, but Neteyam either turned a blind eye or said, “Not now.”

Two weeks passed and they all consisted of not now’s. Neteyam dropped it entirely and you gave up when you realized that meant you had to drop it too.

Since the night of the incident between Neteyam and Lo’ak, your relationship with the Sully family shifted. It was at a point now where you felt ashamed, like it was your fault for this sudden crack in his family’s dynamic. Kiri had been distant with her brother, choosing to exchange words when it was necessary. The rift between the two brothers was growing each day that passed and a swarm of guilt fluttered within you.

To add gasoline onto your burning shame, you have been distant with them as well. It’s been weeks since you had a conversation with Kiri that wasn’t an awkward exchange of greetings and you have barely seen Tuk since she’s been training for her rites. But now, you found yourself alone with Lo’ak.

The normal routine was back the day after your argument with Neteyam. That routine being him carrying out his duties alongside his father and you busing yourself with Mo’at tasks. You had been left alone in her hut before the youngest Sully son sauntered over. Nothing was said, he merely watched you work.

Of course, you felt his watchful eyes and tried not to make your nervousness known. You avoided glancing at his face and the healing scar above his eye.

The never ending guilt harboring inside yourself felt like a heavy mass. You’ve been meaning to talk to Lo’ak, ask him how he’s been, but you failed at having the courage. Seeing him and having his presence alongside yours forced the words out.

“How are you? Are you fully healed?”

Your hands were grinding herbs, a seemingly automatic movement you’ve mastered by now, but your attention was solely focused on him. Lo’ak previously had been staring at the array of wooden bowls scattered on the floor, memorizing their contents to not make his sudden appearance as awkward as it was.

He lifted his head at your voice, “I’m fine, but as you can see,” he ran his fingers over the scar, “I have something to remember it all by.”

You shut your eyes, pained at the memory of that night.

“I’m so sorry, Lo’ak. I wish it never happened.”

He said your name, his voice sounding distressed. Lo’ak looked sick which then turned into something urgent. His ear twitched.

“Please, don’t take offense to this…but you shouldn’t be so nice,” he shook his head, “No, that doesn’t sound right. I mean, you’re too merciful when it comes to Neteyam. You’re too forgiving for your own good. Here you are giving me a more sincere apology than Neteyam over something that isn’t your fault…I thought after everything you’d see…”

He spoke his last sentence softy. Everything seemed clearer to him now.

“I would see what?” You said. Lo’ak bit his lower lip, anxious.

“Don’t you see that Neteyam is different? He’s not the same.”

“You mean his anger issues? I know it’s a problem, but with a little help-”

He cut you off, “Not just his anger…” Lo’ak said your name softly like he was tasked with delivering upsetting news, “I’ve never been serious with someone like you and Neteyam, but I do know right from wrong. The way he just throws commands at you, controls what you do or who you speak to, even the way he keeps tabs on you at all times. Don’t get me started on how he is at home…you know, Kiri made so many plans with you, she was so excited. But every time Neteyam shut her down. Saying how she would put you in danger or he doesn’t like you being away without him knowing. It’s like he doesn’t trust you. It’s wrong.”

Maybe at the start of your budding romance you would have defended Neteyam, hissed or fought with Lo’ak. But things are different, so different, and you take in all his words to heart. You did notice the change to his overbearing, possessive even, behavior and it made you feel naive to only notice it after something bad happened. But to keep you from Kiri? You’re only friend? You felt betrayed. Lo’ak had a point. Neteyam didn’t trust you. It made you feel sick.

“Lo’ak…I tried to convince him that we need a break but he wouldn’t hear it. All we do is argue and I’m just so confused all the time. He makes me confused.”

You placed the forgotten bowl of herbs in your hands onto the ground. Defeat covered every inch of you. Lo’ak let the space fill with silence. He didn’t know how to help you. His brother beat him up before and he didn’t want to do something that caused history to repeat itself. You, on the other hand, took this as a chance to finally confide in someone.

“I love him…or maybe I love him because the Neteyam I fell in love with has to still be a part of him, right? There’s been times when I thought he put on a front. He said and did things that made me feel so guilty, like it was always my fault he lashed out. I was trapped and the only way out was to cave. But there was something so eerily empty in his eyes. They didn’t captivate me anymore but instead made me question his every move, his intentions.”

Your chest felt heavy and you didn’t know if you had the strength to carry the weight. The increase in speed of your pounding heart put your mind into disarray.

“He won’t let me go, ever.”

Lo’ak opened his mouth but the clan abruptly erupted in chaos. People leaving their huts at the noise and jogging past caused Lo’ak and yourself to follow. A large circle was formed and for a second you could catch nothing, only the sound of a woman wailing. Her cries guttural and full of pain rattled you to your core. Your unease grew when clan members from the inner circle began pushing their way out. Some were crying and others had hands clasped over their mouths like they were going to hurl. Curious and worried people dropped the crowd incessantly, running away.

You understood why when you saw it.

Raziel laid in his mother’s arms. Lifeless. The only reason for your assurance on his death being the ripped pieces of his chest and stomach. His insides spewed out and the amount of dark blood everywhere.You stood planted and stared at his mangled body for what felt like eternity. The last thing you saw before turning around was his hand and the empty spots where his fingers should be.

You stare at the ground ahead of you, barely noticing the embrace of Lo’ak. He hurriedly lead the both of you away. The voice of his father trying to comfort the weeping woman in the distance.

Raziel…you didn’t like him one bit but no one deserved to die like that. Upon first glance anyone would assume it was an animal attack, but your gut told you otherwise.

The cuts above his chest were too small, straight, and thin to be claw marks. And his hand…you’ve seen Mo’at tend to a few clan members who barely survived animal attacks and you had a gist of what a bitten off finger could look like. Raziel’s hand looked nothing like that, the cuts were too clean.

You peered into Lo’ak’s eyes and without words he understood.

“He couldn’t be capable of this. He can’t be.”

“Your father is here,” you looked over Lo’ak’s shoulder at the Olo’eyktan, “So where is Neteyam.”

Lo’ak moved his head around the clan searching intensely. While he was distracted, you ran off. You ventured until you were at the furthest corner of the open space just outside the cave’s opening. No one was nearby. It felt strange seeing the outskirts of the cave so empty, especially at this time of day, but the echoing of shouts and crying felt more uncanny.

You called for Ora. Her usually instant arrival was replaced by nothing. The sky was clear of your beloved Ikran. You called three more times. Eyes searching the horizon for any sign of her but you were met with not a single thing, not even a screech from afar. Your gut twisted and your body shook as unwelcome nerves overtook you.

There were overgrown vines alongside the mountain and for the first time you were grateful the clan moved to a cavity closer to the ground. You wasted no time grabbing onto the vines and descending.

When you hit the ground, you traveled into the forest. You weren’t sure what you were doing. This was insane. You knew you were looking for Neteyam, if he was even out here, but you weren’t ready to know what you would find. There was no plan in your head, but your body kept moving. You halted when you found yourself near the lake.

You saw Neteyam before he could see you. You crouched and walked through the trees, trying to get a better view. You only saw the top of his head since he was blocked by the lush greenery. When you hid half your body behind a large tree trunk, you saw his entirety.

He was standing in the water. The once serene shade of blue turned red. Neteyam was cleaning himself of blood. You didn’t know how long he’s been grabbing handfuls of water to wash his dirtied skin, but you could see that the upper part of his body was still covered in splatters of the red substance. Your hand covered your mouth at the sight. It raveled into shed tears and swallowed down cries. Raziel…his mother, father, the clan. Nobody had gotten close to being with Eywa in years.

The amount of mourning to come because of your love, your Neteyam…being in love never hurt so much.

The once clear skies became covered with stormy clouds. The rain that fell onto your face blended well with your tears, but you kept your gaze strong ahead.

The blood and water mixed like two colors on a canvas, and Neteyam was the painter. He did it. There’s no other explanation for him to be washing off this much blood.

Neteyam killed him.

The sudden urge to get away quickly without him noticing made you take one last glance then you turned around. Your legs ached as you were still crouched and heading deeper into the forest. You must have been so clouded with pain and betrayal you stopped worrying about making a sound, a silent escape.

Neteyam whipped his head towards the trees at the sound of a twig snapping. He waded out of the water slowly. He was trained at hunting, it’s his specialty. He knew how to move through the forest unseen and unheard. His movement halted when he saw you standing.

You couldn’t go on with the cramp building in your leg. A simple mistake due to the need for rest that you now had to pay.

Neteyam spoke your name. It was like a gun shot signaling a race to start. You ran.

***

Eclipse had fallen by the time you made it deep into the forest and the downpour of rain had caused you to lose your footing twice. You haven’t run this amount in a while. So, you tracked further until you could no longer take it. You found a low leaf of a tree and hid behind it to catch your breath.

You were not sure how long you’ve been resting but your ears twitched the second you heard slow steps crunching on the ground. You pressed your back into the bark of the tree when he called your name again.

“Don’t hide from me. I don’t like it.”

You closed your eyes and prayed to Eywa that he would tread past you. You should have known better though. Neteyam is a skilled warrior, a hunter. It was incredibly still and quiet as you exhaled slowly to not make your presence known.

Eywa didn’t answer your prayer.

His hand gripped your arm and pulled you to your feet. He took your chin in his hand, tilting your head upwards.

Neteyam didn’t like playing games like this. He tightened his grip, “You’ve been a bad girl…I told you not to come out here by yourself. Why are you here?”

His hand dug so hard into your skin that you couldn’t be released no matter how hard you tried.

“Neteyam, please, let go of me!”

His eyes hardened and narrowed into slits. He had a tiring day and finding you in the forest made it worse. He watched you wander down to his chest. Your own eyes widening at the remnants of now dried blood. Neteyam smirked at the realization.

“Did the clan find my present? Is that why you’re here, to thank me?”

You let the hidden back sobs free. “Why? How could you do something so horrible?!”

“Is defending your honor horrible? He put his filthy fucking hands on you. He wanted you. Raziel would have always been filthy. All I did was a little cleaning.”

You tasted bile in the back of your throat, but dismissed it as you uttered, “I don’t know who you are. You aren’t the man I grew to love. I don’t want anything with you anymore.”

Neteyam laughed, “That will be hard once we’re mated.”

“We will never be mated. It isn’t even a possibility because when your father and the rest of the clan find out about what you did-”

“They won’t though. I may have made a few mistakes, I mean I was blinded by rage, but I have killed countless animals. The clan, and my father, will think of it as only a tragic animal attack. It’s happened before and will likely again.”

Neteyam gently raised his hand to the back of your head, fingers weaving through the depth of your hair. He gripped tightly and pulled. You shouted in pain and looked at him through hooded eyes due to the angle your head was now at.

He closed the space between you with his body against yours, “Besides, there’s no point in you betraying me. No one would believe you. I will always be a perfect son in my parent’s eyes.”

Neteyam loosened his tight grip. His hand cupped your face instead, “And I can’t have the people think my mate is crazy. That is what they’d call you, but we can’t have that.”

The longer you stared at him you knew everything was gone. His eyes that made you feel seen, his words that filled you with joy and complete adoration were now a distant memory. You had grown exhausted throughout this relationship. All the fighting, feeling confused, putting Neteyam’s feelings before your own, and letting all your life’s goals and wishes be crushed down to a mere daydream to keep him happy. It wasn’t worth it anymore. Lo’ak was right. This isn’t what love is supposed to be.

You pushed his hand off and for good measure you shoved him by the chest. “If I have to live my life holding this dreadful secret to myself, then fine. But I’ll do it alone. I’m done.”

Neteyam was offended. He looked at your hands with dislike. His own clenched, nails digging painfully into his skin. How dare you push him away? After all he’s done for you?

“You always have to defy me. Everything I do is for you! But how do you repay me? By starting useless arguments and doubting me. Stop letting other people convince you I’m not good for you. I know you don’t mean it.”

Neteyam towered over you, you’re back harshly hitting the bark of a tree. His tone deep and sinister as he said, “If you ever think of leaving me…think about the disappointment of my parents. I will be the leader of this clan and you are expected to birth my children. They will be heartbroken to see me, their son, without a mate.”

He raised an arm and rested his palm against the bark near your head. He bent down to meet your eyes, “ You’d break Kiri’s heart as well. You’re her only friend. Do you want to see her so alone? Not only would my parents be displeased, but your parents…they would disown you. Their only child in love with the future Olo’eyktan only to break his heart. They would never look at you the same. You would let down your family? Over all this? You would be forgotten. You would never find someone who would give you his entire life and being to you. Not as much as me.”

Neteyam wiped away the never ending tears escaping you, “Stop crying. All our problems are gone now, baby.”

He smiled and his lips met yours. To him it was a passionate kiss. He didn’t mind the feeling of your tears falling onto his face. You felt empty, like Neteyam drained you of everything. You had no more power to fight back, no more strength to go against him anymore. You had become a puppet. The strings that held you up were no match to him. Neteyam held them firmly in his hands and had all the control.

His lips pressed deeper into yours, his other hand grabbing your lower back. When he parted he brushed away more tears.

“Let’s go home.”

Neteyam truly had given you his entirety. Of course, the fact that you weren’t as obedient as he wanted bothered him constantly. But his anger towards you never lasted long.

He woke up that day feeling much clearer than he ever was. The outside forces trying to break through the barriers of your relationship had to be put to an end.

When he climbed up to the part of the mountains where the Ikran’s rested and gave Ora to Ewya or when he got on top of Raziel and ignored his pleas as he ended his life…Neteyam only had one thought in mind.

This is love.

End.

A/N: tbh I wrote most of this with days in between so I’m not sure if it makes any sense at all :) but thank you for reading nonetheless! So sad he killed Ora like how rude.

#neteyam x reader #neteyam #neteyam fic #avatar the way of water #loak sully #neteyam angst #neteyam fluff #neteyam imagines #yandere neteyam #yandere #neteyam fanfiction #atwow fic #neteyam sully #neteyam x you #neteyam x na'vi!reader

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dovithedarklord · 3 months

Text

Age of Monsters - Chapter Seventeen

Pairing: OFC x Simon "Ghost" Riley, OFC x König

Tags: Slow Burn, Slow Build, Enemies to Lovers, Alternate Universe, Blood and Gore, Blood and Violence, Eventual Romance, Eventual Smut, POV First Person, Not Beta Read, Medical Inaccuracies, Military Inaccuracies, AFAB OC

Trigger Warning: The story will contain violance, blood and smut in detail. Please, keep that in mind!

⚠️MDNI⚠️

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Author's Note

Leona and the team travel again, and more and more interesting situations arise.

Hello!

I noticed that with all the upheavals in my life, I can safely upload approx. every two weeks, so I'll stick to that! :D

I don't have a separate Trigger Warning for today's chapter!

Have fun! :D

I.M.L. – Infected Mammal Lifeorm I.H.L. – Infected Humanoid Lifeorm

if you're interested you can find the story on AO3: Chapter Seventeen

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The small room is enveloped in motionless semi-darkness, and only the flickering lights of the machines resting next to the bed paint the two figures clinging to each other on the patient's bed into a neon-colored rainbow. And although their faces now finally radiate peaceful calmness, as they rest in the whiteness of the sterile bedding, they look more like plants floating on the edge of death, intertwined with their dry branches as a last refuge. Yet, despite their almost painful weakness, the aura mixed with terror that reigned over them seems to be easing at last, which was ingrained in each of their cells like an ineradicable illness.

And as I look at the crumpled bed on the other side of the room, I can read from the wet stains on the pillow that the boy probably woke up from a bad dream and sought solace from the woman. It's not surprising that he chose close proximity instead of comfort, because, in the many horrors he has experienced so far, his older companion has been his protector. Perhaps she anchored him in reality now as well, when he floated, writhing in tears, on the border between the bitter images of the realm of dreams and this world. And a rather bitter taste invades my tongue when it occurs to me, that it cannot be ruled out that he will suffer in this temporary nightmare for the rest of his life. Stuck in the middle of painful memories and fleeting safety.

Because I'm dead sure that the government won't let two very young Healers, whom they can squeeze out a few more years of service from, go to waste. No leader will let them take early retirement, even if they die while serving the Hunters. This system isn’t kind to anyone, especially not to those who, according to the authorities, were born to serve. And even though it's better for everyone if a Hunter stays sane and doesn't slaughter everyone in their path if they run out of energy, it doesn't change the fact that, as per the current state of the world, there isn't even time for people to mourn their traumas.

And this thought weakens the contentment purring inside me, which I experienced last night with the help of my clever ability. Because my little action seems infinitely futile as I watch them. I treated all their wounds, and all traces of the pain they suffered disappeared from the tissues, but every minute they spent in the dark little hole where they were pushed into lives just as vividly in their minds. And neither my energy, nor that bastard's pitiable death, nor time will cure this. I doubt that any of them will ever recover, and I can only hope with the utmost benevolence that they lose their sanity and wither in a lab for the rest of their lives, high on medication. That would be the slowest but most merciful death that life could give them.

I must be quite deeply immersed in my thoughts, because I only notice that a tall figure casts a dark shadow on me, when he settles next to me in front of the window of the small ward and joins me in my silent observations. I don't need to look at Riley to know the expression on his masked face, because the barely suppressed rage that emanates from him when he glances at the pair hiding in the small, dim room almost stings my skin. And my mind, buried in resignation, has the strength to feel pleasure for a minute at his agitation, for it soothes my soul in a sick way, that, despite the fact that his kind doesn't need to fear such horrors, I still see the glint of anger in the dark eyes of his reflection. This gives me some faint relief from the gnawing doubts that snake into my bones, which have burrowed deeper and deeper since yesterday with such insidious efficiency as worms feasting on corpses. Because I can't get rid of the image of the terrified faces of the two Healers, and in those few passing hours, when I was finally able to close my eyes, I saw myself in the dirty corner instead of them.

"What did Price say?" I speak up suddenly, diverting my thoughts to safer ground, because the further development of our mission seems a much more pleasant topic than discussing the future of the two poor souls shrouded in doubt, or reviving the damned delusions of my brain. And even though I don't look away from the seemingly peaceful scene unfolding before me, I can see him examining me inquisitively, as if he would be searching for something in my expressionless features. And he must have found it, because even though I can bury my emotions expertly, even my persona created for denial cannot hide from his trained senses.

"Laswell looked the thug up." He finally answers, and whatever was going on in that mysterious mind of his, he goes into the game of ignoring my strange behavior without comment. And I'm immensely grateful for the fact that he is able to turn to duty so quickly, because no matter how much my mind is occupied by the miserable fate of my two fellow colligues, our mission is more important. Now only my subconscious and I should be on the same page about this. "We're leavin' tomorrow." He informs me, stating a certain fact, and I just glance at him curiously from the corner of my eye. Laswell works faster than the devil, and it looks like she hasn't let us down now either. Even though we only had a name and a colony in our hands, which could have been too little to be able to move on with our pursuit. But our station chief's nose is much sharper, and she picked up a hot scent again at such a pace that belies the fact that she is just a simple human. And the knowledge that tomorrow I can finally leave this cesspool, and all this dreadful moment will be an unpleasant experience lost in the mist of the past, selfishly calms my mind. Because I don't want to face why I want to leave the two Healers so enthusiastically and forget about what will happen to them.

"Are they coming with us too?" I continue to inquire, raising another important question, which, although less intensively, but with sufficient enthusiasm, strains my skull. Because the two short days I spent in the company of our new teammates helped to plant the seeds of suspicion and foreboding in my mind enough to make me prefer to part ways with them, even if that would mean the loss of their help. There wouldn't even be a problem with Horangi, but König... he's a different story. And I don't just want to keep him away from my friends, because I'm secretly afraid that they work together like a ticking time bomb, and it's only a matter of time before they have a punch-up due to their incompatible personalities with Riley. There is something inherently dangerous about the hooded Hunter that clings to his every cell like a bloodthirsty demonic presence. It was already difficult for me to decipher the masked man, but König is a completely new kind of riddle, and I'm not sure that I want to know what is hidden under the dark textile. I have a gut feeling that if I dip even one toe into this shallow, murky mystery, the monster lurking in the bottomless swamp will grab me and drag me under. But despite my vivid imagination, my rational side is perfectly aware that I need to observe just enough to be able to read him and know what he and his little companion are up to behind the scenes. Because they are most certainly not so willing because of their good heart and conscience.

"Shepherd won't let us go without his dogs." The Hunter notes curtly, and based on his tone it's clear that even without saying it, he understood whom I was aiming at so skillfully. The edge of disdain moves into his deep voice, which has been lurking under the surface ever since we were drawn here by the clues given us by Valeria. And although I know the kind of self-restraint and discipline the man possesses, it's still impressive how effectively he can rein in his temper, even though his colleague's behavior made it a difficult task for him on several occasions. They cooperate with us with perfect professionalism, but they make sure, with small and sly signs, that we know that, thanks to the old shit, we are not in control here. Our little adventure yesterday made this very clear.

"How surprising." I remark dryly, and I don't even try to make the words crawling on my tongue a little less sarcastic, because I know that my cynicism now finds a match in my partner. Shepherd wants to keep us on a short leash through the two Hunters, and I'm pretty sure it would only take one wrong move to make the kindness of our new helpers disappear like a mirage in the desert. But it's even more likely that the old bastard will wait until we smooth this little nuisance out for him, and then he will get rid of us. That would be very clever, and would give a good reason why the two mercenaries are coming with us. In light of this, we not only have to get hold of the serum and be careful with the mutants, but we also have to keep a watchful eye on when they stab us in the back. Wonderful.

"You shouldn't have come to the interrogation room." Riley deviates from the thread of our conversation, and I'd be lying if I said that I didn't expect him to bring up my little incident sooner or later. It's a fact that it would have made a much better impression on our hosts if I hadn't poked my nose into their business, and perhaps if anger hadn't burned inside me like an inferno, I would have been able to think clearly and stay away. Undoubtedly, it would have attracted less attention, and it's also likely that even without my intervention, they would have found the bloody method that would have made that scumbag want to spill every last bit of info he had. The secret of my little abilities would also have remained under wraps, which would still give me a trump card in case one of our hired babysitters decided to help me cross over to the other world. But the icy hatred that closed its teeth around my insides injected a poison into me, causing a red fog to descend on my mind that I was unable to fight against. And to be honest, I didn't want to.

"I'd argue with that." I retort dispassionately, and I still don't meet his gaze, the weight of which now almost suffocates me. Although our relationship has fallen into something quite attractively complicated, I know that when it comes to work, he knows no joke. And it occurs to me that he might want to scold me now because I wasn't able to do what was expected of me again. And I would like to warn him well in advance, before he can even delve into his disciplining, that no one forbade me to interfere even with a fucking word. Horangi's feeble attempt was more of a less-than-enthusiastic warning than an actual command. If he was serious, then he would have easily arranged it so that I could not barge into the interrogation room. Because he could have killed me with one move.

A frightened whine penetrates the noise of the chirping machines in the ward, and as I see the half-asleep boy moving closer to the woman, who just begins to draw soothing circles through the blue material of the hospital nightgown on his bony back, then the terrifying feeling that brought me to the container on swift legs rises again in me. There is no protocol or rule that could have stopped me then, even if my brain now knows that sitting on my pretty ass and waiting for the big boys to take care of the situation would have been the right thing to do. But I'm too stubborn for that.

"It was our task to find out what he knows." The man states the truth flatly, and I only carefully divert my gaze from the Healers hugging on the sick bed to immerse myself in the inscrutable eyes of Riley's reflection. Because from someone who carries out his duties with such rigor and keeps to what is expected of him, I wouldn't exactly expect him to let my newest naughtiness pass without a word. Although I had already managed to avoid the retort that my misbehavior would have deserved once, I had saved his bosom friend by disobeying the order. But now, guided only by my own feelings, I charged into the middle of their party like a bull gone wild. Not that I mind for a minute.

"It took a long time. I sped it up." I offer the most acceptable reason, which I'm sure can soften the condemnation that might be camped in his mind. Because even though he knows that my terrible game was about much more than that, he can't argue with the fact that I forced out the answers that we were after much sooner than they could have achieved by beating him into a bloody pulp. And it's just an insignificant factor that I used specific tools, and the motivating force behind my actions is another completely negligible detail. The point is, that we got what we needed to continue our search for the serum. It's best for him and me if we leave it at that.

"You took revenge." He specifies simply, and even I'm surprised that there is no reprimanding weight behind his words. As if he had merely made a frivolous remark, rather than stating why I had so vehemently stormed in when they worked so diligently on their victim. But if his insight strikes me unexpectedly, my surprise quickly fades, because it's clear that he already knew why I was there when I crossed the threshold of the interrogation room. But instead of feeling ashamed for exposing my not-so-nice motives, the uncomfortable tightness in my stomach that hasn't really gone away since yesterday just flares up again. And as petty as it may be, I was filled with vengeance indeed when I laid my sly little hands on our prisoner, but I'm by no means such a noble soul as to refrain from it. This kind of meanness fits right into my repertoire of personality traits.

"Is it such a big deal?" I turn back to spying on the small room, because it's much easier to study the dark walls than to digest how effortlessly he can see through me. Of course, it's not that I have lost my mystery to him that bothers me, but rather the fact that I feel like a little kid caught doing mischief. Because from his tone it's like I did something completely wrong. Although I know that my approach was truly merciless, that dirtbag deserved every single moment of it. I don't care if what I have done is questionable, because as soon as I saw the desperation on that disgusting face swimming in tears and snot, my mood turned better in an instant. And if there was even a little justice left in the world, then all the wretches like this bastard would receive this punishment. What's wrong with such scum finally getting a taste of their own cruelty?

"No." He breaks the short silence, agreeing with me almost too naturally, which is completely foreign from his mouth. Because this makes me unsure for a minute about why he brought up the whole topic in the first place. If it doesn't bother him that I took control and used my own little incentive, then what is his problem? "But you don't have to get your hands dirtier at all costs." He adds, and I don't like the tone he puts into his voice at all, like he wanted to scold me. Which sounds bad coming from him, because we both know that while I may be a sneaky bastard, he doesn't need to go next door when it comes to brutality. We aren’t different in any way, and he shouldn't point out how unfeminine and not-so-delicate it is when I use these merciless tactics.

"There's enough blood on them anyway. A little more won't make a difference." I remark nonchalantly, keeping my eyes fixed in front of me with all my strength, because I'm afraid that if I look at the Hunter, I will glimpse something that my soul couldn't bear. I don't want to see his contempt or his superiority, because I don’t feel an iota of regret. This cruelty helped me through hardships all my life, I took what I needed to survive. If there was even a little less blood on my hands, I'd be lying there in that fucking bed right now, beaten, starved, raped and used. The only thing that kept me from this was that I immersed myself in the filth as deeply as was necessary, and my selfishness served me quite well. And if I have to drown in this infectious pool, I will.

But the movement comes completely unexpectedly, as one of his big hands finds my shoulder, and as his fingers gently tighten around the tensing muscles, I turn my head towards him with a starled shiver, because the tenderness in his touch reluctantly tears me out of the gloomy monologue going on in my head. And the way those brown eyes glance down at me makes my stomach jump instinctively, because the inscrutable flickers dancing there make the anger raging inside me fade away in a minute. The heat emanating from his palm pleasantly licks at my skin, which has cooled down due to the bitter rage, and brings my attention back to him so decisively from the chaos in my brain, as if he would be my anchor keeping me in reality.

"I know you're cruel. You don't have to prove it." He states, and his voice fades to a grumble, as he takes a small step to close the distance between the two of us. And as he leans down to me and his scent fills my nose like a familiar visitor, every nerve in my body is sharpened to what he has to say. "But you don't have to do it alone anymore." He declares, and with this one sentence, he dispels all the doubts that have nested in the hidden corners of my brain so far. And the realization that this is exactly why I wanted to leave the two Healers behind me tears into my mind. Because I saw in them the fate that could easily have found me too. I could have ended up chained and abused to the extreme, but instead, for all my selfishness and dishonesty, karma has led me to a place where I am treated much better than my background would justify.

And now here is Riley, who knows my worst side, has experienced firsthand the caustic sarcasm I can use to dig into other people's weaknesses with my words, and what evils my hands are capable of when my interests demand it. Yet knowing this, he offers that I don't have to walk this dark road alone, but willingly joins me. He doesn't expect me to leave behind my dubious methods accumulated over the years, he doesn't ask me to wash my hands clean. And because of this, something completely inexplicable awakens inside me, which simultaneously fills me with a pleasant warmth, which is followed by a hot trembling lightness that spreads through all the fibers of my being. And along with that, an icy fear creeps into the pit of my stomach, because the warning flashes in my subconscious almost immediately that I mustn't let this go. I can't waste this opportunity that fate has given me, because I'm not sure I could survive if I lost them.

And as a result of the realization, the invisible fingers of the tears spurred by the rising emotions gnaw into my eyes with almost painful force, but forcing the feelings down my dry throat, I just nod with a faint smile on my face. Because now I can see clearly. It takes shape in my head firmly that I'm willing to cling to the team, and especially to him with every drop of my blood, that this pledge almost burns into my brain.

⃰

The warm rays of the sun caress my naked arm peeking from under my shirt with deceptive peace, and as I leave the cargo deck hand in hand with my companions, and wade into the wild grass, the sweet scent of wildflowers fills my nose, and I allow myself to drink in the picturesque landscape for a minute. As if I had fallen into a dream, the meadow stretches to the edge of the horizon with such unimaginable calmness, where Nik so skilfully put down our plane, the soft noise of which is accompanied by the buzzing of bees and the chirping song of crickets as background noise. And at other times, this huge open space might make me nervous, where we are easy prey for the mutants who are stalking us, but behind the large building not far from us, the abundance of trees stretching to the sky cover us beneficially from at least one side. A real, hidden corner of paradise.

In other circumstances and in another life, this beautiful weather might even tempt me to have a little picnic in this undisturbed clearing that spreads out in front of our temporary accommodation. Of course, this would be a realistic idea if there was no chance that my idyllic pastime would be interrupted by a deformed monster or one of its humanoid friends, who would pay their respects with a slightly different kind of snack in mind. Although based on Price's information, the safe house might be located in the middle of nowhere, but it's just reassuringly close enough to the colony to be at a comfortable distance from any reckless beasts. Of course, the suspicion raging in my brain doesn't ease one bit, because, during my ever-longer mission, I already had the opportunity to experience what kind of horrors can be lurking behind such beautiful landscapes with watchful eyes. And most of the time they don't appear in the form of malformed animals, but take on a much more human face. Naturally, in this filthy place laced with death, we are still each other's greatest enemies.

"Good to see you're still alive!" A familiar voice interrupts my thoughts, and as I turn my head in the direction of its source, my dark little heart leaps with real joy. Because as soon as I see Garrick emerging from behind the battered door of the house, a definite line of a sincere smile crosses my face. And although it's barely been a while since I last had the good fortune to admire the Hunter's good features and even more pleasant aura, yet, in an almost disgusting way, my soul is relieved that amidst all the complicated misery, I finally have a familiar figure near me.

"We need more than that to bite the bullet!" MacTavish exclaims, and he hurries forward grinning, so that when his friend is within arm's reach, he simply pulls him into a brotherly embrace enthusiastically, patting his back with the weights of the unspoken words of happiness in the small movement. It's no wonder that this meeting is so heart-warming, since every single mission is another chance for these happy moments to never happen again. And this is probably not the first party they got involved in, but in light of the fact that we are drowning deeper and deeper into unknown complications, even I can sympathize with the zeal of my two fanboys.

I don't have to wait long for the one person who is still missing from the impromptu celebration to show up, and as I recognize the well-known figure of Price marching out from the dim depths of the house, the fleeting feeling of absence that may have been present in me until now disappears. The man carefully studies us gathered in the field, and when his gaze settles on me after Riley, who is anchored next to me, and his beard-framed mouth curls up in a satisfied little smile, then my stomach jumps with excited joy with such ridiculous speed that it's downright disgusting. Still, it doesn't bother me for a minute that such crippling emotions rear their heads in my little soul, because I would be willing to do anything to never have to live without them.

"I've hoped this would be the case." Price also joins in our greeting, referring back to my Scottish friend's earlier confident statement with his small comment, as he comes close enough to welcome us. And when one of his big hands lands on my shoulder with the greatest naturalness and squeezes it gently, the pleasant warmth, that only the small team was able to revive in me for a very long time, spreads through all of my limbs following his touch. And I swear that an almost paternal pride shines in those bright eyes, as they survey my face, and I have to keep my cheeky superiority in my features with all my strength, because I don't want to get emotional in front of our audience just getting off the plane. "I've heard a lot of good things about you." He adds, and even though his praise is enough to awaken an impossible cheerfulness in me, but as his gaze meaningfully moves to the masked Hunter enveloped in silence, I understand to whom I owe this exceptional treatment. And because of this, I feel that the tremble in my stomach paints surprise on my face despite my will and all my attempts at indifference. I didn't think that it would be Riley who would so enthusiastically praise my performance to the boss, when earlier I had him to thank for the bright idea of my forest trip, due to which I almost got impaled by a mutant piggy. But this is enough for the hope in my head to push me even deeper into the embrace of my complicated feelings for him. Great.

And at that moment, Riley, who was already more wordless than usual, joins in the warm welcoming, and although he remains silent, he greets our leader with a firm nod. Others might not find his curtness particularly striking, but he cannot hide from the captain's eyes either. And I'm sure that Price also realized by reading his companion's body language that his stand-offishness is directed much more to the two mercenaries who approach us with lazy steps. Because it would be impossible not to notice the distant aura he puts on when he has to share the same space with his colleagues. And although this tense atmosphere made our plane ride excruciatingly long, considering the unique show we were treated to during our joint mission, the grumpy mood of the masked man doesn't seem exaggerated one bit.

Even though they close the distance between us with the silence of the predators lying in wait, I don't have to look back to know that our new companions have arrived at our small gathered group, because the tiny little hairs reflexively rise at my back as I feel that unmistakable gaze burning the back of my head. It was enough for me to look into those blue eyes once over the mangled body spread out on the floor of the interrogation room to know that the wisest thing to do was to ignore the existence of the hooded Hunter altogether. For although I don’t know to what, apart from his obvious interest in my kind, I owe that persistent attention with which he honors me every time we come into forced proximity, yet I'm sure that no good would come of entering into this dubious game. Whatever his purpose is by obnoxiously and shamelessly staring at me at every opportunity he gets.

Price is the one who, as a true leader, grasps the noble task of breaking the ice, and turns to the two mercenaries, straightening his back out with confidence. And although there is a diplomatic impassiveness on his face, and I might even detect a faint smile at the corner of his mouth, but my trained eyes catch the troubled wrinkles gathering on his forehead under the cover of the hat just in time before they disappear. It's rather cunning and tactical of the man to show his best face to those who might run to report to their master after his first questionable move, but despite his best efforts, the visible traces of suspicion remain in his gaze, with which he measures his colleagues up.

"Thanks for the help." The captain expresses his gratitude, and if he has doubts about the two men, it doesn't show in his voice for a minute. And although it's quite clear that he did this out of mandatory politeness, but even I'm impressed when he fixes his eyes on the hired Hunters with the keen attention of a hawk, as if he is trying to read even the smallest twitches, assessing every second how trustworthy the newcomers really are.

"We were paid well to do it." Horangi comments with complete calmness, and even though it was evident that the credits made them so willing until now, even I find it bold that he chirps out this little detail so casually. He doesn't even try to deny his motivations, and it can only happen for an infinitely simple reason, which helps my eyebrows furrow. The Korean Hunter and his no less pleasant companion are so carefree because they don't see an iota of threat in us, which would make them think it would be worth behaving more cautiously. Although under normal circumstances the goal would be for our group to be able to work together without stress, but it's quite obvious from the small, nonchalant little movement as the man cocks his head in interest that this isn’t the case. This is at least as humiliatingly belittling as it's irresponsible, and helps to spread the sparks of tension for a minute in the warm air swayed by the spring wind.

But as rapidly as the unpleasant atmosphere arrived, it dissolves as quickly, for MacTavish breaks the silence, loud with the buzzing of the beetles, that has set in, before my masked friend has time to act driven by the spark of irritation in his dark gaze. As he leaves Garrick's side and takes a few hasty steps closer to the captain, all eyes are suddenly on him, beneficially interrupting the storm that was no doubt slowly brewing.

"Did ya find out anythin' interestin'?" The Hunter with the mohawk turns the attention to the mission instead, directing our conversation in a much safer and more important direction. Despite his best efforts, no one moves for a couple of uncertain seconds, and even the blades of grass stand on guard, waiting to see if one of my buddies would like to test their skills against each other instead of working together, but in the end, it's Price who is the first to settle back into his composure with the impeccable nimbleness of years and routine.

"Maybe." The captain answers thoughtfully, and his gaze lingers on the two mercenaries before he nods toward our new shelter, inviting us inside. Whatever Laswell has dug up from the depths of yet another bottomless drawer, it's not a topic to be discussed in the open, and this sufficiently awakens my curiosity. "Let's go inside." And as he sets off towards the entrance of the safe house with quick steps, I'm the first to follow him, not only because instead of the tense atmosphere that slowly fills the peaceful meadow on the wings of the pollen blowing in the breeze, even the vague emptiness beyond the threshold is more inviting, but also because there are much more urgent problems scratching my mind than the struggle for dominance stemming from masculine vanity. The serum is what made us so beautifully wander to almost the other side of the world, and this very dangerous little vial of hell is why we crossed the ocean to visit another continent. The clever trick Shepherd will use to remove us from the uncertain variables is the problem of the future, which won't come if we don't concentrate on the task with all our focus. And it seems that after the fleeting intermezzo, the others come to this conclusion as well, because without further ado everyone heads towards our temporary headquarters too.

And despite the desolation of the building from the outside, as I cross the border of the house and the cool darkness embraces me, I'm greeted by a very well-maintained, almost homely interior. The gaudy stains on the walls preserve the old tasteful pattern of the torn wallpaper, and there is no doubt that a whole series of family photos could have rested on these eerie square patterns, which the residents might have taken with them in a hurry, in order to have a few memories frozen in the past peace, to which they can long to return to. And as I follow Price further into the uninhabited depths of the house, from the worn furniture forgotten behind and the child's toy lying in the corner, and from the curtain submitted to a slow rot I feel like I had trespassed into somewhere, where the faded ghosts of the late inhabitants still haunt, locked in the objects left behind. But I quickly suppress this short-lived unpleasant sensation, because if there is anything remaining here from the previous owners, it can only be a few bones and decaying scraps of clothing left by the victims when the beasts inevitably found them.

"What a nice place you got us." I note pulling the corner of my mouth into a grimace, and although my voice is noticeably laced with irony, considering the circumstances, the captain has managed to find a really impressive den, which is just right for us to hang out in for a few days. And even though my pretty little body is used to the puritanical comfort of the colony, but for once I'm willing to set aside the inconvenience that I might have to share my bed with ghouls.

"The credit is our helper's. The big guy gave us the coordinates." Garrick shares the information quietly as he catches up to me, and it's enough for him to nod behind with his head to let me know who he might be talking about from our new teammates. And the fact that the pleasant shack is thanks to König explains a lot. Up until now, it was obvious, based only on his rather strong German accent and even more German-sounding name, that he was not from an American colony, but the fact that he provided such accurate information about this safe house hidden in the desolate wilderness confirms that he was born somewhere in the area. And it's quite logical that a terrifying butcher like him started his later adventurous journey from one of the largest and world-famous colonies, because the mention of the name of the Hunter training center operating here fills even civilians with sufficient foreboding. And where else could such a burly giant have been trained into such an efficient killing machine than in Purgatory? It wasn't by chance that they gave it this apt nickname, because the miserable little kids who are dragged there endure such sufferings that, although they become "purified warriors", the few years they suffer there, leave a permanent mark on them. Or at least this urban legend is spread by word of mouth. But it's enough to just recall the bloodthirsty pleasure with which the hooded Hunter stomped someone to death, and it immediately becomes clear that there is perhaps a hint of truth in the rumor.

The captain finally ushers us into a spacious dining room, in the middle of which stretches an old table, where a myriad of documents and weapons are spread out, indicating that the man had just felt at home enough to get to work while he waited for us to join them. And although they got here with less than a day's lead, based on the scattered reports and papers, the two Hunters had enough time to review the important pieces of information, and perhaps even work out the beginnings of a plan to celebrate our arrival. If Laswell took swift action, then Price rivals this momentum, because as my eyes discover the map of the colony among the many pages, and the tangled chaos of streets and buildings highlighted on it in bright colors, I quickly understand that our leader wasn't lazy and must have already studied the field.

"Kate had a hard time with this. She managed to find out that the Rat is in the colony indeed and that his organization is involved in several businesses." The bearded man immediately jumps into the middle of the briefing, not wasting a minute, as we all gather around the table, and he skilfully pulls out a file, which he pushes to the center and opens in front of us. And when the picture of an unknown guy richly adorned with tattoos appears, it becomes obvious that our aforementioned criminal is staring back at us from the low-quality photo. "But he hides well, and no one finds him if he doesn't want it." He shares this not-necessarily positive development, and with this, he succeeds in planting an easily recognizable atmosphere of pessimism in the dim little room. Of course, we could guess that this bastard had to earn the nickname somehow, so it wouldn't be easy to get hold of him, but now we can't allow ourselves to start this search with uncertain assumptions. We need to find him quickly, but mostly immediately, because the clock is ticking, and with every minute we are getting closer to that damned poison finding a new owner.

"This doesn't make our job any easier." MacTavish voices some of the doubts in my head, and as his dark eyebrows meet with annoyance in a rather troubled grimace, it becomes quite evident that he had a similar train of thought in his head as I did.

"We have to get him before he sells the serum." Riley joins in as well, and although the seriousness of the situation should require my undivided attention, I can't help but acknowledge with satisfaction that he almost automatically lined up next to me, like a loyal shadow. And even this small detail can ignite excited little sparks under my skin, because his proximity is enough for all my senses to be painfully sharpened. And I have to forcibly divert my concentration back towards our discussion, because no matter how much I want to read every tiny movement of his face covered with a mask, now my useless brain has to deal with the analysis of bigger complications. Pull yourself together, Leona.

"If he doesn't come out on his own, we'll smoke him out." Horangi puts forward the rather radical idea, and leans comfortably on the table with folded hands on the other side, as casually as if we weren’t just trying to find the ever-cooling trail of a drug that leads to certain death. And I find his ease interesting, because I'm pretty sure that fat credits won't be of much use if the army of hybrids and their little minions overrun every corner of the surviving civilization. Because this tiny little suggestion would most certainly lead to that.

"It would be an irresponsible idea." I interject my comment, looking through the file that was probably dug up by Laswell, searching for anything that might narrow down where in this huge, bustling city we should start our search to find our criminal in the shortest possible time. And Price was really not exaggerating, the dude got his hands into almost everything from trading with weapons, to prostitution, to drug and human trafficking, so it's no wonder that his criminal organization weaves through the colony like a spider web full of decay. Because, except for the central sectors, where the centers of the official bodies are concentrated in each colony, areas where he has influence have been circled in bright red almost everywhere else. Fabulous.

"Scum like him is easy to catch. All it takes is force." König chimes in for the first time since our arrival, and as his voice resonates through the barren walls of the building, I also break out of my observations and shift my gaze from the piles of documents to the man with careful deliberation. And from the way he straightens up and stands out from our small group without the slightest uncertainty, it's clear that he sees nothing wrong with his idea full of violence. And although it's already quite obvious from this how they managed to find the weak link leading to the Vultures so amazingly quickly, this approach won't work now. Because it's the least of our problems that everyone is in a foreign land except him, but if our target is such an influential person that he has ears on every corner, then he will know that we are in his heels before we have a chance to touch him with a finger.

"If he finds out he's being targeted by Hunters, he'll take off before we can even get close to him." I explain this non-negligible factor, and as I firmly hold the unpleasant weight of his gaze fixed on me, I know I'm not imagining the curious glint in those ice-blue eyes. "That's why we're here now instead of the colony, I imagine." I add this detail almost as a side note, and I don't try to prevent cynicism from creeping into my voice, because I want this behemoth to know that no matter how menacingly he stares, he won't be able to force me to surrender. Especially not when I know I'm right. If it were so easy to track down that goddamn thug without being noticed, then Price would have been breathing down the dude's neck before our plane even touched the ground.

"She's right." Garrick agrees, his face involuntarily giving way to the helplessness that must have settled in his head, and which helps to plant the faint line of resigned wrinkles on his face. Without a doubt, he would have been the first to bring our target to us wrapped in a pretty bow if he had the chance to lay his deadly little hands on him. But it wasn't a coincidence that they arrived here first and waited for us, because this action requires much more caution than they can organize with their usual bloody techniques.

"But we can't just sit around and wait!" MacTavish argues, spreading his hands out passionately, thus effectively voicing the frustration that is probably slowly forming in everyone upon hearing our increasingly hopeless mission. But even though I can understand his powerless rage, we cannot run headlong into the wall, because at this point we risk the complete destruction of humanity with every wrong move.

"I agree with Woods on this. We can't act hastily. We need intel." Price affirms, his eyes scanning our small gathering meaningfully, silently signaling that although he would like to throw himself into the middle of action, even his experience cannot guarantee success right now. "Nik, can you help us?" He suddenly turns towards the entrance of the dining room, and I look back over my shoulder in confusion, because I could swear that we left our pilot at the plane. But as I see the man leaning against the doorframe with complete peace of mind, many questions arise in my mind regarding our friend, who until now was believed to be rather harmless. And judging by the fact that my companions aren't at all surprised that Nik was able to sneak up to us so unobtrusively, I have a very strong feeling that I quite misunderstood the guy. His remarkable ability to follow us without being noticed is only a negligible detail in addition to the fact that the captain turns to him to solve our predicament.

"I have a few contacts in Colony No. 2. I'll see what they know." Nik offers, with such a self-evident simplicity that deepens my suspicion that the man mostly plays pilot as a hobby, and pursues very dubious activities as a full-time job instead. Because there is no other logical explanation as to why he has contacts on another continent who hide deep enough in the underworld to help us. Very interesting.

"All right." Price gives his blessing to the proposed solution, and then immediately turns his determined attention back to our small team. "Until then, we'll wait." He shares our next step, and although I can feel that not everyone is filled with unclouded happiness by this development, he gets a nod of agreement from everyone, even from our mercenary comrades. "Let's rest. The last week has been busy." He adds in conclusion, now with a much softer tone, and the hoarseness of exhaustion settles in his voice, which he has been able to more or less successfully remove from himself so far.

As our two mercenaries take the opportunity without further comment and leave the scene of our meeting with comfortable steps, I have the opportunity to take a closer look at the face of our leader. And although for a fleeting moment, I still feel the scrutinizing gaze of the giant man on the middle of my back, I'm much more occupied by the very pale grayness that I now quite clearly discover appearing on the captain's skin. Up until now, it might have been the excitement of the trip that could divert my attention, but now I see the weariness dominating the features of the bearded Hunter, and in the semi-darkness surrounding the room, the circles under his eyes seem even darker. And as I shift my searching gaze to Garrick, I can make out the small gray veins running along his temple even from the cover of his cap, which can indicate only one thing. And after a quick calculation, my suspicion is confirmed, that I haven't been able to handle them with my clever little hands for weeks, and although they probably didn't have to use their ability extremely, stress can very effectively bring out exhaustion in them. Although my Scottish buddy and his masked bosom friend received a charge not so long ago, at the gate of our important little mission, a little boost won't hurt them either.

"By the way." I speak up suddenly, effectively drawing all eyes on me, and I take advantage of this to get around the table, strolling closer to Garrick, who looks the most worn out, and who only curiously raises one of his dark eyebrows, when I pull off the glove from one of my pretty little hands to hold it out towards him. "It would be time to regenerate you." I note, bringing a mixture of surprise and concern to the man's face.

"Won't it be a bit much?" He asks, his voice full of doubt, and I can't hold back the cheeky little smile that escapes my lips, because the way he peers at Price for help makes him look infinitely boyish. And I also know from this small confused gesture that it's only worry speaking, because there is no doubt that he doesn't want to strain my little body in the least by asking for my aid. But unfortunately, determination works much stronger in me than the dull grip of the slowly awakening hunger in my stomach, and I'm willing to go to painful ends if I can guarantee that the care with which they turn towards me won't disappear. And although this admission fills a part of me with the right amount of disgust and contempt, I just have to think about the fact they mean my safety, and I immediately manage to suppress these unwanted voices. Because thanks to the suffering of the two Healers, the motivation to feed my selfish desires with their attention lives much more vividly in my consciousness, as if I were pouring oil on an already insatiable fire.

"I'll survive it." I comment simply, and although I know that by charging four Hunters I will wake up the torturous hunger gnawing at my insides, this small nuisance seems bearable. Even knowing that it’s uncertain how I will get blood, because I'm sure, even if Price brought me a tasty treat, it won't alleviate my problems permanently. And I can only wildly hope that the power of the mouth-watering dinner given by Riley will last until I maybe manage to catch an unsuspecting fool in the colony to quench my thirst. But no matter how much these troubling thoughts arise in me, as Garrick's damp hand wraps around mine, and the first burst of my energy penetrates his body, then I feel the familiar pull of the demanding force, and I know I have made the right decision. Because my hunger is a negligible inconvenience, if I can guarantee they will be in top shape when it's needed most. Even if every single nerve in me cruelly warns me that this will have consequences.

⃰

The silence in the house echoes in my ears with painful loudness, and the creaking of the old floor under my boots screams in my skull in an almost ear-piercing way, as I drag my legs, which are growing heavier by the minute, toward the room assigned to me. I wasn't wrong in that the charging of my four companions would sufficiently flare up the well-known pangs of hunger twisting my insides, and although it doesn't besiege me nearly as strongly as last time, I feel that it's only a matter of time before the feverish agony hits me. And even though I don't regret for a minute that I was able to solve my team's problem, I have to get some food very soon, if I don't want to be the one who, weakened by hunger, hinders the mission. If I have a little luck, the captain has been kind enough to surprise me with a delicious morsel, which will be just enough to ease my suffering. And as soon as we wander into the colony, I make sure to catch some stupid criminal and refuel with nutrients, because I have a bad feeling in my mind that tells me that our deployment will take turns where it will come in handy if I'm in peak condition.

And as, lost inside the massive building, I finally reach the corridor on the floor where my temporary quarters rest, instead of being relieved, all my limbs fill with tension in a split second, because I discover someone who shouldn't be hiding here in the least. Because Price certainly planned it so that I would be given the one out of the dozen rooms which is farthest from our guests, in case they wanted to use my services. Although I don't think they would openly force me to regenerate them, in this dirty world even less deadly people are capable of horrible things, and it's even better to be careful with someone who can crush another's skull with their bare hands.

Certainly, he had already heard my steps when I was tramping up the rickety stairs, but now, as I approach him, König turns his head in my direction with leisurely calmness, and even this small movement is enough for caution to gain a foothold in my mind. I have already acknowledged the amazing size that genetics has blessed him with, but now, as he is surrounded by the faint light filtering through one of the broken windows, he looks more like a shapeshifting demon than a human being. And even though he's comfortably leaning his back against the worn wall, there's something quite unsettling about the way the fabric of his black uniform strains painfully on his arms, as his folded hands rest on his chest. Because he may seem perfectly harmless to an unsuspecting observer, but my paranoid mind warns that it's only an ephemeral illusion, and that an artificial peace resides in each and every inch of him. But I'm even more interested in why he's here, because I was sure that after our impromptu meeting, he and his friend went off to rest. And even if he has zero navigational skills, he couldn't have accidentally wandered in here, because their room is most definitely on the ground floor.

But no matter how much caution creeps into my limbs, I don't let any of it reach the surface, because it would be a mistake to show him the concerns he can arouse in me. I have just seen enough of his behavior to know that this operation is just as much about polishing his ego as material goods, and what could be a more tempting pastime for such a man, than to frighten a unique little thing like me. I saw the barely concealed fear in the eyes of his men during the mission, and it's quite easy to deduce from this what kind of respect the Hunter desires. The kind that makes the knees of the unfortunate person who stumbles in front of him tremble, and that makes him feel even more powerful. A pathetic but perfectly legitimate goal. After all, instilling fear is at least as effective a control strategy as gaining respect.

His bright eyes follow my every step with unbroken attention, as I walk closer, and from his gaze resting on me, I feel like a mistrustful small animal that approaches a larger predator in the hope that it will be merciful enough not to kill it. And although we are currently playing on the same team, nothing guarantees that this hunch of mine won't come true at some point in the not-so-distant future. Because, unfortunately, my observations and intuitions are very rarely wrong, and now every nerve fiber of mine screams that I'm dealing with a beast in the guise of a man who, if he could, would have wrapped his needle-sharp teeth around my throat a long time ago. And while in the case of Riley, I was sure that he rewarded me with his disdain for my not-so-appealing behavior, in the case of the hooded Hunter, I have no idea what could be causing this outstanding interest.

"Your team is unusual." He breaks the heavy silence that has settled between the desolate walls, and I just stop at a safe distance from him and raise one of my eyebrows curiously, because he starts the first direct conversation we have with a rather interesting remark. And with this one sentence, he succeeds in reminding me that the good life I experienced in the unit is a unique privilege, which normally my kind hardly ever gets. And while in most cases the Healers are kept away from all the nitty-gritty details of the actual deployments because they get more use out of them unharmed, it cannot be denied that the active role that my team so generously gifted me within the ranks of Unit 141 is quite unusual. And although I don't like the fact that he expresses his comments so freely, it's indisputable that as a stranger, and especially as a Hunter in a leading role, the dynamics of my team can be a real curiosity for him.

"If you think it's strange that I dare to speak in their company, then it really is." I answer with an unimpressed tone, trying with every cell to be able to keep my confidence. Although he still doesn't move from the wall, the way he stares at me with an almost abnormal immobility makes the goosebumps prickle on my back. As if every single muscle of his would be stuck in a deliberate frozen state, but my keen senses catch the tiny little movement as his fingers wrap a breath tighter around his biceps. And this simply gives the impression that he is forcing himself, against his nature, into a less threatening position than his instincts would like. Maybe my brain overthinks every little thing, but it's no coincidence that I honed my observational skills over the years. I see that something completely different lurks under the surface than what he lets on.

"This isn't common in many places." He states simply, but his remark doesn't throw me off in the slightest, because I'm also perfectly aware of this fact. That's why I'm so motivated to keep my place. "But Price seems to be a liberal leader." He notes almost only to himself, and his voice is full of fascination, as if he had just made a very profound statement. However, it bothers me much more, and it can suddenly turn my already sharpened mood into a more prickly one, when my clever little ears hear the breath of derision hidden in his tone. Others might not even notice it, or would attribute it to something completely insignificant, something that is not worth pointing out, but I have analyzed just enough people over the years to know that nothing is completely unconscious that is buried behind one's words.

And even I cannot explain the angry flame that kindles within me at the thought that this complete stranger is making such casual comments about the captain. Of course, I'm aware that Price is not an innocent virgin, nor a flawless saint who needs someone to protect his honor, but there is something viscerally infuriating about the way the hooded man turns to him with barely veiled criticism.

But, as the stagnant emptiness in my stomach tightens, I decide that I shouldn't engage in this conversation when my mind is dulled by the pull of hunger slowly coming to life. Nothing good will come of this irritation taking control of my brain, because I might say something that would give him a reason to leave behind his false peace and show what secret temper lies beneath the no less dangerous exterior.

"If you came here to provoke me, then don't waste your time." I sigh tiredly, and as the exhaustion screams in every corner of my body at the same time, I set off with renewed motivation towards the door, behind which the solitude awaits that I yearn for. "It won't work." I add, not even sparing him a last look, my eyes strictly fixed on the worn wood that hides my shelter. And once again, I have to note that he didn't come here by chance, because out of the countless possibilities, he managed to settle down right before the entrance where I'm heading, with almost measured accuracy.

"I didn't mean to insult you." He says plainly, and it's quite disturbing that there is still no obvious emotion in his tone, which makes him seem much less human than my nervous system finds comfortable. His statement doesn't seem like a lie, but my impatience grows with each passing minute, because I can't figure out what the hell is going on here. I could think that he only wanted to forge closer unity between our teams, but then I would have to be much more naive. In that case, he wouldn't have waited to catch me alone and without any witnesses to see whatever he was planning in that mysterious mind of his.

"You want to befriend me, perhaps?" I inquire with a malicious little smile on my face, and the sarcasm that nestles in my voice stings even in my ears. And I know it's not the smartest idea to taunt a guy who can tear me to pieces with his hands, but that didn't stop me even when I was mouthing back to Riley. And my sharp little tongue won't go on vacation when the starved tension working inside me rages in my head. "How nice of you." I sprinkle at the end, considering the whole tense conversation as closed, because no matter what reason he strayed here for, I don't want to talk it out with him now, when we are all too alone. And even though carefree mockery shines from every cell in me, my hands wrap around the doorknob too quickly when I finally arrive before my room. Because he may still not move from the place he has occupied until now, but the threatening aura that emanates from him like some uncontrollable, poisonous gas almost gnaws at my skin.

But before I have the chance to finally disappear into my little cave, so that I can finally be left alone with the suffering clinging to my insides with its nails, the floor behind me creaks and my fingers freeze on the metal as suddenly as if someone had poured a bucket of cold water in my neck. And for a suffocating moment, everything is shrouded in quietness, and there is such a silence between us that the crackling screams of the old house travel through the walls like an ominous melody.

"I liked what you did in the interrogation room." He utters, and it takes me a second to understand what kind of compliment he gave me due to the stress and the agony of the spasm that is slowly closing my intestines in an iron fist. And when the recognition penetrates my brain and I decode his words, I turn back to him with complete confusion, looking up at him with such shocked astonishment on my face that almost certainly paints a cartoon-like shock on my features. Because suddenly I can't find any logical explanation for how the thread of the conversation has led us to this point, and I can't discover any answers as to why he feels so comfortable around me that he can point this out to me so freely. What the hell?

"Excuse me?" The startled question breaks out of me, and I'm unable to hold back the surprise creeping into my voice, doubting for a fleeting moment whether I heard what he said correctly. But as soon as my eyes meet his, and I discover a glimmer resembling admiration in them, I’m completely dumbfounded. Because under other circumstances, my twisted little soul might even be touched by this unusual recognition, but I know all too well who is standing in front of me. And that makes the unexpected turn the situation took seem even more surreal.

"The bloodlust in your eyes was beautiful." He continues his grotesque praise, almost undisturbed, and as he takes a step towards me, I need the combined work of all my nerves in order not to back away from him, because the distrust drills itself into my brain that if I turn my back on him again, it will end very badly. Because I suddenly sense very well how unbelievably huge this man is, and as my troubled eyes reflexively run over him, I become painfully aware that if he attacks me, I won't be able to defend myself. "I doubt your friends could truly appreciate it." He claims, and now some deliberate malice creeps into his voice, which he doesn't even try to hide, thus clearly showing that he has been holding back his real thoughts until now very willingly.

But when my body breaks out of the paralyzed shock, and I get over the fact that he could crush all my bones to dust with a strong hug, then I finally have the brain capacity to understand what he shared with me so carelessly. And from this simple sentence, the alarm disappears from my mind, because it suddenly makes sense why he honored me with his presence. And as my mind realizes that this little discourse is about nothing but the rivalry that has existed since the very first moment our team met, then my little soul calms down in the blink of an eye, because no matter how terrifying the man may seem, according to this, he is driven by just as fallible and transparent motives like everyone else. And although it's very difficult for me to maintain my indifference due to the intrusion of hunger in my stomach, now that I know why he is so persistently interested in me, the doubt of the unknown disappears from my mind.

"Interesting deduction. But I'm afraid I don't care." I respond with utter disinterest, and as the line of a sardonic smile stretches across my lips, I see the first bewildered wrinkles appear around the skin covered with dark paint. And it's painfully obvious that he didn't expect this reaction, but believed that such a big and strong Hunter's kind approach would make me fall at his feet from the pleasure. But he is seriously mistaken if he thinks it's so pathetically easy to sweep me off my feet.

"You’re wasting your talent with them." He laments, and if I were a little more stupid, I would really believe the sympathy in his voice to be authentic, but even if he hadn't blown his disguise so irresponsibly, I would still see through his benevolence. Because I can tell when someone tries to manipulate me, especially if said someone does it half as skillfully as it would take to be a successful strategy against me.

And at other times, I might want to play with him verbally and continue this complicated moment, but when my stomach convulses with the pain tearing into me, then all my patience evaporates like the last sip of water in the desert. Every single one of my nerve cells is stretched to the point of breaking, and this straining ache makes my body braver than it should be, because the sooner I put an end to this extremely bizarre situation, the sooner I can collapse into my bed to finally rest a little in the embrace of the slow ache that spreads to every fiber of me. I quickly cross the distance of a few steps that are remaining between us, and my hand shoots out towards him with the speed of a venomous snake. It seems that he didn't expect my attack, because before he could react, my fingers close around the fabric covering his face, and as I pull him down to me with a movement that is perhaps more forceful than necessary, he obediently leans down to me, stumbling towards me, and I see genuine shock in his eyes.

"It's unnecessary to try to flatter me." I murmur with deceptive kindness, and it seems that I managed to stun him so much with my unexpected act that he even forgets to protest, because he almost dazedly lets me intrude into his personal space to finally have stare off with him without him towering over me. And although it seems that his spine bends in rather uncomfortable positions in order for me to do this, it only makes the contemptuous grin on my face grow wider. "I know this is all about measuring who's dick is bigger. They have something that you don't and it hurts your ego. It's sad, but you'll have to live with it." I curve my mouth downward pitifully, savoring every single emotion that flashes through his eyes. But as soon as I see one of the gloved hands moving in my periphery, I let go of his hood with nonchalant ease and dance away from him in order to return to my door and open it again. "I recommend that you focus more on the mission. A lot of credit is at stake, isn't it?" I throw my last words at him from the threshold, and as I enter the embrace of the darkness of the small room, I have one last chance to catch his gaze stopping on me as he straightens up, and I'm almost relieved when I'm hidden by the thick wood.

Because even though it was only for a few seconds, I saw something very dangerous flash in those bright eyes, and the warning voice waking up in my brain tells me that this is exactly how the predator stares at its slowly cornered prey. With curious hunger. And that makes me realize, even despite the pain that is slowly squeezing my stomach, that I have crossed an invisible border, which sooner or later will bring the trouble that I so enthusiastically sought out for myself. Wonderful.

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