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inawearyworld · 5 months

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free if you truly wish to be: chapter iii

plots are half revealed, and willy "mr accidentally steal yo girl" wonka gets his sorry ass saved by a woman wearing one of those "oh no my husband mysteriously floated away died" robes you see all over pinterest. (now there's a sentence i never thought i'd write.)

2023!wonka x oc, this chapter ~2.5k

i would like to thank mr mathew baynton in that one bts interview for those bits and pieces of fickelgruber analysis that will totally now be used here. and also for being generally wonderful. thanks mat ilysm

also i thought it would be sort of funny for at least someone in this world revolving around chocolate to be lactose intolerant and then of course i had to turn it into something sad and poetic bc of Who I Am As A Person

enjoy!! and thank you for all the support on this fic so far!!

part two fic masterlist part four

She had a lot to think about that night.

Felix hadn’t returned home yet, and she started to worry that the fateful flying chocolates weren’t quite as harmless as advertised. The young man who’d made them, too, was swirling about her mind in a haze of schoolgirl blushes and piercing guilt.

Florence Fickelgruber had chosen her lot when she agreed to take on that name. Who was she to imagine a freer life, one of candy-coated dreams and a clear conscience, of gazes and banter with someone her own age, of running her hand through curls that weren’t slick with expensive gel? Who was she to foolishly wish for anything different, when so many people were counting on her?

She missed her home, her family, and it hadn’t been lost on her that Felix had never told her about his own background. Their wedding was attended mainly by those surrounding the Fickelgruber business, as well as another flood of press. She’d had to blink so much that day, unused to being in front of cameras after a youth spent on the stage, but her new husband had preened next to her as if this focus on appearance was where he felt most at home. She remembered the crowd’s polite cheers fading in her mind as he had slowly lifted her chin while she accepted a forkful of the most extraordinarily decadent chocolate cake.

For that day, she had allowed the feeling of his hand on her face to eclipse that of the too-rich frosting stuck in her throat.

Then he came through the door, humming a jaunty tune, and she blinked, torn out of the memory that she felt an entirely different kind of guilt for indulging in.

“Felix? Darling, where have you been?”

“Oh, don’t you worry your pretty auburn head, my songbird. The boy’s finished, absolutely finished. No one will be flying about the Galeries Gourmet if the police have anything to say about it.”

“What-what do you mean?”

“He’s disturbed the peace, made a commotion, even encouraged the-the-the unfortunate to disgrace our sacred sanctuary of chocolate. And the Chief is none too happy about it.”

“Is he?” she said suspiciously, stepping in front of him-because, up until this point, he hadn’t looked her in the eye.

Felix was silent for a moment, cacao eyes darting. His wife’s gaze was strong and unyielding-don’t lie to me again, I can’t take it-but her head tilted innocently to the side, a sort of plausible deniability.

A sort of protection.

“Yes,” he breathed with a curt nod, and took her hands in his. “I promise you, it was a solemn thing.”

“Then what were you singing as you came in?”

The chocolatier blinked again, falling into an absolutely done sort of expression, and Florence’s head tilted to the other side.

“You’ve had another musical number without me.”

“I’m terribly sorry, pet.”

“You know you can’t hide from me, Felix,” she said, something that would have been playfully teasing but held an edge of desperation that he refused to pick up on.

“It of course wasn’t the same without you,” he drawled in that ever-dramatic way, bringing her into their living room. “We’ll make it up now. Dance with me, Florence.”

He snapped his fingers, and some unseen yet attentive servant placed a needle on a record. A crooning melody started to crackle and bounce across the high golden ceilings, and Felix spun his wife into him, twirling her about with a smirk that she could only imagine to be the result of a monopoly saved.

She swayed to and fro in his arms, trying desperately to sink into the music, unable to focus on anything but the wrenching pull of her battling guilts.

Florence spent much of the next day in a state of ping-ponging worry. She’d looked intently out of the mansion’s sprawling windows over the town square, wondering whether her forbidden new friend had taken her advice.

“Just…don’t give up.”

“I wasn’t planning on it.”

And who knows what they’ll do to him now?

The hours had passed in a blur, and then she was laid limp, unable to sleep, and mentally exhausted, next to her husband and his piccolo snore.

She had screwed her eyes shut and burrowed into him, trying to force herself to feel as secure as she did two years ago; then, the slight sound of a little girl’s singing voice lifted itself into her consciousness, followed by the blare of a police car.

Puzzled, Florence carefully got out of bed and went to the window once more. The girl she’d heard was the one with the sweet smile that she’d seen in the Galeria yesterday, and Willy Wonka was next to her, warning her to run. The Chief of Police and Officer Affable faced them, but this wasn’t to last-the former seemed to tell the latter to leave, and the latter obeyed.

It wasn’t as if a switch flipped at that moment.

More like…

An extinguished candle was finally relit.

Before she could overthink herself into inaction, Wren was grabbing her robe and slippers and bolting downstairs, the snore that echoed after her serving as reassurance that she wouldn’t be found out. In her haste, she had the passing realization that this would be the first time she’d leave the house with her hair down and uncoiffed in over two years.

Through this rush, she heard the plunge of something in the town square’s fountain along with the shouts of the Chief, and she ran faster, throwing open the door just in time to see him about to club a drenched Willy over the head.

“OFFICER!”

Both men turned to her in an instant. She let out the breath she’d been holding since first hearing the girl’s voice, rolled her shoulders back, dropped into the character she’d played for the past two years, and stepped forward.

“What on earth is going on?”

They stared, each with a different kind of shock, as she walked toward the fountain. The Chief returned his nightstick to its holster.

“Mrs. Fickelgruber,” he stammered, “I thought you would have thought-well, I guess he didn’t tell-you aren’t-”

“No, I’m not thrilled about you clobbering this poor young man in the middle of the night,” she said, placing a hand on Willy’s shoulder. He looked at her, still touched with the fear of the past minutes but now grateful, and she tried not to be struck by the freckles she saw behind his water-plastered curls.

“Who said anything about clobbering?” the Chief laughed somewhat nervously. “We were just having a chat. An impactful, memorable chat. Right, Mr. Wonka?”

Willy dragged his eyes to him and held them there, a bit speechless.

What was probably three seconds but felt like an eternity of strange silence passed.

“Memorable indeed.”

“Right, then,” the Chief said. “You’ll do good to continue to remember it. Goodnight, Mrs. Fickelgruber.”

With that, he entered his car and drove away, his tail lights fading in the distance as the remaining pair stood, a little shell-shocked, her hand still on his shoulder.

“Thank you,” he said after a while, his gaze still trailing the receding police car.

“You’re welcome,” she replied, giving his shoulder an awkward pat, which made her realize just how cold he was due to the impromptu fountain bath. “Oh, God, you’re freezing. Let me…”

As he turned towards her, she looked up, trying to see through her window in the dark. She could barely make out the shape of a sound-asleep Felix, still in bed.

“Come to the office, I’ve got the key. There’s a fireplace there; you can stay as long as you need to to warm up.”

“Are you sure?”

His eyes moved up the same way, then back to her, and she shook her head as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

“Of course.”

“Do you want anything to drink? Water, tea? Hot chocolate?”

She hadn’t turned on most of the lights so as not to draw attention, but she’d started a beautiful fire, which Willy sat by in a plush emerald-green chair. She’d rattled off the drinks on habit, but she turned to him upon saying the third, sharing his smile.

“The last one, please. But I’ll make it.”

“No, you need to rest-”

“I insist,” he said, moving to join her by the small bar in the office and searching through ingredients. “Unless that’s some sort of corporate sacrilege.”

“Making chocolate in enemy territory?”

He took a small jar of powder from his sleeve and shook it into two mugs, considering this, and his smile faltered a bit.

“Is it really that bad?” he asked. “That they’d…that they’d send the police after me? That business rivalry is thought of like a war?”

She pursed her lips and nodded solemnly.

“They…feel threatened,” she said slowly, “and, despite how professional they seem, they can’t be mature or rational about it. Apparently, you really do have the best chocolate in town.”

He neither confirmed nor denied, but gave half of a smile as he looked down at the drinks he was stirring.

“And I, for one, am quite looking forward to trying it.”

“Here, then,” he said, pulling something out of a coat pocket that had managed to escape the frozen flush. “Nothing too dangerous about this one. Just some good old Wonka magic.”

He opened his hand to her, revealing a small, wrapped treat, and she sighed.

“I’d love to, but I really shouldn’t. Not even the drinks.”

“Why not?” came the stunned reply, and she nearly laughed at just how sweetly scandalized the boy seemed to be at the idea of anyone denying themselves that pleasure.

“Milk has never really…agreed with me. Bad for the throat, and I’m a singer besides, as you know-I mean, I-well, it’s just…”

PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER.

“I shouldn’t.”

He took a moment, and she watched his eyes widen as he processed the shocking injustice of being genetically predisposed against chocolate.

“Does your husband know about this?”

“He does, but he doesn’t care. Says I’ll ‘grow out of it with time’, which I haven’t.”

“So he’s…”

“Essentially poisoning me, yes.”

They laughed a little, because, surrounded by echoes of Fickelgruber’s power, it was the only thing they could do.

Willy stared at the table for a moment, then pulled another vial, this one containing a liquid, from yet another pocket.

“Lucky for you, then, I’ve got milk made from the product of the finest almond trees on the islands of Seychelles,” he said as he deftly poured the liquid into her glass. “Guaranteed to go down sweetly, both on the taste buds and after.”

“...Thank you,” she murmured, touched by the gesture.

With a final flick of the wrist, he deemed the hot chocolate finished, and they each carried their mug to the fire.

“Wren,” he said thoughtfully as they sat down.

“Hm?”

She was instinctively flooded with warmth in the same way she was yesterday, though whether it was due to the stunningly perfect cocoa or hearing her name in his voice she wasn’t sure.

“Is it a nickname? Songbird, right?”

She saw in the fireglow that his face darkened a bit upon the memory of how Felix had always referred to her in the press, taking that potentially sweet title and spinning it in an almost dehumanizing manner. So someone did notice.

“Well…sort of. That was what my parents intended. They say a wren sang when I was born, so they gave me that name, and I loved it. But Felix assumed it was a nickname and suggested I should expand it; to sound more sophisticated in my performances, he said, but I knew half the reason was to fit with the alliteration. He’s always valued aesthetics above anything else.”

They were silent for a while, and the massive painting seemed to stare down at them, making the Fickelgrubers look almost menacing in the fireglow.

“That’s you?”

A moment passed.

“No. No, that’s not really me.”

Her voice was quiet, but decisive. Willy looked at her, really looked at her, and she felt more seen than she had in years.

“I want to help you,” she said.

“Hm?”

His head tilted to the side, a little stunned, and she nearly giggled as his now-drying curls flopped in front of his face.

How could anyone want to hurt him?

“I don’t know exactly what Felix and the rest have planned against you, but I know there’s something. He never really tells me anything, but I’ll…I’ll try to find out what I can, to distract him when needed. I don’t want you to be alone in this.”

“I’m not,” he said. “The others where I’m staying right now, we’re all in a rather precarious situation together, and I’ve got a few ideas, but…”

She watched the wheels turn in his mind, and after a few moments, he looked back up at her, for once lost for words.

“But thank you. Again. I’d…I appreciate it.”

“Thank you. For bringing some much-needed heart into this place.”

“I think you’ve done that rather well yourself.”

This was news to her often-guilt-wracked brain.

“...Really?”

“Well, of course. You clearly care, Wren…you’re kind, you’re poetic and talented, and far smarter than it seems they give you credit for. It’s in your eyes, too, I think. You can always tell the truth by a person’s eyes.”

Her heart had nearly stopped.

Somehow, though, she could tell that he was unaware of the full effect he had on her.

“Mr. Wonka-ah, Willy, I mean…”

“Forgive me if-I didn’t intend to-”

The clocks around the city chimed the hour, interrupting the two just as they had the day before, and the young man’s expression went from its dazed dawning to a startled realization.

“They’ll need me. Back where I’m staying, I mean.”

“Of-of course,” she said a bit awkwardly as they both stood up.

His hair had dried by now, falling in perfectly imperfect swoops around his face. He’d undone his necktie to keep its cold away from his neck, and his jacket was folded over his arm, and he was looking at her as if he hadn’t had a conversation quite like that with someone in a very, very long time.

And neither had I.

Or…ever, I suppose.

Until now.

“Thank you. Again.”

“You’re welcome. Again.”

She took a breath, let it out, and folded him into a hug, which he returned in an instant.

After two years of jutting angles and sharply possessive grasps, it was remarkable to simply, softly, hold and be held.

They bid a last goodnight before parting ways, and as she took her time walking back to the mansion, the moon seemed brighter than ever before.

#wonka 2023 #wonka movie #wonka x reader #willy wonka x reader #wonka #willy wonka #timothee chalamet #timothée chalamet x reader #timothee x reader #timothee chalamet fic #timothee chalamet fanfiction #timothée chalamet #wonka fanfiction #wonka fanfic #mat baynton #mathew baynton #mathew baynton x reader #mat baynton x reader #fiytwtb

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sarafinamk · 23 days

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Fallen Angel Incorrect Quotes Part 2: Electric Boogaloo

Warning: Cursing

The Smiling Critters Space Riders Au and the character "Z" belongs to @onyxonline

If you haven't checked out the Fallen Angel (Reader Insert) series, you can check out the Masterlist here. The reader will be referred to as both (Y/n) and Archangel. Enjoy!

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*Archangel trying on a new outfit*

Crafty: Do you or do you not feel bonita?

Archangel:

Archangel: I feel bonita.

Crafty: Wonderful! Because you look bonita!

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Bobby: The reason why you hate physical contact even though you're extremely touch deprived is because it's been so long since you felt loving physical contact from another living being that your brain misperceives it as a threat.

Archangel:

Bobby:

Bobby: So Picky brought home this raspberry lemonade-

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*One of the many, MANY fights before the events of Fallen Angel*

Archangel: You'd be stupid to lay a hand on me.

Hoppy: Oh, you'd be surprised how much stupid shit I do.

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Archangel: If bees can be fish and boys can be girls, then why can't my dad love me?

Hoppy: I thought I was going to have to yell at you, but now I think I should hug you.

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Bobby: A party is a celebration of life, bringing people together to let the guest of honor know how much they're loved. (Y/n) has done so much for us. This is our chance to do something for them.

Bubba: By forcing them to have fun at a party that they don't want to be at?

Bobby: I knew you'd understand.

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Archangel: Still not over how yesterday when we landed, Hoppy said we arrived 50 minutes early because she took some "shortcuts."

Archangel: Excuse me, we were in space, what do you mean???

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Archangel: I desire moisture.

Picky: Please just say "I want water" like a normal person.

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Hoppy: (Y/n) is mad at me, and I'm not sure why.

Bubba: Okay, did you talk before they got upset?

Hoppy: ...yes?

Bubba: That's probably it.

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Some fan: I wanna be an archangel!

Archangel: What the fuck do you want this shit for? I kill people, all right? Their blood is on my hands! Every night, when I go to sleep, I see their FUCKING faces staring at me! Their families weep, and I FEEL NOTHING! I'M DEAD INSIDE!

That same fan: Man, I want some of that in my life!

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Bubba: Don't weep for the stupid. You'll be crying all day.

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Archangel: There is no future. There is no past. Don't you see? Time is simultaneous, an intricately structured jewel that people insist on viewing one edge at a time, when the whole design is visible in every fact.

Picky: ... All I asked was if you wanted to cut your birthday cake first.

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Archangel: What is love?

Dogday: An emotional minefield.

Bubba: A neurochemical reaciton.

Kickin: Baby don't hurt me.

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Bubba: I have the sharpest memory here - name one time I forgot something!

Hoppy: You left me, (Y/n), and Catnap in a Walmart parking lot at 2 AM a day ago.

Bubba: I did that on purpose, try again.

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Archangel: I'm not funny, I'm just really mean and people think I'm joking.

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Z: You're alive.

Archangel: No need to sound so disappointed.

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Dogday: I'm going to ask you to be respectful.

Archangel: I will politely decline.

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Archangel: And I'd love to be sorry for that, but we all know I've done much, much worse.

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Picky: Don't worry, I've got a few knives up my sleeve.

Archangel: I think you mean cards.

Crafty: She did not.

Picky, pulling out knives: I did not.

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Archangel: I keep a picture of all of us in my wallet. Whenever I face difficulties, I take it out and stare at the picture.

The Space Riders: Awwww.

Archangel: And I tell myself "If I can deal with these idiots, then I can deal with anything."

The Space Riders: Oh.

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Archangel: Who the fuck-

Dogday: Language!

Archangel: Whom the fuck-

Dogday: No.

++++++++++

Author's Note: Now that I made a lot of progress with my thesis paper, I'm going to focus on finishing Chapter 3. I don't have an exact date, but it is coming soon. Thank you for your understanding.

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chaoticdelinqueerwithglitter · 6 months

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Okay, yesterday I had a shared brain riot with @just-sp-in-inginthevoid about Kakucho not having a real birthday and the s62 throwing him unbirthday mad tea parties. More of once in a year because, hey, it's an unbirthday! Mostly because the Haitani brothers wanted a excuse to be extras and dress up, but also because they decided it was a funny way of trying to find out his real birthday (of course, Izana was the one that decided the official date).

In some way, this is the second part of this drabble here. What could be at least in Bonten!timeline.

Kakucho used to loves his unbirthdays. Before everything changed.

(Drabble of Kakucho during Bonten. There is some subtle KakuIza, but it's just a tinny moment easy to ignore and see it as platonic)

Warnings: Angst and hurt without too much comfort. I'm so sorry, I swear the idea was hilarious in my mind, but then Bonten timeline appeared and it refused to not be angsty. So yeah, I'm so sorry, Kakucho 😭

(English is not my first language, so be nice please 🙈)

"Happy unbirthday!"

Kakucho almost jumped when Ran, Rindou and Mochi screamed at him as soon as he entered his office.

He just sighed, because of course, he should've know better. It was Februart 1st, he's official "unbirthday".

But the scarred man thought, that now that they were all adults (and criminals, for god's sake), this surprises parties were over. Or at least, the costumes were over. He should've know better, Ran and Rindou missing a chance to dress up and be weirdos? Not in a million years. Even the poor Mochi was wearing some ridiculous bunny-ears.

"I'm not going to wear a costume, so don't even try it."

Kakucho managed to say as soon as he saw Ran's mischievous smile. Rindou looked disappointed, but the two brothers quickly shrugged that off. They tried every time, but no even Izana himself could make Kakucho dress with an "Alice" costume.

Oh yeah, his unbirthday parties had a theme. Always the same one. A mad tea party in Alice in Wonderland. But the Haitani brothers always wore a different costume. Every damn time. They could repeat characters, but outfit? Never.

Chesire Cat Ran smiled at him, not caring about his grumpy attitude.

"Come on, Kakucho, we deserve some fun. So sit down and drink your tea, before I decide this was a fiasco and we need to throw you another party soon"

Kakucho shivered with the idea. No thanks, he still remembered that times (He tried so hard to forger, yet, he still remembered everything). All the s62 generation throwing him a unbirthday party more than once a year. Because for some reason, the Roppongi rulers decided it was a good way of finding his real birthday. Ran was sure they would get it right eventually, Rindou was convinced that Kakucho would have a big reaction when they finally did it. Of course, both of them were wrong.

So, even if his "official" birthday was the date Izana decided for him, even if it was just supposed to be February 1st, he had more tea parties that he was able to count. Izana used to joke about how Kakucho was at least fourty with so many celebrations.

Maybe is that, he thought, the memory of Izana's laugh being too real for a second. Because now he finds himself smiling softly while drinking tea and eating cake with what's rest of his family. Mad Had Rindou is making jokes about Sanzu's insanity and Kakucho is laughing, he's actually enjoying this.

Kakucho had fun, even if they could only stole a couple hours for that. But he felt good for this hours, less alone. The reminder that there was still people with him that shared the same memories, the same grief. The left pieces of his broken family. Kakucho was not alone and his friends never failed to show him that when he needed it most.

Later that night, after finally finishing the job and cleaning everything up, Kakucho was unable to sleep. The memories were too present this time.

He still remembered the last umbirthday he was actually happy. A few days before the Kanto Incident. Even if everything was getting more dangerous, even with Kisaki's plots, with the raids on Toman, the Haitani brothers decided that it was the best day to do it.

Or maybe it was exactly because of that, who knows. Kakucho certainly needed to relax that day, he was tense with everything that was happening, with seeing that bastard manipulating Izana.

But that day, Izana shone. That day, Izana didn't talk about Mikey or Toman, focusing his full attention on his servant. He dressed up like the queen of hearts, like always. Refusing to wear any costume that didn't show how majestic he was. Kakucho thought the tanned boy always looked like a king no matter what he was wearing. But he never told him that. He never told him so many things...

Kakucho cries himself to sleep that night, curled up in his bed like a kid.

The image of Izana smiling at him printed on his retine.

Overlapping with the last time he ever saw Izana's genuine smile directed at him.

Snow threathening to fill his nightmares one more time.

His own regrets eating him alive.

#tokyo revengers #tokyo revengers spoilers #izana kurokawa #kakucho #haitani ran #haitani rindou #s62 being a found family because i say so #kakuiza #kakucho headcanons #poor kakucho #i broke my own heart #bonten timeline #me writing🌻#i blame tenjiku for the angst #in my tenjiku depression era #tokyo revengers fic #drabble #canon complicit

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viscerax · 9 months

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Hiiii may i get some brim angst🙏🙏

From the day Brian went missing, Tim's life went crashing down around him. Brian. Brian, his friend on the outside, secret boyfriend behind closed doors. Turns out, its not exactly easy to be openly gay when you're in the south. (Not like either of them didn't know that already. Brian grew up in the deep south. Any hint at femininity or flamboyance in a man and they were sent away to church camp where only God can save them.

But that was okay with Tim. He was okay with keeping his relationship a secret. Because Brian knew. And Brian was the only one that Tim needed to know. )

But when Brian went missing, no phone call, no text, not even a God damned note, Tim's life came crashing down. His other friends were limited to Brian's friends, and he had an itching feeling in his mind that they didn't really like 'his type'. (What did that even mean? Shy, dark, brooding, snappy at times? Could they all tell he was secretly gay? Oh god-)

Even Jay, who seemed awfully nice to Tim, someone he wouldn't mind getting to know, no, even his face fell into the blur of memories as he buzzed about his life. Pretending like it'll be okay.

(Everything is fine.)

Tim tries his best to forget about Brian. But he can't. Tim wishes those pesky memory issues would kick in and wipe that stupid smiling face out of his mind, but it won't, and he can't forget. Whether for himself or for Brian, he's not sure.

(Probably both. Because, if he forgets Brian, then he forgets that anyone's ever truly loved him. That anyone's ever seen him at his best, his worst, and even when he's not himself, and still managed to love him. If he forgets Brian, he forgets that there's anything worth living for.)

So Tim does his best. He looks and looks but he can't find him. Eventually he has to return to work, to school. He can't let life knock him out while he's already down and reeling from the loss of his closest companion. He does his best, and he prays that it's enough. Enough that Brian would be proud of him. Proud that he kept going. Proud that he never forgot him.

The days blurred. They blurred more and more. Memories become murky until he even doubts his memories of Brian. If it weren't for the countless voice-mails from Brian (that Tim saved in preparation for something exactly like this,) Tim mightve even forgotten what his voice sounded like. But no. He can't forget. He has to remember.

(...remember... remember.... memory. what a funny thing.)

And the days blur into a smoke, so much resembling the clouds of smoke he pushes past his lips, and he would laugh at the comparison, if he laughed at much of anything these days.

And then suddenly its 3 years. And Tim is celebrating Brian's birthday alone. Because he can't forget. Can't possibly forget that it's a day to be celebrated. Can't forget its significance or why its so important or why he needs to eat cake on this day. (Wait... who's birthday is it? No no, he needs to remember...)

Memories stop becoming blurry when Jay shows up. Jay feels familiar, like there's a memory of him somewhere in there, but he can't possibly make out his face besides a few faint memories of filming for that cursed film. That film that mightve been how he infected everyone. How he infected Brian and-

(No. No. He didn't infect Brian. He couldn't have. Nope. No way.)

And then suddenly Jay is leaking his medical records online, and he can't possibly care to search his memories for a sympathetic moment from him before he's punching him in the middle of a parking lot. To be fair it was kind of deserved.

The days continued to blur and merge, save for the few distinct memories he has of being with Jay. Arguing with him, late nights in hotel rooms, having conversations that would never be heard by another ear, Jay laying down his deepest confessions as if he somehow knew his fate.

Memories come flooding back like a cracked dam when he sees that audition tape from years back. He can finally remember. Remember auditioning, remember filming on hot days, watching Alex yell at everyone for far too long. But most of all, he remembers Brian. Memories coming back like hot flashes and suddenly he can't breath, not because of the intense memories, but because he's making a realization.

That was Brian. Brian was the masked man behind ToTheArk. He watched Brian die and he didn't even know. He watched one of his only friends fall to their death, and he didn't even know.

He didn't know.

But he knew now. He knew that was Brian. That same exact hoodie, and God, who else could it be?

Tim can't breath. He can't feel himself moving as he practically trips over himself and empties whatever contents left in his body into his toilet because it's all just so much.

Brian was dead. He was dead and he wasn't coming back.

#this isnt very good but. its been sitting in my drafts for awhile and. idk what else to add #so i hope u enjoy :3 #marble hornets #tim wright #mh #brian thomas #brim mh #mentions of jay merrick #oh yeah warning for like one mention of throwing up #gonna tag it just in case #emetophobia

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maybenotmei · 2 years

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How do you think Malleus and Azul would deal with suggesting to their s/o that they marry one day and s/o does not even hesitate and looks so happy and they say yes?

so you know when exams end and you have this automatic urge to just. flop down on the ground and recover for two weeks because damn was that stressful? yeah . sorry for not responding 💔

also take altered format im too tired

＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿♪

first of all, hold on-

wait, he wasn't really formally serious about that butykgettingmarriedtoyousoundslikeadreamtohim so you saying yes without any hesitation....!!!! first that's extremely flattering for azul, second oh my ?:!:?:! you said yes!!???? this isn't even an actual proposal with a ring and all yet this..!!!!

he's actually extremely close to pulling out a marriage contract Right then and there

bonus points if you immediately start giving wedding ideas to him after you said yes. oh he'd absolutely love to discuss that (...he's definitely going to charge some fee for his time even though he loves talking to you...),

+ also does this mean you've been planning this for far long before? i swear his heart is feeling all fuzzy at the thought it's not even funny

pure joy is all this man is feeling right now. thanks

when it comes to dealing with:

1. the 0 hesitation yes

2. how he's feeling,

he doesn't. i'm kidding (sorta), he keeps calm but will freeze a little from your answer. later he will be pacing around his office just thinking about it

yeah it's official in his mind now—he wants to marry you. no scams one-sided beneficial contracts okay...! one day... will you still say yes when that time comes, then?

♪＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿＿

no matter how hard i try, i cannot seem to grasp what malleus's character really is... and since it's 12am and my lovely isn't awake rn to help i am just. basing this off memory. i apologizs

first of all, assuming you're human and not fae,

...what.

okay so first off he will not process that. then he will. and... ohoho you'd like to marry me? and there's his usual smirk. right there. on his face. but he's actually very flattered under that smirk

you. want to. marry. him? wow, he's... that's... sure. he'd like that very much too. thank you. ☺️

...

he's actually planning it right now in front of lilia, sebek, and silver (who are both surprised and not surprised. sebek's actually maybe just a little taken aback because WHAT (same))

cake. cake... maybe can we have something else than whole cakes, maybe..? (i'm cool with spoilers about why his least favorite food is whole cakes btw can you guys tell me....... other spoilers are a no)

but hmm, marriage, to malleus? well even if you two don't get married it's fine with him . he likes how you two are right now either way, so ...

it would be nice to spend some more of his life with you, though.

#twisted wonderland scenario #twisted wonderland x reader #twisted wonderland #azul ashengrotto x reader #malleus draconia x reader #azul ashengrotto #malleus draconia #can you guess who is my favorite dorm leader out of these two #ALSO IVE STARTED CHAPTER SIX im desperately in love with vil BYE

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kimbapisnotsushi · 1 year

Note

sou !! hello !! this is also random and specific but i saw the datekou headcanon post and i was wondering. might you have any inarizaki road trip hcs?

i didn't until you asked me so LET'S GO

oh god you thought dateko was bad??? they were only stuck in the car for thirty minutes at MOST

(or something idk i haven't quite mapped out their geography yet but miyagi is a coastal prefecture and sendai isn't like SUPER far inland, so i'm just making assumptions out here)

but anyways. kurosu is driving obviously as much as he moans and groans about it

shoutout to the coaches btw they are CARRYING these headcanons

realistically i guess they'd road trip to another school for a training camp or like idk. maybe hot springs for some r&r bc inarizaki def has the budget for it but in my heart they road trip to suna's hometown during one of the breaks so suna can see his family <333

i guess it also kind of depends on WHERE in hyogo and aichi they are but we could get a solid 4-5 hours of driving if it was from, say, asago to tahara

kita makes a list of all the snacks everyone wants and rounds up aran, oomimi, and akagi to help him raid the market/convenience store like the old hunter-gatherer days

they end up with two massive tote bags of drinks, chips, cookies, and other miscellaneous snacks and one cooler for things like puddings and cakes and whatnot

oomimi sits shotgun because kurosu needed someone to help with directions and everyone else was on "make sure the miyas don't kill each other before we get there" duty

they all thought that kita was brilliant for making atsumu sit in the back and osamu up front because even tho they're separated the twins will NOT stop bickering and trying to throw random pieces of trash at each other. poor riseki gets caught in the crossfire the most often

they all converged to make one giant road trip playlist so you've got the weirdest mix of pop rock/bubblegum/k-pop/city pop, lofi, indie soft rock, show tunes and soundtracks, and more

(i named those genres with certain charas in mind so like. have fun figuring that out!)

nobody's willing to take a nap in fear of what the twins might do to each other when they're not looking

they play really stupid games like the alphabet-chain game and i spy and even try for a few rounds of truth or dare because, hey, there's nothing like being stuck in a car with your fellow teenagers for four hours to set the mood for emotionally vulnerable bonding time, right?

anyways. everyone learns that gin is afraid of heights and all sorts of horror movies, akagi would like to get his ears pierced some day, kosaku got rejected in middle school in front of his entire class and has refused to fall in love since, and suna takes pictures to capture the memory of a place he does not want to forget

(sorry i'm being emo about suna missing home again i'll stop)

kurosu is sweating BUCKETS in the front seat btw. "oh my god what do i do with this information am i supposed to talk to them i'm their TEACHER i'm supposed to guide them i do NOT get paid enough for this - "

a shame, really, considering inarizaki could definitely afford to give that man a raise

it's okay they get some really funny dares like daring gin to text his crush a totally random and weird question

(and thank god atsumu has his phone tucked away in his bag)

there's not a whole lot of dares they can do in the car tbh so they get really creative like daring osamu to eat this absolutely evil concoction of mixing tiramisu pudding into a bag of spicy chips and eating the whole thing

he does. nobody knows how he survived it

and then riseki dared both osamu AND atsumu to shut up and sit down and not even so much as GLANCE each other for the rest of the trip

this was at, like, the 1.5 hour mark btw

and okay he didn't say it EXACTLY like that because riseki is a sweet respectful underclassman but that WAS the closest to snapping he's ever gotten

they do stop occasionally here and there to get out and stretch their legs, but this makes their trip even longer bc it takes like thirty minutes each time to wrangle everyone and get them back in the van

also akagi is trying out his most terrible pickup lines. or antipickup lines. either one works

akagi: "are you lactose? because i can't tolerate you ;)" aran: "PLEASE, MAKE HIM STOP"

the only reason aran feels like he isn't completely suffering is because gin is sitting next to him and gin is kind of soothing like a cute pet would be. not that aran is thinking of gin as a pet nooooo ahahaha that would be weird

meanwhile gin is wondering why aran keeps trying to feed him crackers

they finally get to suna's hometown after being on the road for SIX AND A HALF HOURS

and while everyone is happy to be outside soaking up the sun and fresh air, they're all going to miss the bonding of being stuck in a van perhaps just a little bit

it's all right, they've got the return trip to look forward to

(made 100x worse when akagi busts out a drinking game and proclaims they should play with juice boxes, but that's a story for another time)

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likeafairytale · 5 months

Note

"Hello there. You seem a bit... lost?" - Nathaniel to Achilles who just stepped foot into the gardens

Achilles turned around as soon as he heard the voice, jumping a little, for he didn't expect to be approached so quickly as soon as he stepped foot outside the castle. Looking at the young man in front of him, he couldn't help but smile, thinking of what happened last night. Never he thought he'd be in the middle of two Princes fighting for some obscure reason, –little did he know it was because of him, and not completely for the honour of one's sister– and witness one of them pushing the other into a gigantic cake, and yet, that's exactly what happened. The scene was funny, especially after that Nathaniel, the Prince in front of him right now, swore he wasn't crazy and asked him to stay longer. Achilles did not know why it matters to him, but he was intrigued by the Prince of the seas.

Shaking his head to come back to earth, the young bard seemed to remember only now that he was in front of royalty, for he took off his hat and bow in front of him, at least he tried.

❛Greetings, your Highness.❜

❛What are you doing?❜ Nathaniel asked with amusement, which puzzled Achilles.

❛I... Well, you're a Prince, and I was told to always greet royalty that way.❜

❛You're adorable. But please, stop.❜

Achilles couldn't hide the fact that he was blushing now. He thought he offended the prince, but a quick look at Nathaniel show him that he was more amused than hurt, which help him relax. Putting his hat on, the demigod stayed where he was, his eyes locked on the Blackwater. It was strange, he felt as if he already knew him. As if he already met him before, but no matter how hard Achilles tried to remember, he couldn't. But he also couldn't get rid of this feeling of familiarity. He felt it last night, the moment Nathaniel came to him, he felt as if it wasn't the first time they saw each other, but once again his memory was lacking.

He noticed the smile on Nathaniel's face, a sweet one, and that smile was enough to make him blush again, and looked around, a bit puzzled by what was happening right now. No words were exchanged for a while, but it was as if they didn't need any to communicate. Finally, Nathaniel seemed to realize that, once again, he might look like a crazy person, which is why he clear his throat and started walking, signing to Achilles to follow him, which he did.

❛So... Are you lost?❜ He repeated, and Achilles nodded.

❛This place is a bloody maze.❜

❛They did it on purpose. So human cannot leave so easily.❜

❛Hm, I see.❜ Achilles only reply, and he felt quite sad at this idea. Looking around at the servant, he couldn't help but ask himself if they were all humans or not.

❛Was it fun with Prince Aeron, yesterday?...❜ Nathaniel finally asked, a bit nervous, bringing Achilles' attention to him. ❛I would have loved to be there, but my brother needed me...❜

❛Oh, I don't know. I spent the evening with the little Princess. Lyra, I think? I'm sorry if I mistake, there are a lot of princes and princesses here.❜

❛With Lyra? That's... surprising to hear.❜

❛Why so? The Princess was amazed by my tricks, see, I am also an illusionist, and seeing a rabbit out of my hat was enough for her to ask me to stay with her until she fell asleep. Didn't take long.❜

❛Oh, yes, I forget about magic.❜ Nathaniel whispered to himself, but Achilles heard it, which made him frowned. ❛Sorry, I was talking to myself.❜

❛You know, your Highness, you're not really helping your case.❜

❛What do you mean?❜

❛First, you push Prince Aeron into a cake, second you ambushed me as soon as I arrived in the garden, and now, you're talking to yourself. And yet, you swore you aren't crazy.❜

Nathaniel stopped walking, and Achilles did the same. He was amused by the prince's expression, the latter was blushing hard, eyes wild opened, and he was trying to talk, but nothing went out. The magician laughed to that reaction, and he soon was followed but a little laugh by the Blackwater, who scratched his neck out of embarrassment.

❛You're right, I'm not helping my case... I'm just... nervous.❜

❛Why?❜

❛Because of you.❜ He said, and once again, Achilles blushed. He was taken aback by such honesty, which made him looked down, because he couldn't dare looking at Nathaniel's hypnotic blue eyes. The Blackwater, as for him, seemed quite proud of his comeback and smile wildly. He felt bolder now.

❛I like y-❜

❛My eyes? Thank you.❜ Achilles cut short, and that startled Nathaniel. For some reason, the young man was sure they already had this conversation, this feeling of familiarity didn't want to leave him, but once again, he couldn't recall.

❛How do you know?❜

❛I heard that a lot. It's quite rare. It's call s-❜

❛Sectoral heterochromia.❜ Nathaniel recalled from a previous conversation he had with Achilles, in his past life, and he was once again proud of him for he impressed the young man.

❛You have pretty eyes too, your Highness.❜

❛Please call me just Nathaniel. Or Nate.❜

❛I'll try my best to respect that wish.❜ Achilles said, bowing one more time, and this time he felt quite stupid doing so. He shook his head, which amused Nathaniel.

❛Are you staying in the castle?❜

❛In fact, yes, I am. Princess Lyra ordered me to stay, Princess Calypso asked me to teach her some of my songs, and you asked me to stay yesterday. I cannot go against three royalties, I'm scared to be hanged.❜ He laughed, but that did not make Nathaniel laugh in return, quite the opposite, he now seemed gloomy. Achilles noticed it easily, and was ready to ask if he offended him with a high-pitched voice called him:

❛Achilles! Achilles!❜ Princess Lyra called while running his way.

❛I'm sorry, but duty calls me.❜ He said, looking at Nathaniel who now seemed sad. ❛I hope to see you soon. You... Intrigued me, Prince Nathaniel. Maybe you'll be able to help me with a trick I might do tonight before dinner?❜

❛I'd like too.❜ Nathaniel said, trying to smile, which he failed for the thought of Achilles dying was painful, but also inevitable.

#achilles petrova #achilles x nate #writing prompt #achilles writing prompt #i don't like it completely #but it resume their second meeting #which is quite funny to me #nate is a stalker lmao #but we love it about him #i like playing characters who don't remember #but know this person is important #and will do everything to stay around #that's real love #i love achilles sm already #and i love them both a lot #icanbeyourgenie

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jalebi-weds-bluetooth · 1 year

Text

IPKKND SS: There’s More To Her #9

Previous Chapter

All Chapters

Awakening

An overconfident Khushi had correctly assumed that Arnav Singh Raizada would be absolutely helpless when it came to finding a location for Akash and Payal’s first date. And Devi Maiya always sided with her favorite devotee, until that devotee gloated in the ego she accused the atheist for.

It was funny that the atheist had no idea how often Devi Maiya sided with him.

Hence, the final, accident free date location was Akash’s office with a variety of snacks that a closed office canteen could offer. Pre packaged brownies, coffee from a coffee maker, tea in a to-go cup and some favourless, tasteless digestive biscuits from Arnav Singh Raizada’s personal stash of snacks along with two bottles of mineral water - of course.

Khushi, though, had worked her magic into Akash’s office. White rose petals scattered on the dark table, all lights were switched off except the fairy light trees and a lone office desk lamp.

Although the effect never reached its recipients as Akash and Payal took their sweet time gazing at each other. Despite her upbringing, Payal let her eyes wander over the well fitted chocolate suit and white shirt on Akash. He was taller and more muscular than she thought. White really was Akash’s color.

Akash was not indifferent to female gaze. While his brother benefitted from the don’t-you-fucking-stare-at-me face, Akash’s politeness and Raizada-ness left him to awkward thank yous and exit strategies from press meetings.

But this was Payal, and all he could feel was dhak dhak.

Khushi, oblivious to her nauseated partner of third wheeling the love birds, played with the fairy lights and begrudgingly accepted that Arnav had otherwise done splendid work.

But before Arnav could recover from his nausea at the puppy eyes Akash and Payal exchanged, he balked at the outfit Akash held for Khushi.

Red saree

“Yeh?” Akash snapped out of his trance at Khushi’s question.

“Oh, yes Khushi ji, isn’t it wonderful that I found this in the wardrobe? Although it is last season,” Akash mused.

Arnav stood rooted to his spot, memories assailing his heart and mind without a drop of mercy.

“Nevermind, I thought you’ll be comfortable in this because you modeled-”

“Modeled?” Payal frowned.

“Haan, that’s why Khushi came home late-” Akash stopped, belatedly realizing Payal had absolutely no knowledge of the disastrous calendar photoshoot that took place on her birthday. Payal shot a look at her younger sister, waiting for an explanation that was overdue.

“Woh, Jiji… I was responsible for looking after Liza-”

“That snooty model?” Payal scrunched her nose in disgust. Khushi nodded,

“Yeah wohi, so I was responsible for her fur coat. I had to hold it still until the shoot was done but somehow it got spoiled so as punishment I had to model in place of her.” Khushi concluded. Payal frowned, Khushi usually told stories that had no head or tails and this one simply took the cake.

Of course there was one man responsible for this.

Arnav Singh Raizada

That man had the grace to look away.

“I appreciate what you have done for me and your brother Arnav-ji, but you’re telling me that a fashion house does not have a single cupboard-” Payal began but Arnav and Khushi sneezed at once, shivering in their wet, unchanged clothes.

“As I was saying-”

“Jiji, there’s no need for this. You and Akash-ji enjoy your date. And if I change my outfit any later then I’ll catch a cold and you don’t want that right!” Khushi grabbed Payal’s arm, begging her to let go of the matter. At the end of the day despite the horrible memories of the day at the office, what mattered more to Khushi was her sister’s office. After months she needed no revival of the challenging days, nor any apologies.

Payal sighed and tapped her hand with reassurance. Khushi smiled and hugged her sister gently, careful her wet clothes didn’t ruin Payal’s new ones, patted Akash’s back and whispered ‘good luck’ before skipping out of the office. Arnav waited until Khushi was out of sight.

“Payall, I know how it seems….” Arnav started. Payal closed her eyes and willed patience.

“I crossed multiple lines-” Arnav said.

“The one to whom you owe any apology or explanation isn’t in this room Mr. Raizada.” Payal snapped, “and the explanations provided out of questioning instead of conscience have no value in my eyes.” Payal concluded. Arnav’s jaws tightened. For once he wished Payal yelled or debated, it gave him ground to fight.

But one rarely could if they were confronted with righteous anger and dignity. Arnav looked at Akash who chose to remain silent. For many times Arnav counted on Akash’s silence, be it keeping things private or taking reprieve that at least one member of his family wouldn’t harp on him about marriage.

But now, seeing Akash’s silence when he too knew what the events were, left Arnav all alone to face Payal’s anger. Arnav finally realized why Akash rarely involved himself in others’ battles.

It forced accountability.

Payal waited for Arnav to come up with a reason regardless. If he’d launch into long paragraphs, her remaining respect for him would touch the grounds. Because ever since the day her sister came home unconscious in his arms, Payal stopped giving any heed to Arnav Singh Raizada.

It was his love for his family and the lengths he went to get her and Akash together that made him an average man.

So when Arnav said no further and headed for the door, Payal stopped him.

“A final word, if you don’t mind.” Arnav stood still, giving her his attention “I don’t ever want you to respect my sister because there might be a relationship between the two families one day. I don’t want you to think anymore that she’s behind money because it has been proven that every assumption you’ve ever had of her was wrong.”

“When you do respect her, let it be for the fact that a 20 years old middle class woman with a third of your education, wealth and experience has been providing for a family of five which involves three aged people and a sister with a broken marriage.” Payal said, tears betraying the potent love for her sister.

Arnav briefly nodded and left the room.

“You know right, your broken marriage doesn’t define you.” Akash began, giving Payal a glass of water. Payal softly smiled, not having the energy in her tonight to explain it to him that it is how the society defined her.

“I’m sorry, I should’ve started this on a better note.” Payal said after a moment.

“Payal ji, never apologize for doing the right thing. A part of me loves you because of who you are and how fiercely you love your sister.” Akash pulled a seat for her held her smaller hands in his.

“Then what does the other part of you love me for?” Payal added, her reddened cheeks and soft smile mirrored on Akash’s face.

He leaned in as her eyes closed at their proximity, “For how beautiful you are.”

Payal’s eyes flashed open and her nose brushed against his. She removed her hands and played with the hem of her saree, “Really?”

“No, it’s actually the way you scold Bhai.” Payal stared at his blatant response and broke into a laugh as he chuckled at his statement.

– – –

Arnav sat in the cafe in a fresh suit, Payal’s words playing in his mind in a loop. He closed his eyes and sighed. She was right. Every single assumption he had of Khushi Kumari Gupta had been proven false. From the moment she fell into his arms at Sheesh Mahal to when he’d accuse her of visiting Shantivan to charge extra money from his family.

Speaking of Khushi, where was she?

A familiar prick of awareness seeped through him. Goosebumps broke on his flesh. His heart pumped in a staccato rhythm.

“Khushi,” He whispered even before he saw her. With a soft turn he watched her in the darkness of his office. Little beads of sequins reflected the dim lights. The gossamer red saree left little to imagination.

Khushi stopped still, feeling the heat of his eyes on her. She clenched her fists and sat on the nearest chair she could find - farthest away from him. She prayed, prayed to calm her racing heart, feel the chill of the air instead, to stop the dastardly pull towards the one man who would push her off the cliff.

She barely looked behind and sighed in relief and disappointment when he looked away.

For how long must she rot in these emotions?

– – –

“Akash ji, if you don’t mind, I’d like to ask you a few questions before we…” go any further. Payal hesitated. Akash was more than the man of her dreams and she wondered if she tested his and Devi Maiyya’s patience by putting every single obstacle instead of accepting the gift of love.

From denial to innumerable questions, was she jinxing her relationship even before it began?

“Please do Payal ji.” Akash smiled, worried at her hesitation. As much as he believed love was at first sight and that he would never regret having Payal in his life, he wondered if he had pushed her into accepting her love. He should’ve waited. True love didn’t come from desperation, it came from patience.

There was still a great distance between them. It was strange. He had thought an ‘I love you’ from both the ends sealed the deal. But now that they lapsed into awkward silence around difficult questions, he wondered if he had ruptured things by hastening it out of fear.

“Akash ji, I do… love you,” Payal confessed, worried at his sudden silence, “but I won’t find any comfort in this love until certain things are clear. Please understand.”

“I absolutely do Payal ji. Please feel free to ask about anything.” Akash reassured her.

“What’s yours and your family’s take on dowry?” For a second Akash was offended at her question. Didn’t she know how much he loved her? How he and his family would never take a cent for such a crime! But looking at her frightened eyes he was ashamed at feeling offended. He had the luxury of never being associated with such folks. She had lived through this.

“The Raizadas have never given nor taken a cent. We did make the mistake of offering a property and farm lands as gifts for one wedding, it is perhaps no surprise things didn’t end up well.” Akash’s mouth soured at the memory of the Maliks. He had never liked that side of the family, even as a child. When he had helped Arnav get back his mother’s property from the Maliks - one Arnav’s uncle had in possession - Akash was glad that his cousin never grew up in that environment.

His Dadi’s friendship and care for Arnav’s Dadi was the only sorepoint between Arnav and Akash. Akash never approved of his brother spending hard earned money behind a member of the family that had only hurt the Raizadas and above all, hurt his dearest cousins. Although his inner emotions couldn’t be revealed to Arnav at a worse time.

“I cannot believe this Papa. Dadi-ji sent Anjali-di to dissuade Bhai from buying Sheesh Mahal!” Akash fumed, clenching his fists to reign in his temper.

“Subhadra Devi-Ji had called Amma. It is the last house her son has.” Mahinder sighed, weary of the fight he had with his own mother, “And Amma said it’s not right for Arnav bitwa to treat ancestral property as a tool for revenge-”

“That property is ours. Phupha-ji got it as dowry. If anything, Bhai and Di deserve to have it back. We’re paying for that woman’s extravagant ashram, it’s enough.” Akash said.

Mahinder shook his head and patted his young son’s shoulder. It was rare to see him so worked up, even for the right reasons, “Akash bitwa, aisa nahi bolte. You know that Amma believes her friend has a good heart after all-”

“I won’t let them misuse Bhai’s newfound fame. I don’t know why Dadi forgets she’s a Malik. That family sucked us dry. I hate it that we have an association with them-” Akash stopped, noticing Arnav on the door, his face ashen.

Arnav said nothing, nearly pretended he heard nothing. He simply lavished Mami with an unlimited access of jewelry from his bank account, Mama was given a significant share from his company, and stopped any of the Raizadas from contributing to Subhadra Malik’s expenses.

Akash knew. That even in a slip of tongue, Arnav took the words to heart and paid the Raizadas ten fold for any kindness they ever showed.

And because Arnav wouldn't accept any apology - for his side of the family was terrible - Akash vowed to stand next to him and never make him feel ‘othered’.

Payal held Akash’s hand, her heart melting at Akash’s sincerity and stories of the extent Arnav went for the family.

“Bhai has quietly become the head of the family. It’s not arrogance, it’s a fact. He looks after everything. And when he has his blessings over this relationship, no one and nothing can come in between because he simply won’t allow it.” Akash reassured her. Payal smiled, finding some hope in the marriage ahead of her.

Perhaps Arnav’s rejection of tradition and Akash’s genuine love was all she needed. To think of it no one apart from his mother scrunch their noses about their class difference. True, at times they were a bit blind in privilege, but that also stemmed from harmlessness.

– – –

Arnav kept looking behind, losing his heart every time he saw the flash of red. He had rarely seen Khushi so quiet. After ten uncomfortably silent minutes, he turned to find her engrossed in some books, highlighting something with a pencil.

It was a mathematics textbook. For children.

Khushi looked up, aware of his questioning gaze and cleared her throat, “Woh… I tutor kids so I’m preparing materials in advance.” Arnav took that as an offer to walk towards her. Khushi tucked back a strand, nervous at their little talk.

“Mathematics?” He asked.

“Yes, I was studying financial management so mathematics had to be my favorite subject. According to Babuji finance is the backbone of any successful venture.” Khushi smiled, recalling her days in college and at the sweet shop. Arnav realized he truly didn’t think about Khushi’s life before they met.

“But I haven’t seen you attend college…” Arnav said, sitting next to her.

“I dropped out.” Khushi said and plastered a big smile on her face, “Anyways according to Babuji real life experiences shape you more than education. So between running a sweet shop in the morning, tutoring kids in the evening and managing orders for Buaji’s chikankari sarees, I’m running quite the enterprise here.” Khushi went back to her book, happy at the way her life shaped. Of course, she’d never want Babuji's ill health, but if she was in Lucknow then she would’ve happily left her college to marry right after Payal did.

It never crossed her mind that there was more to life. There was more to her.

Arnav couldn’t manage to return her smile. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why she couldn’t complete her college. Between the scandal, the loans, resettling to a new city, financial pressure and her father’s health - Khushi’s education would’ve taken the back seat.

And he was responsible for nearly all of it.

“You know, AR is hiring-”

“No.” Khushi said, “I cannot work here.”

“No one refuses Arnav Singh Raizada.” Arnav glared.

“Accha. No, no, no, no.” Khushi stuck her tongue. If only Khushi knew that she was far from annoying, rather quite adorable.

“So what happened to your Babuji’s business… now that you’re running on your own?” Khushi couldn’t believe if Arnav was actually engaging in small talk. It felt new. It felt good. It had been too long since anyone asked her about her life.

“Well they were seized by the loan sharks-” Arnav frowned, “-woh Babuji had given it up for loan for Jiji’s dowry to loan sharks. And then the people refused to return the store back considering Babuji’s fallen goodwill. The scandal-” Khushi grew quiet and Arnav cursed under his breath.

The more he spoke to either of the sisters, the more he learned about the things he wished he didn't.

– – – – – – – –

“I genuinely loved the dupatta!” Payal gushed over the intricate fabric designing and detail with Akash, enjoying the moment as they bonded over their shared love of textiles. Akash was the finance man, but he was enamored by the beauty of embroidery and the texture of fabrics - except he never had the talent to actually make anything out of it. Although to Arnav that was an asset, Akash would always know if their materials were genuine or if they were being scammed.

“If I knew it was you I would’ve packaged it better!” He confessed. Payal was touched. The fact that Akash was ready to give it a stranger because it would brighten Khushi’s day meant everything. She had seen fate play on someone’s goodness, it was surprising to see someone’s goodness move fate.

“Would you mind if I worked after marriage?” Payal asked.

“Do you want to?” He asked.

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen myself there. I’ve never had ambitious dreams,” Payal admitted. Akash empathized. Ambition was never his asset. On the other hand Khushi and Arnav had heaps of it.

“Payal ji, I might’ve been born with a silver spoon but all I’ve ever wanted is good work and a happy life. Really. And maybe a dog one day.” Akash mused.

“A dog? In a house where there’s a lamb?” Payal chuckled.

“Why, don’t you want one?” Akash asked.

“I’d get another lamb, or maybe a little dove. Khushi loves doves and seeing doves would remind me of her. But… I wouldn’t want them in a cage.” Payal said.

“Bhai’s garden is big enough for a sanctuary for a few birds, but I’m wondering what he would say when they would leave droppings in his pool!” Akash laughed.

“Aur kya kahenge? What the?” Payal growled, imitating Arnav to perfection. Akash clapped at the mimicry and shook his head, “It looks like I’ll have to create a garden for the doves.”

“And I’ll have to teach the dog to be calm - especially around the doves, Lakshmi and future children.” Payal dreamed.

“Children?” Akash asked.

“Kyun, you don’t want any?” She questioned. Akash did look like he’d be an excellent father. Graceful, patient, calm and a listener. If that wasn’t like Babuji, who else was?

“Only if they look like you.” He smiled as Payal turned a pretty red in shyness. Akash brushed a tendril away from her face and stroked her cheek with the back of her fingers.

“Akash-” the lights went off, leaving them in the darkness.

– – – – – – – –

“Hey Devi Maiyya!” Khushi gasped as she couldn’t see anything. Before she could move, Arnav's hand found hers.

“It’s ok Khushi. The generator should kick in soon.” Arnav’s firm voice instantly calmed her nerves. It was alright. He was here. She is not alone. Her nails dug into his skin. Her palms had turned clammy.

To Khushi’s relief Arnav switched on his phone’s flashlight.

“Fuck,” Arnav swore under his breath. His phone battery was at ten percent. Why wasn’t the generator working?

“Khushi, wait here. I’ll go the studio and grab some candles-”

“Nahi, please…” Khushi gripped his hand tighter.

Arnav tugged her along. They made it to the fusebox, a candle in place of the dying flashlight. For a moment Khushi was arrested by his face lighting up by the flame. His expressionless face was scrunched in worry. Arnav realized he was being watched.

“Kya hua? Tum theek ho?” Khushi nodded and looked at the board. Strange, everything looked fine. Even the fuse was intact.

Arnav leaned by her, Khushi stiffened at the proximity. He bent to her eye level, looking at all the switches. She could feel his breathing, the heat his body emanated.

“Oh of course! I completely forgot that we had the electricity maintenance-” Arnav stopped as his nose brushed against hers, their faces close up next to each other. Words died out as her large eyes looked deep into his. His eyes flickered to her lips and her breath hitched.

He gulped as her lips parted. It had been so long since something right had happened. Memories of Diwali and the photoshoot intermingled with his hidden fantasies. Time lost its essence to Khushi. All she could see was him, his eyes and his lips. Desire flowed like blood through her veins. There was so much tension in his face. If she could only brush it away.

Arnav leaned in, without rationale, and Khushi inched up, on instinct. His arm slipped to her waist and her hand rose to his cheek. Arnav closed his eyes at the touch of her fingertips but froze, feeling the metal band of her ring on his cheek.

Khushi’s trance snapped, the diamond of her engagement ring shining brightly in the candlelight. Horror flooded her face. What was she about to do? Arnav sprang back, his breath harsh. What had he just done? The lights came back to life, revealing their darkest desires to each other. Without a word Arnav turned around and rushed out of the room.

– – – – – – – – – –

Akash and Payal exchanged the sweetest glances across the rearview mirror as Arnav drove them all home. A slow romantic ballad played on the radio and Arnav held the steering wheel in a tight grip. Khushi stared out of the window, bothered by her own immorality.

He was Lavanya’s! She was betraying her best friend.

Khushi saw the stars above, twinkling in the clear night and she didn’t have the courage to meet them. She had sinned. For he was anothers.

Who would help her in this crisis? Who could?

Payal reached out and squeezed Khushi’s hands. She had seen Khushi look lost throughout the day. She gestured if everything was alright with her - Khushi only smiled back in response. She didn’t even realize when they stopped near Preeto’s house at an alley where they could be safely dropped off without any nosy neighbors.

Akash led Payal down the SUV, his heart hammering with joy and anticipation. So much was said and so much was left to be said. Payal’s mind urged her to hug before they left, but her sensibilities of society prevented her from doing so.

Khushi realized after a moment that she and Arnav were alone in the car. She immediately tried to remove her seatbelt but fumbled in her nervousness. Arnav walked around, opened the door and removed her seatbelt. His eyes no longer bore warmth. Khushi knew very well what that look meant. She ignored his hand and stepped out of his car.

“Just so you-”

“For the love of God don’t say anything.” Khushi warned him, anger sitting as tears in her eyes. She could not bear another word. Arnav stood still, clenching his jaw. He didn’t know if he intended to give an explanation to her or to himself.

“Akash!” Payal called out to Akash, and the shy lovers met for a hidden hug behind the car. At first there was hesitation, which slowly melted as he leaned awkwardly to match her height.

Khushi pulled the edge of her saree, it was minutes away from ripping. Arnav rolled his eyes and moved to tug it free but she stepped away,

“Stay away,” She hushed, aware of Akash and Payal.

“It would’ve ripped-”

“Then let it rip, aapko kya farak padta hai?” She snapped, pulling off her saree that left a little tear. Arnav growled, he wasn’t an idiot to not realize that this conversation was a painful continuation of the ones left abruptly before.

Yet, his ego stung.

“Don’t get any ideas, you mean nothing-”

“Exactly! You’re Lavanya ji’s, we must never meet again.” Khushi decided, tears of anger flowing down her cheeks. Burned, Arnav got into the car and slammed it shut - shocking Akash and Payal who embarrassedly pulled away, cheeks tinged in red.

Payal mistook Khushi’s urgency as the threat of Buaji questioning the delay and Akash misunderstood Arnav’s urgency as his usual nausea to affection.

Long after Arnav reached Shantivan, he paced throughout his room, a niggling doubt solidifying over time. Ever since he and Khushi were engaged - to different people - Khushi always mentioned his engagement. For someone very chatty, she spoke about anyone and anything except her fiance.

You’re Lavanya ji’s…

So what about Khushi? Who did she belong to in this world of commitment? Arnav was aware of the arranged setup that seemed to have been exchanged between Khushi and her fiance… but if he could read her well, she just didn’t want to not marry, she despised it.

She despised her fiance.

“Khushi… what the hell are you doing?” He murmured, unaware of the irony.

But it wasn’t lost on Akash who stood by the door, listening to Arnav’s murmur. The discord he long suspected between Arnav and Lavanya was not due to the former’s commitment issues or the latter’s drastic change of opinion of marriage.

Arnav had tragically fallen in love with the wrong person at the wrong time.

– – – – – – – – – – – –

Payal paced in front of the bathroom, her concern growing as Khushi took a late evening shower in cold water.

“Haye re Nandkisore! We barely have water saved and the queen needs to take a bath after a simple outing!” Madhumati complained. She was touched by the exclusive gifts Preeto had given Payal and Khushi - the yellow and red saree looked exquisite! And laughed at the kids' childishness to wear the gifted outfits and come home.

“Buaji, let Khushi ji be.” Shyam sweet talked to Madhumati, both sharing a secret smile over what happened minutes ago. And for all his honeyed words - he couldn’t match Payal’s suspicious eyes.

“Khushi, you look beautiful.” Khushi was startled as Shyam dropped the ji, walking incredibly close to her. Panicked, she looked around to find Buaji smiling and turning around - giving the couple their ‘privacy’. After all, to-be-newlyweds must spend some time together!

Shyam looked around and then grabbed her wrist,

“No one is watching us, don’t worry.” His fingers traced her arm.

“S-Shyam ji, this isn’t right!” Khushi snatched her hand back.

“Why? We’re engaged aren’t we?” He smiled. Khushi balked at the predatory glint in his eyes and started to sweat. A hand moved to her face-

Khushi splashed the water over herself, shaking as the cold seeped into her body. What if Payal hadn’t interrupted him? She scrubbed the soap over her wrist multiple times. The touch… it felt wrong. She muffled her sob, cleaned up and got out of the washroom - giving Payal her best smile.

Payal couldn’t return it. Shyam and Khushi were a couple. Yet what she saw, even in the flicker of a second, frightened her.

It looked anything but romantic.

Madhumati and Garima were deep into a conversation, they saw Khushi and stood up. Fear crawled in Khushi’s stomach. Every single time the two had something to say to Khushi it was the worst.

“Khushi, Lata saw you and Shyam babua together at the patio. Granted you two are marrying but everyone must keep boundaries. Shyam babua is very kind and mature enough to promise not to visit anymore in the evening.” Khushi wanted to protest, minutes ago Madhumati had been the one who left them alone!

“And hence, a decision has been made.” Madhumati spoke, giving little room to anyone else present.

“In three weeks you and Shyam babua will be married.”

- - -

A/N: Hey there! Thank just in case if you actually remember the story! I’m finally back with an update and I sincerely hope you liked it - just a couple of chapters left for me to wrap this up!

- JWB

Tagging: @butaneandthebeast @shaonsim @shiyaravi @myloveforstuff @leila1 @lostafpanda@laadgovernorandsankadevi @laad-governess @thenainitaldisaster @maansiloves@chutkiandchotte @honeybellexox @bigfatreader @simplycurlz @thecharlesboyle@sapnokiduniyaisalwaysbetter @zaphbeeblebrox @shehzaadimira @pakki-ya-nahin@mindpdnim @jaanedil @pandora-678 @featheredclover @rae-blogging @goals1024@onadaanparindey @magicfeltmybloop @acroakingbird @blogenana @starzin8s@exosexosekai @noor1025 @ijustchangedmyname@delicatecloudfestivalweasel @sankititaliya @dvk-ok @roqiaposts @white-thebeauty @childofsquidward @maansiloves @shehzaadimira

[if you want to be added/removed from tags lemme know!]

#ipkknd #iss pyaar ko kya naam doon #arnav #khushi #jalebi writes #there's more to her #ipkknd ff #wow this was a lot #lemme know!

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fiberslut · 2 years

Text

Apparently the multiverse is real

Chapter 4: God bless America

Masterlist

previous | next

Pairing: the avengers x reader

Disclaimer: English is not my first language so you may find some funny words/sentences or broken grammar in here. I'll say sorry in advance but I've tried my best.

Summary: You accidentally travel to Marvel universe(not earth-616), but luckily you've got your phone with you. You may ask what do you mean luckily, just read this fiction.

I've stayed in the tower for about 2 weeks now. Tony didn't just let me eat, sleep and repeat. Instead, he put me in the training sessions with Natasha and Clint.

"You're doing great Y/N" Natasha winks at me

"I bet you can now beat all of the Widows out there" Clint pants on the ground

"Well.. I learned from the best" I've trained for 2 hours now but honestly I don't feel tired at all

"I think we should end it for today, Clint and I have some birthday to attend" Natasha says as she walks to the lockers

"Oh, it's Cooper's birthday right?" Yeah I think I can remember Clint's son's birthday

"Yeah. He's turning 23 this year. They just grow so fast" Clint sighs

"Soo.. he's the same age as you, Y/N?" Natasha looks at me teasingly

I know what Natasha try to imply

"Yeah yeah, and stop trying to set me up with him, I'm really not interested in anyone right now" When I was in my world, I would simp over all of these heroes, I mean look at their faces, their arms, their abs. Those comic suits are just super tight. But when I finally met them in real life, I was kinda intimidated. I mean they are real people. There are some differences. Or maybe I just prefer the 2D guys.

"And also I can not leave the tower. You know?" Yes, I can say that Tony is imprisoned me. He got this new security system that I can not hack. It would change its own password every time if someone typed the wrong password.

"Well, you two have fun ok? Maybe bring some leftover cake in for tomorrow too" I say and waving them a goodbye

And now I was left alone again.

I walked to my room, took a cold shower, and now I'm lying in my bed, playing with my phone. I don't know if my phone has some bugs or if it wasn't meant for multiversal traveling but my battery has been 100% all along since I arrived here. But I guess it's a good thing because of course I didn't bring any chargers with me. And yes I did try to find some charger, but it looks like in this universe, no one knows about my phone brand.

I wonder what would happen in my real world, is my mom gonna be shocked if she couldn't find me in my bedroom the next morning? who's gonna do my laundry? what if my professor gives me F for not attending classes?

As I was drowning in my own thought. My bedroom door swung open.

"What do you want Tony?"

"Get ready, we're going out"

"Where? Can we just go tomorrow? I'm super tired right now?"

"Do you want to go back to your universe or not?"

"Say no more pops" I jump out of my bed and run to my walk-in closet to start throwing some clothes on me

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

At the Avengers mansion

"Why did I have to live in that tower when you have this big a** mansion?" I turn to Tony as I can see how big the Avengers mansion is

"You didn't tell me you want to live here"

"Well. I didn't know that YOU who already has a gigantic tower in the middle of the city would have another enormous mansion in the same city too"

"And you said you know everything about everyone"

Tony really tests me so much lately.

"Well Tony Stark in my universe only has a tower and it has been sold to Reed Richard now"

"That is nonsense, why would I sell MY tower to that man? Smartest man alive? My a**, did you know that he kick me out of the Illuminati? My own secret team? that son of a bi***"

"Language. Tony. There are a lot of minors living here according to my good memories about the Avengers mansion"

"Yeah, and today we're visiting one of them too"

"Who?" I have no idea what Tony's planning to do

"First. Let's go inside"

Tony scans his eye to the door and the access granted. We walk inside the mansion. And I am just speechless. It is sooo big and so gorgeous. It's giving the old money vibe. Nothing says Tony Stark. No hi-tech monitor, no talking security system.

"Wait here" Tony says and walks into another room

I sit on a couch and look at the picture near it. It was a picture of the Young Avengers. Wow, they're not anything like the Young Avengers from where I'm from. They're comic accurate I would say.

"Is she here yet little hawkeye?" I can hear Tony's voice from another room

"She's upstairs, I'll text her, and stop calling me that. My name is Kate" I guess that would be Kate Bishop who's Tony talking to

Whoosh!

Ouch. What is that noise? It is so loud.

"Stop doing that inside of the house. Your portal is burning the carpet again" Kate scolds

Portal?

Oh my god. How could I never think of her in the first place?

Then Tony walks back to the room I'm sitting in.

"Here. Y/N. Let's meet America Chavez"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So now America Chavez is the 3rd person who knows about me coming from another universe.

"Can you really bring me back to my universe?" I ask her

"Yes. I never fail" She answers proudly

"Then.. what're we waiting for?" Tony adds

"You want me to open a star portal here? In this room Mr.Stark?"

America asks and looks at the other room with a concerned look

"Yeah you're right, let's go outside, is the backyard ok?" He asks

"That'll do sir"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In the backyard

"ok Y/N, are you ready?" America asks

"ok, I'm ready. Let's do it" I hold my breath as she holds my hand

Then she tries to punch something in the air for about 2-3 times

"Why is it not working?" She asks herself

"What do you mean it's not working? You said you can control it now young lady" Tony asks

"And I mean it sir. This week, I've been traveling through a lot of universes" America panicked and look at her hand, still trying to create a portal by punching the air

"Hey. It's ok. I'm not in a hurry" I try to calm her down

"Y/N, wait here for me ok?" She says and lets go of my hand. She closes her eye and punches the air again. Now there it is. A star portal.

"See? sir. I can really control it. I can open a portal. This is a portal to my universe" She talks to Tony

"What about her universe?" Tony means mine

"I don't know sir. I can't open a portal to her universe. It's like I can't reach her universe. It's like her universe is not in the same system as ours"

Taglist

@ayoelouise

@potatopfft

@welconme-notreally

@niccino-apino

@emily-roberts

@local-mr-frog

#the avengers x you #the avengers x reader #the avengers x y/n #tony stark x daughter #imagine #doctor strange x reader #steve rogers x reader #peter parker x reader #bucky barns x reader #natasha x reader #clint x reader #amercia chavez #kate bishop #young avengers

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daychanelyt · 8 months

Note

Since your daring little act has gone pitifully stale, and not a single user bats an eye to bring it upon themselves to inquire about your series that dragged on for quite a while, I'll be of assistance to hopefully spark up the crowd. I DID enjoy being a part of this rollercoaster of a ride afterall. Though, quite dismayed I missed it's final stead.

If any you wish to share, what spiked your interests to finish this projects?

What were your initial plans? Did all of this still fit your vision, or not at all?

How was the creation of these characters been discussed? Who the heaven's unholy wrath are those other two we'd completely forgotten about?

How drastically were the characters changed from what you originally wanted them to be? Did you like these alterations or no?

How was the dreaded fire and brimstone that is dealing with the ungodly wrath of the lunatic anons, and their targeted negativity?

Do you think that the story presented is clear, or have you still left some doors open, mysteries still left unsolved, or lingering? Waiting to be sought out?

Now then, that's all that I can think of to get you started, dear. Have a nice day, delicious friend.

Ok- please don't eat me.

Uhm- I mean if I left it like that it would be bad to be left forgotten. ( also I'll be sure to have the whole story in the log soon dw.

Some of them did end somewhat How I wanted them to. And I'm honestly glad I stuck to my guns on these ones. But no- my original concept was dead on the ground as stated before.

I created them by discussing it with a person who was going to make my original designs ( Carrot Cake ). No not Designs. More like I made the original idea and then they gave me some feedback once we both knew we won't be able to continue this contact. Then came in Meranti and Ring Ring. Ring Ring was the one to ask me general questions while Meranti was the one doing the detective-like searches into my characters. In the end it was mostly my own belief and designer choices. ( I stole the idea of Carrots Fighting glove earrings idea.(With his permission of course) )

The two you forgot about and the thing Tommy kept bringing up in the Ending was L and 32. If I ever do an Epilogue you can bet I'll end this one off finally if not then assume they were fine ever after.

Oh very... VERY different. At first I thought I could make camo suits! Ha! Very funny. Tommy's designer was going to evolve with him but that was scrapped after I realized I was unable to draw his signature hat. G-Man was going to be more business than casual that he ended up with. Coomer was going to have a pattern shirt as well as normal coloring in the computer;( everyone else came after this designe ). Benrey was the same from the beginning to the end. Darnold was the same as well once I nailed down the style. Gordon I did not make as said and Barney and Boper were both made from a memory I had of them. ( Gnomes are drawn from a reference and The dogs are dog images but Sunkist is pixelated. )

It was fun to answer their chaos with my own. Though The Old Goat came out of nowhere. I made Bubby to fit the tale of the turtle yet he ended up not fitting anything in the end. Pushing him to be his own bad guy instead of following one path. The Internet Alcohol saga was also funny. I think it was a great time overall.

There is one mystery I know 100% no one solved yet. Though my description of the series in the previous ask was somewhat revealing. Also the L and 32 mystery was not solved at all, left to stay in place. Though I know some of you already know the ending anyway.

#iny2kpvr #qna

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dumbfloweralive · 1 year

Text

Love me like you used to.

Part 2: A heart nevert forgets

Part 1: From friends to strangers.

Doctor strange x avatar!reader

Summary history: Stephen has return from the blip after 5 years. You were happy to have your friend back. But as the return to reality after the battle hit, everything is different. None of you knows how to act around each other as memories of your past friendship let you both grieving the past.

Warning: Hallucination, blood, angst.

“I think that love is a lot like muscle memory.

A heart never forgets

A heart never stops.

And, there’s a voice that knows

All the words by heart.”

Stephen had returned to his room, pulling his books out of his desk, trying to read them, but tonight, the concentration leaves him. He remembered a time when, at night like this, you two ended up in the library, spending time together, like nothing else matters.

“Oh! Look Stephen, this one”

You were lying on the sofa, your head falling towards the ground, when you recognized his boots in front of you.

Stephen sat next to you, taking the books about dream off your hand as you sat back correctly.

“Good book” he said, flipping all the pages.

“Aha very funny, read it correctly you idiot, maybe you have photographic memory, but you are not the doctor.”

“Ah, yeah, i am princess, the one and only.” he said, focusing at the same time on the pages of the book.

“Not true”

You two sat in silence as Stephen read the book.

“I am a Doctor”

“Awh, si carino” you said, caressing his hair.

How he missed those days.

You were heading toward the library, holding at your side sometime, the pain hitting your body hard.

Yet, something else was hitting your body. Hunger. That’s how you ended up in the kitchen instead, preparing a strawberry cake. If it weren’t for your duty as Avatar and sorcerer, you’d like to imagine you would have ended up as a baker or maybe a confectioner. You loved it.

It was long past midnight when you finished your cake. You took a part on a plate, heading out the kitchen. But you stopped, turning toward the cake. Conjuring a note and a pen, you walk toward the kitchen table, writing, before putting the note next to the cake and heading back to your room.

You woke up early, opening a portal to get to Kamar Taj, joining Sarah for training.

So, when Stephen woke up, he was alone in the Sanctum. He went to your room, wanting to know how you were doing, but he found it room empty. When he arrived in the kitchen, the first thing he noticed was the cake. He loved your cake, actually, everything you cooked.

Stephen only noticed the note next to the cake as he got closer.

“Thank you, Stephen” he read, taking the note in his hand.

Few days later, he woke up, finding his mug filled with hot tea in the kitchen. No notes, nothing letting know someone was here, but he knew you had made it for him, like you used to do sometime.

He noticed some attention like this throughout the weeks, the way you would fill him a cup of tea in the mornings, book annotated by you, left on the library table for him to take, meals with note etc...

Stephen was heading toward the library, freezing between two shelves, when he heard Wong and you speaking.

“You didn’t leave the library the entire night?” Wong was asking.

“Ah, yes i did, i changed my clothes.”

“You exhaust me. Go get some sleep!”

Stephen could clearly hear annoyance in Wong voice.

“I am not tired and shut up, you’re going to wake up everyone in the sanctum.”

“Your just two in here.”

“Yes, and i am the only one awake.” You had spite back at him.

“No, i am awake.” Stephen step in, cutting both of them in their conversation.

“See? Told you, you were going to wake everyone.” You teased Wong, smiling.

“Yeah man, you woke me up, screaming like that, crazy.” Stephen was lying, but for the first time in weeks, he had the opportunity to mess around with Wong with his friend, you.

And he didn’t want to lose this chance to bond back. He was glad of this, just for the moment he caught your eyes on him, a mischievous grin on her face.

“Stephen?”

“Yes”

“I stole Wong’s book.” You opened the door of his office, all proud of your joke.

“No you didn’t? He’s gonna end you.”

He took the book out of your hand, keeping it in between his arms.

“You really should return it to him.” He said, before opening the book.

“I know, we should really give it back.” You said, moving behind Stephen to read the book over his shoulder.

“Is that romance?” you ask.

“I think it is.”

You two exchange a look before giggling at your discovery.

“Don’t you start that again.” Wong sights.

“Didn’t do anything.” Stephen said, getting his cup of tea to his lips.

“Me neither.”

Wong exchanged looks between you two before continuing.

“Anyway, if you don’t need rest, Sarah needed a talk with you.”

You closed your book at his words, gathering your stuff before leaving the place through a portal, joining back Sarah in Kamar Taj.

Five days had passed since then. Stephen hadn’t left his room since you saw him last in the library. You had even wondered if he was here, ending up asking Wong if he had seen him.

“Didn’t see him either.”

But he was there, in the Sanctum, with you. Things disappeared, food, books and tea. It didn’t take you long enough to understand what was going on.

Stephen was in a bad day. Days, even. The kind of moment that happened when the shaking of his hands grew worse, when the pain in his hands was unbearable. During these moments, he was grumpy, preferring to stay alone, throwing things when the frustration was too big.

You knew him. In these times, when his hand hurt so bad that he had troubled dealing with tasks, you used to be around him, helping him soothe the ache in his hands with herbal potion, massages, helping him with everything he had troubled with. Just being here for him. Though it usually lasted a couple of day, it was almost a week since he had shown any sign of life.

And, you were worried yet too scared to go to him. Every moment you thought of reaching out to him, fear found its placed in your guts, in your mind.

How you ended up knocking at his bedroom door. No idea. But you did.

“Shit” you felt more than stupid.

You thought about leaving. But your mind flooded you with the worst outcome possible. Perhaps he was gone, maybe injured. Maybe he was dead. He didn’t even answer when you knock the second time.

What if, you had a massive hallucination. Perhaps Stephen never returned from the blip, and it was just your brain messing with you. Maybe he would never return. Even if he did return, he might have returned to ashes.

“Oh, for Christ’s sake.” you breathed heavily as your shaking hand moved to the doorknob, twisted it open, anxiety starting to cripple in your whole body.

“Stephen?” you called a first time, looking at his empty room.

“Stephen.” You sight at the vision of him.

It was the first time you saw him like this. His beard had grown back a little, all messy, just like his hair. He had dark circle under his eyes betraying a lack of sleep. Stephen had disappeared for the last two days.

“I am having a bad day, don’t pity me, just go away.” He tried to shut the door, but you kept it open.

“You wished.” you pushed him slightly, a little.

“Y/N.”

“I’m here to help”

“You don’t need to.”

“Carino, i am your friend, whether you like it or not. That mean i am here for the best and, especially, the worst, no matter what.”

Light was coming from under the door to the bathroom and, in a second, you were knocking.

The door swing against the wall as Stephen expected to meet Wong. Yet, he met your gaze, full of concerned.

“Hey” you said.

“Hey.”

His voice was tired, as you expected. His hair a mess, not brushed. Stephen beard was too long, and he probably tried to shave it, judging by the cut on his cheek and the razor on the counter. Your hand gaze above his cut, like a reflex.

“I need your help in the library.” It’s the only thing you found to say.

A lie. As if it would be the only reason for you to check on him, after five day.

“I’ll be down in a second.”

Stephen sighs, fighting the urge to lean against your hand. He knew what’s on your mind. Knowing you saw through him like an open book and, therefore, you know he isn’t fine. He doesn’t need to lie to you, he never needed.

“It’s nothing just…”

“A bad day.” You cut him, nodding.

He felt the warmth of your hand hovering over his cheek, and your only presence affect all his nerves, sending warm wave in all his body. Stephen knew this feeling too well. You had always made him fell that way. Your only presence, soothing him, letting him open up. The ancient one had said it was because of your connection to the God Ra. But he always felt something deeper inside him.

“You can go, i’ll join you soon.”

You bite your lower lips, trying to found the right words. Stephen felt his heart missed a beat at the sight of you.

“Do you need help? With something?” Cringing at yourself.

“I mean, if you want too, obviously” You continued, wanting to smash your head against the wall at your words.

His silent made it all worse. Mumbling a “sorry”, you were about to move when his voice cut you.

“Yes, please”

From then, he had moved out of the door, letting you in. You felt intimidated at first as you step inside, sitting on the counter, taking the razor in your hands. Stephen walked closer to you, his hand falling on each side of you, flat, against the marble of the counter. He was avoiding your gaze the same way he was avoiding to land his hand on you or to be too close to you.

None of you spoke as you trim the edge of his beard, carefully, the razor blade rolling on his skin like soft touch. Like it would break him if it touches him too roughly. Your hands touched his chin, lifting his head, disappearing as soon as they landed. Stephen instantly misses your touch. If he were sure you wouldn’t run out of his room, he would've taken your hand, and kept it in his own. Perhaps, if he were brave enough, he’d asked you to keep your hands on his cheek. But he was sure, if any words spoken, if any touched misplaced, you would run away.

Even if Stephen felt anger toward the way you acted with him, even if he was lost, you were here, with him and his entire body and soul had forgotten the anger. And if he does anything that would make you run away, Stephen would feel terrible. He felt like a teenager, immature, too afraid to be close to a girl.

So, he doesn’t speak. Doesn’t mention the way he misses your presence, your joke, your touch. He doesn’t mention why he doesn’t understand you nor the way you act with him, when you two used to be so close.

“Done” You whispered, putting the razor down, noticing how is hands are shaking.

It seems like your voice pull him out of his trans, his eyes coming back at you.

“Oh, thank you” He pulled away from you, his hand falling at his side.

In an impulse, you grab, gently, one of his hand, holding it between your hands. They are cold against your warm skin.

“You’re cold.” you noticed out loud.

Stephen's heart skipped a beat. The warmth of your hands lingered all over his body. It felt nice. Without even realizing it, Stephen was leaning on you, sooth by the only presence of you massaging is scarred hand.

“It feels nice.” he whispered, smiling, and you smiled at him.

The first smile directed to him since he got back. It melted his heart and all he wanted was to take you in his arm and never let go. You, smiling to him, was the only thing he wanted to see. His one smile faded as he kept staring at you.

“Smile again.” he whispered on your lips, his other hand falling on the side of your face, his thumb brushing your cheek.

Your heart sunk in your body. Stephen felt your warmth all over his skin, appreciating the feeling of your skin against his.

But you let go, moving out of his touch, and coldness take its place back in him.

“You should use this, it’s a better version of the other's one.” You said, taking something out of your pocket.

It was a bottle of cream made from herbs and oil. You had made it especially for him. He thanked you again, taking the bottle out of your hand, his fingers brushing against yours.

And it’s too much, it felt too overwhelming. He was real, you could touch him, feel him, smell him. “He is real” you tried convincing yourself as the image, the feeling of that day took control of your mind. The day he disappeared. You tried to control it, but the fear grasps at every part of your body, screaming for you to “run away”.

So, you did.

“I’ll wait for you in the library.” Jumping out of the counter, you didn’t expect any answer, your ears buzzing.

“Ok” He whispered.

You shut the door of his room behind you, tears streaming down your face, clutching at your chest, where you could feel your heart, heavy and painful, beating too fast. You felt pathetic. It was like every time you wake up. Losing something. Losing someone.

You needed to get out.

Stephen headed towards the library, content. He expected you two to spend time in the library, like before.

“Y/N?” he called out, as he opened the gates of the library of the Sanctum.

No answer. He walked toward the table where a candle was light up. There was a book on a table next to a note. His breath hardened as he took it.

“Found what i needed. Needed to run on a mission, sorry. See you.” He read, sitting on the table.

Stephen hardly believed the lie. You had run away from him again, not even able to tell him the truth. Not even able to talked to him any more. He was gone for five years, he needed you. He needed his friend and right now, he found you selfish.

Stephen hated this, hated you, he tries convincing himself. However, his heart was screaming at him to understand, to found a reason. But he found no reason. And his heartache.

The next time he saw you was three days later, during a meeting with the most ancient master, discussing an urgent matter. Mordo.

“Are you not angry?” You asked Wong.

From your point of view, Mordo should be stopped. Ever since the battle against Dormamu, he had changed side, attacking everyone anytime he could. Now he had attacked a sanctum, and you were more than ready to put him back in his place, no matter what you needed to do.

“Well, i should kill him because i’m angry?”

To Wong, thing seemed slightly different. Mordo used to be his friend, his ally. He couldn’t think of the idea to take his life, to put him back in his place. Wong sometime was too nice, you thought.

“No. Because it’s your duty as sorcerer supreme to crush his rebellion and protect everyone.” You said, standing up and walking towards Wong.

You were Wong’s second, his hand, he always listened to you, taking your opinion in the matter, more than any others. Even when yours was different from him. Stephen knew Wong never rejected any of your advice, just like he never dismissed any of Wong’s advice when he was the sorcerer supreme.

“It’s only a matter of time until he found Stephen back. What do you think he’ll do when this happens?” You paused.

“I won’t let this happen. Without your accord or not, if he got too close, i won’t wait for orders.” You said back, waiting for Wong to say something.

You were only a few feet from Wong now, whispering.

“Just say the words, i’ll deal with him, right now, if i must.”

Wong knew your loyalty. And he was grateful for it. And he had always taken your side when needed.

“I choose Y/N as my hand and second in charge.” Wong said, as he was chosen as the new Supreme.

You turned your head toward him, in shock. Everyone in the room started shooting their disapproval. They didn’t agree, never you. You were an avatar, it wasn’t your place to be. Wong had already named you Master of the New York sanctum.

They didn’t trust you enough, knowing your loyalty went to only few people, scared you might turn on them. You had fought the ancient one roughly, one times defending Stephen Strange.

If your value changed, it will make all of them in danger.

You were sure everyone would turn on you, and they were doing it. Yet, Wong wasn’t giving them any reason to stop, not defending you.

He trusted you. Stephen, and you were the person he trusted the most. Stephen was gone.

You didn’t move, staring blank in the walls as everyone gave him his disapproval.

Later, during the evening, he came looking for you, finding you in the darkness of the library.

“They don’t want me as your hand.” You told him, closing your book.

“I don’t care, as i told you, you’re the one i trust the most here.”

You would accept the offer, it was an honour. Compared to being the Master of an entire sanctum, you felt capable of advising Wong when needed, and help him in his duty. But the other didn’t seem to hear it this way.

“It’s a heavy burden you're asking me to carry.”

“But if you wished me to bear it, i will, but i need you to defend me from them.”

“I will.” Wong said.

And he did.

“I agree with Y/N, Mordo need to be stopped” Stephen said, standing up.

The room was silent, the other master thinking of the matter. Wong nodded

“I’ll send you to him the next time we see him. You’ll fight him. For now, we need to deal with the degradation he caused.”

“I’ll fight him too.” Stephen said, looking at you.

And you nodded.

“We can handle him.” You said, looking at Stephen.

Stephen felt relief. Still, when needed you were taking his side, protecting him like you used to. He knew you never really get along with Mordo, but still. Maybe not everything was lost for your friendship.

Stephen was trying to fall asleep, when he noticed something, flying in his room. A small blue butterfly, just like the one you had shown him two days ago. You were gone on a mission, and he was missing your presence. He sent you one back.

At first, it had become just a small habit between you two, something to tell the other you were fine when on a mission, on a party, in training session. Just a friendly reminder that one was okay.

Soon, Stephen, and you had found yourself to send it more often. Stephen, sending one at night, thinking of you. You, sending him one, as you noticed something that reminded you of him. It became more than the “i am fine”.

None of you would admit it, but as the butterfly happens more often between you, it meant one was on another mind.

It meant, “I think of you”.

The meeting over, you returned to the sanctum with a pile of document to work on.

Wong came back, few days later, for a mission. He needed Stephen and you. That’s how all of you ended up in a cave, miles underground, looking for a relic. The atmosphere was tense. A Thousand of inscription were graved on the walls, but none of them seems to be reliable.

“I told you, we are lost.” you whined, lighting the path ahead of you.

“We are not”

Wong sights, trying to found any signal or any clue.

“What are we even looking for?”

“I just know it’s an ancient relic.”

“That’s oddly specific” Stephen commented, and a small laugh escaped your mouth.

“It is.” You commented.

You were used to this type of exploration, and it was weird that none of you had found any trap. The writings on the walls were an indication, but all of them seemed to contradict the previous one. None of this were helping.

As you moved to another part of the walls covered with draw, you touch something, releasing dust right in your face. Backing off, coughing, your eyes were filled with dust, and you felt her head spinning.

“Y/N, are you okay?” Wong asked as Stephen ran at your side.

“Don’t touch these things. They release some sort of spores.” You commented.

“Do you feel good?”

“Yeah, fine. Let just keep going.”

Heading forward, all of you were walking deeper in the cave when you arrived to an intersection with three branches.

“I think we should split up.”

You said, and Stephen and Wong agreed as the three of you walked toward each side.

That’s how you found yourself, alone, with your head spinning. Maybe it was due to magic, but it only got worse as you get deeper in the cave. You started to have trouble breathing, the air feeling like needle in your lungs.

Then you stopped, leaning on the wall next to you, your hand resting flat on the cold stone. Maybe it was just a panic attack, you thought. It must be it.

“Child, you need to…” You heard Ra talking, but it stopped.

Something moved on your hand. Something was moving on the wall. Your head snapped up and your hand and the walls were swarmed in spider, moving like a horror film.

“Fuck” you scream at the vision of horror, falling hard on the ground as the spider vanished in the air.

“What was this?”

Raising from the ground, you dust your jeans off, looking around you.

“Ra?” you called, but no answer, unusual considering the fact he always came when you summoned him.

You kept walking, your ears buzzing. If it weren’t for your actual headache, you could swear they were voices coming from the walls. It was obvious something was wrong with this place.

Catching a glimpse of Ra speaking to you, only trouble, you couldn’t hear him and soon, he was gone again.

“What’s wrong with me.”

Stephen was following footsteps carved in the dust, expecting it to lead somewhere interesting. Soon he stumbled on Wong, both scaring the hell out of each other.

“I swear, this place is like a maze” Stephen told Wong before showing him the footsteps he had found.

They were following the paths down, when they found a backpack, empty. As they were moving forward, it started to stink, something smelled like rotten meat. And it was only getting worse.

“Wong, i swear, if we found a dead animal, you’ll hear about this for the rest of your life.”

“That must be something else.” Wong said before shooting in something.

“Shit”

Stephen enlightening Wong’s foot as this one became livid. Wong had shoot in what looked like a foot.

“Is that…”

Hanging on the wall, there was a corpse, half rotten. They both moved back, covering their noses as the smell was strong. The cloak tried to get Stephen away, but he stepped back, forcing the item to follow him.

“It’s just a dead body.” he said to Cloak as this one didn’t seem to hear it.

“So, what do we do?” Stephen asked.

“Maybe he got some information on him.” Wong suggested.

That’s how they started going through the man stuff. They were nothing to be found, beside a cup, a notebook and a rope. Stephen opened the book, flying over some part of what seem to be the man’s diary. It seems like he was on exploration, looking for the same thing they were looking for. An ancient artefact. There was no other information they didn’t know inside. He turned to the last pages written, reading it, and he felt his body froze in fear.

“I fucked up. These spores on the wall are fucking hallucinogens. It’s the cave, trying to kill those who are inside. It will lead me to death, it’s trying to, that is the curse. For anyone who will find me, step away from these spores. It will only lead you to get killed.”

Stephen stood up, grabbing Wong sleeve and pushing him in the other way.

“We need to find Y/N” he said.

“Why?” Wong asked, getting out of hold.

“Because of this” Stephen said, smashing the diary on Wong chest.

His heart was beating fast, too fast.

“Y/N inhaled the spores, we need to find her now.” Stephen sounded desperate, trying to run in the darkness of the cave, founding his way back to you.

“Stephen?” you ask, seeing his cloak in front of you.

You walked closer to him, trying to get his attention as you felt the danger upon you.

“Stephen, i think something is wrong, i…” you started, and he turned to you, you tried to catch his hands, but as your hands land on him, he vanished in the air, just like he did five years ago.

You fall on the ground at the vision, a growl of pain exciting your mouth. He was gone, again. The buzzing in your ears intensified, and you covered your ears, shielding yourself from the pain. You moved your head, seeing his boots on the ground, and your eyes moved to met his. He was talking to you so, you uncovered your ears as he sat in front of you.

“It’s your fault i am gone. You couldn’t even protect me.”

“No” you whispered, raising from the ground and walking away from the hallucination.

“I told you, you disappoint everyone.” you hear your mom said.

“Stop this, please” you begged, as you saw Stephen in front of you, before he turned to dust again. Each time it was like reliving the memory again and again. You fall on the ground over and over, covering yourself with blood.

“Y/N come to me, i swear i am real.” You shook your head, turning away again.

“No, you're not, it’s all in my head.”

You didn’t even realize you were walking close to the edge of the abyss, ready to fall inside with each step you took, running away from the hallucination. Everything you felt was fear, as you were seeing Stephen dying over and over again, as you heard the voices in your ears, leaving your head buzzing.

“It’s all in my head.”

Stephen and Wong had found back your path, ending on another crossing way. Once again, they decided to split up. Stephen was running, his attempts on founding you remaining unsuccessful. He is desperate, feeling like he is running out of time when Cloak pushed him back, and he caught a glimpse of you.

“Y/N” He screamed, walking toward you. And he saw it. The abyss you were ready to fall in.

Stephen called for you a second time, and you turned to him, your eyes widened. He walks to you but stopped, as soon as you take step back, getting closer to the voids.

“No, you stay away from me” You screamed, thinking he is a hallucination too, taking another step back.

“No, Y/N stop moving, ok?”

In front of you, the ground shakes, opening, creating a huge ravine separate you from Stephen. As a reflex, you took a step back again, getting you closer to the real edge, causing Stephen heart to miss a beat.

Stephen doesn’t know what to do. If he moved too fast you’ll fall, even if he used cloak, you may fall. He can’t reach you, you’re too far. All his body is on alert. And he hears you.

“He’s not real” repeating this to yourself, over and over.

“Y/N i am real. Trust me, it’s me, i am real. Please come to me, you just need to move a few steps forward, okay?”

You’re crying at this point, your entire body feeling the need to move to him as your mind keep your feet on the ground, screaming to run away. There is a huge void in front of you, separating both of you, one only you can see.

“Come on sweetheart, trust me, you need to trust me, just a few steps, please Y/N i beg you.” Stephen continued, catching the way you looked in front of you.

“Y/N trust me please, i am real, nothing else is, just listen to my voice okay? Just a few steps and you’ll be safe.”

You stumble forward, closing your eyes as you stepped in the voids, ready to fall, following his voice, begging every god that he is real.

“That’s it Y/N, just a few more steps, trust me.”

Once you are close enough from him and away from the edges, he finally steps forward, catching your hand in his, crushing you in his arms and moving you away from the danger.

"I've got you" Stephen keeps his hold on you, kissing your hair.

And you hold him back, tears streaming down your face, focusing on him, in his smell, on the contact of his clothes against your hand. Focusing on his voice and on the cloak who’s wrapped around you.

“Oh Y/N”

You are safe, that’s all it matters to Stephen as he squeezed you in his arms again, stronger.

“My Y/N” He whispered, his hand cupping your face as he kissed your forehead, before he wiped the tears off your face.

“You stay with me, i am not letting you go, okay?”

You nodded as he took your hand in his, guiding toward the exit. He’ll make sure nothing happen to you. Leading you in the dark, never letting go. He was holding you close to him. The voices are still here, screaming at you.

“You’re in the wrong way” they said.

But you decided to ignored them, ignoring the walls of the cave closing against you or the bugs flying in your vision. Stephen wouldn’t lead you to your death. He wouldn’t trick you. You trusted him, even when he is next to you, repeating you failed him, saying he isn’t real.

Soon, you arrived where Wong and Stephen parted away. He sat you on the ground, carefully letting go of your hands.

"I'll be right back, do not move"

Stephen walked toward the other gallery, waiting for Wong, calling out for him. But there was no answer. He turned toward you, seeing you were whispering at something.

"No, no, stop" you were whispering.

And you felt two hands falling on your ears, covering the sound around you as Stephen leaned next to you.

"Don't listen to them, just me, focus on me" Stephen continued, hoping that Wong didn't get hurt but the spores too.

Wong arrived soon after, relief falling on his face as he saw Stephen and you, though you were a mess.

As soon as Stephen saw Wong, he stood up, wanting to get away as fast as possible from here.

"We need to leave." You caught his hand in yours, tugging on him.

"Don't leave me alone." you begged him.

Stephen exchanged a quick glance with Wong, showing the urgency of the situation.

But all you can acknowledge was his voice.

"I will, you're just a burden" saying over and over again. Your hand goes covering your ears as you stand up.

You didn’t walk far away, feeling two arms falling around your waist, stopping you in your tracks.

"I won't leave you here Y/N, i promise" Stephen whispered in your ear, taking your hand in his, making you walk next to him.

"No way to open a portal, we need to get out first." Wong commented, standing next to you on the other side.

“What about the mission?” you succeed asking.

“The mission doesn’t matter, only your safety.” Wong said, taking your other arm, helping you walk.

As soon as you were out of the cave, Wong opened a portal to the sanctum and Stephen led you to your room as Wong returned to his office with the journal, trying to find other information that could help your state.

You were sitting on the bed, Stephen taking care of your injuries. The magic coming from the sanctum protected you from most of the hallucination, it was quieter, no more voices or ears buzzing, nothing getting you close to your death, though the people were still here, judging you.

Stephen was disinfecting your hands, catching as your eyes moved around sometime, probably listening to the hallucination.

"You don't have to do this, you know. It's okay, really." You whispered

"I am not leaving you, not until the hallucination are gone." His voice was calm but cold.

You had tried to tell him it was fine, he could leave and get some sleep, but it was all vein. He still saw the way your head move, the way your body react, betraying the presence of the hallucination.

“Focus on my voice Y/N, do not listen to what they said. I am here, focus on me” He said, packing the aid kit back to the bathroom.

As Stephen walked back to you, he tried to reach for you, but you moved away from him, again.

“Just shut up” you said as you hear the mocking voice of Stephen, laughing at you.

“You’re so stupid, believing i would be back for you.” he said.

“What do you see?” Stephen asked, sitting in front of you.

You stand up from the bed, walking past him, ignoring the question.

“I should have left you to that cave.” you hear him say.

For a second, it feels like it’s the real Stephen speaking, and you stumble on your feet, before he reached for your hand again, realizing the hallucination say the truth.

“Y/N, talked to me, let me help you, you’re safe here”

You swallow hard, avoiding his gaze.

“You. Mostly, you. I reach too you but… You vanished away, every time and… It’s my fault, i couldn’t protect you. Oh, you hate me so much for that. You wish to let me in that cave”

You tried to keep the tears inside, getting out of his hold on you, walking away again, too ashamed.

“Y/N, i would never, none of it was your fault, you can open up to me.” Stephen said, as he tried to keep you close to him, too afraid to let you wander around.

“Y/N, please.”

Once again, he tried to reach for your hands, but you moved away, faster, seeing, what you hoped to be, the other Stephen falling into dust again.

“Don’t”

“Stop pushing me away.” he sights, annoyed, running out of patience.

Stephen is tired of this, of the situation, of you pushing him back. He wished to understand.

“I must”

“Why?” His voice his higher this time, betraying anger.

“Because i am scared!” you screamed.

"I am fucking scared that you’ll hate what i’ve become that, if I touched you, if I am near you, You’ll just disappear over again. I am afraid that your presence is just a dream or an illusion and I will have to go through loosing you, to failing you all over again if i get too close. And I can't do it, I won't. I can't lose you a second time, Stephen. "

Your hand fall on each side of his face.

"It can't be real" You whispered.

"I am real, I am here, and I won't leave you again." His hands imitating yours as he cupped your face, leaning his forehead against yours.

“I won’t leave you, especially tonight.” He whispered.

You stayed like that, enjoying each other presence, before he pulled away.

“We’ll talk about this in the morning. You need to rest right now.”

Stephen helped you to undress, bringing you your pyjamas and helping you laid down on your bed. He is sitting in a chair he had brought next to your bed, holding your hand in his. You are too afraid to let go, so you kept his hands in yours, listening to his voice, as he distracted you from the vision.

He wished to get everything normal, like before. And, though for the past months since his return, he had grown tired of the situation, of the way you acted, being irritated. Deep down, he knew he could never hate you. Deep down, his heart could never forget how to care for you, how to like you. And his heart couldn’t hate you.

When you woke up, it’s the middle of the night, something is calling you, you can hear it. Your eyes drift in the dark, looking for something, and your gaze fall onto Stephen’s figure, asleep in the chair.

He stayed.

You get up from the bed, trying not to make noises, following where the voice came from. As you get closer to the door, a hand fall on your waist, pushing you back.

“Get back to bed, there’s nothing.” Stephen's voice resonated in your ear.

“There’s a voice calling.”

He stayed silent, listening.

“No, it’s still hallucination.”

Your back is against his chest as he spoke, his head leaned on your shoulder.

“Go back to bed.” he whispered once more, guiding you back to your bed.

You sneak under the covers, still listening.

“Don’t make me tied you to the bed.” Stephen said, sitting back on the chair.

“Like you wouldn’t like that.” you whispered back, the words falling out of your mouth without you realizing it.

“What did you say?”

“Nothing” You answer, plunging your head under the cover.

He laughed, taking back your hand in his.

“Sleep.”

Both of you are sitting in the library of the sanctum. Stephen had this feeling, growing inside of him, like he needed to tell something, to open up. Sometime, your empathy was strong, leading people around you to open up. You were never surprised when it happens. People felt safe around you, comfortable. You knew a part of this was due to your connection to Ra.

Stephen was sitting in front of you, his legs taping on the ground, trying his best to focus, forgetting the voice inside his head. But it slipped, as soon as his eyes landed on you, crossing your eyes.

“My father was an alcoholic, he used to beat me, when i was younger.”

Stephen felt his head falling on the table, shame running in his body. You closed your book, leaning forward to him.

“Sorry, i’ve never done that before, i don’t want to bother you with this.”

“It’s okay Stephen, you can open up to me, if you need to talk i am here for you Stephen.”

Stephen and you didn’t get the opportunity to talk in the morning, both being called out on emergency call.

When he got back, it was night already. He sat at his deck, reading, when something flew near him, landing on his hand.

A blue butterfly. All shy, the butterfly rests on his hand, waiting. And Stephen smiles, remembering.

“I think of you.”

Hello, here is the part 2 of the story. I do hope you will like it! If you have any advice to improve writting, any comment to do, i’d be glad to read them to get better at this.

Have a wonderful day! See you soon

#doctor strange x you #doctor strange x yn #doctor strange x reader #stephen strange x you #stephen strange x y/n #stephen strange x reader #doctor strange imagine #doctor stephen strange #stephen strange imagine #dr stephen strange #stephen strange

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transpoettryinghisbest · 1 year

Text

Who wants some Desmitri? Just trying something new lol. This is early in their relationship. Also Aurora is alive because fuck you. Trigger warnings are in the tags.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

I curl up into a ball, trying to ground myself by feeling my weight against the mattress, the blankets around my shoulders and over my feet. I squeeze my bear plushie tighter against my chest. My breathing is the only sound I can make out, aside from some distant chatter.

BANG.

I feel myself flinch.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

Logically, I know they’re just fireworks. Completely harmless to me, as I’m tucked up warm inside. But they still have some kind of effect on me that I can’t quite place. I just know that I hate it. And I hate that I hate it. I wish I could just be normal and enjoy Bonfire Night like anyone else.

But it keeps bringing me back to that memory.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“DiDi are you not coming downstairs?”

“Huh? Uh…no.”

Aurora’s at my door. I didn't hear her coming. She’s the adoptive daughter of my new partner. She’s a bit of an oddball, even coming from someone like me, but she’s sweet and she seems to accept me.

“But Grandpa Ray made soup! And this spiced cake thing, I forget what it’s called.”

“Parkin?”

“That’s it! He says it’s traditional to have it on Bonfire Night. Then we’re going to burn a doll of this evil man from history. But Dad says if you're coming outside you should wrap up warm.”

“Mm hm.”

I’m vaguely familiar with the history of Guy Fawkes and this holiday, having lived in England for most of my life, but Aurora’s fairly new to all of this. It’s sweet watching her learn and retain things, but I can’t really focus on what she’s saying, I’m so on edge anticipating the next bang.

“Are you okay?” she asks me.

I nod.

“You look frightened, DiDi.”

“I’m-”

BANG.

I flinch. Aurora seems unfazed.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“Oh, are you scared of the fireworks?”

I want to deny it, but I don’t think I’ll be able to convincingly. I just nod, trying to slow my breathing back down to normal.

“Oh that’s why Dad didn't buy any. He bought sparklers. They don’t make any noise. But he said we can still watch the neighbours’ fireworks.”

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“DiDi, the fireworks won’t hurt you. Dad says they’re pretty explosions in the sky hundreds of feet away. They’re meant to be fun.”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.”

BANG.

I flinch, letting out a little whimper.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“Do you want me to get Dad?” Aurora asks.

I nod.

“Okay. Stay here. I won’t be long.”

She goes downstairs and I stay put, trying to regulate my breathing and ground myself.

I don’t know if what I’m having are flashbacks, it feels more like just constant repeated bad memories and a sense of unease. Every time I hear a bang, I get this impending feeling of doom, like someone I love is going to die again. That I’ll be helpless to stop it, and I’ll be left alone in the world, sobbing on the ground.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe. I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“Love, are you alright?”

Desmond is here. His voice is very soft and calming. I smile, mostly out of relief.

“Aurora told me you were having a hard time.”

I nod.

“It’s alright, I’m here.”

He sits next to me on the bed and I instinctively nestle into him.

I’m glad he’s Desmond today. Descole is hot and funny and interesting and cool. But Desmond…he makes me feel safe.

My partner switches back and forth sometimes. Not in a dissociative identity disorder way, moreso…he’s playing roles. They help him express how he’s feeling and what kind of environment he’s in. He’s Desmond a lot of the time he’s around Aurora and in professional settings, but he’s Descole on dates or…when things get bad. Descole allows himself to feel things much deeper than Desmond does.

Both are better suited to different environments, but I love them both equally. They’re two halves of a whole man whom I fell in love with.

BANG.

I flinch against him. He gently strokes me, making a shushing sound.

“You’re safe, Dimitri.”

I’m safe. Everyone’s safe.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“I didn't think it would be this bad,” Desmond says. “I’m sorry I wasn't more prepared.”

“It’s alright.”

“I wish there was something I could do. Perhaps some noise cancelling headphones would help.”

“I… No.”

Something about the idea of explosions going on around me and not being able to hear them scares me even more than this. The idea that someone could just disappear without me knowing.

“No, you're right. An avoidant strategy may not be ideal.”

If I thought running away would help, I’d have left the country for the weekend. I feel stuck in this place, unable to do anything until the night ends, so frightened of something that I’m not entirely sure what that something is anymore.

BANG.

I flinch. Desmond holds me tighter, telling me once again that I’m okay.

I’m okay. No one’s dying. Everyone’s safe.

“Do you want to talk?” he asks me.

I shake my head.

“Alright. Well I’m here if you change your mind.”

“I love you.”

I said that instinctively, in case this is the last time I’ll ever see him. Even though I know it won’t be. I can’t help but be scared of losing someone else. And I know he feels the same.

“I love you too. I promise you will be alright.”

The one thing that Desmond and Descole have in common, is that they both have a deep sadness within them. Maybe that’s part of what attracted me to him in the first place, the idea that I don’t have to hide anything from him or pretend to be okay. We’re both broken souls. But we found each other. Somehow.

BANG.

I think I flinch less that time. My mantra isn’t really helping, but holding onto Desmond is. He feels so sturdy and real, which helps me from getting lost in my head. I put my plush bear down and wrap my arms around Desmond instead. He kisses my forehead.

“Perhaps looking at the fireworks would help? So that you can be more aware of what the noises are and that they’re not going to hurt anyone.”

That sounds logical, Desmond usually is, but something is stopping me from doing so. I keep my forehead resting against his chest, feeling his chest go up and down with his gentle breaths.

BANG.

I cling tighter.

“That one was blue,” Desmond says. “Quite pretty. I wonder which metal they added to the gunpowder to make that particular colour.”

I'm crying now. I’m not sure why. Maybe because I miss Claire. Maybe because I hate feeling like this. Or maybe because I finally feel safe enough to do so. Desmond's shirt becomes slightly damp from my tears, but he doesn't react in a huge way, just continues to stroke my back.

Maybe one day I'll tell him about Claire. Maybe.

There's a soft knock at the door.

“Grandpa Ray says he's left the soup on the stove if anyone wants some. But no pressure.”

“Alright, thank you, Aurora.”

“DiDi, I made you tea. Because you're upset. Was…that the right thing to do?”

“It is customary to ask first,” Desmond says.

I take the tea. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

Offering tea as a sign of compassion is a very British thing, and given that Desmond is very British, I'm not surprised Aurora picked that trait up from her father. I take a sip. The warmth is comforting.

“I think I'm gonna stay inside tonight,” Aurora says. “It's cold out. Can we have a movie night?”

“What do you say, love?” Desmond asks me.

“Uh…okay. Just nothing with…loud noises.”

“Okay! I’ll go get my collection and we can pick one. Dad, can we have popcorn?”

“Sure, sweetheart.”

The fireworks continue well into the night, but snuggled up to Desmond and Aurora, watching a cringy but wholesome film about ponies, I feel safe. Halfway through the film, Aurora falls asleep leaning against me. I cautiously stroke her hair.

I may never get back what I felt for Claire. I still don’t even fully understand what that feeling was. But that’s okay. I know who I am now. And this strange little family loves me with no complications. And I love them back.

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