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darkdevasofdestruction · 1 year

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Change Of Heart ~ Heimdall x Reader

Summary: Y/N is the daughter of Kratos with a Greek Goddess who died before he left his homeland. She is laconic and intimidating without even trying, being more like her father, but she’s mostly just aloof and has no idea how to have a proper conversation, especially with the people of the North. Being a Goddess and having learnt so much as a child, before Olympus fell, Y/N found her primary priorities simple - Protecting her family. Her first meeting would however prove to be the most entertaining, but also, the most annoying thing she experienced, since she stole Hermes’s boots.

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Ragnarok was on the verge of existentialism, and everyone was running amok with craziness - People were worrying for their lives, their homes, and not only, for the End of the Gods meant... What did it mean, actually? Nobody could know exactly - They could only make false suppositions. But that’s what people did best - Make up countless scenarios that may or may not come even close to reality.

The problem was, while mostly everyone inside the dwarves’ home was in alignment with their mind views - Atreus, the little half-Jotnar teenager, was up to... Only he knew what. Nobody, maybe not even he himself, knew what in the world he was thinking. She doesn’t remember herself being a teen rebel... Maybe it was a boy thing? Or a generational gap she will never understand? She truly had no idea.

Time and time again, especially after Faye died, Y/N tried to pacify Atreus and lead him on the good path - The one of communication, so he and his father could talk out their differences. That was their problem - They loved each other so much, but because of their different personalities and upbringings, they weren’t able to bond so evidently, like herself and Kratos did. Although, they did have a few hundreds of years alone to talk plenty, so it was an unfair comparison - Hence why, she had to try harder in reasoning with both of them.

This day, however, things were even going worse than ever. Not even Sindri could talk sense into Atreus, so the ‘bad guy’ had to go and intervene, hopefully talk sense into his boy so he won’t do anything stupid and reckless. Y/N knew better than anyone how much loss and grief Kratos has experienced in his long life - She was adamant in making sure her father never has to lose anyone dear to him again.

Kratos entered the boy’s room where he was sitting on a barrel. Kratos was evidently ticked off and in need of proper answers. He never was one for beating around the bush or diplomacy - That was all Y/N - So when Atreus tried to evade the question, the father started raising his already harsh and raspy voice. That gruff Spartan voice that was always used to shouting, like the War General he was, did him no good in trying to appear calm and collected - Not that he was, in that exact moment. Kratos was accusing Atreus of seeing - Or at least, attempting to - See Odin. He was grasping at loose straws, but it was the only clue he had.

Atreus’s voice was defiant, and he even talked back to his father, saying that he could do whatever he wanted - Make his own choices - Because it was HIS life. Not wrong, per se, but at least give your old man some closure, he is worrying himself into an early grave.

“Why don’t you trust me?!” Atreus shouted at his father, clearly hurt. “If you want me to trust you, then tell me the truth.” Kratos’s voice was pressed and authoritarian. “The truth is you’re being a complete asshole!” for a household who tolerated foul language little, having such a direct insult, at your father, no less, was inacceptable. “ATREUS!” Y/N stepped into the room. “That is no way to speak to your family. What has gotten into you?” she scolded her younger, rebellious brother. Atreus pushed past the girl, and walked out of the room. “He doesn’t have any faith in me! All faith he ever had was put into you!” Atreus accused his family in a harsh, rageful tone. “It’s fine if HE keeps secrets! It’s fine if Y/N keeps secrets. It’s fine if mum did -” “It is NOT fine! Her secrets haunt every step of this path.” this wasn’t a family quarrel anymore. It was complete disaster. “Oh, okay, so you don’t believe in her anymore either?” the boy went to lean on a chair at the table, still away from his father. “This is not about your mother. What you have done is lie.” Kratos pointed out clearly. “I wonder where I learnt that.” the boy let out a dramatic shrug of his shoulders. “What is with this attitude? You do not behave like that to your family. We just want you safe.” Y/N tried to put her hand on his shoulder, but was slapped away. “Why do you ALWAYS take his side?! Is it because you’re his favourite child?!” the accusation was hurtful, but Y/N tried to keep composed. “Our father does not have a favourite child. I told you so many times - We just had more time to understand each other and learn how to speak. You are a few hundreds of years behind in that - And it is alright. Dad is not the easiest to understand, I get that. I know I am not easy to understand either. We come from a different realm and a different time. Different speech and different customs. But we both care about you so much. Please understand that, Atreus.” the girl tried to stop his temper tantrum using her compassion, but it was for naught. “Look, fine. I was only THINKING about going to Odin - But I swear, it’s for a good reason!” the boy spoke in his defence. “There is NO good reason to go to Odin.” Freya intervened quickly. “He’ll only cloud your mind.” Tyr, also, spoke, the porridge cauldron in his hand, as he stirred it. “But I’d be going for us! I gotta stop something bad from happening!” the boy tried to reason. “Something bad DID happen! LOOK AT ME! Look at Freya - At Tyr! Odin did this to us!” Mimir shouted at the boy, hoping to make him see the fault in his thinking. There was nothing good that could come out of dealing with the devil himself. “What’s got everyone caterwaulin’ all-a sudden?” Brok grumbled as he got in the little group of mischief. “Atreus wants to go to Asgard.” Sindri summarized it best. “Asgard? He get kicked in the head or something?” Brok was genuinely surprised by that idea. “Great. I guess everybody’s against me now.” Atreus rolled his eyes. “We are not against YOU. We just do not want you to put yourself in danger by directly going to that power hungry mad man.” Y/N sighed, pulling the boy into a hug. “You must choose who you are going to be. Are you going to continue to lie and keep things from me? Or are you my son?” Kratos asked, getting closer as well. “Choose? I NEVER get to choose. Just leave me alone.” the boy pushed away both his family members - But Kratos grabbed his arm, telling him to listen to him. “LET GO!” the boy started squirming aggressively, trying to escape his grasp. “I said - LET GO!” the boy transformed into a bear without realising once again. He was walking towards the door, but Sindri was in his way. “Atreus! It’s Sindri. J-Just try to keep control--” the bear was about to hit Sindri with his large paw, but Y/N with her magic pushed him away, allowing safe passage out of the house, and outside, for the portal to take him to Asgard. “I will get him back.” Y/N thanked her mother mentally once again for gifting her the boots of Hermes, as she was able to run all the way to her little brother who was back in human form and struggling to get through the portal door.

Y/N tackled him - But the two fell through the door... All the way to the Fimbulwinter inflicted Midgard. From there, they made their way to their home, then at Freya’s, where they took care of the large tortoise-tree that guarded her house. “Can you please tell me what are you fearing so much, brother?” Y/N spoke gently, sitting on the ground and watching the remorseful and worried expression on his face. “I... I saw a Jotnar shrine... And it predicted father’s death. I... I can’t let that happen. I have to do something about it.” the boy’s voice was small and afraid. “Atreus, darling... Did dad ever tell you about the Sisters of Fate? Or how he saved himself from dying, by going back in time?” the boy’s eyes bulged wide. “If you had any idea how many times dad has been fated to die, you would be in a grave with worry right now. Hundreds of years later, he is still alive and well, as you can see.” she explained. “Dad’s father... Uh... Killed him, and stole all of his God powers in a sword. Dad escaped the realm of the dead and sought out the Sisters of Fate. They are... Like the Nornir of this land, but they take an active role in the creation of Fate itself. One would create life, in the form of a thread, another would embellish it to her will, and the other would end the life by cutting the thread - Everything was controlled by them. Everything could change, based on their whims. That is what greed and power hunger does to you - You become a tyrant.” the girl continued her tale as old as time. “Dad killed all three of the Sisters and found his own thread, so he was able to turn back in time and save his past God-self from his father. As you can see, he is still the God he once was - Minus the magic. He cannot use the magic anymore. I, however, can.” Y/N winked at him playfully. “But... I don’t understand. All the Jotnar predictions come true!” Atreus was clearly conflicted, unable to corelate the two fates predicted to his beloved father. “The oracles predicted his dead. Dad died - But he also brought himself back from death countless times. It has not stopped him before and it will not now either. The only thing that can stop our dad from going forward is if something happens to either of us. ESPECIALLY you, Atreus.” the girl’s voice was stern, but also kind and warm. “You do not see it yet, my sweet brother, but our father is incredibly overprotective of you. He can be overbearing also, I do agree, but he has gone through so much grief and mourning and loss, that his heart simply cannot take any more. For him, you are still the little bundle of love that he created with Faye. He was so very afraid of even holding you in his arms, afraid of hurting you or bringing you misfortune.” Y/N smiled melancholically, remembering her father’s glossy eyes, trying so hard to look away, to not allow Faye and Y/N to see him shedding emotional tears as he was holding his son for the first time... So small, so adorable... “I... I hardly ever saw my father cry before, Atreus. But when he held you in his arms for the first time, and you extended those tiny little babe hands of yours to grab at his beard... He shed tears. Those were the first tears of pure love that I have seen him weep in my life.” the look on the boy’s face was almost comical, but his heart was in so much pain and realisation. “Your misunderstandings come from a place of deep love.” she clarified. “Y/N... Will you please help me protect our dad? I’m... I’m really... Afraid.” the boy reached forward and snuggled in her arms, hugging her. He missed his mum’s warm and loving embraces... Y/N was the only bit of maternal love and understanding he could get. “Of course, my sweet brother. I shall always be there for you, no matter what peril may come.” the girl kissed the top of his head. “Here. Put this in your breast pocket. It is a flower of healing - Mum taught me how to make it. I can feel your vitality through it and know when you are in danger. As well as that, you can heal your physical wounds, should you destroy it. Be ready for anything. Please.” the boy quickly put it safely, and smiled at her - His beautiful blue eyes were gleaming, and they remained in that embrace until something akin to a knocking was heard from the wooden window, and the boy rose to his feet. Ravens came into the room, one by one, and they flew in circles around the two children, and teleported them to Asgard.

More specifically, to a god damn lake. That was nothing but absolutely cruel. “Your Odin friend is a... Jerk, as you call it.” Y/N grumbled, pulling the boy ashore and squeezing her long hair and clothes from the water. “Wonderful start.” the boy was pissed off - But the two siblings made their way towards the large wall - On top of it was supposed to be the real Asgard... Or, whatever. On their way, they met up with a boy around Atreus’s age and height, with pretty blond hair and a pretty face, named Skjoldr, before they were to climb all the way up... Up the wall with no end. Awful.

Y/N shot the boy an exhausted and done with life look and began to climb that atrocious wall mountain - Though nothing compared to the climbing of Olympus, it was still tiresome. Actually, the circumstances were similar - At the end of the day, at the top, the Father of the Pantheon was awaiting them. The exact God which they wanted dead. Although it wasn’t an easy climb, Atreus took his mind away from his aching muscles and the fatigue by making conversation about her life as a Greek God. For some reason, in spite of always being curious, he hardly ever asked her or their father about their past lives - It made the girl happy, like they were bonding, and he was also trying to find ways to get in touch with their father.

They were so close - So, so close to reach the top of the wall - Atreus, who was up there, put his hand on the ground and tried to bring himself up, only to have his wrist held into a tight grip. He gasp, alerting his sister, who noticed the mysterious man kneeling. He had blond-grey hair pulled into various slicked back intricate braids, and the most striking purple eyes. His skin was pale as she’s never seen anyone before and his clothing looked... Noble. With gold embroidered into his pristine white and blue tunic; If he didn’t have that incredibly fake and arrogant smile, he would have looked like the most handsome man that Y/N has ever seen since she last saw Hermes. All men in the North looked harsh, gruff and so incredibly old, they reminded her of her father. But not this stranger.

“Hello.” the man spoke. He had a velvety voice, but it made Y/N worry tenfold. He held the allure of a confident and self-assured man who masked his weaknesses very easily.

“Uh... Hi?” Atreus more asked than stated. “So.” the stranger meant business. “What part of the enormous wall made you think - Oh! Visitors must be welcomed - ?” he was even dramatically sarcastic. If Atreus’s life wasn’t threatened, Y/N would have found him tragically entertaining. “I was sent for, actually. By Odin.” though the boy spoke the truth, this stranger behaved less than optimal and with an empty dead-pan. “The All-Father sent for you? Ha! Great.” the man took a bite of his crispy red apple. “Then why are you out there, and not in here?” good question, actually. “Trust me, I asked the same thing when we found ourselves plunging into that awfully ice-cold water.” Y/N sighed, her expression aloof and unbothered, yet still having a comedic effect in her tone. “Ah - There’s another one - I almost forgot about you. Why are you here? Same dumb reason?” the stranger asked, watching as the girl pulled herself up slightly, just to nonchalantly place her arms on the ground and lean her chin on her hands, while her feet were dangling playfully - She looked far more unphased than the boy, the stranger noticed, getting mentally alert. “Ah, no, no. Odin had asked for him, not for me. I mostly ended up here through a rather... Unfortunate series of events.” with a bored expression, the stranger let the apple fall on the ground, and it rolled over the edge, breaking the small rock on which Atreus was holding one of his hands. Now, he was merely held onto by the stranger. Y/N was focused, yet maintained her unbothered aura as she hilariously grabbed the apple and bit from it also. It was fresh and sweet, just like the stranger’s subtle facial reactions. She knew very well that, should the stranger throw her brother over just like the apple, she could easily rescue him - And now he was well aware also. “Are you finished?” the blond scoffed dramatically. “Now. What could Odin. All Father. King of the Aesir. Possibly want with the likes of you?” Y/N wanted to know the very answer just as well. “That’s between me and Odin.” Atreus spoke barely. “You don’t even know, do you?” the man stated, letting an empty chuckle. “If you could pull me up, I--” but the boy was cut off harshly. “No, I don’t think I will. I think maybe I’ll drop you.” the man spoke, as a matter of fact. Y/N would have actually laughed, should they not have been the subject of his mockery. Were this stranger to denigrate them with a rhyme, he would have been Hermes’s best friend. Atreus started panicking and pleading for him not to drop him off. “Yes, I’m going to drop you. Goodbye~!” “Wait, wait!” Atreus grabbed onto the man’s arm tightly, making him look down at him, disgusted and offended. “Think how mad the All Father’s gonna be when he -- When he finds out you killed his guest - Loki of the Jotnar?” “The Jotnar?” the resentment for that race was obvious on the man’s visage. “Enemy of my people?" “I am not your enemy.” Atreus made the man with shining eyes groan in disdain and pull him up. Seeing that her brother was alive and well, the girl quickly pulled herself to safety as well with shocking ease. “I will be the judge of that.” the stranger spoke, walking ahead as Y/N helped her brother get up and patted his head.

Y/N didn’t speak for most of the walk - She did not want to give away any of her weaknesses, nor her temper or strategies. Still, she heard Atreus identify the man, thanks to the Gjallarhorn - This Aesir stranger was, in fact, Heimdall. She was amused by how done with life this man was, especially when dealing with her brother’s innocence and naivite - He would call it absolute stupidity though. He claims to be the protector of Asgard, his beloved realm; However, he easily guessed that Atreus was so overly eager to get out of someone’s shadow... The shadow of an overbearing fatherly figure, he says. How very much on point he was. Interesting. He also guessed that he was - Disrespectful. Entitled. Impulsive. On point, for the most part.

He easily read that Atreus was here, not to save people, but out of his own accord. To lie, manipulate and do bad, all for himself - His selfish desire to prove that he can do good by himself - And save his father. Though Heimdall was taunting the boy for being so arrogant and thinking he was the center of the universe, he wasn’t exactly wrong - Just incredibly cruel with his wording.

“I see you are proficient in reading people. Although you have added your own, personal touch of cruelty to your words - They are, in fact, very correct.” Y/N nodded, seemingly impressed with his guess, indirectly mocking her clueless brother also. “Of course I am correct, silly girl. I just need one single look in your eyes and I already know everything there is to be known about you.” the man snapped at her, though the smirk on his face made it clear he liked the praise. “Is that so? Then, by all means, what is there that you can see about me?” with a small, perfectly contained and relaxed smile, the girl leaned back casually on the wooden railing of the cabin they were travelling in, and willingly averted her eyesight, straight into his own. Her gaze was aloof, yet held with a strong indifference. She was challenging him. Provoking him, Heimdall realised. But how? He could not understand. “You... Are appreciating the colour of my eyes? How mundane. What are you, some silly midgardian girl?” the man scoffed. “Hm... Am I, now?” her smile widened just a little bit - Heimdall knew it was perfectly controlled, and it only irked him more. He looked again, but he felt as if he was looking into a void. This Loki child was like an open book, so easy to read, and even easier to taunt. This one, however, was getting a rise out of him freely. She didn’t look physically strong - In fact, she looked slender and frail - But so did he, and he held the strength of a God, and the mind even better. He was having a very annoying rival, and he could not stand his place being challenged, especially if it was a means to go against Asgard. “You are not of this land.” the girl nodded, approving his statement. “You hold very strong convictions and can be very stubborn. You don’t hold anyone’s opinions in your regard. You are shallow and uncaring. You are manipulative. And...” Heimdall’s purple eyes widened slightly - Atreus could even see his very pale skin turning slightly pink. “Heimdall - Are you, perhaps, cold?” the girl’s smirk was as cunning as a fox. Heimdall realised that she knew exactly what he was reading off her. It was her who was feeding him the information to speak out loud. “Why would I be cold? I’m an Aesir, I was born here. This temperature is just right for me.” he snarked at the girl, who pulled off her cloak and approaching him, pulled it on his shoulders, before approaching her face to his own. “Your cheeks are pink.” she whispered into his ear, before taking a sharp turn and returning to her leisure resting place. “You did it on purpose.” he was so bratty now, she was reminded of Atreus and his temper tantrums. How cute. “Very well spotted. Your foresight is truly a force to be reckoned. I am sure Asgard will be very safe with you as its guardian.” her comment made him glare at her - Only for Y/N to demurely hide a soft giggle with her hand. He couldn’t understand this type of behaviour - Where could she be from? Women of the North were stubborn, impulsive, strong, loud and oftentimes relied on their brawn to get things done - Like every citizen, for the matter. But this slender little waif had the silver tongue of a snake and a coy aura. A woman who uses her brains... But does she also have the brawn? From the way she was holding up the wall, she had to, otherwise she wouldn’t have been able to climb it all. She proposed herself a puzzle. An enigma. And for some odd reason, he wanted to solve it. Was this her plan all along? “Your reason for being here was not an accident.” he stated obviously, snatching the cloak from his shoulders and effortlessly throwing it back to her. “For the most part, it was. My brother had ran away from home. I was worried for his well-being, so I ran after him. I tackled him. We toppled over into the portal door. I did not expect to end up in Midgard - But the ravens found us and teleported us... In the middle of the lake.” she spoke the truth. “You claim to be the protector of your realm - That means its people too. Surely, you would understand what it is like, playing the part of the protector of your family.” she continued. “Family?” the man scoffed with disgust. “My duty is wholly to the All Father.” “Ahh, I see. So you are a very selfish man. You care for your homeland and for your employer, not for anything else that regards it. Is your loyalty towards Odin... Based on the fact that he is the most powerful man, and the ruler of the realms? Or are you truly loyal to his political convictions?” she hummed in amusement. “Are you questioning my devotion to the All Father?” he was getting easily angered. “I am questioning nothing. I am simply curious where your heart lays. Staying isolated, guarding a wall that has probably not seen any intruders in ages, all alone. You must have true devotion to whatever your cause is. Aesir supremacy.” the harsh glare she was met with made her even more entertained. She hoped she would be able to get him angry enough to attack her, soon enough.

Although, as soon as they finished their cabin ride and were down on the other side, on the grassy ground, they reached a lovely rural village... And a saddled beast that Y/N has never seen before. Heimdall seemed so... Kind and genuine with this beast. Loving, in fact. When Atreus commented on how the Aesir taming this animal was almost as impressing as Baldur and his dragon, the man must have felt almost... Offended. “Baldur had the luxury of not caring about being burnt. I out-think them. Dominate them, fair and square.” interesting line, Y/N thought. So one of his powers was his wit.

But her analysing of the stranger came to a halt once Atreus jumped on the beast’s saddle and she realised there might not be another seat for her. “How chivalrous of you, brother. Allowing a lady to walk. Father taught you better.” though she shook her head, she smiled, showing she wasn’t seriously scolding her little brother. “Just get up, there’s enough space for a little thing like you. I don’t need you slowing us down.” the man rolled his eyes and extended his hand, and she gladly took it, hopping to sit between him and Atreus. Smirking in triumph, happy that he could not see her, the girl cheekily reached her arms and snaked them around his torso. “What the hell are you doing?!” he was so alarmed that, upon leaning to the side, she noticed his milky cheeks growing ever pinker. “I do not have what else to hold onto. If I were to fall off, the trip would come to a halt, thus, slowing down. I do not want to be a bother for you, Heimdall.” he had a mind to reach out and wring her neck or just kick her off and pretend he had no idea who she was. Better yet, he had another plan, that may or may not get the both of them killed. He had to test their prowess, first and foremost. He was already aware of the brat’s treacherous intentions, and he was an idiot. The girl was far smarter and cunning - She was the real threat.

Once arrived at the great lodge, Heimdall commanded his mount to act up, sending Atreus flying away, meeting with a painful thud to the ground. Y/N did not. She landed like a cat on her feet, so gracefully and effortlessly that it pissed him even more. “Can you handle them on your own, Atreus?” the girl asked, nonchalantly stepping around, without a care in the world. “You want me to fight alone?” the boy’s eyes widened in shock, readying his weapon. “A-Alright! Alright!” he started killing away at the Einherjar, until none were left.

Except for the Aesir God himself. He had analysed thoroughly the fight, and he deemed Loki to be hilariously weak. But the girl seemed... Painfully daft. Of course, he knew it was all an act, but for an overprotective sister, as she claims to be, she did not help her brother at all. She just... Skipped around, like a little girl. Why? What was she trying to hide? He had to be very careful around her.

He got off his mount and stepped menacingly towards Atreus. He toyed around with the boy - It was so easy... But his eyes would always dart towards the foreign woman. She was humming a song, crouched to the ground and admiring... A wild flower. What the hell was this? She made no sense. No sense at all. Maybe most of the Aesir he met were just too dumb? Heimdall thought of Thor and Baldur, and he made a mental note - Yes, they were dumb as a log.

After a string of trips to the young boy, he was ready to kick him to the ground - But unexpectedly, just as his leg was in the air to push him down... He felt a hand gripping his leg, before he saw e/c eyes staring up at him. His cheeks warmed up once more realising that this weird woman had her chest flushed against his own, holding him steady with one hand gripping his floating leg by his thigh, and the other strongly around his waist. “Have you figured out what I am yet?” he has never allowed anyone to touch him before, especially in a fight - How in the Nine Realms did she manage to grapple him like that?! She was on the other end of the court, and now she was so intimately close to him? What the hell was she trying to do?

Realising that he wasn’t answering, but she could feel his heart beating unusually fast and his brain was so fried from shock that he wasn’t even reacting altogether, Y/N’s smile grew a bit bigger, and she leaned in to kiss his cheek. “I guess not.” but before she could play around more, the crackling of thunder whipped the skies - Both of them realised what it meant. “Shame. I was enjoying your company very much.” she let go of him gently, turning to help Atreus up from the ground. “Great...” Heimdall also growled under his breath, shaking his head to get rid of that unwelcomed blush. How dare that wench attempt something so promiscuous with him? How dare she play around with him like that? He was of noble heritage, but he wasn’t some drunk fuck who did nothing but whore around, like his unfortunate half-brother Thor. He was straight and very much valued his royal God blood with unbent convictions.

As soon as that drunk halfwit arrived on the ground, blocking him from the two intruders and telling him to knock it off, that they truly were Odin’s guests, he wanted to spat between his eyes and throw him off the wall. What a dumb fuck. And he dares call himself an Aesir God. If he could, Heimdall would gut him like a fish. He was nothing but a shame to the Aesir bloodline and the All Father - And thankfully, he knew it very well.

His humiliation only grew more once the dumb oaf told him to look him in the eyes, convince himself with what kind of shameless brutality he was going to stop him from attacking the guests - He was so angry. “You are a sick man.” Heimdall sneered at his half-brother, who looked down at him with a weirdly calm look. Y/N looked again at the ginger haired giant of a man - He was even bigger than their dad, and far wider, evident during that day when they attacked their home. Though dad didn’t want to kill him, Thor was a worthy opponent. Maybe he wasn’t Zeus, but he wasn’t a weakling either, at least.

Startling the two new-comers, the pitched screech of crows echoed out of nowhere, and Odin appeared before them, in the same manner they arrived here. “Loki! You made it. I am so honoured. I see you’ve brought your sister with you as well, I am flattered!” the old man walked towards them. “I apologise for the unexpected intrusion. I know you had business with Atreus alone. I am here more or less in the quality of an over-protective sister who, uh...” the girl scratched the back of her head awkwardly. “Who tackled me to the ground, and we stumbled through the portal together.” the boy threw her a shady look, only for her to answer with a feigned innocent smile. “Yes, pretty much!” Odin knew some little girl wouldn’t be able to thwart his plans. “No matter, you are just as welcomed as he is!” how fakely cordial he was. “I see you’ve met Heimdall. He reads minds for me.” “O, yes, we have met. He is a delight. Are very pretty too!” Heimdall, hearing that, growled under his breath and stomped next to the God. “The boy is false, All-Father. And the girl blocks me from reading her mind.” he spoke, glaring at Y/N. “This young man, WHO IS MY GUEST, is covered in mud. Care to explain?” Odin’s voice was a tad harsh and reprimanding towards the man who meant only to protect him. Heimdall’s face became soft and submissive, and he even did a little courtesy bow in front of the All-Father. “They both mean to betray you!” Odin immediately turned to face the boy, and with a fake gasp, he spoke. “Is that true, Loki? You a little trickster?” Y/N started giggling, very much amused by his act. “Yes, sometimes! When he was younger especially, he used to pull all sorts of cute, little pranks on me!” the girl teased Atreus, who only shot her an offended glare. “Hey, I’m not a child anymore!” darling, him. “I’m just messing around, but your sister seems to have caught on to my act.” Odin waved his hand dismissively at the worried boy. “Of course he means to betray me.” he turned around to face the man, whose expression was absolutely crestfallen at the affirmation. “Heimdall, I’ve given neither of them any reason to trust me... Not yet. But he’s got some very big questions. And I have so many answers to give.” Thor was dismissed, and Heimdall was sent to clean up - The all-seeing Aesir was genuinely concerned for Odin. “But... All-Father...” he tried to whisper, but was shushed immediately by an exasperated old man. “Heimdall -- Sja hvat... Heimdall, will you just relax?” Odin turned to Atreus and Y/N. “Were you two intending on killing me first thing?” the two shook their heads. “See? What - That’s not good enough for you? Get outta here!” Heimdall had the expression of a kicked puppy, as he crossed one arm to his shoulder and bowed his head. “O, actually - I was wondering if Heimdall had some free time. It is the first time either of us steps in Asgard - I would like to see more beautiful sceneries... If it is not too much too ask.” Heimdall stopped abruptly on the spot, his back turned, and glad that neither of the three could see him cursing under his breath. He wanted to spend exactly no second in the presence of that annoying woman. “But of course! You can ask him anything and he will answer just as well, or even better than I could, for any question you might have. I don’t think there’s anyone in Asgard more qualified to speak of this realm. Heimdall, when she’s done visiting, bring her to her room. I will have someone clean out one for her as well.” Odin ordered, watching the girl pat her brother on the head with a sisterly smile. “Thank you for your kindness - And forgive me again for intruding like that. Have fun, Atreus.” with a lazy peace sign, Y/N skips by Heimdall’s side and smiles innocently. “Wipe that smile off your face already, I know it’s fake.” it only made her hum in amusement. “Why do you want to make my entire existence a living hell? Have I already made you hate me so much that you’ve made your life’s mission to torture me for your whole stay here?” this time, her smile disappeared, and she looked more confused than ever. “Actually - I merely thought you looked upset, and I wanted to ask if you were alright.” she explained in a kind, soothing voice, making the man frown. “Forgive me if I have made you uncomfortable with our previous interactions. If touching is comfortable for you, I will not do so again. Forgive me.” her expression was much softer, and she intentionally looked in his eyes, so he would see personally that she was being genuine. Heimdall scoffed and looked away. “Good. You finally get it.” he mumbled, crossing his arms to his chest as he walks ahead for the girl to follow. “So. Do you really want to see the landscapes, or was that just an excuse to apologise, and I can drop you off and get rid of you already?” he asked, but much to his dismay, her word was true. “I do want to know more about your culture and history. As you said - I am not from this lands. I have moved here awhile ago - In fact, I have been here more than I have been at my own home. Even so, there is not much that I know about your culture, your history, or traditions. Mimir would tell me occasionally, but there is only so much he can say at once.” she explains, making small steps ahead. “Oh, of course, Mimir, the old goat - The ever smart one.” he grumbled, almost as if he was jealous. “Fine then. I will grace you with the knowledge of the great Aesir Gods. However!” he turned abruptly, facing her dangerously close. “You have to tell me where are you from and what you are.” “That sounds like a fine deal.” she smiled at him as they returned to the cabin car and all the way back down on the other side of the wall.

It is here that Heimdall showed his passionate side, for once, in the small time frame since they’ve met up. He looked sincerely happy and proud, speaking confidently about the Almighty realm of Asgard, the Aesir bloodline, and their fantastic culture. Most of all, he praised Odin a lot, but Y/N paid no mind to that - She wanted to learn as much as possible about the North in general. Who knows, maybe it will serve as important information for the future.

Who could have thought that the bratty Heimdall could be such great company? If he didn’t play around as being so arrogant and all-knowing all the time, it might serve him well. Still, it seemed obvious that no one that she has met likes this God. The night was already beginning to creep by, so the Aesir escorted the girl back to the lodge. As they got back on the wall, however, it was pitch black, with only the stars and the moon illuminating their way, and torches from the Aesir village. But there was something else as well -

Y/N turned to get a good look at the gorgeous mountain landscape and the lake in which she had fallen - And then noticed the most breath-taking Aurora in the world. Her jaw was dropped slightly, and her eyes wide in wonder. “This is the most beautiful thing I have seen in my entire life.” she was barely able to make herself speak those words, and she didn’t even hear the blond man stepping next to her, as she was far too stunned and in awe. “Oh, this? It’s like this every night. I guess it’s not as impressive when you see it every day, for centuries.” Heimdall played it cool. “The colours are so vivid. And... They move! The howl of the wind makes it sound like... There are animals up there.” without realising, her hand was already reaching up, as if to touch the flowing lights. “Yeah, well, I guess you wouldn’t know. Up there are the souls of every animal that ever died. It’s not just the wind.” he might have been snappy, but seeing a complete foreigner admiring his home so whole-heartedly made him feel incredibly proud.

“I wish I could be up there, with them.” she found herself whispering, completely enchanted by the vivid dancing lights of the colourful souls. “If you have a death wish, I can just throw you off the wall.” the man scoffed, turning his back to her. He couldn’t handle looking at her anymore, in fear of admitting to himself that this dangerous stranger was... Ethereal. Her eyes were gleaming with the lights of the Aurora, shining brighter than even his own - And her flawless face adorned with such perfect features... It was highlighted by that innocent and mesmerised emotion that overcame her. He couldn’t... He shouldn’t... He wouldn’t... Admit she was breath-taking, like no other Aesir Goddess he has ever met. “I would not die.” she admitted plainly, almost melancholic. “I always liked animals for than people. They are far easier to deal with. And they do not make assumptions based on silly criteria.” the girl muttered, feeling her heart almost vulnerable before the very display of natural art. “Said the girl flirting with me the whole day.” Heimdall rolled his eyes, not wanting to spend any more time around her. “Come on, stop staring, tomorrow is another night for this. I’m too tired to deal with you anymore.” he grabbed her arm and dragged her along to the cabin, guiding her to her new room, pointing to the kitchen along the way. “Thank you for having patience with me today. I know I have ruined your work day, but I deeply appreciate spending this day with you. May you have the sweetest dreams tonight, Heimdall.” the man simply gritted his teeth in annoyance and left the place - He truly needed a drink. He could not stand this woman and that overly fake facade of hers. How can she piss him off the whole day, then act so stupidly diplomatic and courteous, as if he actually had to forgive her? Stupid woman and her stupid feminity and compassion... And honesty.

Y/N was admiring her new, temporary room and putting everything in place, before her stomach growled. It wasn’t often that she felt hungry or sleepy to begin with - But the warmth of this room took its toll on her. She exited her chambers and went to look for the kitchens to get something to eat and some water - Which she did not find, but wine, she did. Not the best, but not the worst. Better than the bitter ale, at least.

All Gods and others were drinking and being loudly cheery inside the large room - But Y/N didn’t feel comfortable around such a thunderous dinner, so she went to search for another room, hopefully more quiet and... Alone, rather. She would have preferred not to eat in her own room - It was bad manners, especially as she was a guest - But she would do so, if need be.

Leaning on a wall, alone, and with a large draft mug in his hand, Y/N unexpectedly found the Foresight God in the empty dining room. “Huh? Are you trying to make friends now?” Heimdall snapped at the girl, who looked curious at him, like a little fawn.

“Why are you all alone?” the man gritted his teeth, picking up on the pitying tone. “Here to interrogate me, then? Are you, perchance - Pitying me now? Feeling bad for me, for seeking peace of mind, amongst all these cretins?” he seemed awfully defensive of his choice. “Not quite.” she spoke, placing her tray on the table. “I, also, do not feel comfortable with such a booming and... Forgive my wording, but ‘vulgar’ crowd. I appreciate my quiet time.” the lady explained, seemingly sympathetic. “I just thought you looked - Lonely.” she admitted. “The other room is far too loud for me. You can join me at the table, if you wish. Standing up while drinking cannot be comfortable.” The man rolled his eyes and scoffed, but ultimately, after much deliberation, he slammed down his mug opposite of her - He still wanted to try and read her mind. “Lonely, she says. LONELY! Gods don’t get lonely, that’s ridiculous.” he looked into her eyes, but he could see absolutely nothing. “What, you disagree?” he snarked at her, and she nodded her head. “I get lonely sometimes.” she spoke lucidly. “Do not misunderstand me - I love my family and our new friends... But sometimes, I do wish I could... Stray away, just a tiny bit. Meet new people, socialise... And whatever it is that people our age are supposed to do. I... Am not quite sure.” she explained so casually, that Heimdall almost didn’t pick up on the implication at first. “Wait. You mean to say - You’re a God.” she nodded. “You.” again, she nodded. “A. God.” he was flabbergast. “No. No way. I don’t believe you.” “I am more of a God than you are.” the girl smirked and reached out her hand to drink some of the wine - Only to choke and put it back. How ridiculous and anti-climatic. “Urgh. This is so bitter. Are you people against sweet drinks? Or water, in general? Are you afraid of rusting?” with a groan, Heimdall snatched her goblet and left the room, only to later return with a whole flagon of nicely cold water, which he poured for her. “Happy now?” seeing the girl enjoy the water so happily, he rolled his eyes with a disgusted look. “You are SO useless.” “Why do you not believe me when I say I am a God?” she asked, drinking more water. “Thank you for going out of your way to bring me water, by the way. I appreciate it.” she smiled at him gratefully - Oh, how he wanted to wipe that stupid smile away. “Because you simply cannot be a God! Look at you - You’re a dumbass! You are frail, you have no remarkable powers, and you’re not smart either. There’s nothing special about you!” he insulted the girl, who mocked him by pretending to think. “I may not be special, but somehow, you cannot read my mind. And I caught you off-guard multiple times.” it only angered the man. “You are just doing some stupid little trick that I can’t guess yet, that’s all. Nothing witty.” he tried to reason. “Do you want me to tell you my trick, then?” she asked, leaning her jaw on her palm. “What - You think I’m incapable of detecting some cheap tricks?” she shrugged. “I did not mean to offend you, Heimdall.” she said, once again, watching the man scoff and hit the back of his chair, sprawling himself over it. What a terminally capricious man. “You’re as fake as it gets. At least that stupid little giant boy is more honest.” he grumbled menacingly. “Atreus was born and raised here. I was not. For me, the way I speak, is a customary way of showing respect, especially for a stranger. Where I come from, everyone speaks this way. I suppose the rules of communication are more lax and friendly around here.” Y/N explained, sighing - It was times like this that she truly missed home. “You are here - That means you have to act like us.” she did not reply. “Did you hear me?!” “I will not change who I am, just to appease your unsavoury childish behaviour.” her tone changed to a more deadpan one. It was solemn, but authoritarian. It shocked the man. “Listen here, you --” but he was cut off. “Does it bring you joy? Being such a cunt?” the man’s jaw dropped to the floor with offense, only amplified by the dignified woman using such foul language addressed to him. “Forgive me - Did not expect just an obscene word, did you? I hate cursing, but you are extremely deserving of that title.” she said, with a clear sharp edge. “So - Does it bring you joy? Being so awful that nobody in Asgard can stand you? Or perhaps this was your goal all along - Alienating anyone, being the laughingstock of Asgard, being used as a tool by the one you worship - Because that is the only thing you are good for?” she stared deeply into those beautiful, glowing purple eyes of his - They looked exactly like the Aurora on the sky, she realised. “How dare you assume such things? You have been here less than a day, and you think you know everything? Who do you think you are?” he rose from his chair, slamming his hands on the table. “A Goddess of Olympus.” she did not raise - Instead, she straightened her back and looked straight at him. She was giving him what he needed - But he had no idea how to take it. “Why the FUCK can’t I read your mind, damn it?!” he yelled at her. “I can see what people really are. I can read people - I can smell their lies, their deceit, their intentions. I see them lying to the world, and even themselves - And sometimes, they don’t even know they’re doing it themselves!” he stepped from behind the table right next to her - He grabbed her arm and dragged her up to his level. “So why is it that I can’t read as stupid little girl like you?” “It is not that you cannot - You can. It is that I have not allowed you to peer into my mind.” she explained simply. “The simple fact that I allowed you to see into my mind, but showed you only silly things, meant that I can play with you at my will.” her closed-eyed smile was oh so very annoying. “HOW?!” he shouted at her - But she looked even more devious than a fox. “Would that not destroy the trick, then? It is far too simple, actually. I would say, if people had the wit, they could even do so themselves. Alas, most people do not... Or cannot. It requires a certain training and strength of mind. But I have just the right discipline instilled into me, to accomplish such a facile thing.” she spoke to him. “I hate you.” the blond spat in anger. “I hope the All-Father sees how much of a menace you are and kills you already. I would have killed you long ago, but I will respect his orders.” he pushed her back into the chair, seething between his gritted teeth. “That is quite the pity - I was enjoying your company greatly. I suppose your style is... Old men who use you for your powers, but do not like you and would kill you at the drop of the hat should your use be removed.” the man looked at her with absolute dread. “Do you want to see into my mind, then? No tricks? I shall allow you.” and she did - And once the man had access to her mind, his expression changed, and he looked distraught. He took a step back, and then another, before he looked away in annoyance; His rage was dissipated, and only a dark, foreboding feeling took over. “So you don’t care about anything around you, as long as your family is safe. Boring. You’re not even here to deceit or betray - You just don’t care at all, do you? You just... Are. That’s it. You just - Exist. Nothing more, nothing less.” the girl nodded in affirmation. “Gosh, you’re boring as hell.” she nodded once more. “Whatever. You’ve annoyed me enough. I will leave now.” the man spoke. “Beware the one who pretends to be your friend.” she warned, but the blond man had already stormed off, probably to drink his anger away at his home, close to the wall, and far away from the Lodge and all its inhabitants.

Y/N sighed and looked down at her light meal - It would have been nicer if she still had company, but it seems that no matter where she goes, she manages to push people away from her. Was it because she has different opinions from these people? Or because they are supposedly fated enemies? Who knew. Either way, she hurried to finish her dinner, not feeling comfortable in this place filled with Aesir Gods that would attempt to kill her - Maybe - With the first chance they got.

Even so, she had to think of a way to apologise to Heimdall - Not that she thought she was wrong, per se - She never did like Odin, and thought him incredibly fake ; Moreover, he was incredibly harsh and rude to the Foresight haver, she’d even go so far to say it was unnecessarily mean. Y/N hoped that, somehow, some day, she would be able to get through Heimdall’s shell and make him see again, for he blinded and deluded himself into thinking he is cherished by the All Father, when in fact, he is worth less than dirt, and would have been thrown off the Wall, were it not for his ability. He wasn’t an unexpendable asset to Odin - He was as replaceable as any other pawn in his army. Y/N liked him though. She was able to see the hurt in his eyes, whenever he was being undermined by Odin and even Thor. He did have a heart and the brains, but only if he would actually use them, he could see the truth before his very eyes.

The next day, however, she had no time to go to Heimdall and have a good talk, for the All Father had personally come to her to tell her of a mission, and whether she would like to join - Of course, she would have refused, were it not for both Atreus and Heimdall joining, and not only them, but Thor’s own daughter, Thrud. As far as she understood, their destination was the freezing Helheim - Not exactly the best place for a date - Alas.

She was the third to arrive down in the cellar or whatever it was that served as Odin’s study and work room, and she lazily waved at the two - Thrud was just a little bit taller than Atreus, and she seemed to be just his age. How cute! “My, little brother, I didn’t realise you moved so fast! You are becoming a ladies’ man, just like our dad!” the girl chuckled leisurely, patting the boy’s head, only for him to blush deeply and push her away. “What the hell are you on about?!” he glared at her like a little brat, which only made his sister laugh more. “Ah, to be young and in love~” Thrud also seemed to be taken aback with embarrassment by the comment, for she immediately pushed the Greek Goddess who was not expecting such a reaction, and due to her much slender built, she stumbled on her feet. “Don’t tease us like that!” Thor’s daughter yelled at her, only to see Heimdall extending his arm casually to catch the falling Goddess. “Ah, yes, what a privilege, having to play the baby-sitter role for a bunch of stupid children.” he sighed and rolled his oh so beautiful purple eyes. “What a lovely surprise, Heimdall!” Y/N smiled sweetly at him, not bothering to get up from his arms. “You knew I would join the mission.” he, too, glared at her, just like everyone else present. “It still is wonderful seeing you!” he let her fall to the ground with a painful thud. “That... Was not as lovely.” “Alright, time to go. Before I forget - You don’t wanna walk into the blistering cold of Helheim without this.” Odin said, as soon as Y/N jumped back to her feet. “Efri-la.” he put a spell on them, which made them forever warm whilst marching through the freezing hell. “Should keep you nice and toasty. You’re welcome.” “Huh. Mimir said even Odin couldn’t survive the cold in Helheim...” Atreus pointed out. “You believe everything that old goat says?” Heimdall snarked at him immediately, creating an awkward silence, save for the croaking ravens surrounding them. “Thrud, too bad your first time outside Asgard has to be Helheim...” he spoke in an almost upset voice. “Nah! We’re gonna make the most out of this!” she exclaimed with enthusiasm and a thirst for adventure. “Now, as much as I would love to babysit, I have something else to do for the All Father. If you run into any trouble, just scream so I know where to find your bodies.” the man disappeared without a trace. “Nobody dies on my watch, it is quite alright. You, children, have your fun.” Y/N spoke in a soft voice, motioning to the boy to go ahead and start his mission. Atreus never really had the chance to make friends, or even experience the beauty of developing a crush - Hopefully, he enjoys this playground date.

Not once did she bother to speak up, instead opting for making her presence unremarked, and allowing the two kids to speak at their own leisure, without feeling hindered by an adult. She didn’t even bother trying to convince Thrud of Odin’s treacheries and corruption. She was far too stuck up and indoctrinated, though not much different than Heimdall himself. It was going to be a tough job trying to get through any of them, anyway.

And even when Atreus wanted to liberate the huge wolf, she was by his side, though she had no idea why it was even chained to begin with. Surely something bad was going to happen. The magic mask was glowing no more, and Thrud was very abruptly turning on Atreus. As soon as they arrived back at the meeting place, however, they saw mauling marks... In the air... As if the wolf had torn and scratched apart the realm itself. Y/N stepped in front of it and tried to touch it - It had a rough texture. How very weird. “You absolute, unqualified MORON!” Heimdall’s voice boomed out of nowhere. He was pissed. Really pissed, not just annoyed as back then when Y/N was flirting with him. This time, things were royally fucked. “You know that thing tears holes between realms, right?” that explained everything - No wonder he was so angry - Odin was going to count him as the responsible one for this mess. “Well, I suppose I should expect nothing less... From half-breeds.” Atreus tried to shoot back, but was ultimately hit in the knee and made to kneel on the ground. “I will call you whatever I like, junior.” his voice was but a whisper, yet a threatening, malicious one. “Leave him alone. It was a mistake.” Thrud tried to defend the boy bravely, but was immediately taunted. “No! The mistake was allowing you to think that you’re ready.” It was the first time that Y/N heard the Aesir God yell - It was almost scary. She did not like it. “You helped him, didn’t you?” there was silence, as the two had an intense staring showdown. “What side are you on... Guppy?” “Try me and find out.” there was almost an earie sense of self-confidence that gave Thor’s daughter power - But it was all a feint. The blond man put his hands back and stepped away, laughing tauntingly at her. “And what are YOU going to do, exactly?” he asked, easily stepping away from a jump kick from the young girl. “You see - Everyone takes it easy on you because they are afraid of your father. I am not. That fat, drunken utter piece of trash!” every comment on her father provoked the daughter even more - She rushed with a sloppy barrage of left and right hooks to his head, but they were far too easily dodged, and she was ultimately pushed away. “HEY!” Atreus jumped in front of the girl, only to be pushed aside with incredible ease. “AGAIN!” Thrud challenged the Foresight God, who was outright humiliating the two weaklings. “Yes, yes. The dumb does not fall far from the tree.” he did a mock courtesy before her. “Very well, then. Give me your best shot.” Thrud charged headfirst, trying to land a punch, but was side-stepped and tripped to the ground. “You have a LOT to learn, little girl. Starting with - Who your family is... And who it is not.” he crouched before her laying form, and she sneered up at him. “Just wait until I’m a Valkyrie.” she was seething with anger at being so disrespectfully easily defeated. “Ha! Haha...! Oh. You really believe the All Father would allow that to happen?” the man sighed, putting his hands together. “Please, do not let this little weasel feed you delusions any longer.” Y/N had no idea why she wouldn’t be allowed to become a Valkyrie - Didn’t the Norse value them, and considered them some of the strongest fighters? Or was it because Thrud was far too young and inexperienced? “Y/N, DO SOMETHING!” Atreus called out to his sister, who watched Thrud shriek loudly “ENOUGH!” and become self-afflicted with little rays of thunder around her, mirroring her father. Y/N sighed, and before Thrud could get close to Heimdall, Y/N got between them and with her powers, slapped away both Thrud and Atreus into the wall harshly, using a basic back-slap, the only way of not showing off any strength to Heimdall, but also, as a pure Olympian Goddess, her powers were to be reckoned with. “I meant against that jerk, not us! Whose side are you on?!” her brother growled at her. “For how long are you two going to behave like petulant children?” she asked, sighing and shaking her head. “You are pathetic. Father trained you better than this.” she had to admit she was disappointed in the weakness that her pampered up and spoiled, entitled little brother displayed in this mocking of a fight. Heimdall stepped in front of her, looking down at her with a doubtful expression. Did she try to... Protect him? Shield him from that laughable attack? Surely, she wouldn’t dare underestimate him, would she? “I do not need your protection - And if you think you can feign your allegiance --” “I am not. And I was not protecting you - You are perfectly capable of doing that yourself.” her answer was edged and curt, and she seemed unlike her jovial self from before. “I have told you before - You speak the truth, yet you add your own sense of cruelty to your words. Heimdall, you have long since proved your aptitude and strength to me, thus I have no reason to doubt you would easily be able to kill these two in the blink of an eye.” the girl scoffed, side-eying the two children groveling pitifully on the ground, defeated and woeful. “I was not protecting you - I was protecting them.” she admitted simply. “They still have lifetimes to learn. This encounter should serve as a lesson for these two. Alas, they just fail to understand that even provoking is a sense of training. Discipline allows you to see past that, and focus transforms your rage into strength.” she explained sternly. Heimdall huffed to himself, stepping away from her, and though he hated to admit, this wisdom of hers... He could agree with it. She was... Annoyingly right, in the most objective way possible. However, Heimdall also realised, this wisdom came with the painful price of loneliness and an empty void that could never be filled. She was strong, just like he was - And people around just weren’t ever enough to satisfy them. “If you’re acting so smart, why didn’t you stop them from creating such a mess?” he asked, leaning back on a pillar. His anger dissipated, and instead, curiosity washed over him. “Simply because I had no idea what that wolf represented.” she shrugged. “Men must live with the consequences of their own actions. It was the three of us that liberated the wolf, thus, it falls to us to either shackle it once more, or destroy it, before it destroys us. It is that simple.” her answer was passive and cold, allure, as if she was not addressing people, but speaking into the wind. She knew she was capable of solving this mess by herself, the Aesir realised, much to his dismay - She was confident in her abilities. They say - Any man who must say ‘I am the King’ is no true King - And she was the best example of that; Fear the foe who doesn’t brag, but instead, remains quiet as the late, and focused like a predator aiming for their prey. “Oh, great. It’s like I’m having father with me again. I asked for my sister, not my father!” Atreus whined, giving Y/N the stink eye. “If I were to give in to every provoking sent my way, I would have either been long dead, or left the Earth with no more population. Remember, however, that if you choose to answer with violence, you must asses the situation and know that you are capable of defeating your opponent. In your case, neither of you can win against Heimdall, so, if he wanted to, he could have easily killed you long ago. Lucky you.” it was clear that neither of the younger ones was liking her statement - In fact, her brother especially was very bothered by it. “You and father are the same! Don’t bother preaching to me that you’re not the favourite child, or that you both love me, when you scold me like this.” the boy huffed in annoyance, getting back to his feet. “What - Nothing more to say now?” “I have nothing more to say to you.” Y/N closed her eyes, crossing her arms to her chest. “To think that mommy dearest would scold her little ducklings, how amusing. You toddlers are so... Boring.” Heimdall clapped mockingly at the two. “Now then, if you are finished throwing your little tantrum, we should go, because I cannot wait to watch you explain this mess to the All Father. Oh, it’s going to be glorious!” Heimdall called for the raven to teleport them back to Odin’s study - But he wasn’t there. They went up to Odin’s study in the lodge, listening to more of Heimdall’s scrutiny. “Loki of the Jotnar. I am haunted by your incompetence. It keeps me up at night. No, seriously! I-I-I find the hues and shades of your shortcomings almost moving.” the Aesir was almost shaking with laughter. “If we could only somehow harness your uselessness, we could fuel this entire city!” Y/N wanted to laugh so dearly, remembering how funny Hermes’s shady comments were. She missed Hermes.

When they got to the All Father, he sent Atreus to his room, whilst Heimdall remained to speak of his own mission with his master. Seeing that she had nothing more to do here, she went out to sit by the Wall, dangling her feet and looking up at the sky, a the clouds passing by. It was approaching evening, and the otherwise clear azure sky was rapidly turning all kinds of shades and colours of every palette existent to mankind. She missed home dearly, but the beauty of the North was truly ethereal.

Time passed by, and she was all alone save for the crickets playing their tune, and the breeze going through her long locks as she watched the Aurora, with as much peace and joy as before. No matter how much she gazed at it, she couldn’t get enough of its beauty. It was a soothing atmosphere, and watching the lapse between hours and the sky’s colours changing so radically was bringing her perfect harmony. Watching the sky from the very top of Mount Olympus was gorgeous, but adding the Northern Lights and the twinkling silver stars only made things even more special.

“Mommy dearest is all alone, surrounded by enemies. She has no idea her little duckling had abandoned her.” the mocking voice of Heimdall disturbed the peace, making Y/N casually lean her head back to look at him. “I must have really upset him earlier. I try to understand him - Both myself and father - But he is different from what we were as children. Our education was tough growing up, and discipline was instilled into us since birth. Everything was lax for him. It is not easy. It is too bad that he does not want to understand our differences.” she shrugged simply, shifting her gaze back to the sky. “I never truly understood adolescence.” “Then leave. Go back home. Nobody asked you to cross the whole realm like a martyr.” he hopped down next to her - Though he was mocking, he wasn’t as aggressive as before. Y/N could even say he was being... Friendly. “I asked to leave.” she admitted in a whispery voice. “My mother died in childbirth. I... Never thought that Gods could die of something like this. I was still a child. Father was not home. My mother went into labour, but she was suffering from fetal dystocia. I tried to get the baby out, but it did not work. I had to kill her. Carve her belly open and extract that... Thing.” she spoke in a bitter voice, shifting her sight back towards the aurora - Her eyes was unfocused and glossy, and her voice was empty, yet dripping with unspoken sadness. “I was holding that thing in my arms, and I tried to use my powers to heal her. The wound did heal, but she would not answer. I raised my head to see her, to tell her she can hold her baby, but she still did not answer. The baby wasn’t screaming either. I think it was stillborn. I do not know to this day. I had ripped it apart in my anger. When father came home, he saw me brushing her hair. I was unresponsive for a long time. I told him I will not spend another day in Greece. We went to Egypt, and then, the Gods guided us up here, North. Dad married Faye, had Atreus, his wife died... Again.” she sighed softly, a bitter smile on her face, so different than the otherwise calculated and calm composure of hers. “And that silly little boy cannot accept that there are far worse things in life than a life lesson or a scolding. Maybe he will - Someday - But until then...” she let her voice trail on into the night. “You did not tell this story to anyone before. Why me? I’m not your friend.” he snapped his head to her, scanning her features attentively. She was as gorgeous as always, but for some off reason, her melancholy made Heimdall’s frozen heart... Shiver. “But I do like you.” she spoke so casually, that even Heimdall could see the truth in her intent. “You are being ridiculous.” he watched her shrug. “I mean it. You are weird!” she didn’t seem to change her mind at all, and it was truly terrifying the lonesome blond. “I keep pushing you away - I insult you, I berate you, I taunt and mock you - I GENUINELY CANNOT STAND TO EVEN LOOK AT YOU!” even raising his tone didn’t work - Looking into her eyes, he could see the same answer. She was being honest. “You have NO reason to enjoy my company!” he exclaimed, frustrated with her stubbornness. “So?” he raised his eyebrows at her. “You cannot change how I feel.” “You are wasting your time.” she said nothing. “Gosh, you are annoying! Your brother is much more fun with how easily he gets triggered.” “I have too many centuries behind me to get irked by silly things like that. Back in Greece, I was very close to my mother’s best friend. His name is Hermes. He is a lot like you. Fast, witty, smart... Has the funniest and snarkiest comments about everyone.” the man watched her shoot him a playful smile. “So I’m the Aesir replacement of your long lost drunk uncle. Great. What a privilege.” he did not expect to hear a soft chuckle from her. “If you are trying to compliment me, you are failing miserably, just so you know.” “Forgive me. I just find you presence to be very endearing. And you are also very pretty. It adds to your charm.” he scoffed and looked away, his porcelain cheeks pained with the colour of pink peonies. “And your blush is even prettier on your pale skin. It brings out your beautiful eyes.” Heimdall’s arms caged the girl, slamming his palms on either side of her and getting close to her face, a frown painted. “Will you stop this stupid act already?!” Y/N, realising they were so close she could feel his breath on her skin, simply smiled demure. “You know it is not an act by the way you look at me.” the endearing smile did not disappear even once. “As far as I remember, it was you who did not want to be touched - Yet here you are, invading my privacy. Do you wish for a little kiss?” his eyes widened in surprise, especially as he could read the truth in her eyes. He tried to shift back to his seat on the wall, but in his flurry, he slipped and fell onto the girl, who was giggling like a little girl. “If you wanted a hug, you should have just asked. I, also, have not had one in a few centuries.” her hand reached to pat his head, before her arms engulfed him into a tight embrace, laying down over her smaller body. She could feel the way his heart was beating so fast against his chest. “You are SO insufferable!” his tone raised as he got rose to his forearms, looking down at the serene looking girl. It had taken quite a few seconds to process what was happening - Never once had Heimdall been embraced before, let alone feel his heart pounding against his chest. He felt physically sick for allowing himself such a vulnerable few moments of weakness. “Can’t you just wipe that annoying smile off your face for once?!” Instead, she rose just slightly and planted a kiss on his forehead. “Lighten up, pretty boy.” he stared at her, speechless, for a few moments, before he ran away, leaving Y/N to stare up at the starry sky, her amused smile never once leaving her face. For a man who loves to trash talk people, he sure was easy to fluster.

Still, being in that great lodge, surrounded by enemies, sure was the closest thing to frightening that she’s had to feel in a while. Somehow, though, she managed to fall asleep - At least for that night. The next day, however, people in the village seemed to be preparing for something akin to a festivity, long tables everywhere, lots of food, and even more drinks - In fact, so much ale that Y/N suspected the Aesir had an ale river. She had no idea, nor did she care about the event, but as soon as evening struck, everyone was outside, gathered around the huge bonfire. Some were singing, some were dancing, many were eating and everyone was drinking.

Y/N, too, went outside with a goblet of sweet wine, but even sitting on a log away from the festivity earned glares from the Aesir - Sif and Thrud especially - So she went even farther away, into the forest, at the bottom of a tree, watching the merriment of everyone. It was almost... Endearing. Everyone seemed genuinely happy, though drunk as all hell. Y/N sighed, thinking back to the grand banquets in Olympus, and at how drunk Dionysus was, trying to balance his cup on his manhood, or the many mischievous pranks she would pull with Hermes. She loved dancing... But she did not know dances of the North, nor any song. “You pitiful thing, all alone, rejected by everyone around.” Heimdall sat down next to her, glaring at the people in front of him as he drank ale from his large draft mug. He had brought a whole carafe of sweet wine for the girl also. How considerate of him. “Sif made it clear I am not welcomed. I know my place, I do not want to dampen the mood and ruin the fun for everyone.” she clinked her goblet to his mug. “Cheers.” “Sif is a stuck up stick in the mud. Nobody likes her, and she likes nobody.” the man scoffed, getting more comfortable, leaning on the tree. For some reason, he felt oddly calm and at ease around this missy. “Why are you here anyway? It’s an Aesir festivity.” “I have not gone to such an event in a very long time. I had hoped that I would remember the times of Greek festivities. In my country, hospitality is everything. The host always goes out of his way to make the guest comfortable and welcomed.” she spoke, leaning her head down. “I suppose I have overstepped my welcome here. Had I known, I would have left with Atreus.” “Who cares about these guys? They are all a bunch of idiots. They need to get shit-faced drunk all the time to even stand one next to the other. They’re all a bunch of fake dumbasses. Why do you think I never bother with any of them?” he scoffed once again, revealing why he purposely isolates himself from his peers - None were worth his time; Likewise, why should he waste time with idiots who pretend to like each other, yet would spare no second to backstab at the first opportunity. “Do you never get lonely? Watching people being happy and having friends - Without you?” the girl asked, once again, emotionally vulnerable. “I used to sing and dance with everybody - However, I do not know the dances, the songs, nor the people.” “Ahh, you and your out-dated beliefs! How utterly ridiculous.” they stood quiet for a while, expecting for Y/N to retort - But nothing. “Oh, don’t tell me you’re seriously wanting to join them!” once again, she was silent. “Oh, for Asgard’s sake - You piss me off.” with a groan, Heimdall rose to his feet, putting his mug down on the grass. He extended his hand to the girl, though he looked away. “What are you waiting for? Get up already.” Confused as she was, Y/N, too, placed down her goblet and gingerly placed her hand over his, being helped up. He guided her a little farther away into the forest, and then stopped. He stood in front of her and looked down at her, still for a few seconds. Now that he allowed himself a few moments of respiro, he was able to admire the woman before him properly. He couldn’t believe himself, thinking that an enemy was so beautiful - Luscious pink lips and her velvety long hair, her sun-kissed skin, and those sparkling gemstone eyes. “What are you doing?” “Keep quiet and follow my lead.” he reached out to hold her other hand as well - It was so delicate and soft, unlike the skin of most of the women here, who were harshened by fighting. “You’re being stiff as a fence. Relax already. I thought you said you were a great dancer.” “Not such kinds of dances.” the girl’s crystalline hum of amusement sounded like a lullaby to his ears. “You are very good at dancing, Heimdall.” “Of course I am. I am a noble Aesir God.” he huffed, his face reddening lightly. “At least you’re getting better.” “I have a great teacher.” she smiled so sweetly at him - Nobody ever was this nice to him before, and he hated to admit, but every time he looked into her eyes, he could see she was beingtruthful. There was also the case of her faking it, of which he was truly terrified, but somehow, for some reason, a part of him wanted to believe that she was sincere. “It goes without saying.” even now, he was being patronisingly condescending, yet his heart was feeling... At ease. Light, even.

Then, they spoke no more. With every move, they would not shift their gaze away from each other’s eyes. With every twirl, their fingers remained intertwined. And each time, their bodies would get closer and closer, until they were flushed together. The faint sound of music guided them, but Heimdall’s humming was all that Y/N was paying attention to - His voice soothingly low and caressing of one’s soul. It was cold outside, yet they felt none of the harshness of the wind, for the dance of two hearts was keeping them as warm as the blazing hearth.

Time had passed at an uncertain pace, but it did not matter. Both Heimdall and Y/N had formed a bond they had never experienced before, nor expected. The most unlikely of persons were joining together, despite how different their beliefs and thoughts are, and at least for the night, they were now just two normal people, all alone and content with the other’s presence.

The night had ended and dawn had arrived, and only when the first ray of the warm morning Sun caressed their skins, did they begrudgingly stop dancing together, and returned to their own rooms to rest. Though the Aesir had other duties, guarding the Wall, Y/N was able to catch some well deserved sleep. Afternoon went by like a breeze in Spring, and night formed again - Yet the night, she was denied, for Thor had torn her door from its hinges, his hammer at the ready and sparkling with his thunder power, threatening her for sleeping in the old room of one of his deceased sons. Were it not for her speed, jumping out of the window, she might as well have been bludgeoned to death by that hammer of his. Thankfully, she was able to make her lucky escape, to Heimdall’s own cabin. It was the dead of night when she knocked on his door.

Once he answered the door, Y/N had a good look at him - Hair down, long and in golden waves, and dressed only in a long tunic of perfect quality, yet he did not seem to have been sleeping. “What. The hell. Are you doing here.” he asked, in disbelief. “What, did you have a nightmare and couldn’t go to daddy for comfort?” “In a way, yes.” Heimdall’s eyes widened and his mouth was slightly agape. “If you count Thor wanting to kill me, a nightmare, then yes, I did have a night terror, and quite the frightening one. I admit, I would rather not awaken to the sound of the door being pried open like that, and the crackling of thunder next to my ear.” she chuckled, a bit uneasy, only to see the man getting off the door frame and gesturing her to get inside. “What the hell has gotten into that half-wit?” Heimdall sneered. “Has he forgotten the All Father had forbidden all from harming you and that brother of yours?” “I think he was drunk. He seemed to be slurring and mumbling about his dead son.” she explained, sitting on the table. “Ah, yes, those useless brain dead idiots, Magni and Modi. They were a waste of space anyway. Leave it to Thor to lose it after every ale draft, just because Sif talks his ear off. If it weren’t for her, he’d just plague the tavern all day and night long.” the man rolled his eyes, before taking a look at her. “And you’re in the same clothes as yesterday.” “Not the most comfortable to sleep in, but the best I had.” blinking, the Foresight haver groaned, going to his wardrobe and throwing one of his pristine tunics at her head. “Go change already.” she was wearing a bashful grin on her face, skipping to his own bedroom to change into the tunic. When she returned, she had done a little twirl - Heimdall couldn’t stare away from her. “It reminds me of the tunics from my own home. It is so comfortable and beautiful. Thank you, Heimdall.” why did his clothes look so well on her? And why did her bare legs look so beautiful? “Whatever. I’m going to read. Go sleep already.” he huffed, grabbing his book before getting into the armchair next to the fireplace. “Will you not join me tonight? It is quite late.” she spoke, plopping on the bed. “Besides, it is rude manners to hog one’s bed.” “You see - Unlike most of these disgusting half-wits, I do not go around, sleeping with women I am not married to. I have my own self-respect, you know?” the man huffed, hiding his face behind the book. “Well, perhaps one day.” she hummed with amusement, before getting in bed and covering herself with the warm blanket. “Sweet dreams, Heimdall.”

But the man did not answer, nor did he read. Instead, he made the mistake of allowing his mind to wander off far too much, once again, without meaning to. He wanted to see the girl before him, wearing a beautiful, rich dress, and on her head, a golden circlet, which he would remove, and in its place, a bridal crown of flowers, wood, and so many crystals and ornaments, to highlight her long and beautiful hair even more.. They would exchange swords and rings, and at the end, they would dance, and sing, and play games, and... No, that didn’t sound quite right. He couldn’t care less for these people, he didn’t want to bother with all these poor excuses who called themselves Aesir Gods. He hated them all, and they all hated him in turn. Why should they experience the beauty of this woman in all her glory? They wouldn’t understand. They wouldn’t be happy for him. They were all pathetic. They didn’t deserve him. They didn’t deserve them.

Heimdall let down his book and his eyes gazed upon the resting form of the girl that was in his bed. She was already fast asleep. What the hell was in Thor’s head, threatening her and scaring her like that? Oh, wait, that’s right. Nothing. His head is as empty as a hollow barrel. Fantastic. And to think they are half-brothers. Remarkable how one could turn so tragic, while another so perfect. He definitely took after his Giant mother...

Without realising, he was tempted into resting as well. He would only be lying down on the bed, nothing more. And so he did. On his side of the bed, far away from the girl, he rested his head on the pillow and shut his eyes, relaxing to the crackling of the firewood burning. He turned his head to the side, and watched the Greek Goddess cuddling that pillow to dear life, sleeping so peacefully. How silly. How utterly adorable and frail. She was so beautiful that Heimdall couldn’t help but reach out his hand and brush away the stray strand of hair from her face, caressing her soft cheeks with the back of his fingers.

But then, as he kept gazing at her so lovingly, she started to shift, and she was now facing him - And not only that, instead of the pillow, she was now clinging dearly to his own body, her form half-draped over his own as she cuddled into him. “Hey - What are you doing?! Get off already! You are being improper --” he whisper-yelled at the girl, trying to pry her off, but her strength was remarkable, even in her sleep. With a curse, Heimdall relaxed himself in that embrace, watching as Y/N nuzzled her face to his neck like a little kitten. Her breath was warm on his skin, and her embrace was tight around his body. He... Actually felt... So good. It felt like a blissful dream. He had never slept with anyone in his bed before, not like this. Sure, he might have had his way with some women, at some point, but not in his bed, and he did not stay the night with them. They weren’t worthy of his presence like that.

But he now felt so... Calm. So... At peace. He did not even realise he was playing around and caressing her beautiful hair, sprawled everywhere on the bed. Sighing, he resigned himself. He kissed the top of her head and cursed himself. What had he become? A prey to a woman’s sweet words and beautiful face. In the face of aversion, however, how would he react? And, most of all, would he fall to her convincing words and sad puppy eyes, or will he continue fighting for Odin, blind and deaf, as always?

Heimdall couldn’t sleep the whole night - Or, rather said, he did not want to sleep. He wanted to stay awake throughout the night, and enjoy the girl’s presence as much as possible. There probably won’t be any more opportunities like this one coming round. The war was brewing and bubbling up, soon to spill over. It was only his horn that kept Ragnarok at bay. For how long? No one knew.

The only thing he knew at the moment was that he did not want to let go of the woman in his arms. He looked down at her so fondly and caressed her beautiful face. So soft. So darling. And always smiling so sweetly for him. Why was she trying so hard to appeal to him? To make him talk to her? Why did she like him so much? He was a mere stranger to her - In fact, he was her enemy, and he threatened her family so often. Why did she like him so much? Was she seeing something that not even he could see?

Unfortunately, through the window of his chambers, morning had started bothering him - Why did the light have to come so soon? He was very content the way he was; was it necessary for him to be disturbed? “And I was sleeping so well...” even her sleepy, hoarse voice was lovely. “Sleep some more, then.” he muttered, watching her smile so innocently and cute. “Sounds good to me.” she got even more comfortable, snuggling into his side. What has he become?

But that day was not to remain forever calm, for Atreus had returned, and Odin was having him go on a mission to who knew where. She couldn’t let him go by himself, clearly, so she had to join. Odin did not allow Heimdall to join - Not that Atreus would have wanted to, anyway. He hated that man with all his might. But they had another friend joining - Thor - The man who threatened Y/N previously. It was not going to be a great day.

He was drunk again this day, just after a huge brawl where he destroyed the tavern - Fantastic, might as well get them both killed, then. Still, they had arrived safely at the Eternal Chasm where they were to find the last piece of the magic mask. Niflheim was as frozen as always and somber, and through all this fighting, she surely did not enjoy watching Thor vomit because of his drunken state, nor his previous threatening. He seemed fine - But for how long, she did not know. She will keep herself alert through it all.

Up on a high cliff, Atreus was able to merge the last piece of the mask, though he almost fell, Thor and Y/N held onto him so that he would not perish. In that exact moment, Odin teleported himself before them, praising the boy for his success. But that was not enough. Sif, followed by two valkyries, came by unannounced, threatening Kratos’s two children - They had wanted death, for the crimes committed against the Norse Gods. Odin was livid - At least they wouldn’t die for now. The All Father and Sif were quarreling more and more, but the woman went to her husband and spoke to him - Enough to convince him of rising his weapon and going to attack Atreus and Y/N.

“Any idea?” Y/N grabbed Atreus and pulled him behind her. “Just one. Hang on tight!” at the moment, her brother pulled her backwards, and they fell into what felt like a loop, and landed harshly onto the ground. “Lucky escape.” the girl gasped loudly, feeling the pain radiating throughout her back. “Damn, Sindri - You sure know how to plan an exit.” the boy almost started laughing from how close to death they were. “Atreus! Y/N!” as soon as Y/N heard her father’s voice, she shot up and jumped on him. “DADDY!” she cried out, hugging him as tightly as she could. “I missed you so much!” “I am glad you are safe, my child.” he only called her that way when they shared a tender moment, and she felt like a little child once again, in their home in old Sparta, as he cupped her little face with his big, rough hands. “How come you’re here?” Atreus asked, getting up as well. “Sindri told us where you would arrive, should you find trouble.” he explained. “O, daddy, I was really worried about all of you as well.” the girl held onto his hands, kissing the inside of his wrists. “You seem troubled, child. Had anything happened in Asgard?” the girl only smiled wryly. “Daddy... I have done something horrible, and I have no idea how to fix it.” she explained, embracing her father. “Everything can be fixed if we work together.” though he patted her head, she gave him a negative answer. “No, daddy. This, I have to do alone. It is something that only I can do. O, if only mummy was here, she would know what to do.” she sighed, walking towards the door gate towards their dwarven home.

“Wait - Little sister, have you fallen in love?” as soon as Mimir gasped, Atreus gagged loudly. “Urgh, don’t tell me it’s that jerk Heimdall!” he blamed her in the same bratty tone as always. “Heimdall?! No way, little brother - There is NO way any person normal in the head would like that asshole!” Mimir tried to defend to girl - But she shook her head. “The heart works in mysterious ways, Mimir. Not Aphrodite, nor Eros, or even Anteros themselves know truly the way it works. I just hope I can get him on our side. If only he would realise that Odin is just using him as a tool.” Y/N sighed, raking her fingers through her hair. “Little lass, are you mind possessed or something?” Mimir seemed in complete disbelief. “No, brother. I am just a fool. But worry not, for I have my priorities straight. I have killed one person I love. One more will not stop me.” Kratos did not like hearing such words coming from his daughter. Not only was she taking the blame for her mother’s death, but she was also driven deep into her Spartan general teachings, just like he was, long ago. “I trust you to make the right decisions, Y/N.” the father opened the door for them to enter inside the dwarven home.

Everyone was around the table, and were discussing the matter of the mask and Ragnarok... But something was dubious, at least. Since when was Tyr so pro-active, and why was he sitting at the top of the table, and making up plans for everyone. It was... Odd. Kratos made a speech about the price people have to pay when it comes to seeking easy ways to find answers and knowledge. Tyr kept saying they needed to find a way into Asgard, saying that he will get everyone there safe... With a spear. He also called Atreus - Loki.

In that second, Y/N created a spear and threw it at Tyr’s chest - He caught it in his hand though. This only made the girl continue fighting the man. “Odin, show yourself! I know it is you!” Y/N roared at him. “Y/N, please, stop this. We shouldn’t be fighting among ourselves.” the fake Tyr kept trying to speak, but was easily overwhelmed by the girl’s prowess. “I will kill you!” she yelled. “NOBODY calls Atreus - LOKI! Only you! Tyr never used a spear, Odin did! And most of all - You do NOT have a way into Asgard, you just want to steal the mask and kill us all! To think you would make a mockery of the God of War - Shame on you, filthy coward! Shame on you!” Atreus had never heard his sister screaming so sternly - It resembled the way father spoke. Was that what she meant by having a different upbringing back in their own country? “I know your secret, Odin. And I know that you killed half a hundred children, to create the ravens that serve as your spies. You are despicable. You are disgusting. You have NO right impersonating Tyr, you filth!” “DO YOU NEVER SHUT UP?!” Tyr’s voice was now Odin’s, and despite all her training, Odin teleported behind her and stabbed her in the back, before getting her in a choke hold. “Tell your father to throw me the mask, or I kill you.” “I’m a Goddess, you absolute half-wit. Your silly little metal cannot kill me.” she gritted her teeth, feeling the knife twisting between the back of her ribs. “How many lies have you fed Heimdall? I know you went to him only to have him allied to you. But do you think my most loyal ally will be swayed by some pretty face? You are wrong. That idiot would die for me if I tell him to. He may be smart, but he does not think. You cannot have him, wench.” Odin spat at her. “The mask now, if you will.” “I will not allow you to disrespect Heimdall and use him as your marionette! He deserves much better than anything you have to offer, you brutish tyrant!” Y/N yelled at him. “You will never have the strength to overpower me and take away the mask from us!” “I regret many things, but killing you won’t be one of them! Release my daughter at once!” Kratos growled at the man. “I am in control here!” Odin began choking her more “No, you are NOT!” with a war cry, Y/N had activated her Spartan Rage and blasted Odin into the opposite wall, shooting beams of life energy, along with plant vines that grew from the ground, attempting to spear the enemy - But he had long since teleported. “Is the Mask safe?!” she asked, rubbing her back. “That knife actually hurt. Huh.” “Come here, reckless child. Odin might have used poison or curses on the blade.” Freya ran behind the girl and started using her magic on her wound. “The mask is safe... Thank goodness.” Atreus sighed, keeping the mask in his grasp. “You got reckless, Y/N.” Kratos grumbled under his breath. “I have two things that I must do, but I have to know what your plans are. I have been away for far too long, I am out of lapse with your plans.” Y/N stretched a bit. “Mimir, you once told us that Odin can shapeshift into another person and be in two places at once, but that person has to be alive. Tyr is alive, and I know where he is. I just need to find the Ravenkeeper and release the souls of the children that Odin trapped. The prison is somewhere around here.” Y/N explained her plan. “So my stories are finally helping! Good!” Mimir cheered happily. “Secondly... We know Ragnarok is brought by Gjallarhorn being blown. Heimdall still has it. I need to lure him somehow and have a talk to him. If all else fails, I will steal the horn from him and bring it home.” she continued her plan. “We have to save Yngvi and bring him home. He is the only one who can unite the elves from Alfheim and have them fight for us.” Freya spoke. “Sounds good to me. I will go rescue Tyr and go to Vanaheim when I’m done. How does that sound?” Y/N asked, getting in her stoic general mode. “It is far too dangerous to go on your own.” Kratos spoke. “No. It is safer that way. Anyone else would slow me down. You know I work better alone. If anything else goes down, I can just run away. Uncle Hermes had given me the best gift, and I know how to use it.” Y/n winked at the grumbling man. “Little sister, the Ravenkeeper is a terrible foe. Are you sure you will be alright?” Mimir was worried, just as everyone else. “I want Odin dead as much as everyone.” she spoke. “Oh, and... If we encounter Heimdall... I will speak to him alone. Understood?” though some were confused, they had agreed. “Wonderful! I’m off. Bye.” with a lazy sign off, Y/N disappeared before they could even blink. “Then let us go to Vanaheim and rescue Freyr. We need a plan.” Atreus stepped in, and the group set off for the realm soon after.

Through a valiant fight, Y/N was easily able to defeat the Ravenkeeper once she finished tracking down the last two raven spies remaining, and thus, she was able to liberate the children’s souls and even have them work as spies for her party. This allowed her to find the hidden prison where Tyr and some others were kept, and she released them. Now, they were all on their side, wanting revenge on Odin. Though worried of Ragnarok, the inevitable was going to happen.

Y/N sent everyone back at the dwarves’ house, between realms, leaving them to explain plans and what not, while she went in search of the party in Freya’s sacred realm. It didn’t take long to navigate through it, following the obvious tracks of destruction that the retinue left on their way to saving Freyr. By the time she arrived at what looked like an old court, she noticed Kratos and Mimir fighting Heimdall. “ENOUGH!” Y/N yelled, getting in between the fight and pushing them away. “Ah, yes, Princess Peaceful has arrived. Here to give me more anti-Odin propaganda?” Heimdall laughed tauntingly - He reverted back to his old self. This was exactly why Y/N wanted to speak to him alone. “Y/N, you cannot fight him alone! He is untouchable without this weapon.” but Kratos received a simple signal to shut up and mind his business. “I do not mean to fight you, Heimdall. I just wanted to ask if you knew how Odin created his raven spies.” the girl asked, standing a few steps away, her hands behind her back. “Huh? What the hell kind of question is that?” he had a weird look on his face. “Mummy and daddy/ Tied the noose tight / To send us to Odin / To bask in his light.” Y/N recited the poem she had heard from the ravens. “Wh-What the hell is that supposed to mean?!” Heimdall seemed pretty freaked out. “We tried to escape / We clawed, we screeched / But nothing escapes / The Keeper’s reach.” she continued. “Odin forced families to hang their children and send their souls to him, to serve as spies. They had to watch their children struggle as they slowly suffocated and clawed away at the rope and their own throats, but with no avail.” Y/N explained the All Father’s cruelty. “Well, so what? That has nothing to do with the war. So what if... Children were killed?” though he had his loyalties set, he wasn’t happy about the knowledge of dead children either, and even his voice wavered subtly. “Odin tried to kill me today. Do you know what he told me? Actually - How about you look into my eyes and see for yourself? Or, should I show you a projection of the happenings of today?” she asked, extending her hand and showing what happened at the dwarves’ house, especially the part where Odin slanders the man before her. “Stop trying to pit me against the All Father! Don’t think that just because I let you sleep in my bed, I would drop Odin’s cause!” Heimdall sneered at the girl. “Odin dropped anyone who lost their worth. Do you think he would have kept you around, were it not for your Foresight?” the girl asked. “Remember how he treated you when I and Atreus first arrived in Asgard? He yelled and scolded you. Said you don’t think... Though, I am inclined to agree. You are a smart man, and very witty, yet if you actually thought it over, you would have realised that Odin does not treasure and cherish you as you deserve.” Y/N sighed, but with each step she took towards him, Heimdall took a step back. “Please, my dear, do not run away from me. I do not wish to inflict any harm on you. I wish us not to have to fight.” “Well, I do not care what you wish!” Heimdall yelled at her - Only to blink and find himself being hugged tightly from behind. “What do you think you are doing?! Y/N, let go of me at once!” “I am not holding you prisoner against your will. You can walk away any given time. But I want you to know that what I am feeling for you is genuine. Whether you want to accept or not, it is your choice.” she spoke. “You are loyal to Odin, not to his convictions, yet you fail to see that if Odin wins this war, only he will benefit, everyone else will suffer. All the realms, and even many Aesir. I know you do not care for the well-being of others - They do not care for you either - But do you truly want to see nine realms bowing to one man’s power-hunger?” the girl asked, her hands gripping onto him tighter. “Enough of this, Y/N! I have not come here to chat, I have come here to kill you. Now, if you would be a dear, step aside so I can get on with the killing.” though he tried to pry away her hands from him, he was unable to. “Y/N. Last warning. Step aside. Now.” his voice was more threatening now. “Will fighting me make you feel better? Will it make you see the truth in my words? Will it help you think for yourself?” the girl asked, keeping her grip on him. “No, it will not. I do not believe a word that you say, and since the very beginning, I was convinced that you were trying to drive a rift between my loyalty and the All Father.” he groaned, feeling Y/N step away from him, and getting in front. “So you want to be the first who dies today? Fine. I have had enough patience with you. I let you fool around enough already.” Kratos remembered the speed with which Hermes once taunted him, and saw how both Heimdall and his daughter were dancing around, tripping and threatening each other, stealing hits and kicks here and there, yet neither truly having the intent of harming the other. Mimir, also, was shocked that someone was actually able to outwit the God of Foresight, who was known to be untouchable. “I allowed you to see into my eyes, to read my mind - Even now, you cannot see the trick. Even now, you cannot see, that I have never lied to you; That I am being genuine. I know it is not easy, going against everything you have ever stood for - But please, see reason. I want only what is the best for you. Truthfully.” she spoke, continuing to trip and side-step him, but not even once trying to hit him. “Stop going easy on me! You think you’re such a great warrior, just because you know how to block me? How stupid of you! Fight me properly!” he yelled at her, only to see her stop dead in her tracks. “I will not.” she spoke defiantly, angering him enough to stomp her way, towering over her menacingly. “FIGHT ME NOW, WOMAN!” he roared at her, anger in his voice for the first time addressed to her. “I WILL NOT FIGHT YOU!” she spoke loud and stern, looking deep into those beautiful, shining purple eyes of his. “WHY?! DO YOU THINK YOU’RE SUPERIOR TO ME?! DO YOU THINK I’M SUCH AN EASY KILL?!” he did not expect that, instead of an answer, the girl would take him by surprise, cupping his face and bringing him into a longing kiss. Not only him, but those watching also, went mind-blank. “Because I do not wish to fight the man I love.” her answer left him flabbergast, and if his head was once filled with tons of thoughts, now, it was empty. “Heimdall, I mean it. I do not want to fight you. I do not wish to harm you. I never did. From the moment I first laid my eyes on you, I wanted to get to know you better, to understand you. You are a beautiful man, though severely misunderstood. Please, believe me. You are very dear to me.” the girl leaned in to whisper into his ear. “I fell in love with you, Heimdall.” Heimdall was frozen in place, and unable to think or move. He was trembling. How was he supposed to react to such a bold declaration? How was he supposed to process such a thing? To speak, or even reply? “GAHHHHHH!” with a roaring shout to the skies, he pushed himself from her embrace, and held his head into his hands. “What the fuck do you think you’re doing to me? You are ruining EVERYTHING! You think you’re oh, so smart! That you know me so well! That you can understand me! But all you’re trying to do is alienate me! Damn it, and damn you, Y/N!” though he glared at her, one look into her upset, beautiful eyes made him roar even more. In a fit of rage, he took the horn from his hip and threw it to the ground. “HERE! THERE YOU HAVE IT! GO AHEAD AND CALL FOR RAGNAROK! ISN’T THAT ALL YOU EVER WANTED FROM ME ANYWAY?!” “No.” her voice was firm and deadpan, making the blond freeze. “I wanted you, Heimdall - And I wanted you safe, most of all. Please, believe me.” Heimdall turned his back at her, walking away, without another word of protest. “When Ragnarok comes, I hope you will stay safe. I want to find you alive when it is over.”

The Aesir growled under his breath as he disappeared from sight. The fact that he did not read a single lie from her speech made him feel even more conflicted than before. What was he supposed to do? He couldn’t just abandon Odin, could he? But he also did not want Y/N to die. To hell with everybody else, especially Loki of the Jotnar - Oh, how done with everything he was.

Once he returned, however, he could not believe how he was ostracized by the All Father. He accused him of siding with the enemy, and aiding them, with giving them the Gjallarhorn. In his rage, the All Father banished Heimdall away from his own beautiful home in Asgard. How dare he? After everything he has done - All his life of servitude, only for him - Now, he is banished?

Heimdall had never felt more confused and betrayed in his long life. Where was he supposed to go now? He was a pariah, in he middle of a starting war brewing at the seams. He wasn’t going to hide away in fear - He was a warrior, and will act that way. If Odin does not want him, then Y/N will take him. Right?

For a whole day, he spent sitting down on top of a mountain, away from Odin’s quarters - The landscape was breath-taking from this mountain, just the same. The sky was azure, and the clouds were fluffy and shaped in intricate ways - Surely, that little Greek idiot would lay down and point out what cloud was shaped as a bunny or deer.

No matter what he did, Heimdall’s mind went to Y/N. Was she his redemption? His second chance? He was a fantastic strategist, he had intellect and prowess like no other, and his Foresight was the tip of the scales in any way - Would his worth be appreciated, and his sins forgotten, once he attempts to go to her side?

Afternoon went by quickly, and the Sun disappeared, letting way for the stars and the moon to twinkle silver; The array of purples, orange and red were replaced by the vivid lights of the Aurora, and the dance of the animals’ souls. His eyes were glues to the lights, and he sighed, feeling his heart clenching in pain. His mind was flashing with images of Y/N smiling at him so sincerely, or that enchanted look she had, seeing the lovely sights of Asgard.

She truly was a wonderful woman, and her genuine love and compassion brought about his own redemption... His cure. He, also, fell in love with this mysterious girl... He was truly, undeniably in love with Y/N.

Once the sun rays brought him back to the reality of morning, he heard the sound of Ragnarok being called, he knew where he had to go. He knew where he was needed. Heimdall had arrived just when the time called for action, to catch Y/N after she had been hit away by Thor’s hammer. The man held her up in his arms bridal style, smirking cockily down at her. “What a damsel in distress you have become, Y/N. I almost couldn’t recognise you.” the man laughed at her. “Heimdall, you are safe...! I am so happy to see you well!” the relief and glee on her face as she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him all over his face so adorably made it worth while. Heimdall now realised that all the centuries of indoctrination meant nothing compared to one person’s genuine feelings. He was where he belonged. He was home. “Yes, sweet cheeks, I am safe and very fine. You know very well there is no one who can touch me. Now, how about we get that half-breed brother of mine the treatment he deserves before we beat Odin to death and give him the Blood Eagle treatment - And before he dies, we strangle him, just like he did with those kids?” that wicked grin of his only made the girl bring him in another kiss. “I love the sound of that!”

With Odin killing Thor and the party killing Odin; Tyr, and Atreus’s Jotnar friend Angrboda were able to save everyone and teleport them to safety. Since then, with peace throughout the nine realms, Freya was able to save and govern Vanaheim, while Freyr was to keep the peace up in Alfheim. Brok, Sindri and Lunda helped Durlin with rebuilding Svartalfheim, Thrud and Sif were helping around Asgard, Skjoldr was the spokesperson in Midgard and Atreus and Angrboda went to travel the realms whilst Tyr went to find his peace.

Kratos rebuilt his old home and would often roast food outside by the fire, Mimir on the log next to him, watching his daughter laughing and singing merrily, dressed in her old Greek dress, dancing with the once insufferable God of Foresight, who was twirling her around, and planting kisses all over her face, almost as if to tick her father off on purpose.

“How the hell did a jerk like him get a fine lass like her to fall for him?! Brother, I cannot understand!” Mimir would groan, watching with annoyance as the two were dancing so perfectly in sync, and their voices were harmonizing so well. The old goat noticed, however, how Heimdall would watch them from the corner of his eyes, riling them up. “That - That lowly cur! How DARE he mock us?! Brother, say something!” poor Mimir was so offended. “I do not know, but I do not like it.” Kratos grumbled under his breath. “Her mother would have understood better than me.” he continued, watching the two kissing again, with more love and passion than before. “Aye, brother. Time for a premature sleep today. No time for lil’ old us anymore.” Mimir spoke as Kratos lifted him, and entered the house, giving the two some privacy. “Finally! No more parent supervision. Your two old men sure are annoying.” Heimdall chuckled, pulling her flush against his chest. “That just means we have to find a new realm and have our fun there.” she spoke, raking her fingers through his platinated unbraided hair. “You should leave your hair down more often. You look so beautiful.” her sweet smile made her lover chuckle lightly, before he cupped her face and brought her into yet another sweet kiss. “And you should wear dresses like this one more often. You are beautiful.”

#heimdall #heimdall x reader #heimdall imagine #god of war #god of war x reader #god of war imagine #gow #gow x reader #gow imagine #ragnarok #god of war ragnarok x reader #god of war ragnarok #god of war ragnarok imagine #heimdall god of war #heimdall god of war x reader #heimdall god of war imagine

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loving-family-poll · 3 months

Text

Ultimate Incest Tournament - Round 4

Propaganda under the cut:

Gerard/Mikey:

Vocalist and bassist respectively of my chemical romance. they are insanely codependent (describing themselves as the same person just different heights etc). gerard has also licked mikeys nipple onstage. good times

Gerard is decidedly super abnormal about mikey. he has written many songs about him that are always adjacent to straight up love songs. he has also been explicitly sexual with him (giving him a pantomime handjob, caressing his chest, saying he looks like a hooker etc etc) while also constantly babying him. theyre codependent and they finish each others sentences and theyre in ickydisgusting brotherlove❤️❤️❤️❤️

Grew up together as the outsiders in their New Jersey town and spent their teenhoods together in a musty basement. Mikey learned to walk by running after Gerard and face-planting. Gerard drew comics for Mikey and told him stories. They went to a Smashing Pumpkins concert together and decided that being in a band is what they wanted out of life. Mikey learned the bass because Gerard was in bands and he wanted to join. Gerard called up Mikey after witnessing 9/11 and told him they're gonna start a band. Everything they do is together, they love each other. And isn't it so much fun to turn that incest?

Mikey Way wrote a comic where the main character, who looks like him from the black parade era, gets a woman pregnant. Which isn't incestuous on its own, but she looks like the female version of Gerard Way from the black parade era. Love is love or something

Dave/Rose:

Daverose blondetwin sweep because they were codependent without ever meeting from growing up seeing each other in their dreams

What does it mean to be an abused teenage boy growing up alone and seeing a girl in your dreams every night who is also your best friend. and when you finally meet her you go on a suicide mission together even though nobody was asking you to die with her. and then you are the only two human beings left in the recognizable universe on a cold meteor surrounded by aliens but you’re glad it’s with her. and when you finally touch the girl from your childhood dreams she looks exactly like you. because she’s your sister

I don't have words for how good these snarky assholes are together. DaveRose is brain chemistry changing. They both put up so many fronts, and engage in so much snarky wordplay, and are constantly trying to get under each other's facade. They play off each other so well, witty and sharp, I need them to be together always

We all die & we all die alone are the two cold truths of the universe but dave and rose broke both simultaneously by ascending to godhood together

Their twincest wins because it is just so confusingly tragic? profound? dave leaving rose behind in a doomed world, dave following her to the bomb. they are both so closed & cut off & curt its hard to imagine the depth of these things. but that is their love language: giving up their lives for each other over and over, in a confusing and fumbling and heartfelt love song. i can’t say i love you but i know we’ll die together anyway. because we’re made of the exact same stuff. i’ll find you again at the last moment. that’s love.

THEY DIED TOGETHER, YOUR HONOR

Confirmed canon by the author, (something happened) between them. Parallels of dying by each other's sides in EVERY timeline. They are THE womb-to-tomb. There is nothing platonic about winking at your brother while talking about crushes, that shit is incestuous. Seer/Knight archetype. They will die protecting each other.

do you realize love someone if you don’t follow them on a suicide mission into the gaping maw of a literal fucking sun after they knock you out and psychoanalyze you in your dreams? the blueprint of the “ethereal androgynous blonde boygirl twins” trope. witch/knight dynamics. they find each other to die together in every timeline no matter what (but they’re still emotionally constipated teenagers who bicker and make fun of each other in pesterchum). kids with grown-up powers. perfect little freaks of nature. what if we looked exactly like each other’s eyes

#tournament polls #tumblr polls #incest poll #round 4 #gerard/mikey #waycest #daverose #dersecest #mcr #homestuck #tw incest

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raven-at-the-writing-desk · 11 months

Note

*Mama Spade accidentally bumped into Silver’s dad*

Mama Spade: “Ah!! Oh I’m so sorry! I’m trying to find my son but I think I got lost…”

*cracks knuckles* Our time has come, boiz 😎 (For anyone wondering why Lilia’s eyes are redacted, see this fic!) Figured we needed something more light-hearted after being rushed at by the semi-truck that was the recent main story update~

I briefly mention Mr. Spade, but I kept it vague since we don’t have the details on what happened to him yet!

Please note: I received multiple other Lilia + Mama Spade interaction requests; however, because those other requests are more specific than asking them to meet, I will be writing separate responses for each of those. I don't want to overload the blog with a ton of Lilia + Mama Spade content at once, so they will be spread out between other NRC Family Day interactions ^^

Family means Nobody is Left Behind or Forgotten.

"Think nothing of it, miss." The man brushed off the bump with ease and an understanding smile. "It happens. Water under the bridge, yes?"

His voice was as smooth as a sky cleared of clouds, as sultry as midnight desires. There was a resonance to it as well, as though his words were reverberating in the annals of ancient ruins, echoing legends and legacies long since forgotten by history.

He was small yet snazzy in a black vest and dress pants embellished with golden stitching, a fancy jacket set in a dark hue of green hanging off of his shoulders. The man's long, dark hair was done up in a high ponytail, choppy and uneven bangs falling freely around his face.

If his voice was a mystery yet to be unearthed, then the man, too, was one. The exact composition of his face, and how his features were arranged, eluded her. But even with her aging sight, she could tell that he was strikingly handsome—lashes so long they batted his cheeks when he blinked, eyes like ever-shifting gemstones, and a pert, mischievous mouth.

"Oh dear." Mrs. Spade nervously fanned herself with a hand. "I'm hardly a 'miss'! I’m no spring chicken."

"After a certain point, we realize that time is something we cannot combat.” He coiled fingers against his lips. “I believe you've aged quite gracefully.”

A simple shoulder-length bob cut and homely, practicel clothing—those were the staples of her style as a single mother. She had her family to look after, and little time or energy to dress up. Yet Mrs. Spade flustered all the same.

“I-I don’t know what to say…”

The man laughed. “Apologies for steering us off-topic. Back on track, then. You said you were looking for your son?”

“Y-Yes…!” Mrs. Spade quickly rebounded, her worries returning. “He told me to meet him in Heartslabyul, but I’ve been wandering the campus for a while and haven’t passed any buildings by that name.”

The man stroked his chin. “If it’s Heartslabyul you’re looking for, you’ll need the Hall of Mirrors. It has mirror portals to each of the seven dormitories.”

“Mirror portals, imagine that!!” Shock was written all over her. "We don't have a lot of those back home.”

“Mirror portals are not always commonly accessible.” His mouth turned mirthful. “I just so happen to be heading to the Hall of Mirrors myself. My son’s waiting for me in another dorm. Seeing as we're both going to the same place, I wouldn’t mind escorting you.”

“You would?! You don’t mind…?”

“If you would have me,” he replied, his tone teasing. The man bowed melodramatically, arms gesturing down a path. “Then right this way.”

Mrs. Spade barely had any time to react before he started walking away. She hurried after him, trailing behind by a few paces. Careful not to get too close, to risk colliding with him again.

“Which dorm is your son in?” she blurted out, breathless. Not from exhaustion, but in excitement.

He cut her a sideways glance, his eyes glittering. "That would be Diasomnia. He’s a second year now, and a diligent member of the Equestrian Club."

Mrs. Spade quickened her pace. "He's an athlete? So is my Deuce. He's still a first year trying to find his footing, but he’s grown a lot in his first few months at school.”

"Deuce." He said the name oddly, almost like he had had practice reciting it. "How would you describe him?"

"He's a lot of things," Mrs. Spade confessed. She spoke unabashedly, as straight as an arrow carving an arc in the air. "He's not all that sharp, and he can be brash—but he’s also strong and kind, stubborn too. A really serious and straightforward person that means well and tries his best.”

“From the looks of it, he’s a good kid. His hard work will surely see him well in the future.”

She flushed with pride, pink as a peach. “What about your son? What’s he like?”

"Silver? He has a habit of dozing off, but he's as earnest as they come. It's that honesty of his that has made him so many friends. Even the local wildlife can't seem to keep themselves away from him.

“He’s the peacekeeper of any group he’s in, that lad. I’m so pleased that he’s able to connect with creatures from all walks of life.”

“Your Silver sounds like the kind of man Deuce would look up to. The sort of man he'd want to become."

“Does he?” The question was coy. “I think Silver would also enjoy Deuce’s company. Such a spirited, committed underclassman can keep him alert and on his toes.

“Silver already has a companion that fits that description, but I’m sure he wouldn’t mind one more. The more the merrier, I say.”

“Your family must be big.”

“Afraid not. It’s only myself and Silver. We have close friends and neighbors of course, but legally speaking…” He brought his index fingers together, making them touch. “… we are one guardian and one child.”

Mrs. Spade’s heart stilled. “You’re joking.”

“Far from it." The corner of his mouth lifted into a smirk. It was not unkind, but curious. “Have I said something funny?”

“No, I was just thinking that you and I have a lot in common.” She bit her lower lip. “Deuce has his grandma, but at home it’s us two. His dad, my husband, he…” Mrs. Spade faltered.

The man inclined his head. “… You needn’t say any more. Please, don’t push yourself. Not all tales must be told to the strangers you meet along the way.”

“Y-You’re right.” She furiously shook her head. “What am I doing, making this about myself? I… I’m sorry if this brought back any painful memories for you.”

“Me? My, whatever are you concerned about me for?" There was a warmth, a fatherly tenderness, to his eyes.

“Your wife,” Mrs. Spade said weakly, “she’s no longer with you.“

“My wife?” His smile twisted into something wry. “I have no such thing. Always been a bit of a lone bat myself, but thank you for considering me."

"Oh! I... I shouldn't have assumed."

"It is you who is distressed. I should be the one more aware of your feelings."

Mrs. Spade blinked rapidly. From surprise, or to shunt back tears, she wasn't sure. "I... No, you don't need to worry about me at all! I'm fine!"

To this, the man chuckled. "I can see where Deuce must get his character from. However, you mustn't let yourself be entangled with the past.

"The past is in the past. If we keep looking behind ourselves, we will miss what waits for us in our futures." He came to a full stop, sweeping his arms forward. "Ah, and here we are."

A building with a domed roof was erected before them, guarded by massive stone walls on either side. Its door was tall, cut in the shape of a crystal pillar. One glimpse inside, and they caught the sparkle of sunlight refracting off the faces of various mirrors.

"You see? The future is right before us. No sense in dwelling on what was, only what can be."

He tapped the bottom of her chin, closing the mouth that had been hanging ajar. "Come now, let's see a smile! I wouldn't want to reunite you with your son while you've still got a frown on your face. He'd whack me a good one!"

Mrs. Spade chortled in spite of herself. "Deuce just might. He has a sharp left hook."

"I believe it. Ah, but it looks like it won't come to that. Lucky me, you're smiling again."

"Am I?!" Her hands flew to her face. The corners of her mouth had turned up, and she hadn't even noticed.

"Yes, that's what I wanted to see." The man offered a gloved hand. "... May I?"

Mrs. Spade giggled, taking it as easily as one might slip into a song. When was the last time she had felt this coquettish? So girlish, so young.

The Hall of Mirrors welcomed the pair, opening into a circle of seven portals. Each mirror trumpeted its dorm's name and iconography in its elaborate frame.

The man dropped her hand and indicated a mirror with thorns snaking up its sides, a fierce dragon guarding it. "This is where we part ways."

Mrs. Spade glanced at her route: at the mirror lined with playing cards and roses. Two spears, their points heart-shaped, crossed at the apex, and an open storybook formed the steps to the portal. Heartslabyul—the domain of the Queen of Hearts.

“Thank you for your help. I couldn’t have made it here without you, kind sir.”

“My pleasure—I thank you for the company. I hope you enjoy Family Day with Deuce.”

“Same to you and Silver.”

He nodded and turned, presenting his back to her as he made his way to Diasomnia’s mirror. She yanked herself away and stormed in the opposite direction. Just as he reached the dragon’s snout at the foot of his, and she at the cusp of a new page in the story, a single word erupted.

“Wait!!” she called out.

He craned his head to regard her. “Yes?”

Mrs. Spade clutched her fists to her chest. “Will I… Will I get to see you again?”

The shock was very slight on him, tempered by his mirth. He was used to being the one surprising, not the one being surprised, and so perhaps the silence lasted a few seconds longer than he would have liked it to.

“I really liked talking with you! I thought maybe we could do it again, and maybe Deuce and Silver could meet too.”

He took the idea, lazily rolling it between his thumb and his forefinger, considering. The confusion, the chaos, it would sprout.

“It sounds interesting,” he said mysteriously, pairing it with a shrug, “Who knows? We just might.”

And then he was gone, devoured by the dragon. The only proof that he had once been there were the ripples in the face of the mirror… and Mrs. Spade, spellbound.

The instant she stepped into Heartslabyul, she was struck with two things: the heavy, cloying aroma of red roses, and the warm body she collided with. Mrs. Spade stumbled back on the brick path. Her vision was still spinning when a familiar, rambunctious voice called out to her.

“… om! MOM!!” Deuce happily cried, wrapping his arms around her. “You made it!! I was worried that you didn’t show up on time—you’re usually not late. I was going to head out to look for you myself!”

“I’m okay, Deuce,” she reassured him with a playful tousle of his hair. “Don’t you mind me. I got a little lost, but I had some help from a kind man. Things worked out alright in the end.”

“That was nice of him! What a good samaritan!” He paused. “Er… You didn’t tell him about me in middle school, did you? I-I swear I’ve been working really hard to brush up and be an honors student!”

“Deuce!!” his mother gasped, smacking him on the side. (Dull pain reverberated in the area; she packed quite the punch.)

“What in Twisted Wonderland makes you think I’d go around parroting that around?! No, dear—I know you, and I know you’re trying your best. Besides, that man was nice!! He’d never intrude on our family matters.“ She sighed, stars in her eyes. “Ooh, and handsome too! So smart!! A real catch..”

“Uhhh…” Deuce made a face. “Are you… feeling okay, mom? Did you eat some of the weird mushrooms growing in the garden? Dorm leader Riddle says those can have weird effects.”

She didn’t seem to hear him. Mrs. Spade continued to prattle on, “He has a boy at NRC about your age, Deuce! We should arrange for us to all get together.”

“W-Wait, hold on a minute!! I’m happy that you made a new friend, but who are you talking about?!”

His mother startled, as if waking from a dream. “Now that you mention it, I forgot to ask for his name. I do remember that he talked about his son though. Silver, was it?”

“S-Silver-senpai?! Then… you’re talking about his DAD?!” Deuce was striken, his heart pounding unnaturally fast at the revelation. Silver’s dad is mom’s sweetheart now?!

“Oh, so you do know him after all!” Mrs. Spade clapped excitedly. “What do you think? Is he anywhere near as charming as his father i—”

“Grk…!” Deuce suddenly fell onto all fours, hanging his head. Tears streaked his face, and his entire body violently shook.

His mom practically shrieked and rushed to his side, frantically shaking him. “Deuce?! Deuce, honey? Are you okay?!”

He tried at a response, but only managed a semi-comprehensible wail. “I-I-I’m jusht shooo happy fa’ you, mooom,” Deuce sniffled, harshly wiping at his tears and snot. “Y-You found th’ perfect guyyy, just like you deserved all thish tiiime…!!”

“H-Hey now! I may have been a little swept off my feet by him, but I’m not marrying the guy!! No shotgun weddings here!! Wh-Who even marries a stranger they met in a day?!”

“R-Really?”

“Really.” She eased Deuce into her with a hug, her voice dropping into a whisper. “Pinkie promise.”

He tried to laugh, but choked on his own sobs instead. Mrs. Spade rubbed an open palm along his back, soothing him.

“Haha, I’m being silly.” She ran a hand along his scalp—a facsimile of the head pats she granted him in his youth. “I’m happy too—happy that you’re such a good kid, that you care for your mama’s happiness.”

“M-Mom… Mom!!” He wailed even louder and buried himself in her arms.

There, under a halcyon blue sky and tinted in roses, mother and son wept with one another. The past, far behind them. The future, yet to exist.

#Lilia Vanrouge #Deuce Spade #twst #twisted wonderland #twst interactions #twisted wonderland interactions #twst scenarios #twst imagines #twisted wonderland scenarios #twisted wonderland imagines #disney twisted wonderland #NRC Family Day #just call him Lilia ‘Ladykiller’ Vanrouge/j #causing problems Just Because

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darklydeliciousdesires · 14 days

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Nobody's Girl - Chapter Seven.

Happy Monday to you all, besties! Huge thanks as ever for your support and lovely comments. Welcome new readers to the story, too! :)

Previous chapters - One Two Three Four Five Six

Taglist - In the comments, please DM to be added/removed

Words - 3,905

Warnings - Adult content throughout, minors DNI!

Spring in New York. After months of cold and snow, it was a welcome change for all. It did, however, carry with it a certain shadow. The shadow in question? Filomena Changretta, who would be bringing Luca’s kids over for the first time to Brooklyn rather than him going to them since he and Emily had become an item. He thought it was time his children met the new woman in his life, and by extension, that meant their mother meeting her as well when she dropped them off.

“She’s going to hate me, isn’t she?” Emily asked, lying in bed with her man a few hours prior to their arrival, Luca only having returned to her four hours ago from attending wiseguy related endeavours.

He drew his lips in tightly, eyebrows raised as he hummed. “Yeah, pretty much. Not that I care, but yeah. She will.” Her eyebrows pulled together a little more, eyes rounding slightly. “That don’t mean you gotta worry about it either though, doll. Just expect she ain’t gonna take to ya.”

“You look like you want to say more.”

He glanced up to the ceiling, sighing. “She’ll likely meddle, tellin’ you of my many misdeeds towards her. It ain’t enough for the broad to have divorced me, taken my house and a massive chunk of my cash. She don’t wanna see me happy with nobody else either.”

Shaking her head in puzzlement, she continued idly stroking the centre of his chest. “I don’t understand why, though. You two have been broken up for, what is it, a year this month?”

“It is,” he confirmed, again staring at the ceiling.

Reaching for his jaw, she turned his head, forcing him to look at her. “So why?”

His forehead creased, shutting his eyes for a moment. “I shouldda told you this months ago, the exact reason why I wasn’t the best husband to Filomena.” Taking a breath, he had to hope she’d still look at him as adoringly after she knew of his indiscretions during his marriage. “I cheated on her. More than once.”

“How many times?” she asked.

“A few,” he uncomfortably revealed.

Her heart sank to hear his admission, her face falling a little bit, swallowing hard. “I appreciate you being honest and telling me that, but I need to know, have you...”

“Shhh, don’t even speak it,” he cut in with, turning to hold her face in his hands, kissing her lips. “No, I haven’t. You and you alone is all I want, cara mia.”

“Am I, though?” she asked, shaking her head with the uncertainty she suddenly felt. If he’d strayed from the woman he’d been betrothed to, the one who had given him his children, too, no less, then what chance did she stand? “How do you know that you won’t?”

He sighed again, thumbs circling her cheeks in loving caress. “I know. Trust me, EJ. I know ‘cuz you’re everythin’ I didn’t know I wanted, and everythin’ I’ve come to realise I needed. I ain’t ever strayed from you, and I don’t plan on doing so either.” He rested his forehead to hers, continuing. “You ain’t nobody’s girl any longer. You’re mine, but more so, I’m fuckin’ all yours, baby.”

Truly, he’d given her no reason at all to not believe him, and she had to give him credit, too. He knew that his confession could maybe alter her opinion of him, and he’d revealed it anyway. Filomena could easily have used the information as a spite tactic, and he could have lied his way out of it. Who would call him into question if he did? Most people were terrified of him.

Nobody would have negated the truth Luca wanted to portray, but what he’d given her was honesty, no matter how ugly. She couldn’t discount him for that. Covering his hands with hers, she leaned to his mouth, kissing him softly. “That was a big gamble, telling me the truth. I see that. It’s just... my history of trusting the wrong people.”

He nodded, kissing her again. “And I ain’t sayin’ I’m perfect, far fuckin’ from it. You’re gonna have a lot to deal with, being with a guy like me, but me straying is the least of your worries. Trust me on that.”

They lay in a happy tangle of limbs a while longer before getting up, Luca heading to soak in the bath, Emily finding herself almost pulled in with him after she brought him a mug of coffee, fending him off.

“No, stop!” she giggled, batting his hands away. “I have eggs cooking out there!”

“Then don’t be comin’ in here with those damned legs and getting my pulse all jacked up, then!” he spoke, grasping her thigh, Emily pulling his hand away to give him a stern look.

“Well, the very concept of me being able to walk in means the legs have to come with me,” she teased, leaning to kiss him. “I can’t just disassemble myself like a mannequin and shuffle in here.”

He snorted, taking a sip of a coffee. “You’d leave one helluva snail trail behind if ya did.”

She closed her eyes, resting her hand to her forehead, hearing his chuckle rumbling. “You’re filthy.”

“But you love me.” he called as she exited, still grinning. After he’d dried off and dressed, they sat and ate before continuing packing, the very point of the children getting dropped off with him being so that he could take them up to his house in the Catskills, a nanny, housekeeper and chef also on his payroll (but who stayed in residence with Filomena) going along, too. Angelo and his wife Greta, as well as their two boys would also be up there as well, Emily wondering how big the house was, exactly, to sleep that many people.

“Hold on, gotta picture of it somewhere,” Luca said after she’d voiced that thought, going into the phone table drawer and shuffling around. “Here.”

Her eyes almost fell from her skull. “Honey, that isn’t a house. It’s a mansion!”

He looked completely nonplussed. “Yeah, and?”

“it’s just the way you spoke about it. You made it sound like a quaint little place upstate, not a sprawling estate!”

He shrugged, taking the photo back. “A place can be both spacious and quaint.” He then beamed a huge grin, chewing on his toothpick. “And just you wait ‘til you see the size of the bed I’m gonna bounce that pretty lil’ ass all over.”

A beautiful mansion, and great company to enjoy it with. She had become friends with Greta, Angelo’s wife over the last few months, the women looking forward to having some relaxing time together away from the madness of their daily lives while their men were off hunting. Mostly, though, it was spending time with Luca outside of the city that she was most looking forward to.

It was a shame that just over two hours later, she’d learn of a spanner being thrown into the works.

Waiting down in the near empty (save Maggie and the maintenance guy) speakeasy, she watched the black town car containing his children pull up, the kids alighting with their mother. His eldest boy was through the door first, Luca grabbing his head and kissing his mop of black hair.

“How’s my son?”

“Not too shabby, pop,” Guiseppe replied, turning to look at Emily. “Woah, check out those stems. What a Sheba, huh dad?”

Immediately, he found himself clipped sharply around the head by his father. “Less of your lip, boy. And put your eyes back in your goddamned head.” He might have acted in reprimand, but Emily noticed how hard Luca was trying not to look entertained. He’d been much the same at twelve.

The boy rubbed his head, his brows knitting. “Sorry, I was just saying.”

“Say less,” Luca warned, opening his arms as his daughter hurried through the door to him.

“Daddy!” Milania cried, grasping him tightly.

“Mio piccolo amore,” he spoke fondly, kissing her head. “You miss me?”

“Always,” she replied, basking in the adoration of her beloved father, her face not so warm as she turned to Emily. “Who’s she?”

“Hey, enough with the sass. This is Emily, my girlfriend.”

The word fell from his lips just as the adversary walked in, placing Alessio down, the little boy running to be lifted into his father’s arms. “This is your girlfriend?” Immediately, the girlfriend herself felt her insides prickle with discomfort.

“Hello to you too, Filomena,” he muttered with sarcasm.

Her mouth fell open, looking Emily up and down several times. “For the love of the virgin Mary, Luca! How old is she, like eighteen or somethin’?”

“Twenty-three,” he corrected, his jaw beginning to tighten, handing Alessio to Emily when the child began to struggle in her direction.

“Hey, little guy!” she cooed, trying to inject a little lightness, the tension rapidly thickening between her man and his ex. Also, for the sake of her nerves. She truly wanted no part of any conflict between Luca and his ex. “Oh, goodness, aren’t you cute! You look just like your daddy, don’t you?”

“I do!” he announced through a gummy grin, beginning to fiddle with her necklace. “You smell like flowers.”

“Oh god, she’s a child, still!” Filomena exclaimed, her voice filling the space shrilly. Emily couldn’t even look at her, so kept her eyes on the little boy in her arms as he chattered to her, feeling supported by her man touching a supportive hand to her back for a second.

Luca rolled his eyes at Filomena’s observation, beginning to gesture with his hands. He always did when he was becoming agitated. “Don’t start this right in front of ‘em,” he warned. “She ain’t a kid, I know exactly what you’re doin’, Fil. She couldda been thirty-three and you’d still take issue.”

“Hey kids! The soda place up the block will be open now, how about Emily and me take you guys up there, huh? Come on, let’s go!” A rapidly moving Maggie spoke as she approached, Emily breathing a sigh of relief to be saved like that. Also, she was of the same opinion, that the children really didn’t need to witness their parents about to verbally tear one another to shreds.

“I’ll see you in a little while,” she spoke, Luca nodding as he leaned to kiss her quickly.

“Thank you, mi amore.” he spoke, nodding with gratitude at Maggie as well as she herded the two biggest of the brood out, little Alessio very content to be carried.

Filomena at least waited a beat until they were all out the door before her head swivelled around again, fixing Luca with a snarl as she scoffed. “Mi amore? You can’t be serious about that kid.”

“Wouldn’t be havin’ her meet my children if I wasn’t. You need to fuckin’ knock it off, too, callin’ her a kid when she ain’t.”

She scoffed again, shaking her head. “She’s twenty years younger than you!”

And therein was the problem. “Yeah, and don’t that just chap your ass, huh, Fil? Jealousy ain’t ever looked good on ya.”

He had her there, his ex-wife chewing her cheek in fury at the slowly delivered, condescending drawl, incensed over the fact that the first woman he’d gotten serious about after her turned out to be fifteen years her junior. And a knockout. Still, she had an ace up her sleeve left to play. “Well, I suppose I’ll get to know all about her over the weekend. You don’t gotta nanny, Sylvie is sick with a cough so it’s gotta be me lookin’ after ‘em.”

What?

“No way,” he warned, pointing at her sternly, “ain’t no place for you up there with your meddling. Forget it.”

“Can’t,” she spoke, her mouth twisting into a sinister grin, “Alessio has an ear infection, needs his drops puttin’ in every four hours. Are you really tellin’ me you’re gonna be available for that, every four hours, for the next three days?”

“I’m his fuckin’ father. Of course, I will,” he hissed, looking at her with fury.

She laughed, and it set his fists to clenched, flexing his hands as he began to pace before her. “You ain’t gonna be around! You’ll be off hunting in the day with Angelo, and riding your new filly all damned night! No, I’m not chancing that it spreads to his throat and eyes, too. I’m comin’, and that’s the last of it. You know how he don’t like being away from his mommy when he’s sick.”

His gaze cast up to the ceiling, taking a long, deep breath. He hated that she had a point. She wanted his temper to blaze, though, for him to yell, to lose control of his emotions. It was what she thrived upon. So simply, he didn’t let her have the win. “Fine, come along if you must, just stay outta my way. Choose a bedroom as far away from mine as you can get, though, ‘cuz yeah, you’re right. I will be, and I’d hate for us to keep you up.”

His laughed rolled like thunder at the look on her face, leaning in close. “Yeah, bet there’s still one part of me that you miss, huh?” Sauntering out with his usual cocksure swagger, he left her standing there stewing in contempt, telling the security guys to load up their belongings into the car. Heading down the street, he didn’t much relish having to tell Emily that their long weekend would be plus an unwanted guest, entering the soda shop and beckoning her with a backward jerk of his head.

“You don’t look happy, handsome,” she spoke carefully upon exiting the shop, wondering just how intense the fight he and Filomena had likely gotten into had become.

His mouth twitched in grimace, pulling his toothpick out. “Yeah, I ain’t got the best news to deliver. She’s comin’ with us.”

Her face dropped in an instant. “She’s what?”

“Alessio is sick, got somethin’ up with his ears, gotta have drops put in every four hours, yadda, yadda. She don’t trust me to fuckin’ look after the kid, the nanny is sick as well, so she’s insisting on inflicting herself.” He paused, resting his hands to her shoulders. “She ain’t gonna ruin anything though, doll. Promise. She knows to keep outta my way, yours too by extension.”

Her lips thinned, Emily really not happy about having to share her weekend with a woman who hadn’t even bothered speaking directly to her, not even introducing herself before going right on in after her guy regarding their age gap. “Alright. Really, it isn’t, but alright.”

Leaning to her level, he kissed her forehead. “I know, baby. I know. You just gotta pretend she ain’t there. If she comes out with any of her poison, walk away, alright?”

She set her face straight with a nod, widening her smile. “I will. Come on, let’s hurry the kids and then get up there.”

Truly, she’d thought that the toughest thing about that weekend would be how to begin bonding with a fourteen-year-old girl, and two boys of twelve and six. Now there was an ex-wife thrown into the mix, too. A spiteful one.

A near three-and-a-half-hour drive later and they’d arrived, Angelo and Greta already there, the latter looking perplexed as she alighted the front steps of the mansion, holding her arms wide towards Emily.

“What the good god is the viper doing here, dolly?” she asked with concern, kissing her cheek while watching Filomena and the children exit the second car.

“I’ll tell you in a sec, please tell me there’s alcohol here?”

“Only gin and whiskey, as well as the wine in the cellar.”

Grabbing her hand, she nodded vigorously. “Yeah, that’ll do.”

“All of it?” Greta snorted, the women climbing the steps while the guys handled the baggage.

“Twice over.”

She winced with a little hiss, taking her through the house back to the rear porch, where she’d been enjoying cigarettes and gin rickey’s in the sun. Walking through the house, Emily’s jaw was on the floor, her head turning left and right to take in as much as possible. To say it was decadent would have been an understatement. Luca had definitely downplayed it thus far. Speaking of Luca...

“Doll, I’m gonna go spend some time with the kids, take ‘em down to the lake, alright? You okay with Greta?”

“Of course, she’s fine with me. Go, you get outta here and be with your brood,” the woman herself grinned as Luca greeted her with a cheek kiss.

“Show her around and all that. See you later.” He winked, departing, his shoulders drawn up. He hadn’t seemed so tense on the way up, but now the reality was setting in, having to be under the same roof as the woman he loathed, she saw clearly it had begun to gnaw at him.

Emily turned to her, her face pensive. “He wasn’t so bad, driving up. Now? I can see his irritation rising.”

Greta sighed, ushering her through the final large room to the back door, a huge glass construction between two frames of filigree wrought iron. “Yeah, he had the twitching jaw thing happening, I noticed. Yeesh.” Sitting her down at the table, she poured out a drink, adding an extra slug of neat gin from her little hip flask for good measure. “So, what’s the story?”

Taking her cigarette case out, Emily offered one across the table, the woman lighting up before Greta was filled in on what had gone down back in Brooklyn. The elder of the women balked, snorting once her young friend had finished. “So, what are we, chopped liver? We couldn’t have handled looking after the kid?”

“Exactly! Mind you, I doubt Luca would have even suggested it out of respect for me. He even said as much before Filomena dropped herself on us, said the kids would be with the nanny when they weren’t with him, and he didn’t expect me to lift a finger.”

Greta’s eyebrows rose. “That’s progressive of him.”

“Eh,” she sniffed, “I think he was probably more worried I wouldn’t blow him if he’d offered my services as substitute mother without at least asking me first.”

Her words roused laughter, the immaculate brunette lifting her glass to her pristine red lips. “Oh, my good god, I love the fact you’re coming outta your shell more, being in our world. You’re still a polite little sweetheart who wouldn’t say boo to a goose, but still, you’d have never come out with such a statement back when we first met. Shows confidence.”

“I have to be,” she exclaimed, taking a drag on her cigarette. “Being Luca’s girl, I can’t sit there blushing and shrinking from everything or I’d never survive! That includes being able to say out loud with every confidence, and like the lady I am, that my man knows not to jeopardise the luxury of being able to put his dick in my mouth.”

Greta was in soft fits, clapping her friend’s little display of wry comedy. “You make me laugh, dolly. Oh, you do!”

“If I don’t laugh right now, having the ex-wife shadow looming, I’ll cry. Believe me.”

Raising her glass, she beamed. “Then to laughter!” Sipping her drink, she watched as Emily made a thoughtful face, biting the corner of her lip as she looked out over the sprawling grounds towards the lake.

“I wonder if Filomena likes to play blackjack?”

“Oh, you’re too much!” Of course, Greta knew well Emily’s talent with card counting.

Winking, her eyes went back to the lake, just about able to pick out Luca and the kids walking the shoreline, except for Alessio, who was perched atop his father’s shoulders. “I like to think I’m just enough. So, you called her a viper when we arrived. Was that out of loyalty to Luca, or did she ever do something to irritate you?”

“Honestly? The gal has every right to be hostile toward her ex, given the circumstances... which I probably shouldn’t say too much more on,” she began, Emily waving her hand casually.

“You’re alright, I know about the other women.”

Greta swiftly lifted her sunglasses, gaping a little. “He told you?”

“Yes, he did,” she replied, reaching to the fruit bowl and tearing a small handful of grapes away.

Her friend was mildly stunned, and made no effort to hide that. “Wow. Didn’t see that coming. Anyhoo, like I said, can’t blame her. Well, in the here and now I can because she needs to be making nice for the children, but instead she’s toying with him, as usual.

“But I digress. I actually used to get on pretty well with her, but after they broke up she called me up and gave me hell, assuming I knew all about his infidelity. I didn’t know shit! Ain’t like he was gonna advertise it to me. I mean, some guys in their world, they have the wife and then they have the gooma, the side piece, but as far as I can gauge, Luca just fucked around at random. No regular side chick to speak of.”

“He preferred whores, professionals at sex, women who knew what they were doin’ with a dick and whose silence he could easily buy.”

Turning, they both watched Filomena approach, her chin lifted as she walked slowly over to the table, a smug smile tilting her lips. “That don’t mean those are the only dames he went for, though. If he saw a gal at the speakeasy who he liked the look of, he’d just make his move. I heard that from the women themselves. Even if they were with his own guys, if he wanted to fuck ‘em, he did.”

Emily felt a cold wave wash over her, to know the man she loved so much had been that sexually reckless, especially with women so close to the guys who worked for him. She tried to remember what that very man had told her just hours before, though, about Filomena and her meddling. “Hmm,” she hummed, clearly entertained by Emily’s pinking cheeks. “Didn’t know that much, did ya?”

She could feel her throat tightening, swallowing hard as she looked up at the scorned woman, who’s commentary continued. “I asked him once, you know, how many women he’d bedded behind my back. He said he lost count when he hit triple digits. He was a fuckin’ prolific man whore, my ex-husband. And you look at him like the sun shines outta his ass, you poor gal. He’ll get bored of ya, eventually. Don't think the same won’t happen to you once you’ve knocked out a couple of his kids. Probably before then, if he ain’t already.”

“Fil, come on, hon. Enough now, yeesh. You don’t gotta drag Emily into this.” Greta advised, rubbing her head with her hand, her eyes finding her friend in support, and what Emily couldn’t bear to see. Sympathy. Because she couldn’t hide the fact that the former Mrs. Changretta wasn’t lying.

Luca had told her that his ex would do this, but what he hadn’t mentioned was that her poison would be nothing but the truth, Emily getting up and swiftly exiting the situation with tears pooling her eyes.

Exactly what Filomena had wanted. After all; hurt people, hurt people.

#luca changretta fanfiction #luca changretta smut #luca changretta x ofc #peaky blinders fanfiction #luca changretta fanfic #luca changretta fic #peaky blinders fanfic #peaky blinders smut #peaky blinders fic #nobody's girl #luca and emily #luca changretta

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moonlightdreamzz · 10 months

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chapter one chapter two

PAIRING ✰ Idol!Wooyoung x Black Female Reader.

SUMMARY ✰ Wooyoung knew what he was signing up for when he dreamed of being a kpop idol. The seemingIy unfair rules were never his favorite part, but he always followed them. What he didn’t know was that he was going to meet you, and all of a sudden the rules would no longer matter to him. You’re the only thing that makes Wooyoung feel alive, and yet, nobody wants the two of you to be together.

GENRE ✰ There is a little bit of everything in here, and you can expect every chapter to have a mixture of angst, fluff, and smut in it.

"Love is heavy and light, bright and dark, hot and cold, sick and healthy, asleep and awake- its everything except what it is!"

Wooyoung chuckles somberly, swiftly locking his phone. Why did he think attempting to read Romeo and Juliet would make him feel any better about his current situation? Romeo and Juliet were stupid, and they cared too much about what others had to say. The only thing he could relate to was their preference to die than be apart.

He presses the power button again, this time to see the image on his lock screen—a picture of him with the love of his life asleep on his chest. There is an instant burst of solace that runs through his entire body. It doesn’t stop at his toes, finger tips, or the top of his head. It begins the fill the entire room, which causes the hairs on Wooyoung’s arms to stand up.

“As you all know, going into effect when you sign this contract, you will not be permitted to date for the first 3 years of your career. Being caught breaking this aspect of your contract, along with everything else in this paperwork will result in a consequence, including possible termination from the group. After your 3 years expires, you must get your relationship approved by the company.”

Wooyoung had been replaying that exact moment in his mind every day for the past couple of weeks, always around the same time — 4:00PM. Ironically, around 4:00PM was also the time he snuck away from his members every day. He had the same routine; he would eat his lunch, and then complain of stomach pain. Of course no one stopped him from using the restroom, and when he was asked why he wasn’t using the restroom nearby he would always have the same answer.

My stomach really hurts. I can’t do what I’m about to do this close to you all, and it’s going to be awhile anyways.

Technically he wasn’t lying. His stomach did hurt, but not because he had to release toxins. The real reason was that the thought of seeing you made knots form in Wooyoung’s stomach, to the point where he could barely breathe or walk even though the two of you had been together for six months.

He truly couldn’t do what the two of you sometimes did tucked away in a room where no one would suspect you two to be. Anyone, for that matter.

The two of you always tried your best to be quiet, but when was true love ever hushed? He couldn't help but become intoxicated off the sound of your beautiful moans, the clapping that filled the room, and the echo of how wet he made you every time, particularly on days when he was particularly worried or had not seen you in far too long. Every room didn’t have a somewhere he could lay you down, but that never mattered. He had made love to you everywhere at this point. Couches, floors, walls, mid air. He knew it was wrong and disrespectful, but it was something about you that made him not care about anything…in a good way though.

It’s now 4:05PM, and Wooyoung can’t help but feel slightly concerned. Even if keeping track of time was not always your strong suit, you were always on time for him. He detested how insane you drove him, God. This emotion never left him, whether it was from him worrying about you or from him knowing you were secure since you were in his arms.

He’s about to shoot you a text when he sees you tip toeing into the room as if you were participating in a robbery. He realized that these days, he wasn’t truly smiling unless it was your doing.

“Baby.” You whisper, your hand hiding your words as if it wasn’t just the two of you in here.

“Yes.” He plays along, standing up as if the queen of the world was approaching him. I mean, if he was being honest that’s what you were in his mind. His arms open for you, and he wants to allow you five more seconds to finish your incredible acting, but he can’t. He practically skips to embrace you.

His arms are squeezing your waist, and yours are around his neck. The embrace puts your bodies in a tranquil state—the both of you exhaling in unison.

“I fucking missed you.” The words spill from his mouth because he had been holding them in all day long.

“I missed you too.” You whisper, yet the passion in your words are so strong. It’s in his scent that you feel at home. In his arms, nothing can hurt you. He always told you that you did the same for him, and you believed him. You believed every single word that came out of his mouth, embarrassing as it was.

“Shit, baby.” He chuckles in embarrassment, not letting you go, but backing the two of you up on the couch that he was sitting on previously. Your newly installed butterfly locs are ticking his arm, but it’s oddly comforting. He knows the tea tree oil from your scalp has likely left it’s mark on the side of his face, but he doesn’t care. “How has your day been? Are you okay? You were a little late.”

“I’m sorry.” You sigh, but there’s a smirk that’s failing to hide on your features. “I planned to be on time, but I got snatched up.”

“Snatched up? By who?” If you were about to tell him that another member tried to make a move on you, or anyone for that matter, he was going to lose it.

“Calm down mr. jealous.” You giggle, adjusting yourself in his lap. “It was just work stuff, I promise. How was your day?”

He doesn’t like how you were avoiding going into detail, but he wasn’t going to argue.

“Let's just say I've been counting down the milliseconds to get to this moment."

Knowing that doing so will draw your chest closer to his own, Wooyoung's fingertips started to trace little butterflies along your spine. He can easily get to you now, and he starts giving you enticing kisses on the neck. Woo knows your body better than anyone ever has. He'd be willing to bet every dollar he'd ever make on that.

Like the way he kisses you, which you adore. In a slow, passionate kiss that is still filled with such heat and passion, his lips move from your neck to your lips.

His hands are so adept at knowing exactly where they should be. He alternates between stroking your ass and softly caressing your back, forcing you to grind your heat over his covered but still provocative bulge.

The thing you cherished most about him in these moments was how effortlessly you two could make love to one another. Never once did anything seem uncomfortable. You were wearing a black crop top jacket, which Wooyoung skillfully unzipped to expose that you didn't have a bra on at all.

"You're a bad fucking girl, I tell you." His low, sensual growl causes him to swiftly cuff and spank your gorgeous breasts before squeezing them together and motorboating them.

For a time, the two of you continue to press against one other until he virtually feeds from your breasts, both of you relishing the sensation of how needy you are for one another. But he is aware that you require more. To win your favor, he will do everything.

In between kisses, he taunts, "You want my hands to be lower, don't you?" His hands begin to run down your stomach, but just as they're about to slip into your biker shorts that are more than ready to slide off, he repositions them on your neck. "Uh oh." He mutters with a mischievous grin.

"You wanna play, baby? Because you know this is a game you'll never win." You tounge begins at his adams apple and licks all the way to the top of his upper lip.

"You're so lucky I don't have more time with you." He remarks as he puts his hands inside your shorts, nearly bursting out from how wet you are. He desires a personal view. He desires to reach out his hands and marvel at how your moisture adheres to his fingers. But his main objective is to accelerate your cum than the previous time.

He gets to rubbing your clit like he always does, and you're grinding into his hand like you always do. Your moans are filling up the room the closer you get, and you are so wet that you know you're going to have to change your panties after this. It would be shameful to make it so obvious what you had been doing in this room.

It's to the point now where you don't even have to grind into his hand anymore. Your head is tilted back as Wooyoung's arm holds you afloat, while his other is making your mind spin from the pleasure you feel.

"Mhm, baby." Woo moans out for you, having trouble believing he's the one putting you into euphoria like this, but then again he always did. He was so in love with you that making you feel good was all he needed. It was as if your bodies were synched. The two of you are lost in each other, both so close to the high your bodies have been craving all day. So high, that neither of you can hear the numerous foot steps coming your way, all in search of your boyfriend who had been "in the bathroom" for way longer than he was supposed to be.

"Maybe he's like, going through something." San attempts to defend, although his tone is weak. He doesn't even believe his own words.

"Regardless, these fake ass bathroom trips everyday are getting ridiculous. I hope he's truly taking a shit," Hongjoong stomps around irritably opening and closing every door in the hallway once he sees no Wooyoung in sight.

"Fuck!"

San and Hongjoong halt in their tracks. They weren't familiar with the voice, but they were dead certain of the activity that a sound like that indicated.

"I beg you, please refrain from being Woo." San thinks to himself in a low voice, knowing that Hongjoong would probably kill him in cold blood if he were to carry out that act in this place. San's eyes would be poisoned forever as well.

"I'm going to-

"Wait!" San attempts to calm his leader down, holding him back from opening what felt like an extremely forbidden door.

"Don't wait me." He responds firmly. The most terrifying aspect of Hongjoong was that. To frighten any of them, he didn't need to yell or puff out his chest. Without it, they could see he meant business.

You had just reached your climax, fully prepared to pay Wooyoung back for how good he just made you feel. You begin to sink down to your knees with a firm grip on his sweatpants when the door swings open.

Wooyoung's heart sinks to his feet, but his first reaction is to defend you. He scoops you up and stands in front of you as quickly as the door opens, with shaking hands and strength he wasn't sure he possessed. He is aware that he has already been caught.

You'd think there'd be silence in a situation like this, but the way everyone's breath told its own tale was tremendously loud. You were at a loss for what to do. Should you extend your hand in solidarity to Woo? Or would that make matters worse? Could it possibly get any worse?

Wooyoung isn't sure how much time has passed, but it felt like days had Hongjoong been staring him down.

"Who are you?" Hongjoong finally speaks, his tone showing he misunderstood your position.

"I...I...I'm nobody." Is all you can muster, quickly pulling on your biker shorts and fleeing the room. Tears build up in your eyes, prompting you to run even faster. You don't know where you're going, but you know you never want to be seen again.

Wooyoung does not hesitate. He tries to flee the room behind you, but Hongjoong beats him to it, pushing him to the ground. Woo catches himself, but it doesn't spare him from the rugburn he got from slipping.

"How dumb are you, huh? You know the fucking rules, Wooyoung. And the fact that you tried to hide this from us? Like it would work?"

Woo is deafeningly quiet, not taking in any of his leader's comments. He can't stop thinking about you and where you are. You were so distracted when you were upset; colliding with objects, falling, and-

"Hello!" Hongjoong practically screams, which causes Woo and San to both flinch aggressively.

His next remarks were ones he'd live to regret for the rest of his life. But he had no choice but to protect you. He needed to preserve your relationship and couldn't have anyone interfering with it.

"It's exactly what she said it was...nothing." HHe sighs innocently. But on the inside, he experiences a heartbreak that seems like someone stomped on it and then crushed it to the ground.

"Then why did you try to chase after her?"

"Because the two of you just raided the room and saw her damn near naked? She was embarrassed and I'm not an asshole? Don't give me the lecture like you don't get your dick wet too."

"Not in the fucking building, I don't. We're not young boys anymore, Woo. And we're trying to get shit done while you're pretending your using the bathroom? To have sex with some random girl?"

"She's-

"She, as cute as she was, needs to go." San saves his member, who he knows is about to divulge what he already knows. That you were more than just a pretty face to him. He had realized the moment the two of you met that Woo had found someone who made him happy. He smiled more broadly. His voice has grown stronger. He seemed to be cheerful about everything. He just hoped his hopeless romantic best friend wouldn't get caught. Damn you, Woo.

There is nothing else to say from Wooyoung. He once more tries to leave the room by getting up off the floor, and Hongjoong this time lets him go. "Don't start looking for her," San mutters as he hurriedly follows Woo. Return to the studio."

Wooyoung knows he has no choice but to listen, this time.

#kpop black reader #wooyoung smut #wooyoung #wooyoung imagines #ateez imagines #ateez #ateex smut #ateex angst #wooyoung angst #ateez x black reader #wooyoung scenarios #ateez x reader #kpop x black reader #ateez series

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liuvli · 5 months

Text

Critical Darling

pairing: eddie munson x fem!goth!reader

summary: It's your senior year. You're a "goth freak" and you definitely stand out, but it doesn't bother you. You're proud of who you are, and nobody is going to change that. Not even the person that motivated you to be so proud in the first place. Eddie "The Freak" Munson.

warnings: she/her pronouns, slow burn, cursing, alcohol, smoking, eventual smut, minor use of y/n, slightly bitchy reader, work in progress

tags: first meetings, pov second person, s4 doesn’t happen, goth!reader, tradgoth!reader, fluff, angst, eddie & chrissy friendship, reader is a little fruity

all fic chapters & ao3 link

chapter wc: 9k

Chapter Five: Halloween in Heaven

For the rest of that Tuesday night, Eddie and you spent not much longer sitting beside the lake, talking about small details in each other's lives. You were indeed having a party next Thursday, and he was indeed coming. He absolutely did not steal your pen on purpose, and you absolutely did not believe him. You were both completely freezing your asses off by that lake, and you both decided it was a good time to head home.

As Eddie’s van pulled up in front of your yard, you turned to open the door but as you did, you felt something make contact with your shoulder briefly, pausing for a moment before turning your body to face Eddie. His hand was lingering just above your shoulder and his mouth was agape as he tried to stutter out what he wanted to say.

“Sorry, I didn’t- never mind. I wanted to say thank you.” You settled back into your seat as Eddie finally withdrew his hand, resting it on the back of your seat.

“For what?”

“For earlier. Talking to me. I’m glad we could clear things up a bit. Not that there was anything to really ‘clear up’, I just mean-” Notice his arising panic, you instinctively lifted your arm to gently place your hand on his, the one resting on the seat behind you.

“It’s okay, Eddie, I know. Thank you for talking to me, too. And thanks for the ride.” Due to the silence in the car and it being the dead of night, it wasn’t difficult for you to pick up on the sound of Eddie taking in a sharp breath, his face showing obvious surprise as you spoke. Trying to ease the awkwardness in the moment, you smiled at him, ever so slightly giving his hand a gentle squeeze to try and reassure him.

You weren’t always a comforting person. You didn’t grow up being taught how to comfort another person, in any type of situation, and your time in high school hadn’t really given you any reason to actually be vulnerable with people. But after spending so much time with Kace, the light of your life, and your sister, the one person you could (almost) always depend on, comforting someone was something you had learned. Not as a natural instinct, but knowing how to sense someone feeling a certain way and knowing how to comfort them in the exact way they needed in the moment. It wasn’t exactly empathetic, it was more cognitive, so you told yourself.

Eddie grinned as he dipped his head, keeping his hand where it was as your own felt comfortably cold against the back of it. Suddenly, noticing how intimate the position the two of you were in felt, you whipped your hand away from where it was resting on Eddie’s, immediately settling it on the door handle, turning to look out the window as you spoke.

“Again, thanks. Tonight was nice.” You heard Eddie mutter a quiet “Yeah” as you opened the door and climbed out, looking back once to smile at the boy.

“Get home safe, Munson.” Eddie lifted his head, giving a half-smile as he placed a hand on the steering wheel.

“Will do, ma’am.” You rolled your eyes at the comment, hearing him snicker to himself as you shut the van door, walking around the vehicle as you made your way to the front door of the house.

Opening the door and stepping inside, you resisted the urge you had to look over your shoulder once more as you hadn’t heard Eddie drive off yet. However, as the door shut behind you, exhaustion washing over you, you couldn't stop yourself from looking through the peephole, seeing Eddie only just starting up his van and driving off into the night.

You locked the door, slipping off your boots next to April’s shoes in the hallway, before swiftly making your way up to your room. It seemed as if April was already in her room, hopefully asleep, the door shut and no sound being heard through the walls. Too tired to shower, and not wanting to somehow disturb your sister, you made your way to the bathroom, rubbing your makeup off with just soap and water.

Now with a bare face and somewhat detangled hair, you made your way into your room, and for once, you found yourself actually shutting your bedroom door. Doing that was another reminder of the jacket which was still hanging on the back, but now, you didn’t find yourself hating the sight of it. Yeah, it was still weird that you even had it, but it didn’t bother you. Alas, you turned away as you began changing for bed.

And with that, your day was over. Exhausted and cold, you let yourself slip into slumber, feeling as if a weight had been lifted off of your chest.

The rest of the week had gone exactly how you expected; fast. With the leadup to the party and Kace being your walking, talking reminder of it, the days flew by as if they weren’t even happening. Same old shit, except with the new addition of your interactions with Eddie. Both of you still enjoyed having your little squabbles, and you even sat with him some days when Kace asked to so he could talk about Hellfire with the rest of the group, but it didn't feel as if there were any issues between the two of you. Yeah, his obnoxious school persona still got on your nerves and you made sure to make your own little digs at him for it, but it wasn’t something that made you feel the same as it had done in the past. It was almost as if you now knew it was just a persona, not how Eddie actually was. Be it a short conversation, the talk you had with Eddie on Tuesday really stayed repeating itself on the sideline of all your other usual thoughts.

Almost as if Kace had been religiously and routinely praying to whatever god for it, the second week flew by just the same. Come Thursday, you didn’t hear the end of it from him.

“So, the plan is: I come to yours after school, let you get ready, and help with decorating and party prep, right?” As the boy tapped the end of his plastic fork against the cafeteria table, you scratched at the rings on your fingers, trying to think of how to make sure the night went well.

April still needed to confirm whether or not her friend’s parents were okay with her staying the night, a few people still hadn’t gotten back to you on whether they were coming or not, so you were unsure about certain things you needed to sort out, and it didn’t help that your first-period teacher had given you negative feedback on an assignment you had completed in the previous week, something that had really gotten you down.

“-ove. Love?” You snapped back to reality as you realized Kace was trying to get your attention, placing your palms flat on the table as you turned your body to directly face him.

“Hm? Sorry, ‘was thinking. What was it you were saying?” As he stabbed at his pile of sweetcorn, failing to impale any with the shitty plastic cutlery, Kace laughed.

“It’s all good. As I was saying, is everything sorted for tonight? I just wanna make sure.” You were about to open your mouth to offer an unsure reply when Eddie cut into the conversation from just a couple of seats down.

“Talking about the party again? Man, it seems like all you talk about these days.” Kace’s attention was instantly redirected as he swiveled in his chair to face the brunette, waving his hands around defensively.

“Uh, duh? First freak party of the season at MY best friend’s house? It’ll be the party of the century, I’ll have you know. And you’re invited, remember? Don’t make me revoke that invitation, man.” Eddie held his hands up in surrender, leaning back in his seat at Kace’s rebuttal.

“Alright, alright, I get the point. Thank you ever so much, sir. I will treasure your verbal invitation to the official party of the century. My deepest apologies.” As Kace laughed at the response he was given, you found yourself looking over at Eddie, who was chuckling to himself, relaxing back into his seat. Just as you did, his eyes landed on yours, making you feel seen. Obviously, he was seeing you, and you weren’t not seen by anyone else, but it felt like an acknowledgment rather than just some simple eye contact between two people. Weird.

As the rest of the day passed fairly slowly, the end of the school day eventually came, and Kace was rushing to get you to his car, obviously wanting to start preparing for the party as soon as possible.

“Love, I care about you, but seatbelts can wait. We need to go or everything will turn to SHAMBLES!” Pausing what you were doing, you made a point out of making eye contact with the dramatic boy in the driver’s seat, forcing a moment of silent reflection onto him.

“No, no, you’re right. I’m the responsible one. But still, let's GO already.” You groaned as your seatbelt clicked in, and Kace had driven out of the parking lot before you had even finished settling down, Depeche Mode blasting through the speakers the moment the engine had started up.

The moment the two of you arrived at yours, Kace instantly started unpacking all of the decorations he had bought from the backseat of his car, already muttering to himself his ideas on where to put everything. Not knowing what you needed to do, Kace took notice of this and looked up at you as you stood aimlessly on the other side of the kitchen island.

“Go get ready, love. Shower, redo your hair and makeup, do whatever you need. I’ll get started with the decorations. Don’t worry.” His reassurance made you feel somewhat less stressed about the night, and you offered him a smile before making your way upstairs and switching the shower on as you got ready to hop in.

After your shower, you got ready again: redoing your hair and makeup (perhaps a little bit more dramatic than usual due to the whole theme of the party). You pulled one of your more expensive dresses out of your closet, throwing it on the bed along with a pair of ripped tights you had customized yourself, a leather corset Kace had found for you during a vacation with his family, and a few accessories you had collected over the years. With yourself put back together, and nerves stemming from hosting your own party, amongst other shit, somewhat momentarily lulled, you headed back downstairs to help Kace with the decorating if he hadn’t already completed the task by himself.

As you reached the bottom of the stairs, you could hear the low mumbling of a few early arrivers to the party, along with Kace’s footsteps shuffling out of the kitchen with a pile of bat-shaped banners dangling and overflowing from his arms. Before you could get a word out, the plastic bats had been passed into your own arms.

“Could you hang those above the front door, love? I’ve already put the ladder there for you, but I need to set up the drinks on the kitchen island before even more people arrive, seeing as we’ve already got these guys who decided on time is late!” The boy raised his voice as he spoke the last few words, gaining the attention of a group of people standing at the end of the hallway, whom you recognized as being Kace’s buddies from school. One of them lifted a red solo cup in the air, acknowledging Kace’s dig towards them, before happily continuing on with his conversation.

“That alright with you?” he asked, which you thought meant he wanted a response along the lines of ‘yes’ or ‘no’, but before you could give an answer, he had already disappeared from your line of sight.

“Yep, all good,” you answered, nonetheless.

With your arms full of tangled, stringed-together bats, using the ladder to reach the space above the door deemed a difficult challenge, but achievable with careful footwork. Eventually reaching the height you needed to be at, you fumbled with the bats in your arms, trying the find one that was only connected to one other, so you could begin with your task, and after a few more seconds of untangling the bundle, you had found what you needed. Just as you were about to bring the first bat up to the wall, the entire pile slipped from your arms, and you threw your head back in exasperation. Just as you were starting to think you should probably try to retrieve them from the floor, you heard them rustle below you before the weight on the ladder slightly adjusted with a metallic creak, the heat of someone else creeping up behind you. One arm appeared at the side of your vision, gently grabbing the roll of tape from your left hand, and another arm extended from the right to lift a bat to the wall in front of you. From just the sleeves that were on both sides of your head like a pair of abnormally long earmuffs, you knew who was currently invading every inch of your personal space, and the smell of cheap cologne only gave it away more.

“I can do this myself, Munson.” A snort, just a few inches away from your ear.

“Yeah yeah, I know. Little miss independent, aren’t you, doll? But from the pile of plastic bats that landed at my feet the second I stepped into the house, I'm willing to disagree.” For reasons unknown, your sigh of defeat was the signal for him to continue with what he was doing, the sound of teeth ripping tape right behind your head bringing your attention to the situation you had managed to find yourself in.

Leather-clad arms, warmth from Eddie’s torso on your lower back, flicks of brown curly hair appearing in the corner of your eye each time he lifted his arm to place another bat on the wall. In the past week and a bit, you had gotten used to being near Eddie, of course, but not close to him. Apart from the few short moments of contact you had last week at the lake, it’s not like you were really wanting to be put into this position, and as you dwelled on it more and more, the more suffocating the proximity felt.

“Just saying, by the way, you could’ve just let me get down from the ladder first before stealing my job. That way I wouldn't be stuck up here doing nothing whilst you breathe down my neck,” you suggested, trying to fill the silence between you two as Eddie was still sticking bats to the wall, one by one. But, as expected, no reply.

“So… are you letting me down?” Another piece of tape being ripped.

“I could.” You finally managed to earn some sort of response, but that was it. Just ‘I could’. Really? Is that it??

Slightly twisting your body, careful not to topple the ladder over with both of you on it, you attempted to face Eddie, only getting halfway before realizing turning any more would put you in an even worse position. You opened your mouth to finally put him in his place, but he had already started stepping down the ladder.

“Alright, come on down. I need to shift the ladder a bit to the right.” Oh. Alright then.

With your body now fully turned around, you quickly glanced around, searching for something to-

“Here, let me help.” Eddie was reaching his hands out to you, tapping his fingers against his palms like how you would to an infant taking it’s first steps. Not liking how the small gesture made you seem, you began to step down the ladder without any support, nearly shitting a brick when the ladder wobbled to the side ever so slightly. Another glance down at Eddie.

“Okay, yeah.” You hesitantly let your hands find their way into Eddie’s, his fingers closing around yours tight enough so you felt secure, but not to the point where you felt like he was scared of you falling too. Just the right amount of security.

Your boots thudded against the wooden floorboards as you reached the bottom of the ladder, miraculously, without a scrape, and before he could do it himself, you did the honors of letting go of Eddie’s hands, brushing down your dress to make sure it sat how it was supposed to. Or maybe it was to wipe down your slightly damp palms. Whatever.

With a quick look around the area, subconsciously checking that nobody was paying attention to the interaction between you and Eddie, you proceeded to look back up at him, trying to figure out what would be the best thing to say to him at that moment, but as always, he beat you to it.

“I’ll hang these banners. You go make sure everything else looks alright, seeing as more people should be arriving soon enough.” He gave you a soft smile, gesturing towards the living room and kitchen, and you sighed, grateful that you didn’t get given the chance to say anything to make the situation feel weird.

“Right, okay, perfect. Thanks, Munson.” With one last nod of acceptance, you rushed off into the kitchen.

Grabbing at the telephone hanging on the wall, you dialed a number and listened as it rang. When it felt like a century had gone by, and your panic levels had only increased by the dozen, someone finally picked up on the other end, a familiar voice speaking down the phone.

“...Hi?” April’s friend.

“Hey, this is April’s sister, is she there?” A few seconds of unanswered silence.

“Uhh… yeah. Why?”

“Can I speak to her, please?” …

“I guess so.” … A long pause, with a quiet mumble in the background.

“Hello?” Finally, April.

“April, it’s me. I was just calling to check that you’re for sure gonna be able to stay at your friend’s house tonight. I know you said you were sure, but I just want to check.” The constant silence on the other end was really getting annoying at this point.

“Uh, yeah, I think so. I’m not sure, you know how Edith’s mom can be.” You stood confused for a second.

“I- I don’t know, actually… Anyway, just call me if you need anything. I’ll drop everything and everyone to come and get you if need be. Keep me updated, okay, Apricot?” A groan on the other end made you chuckle.

“Yep, will do. Bye.” Before you could say ‘bye’ too, the call ended, and you put the telephone back on the wall.

A short forty minutes after you got off the phone with April, the house was almost at maximum capacity. So many people had arrived since you first came downstairs, Kace and Eddie had finished decorating with cheap fake spiderwebs, a cauldron-shaped punch bowl, green fairy lights strung about multiple rooms and locations, and music was vibrating throughout the house. You had been walking from room to room, socializing with a few people you knew from school, and meeting a few people Kace had wanted you to meet for the longest time, such as people from other cliques and nearby schools. There had been a few mishaps of people spilling drinks and nearly breaking vases that you forgot to hide away, but things had been mostly good, other than that.

Around 2 more hours passed, and a few drinks down, you found yourself sitting on a garden chair in the backyard with a beer in hand, talking to one of the boys from your group at school about how Robert Smith seemed like the type of person to insist he wasn’t ‘one of you’. You hadn’t seen much of Kace all night, only a few glimpses when he would be standing somewhere flirting with a semi-attractive male, and you didn’t have many other people you really knew to hang with for most of the night. Just as things seemed like they were getting dull for you, the sound of something slamming inside the house caught your attention. Giving a quick apology to the guy you were talking to, and leaving the rest of your beer for him on the table, you tried your best to make it back into the house from the end of the garden as fast as possible without having to squeeze in between too many drunken patrons.

The second you stepped through the open back door and heard a voice shouting from the front of the house, you knew who was causing such a racket. And you had a small suspicion about why this was happening. Shoving past a few more groups of oblivious party-goers, you made it into the hallway, where a small crowd had gathered around two people. You shivered as the cold air from outside seeped its way into the house, only annoying you due to the fact that whoever was causing such a disturbance didn’t have the decency to shut the door behind them when coming in.

“You’re fucking dead, Munson. You hear me? I’ll fucking kill you.” Wedging yourself between two people and finally being able to see what was going on, you let out a deep sigh as you were faced with a pissed-off Jason Carver. Scratch that, extremely pissed-off Jason Carver.

“Man, I don’t know what you want me to say. I didn’t give her anything, and I don’t know why you’re so convinced that I did.” Eddie was standing just in front of you, and Kace was trying to somewhat block the open doorway, setting some distance between Jason and the metalhead. You took a step forward, placing yourself at Eddie’s side, who didn’t take long to notice you and widen his eyes in… surprise? Embarrassment?

“Anyone care to tell me what this dickbag is doing in my front doorway?” Eddie turned his body to fully face you, most likely readying to explain himself, instantly recognizing the fact that he had somehow brought trouble to your home, but Jason beat him to it.

“Yeah, I care to tell. This fucking freak, right here, has been selling weed to my girlfriend. You know, Chrissy?” You nodded slowly, trying to listen to what he had to say over the loud party speakers that were still blasting, their noise leaking out into the street now that the front door was STILL wide open.

“Uh-huh. Munson, your side of things?” The blonde tried to cut him off, but Kace didn’t hesitate to slap a hand over his mouth, the riled-up teen struggling in his hold.

“Yeah, I don’t know what to tell you, doll. I know Chrissy, obviously, but I wouldn’t sell to her. Wouldn’t want this asshole giving her any trouble if he found out. But alas, can’t stop an asshole from shitting, so here we are.” This response clearly didn’t do anything to cheer the pleasant Jason Carver up, and this was shown by the fact that he was basically clawing at Kace’s gloved hands, trying to speak his piece again, which you really couldn’t be bothered for at the moment. You didn’t ask for Jason ‘Asshole’ Carver to turn up to the party you were the host of, you didn’t ask for Eddie’s side hustle to bring trouble to your (parents’) house, and the front door was still fucking open.

You had heard enough.

“Okay, Carver. He didn’t sell to Cunningham. Don’t know what else to tell you, man. Now leave.” Unfortunately, the boy had managed to wiggle his way out of Kace’s grasp, taking a step toward you, which most people noticed, as indicated by the way both Eddie and Kace reacted. Your best friend grabbed the back of Jason’s arm, gripping until the blonde was wincing at pressure, and Eddie lifted an arm in front of you, just enough so that he could push you out of the way if Jason tried to make another move.

You see, you weren’t new to confrontation. Arguments with teachers at school about anything and everything, shouting matches with parents who insisted you were the most badly-behaved kid to walk the Earth, etcetera. You weren’t about to tolerate someone trying to intimidate you and the people you knew in your own home. And for the last time, the front fucking door was still not closed.

“Jason, get the fuck off of my property before I grab the closest glass bottle and hurt you with it,” you warned, a girl standing beside you clutching her beer between her two hands. Finally noticing the ratio at which he was outnumbered in this scenario, Jason took a step back, appearing as if he was going to leave. But of course, this was Jason Carver, so it wouldn’t be that easy.

“Sure, but only if he leaves too.” He nodded his head forward, gesturing towards Eddie who was now rolling his neck and looking up at the ceiling.

“Why is that exactly?” Pulling his usual smug little face and doing his weird tippy-tappy foot movements, he answered.

“It’s a party, man! You know what goes on in places like these? Drug deals. But that can’t happen if the junkie drug dealer is taken out of the equation. Right?” Eddie’s eyes flicked down to you, and so did Kace’s, almost as if they were expecting you to make some sort of decision. You knew what Jason was like; if you said no, he’d most likely call the cops or something, just to be a dick, and you didn’t want the party to be ruined, so you were kind of in a stump. Kick Eddie out, and feel bad despite not knowing why, or ignore Jason’s demands, and have the Halloween party of the year ruined.

“What’s it gonna be, doll?” The sound of Jason’s voice saying that word made your skin crawl, and if it wasn’t for the fact that you had already drunk half a dozen beers and were worried you’d fuck it up and miss, you would’ve punched him square in the face. And apparently, you weren’t the only one who felt that way.

“Don’t bother, I’ll see myself out. It’s better that way because if I dont leave now, I’ll end the night in ‘cuffs.” The mood shifted slightly as you felt guilty for leaving it to Eddie to make the decision for himself, and again, he noticed this, attempting to lighten up the situation, if only slightly.

“Or maybe I wouldn’t mind that so much,” he mumbled under his breath, looking over his shoulder at you, his eyes flicking down your face for just a second. Did he just…?

Leaving no time for questions, Eddie slightly nudged you with his elbow, before tipping his head at Kace and barging past Jason, making his way outside. With only Jason now standing at the door, still, you crossed your arms expectantly, and thankfully, message received.

“...Alright, yeah. That’s what I thought.” One last glance up at the lanky guard dog staring down at him, and Jason had made himself sparse.

Finally, the situation seemed like it had cooled down, and you had just started resigning yourself back to drinking and mingling. But just your luck, there was no rest for the wicked. You felt a hand feebly tap you on the shoulder, and you turned around to see a girl with big doe eyes looking at you. Too tired to make an effort to verbally reply, you just shifted your weight onto one leg and crossed your arms again, waiting. Getting the hint, the girl quietly spoke up.

“...kitchen. The house phone rang and I think it’s for you. I think. You’re the lady of the house, right?” With a raised brow, and a head fuzzy from alcohol, it took you a few long seconds to realize who might’ve been on the phone. Trying to make your way through groups of people crowding the very narrow hallway, and having to barge past a couple in the midst of an argument, you finally stepped into the kitchen, blurry vision getting in the way of your mission.

Just as you finally pulled yourself together and turned to face the wall where the house phone usually was, you were almost knocked over by some guy shoving past you, walking towards the kitchen counter. But just as he did, the dangling house phone caught on his leg, and before you could prevent anything, he had ripped the cord out of the box, dropping the telephone on the floor. You rushed towards the fallen object, picking it up and holding it towards the guy who did the damage, now pouring himself a drink.

“What the fuck, dude?! Was there really any need?!” The guy shrugged, scowling at you as he took a sip from a red solo cup.

“Get over it, this isn’t even your house. Not our problem.” You felt your jaw instinctively clench, and it took every fiber in your body to not launch the plastic receiver at the guy’s head. Instead, you shoved it in a drawer, and slammed it shut.

“Actually, it is my house, and it is my problem. I’m gonna go upstairs right now, and if you’re not out of here by the time I come back down, I’ll strangle you with the phone cord. You copy?” Despite his previous attitude, the boy slowly nodded, quietly sipping on his drink as he avoided eye contact with you. With a quiet ‘okay’ muttered, you took yourself upstairs, stepping over people who decided to make the stairs their hangout area.

You entered your room, which you had made sure to lock before the majority of guests had arrived, and grabbed the first item of clothing you could reach off the back of your door, not caring enough to pay attention to what you were putting on. Only a few seconds later, you were just reaching the bottom of the stairs, and the guy from before was already escorting himself out, a sight that somewhat relieved you. Reaching the last step, Kace appeared in front of you, holding his hands up to stop you in your tracks.

“Woah woah woah, where you going, love? The party’s not over yet, and I know about your habit of running off mid-party. Not this time, love, because the party’s at your house.” You kissed your teeth, making an attempt to walk past your friend without a word, who wasn’t letting that slide, pulling you in front of him again.

“Love? What's up? If you need air, just go out the back. Plenty of air out back, just the same as out the front.” He chuckled, finding himself way too funny for your liking.

“Kace, I love you, but I need to go. I think April called the house but some douche broke the phone. I need to go find a public phone and call to make sure she’s okay. Now move, please.” Kace’s arms dropped slightly, as he was always understanding when it came to April, thankfully.

You began looking for some change in the set of drawers next to the stairs, and Kace just leaned over you, watching.

“But what about the house? You want me to come with you, or am I staying here to make sure nobody fucks anything up?” Getting frustrated by the fact that you couldn't find anything, when there was usually change lying all over the place, you slammed shut the drawer you were looking through.

“I don’t know, do whatever. I need to-” Just as you spoke, a heavy gust of wind traveled under your clothing, prickling every inch of skin on your body. Hoping it wasn't what you thought it was, you slowly turned to face the front door, only to be faced with the one thing you really didn’t want to see.

“Why is the front door open… again?” Kace turned the look in the same direction as you, confused by your question.

“Oh, I'm not sure.” It was becoming all a little bit too much for you now, and you could feel yourself losing the plot with every second that passed.

“All fucking night, the front door has been opened and then left open. If I have to see that front door left open one more time tonight, I’ll go fucking insane.” A snort managed to steal your attention away from the problem at hand, and you side-eyed the boy next to you, covering his mouth to stifle a laugh.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I've just never seen anyone so mad over an open door. I’m sorry, it's just so funny.” Not saying anything to start off with, you just blankly stared down at the floor. Jason Carver invited himself to your home, Eddie Munson brought trouble to your party with his stupid drug business, the front door opening and closing every fucking second, and for all you know, something could’ve been seriously wrong with April. But how could you know? Because some ignorant asshole ripped the fucking house phone off the wall.

“Yeah, no. I'm not doing this. Fuck this party, fuck you, fuck everyone here. I'm going to see April. I’m pretty sure I know where her friend lives, maybe, but I’ll figure it out on the way.” Eventually realizing that it wasn't the best time for jokes, Kace tried to grab your arm, but you pulled it away, turning to face him slightly as you walked toward the front door.

“I'm not sure if I'm coming back, just make sure nothing else gets broken. I'm not doing this shit tonight.” Not allowing the concerned boy to get a word in, you stepped out into the freezing October night and made sure to pull the door closed behind you, the sound of the music inside muffled behind hardwood.

With your hands shoved into your jacket pockets, and skin littered with goosebumps, you began walking down the street in the direction you thought April’s friend lived. You weren’t quite sure of the location, but with minimal help from your fuzzy mind, you could somewhat remember April telling you at some point. You were just hoping she was okay, or didn’t need urgent picking-up.

Maybe hosting a party wasn't the best idea. You had too much stress with school grades as it was, seeing as it was your senior year, and being a full-time babysitter for your younger sister because of your asshole parents didn’t make it any easier. Despite what your previous words and actions might tell any onlooker, you didn’t enjoy getting upset with Kace, because you knew he was only ever trying to help, but with so many things to stress about, and all of that mixed with beer, it didn’t make for a good combo. Hopefully, though, the cold air would somewhat sober you up, if you were to go and check on April.

You were lost in your own thoughts, until two bright rays of light flicked on in front of you, causing you to freeze like a drunken deer in headlights, straining your eyes to keep them open. There wasn’t much to see until you heard a familiar voice call out to you, stepping to the side to try and see who it was.

“Oh shit, it is you. What are you doing out here?” Finally, out of the stream of light, you could see Eddie hanging out the window of his van, which was parked on the curb just a few houses down from your own.

“What are you still doing here? Didn’t you leave, like, a while ago?” Walking up to the side of the van where the boy was leaning out to speak to you, Eddie smiled down at you with an arm hanging out the door.

“I left, like, ten minutes ago. I was just rolling a few joints and listening to some music. Now, my turn. Answer my question.” Taking a few seconds to remember what his question was, you crossed your arms tightly over your chest.

“I think April called the house phone but some dick ripped it off the wall. I was gonna go and see her.” The brunette nodded, the end of his tongue poking through his lips as he licked the paper between his fingers, folding it over to seal his handiwork.

“Seems simple enough. Want me to take you there?” Your head slowly nodded, but Eddie could sense the uncertainty radiating off of you. By now, it almost seemed like telepathically figuring you out was a skill of his.

“You know where she is?” Ashamed that you hadn't listened properly when April initially told you, you gently shook your head. Looking up at him through wispy bangs, you could see Eddie roll his jaw as he tried to figure something out. Placing the freshly rolled joint in the compartment between the two front seats, his other arm patted the side of the van.

“Get in. I'll let you use the phone at mine to contact her, and then I’ll drive you home.” You weren’t sure if it was the alcohol in your system, the need to make sure your sister was okay, or that weird interaction you two had earlier, but for once, you wanted to be in that van with Eddie Munson. And so, that’s what you did.

It didn’t take long for Eddie to get the two of you all the way across town from yours to his, because the roads were mostly empty and he knew how much you could worry about your sister sometimes. He was also aware of how stressed out yet tired you seemed, and he didn’t want to keep you for long, thinking keeping you for longer than needed would make you start wanting to claw your own skin off in front of him.

And with that, Eddie’s van pulled up in front of his trailer, parking next to another car that looked like it had seen better days. Before you could even try to let yourself out of the car, because how dare you, Eddie had rushed out of the van and over to the passenger side, opening the door for you as if you were some sort of royalty. As if it wasn’t already too much, the gentleman before you held out his hand for you to use for stability when stepping out of the vehicle. You thought the gesture was… unusual, but you still played along, placing your hand atop his gently, and pulling your skirt up slightly so that it wouldn’t trip you up and make for an even worse night.

“M’lady,” Eddie mocked, giving you a boyish smirk as he looked up at you through his bangs, his head dipped in respect. You snorted and covered your nose with the back of your hand, finding this whole performance weirdly charming. In a weird way. Kind of. Nevermind.

Eddie led you to the front door of his trailer, opening it for you and letting you enter first, stepping into warmth as he stepped in behind you and closing the door behind himself. The first thing you noticed was beer cans left on a coffee table next to the couch, and Eddie must have noticed where your attention was, as he stepped to your side and offered a short explanation.

“My uncle Wayne’s, he forgets to clean up after himself sometimes.” You nodded, muttering a small ‘oh’ before turning to look around some more.

The trailer was small and cozy for sure. Definitely seemed like the type of place where two men lived. Not dirty, to say, but definitely in need of some TLC. You felt Eddie’s hand hovering over the small of your back, earning your attention as he pointed towards the phone on the wall next to the door, and you offered him a quick smile before rushing towards it and dialing in the number that you did remember April telling you.

The phone rang a few times, before being picked up, and because of the worry you had been feeling for the past 25 minutes or so, you didn’t wait to hear who was there before speaking.

“Apricot, you there? Are you okay? Do you need me to come and get you? I can if you need-”

“I’m all good. I was just calling to try and tell you that I’ll be heading to school from Edith’s tomorrow. You told me to keep you updated.” Not only did hearing April’s voice make you feel tons better, but the fact that she remembered what you had said made you feel so grateful to have a sister like her in moments like this. You let out a huge sigh of relief and turned around, holding up a thumb to Eddie to let him know everything was okay, earning a smile in return from the boy.

“Okay, God. I’m glad. Thanks for letting me know, Apricot. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“...Alright. You’re so weird. G’night.” And with that, the call ended, and you placed the phone back on the wall, leaning against the backside of the kitchen countertop for stability.

“I'm glad she’s okay. Wait, she is okay, right? I didn’t misinterpret the-” You laughed as you let your head fall back, hair falling to the side too to reveal more of your face Eddie had seen, like, ever.

“Yeah, she’s all good, Munson. Thanks for caring.” The two of you just looked at each other for a few beats, almost as if the relief of knowing April was okay was washing over the both of you.

But despite being slightly intoxicated, you always knew when things were starting to feel awkward. To you, maybe. You weren’t sure if everyone else always felt the same awkwardness you did during long silences.

“Is it alright if I… use your bathroom?” Eddie waved his hands around a bit as if he had forgotten where his own bathroom was, before pointing down to his left and taking a step back to let you through.

“Yes, sure, of course. The first door on the left. Try to not get lost, this place is like a maze.” God, your cheeks were starting to hurt. It was definitely the alcohol that was making you feel this way because you had never found yourself smiling at Eddie Munson so much in the space of just a few hours.

Making your escape, you rushed off to the bathroom. Truth is, you didn't really need to ‘go’ to the bathroom, you just didn’t really know what else to do, and standing in a room alone with Eddie felt weird. Like, really weird. You were standing alone in a room with Eddie Munson. You were in Eddie Munson’s house. Home. Trailer home? You were in Eddie Munson’s residence.

…

You really didn’t predict your night going this way.

You looked in the mirror, trying to wipe off a few black smudges on your makeup, and flushed the toilet, also trying to make it seem like you had an actual reason to run off so suddenly to his bathroom. You washed your hands, waving them about to dry them off, before exiting into the main living area again, stepping out to see Eddie with his back to you, doing something on the kitchen countertop.

When you stepped close enough, he whipped around to face you, holding a glass of water in his hand and leaning back on the counter with his other. You looked down, confused, and back up at him.

“I figured you’d need a drink of something that wasn’t, you know, booze. You’re acting way too nice to me tonight so I’d take a guess that you drank quite a bit earlier.” Without feeling the need to question that line of logic, you took the glass from his hand, tips of your fingers brushing against his knuckles and wasting no time to take the biggest swig of water in your life. And you know what? It tasted like heaven. It was just regular, unfiltered tap water, but compared to the night you had, it was like a gift from the big man up there himself.

“Mm, ‘preciate it, sweetheart.” You placed the almost empty glass down on the countertop, wiping the water away from the sides of your mouth with your thumb, looking up at Eddie with half-lidded eyes. For whatever reason, his eyes were wide, like, seen-a-ghost wide, and before you knew it, he was spinning on his heels to place the glass in the sink. Until you grabbed his arm, pulling his attention back to you, glass still in hand. “Could you, actually, keep that glass out?” Despite the brown bangs that covered them, you could still see Eddie’s brows scrunch together in confusion. Not knowing what was going to come out of your mouth next, you lifted your hands and placed them on his chest, looking up at him like you had been doing all night, thanks to the size difference between the two of you.

“Can I stay the night?”

Taken by surprise, Eddie’s mouth popped open, trying to analyze everything about you, wondering if it was some sort of trick you were pulling on him.

“I mean, I just- I don’t really want to go home right now. The party is probably still happening, but Kace is there, and he’s responsible. He also has a spare key, so I know he’ll make sure to lock everything up. We also… I got mad at him, and I’m not sure what to say to him yet. I don’t know, I’m sor-” Without you taking notice during your miniature rant, Eddie had placed the glass down on the counter, and had now brought his hands up to engulf yours on his chest, tucking his fingers under your palms.

“Yeah, of course. Whatever you need, angel.” It was weird. You were looking up at him in a way you knew you shouldn't be, but you couldn't stop yourself. Beer and freak reputation be damned, Eddie Munson could be genuinely lovely if he tried hard enough. However, you only had the realization that you should probably move away when you noticed your eyes drifting down his face, and your mind drifting to other… places.

You slipped your hands out from underneath his and turned your back to him. Thank fuck you had a knack for getting your white foundation to be full coverage. With your back still turned to him, you released yourself from the jacket you slipped on before leaving and-

…

It’s been that jacket this entire time? And no one said a word about it? Kace, Eddie? Surely one of them noticed. Eddie most definitely would’ve. Fuck. Maybe if I just throw it in the corner, he won’t-

“That’s a nice jacket, by the way. Where’d you get it?” Your head snapped around to face him, leather scrunching in your fists.

“Shut the fuck up, Munson.” Eddie snorted, walking toward you and taking the jacket from your hands, hanging it up on a peg next to the door.

“Glad to know the normal you is still in there.” You rolled your eyes, but only so you didn’t have to admit that you honestly enjoyed this sort of energy between you and Eddie.

“D’you want something to sleep in? Because I doubt that dress is gonna be comfortable.” You looked down at what you were wearing, and groaned, realizing wearing something of Eddie’s was the only option, really, as this dress was too expensive to risk damaging in your sleep. As always, the boy took notice of your body language, and gave a thumbs-up, disappearing into a doorway before coming back out moments later with two items of clothing. He placed them in your arms, and you just looked down at the two pieces of fabric, another harsh realization washing over you. You were gonna need to remove your makeup. The over-the-top makeup you did for the party, the makeup you wore every time you were leaving the house and knew you would be seeing people you knew. Sure, it's not like you looked naked without your makeup, you just felt it, is all, which was so much worse. With one long inhale, and a long exhale, you looked up at the metalhead.

“Got something I can wash… this off with?” You gestured to your face, looking defeated as you did so. It looked as if Eddie had the same realization as you at that moment because he stuttered his words as he told you there would be some new soap and a clean washcloth in the bathroom cabinet above the sink. You nodded, grateful for him, at least, before making your way back into the bathroom you had just previously hidden in a few minutes before.

After a few minutes of scrubbing your face, and making sure there was nothing left over, changing into the Metallica t-shirt Eddie had given you, and then covering your bottom half with a pair of sweatpants that looked like they belonged to a younger version of the boy, you emerged from the bathroom.

You looked down the hall to where you assumed Eddie’s bedroom was, and all of the lights in the trailer had now been turned off. The only reason you could see anything was because of the light of the moon shining through the windows at the front of the place, and you used the minimal amount of light you were given to creep down to the ajar door at the end of the hall, stepping through with your clothes in your arms.

There was only one light on in Eddie’s room, and it was a warm-toned, dimly lit lamp in the corner, just enough illumination so you could see what Eddie had set up for the two of you. Whilst his bed was made and tidy, he had collected a few blankets, a pillow, and an extra duvet, creating a makeshift bed on the floor. You stepped over to it, making a point to not really face Eddie, as you placed your clothes down on the floor above the pillow.

“You didn’t have to do this,” you finally spoke, gaining Eddie’s attention.

“Do what?”

“Make this for me on the floor. I could’ve slept on the couch.” Without warning, Eddie stood up from where he was crouched down, towering over you again and looking directly at you. He paused for a second, just looking at your face as if he hadn't seen it before. Technically, he hadn’t, but still. Staring is rude. He coughed into his fist after a few seconds, and continued to speak.

“This isn't for you, it's for me. You're having the bed.”

You abandoned your mission of making minimal eye contact with Eddie whilst you had no makeup on to look directly up at him.

“What? No, I can’t do that. That’s your bed. Besides, it’s probably gross anyway. Because you’re… you. That’s weird.” Eddie rolled his eyes and smoothed out the duvet on the bed.

“Okay, one, my bed’s not gross. I literally washed my sheets yesterday. Two, I won’t hear it. I’m not letting you sleep on the couch, let alone the floor.” You opened your mouth to give some sort of rebuttal, but Eddie's hands coming up to hold the back of your head and cover your mouth had already silenced you.

“I said I won’t hear it.” Okay, he won't hear it.

Without even questioning the situation, something you found yourself doing a lot that night, you just nodded, allowing Eddie to drop his hands from where they resided on you and make space for you to get into the bed, whilst he lowered himself down to the floor.

You climbed in, surprised by how comfy the bed was for something that looked like it had come straight out of a prison cell, and the smell of Eddie and the detergent he used was… weird. Just weird. That’s all everything is. ‘Weird’. Nothing else.

By now, Eddie had turned off the lamp, and again, the only source of light in the room was the moon shining through the gaps in the blinds, creating a striped white pattern on Eddie’s bedroom wall.

“Thanks for this, Munson. I really do appreciate it.” You could hear Eddie turn over on the floor under his duvet.

“I know. No worries, angel.”

Five minutes passed, and you were already almost gone, the late hour of the night and the exhaustion finally having an effect on you, and though not aware of it, your breathing slowed significantly. You assumed that Eddie, like most guys you knew, was the type to pass out the second his head hit the pillow, so you didn’t bother saying much else to him the moment you heard him settle down. Due to the position you were sleeping in, you let your arm fall off the bed, dangling down the side, your nails just ever so slightly tapping against the floor.

A few more minutes, and you were on the very verge of unconsciousness when you felt something touch your dangling hand. Being too tired to react in any sort of frightened way, you just let out a low hum. A pause.

“...These your real nails?” A voice emerged softly in the dark. You hummed again, stuffing the side of your face deeper into the pillow.

“M’yeah, all-natural length. I just paint ‘em. You like?” This time, Eddie hummed.

“Yeah, I do.” A second had passed, and Eddie left his fingers gently wrapped around the tips of your own, the silence finally allowing you to drift off.

#eddie munson #eddie munson x fem!reader #stranger things #st4 #goth!reader #eddie munson x you #eddie munson stranger things #eddie munson x female reader #eddie munson x reader #eddie munson x female character #eddie brain rot #eddie munson x y/n #eddie munson fanfic

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sashi-ya · 1 year

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🌸 ▹𝙱𝚢𝚊𝚔𝚞𝚢𝚊'𝚜 𝙼𝚒𝚗𝚒 𝙱𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚑𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝙲𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝐇𝐂𝐬: 𝐁𝐲𝐚𝐤𝐮𝐲𝐚 𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫

▹ headcanons of our sweet noble being a dad. tw: well, pregnancy of course. careful a little spoiler, if you don't know who Ichika is, then just ignore this, please. sfw. these are simple headcanons, the way I imagine Byakuya be with a baby and based on how Kubo addressed he acts with and towards Ichika ▹ wc: 800

Byakuya would like to have just one child. Is not he is not interested in having a million with you, but, he knows that he wants to give that baby all the love and attention as possible, and sharing isn’t an option. At least during the first years of the baby’s life.

He would, for the love of God we all know he would, ask for his servants to craft the exact replicas of his own attire in baby size. From kenseikan (which you will have to remind him that babies have no long hair), a mini gimpaku (mint green, of course) to tiny, tiny white gloves embroidered with the Kuchiki clan symbol.

Speaking of the Kuchiki clan emblem, everything in the baby’s trousseau will have it on. White, pure cotton, hypoallergenic, as expensive as ten manors. You told him it isn’t necessary, but you know it’s futile. Nobody deserves the best than his own family, and he will give you even more.

You will wake up one day, and you will see your son/daughter dressed in some kind of green blorb attire; yes, Byakuya design an onesie with Wakame Ambassador for his baby. No, you aren’t taking it away. Yes, he will hire a photographer to make a special photography session with his descendant dressed in that. A photo he will put in his own office next to an Ichika one he took one day when they were training with their Zanpakuto. Cause proud uncle, always.

And Wakame Ambassador will be present everywhere too. From plushies, the first one personally sewed and embroidered by him. The baby, carrying the Kuchiki blood, will obviously cling to it for dear life. And you couldn’t ask for more, seeing baby and dad sleeping on your bed with the plushie in between them? Yes please, someone draw it.

He won’t be an absent nor cold father. Contrary to what many people might think, Byakuya is a person who really takes time to be with his family. Same as he attends the many events and reunions when his sister isn’t able to attend, he will be there for his baby. Since the Quincy invasion, he has changed for the better, and the moment his dark sky eyes meet his newborn’s he will melt, to the point of showing the sweetest smile you’ve ever seen drawn in his lips.

Byakuya will lift his baby in arms, with utmost care and pure delicacy. He would look, inspect every corner of his own blood, and then snuggle the baby in his arms. The moment he feels the chubby cheeks of his newborn against his chest, it will mark the start of the most pure bond nobody will dare to break nor even threat. He will swear -in silence- that will protect his descendant with everything it takes.

The noble will try to train his kid since baby, but he won’t be able to be really strict. Same as happened with Ichika, his child will become his weakness. Some times you will have to scold him for letting the kid do whatever he wants with him. Byakuya looks like a cold one, but in reality he would count the hours all throughout the working day to go back to you and his baby. He wants to play, to laugh with you two… he might not tell you, and probably he will never do, but with him words aren’t necessary.

Then, when the baby becomes old enough to attend the academy (cause of course the next head of the Kuchiki clan is not only strong as hell, but also has inherited dad’s sense of service, responsibility and novelty) there will be some weeks of pure chaos. “NO, HE WILL BE HOME-SCHOOLED!” Byakuya will shout. “Honey, he needs to make friends. I know you’ve been home-schooled, but, don’t you think he/she/they deserves to experience the academy, make new friends and perhaps even found a lover?” the last part was just to tease him, but, after so many nights discussing (and perhaps so many kisses to convince him) he gives up. His baby is gonna attend the Shinigami academy, and he wouldn’t be more proud of everything his son/daughter does.

Oh, and speaking of which… he will pick up, personally, his little bundle of joy. Some people will feel a little intimidated that the sixth captain of the Gotei 13 is there with his cold stare and his golden noble things, but he is gonna become an active member of the organization just to make the academy an even better place for his child. (And also, because he has met the joy of gossiping with other parents while waiting for his child to get out of class)

Byakuya will be the happiest man in the world. The proudest father. His baby, his weakness and also his strength. His genes will run stronger in the kid, and, some afternoons you will be happy to see through the window at both battling with wooden swords, with smiles on their faces and a happy ending with no end for a soul who suffered so much… 💖

#byakuya kuchiki x reader #kuchiki byakuya x reader #byakuya x reader #byakuya kuchiki imagine #byakuya x you #kuchiki byakuya #byakuya kuchiki x you #kuchiki byakuya x you #byakuya #kuchiki byakuya imagine #byakuya kuchiki #bleach #bleach headcanons #bleach imagines #bleach byakuya #sashi ya #byakuya smut #bleach x reader

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l5byrinth · 1 year

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Remedie

pairing: chad meeks martin x reader

summary: in which chad is the only one who can make you feel better no matter how you’re feeling.

warning: mentions of sh!, fluff, lmk if i should add more

requested!!

a/n: you are all so worth it. every single one of you. please remember that <3 also if you ever get triggered by the warnings i gave please don’t read this :(

The nightmares and thoughts still haunted you till this day. The masked killer stabbing you severely was all you could think about. Losing your loved ones had emotionally scarred you. And the guilt of surviving didn’t help either.

The events in woodsboro had effected you more than you would show. Way more.

Ever since you were little, Chad would always be the one to cheer you up whenever something happened. Scraped your knee when falling of the bike? Chad helped you. Your first boyfriend broke up with you? He was there to comfort you.

But he was hurting because of the events too. You didn’t want to be a burden for him with your problems.

So you had found a way to cope with everything. A not so healthy way. Every time someone asked you about the scars, you told them it was from the attacks. But as the scars grew fresher and bigger you knew it wasn’t a good as an excuse as it was before.

You had tried your best, tried everything you could. And finally your way of coping had slowly faded away after you had moved to New York. It was terrifying, sure. But you had the people you loved by your side. Nothing could go wrong.

Right?

Turns out it could. Ever since that day. That day when you were watching the news when hanging out with Chad, the guilt and trauma came back.

You started going back to your old ways.

Nobody noticed it. But Chad could see you slowly fade away. You became less happy, less talkative than you usually were. And it killed him that he didn’t know what was going on.

It killed him his best friend wouldn’t tell him anything.

You took any excuse you could to go to the bathroom or a room whenever your anxiousness and guilt got bad again. And you started hurting.

It wasn’t healthy and you knew it. It wasn’t good and you knew it. But there was nothing you could do about it. Nothing you could change about the way you handled things. And you most specifically didn’t want anyone else to know. And no one did.

Well, until today.

The entire group, including you, were at Sam’s appartement. She wanted everyone to be together, so if any one of you were going to get attacked, you wouldn’t be on your own.

You were watching the news, hoping that nothing had happened. It made you more anxious than it should’ve. Your leg was nervously bouncing up and down, while you were sitting next to Chad.

Chad noticed your anxiety. The way your hands were on your thighs as if you were protecting them.

“Y/n.” He put his hand on your thigh, with a comforting smile on his face. You turned your head to look at him, your eyes softening when meeting his.

“It’s okay. I’m here.” He said, his eyes trying to find some answer in yours. Your leg stopped bouncing and your anxiety faded away, but not entirely. You nodded, your lips curling into a smile.

“Thank you.” You whispered, afraid that if you were speaking louder, tears would escape your eyes. “Guys, dinner is ready!” Sam called from the kitchen.

Chad got up and held out his hand to help you up. But you didn’t move, you didn’t even look at him. A memory flashed before you, almost as if you were reliving it. Your mother had said that exact phrase that night. That night your entire family was murdered. All of them except for you.

Your eyes were heavily fixated on your thighs and arms, the urge growing and growing. “Y/n?” Chad questioned, worry lacing his voice. “I- uhm… I gotta go the bathroom.” You muttered, not daring to look him in his eyes. Because if you did, you wouldn’t go to another room. You would go wherever he would take you.

You had developed a soft spot, alongside with a big tiny crush, for him throughout the years. You wanted to be strong, wanted to not be a burden. But whenever you were with him, it’s like you had to tell him all your worries.

His beautiful eyes never failed to make you feel safe. But you didn’t want that right now. The urge to hurt was too bad. Without even waiting for his reply, you got up and made your way to Sam’s bedroom.

You closed the door, so eagerly wanting to hurt, that you forgot to lock the door. You took of your sweater, wincing in pain when the fabric brushed against your scars. You did the same with your jeans.

A mirror had caught your attention and you looked at it. Thoughts and flashbacks raced through your head.

You hadn’t realised how many minutes had past, when you heard the door open slightly. Chad’s head peeked out with his eyes closed. You could see him through the mirror and panicked, yelling his name.

You grabbed your sweater quickly as he apologised repeatedly.

“Y/n, I was getting worried and I-” He opened his eyes as you were just putting on your pants. He noticed the scars on your arms and thighs, which made his heart shatter into a million pieces.

He had seen them before a long, long time ago. When you had told him it were just from the attacks.

But he realised now it wasn’t from the attacks, it was because of the attacks. And you were doing it to yourself.

Embarrassment took over you as he was still staring at you, his usual sparkly eyes seeming heartbroken.

“Y/n…” He started, but you didn’t let him finish. “It’s nothing, Chad. Why did you even come in here?” You questioned, your lip quivering slightly.

He got in and closed the door behind him. Something you wished he hadn’t done. “Y/n, please, I want you to tell me when something is wrong… I’m worried about you.”

“It’s none of your business, Chad.” You answered, wrapping your arms around yourself for comfort. He didn’t have to say anything, but you could see in his eyes that he was disappointed in you. It was what you thought you saw at least.

In reality, he was disappointed in himself for not noticing that you were hurting sooner. Disappointed in himself for not noticing you were hurting yourself.

With the thought of him fearing you and hating you, all of the feelings and thoughts you had bottled up, came out .

“You really want to know what’s going on, Chad? I have been hurting myself. Every chance I get, I hurt.” You yelled, showing your arm full with scars.

“I could’ve done something, Chad. I could’ve saved them. I am a coward. A hurting, piece of shit coward!” Tears were streaming down your face as you ranted. You were breathing heavily, the emotions rushing through your veins. You weren’t thinking straight.

“I shouldn’t even be here right now. I don’t deserve it. Not after what what happened to them. I- I c-could’ve…”

It became too much for you. Admitting to hurting yourself impacted you more than you thought it did. You plopped on the bed and rested you head in your hands as you cried. Not caring about what Chad was thinking anymore.

Chad walked over to you and grabbed your arm gently. To your surprise, his fingers were scanning the scars, caressing them every so often. Your head perked up at this, your heartbeat increasing at his touch.

He planted a kiss as light as a feather on one of them, his eyes meeting yours in the process. Heat crept up your cheeks, the rant and embarrassment long forgotten.

He spoke to you in between kisses, “Y/n, I’m here for you.” Another kiss. “I will be here no matter what.” And another. “I care for you.” Another. “And I want you to be safe.”

He grabbed your other arm, caressing the scars gently. He wished he could’ve prevented from anything bad happening to you. And he wished he noticed your state sooner. Another kiss was planted against a scar.

Your heart was beating out of your chest. His kisses and gentle touches bringing you more comfort than you could’ve ever imagined.

It was as if his kisses helped you heal.

“Chad…” The proper sentence you wanted to say, couldn’t leave your mouth when he planted more kisses.

His gaze flickered to your face as he pulled away. You were only now aware close proximity between the two of you, your heart thumping out of your chest pathetically.

“You want me to stop?” Worry was lacing his voice as he said this. He didn’t want to go past your boundaries or even scare you off. You shook your head, a simple “No.” leaving your mouth.

You didn’t know what was coming over you. He comforted you in a way no one could. In a way no one did. Your hands made their way to his cheeks, cupping them ever so gently.

While you leaned in closer, you swore you heard him take in a sharp breath. The closer you were the more your heart beat sped up.

Your lips brushed against one another, both of you longing for this moment for as long as you could remember.

Before you knew it his lips were attached to yours, fitting against each other perfectly like puzzle pieces. The kiss was gentle and soft, both of you trying not to put in all the passion you were holding back all this time.

But your passion took ahold of you, your kiss getting more and more passionate by the second. You backed away for air, a smile making its way to both of your faces. He planted kisses on your collarbone, made his way down your neck and arm.

A giggle left your lips as he left gentle kisses on your scars once more. His smile widened at the sound, loving that he had cheered you up.

It was like his kisses and his comforting words helped you heal. Like he helped you heal.

He was what you could say, your remedie.

#chad meeks martin #chad meeks martin x reader #chad meeks x reader #scream vi #fluff #ethan landry x reader

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sir-yeehaw-paws · 4 months

Text

Big Boss: What Happened?

Big Boss: Info Dump Request

@qoppybirdie requested:

This is my attempt at fulfilling that, with my own take on it. And probably a whole lot longer than OP wanted. But here we are.

Google Doc version. NOW ACCEESIBLE (Opened Access)

As a quick aside, I personally consider Portable Ops canon to the timeline and lore. Not everyone does, but in this I will be using examples from Portable Ops, as to me, it’s canon. I’m aware this is debated, so I’m putting it out there first and foremost.

Here we go!

“Politics are a living thing. They change along with the times. Today’s good may be tomorrow's evil.”-The Boss, to Big Boss (then Naked Snake) during the Virtuous Mission, 1964.

Big Boss, known as John/Jack, was born in the USA in 1935. Almost nothing of his life is known until the age of 15/16, when he met The Boss in 1950, becoming her apprentice. The Boss served as his mentor, and remains one of the most defining figures in his life, up until his death in 2014. Soon after meeting The Boss, John fought in the Korean War, and was part of nuclear testing in Bikini Atoll, in 1954.

This puts the FOX unit in jeopardy, and at risk of execution unless they can prove America wasn’t involved, with Big Boss given the task of rescuing Dr. Sokolov for a second time, assassinating the Boss, and as they put it “if possible, Colonel Volgin”. Volgin happens to have a metal gear, but that’s secondary to this story believe it or not.

This is the Operation where he also meets Ocelot, and Eva. Both of whom we’ll get back to later.

Cue Operation Snake Eater, and what is arguably the start of a nearly 60 year downfall for Big Boss. Big Boss defeats the Shagohod Metal Gear and Volgin, (does not manage to save Sokolov) and kills The Boss. When he returns to the United States, he’s given a medal for his service, and is left with a feeling of emptiness, grief and a whole lot of unanswered questions.

Whenever I think about the spiral of Big Boss, I tend to come back to the moment here, (and the one later, when he’s at the Boss’ grave). It can be argued that he never, ever recovers from this. While it takes him a lifetime to understand it, by the time of his death in 2014,he has fallen so far from the man he once was that it’s only at death he can acknowledge what he’s become, to his clone son Solid Snake,(Dave).

“Boss, you only need one Snake now..no, the world would be better without Snake’s.” Big Boss (at the Boss’ grave to Solid Snake, in 2014)

I could almost end this here, on the notion that he was used by the military to kill someone he loved and cared about, and lost all sense of what he believed in, and himself, in doing so. That the next 60ish years are just him going through the motions, attempting to come to a conclusion that doesn’t exist.

Why was he used? Why was he the one that needed to pull the trigger? Big Boss wasn’t exactly what I’d call an ‘idealist’ before that, but he did hold certain preconceived beliefs about his place in the world, and what he was meant to do with it. And that he had all of them wiped aside in an instant, all to save face for a country that would discard him at a moment's notice.

Before she was assassinated, the Boss was legendary as a soldier, and an American. She was idolised by her country and the people she served and worked with. When we find out later that her defection was part of a mission, and that it was jeopardised by Volgin behaving in a way nobody saw coming, it took nothing for them to discard her. When Big Boss is being awarded a service medal and the president attempts to shake his hand, I can imagine those are the thoughts playing on loop in his head.

They honour him now, in the moment. Yet a week before he was almost going to be executed by that same government and country, and his mentor, someone so beloved by the USA, was given that exact fate

He realizes here that his role, his personhood means nothing in the greater scope of war, and he’s supposed to just stand there, accept a handshake and pretend this total farce is a good thing?

Just like she told him, “Today's enemy, tomorrow’s friend.” That was a lesson the Boss understood before he did, and it’s one that he grasps all too well afterwards..to a degree. Big Boss we come to see is betrayed again and again by the people around him, because up to a certain point, he allows people into his life. In the same need for human connection and meaning all people have. Something that is abused countless times by the people close to him.

It takes years, but at some point, he does eventually give up. As we’ll see.

Following Operation Snake Eater, Big Boss leaves the military for a bit. He works at various jobs like hunting guides, only to go back to fighting and meet and rescue Frank Jaeger during the Mozambican War of Independence in 1966, but ultimately ends up doing mercenary work. In 1970, he’s captured via drugging by another rogue FOX unit, headed by a rogue agent known as GENE in what became the San Hieronymo Incident.

Gene had an idea, a nation of soldier’s. Made by soldier’s for soldiers.

This will sound extremely familiar, as it is almost verbatim to what Big Boss ends up creating himself later on. Outer Heaven. Even though the San Hieronymo Incident ends in Gene’s defeat, and with Big Boss returning to the USA and forming The Patriots with his former commander, Major Zero and members of the unit in Operation Snake Eater. Such as SIGINT (Donald Anderson), Para-Medic, Ocelot and Eva. Using some of the Philosopher’s Legacy, (money), The Patriots started out as an attempt to unify the world, but expanded and corrupted far beyond that original goal.

Big Boss himself leaves the Patriots in 1972, after facing the second major betrayal via the creation of Les Enfants Terribles (aka, ‘The Terrible Children), under Para-Medic’s care. Without telling Big Boss, or asking his consent, LET was undergone using Big Boss’ DNA, with an unnamed egg donor and Eva as the surrogate to make his clone sons, Solid Snake and Liquid Snake (Eli). As well as the ‘perfect clone’ Solidus Snake, (George). (He was not surrogated by Eva, however).

“They’re no sons of mine.” “Just a bunch of cells grown in a lab?”

“What they are is much sicker than that.”- John and Ocelot discussing the clone sons, in 1984.

LET existed because Zero and Para-Medic wanted to ensure the continuation of Big Boss’ genes and soldier capabilities. He saw them as an abomination and betrayal. After learning of LET, Big Boss leaves the Patriots, and the United States. Working again as a mercenary for higher.

No matter what he does, he cannot get himself out of warzones.

“The Boss and I may have gone down different paths, but we were trapped in the same cage.”- Big Boss to Solid Snake, in 2014

Really quick, the definition of a mercenary according to Merriam Webster is; ‘one that serves merely for wages’. They mostly find themselves in warzones, but they are not fighting on behalf of a country. They are not conscripted or drafted. The gain is purely financial. But most specifically, a mercenary is hired ‘for foreign conflicts’ in particular. This is largely because a country may want to get involved in a certain conflict, or mission, but are unable to legally, or without raising suspicions. Thus, they hire a non-related mercenary, for pay, to do what they cannot.

This is the sort of environment Big Boss finds himself operating in more often than not. He’s fresh off a second betrayal, mistrustful and hurt, and finds himself on the lam and a gun for hire in Columbia, eventually ending up hired by the Colombian government to work with their army. I can imagine his attitude in Columbia being one that is grieving, disillusioned and bitter. It’s here that he comes upon a guerilla squad commanded by Kazuhira Miller, and wipes them out. Except for Miller. Who he ‘recruits’ under the idea of it being non-negotiable. Kaz is the only survivor, and if he doesn’t stay with Big Boss, he’ll be executed. (Instead, Big Boss blackmails a commander who could be responsible for it, in order to keep Kaz off the chopping block). Which is a nice little fact to hang over Kaz’s head, should he choose to escape.

Heiwa to Kazuhira no Blues (the Peace Walker audio drama) expands on this a great deal. His ‘recruitment’ is no simple thing, and Big Boss also puts Kaz through a number of rigged trials he knows Kaz can’t win, in order to further cement his place under him. Combining that in conjunction with the fact that Kaz will be executed should he not ally with Big Boss (and I’ll point out here that yes, Kaz does try to blow himself and Big Boss up with a grenade but does he really want to die?) it’s something of a hopeless situation and somewhat one-sided.

The entire relationship and scenario with Kaz is complicated enough on its own. Kaz isn’t a fully innocent victim either, but it is at this point and time that one can see a significant shift happening in Big Boss’ mindset. There’s a sinister element to the trials he puts Kaz through, and yet, there’s still a part of him that clings to the idea of companionship. He’s edging closer to the dark end of grey in his climbing scale, but he has not yet crossed that point.

Kaz spearfishing during one of the trials (art by Yoji Shinkawa)

Defeated, Kaz joins Big Boss, and as his subcommander they form one of the first ever PMC’s (or, Private Military Company)-Militaires Sans Frontières (Army without Borders, or MSF). The concept of the PMC later takes over in the world (and the disastrous environment Solid Snake finds himself dealing with come 2014). While in MSF, Big Boss finds himself in Costa Rica to deal with the Peace Walker incident, and becomes allied there with some revolutionaries from the Sandinista National Liberation Front, who are under the command of Amanda Valenciano Libre, after the death of her father (the original commander). And via Amanda, Big Boss meets her brother, Ricardo Valenciano Libre, or. Chico.

Chico is where this gets complicated. Chico is around 12 years old at the time, and one of the key elements to where we see Big Boss’ mindset shifting fully. While he’s still somewhat optimistic, even a little goofy at times (the way we see him in Snake Eater), Chico’s situation is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s easy to argue that Chico being part of the MSF is one of the only alternatives he could have at the time. He’s in the middle of a warzone with his sister. If he’s not under Big Boss, where else can he go? What else can he reasonably do?

-What makes discussing Big Boss so tricky, I think-and why I believe it’s almost impossible to say he had some sort of ‘turning point’, is that it is completely possible to look at everything he does, everything that happens, and find a way to excuse or come up with a justification, or even logic for it. This is not me saying that he is right, or a good person. Metal Gear cannot just be boxed into ‘good’ or ‘evil’ it is grey. It is supposed to be grey. It centres around people and themes that do not have such simplistic barriers to work with. That is the point.-

-The downfall of Big Boss does not happen overnight. It is a slow burning wreck that expands and grows. It is the make-up and conclusion of many factors, incidents and events. It happens slowly, and sometimes it happens below the surface.-

For all intents and purposes, Chico is a child soldier. But is that Big Boss’ fault? Children are as wrapped up in war as any other. War does not care if you’re a child, or an adult. Did Chico truly have anywhere else to go?

I don’t really have an answer to that. And I’m going to admit it out right. What I will say is that early on in Chico’s recruitment, Big Boss rescues Chico, but he doesn’t want to go back with him because he’s ashamed of giving up information (link should be time stamped for access) about the others to the enemy.

There are MANY ways to interpret this moment. I’ve seen various interpretations of it myself, but here’s how I’m going to explain it. As per how I see it. Again, this is a complicated story and scenario-and people’s view on it is going to differ a lot. One of the points I really want to stress in this far-too-long essay here is that none of what we see comes with the easiest answers. It’s all layered. How you view a moment may differ from how someone else views it.

Anyway, to me, I’m going to put it like this. Big Boss knows that Chico doesn’t mean that. What I can’t say for sure is if he’d have really shot him or not (I don’t think he would’ve, not only because he promised Amanda he’d bring Chico back, and if nothing else Big Boss will usually complete his missions. But that as far as we know, he never outright executes a child in the series). But Chico does not know this. Big Boss is, essentially, showing Chico that no, he doesn't want to die, come on now. And that breaking under the situation isn’t something he needs to feel guilty about. Nor, is it worth dying for.

WE can assume that Big Boss isn’t going to hurt him. WE can realise that but there is no way for Chico to hold the same understanding here.

But Chico isn’t a man. Chico is a child. When Chico dies in 1975, Skullface says something very similar. Negating the fact that at the end of the day, this is no adult.

“No more wargames, you’re a real man now, soldier”.-Skullface (to Chico when he’s a tortured prisoner in Camp Omega, 1975)

Here, Big Boss is visibly (I can assume anyway) attempting to encourage Chico. Prove to him that he doesn’t want to die, and that he doesn’t need to die for the infraction he believes himself to have made. (None of Chico’s compatriots blame him for giving up information, and why would they? He is a kid).

But did he? Big Boss can think that the ‘child’ died, and he became a man. But is any of that really true? Is Chico not as much a child now as he is when he dies a year later?

I find it very significant that the artist, Ashley Wood, has Big Boss completely in shadow here. It says a lot about what Chico must be feeling, and how we (the audience) might be meant to interpret him. There is none of the silly dork we know Big Boss to have been a decade prior. There is none of the innocence and even almost child-like awkwardness he was so beholden to. So much of his optimism, his original outlook and hope, is eradicated by this point.

Chico, I’ll note really quick is never seen off-radio. He is kept ‘safe’ (if you can call it that) on the MSF base itself. And working as radio support. I’ll note too that Chico always wants to be seen as an ‘adult’ by the people around him. But, come on. I’m sure we all remember being 13. I’m sure everyone had that ‘I am desperate to be mature and taken seriously’ awkward teen phase. That doesn’t change the fact that he’s still a child, who is stealing Amanda’s cigarettes one moment, and laughing about his favourite monsters and cryptids the next.

It’s no more justified (in my opinion) than Huey Emmerich is when he uses the absolutely pathetic reasoning behind letting a 4-year-old Hal pilot Sahelanthropus.

“He (Hal) wanted to get in!”-Huey Emmerich to Revolver Ocelot under torture. 1984.

What Hal may have wanted is irrelevant to the fact that you don’t let a kid touch a hot stove because they want to. It is on the adults around them to make sure they don’t do things they can’t control. Granted, Chico is old enough in Peace Walker to have very valid feelings about what he might want, and more than old enough for personal agency, but still young enough to where adults around him should be protecting him.

And I know that in war, the rules are not the same. I understand that. Later on we see a 12 year old Liquid Snake and child soldiers in situations no child should be in, but does that mean they still didn’t need protection? In any case, I’m too close to getting off topic here, so let’s keep going.

We will see him goofing off a bit more in Peace Walker. But it is important to note that by its end, Big Boss’ ideology, and his view on the world has shifted a lot.

He also comes to find out that Kaz was employed by Zero (now going by ‘Cipher’) and working as a spy. Marking the third time Big Boss is betrayed by someone close to him. In this, I’m sort of torn. My personal interpretation of the ‘spy Kaz’ bit is extensive and doesn’t quite belong here, but I’ll note that it’s another way in which Big Boss comes to find that he can’t trust anyone that it doesn’t matter how close someone is to him, they are going to find a way to stab him in the back.

He’s already become more and more cynical around this point, and it is not aided by finding out the truth about Kaz either. The cloud around Big Boss darkens all the more.

By the end of Peace Walker, Big Boss has come to learn what he thinks is the truth about the Boss. When she put down her gun (stopped fighting) she (in his mind) betrayed the ideology and beliefs that he feels she taught him, and when Big Boss ‘let’s go’ of her (in disgust, as he takes this to be an example of her betraying the will of the soldier, and him). I don’t fully grasp how he comes to this conclusion, but in letting the Boss ‘go’ (by removing her bandana) he shifts again, willingly keeping a nuke on Mother Base in the MSF (at Kaz’s suggestion, I’ll note) To Big Boss, I guess he might see this as the fourth betrayal.

With another metal gear defeated, Big Boss declares the following to the MSF:

"We have no nation, no philosophy, no ideology. We go where we're needed, fighting not for country, not for government, but for ourselves. We need no reason to fight. We fight because we are needed. We will be the deterrent for those with no other recourse. We are soldiers without borders, our purpose defined by the era we live in."-Big Boss to the MSF, after the Metal Gear ZEKE battle.

But this is not where that speech ends. Big Boss is under few illusions about the sort of man he’s become, and he tells his men much the same.

Fairly self explanatory, in my opinion.

Thus, the MSF becomes a nuclear power. And this is the mindset that Big Boss has when he goes into the Ground Zeroes mission at Camp Omega. Chico has escaped to go rescue Paz and Skullface has planned an attack on Mother Base while they’re gone. The inspection approved by Huey Emmerich (who didn’t ask Big Boss or Kaz first, and was apparently under the belief it was legitimate..and I don’t know if it’s true or not, I can never fully come to a conclusion there).

The base explodes, and while Kaz is seething and raging, Big Boss is left so shell shocked all he can do is sit motionless while Kaz shakes him repeatedly. Attempting to get any sort of answer from him. Answers Big Boss doesn’t give, nor does he have. After all, it’s not his fault the base went up in flames. The end result is the death of Paz and Chico, and the start of a 9-year- coma for Big Boss.

And, for the medic on that chopper, whom Ocelot and Zero turn into Venom Snake. Big Boss’ phantom and living body-double. Fully hypnotized, brainwashed and made into another man, all without his consent.

The creation of Venom alone is gregarious enough, but Big Boss didn’t sign off on Venom. He was already made by the time he wakes up in 1984. But aside from a moment of protesting it, Big Boss embraces it. Allowing Venom to wake up in a hospital that’s largely blown to shreds and turned into a massacre under XOF (Skullface’s unit), all so he and Venom can escape under cover. Countless people die in that hospital, and Big Boss has become arrogant and callous enough to where it doesn’t matter to him.

Ocelot is also the only one aware of the truth. (Someone Big Boss doesn’t seem to mind having that right, since up to this point, and the rest of his life, Ocelot is one of the few people who doesn’t betray him). Kaz, by contrast, has been completely abandoned and cast aside by him. And not told about Venom being a different man (until later). Which has a real element of cruelty in it, in my opinion. Especially since it’s Venom who saves Kaz after he’s been a POW for a while. But that’s another post in it’s own way.

Big Boss wakes up a new man, with a new (stolen) identity, and with his body double firmly in place and Ocelot pleasantly self-hypnotized to carry it out, he leaves to go begin the formation of Outer Heaven. Free to let others do his dirty work, while he continues to operate by himself.

Putting aside the fact that he looks damn good here-that isn’t the face of a guy with a whole lot of humanity left in him.

Remember Zero? Let’s go back to him for a quick moment. Because it’s at this point in the timeline that Big Boss begins to embrace a concept that was originally propagated by Zero when they were still all working together as the Patriots. By the early 1970’s, Big Boss had a pretty good reputation behind him as legendary soldier. And Zero believed it would be a good call to emphasise that narrative. It was beneficial to have Big Boss’ legend spread throughout, and continued. It’s also important to note that Big Boss himself rejected being called ‘Big Boss’ as he believed the title should only belong to the Boss.

In San Hieronymo, he’s called ‘Snake’ (much like his original codename, Naked Snake) and in Peace Walker the sandinistas often call him ‘Vic Boss’ as they compare him to Che Guevara (as does Kaz). The comparisons to Guevara do not end there, as historically, Guevara was most known for having several jobs under his belt, and being a key figure in the Cuban Revolution. Until his execution by the CIA in 1965. Personal opinions of Guevara are extensive and far beyond the scope of what I’m going to cover here, and will undoubtedly vary by person. Thus, I’ve left it as a link. He was a radical revolutionary in his lifetime, and is mentioned periodically in conjunction with Naked Snake, which paints a suggested idea of how some characters in-series viewed Big Boss as a person.

This being a good or bad thing, is again up to personal interpretation.

Either way, it’s notable (for me and I guess for the purpose of this essay) that up until the end of Peace Walker, Big Boss largely rejects the idea of being a figurehead, a martyr or particularly legendary. That is no longer the case in the 80’s. Where he is fully ‘Big Boss’ as we know him, and absolutely fine with leaving people in the line of fire (consent or otherwise) after a long coma, one too many betrayals, and the full disillusionment of his original beliefs at the hands of a lot of hurt, and years of pain and complicated warfare.

I don’t know that I’d consider Big Boss was ever a ‘humble’ sort of man. In the very beginning of his first mission we see him doing (the Halo Jump into the Virtuous Mission) he’s arrogantly smoking and ignoring the man telling him to put on his mask. But by the end of the 80’s he’s gone completely into the beast he and others created, arrogant and without care.

While Venom is working on the Diamond Dogs (who are also later transferred to Outer Heaven, while Big Boss himself operates Foxhound), he’s (at some point) reuniting with Frank Jaeger (now Gray Fox, at some point rescues and recruits Sniper Wolf, and building up Zanzibarland). By the 1990’s, Big Boss is kidnapping scientists, building metal gears, has children he saved on his base, and is nothing like the man we saw in the mid 60’s.

Hey, speaking of kidnapping, let’s go over how soldiers get ‘recruited’ to the MSF, Diamond Dogs (again yes I know that’s Venom), Outer Heaven, etc. Starting with the MSF, (but there was a taste of it in the San Hieronymo Incident), soldiers are knocked out and dragged back to the base. They’re left in the brig for a little bit, and come out completely and utterly loyal to Big Boss.

How loyal?

“We live and die by your order, Boss!”-Diamond Dogs infected with the Vocal Cord Parasite mutation, just before being mercy executed by Venom Snake.

That loyal.(Again, it’s best to operate when talking about Venom Snake in this specific case as if he and Big Boss are one in the same, because it’s not exactly about the man, but the situation, the cult for lack of a better word, of Big Boss). To these soldiers, who they are as people doesn’t matter as much as what the Boss demands. It’s that same energy, that mindset, that had Venom Snake (then the Medic) throw himself in front of a flaming chopper to save Big Boss’ life.

And where Big Boss might’ve questioned that sort of thing beforehand, by the time of Diamond Dogs, Outer Heaven etc, it is fully embraced. It’s fine that he’s got another man doing plenty of his dirty work (without his consent). It’s fine that he left Kaz because Kaz hurt him and betrayed him and he doesn’t deserve to hear otherwise. It’s fine that thousands die in a burning hospital to save his own life.

And then it’s later ‘fine’ when a young Solid Snake (who doesn’t know he’s Big Boss’ son) is sent into Outer Heaven during Operation Intrude N313, to kill who he thinks is Big Boss, but is actually Venom Snake.

Venom Snake, who has now spent 11 years as Big Boss himself, who has one last mission to die. As Big Boss for Big Boss. Again. The tape to Venom is Big Boss at what I believe is one of his most arrogant moments yet. In it, he thanks Venom *sort of* for his work, and how he’s helped him build up their shared legend. A legend that later Big Boss takes all the credit for. Because Outer Heaven explodes, and the man is all but erased from memory. Absorbed back into Big Boss yet again.

For a man that wanted to create a nation where soldiers mean something, and are revered, Venom’s discarded pretty quick (and he never agreed to be there to begin with). I cannot say if the Medic would’ve agreed to become Big Boss if he’d even been able to, but I can say that it is hard to deny that he’s used as much as any other soldier. Because at this moment, Big Boss now believes that dying on a battlefield is the only way to go, and Venom should be honoured to be him. Or ‘them’ as Big Boss puts it.

“I am you, and you are me.This story, this legend, it’s ours. I cheated death thanks to you.”-Big Boss to Venom Snake.

And then Venom dies, all but forgotten. His purpose has been served. His job is done. He’s no longer needed. Him, nor any of the soldiers who die in Outer Heaven. With Solid mostly oblivious to the secondary layers happening below. (Big Boss has absolutely no issue using Solid, either. He’s past the point of caring). I can imagine someone telling Solid, “This guy used to laugh about eating glowing mushrooms that recharge his batteries” and being unable to believe it.

When Solid Snake faces down Big Boss for the second time in 1999, he is past the point of caring about anything that isn’t war. His speech to Solid in Zanzibarland before Solid defeats him is infamous, and sums up his general view of the world in a nice, succinct fashion for Solid (and the audience).

This is the culmination of decades of hurt, betrayals and the knowledge that he is a man built and bred for the war machine. Big Boss has come to a point where he’s suffered enough, experienced enough, that war is all he can understand. War is all that he can possibly care about. He has stopped being able to feel, to connect with people. He is hollowed out, hardened and fully embracing the man he’s turned himself into.

These are not excuses. Big Boss can be a victim of his fate and the war machine, and still not be in the right here. The two can and in this case I’d argue, do very much co-exist. As I said above, his ‘downfall’ was not a matter of tripping down some steps. It was a slow, consistent decline that eventually accumulated. Despite this, Solid does defeat him, and Big Boss is put in stasis for the next few years. Left quite literally on ice. Conscious, but trapped in his body.

Don’t YOU make your clone son kill your body double and use him almost as badly as others used you? No? (Solid Snake and Big Boss, Metal Gear Solid 2, Yoji Shinkawa)

“I never saw you as a son. But as a man, a soldier.”-Big Boss to Solid Snake, 2014

We know how this story ends. Big Boss spends a bunch of time on ice, gets re-fitted with body parts taken from Solidus’ and dies of the new Foxdie virus (which also kills Eva and Ocelot, just like it did Liquid before) in the same cemetery where most of it started. Leaning up against the Boss’ grave. Aware that he spent decades misunderstanding her will, and that he never quite got it right in life.

How then, would I wrap this up? Well, I guess you could say that I’ve cheated a little. Because I never truly answer the question, “how does Big Boss become evil”, did I? I suppose some of it’s because, as I summed up earlier, I just don’t see it as such a simple case. I do believe that we’re all meant to have our own interpretation, at the end of the day, and the easiest way to summarise it might be that a man becomes so enmeshed in the war machine, that he turns into the very machine himself.

Big Boss had child soldiers (but did the kids fight?). Big Boss used, and abused many people (and was used and abused himself). Big Boss created PMC’s (with help). Big Boss had nukes (at the suggestion of others).

Etc, etc.

At the end of the day, I’ll conclude this long, rambling spiral of thoughts to say that the moment Big Boss ‘turns’ is up to interpretation. Which may seem like a cowards way out, but is it not true? Whenever I pose the question, I see many different answers and responses out in the wild.

This, therefore, is my own take on it. My attempt. And I know I’ve probably forgotten something (or many something’s) but I personally, will end here.

If you made it this far, congratulations! I cannot believe how long this got, and thanks for coming along with me.

By,

Nate

#big boss #character posts: big boss #mgs #request posts #user: qoppybirdie #thoughts posts #nates headcanons #this is 23 pages long send HELP #i knew id ramble but CHRIST #anyway i feel slightly mad but hey least my uni skills go somewhere fun

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