#or is it always going to be a tug of war between good and evil. is that necessary
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Padawan
Masterlist
Summary: Being captured by your old master was meant to mean torture, interrogation and execution. So why were you here? Why is he being so nice and trying to relive old times. And why the fuck is he giving you affection?
Warnings : swearing, anxiety, fluff, Jedi order bashing?, Emperor Anakin, Suitless vader,
A/N: here is another Anakin oneshot, i enjoyed this though i think it could have been better. But if im honest if i keep tweaking it i will lose my mind. So here you go, enjoy lovelies 😘
Wordcount: around 6900
You shivered in the cold cell, curling your arms around your chest, tugging your cloak tighter trying to fed off the chill setteling uncomfortably into your bones. You werent sure what was going on, theoretically you were meant to have been executed the moment the inquisitors found you, but apparently you were different from the others.
And in a way you were different, youd only been a padawan for a few months when the shit hit the fan. Youd never completed training or been knighted just helped as much as you could during the war and your training.
When the empire rose to power and the other jedi watched carefully youd been ordered to hide. Obi wan had pleaded with you to get as far away from everyone as you could. You hadnt understood back then, why was he giving you orders? Why wasnt your master there with you? Youd asked over and over where anakin was, unable to fend off the fear of something happening to him. You werent supposed to but you and your master had created a bond on the battlefield. A close call had prompted Anakin to seal your forces together in some odd taboo bond.
No one would tell you where your master was, or what he was doing. Finally obi wan had just blurted it out. He was dead. You paused, liar. It was a lie, you knew it was you could still feel him. His force signature was still lingering on the edges of your mind. He was wounded, desperate and above all angry.
Once obi wan had lied to your face youd left. It was disturbing. Why? Why was he lying to your face? What else could he have lied about? Things progressed quickly after that, youd abandoned the order and hid yourself on a tiny planet known for living off the land, trading produce, lumber and gem stones.
The massacre happened, and shortly after the news came. As much as you hoped your master was alive you never wanted it to be like that. He was sith now.To say you never saw the dark side in anakin was a lie. There was rage, pride, ambition even fear. Youd always reasoned it was to protect his loved ones. Even though the code forbid love an attachment, it wasnt exactly a bad thing right? Anakin was still protecting the innocent. So it couldnt be so bad? Useing the dark side for good is still good right? Good and evil are subjective, nothing is inherently bad or good, it all depends on the motive, method and reason. At least thats what youd told yourself to justify his actions.
It's said Anakin had lost himself in a rage and almost killed obi wan on a battle on mustafa. Obi wan had fled, before Anakin could deliver the final blow. The next thing you heard was Padme's passing. Nothing was ever mentioned about the baby. Youd like to say things seemed to quiet down after that but it was only a month or so after padme's funeral that palpantine was executed by Anakin. And the new galaxy order began. Your once master was now the emperor, he ruled with an iron fist and hunting of jedi began. Black robed inquisitors scoured the galaxy looking for force sensitive beings to eradicate. It was a genocide.
Youd managed to hide quietly in your little home, holding down a job in the mines, mineing crytals and gem stones. Your reason was if your below ground you cant be spoted. Occasionally youd feel your old master, his life force brushing yours lightly. As if he was checking in on you. Reassuring himself you were still alive.
Sometimes youd sit and meditate trying to severe the connection between the two of you. His response was immediate and ruthless, he'd plough through your mind pressing back harshly, clawing and burning your mind makeing you cry out. It felt as if he were splitting your head open, searing pains would almost cause you to pass out. Just as you felt your vision blackening he'd pull back leaving a lingering sense of disapproval. A warning of not to try that again. For what ever reason he wanted to remain connected to you.
You guessed it had been just over four days since being thrown into your tiny cold cell. Four days of traveling to maker knows where, with little rest and no food bar a slice of bread and cup of water a day. Sleep had evaded you most of the nights, you were far too cold. And what little sleep you did get was haunted by nightmares. Scenarios of a slow grusome torture and bloody end waking you with a terrified cry. And they werent unfounded, the inquisitors and guards made sure you heard their guesses arohnd your fate. From what you could tell theyxd had specific orders to capture you. No one else, you were the only prisoner on the ship. A highly prized lamb ready for slaughter.
Suddenly the doors were flung open and you were unceremoniously dragged from your tiny cell. Two storm troopers heaved you up by your arms threatening to dislocate them as you almost collapsed, knees buckling after staying still for so long. With harsh shpving and a few curses you were being tugged from the ship. Your panic rose with each step as you realised you were probably being taken to your death. Marching out into the hanger and then quickly ushered into a huge yet quiet building. You had no chance to devidse and escape plan or even figure out where you were.
Within mineuts you were placed outside of two huge doors. The stormtroopers releasing you only to flank you either side, blasters at the ready. You frowned eyeing them and then to tall door once more.
"In there rebel! Now" the tropper to your left ordered with a hard shove to your back sending you into a stagger. You caught your footing just as the door began to open.
"Move it!" The other male barked coralling you into the huge dark room. You shivered feeling more unesy as you spied the room, inching forward. It was dark, the only light was one long pipe surrounding the room, currently set to dim white. Not even bright enough to creat a shdow on the black gloss floor.
You stepped further into the black cautiously, feeling more vulnerable then you ever hd before. Your lightsaber had been stolen by the inquisitors tht hd captured you, you felt nked and alone without it. Not that you carried it around, it hd been tucked away in your home. Yet this was the type of situation you missed having it clipped to your belt.
"It has been a long time padawan" you tensed hearing the voice of your once master. It was upseting, your guts twisting uncomfortably. Youd never thought you would hear him again and honestly? It was something you were all to happy to avoid. It was awkward and confusing. The lights suddenly came to life, illuminating the room and revealed a large black and grey space. Columns lined the walls, the gloss floor had n oddly intricate pattern inlaid into it, a mix of geometric and flowing shapes all defined by their gloss, matte and satin finish. One long glossed gangway directed you stright to the end of the room only interrupted by a set of wide sprawling shllow steps.
It was at that point you realised you were in the fabled throne room of the new sith empire. Shit. Not many left this place outside of a box.
Your eyes rose, following the room to the focal point. A huge black granite slab fashioned into a large masculine throne of straight sharp edges. Finally your gze landed on him. God. He was exactly the same, slightly weathered look to him, taller and slightly more muscular then he had been before. The only real changes were the way he'd matured into a stronger jawline and his eyes were a bright glowing amber. Youd say gold but the hint of orange tipped his gaze in to a more sinister hue.
"I heard you fled the order before i returned. Its unfortunate i wished you had stayed there i was coming to collect you, you know" he paused analysing you for a moment. There was a hesitance to his movments he shifted in his seat leaning to one side on his throne, resting on his elbow, hands clasped casually over his abdomen and his legs spread. You released a breath relaxing somewhat as he lounged back into a non threatening stance in his seat.
"But then again obi wan was always interfering. Im sure he convinced you id abandoned you. It wounds me to think youd hve belived him" your masters voice was acompanied by a deep sigh. His eyes almost looked hurt by the notion. You got the feeling your silence was beginning to grate on him. You could feel the tendrils of frustration creeping aroudn you, his force signature becoming restless around him he was irritated. Irritation to anger and then? Well he wasnt exactly known for tempering his rage.
"I didnt; he didnt say that" you inched forward nervously glancing up at him on the raised black dais his throne sat uppon. His eyes widened, surprize washing over his face, chasing away the brewing scowl.
"Oh? Then why did you flee?" His head tipped forward, just like it had done with every question hexd ever posed to you. Just like that you felt like the young clumsy padawan youd once been. That all familiar teasing your master was known for. You knew from old times he wasnt asking because he didnt know the answer, he knew alright. He was testing you, waiting to see if you would lie to him or be honest.
Unlike others in the order you never lied to your master. You had to trust him, and he you. The more you revealed to him for safe keeping the more he had let you in. Even going as far to bring you home to his wife letting you join them for family meals and stay over in the spare bedroom. Yes youd gotten far with anakin by telling him the truth willingly, and youd not stop that now.
"He lied to me. They all did, they said you were dead but i... felt you. And then it raised other questions about the order, i didnt understand why they were so eager to get rid of me. I couldnt stay anymore when they were so brazen about it" you explained clearly, trying not to babble away and trail off into your confused nonsense.
"Then you are lucky little one, to have seen the truth before it was too late. But then again you were always one for difficult questions. Your veiws on the dark side and the light always troubled the council." He chuckled to himself shaking his head recalling all the times your bombarded him with the why's and how's like a curious youngling thirsty for knowledge. At the time he'd explained everything in line with the jedi code as best as he could. But found himself having to shush you often as you continued to question the code and morals behinde it. He was somewhat proud of you for it, you refused to follow blindly, much like him. You didnt see life as cut and dry as others raised in the temple, in a way anakin was lucky.
"What? They knew?" You anounced curseing yourself at the fear that washed over you. Anakin drew a deep breath, his jaw locking as he felt the fear in you, the sickening twisting in your gut at the thought of those jedi ever scaring you. He opened the bond you both shared smothering you with soft reassurance. Calming you with a blanket of his own force coiling around you just as he had when you would panic alone in your bunk at night. He dreads to think how many times he'd stayed up at night soothing you waiting for you to drift off to sleep before resting himself.
He smirked, despite your initial shock and gasp at his gentle reassurance your own life force welcomed him like an old freind. His smug grin softened when you relaxed into his invisible embrace choosing to ignore all the current circumstances and just accept some comfort, for comforts sake.
"They would call me and obi wan in to discuss it. Your beliefs over useing the dark side for the greater good troubled them a great deal. They even suggested takeing you from me. Wanting to place you with a stricter master." He explained gently, savouring the momentary peace you were allowing him. He didnt want to be at logger heads with you, or for you to fear him. You werent his enemy, and never will be. He loved you, he wanted you to know that.
"It created a great deal of tension between obi wan, the council and myself. I wouldnt let them have you. Your mine and mine alone and i fought to keep you that way. I think deep down they knew i wanted to keep you no matter my path" he soothed you, he needed you to know he had defended you. Fought for you, he had your back no matter what the council said, no matter what his own former master said. He shifted in his set uncomfortably before grunting and rose to his feet.
"So them anouncing my death before they'd even faced me is just another manipulation. They chased you out of the order not to protect you but out of fear. You frightened them little one, your a free thinker they believed once they chased you off and killed me it would protect their precious order." He sneered slowly decending the stairs as he spoke. None of them could see how special you were in the order. They were ignorant.
"Wont you come closer? Id like to see how youxve grown" he spoke after a moment of silence, beckoning you forward to him. He was eager to reunite with you properly.
You steeled yourself and approched him slowly trying to figure out just how much danger you were in. Or if any? It was disconcerting, to look at him he was the same master you knew and loved, the same man youd run to with all your problems and questions. The same person you trusted with your life, the one whod slapped you upside the head when you were getting ahead of yourself.
Yet he was completely different?
He nolonger masked his presence, he felt dangerous and slick. Like oil ready to ignite. He stood tall with no shame or hesitation. There was nothing about him that let you think he wasnt in total control. His eyes though. You couldnt stop glancing at them, they were haunting.
"Not by much i see, still a pipsqueek. Oh Come now, move closer im not going to harm you" he teased your small stature, as he often did. And then sighed beckoning you again whilst stepping towards you himself giving little room for argument. Finally he stood before you and smiled scoffing to himself befor reaching out to you, brushing his hands across your shoulders and straightening your clothing that was still skewed from your rough handling by the troopers.
"Your filthy. But then again why wouldnt you be all those years in the mines" he mused shaking his head at you. You nodded still trying to figure him out. He wasnt shoutingnor attacking you, he seemed well normal? Like nothing had happened and you hadnt been hiding from him and his empire for the past five years of so.
"I should have known, you always were drawn to shiny gems. A collection of crystals hidden under your bed." His face lit up playfully as yours paled again, the panic of being caught settling over you, and slight disappointment.
"You knew?" Your tiny question tore a laugh from him and he patted your shoulders squeezing lightly. It was just like his mischievous padawan to belive she could hide things from him. Not to say it was easy for him to uncover your little collection. He'd found it by mistake after having to carry you to your own bed after a taxing mission left you sleeping like the dead on the flight home. He'd accidentally kicked a small box under your bed and investigated the rattle.
"Of course i did. I knew everything about you my little padawan. I even added to your collection once or twice" he admitted with a smirk watching as your eyes widened in realisation.
"That was you?" Your eyes followed him as he rounded you stopping beside you and slung his arm around your shoulders tucking you against his side. You melted into him, your force coiling around him, tugging at his. It was like youd gone soo long since having this type of comfort you needed to make up for lost time.
He reciprocated taking every opportunity he could to reconnect with you. He wanted to prove so much in such a small amount of time. He wanted you to realise he was free to dote on you, neither of you had to hold back you were allowed to feel now. The simple fact you were already seeking him out soke volumes about how much your abrupt separation had affected you.
"Indeed, i see nothing wrong with treating you to a few gifts for a job well done. As much as the jedi claimed to abide by the code they all had there own forbidden possessions." He quickly moved on, wanting you to know youd ultimatly made the right decision. No one in the order followed all of the rules, they were all hypocrites to some extent. It had always been do as i say not as i do, he wished he'd noticed sooner. The pain and fear he and padme had lived in all those years was unnecessary, everyone head their own exceptions.
"Windu had a small collection of books, obi wan found his own work around; food. Treating himself and others to delicious meals. You had your shiny jewels and i" he stopped himself for a moment giving you a moment to process the betrayals of your ex-superiors. But also pondering if this was the right time to plant a seed in your mind. He had plans. Big plans, plans that would change both of your futures.
You looked at him expectantly, your brow furrowing as you took him in, waiting for him to finish. It was nerve-wracking he'd always been unpredictable. And for him to hesitate over his next words was unsettling.
"I had you and padme. We were tiny but fullfilling family nonetheless" you blinked up at him. What? His smiled grew and he squeezed you to him once more before dropping his head a d pressing a chaste kiss on your hair line. You frowned confused by his claim.
Did he? Did he really feel that you and padme were his exception? That you both belonged to him? In sime fucked up way you did, well you had done. You were his pupil, he could train and punish you as he saw fit, take you to the front lines or confine you to the temple. But as much as you loved him as a brother youd never ever dreamt he felt the same, even though he clearly loved padme and obi wan. You just hadnt thought you were another of his loved ones.
"Were not family" the muttered words were out before you could even think on the consequences. Images of him suddenly crushing you with the force, choking or punishing you for disagreeing with him flooded you. You winced, jerking away expecting him to react violently just like the rumours said. But he didnt instead he, tipped his head down to you, looking at you curiously from the top of his eyes and rose a brow.
"No? Are you sure about that little one?" He cooed down at you teasingingly.
"Well i mean... i err Y-yes; technically we arnet? Well... not now?" You fumbled, mixing your words whilst loo,ing away, your gaze dropping to the floor uncomfortably. It was hard holding his gaze, it was different. The harsh reality of him being a sith was daunting. Seeing really was believing, but he was still your old master. In a way it was frightening to think of how close he was to the darkside when he was training you, when you trusted him; loved him even!
"Then we should do something bout that shouldnt we?" He uttered smoothing your hair from your face tucking it behinde your ear. He froze for a second and then frowned.
"You? Whats this? Your braid is gone" his fingers dived further in to your hair feeling around for the braid he had gifted you alongside his tutelage all those years ago. Once realising it was no longer there he scowled at you, amber eyes searing into your own demanding an explanation.
"i had to get rid of it, people knew what it meant. It was dangerous to keep" you shrugged whislt crossing your fingers holing that he didnt get offended and start lecturing you about it. I mean what did he expect? It was open season on jedi, of course youd got rid of the braid. Thats not to say it was an easy thing to do, to your shame youd cried as you unwove it. Youd watched in the mirror as fat tears rolled down your cheeks, and a bottle of strong spirit standing by to pick up the pieces.
Despite the way everything had happened and his quick descent into the dark side you couldnt help mourn the loss of your braid, it symbolised your entire, lifes work, sacrifice. Youd endured the temple and its teachings. Earned your braid and became a padawan to an amazing powerful man and was well on your way to becoming a knight. And just like that it had to go, everything youd worked for was pulled out from under you.
Your feelings must has crept through your bond, bitter sadness and loathing, regret and guilt entwined int one hard cold mass in your chest. Life was much cruler then you cpuld have imagined. Anakin took a moment to watch you, his force carefully peaking into you coaxing you to share more of your inner conscious with him. It saddened him to see just how much youd lost in the turning of the tides. Youd both lost what you held dear, and although he couldnt regain everything that had been ripped from him, he was adamant that hexd restore as much as he could to his beloved pupil.
"Turn around" he ordered before curling his fingers around your arms and spun you around faceing away from him.
"What? Ah!? Master! Wait no!" You bit your lip cutting off the rest of your complaint. Your face flushed as you called him by his old title. He wasnt your master, not anymore. Not since the rise of the empire! How could you slip up like that. Hes the karking emperor now!
If he noticed tour little blunder he chose not to tease you for it, instead he battled your flaying arms and squirmong with swift swats you your head grunting, huffing down at you as you struggled against him.
"For kriff sake! Will you hold still pipsqueek!?" He cursed out loud before striking the back of your head harder then before, letting you feel his growing frustration. You yipped at the slap and tensed for a moment.
"No- let go, hey? What are you doing?" You cried out after a few seconds trying to tug away from him, spining to face him only to yelp again as this time i stead of a palm to the side of your head there was a harsh tug on your hair from behind your right ear.
"Hold still otherwise i will end up ripping a chunk of hair from your scalp. Then youll have a bald spot" He chided giving another harder pull jerking your head to face forward again. You whined moving your hands to pull at his wrists feeling him fiddling with a length of hair. But your hands were stopped at the last moment. Anakins force looped around your wrists and snapped them back down to your sides squeezing in reprimand before releasing them.
"You were never this fussy before" he muttered to himself as he continued to concentrate of the small patch of hair, expertly twisting it neatly, just like the first time.
"What are you doing?"
"Replacing your braid padawan. I do not like seeing you without it" he huffed quickly, makeing sure to be carefull with his words. He knew yoh well enough, youd never admit to missing the single braid. So he would take the metaphorical fall for it. If he said it was for his sake then your more likely to accept it. Contrary to what you belived in this moment he knew youd do anything for him still. The warmth in your force and calm neediness was enough for him to know you still cared for him, just as he did you.
"But im; thats a jedi thing! We're not jedi! Your not my master, your sith!"you grunted waving your arms around once more only to hiss as the hit and invisible wall that stopped you from reaching back to your hair. You pouted shaking out your fingers, rubbing your now tender knuckles.
"Says the girl who just called me her master? Will you hold still?Honestly where has my good girl gone?" He asked pointedly, sending you a small whisper of amusement through the force as to not frighten you into thinking he was displeased. He had to tread carefully, you were still wary of him. If he had any hope or rekindling this relationship and possibly seeking more then kinship he had to be perceptive to your own mood.
"Probably in the mines pocketing the clear points" you huffed under your breath, still sulking. Anakin bellowed a laugh at that. It really was like old times. Just like he hoped for, not that he wanted togoback to. How things were before, but he had missed being treated like a person rather then an authoritarian entity. But his humanity was only for the likes of you to experience. Everyone else could get karked.
"The jedi may be dead, but that doesnt mean i cant borrow some of their ideas. The padawan braid has always been a symbol of domination, hierarchy. Protection." You gave a small hum in agreement, nodding gently before remebering he was braiding your hair.
"I thought you hated it though? The rules and symbolism stuff?" You pondered out loud trying to make sense of the man. He hated the structure and classes. Everyone in their own box unable to argue of explore anything outside of their designated fields.
"It has taken a while but even i can appreciate the notion of protecting something" you nodded along with him, unsure if it was because you agreed with him or if you just wanted to hurry up and get all this weirdness over with.
"There we go, all mine again padawan. Its much better now dont your think?" His hand glided over the much longer braid, admiring the simplicity of it, honestly seeing you wear the thin braid made his heart swell with a possessive pride. Eventually he tore his eyes away from the symbolic strands,stepping around you dragging the braid forward for you to see before letting it drop to your chest.
"Im not a padawan anymore" your eyes locked onto the braid for a second, lighting up in excitement despite your mild complaint. He coukd feel the instant attachment from you, and mild distaste. It would seem you were uneasy about having such reactions to somthing that had been so sentimental in the past.
Anakin eyed you for a moment and then reached out tucking the braid behinde your shoulder again. It would take some time for things to go back to the way they were, he wouldnt let you dwell on it. You needed to move on with him, join him in his freedom. He didnt move away from you. Instead he cupped your cheek softly, coaxing you to look him in the eye, and began to speak sincerly.
"Perhaps not in the way you used to be. But you are still mine, you always have been. Our connection is absolute with or without you braid. Ah! No, dont you dare. Thats not an invitation to remove it. I will singe it at the root with my saber if you try to remove it a second time" he scolded quickly slapping at your hands at the rose to your hair trying to find the braid he'd just weaved. You whined dropping your hands to your sides as they smarted from the swift stinging rebuke.
"Now i think its about time you got cleaned up and some actual rest. Your dark circles are ridiculous" he instructed crowding you again turning with you and began directing you to an arch set back slightly hidden from veiw by thick a pillar. A passage way to the right of the dias and throne.
"Wha; bathed and bed? I dont... i dont understand arent you just going to kill me? Or or arrest me or somthing?!" You jerked away hastily, almost stumbbling over as you spun around dramatically. Even after the strange calm happiness youd seemed to give one another you were technically on opposite sides of the force. You were unable to truly belive he only had the best intentionsfor you.
"Absolutely not, why would i do that?" Indignat fury washed over his face, setting it into a scowl. His arms crossed over his chest, hands tucking themselves into the crook of his arms as if staving off reaching for you once more.
"Isn't that what youve done to everyone else who escaped the temple, erradicate or interrogate them" your voice carried an urgency. Frightfull and desperate. Your fear of being interrogated and killed spewing like venom on your tongue. He rolled his eyes shifting on his feet before a sardonic smile crossed his features.
"You are different, dont ever put yourself into the same pathetic status as them. And i know you know nothing bout the others stragglers, you think ive not been rooting around that headmof yours?" His announcement irked you somewhat. Sure it was a possibility but for him to out right say he'd been helping himself to your inner thoughts was a whole other dilemma. For two reasons mainly, one did you actually trust him when he admits to such invasions of privacy and two how in the hell did you not notice? Where you really that rusty? Or was this a sith only trick the amber eyes granted you?
"You... you what?" Anakin drew a deep sigh, as much as he wanted to be irritated by your outburst. Your squeeked words disarmed him. He forgot how adorable you could be when the wind was taken from your sails. You shrunk into this sweet vulnerable little thing.
"Sweet girl of course i've been flicking through your head to find information. You think our connection weakened because of our distance?" You squinted at him a sure sign of you thinking too hard, searching for a hidden riddle in his admission.
"Not at all, i always knew where you were. I simply let you enjoy your own life for a few years. But now i want you home again, i do not trust all of my inquisitors. And that silly little planet is one of the next ones to be.. investigated." He waved a hand through to air brushing off the notion of you becoming another victim of his empire. It was preposterous, he wouldnt even entertain your silly thoughts of being executed by reassuring you. Surely you knew he'd gaurd you with his life?
"So you... sent them to get me?" You uttered the question was more of an acusation rather than an actual question. You were just trying to be polite about it. And hold back the nausea and panic brewing within you.
"Yes, why wouldnt i? Your mine. We're family, we are all each other has left in the galaxy." His face softened he finally gave in reaching for you tugging you closer and resting his head against yours for a moment. It was too much for him to resist, yes hexd let you have a few years of freedom but he had missed you. You were the last person he truly cared about, the final piece to his empire. The only living soul he would have along side him. It would take time but soon youd grow to love him more then you once did.
"But they?" You huffed, voice trembling tears threatening to stain your face. You burrowed into him, breathing him in. Letting him nuzzle you sweetly. Youd never been this close to him, sure he yanked you out of the way of the odd laser or two and pinned you during sparring matches and training. But this was more intimate, this was actual affection. Anakin was holding you, hugging you letting you feel how much he cared. It was amazing to finally have something youd craved for so long. This was always forbidden, at the tempke you received the odd hug as a youngling but not very often, affection was taboo.
But even the affection didnt manage to chase away the overwhelming relief and fury swirling inside of you. Releived to find you wont be dieing anytime soon, but fury over the fear and anxiety youd had to go through to get here! It wasnt fair, youd truley belived you were going to be on the recieving end of a lightsaber, or shoved face first into a plasma turbine and have a painfull death consisting of dismemberment. Thats what the inquisitors and troopers had gossiped. Hushed whispers of being tortured and slaughtered. And youd belived them!
"They what?" The air grew cold around you both he leant back, his eyes glowing ominously. You could literally feel the wrath in him. The promise of vengeance and revenge should anything untoward had happened. But whether it was madness or spite you still answered his tumultuous question.
"They locked me up! In a freezing cell and? They made me think i was going to; that someone would torture me! Kill me! And they stole my saber!" You covered your mouth gasping, flushing when you realised you'd just tattled on them like a child. Anakin didnt even blink at the way youd quickly told on the asshats that had captured, imprisoned and scared the crap out of you.
"Then you will be happy to know those that were sent to return you to me are already dead. I wont have gossip about you in my forces. And your saber is perfectly safe, its being taken to my room as we speak. I didnt trust you not to cleave off some limbs before i got you home" his reply startled you. He'd what? He had killed for you? To keep you secret... you frowned as much as it should bother you it didnt. Well not much, your first thpught was 'no! why did he do that for you?' The second louder thought that crossed your mind was 'well good, they were assholes'. It struck you to the core, you should be scared, be horrified that your master hd done such a thing but no. You just felt confusion. It didnt make sense to you so much you couldnt help but ask him, you wanted to understand.
You also wanted to understand your relief when hed anou ced he had your lightsaber. Because honestly? You lightsaber in the hands of a sith isnt normally something that'd calm you. It was a troubling realisation. Despite everythingnyou still held Anakin in high regard.
"Home? This isnt; I dont... i dont understand" you frowned up at him, your voice growing small and unsure. You grew more confused with each statment he made. Was he keeping you here? Did he expect something from you? Was he going to recruit you, give you responsibilities?
"Everything will be fine. Soon youll understand, i have high hopes for us. Our future has never been brighter little one. You'll see soon enough. But for now we will take our time, reacquaint ourselves" he uttered cryptically stepping back from you smoothing his hands over your shoulders. As excited as he was, now was not the time to overwhelm you. He was patient, he will slowly ease you into your new role. Draw you closer and closer, higher and higher untill you took your place beside him. Youd be his empress in no time. He was sure of it. But first he had to rekindle your trust, then he could seduce you.
"Future? What are you going to start training me again? Do you need an apprentice or something?" You pondered wareily, you knew tht sith training was different from jedi, you werent necessarily trained. The master would just anwser your questions, when you asked the right ones that is. But in all honestly you didnt want ny training , or fighting. You simply wanted to live your life, preferably without fear or condemnation.
Anakin shook his head and slipped along side you, capturing your hand before placing it in the crook of his arm before setting off once more. Heading you towards the side exit again.
"Hush.Once you trust me again we can revisit the topic of our new path. For now relax, enjoy your freedom about the palace. You can do as you please inside these walls, have all the pretty gems and polished stones your heart desires." The final teasing words felt odd, he wasnt baiting you but there was a sincerity there. Youd never notice it was infact a subtle manipulation. A well placed temptation solely there to lure you out of your old padwan mentally. He didnt want you to see him as your master, nor did he want you to revert to your old ways and place such limits on yourself again. He wanted you to grow attched to him, to rely on him, to seek him out and enjoy the freedom he'd granted you. but above all he wanted you to fall for him. And it would be hard not to if he gave you everything youd ever wished for.
"Be a good girl for me? Go get cleaned up and straight to bed i will see you in the morning. And remember leave that braid alone, id hate to have to reprimand you so early on" it took a little more then two minutes to exit the throne room. There was a droid waiting by the door expectantly.
"Escort her to the chambers i prepared in my private wing. Shes to bathe, eat and get some sleep. No one is to disturb her" Anakin eased your hand from his arm whislt delivering orders to the droid. You made to argue, still determined to have some answers, preferably less vague. But he hushed you with a motion of his hand and then leant forward tugging you in for another tight hug, squeezing you to hos chest unable to deny his impulses.
"Do as ive asked, rest. I shall see you in the morning for breakfast. Untill then pipsqueek" his whispered low, his breath tickeling the sensitive shell of your ear drawing an involuntary shudder from you. And then he parted from you. Leaving you with a sweet kiss on your cheek before turning on his heel and making his way back towards the throne.
You stood frozen, rooted to the spot lifting a hand to your cheek grazing the spot he'd kissed. Your heart fluttering in your chest and cheeks red. That was new. Suddenly your veiw of your master was interrupted by the service droid instrucing you to follow them deeper into the palace. You nodded stiffly your feet keeping pace with the droid. But did chance a final glance to the emperor as he took his place on the huge throne. Sparing you a single smoldering look as your turned a corner out of sight.
He definitely had a plan, yet you wasnt sure if you feared it. Infact your all to happy to remain here quietly if it meant youd be safe, sheltered and fed well. Despite all of the tragidies within the empire and the heavy handed rule of Anakin your only personal concern was that youd be hunted and killed. It was clear that was no longer the case. It seemed selfish and you did feel somewhat guilty but maybe you could just relax for a while? Enjoy some security and good food and comfy beds. You can overthink and agonise over your moral compass later, when your not filthy, tired and hungry.
#oh for fic sake fics#anakin x fem reader#anakin x reader#emperor!Anakin#suitless vader#darth vader x reader
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Hello, may I request a Nightmare Sans vs Dream Sans with a human darling concept, please ? Thank you !
The most I know about them is through Underverse so I apologize if this isn't quite what you wanted! Sorry for the long wait, hope you enjoy!
Yandere! Nightmare Sans vs Dream Sans with Human! Darling
Pairing: Romantic/Platonic - Rivalry
Possible Trigger Warnings: Gender-Neutral Darling, Obsession, Manipulation, Overprotective behavior, Sadism, Possessive behavior, Violence, Mentions of death, Forced companionship/relationship.
If I am correct, Dream is drawn to positive emotions, while Nightmare is drawn to negative emotions.
Which gives me this idea...
I think it would be interesting to play around with the idea of them appearing on your highs and lows.
So let's say you meet Dream first, due to an overflowing amount of positive energy coming from you and your universe.
When you meet Dream he's quirky, talkative, and overdramatic.
Just being around him seems to make you happy.
Dream no doubt wishes to act like a protector/guardian around you.
He's drawn to your positive energy and wants to preserve that.
But maybe something devastating happens to you.
An event happens to you and your universe and that manages to catch Nightmare's attention.
Nightmare loves the opportunity to corrupt others, plus, he can just tell Dream likes you a lot.
As a result, Nightmare would pounce on the opportunity to corrupt and use you.
Instead of being greeted by the cheery golden skeleton to help your mood... you're greeted by a sadistic monster.
Nightmare would make it his goal to make you feel worse.
After all, the more pain he inflicts, the more he can control you.
Dream is no doubt going to notice his new favorite human is being influenced.
When Nightmare leaves and Dream returns, Dream is worried when he sees you in such a bad state.
Which leads into Dream cheering you up... and Nightmare coming back to corrupt once again.
A rivalry between these two feels like it would just be a big game of Keep Away or Tug of War.
Dream is protective of you, he hates it when Nightmare uses you.
Dream tells you Nightmare doesn't care for you... he wants to toy with you and use you.
So... you should only rely on Dream to protect you.
He'll try his best.
Meanwhile Nightmare manipulates you by saying Dream can't get rid of him.
Even if Dream protects you and deters Nightmare... he'll never leave you alone.
Nightmare will keep coming back... all to play with you.
You'll belong to no one else but Nightmare.
Eventually the two are going to fight over you when they arrive at the same time.
Dream is quick to protect you, annoying yet also amusing Nightmare.
The two will no doubt then continue their rivalry in a physical battle, much to your dismay.
The thing about this rivalry is I'm not sure if it would end.
They can't get rid of each other fully, always lingering and coming back to you later.
Unfortunately, I hate to say this, but until one of them relents or you die... it may just go on forever.
Dream wants you happy and protected... while Nightmare wants you miserable and controlled by him.
The ultimate battle between good and evil... and until someone intervenes (if they can)...
You're stuck in the middle of it.
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i uh may or may not have just binge-read through all of your writing over the past few days...it's so good!!!!!!! im screaming crying throwing up etc. 🥹🥹🥹 can i request: villain challenges hero to a game (could be a card game, chess, tug-of-war lol anything that you want!). the terms are if the villain wins then the hero steps aside and lets the villain carry out their evil plan without resistance. and at first the villain is super cocky because they think the hero is out of their element...but then the villain loses. >:)
Responding with the Sicilian Defense is usually seen as aggressive and the hero had to learn the hard way that this term perfectly described the villain’s play.
Their moves were calculated and anything but irrational. They attacked where they could and took piece after piece. It made the hero think of an unforgiving conquest as they struggled to protect their bishops and knights.
“You seem nervous,” the villain purred. They smiled to themselves when they moved a pawn to threaten the hero’s rook. “Which you should be. Your defense is laughable.”
“I am sure it is,” the hero said, moving the rook quickly. “I usually play chess for fun and not with the pressure of thousands of lives on my shoulders.”
“Oh, come on. This is fun,” they said as they attacked the rook again.
“Feels more like war.”
“Same difference.” The hero looked up at their opponent, raising their brows at the delusional impudence. At first, they had been surprised that the villain had chosen black. White always starts, so it was somewhat capable of controlling the start of the game. In the hero’s mind at least.
But when the villain moved their pieces, they saw in the patterns that they used them to mock the hero. Hunting their queen across the board with their bishops, threatening them with pawns — black was answering white’s calls and it was to embarrass the hero.
They swallowed.
“I sometimes forget how violent you are,” the hero lied. They took the villain’s knight and lost a bishop. Definitely not ideal but sadly necessary to protect their queen.
“You insult me, really,” the villain said. They hummed as their eyes went over the board with a wild interest the hero had never really seen before. The whole game entranced them, brought out a side of them foreign to the hero.
The hero castled before the villain could check them.
“Didn’t mean to,” the hero said. If you weren’t a criminal, the hero thought, if you weren’t like that, I would like to be your friend. It was a silly thought, a childish dream that was quite impossible to achieve. The villain was an interesting person but the distance put between them would never allow the hero to actually get to know their enemy.
They didn’t like going into battle without knowing the one they were fighting but they were also aware of the dangers of understanding someone. Long ago, they had trusted people they shouldn’t, understood their motives, felt for them and if that happened with the the villain, they didn’t know if they could call themselves a hero after that. And yet…
“Oops,” the villain said, placing another piece.
It dawned on them too late, chatting too much and thinking about their relationships was throwing them off. The villain had cleverly put pressure on the hero’s queen and the hero hadn’t been able to defend her. They would have to sacrifice her. Shit, they couldn’t even trade.
“She wasn’t my type anyway,” the hero said casually, shrugging as they put another pawn forward. The villain giggled and as stupid as it was, the hero liked that they’d made the villain laugh.
As they took their queen, the villain was as cheerful as a kid with a full supply of candies. However, that was the villain’s first mistake.
In this exact moment, the hero became aware of their own slip-ups. They’d been so afraid of understanding the villain. They’d been so afraid that if they actually got to know them, they would end up miserably.
The thing was, they already knew them. They knew them ever since their first move.
The battle across the board went on slowly, and concentrating more on the villain’s moves than their hands, the hero forced themselves to be careful with their pieces. One time, the villain commented on the hero’s pawn placement, saying it was adorable but the hero only nodded absentmindedly, slipping into offense instead of defense.
Step by step, the board cleared and the villain found themselves with a knight and their last rook while the hero could only rely on their pawns.
“You wanna give up? Would be less painful.” The hero was more confident than before, especially because they had stopped thinking about the villain and started thinking like the villain.
They knew the villain would chase them across the board again.
That was their second mistake.
While the villain had been busy humiliating the hero, the hero had decided to push their pawns forward. One of them had gotten to the end of the board.
“My queen, please,” the hero said politely. It was the first time that the villain didn’t yap a snappy comment. They just gave them the piece in silence and got checkmated in four moves, losing the battle.
The hero smiled as they stared at the villain with their mouth agape.
“Oops,” the hero said. “You were right. This was fun.”
#Been playing chess for the last few days and I am veryyyyyy into it#like its so complex and I love learning about strategies and whenever I mess up I review the game and its like so obvious—#idk I just like chess#does that make me a nerd#writing snippet#heroxvillain snippet#heroxvillain prompt#heroes and villains#hero#villain#heroxvillain#hero x villain#request#an answer for an ask
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From what I remember in your story, even taking Iroh's initial biases into account I thought part of his intense hostility leading up to his report to Ozai was that he was truly convinced that Azula's true nature was either no better or even significantly worse than Ozai's due to the Iroh's suspicions arc. Azula herself told Sokka she was worried that by throwing him of the trail of their relationship that she may have brought the worst out of him. Honestly this was probably my favorite exploration of their conflict, because if they were truly able to trust each other and talk they could have avoided so much pain and trouble, but both of them over the course of the story had developed genuine and/or biased reasons not to trust one another and viewed themselves as doing the right thing despite their actions ultimately resulting in the worst outcome. Azula was trying to prevent a known adversary from having ammunition to ruin their lives and future plans, and Iroh believed that he was essentially hindering the fire nation by turning what he thought were essentially two Evil Ozais with a good relationship with one another into enemies. I can't lie that I'm not slightly disappointed that in the latest chapter that this aspect of their conflict wasn't brought up more explicitly in the conversation with Zuko when Iroh was talking about his biases. Was I personally thinking that the dynamic was more significant than it actually was or is that dynamic being saved for a future conversation Iroh may have with Sokka and Azula?
Uuuuuh, as for the last question... I don't really know if I'll bring it up some more since I do think I've had Iroh acknowledge why and how he fucked up in that respect in the past + exteriorized that if Azula had acted differently he might just have done it too? Am I crazy for thinking so? Did I write that or didn't I? That's a complicated game to play when you're almost at 5 million words of a story... 🤣
Azula and Iroh miiiight have one more conversation in the future and maybe this will come up there, but I haven't written it yet so I won't make any promises on that front. Admittedly, I don't expect their future encounter to be particularly fruitful. Iroh is 100% genuine in what he has understood and learned, though, that can't be denied and I always have hoped to portray him not as a super wicked villain but as a character who thinks he understands far more than he actually does, with motivations that push him into making mistakes he very much comes to regret.
This being said, the Azula-Iroh and Zuko-Ozai parallels in this story are and always have been 100% intentional. Those two tugs-of-war have been going on forever, and the crux of them was very much the fact that Azula and Iroh distrusted and second-guessed and suspected each other soooo much... because they have similar natures, similar thought processes, and they're both intellectual, suspicious, hiding what's REALLY going on underneath the surface, and immediately wary when they recognize all those traits in each other too. Likewise, Zuko and Ozai have some REALLY ugly parallels and one of those parallels, already given away by the chapter you sent this ask over, is going to be the driving force of the conflict between those two, much as a similar thing was the driving force between Iroh and Azula, in its own way: the more they fight to push the other away, the harder they reject the other, the more they end up embodying the flaws they see in that other person, to an extent where they could do absolutely TERRIBLE things just out of wanting to push the other one as far away as possible.
So yeah, the point was never for Iroh to feel like some sadistic mustache-twirling villain who wanted Azula to suffer just for shits and giggles. He had his reasons to do what he did. Doesn't mean he was right. Doesn't mean he should've done it. What it means is it made sense in his head due to his biases, the information he had at hand at the moment, and the particularly awful relationship he had with Azula. Likewise, Azula's rejection of Iroh back in "Iroh's suspicions" caused her uncertainty and anguish because she KNEW she had taken it too far. She was afraid of the consequences. A part of her KNEW that if she acted differently, there was a chance, however slim, that Iroh might not have made the choice he did. And that's why this is such a messed up situation! :')
Ultimately, I want my characters to have motivations that just... add up. That can be traced. That, upon looking at their actions and choices, anyone can go "oh yeah, this is why they did whatever they did". This is good when it comes to establishing ultimate goals, and it's also good when you want to put characters to the test: how far are they willing to go, what are they ready to do to achieve whatever they're trying to achieve? How much are they willing to sacrifice for it? And the answers to those questions can be VERY extreme and painful. Just so, we can find characters who decide to back down and simply surrender over their goals when they realize that there are other things that matter more. But it's a manner of game a writer plays when it comes to gauging and figuring out what a character wants vs. needs, what a character will fight for and what it will take for them to surrender, and so on. Fundamentally, that's how I built up Iroh and Azula's chaotic dynamic. Whatever comes from that in the future, ultimately, their biggest problem may just be that they were just too smart for their own good, tried to outsmart each other a little too much, and never allowed themselves to just... accept each other properly. They came close to it once, yes! But... they failed. And it's depressing as hell, but complicated characters will always be challenging this way...
#anon#gladiator#those two parallels will never stop making my brain go brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr#the Zuko-Ozai one though#is just so damn good#I can't wait to get there#because my god you guys#the KEY to breaking the FN royal family cycle of toxicity#is actually in that specific parallel and how I'll deal with it#I never thought it would be until I realized that's where it was#one thing#just the one thing#is going to be a key to giving Zuko a chance to break free from the exact spiral he's falling into#and of course Zuko is a better person than Ozai and of course he hasn't been anywhere near as powerhungry as his father#... but that doesn't change the very dark truths that Ozai and Zuko very much mirror each other#every bit as much and every bit as painfully as Azula and Iroh do#there's not as much of a salvation aspect for those two unfortunately#at least I haven't unraveled it yet#there may be one regard in which they could maybe grow some mutual respect but#I can't see that going too far#so unfortunately zero promises of reconciliations here#Ursa is one thing Iroh is a whole other rodeo#even though Ursa has also done some very fucked up things but...#... fucked up things Azula actually can accept a lot more than the fucked up ones Iroh did so...#it is what it is
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So that was the first episode of season 3!
You can definitely see the spaces where this could have been stretched into multiple episodes. The Hexside kids messing around town. Luz coming out to her mom. Interacting with human kids from Luz’s school. A lot of that stuff had to get boiled down into montage, but the episode we got was still fantastic.
Honestly, the biggest surprise to me is that Belos survived the episode. I thought he was absolutely gonna bite it for good and then the kids could move on to saving the Demon Realm from the Collector. But nope! The bastard just won’t stay down! And we lost Flapjack in the process. :(
This does mean we have a proper villain to root against for the last two episodes. The Collector may be powerful, but he’s amoral rather than evil. He’s a child who doesn’t understand the consequences of his actions. Belos on the other hand has the same goal he always had: kill every witch in the Demon Realm.
How he plans on doing this is hard to say. He doesn’t have a whole lot of cards to play. The simplest plan is to just trick the Collector into doing it for him. I can imagine the next episode being a tug of war between King and Belos to keep the Collector’s attention.
The other big surprise of the episode is that Camila is coming along too! So that’s gonna be exciting! Camila meeting Eda is just the start as far as interesting directions for that to go!
We don’t know when episode 2 will be happening, but you know where to find me when it comes. Cya then!
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the loch ness monster | tom riddle x reader
song; the loch ness monster [matilda mann]
pairing; tom riddle x gender neutral!reader
genre; angst, ex-lovers
word count; 1,3k
timeline; around harry potter's birth
warnings; swearing, implied abusive relationship, implied depression, suicidal thoughts
summary; y/n had watched their lover become a despicable man capable of no good, and it pained them that he still had a hold over them
masterlist
"we all started to stray, nothing lasts anyway."
———————————
« I'm just swimming in lakes in my mind »
I have been swimming in the deep, gloomy lakes in my mind for what feels like eternity; each time I reach out for what appears to be a rescue line, it disappears into the inky blackness of my memories. My dark memories. They weren't always dark, though, they used to be bright and shined crystal clear like the sun on a warm Summer's day. It's Summer right now, but not for me.
« Don't make me get out and comply »
My mother tried suggesting therapy for me, to help me get out of my mental abyss, but I don't want to leave. If I leave, I have to come to terms with and accept everything that evil man did to me over the war. Me. His ally. His friend.
His lover.
« And my coy little smile will defend me awhile »
I smile it off to people like I always do; a small grin can go a long way if your eyes are convincing enough. After only a couple weeks, people stopped asking me how I was doing, under the false idea that I was over the relationship long before he fully succumbed to the dark side.
« So I'll stay with the lakes in my mind »
My intricately crafted lakes of each and every emotion and memory I have ever experienced; some more inaccessible than others, buried deep amongst the sand thousands of metres down. The memories of Tom are near the surface, however, since they are fresh wounds carved into my brain. I don't need to hold my breath to relive those events and feelings, they are right at my fingertips.
« Don't you dare think that here you can hide »
Young, calm, charming Tom. He still lives in my mind. I have to submerge a little in order to find him, but he is there nonetheless, acting like nothing bad ever happened. Every day, charming Tom sinks deeper, though, as he is fading in my mind. Was that version of him even real? Even I don't know anymore.
« We all started to stray, nothing lasts anyway »
I lost him- the original him- a very long time ago, when he began drifting towards more and more sinister views and methods, and thus straying away from me. Not only me, but also his friends: if he ever considered us his friends. I can't remember when it was that we all collectively accepted that Tom was too far gone.
« So I'll stay with the lakes in my mind »
These lakes are simultaneously my grasp on reality and the reason I'm losing touch. There is something so human about them, yet something so dangerous and consuming. I can't get out of the lakes (not that I've tried very hard) as I can feel the tugs underwater, beckoning me to venture further into my memories.
« And now you've faded with no traces »
Sometimes I feel like I'm forgetting who Tom was, and even is. Everything that happened between us was so incredibly surreal I question its authenticity every day. Nobody mentions him by that name anymore, it's like he never existed in the realms of our minds. Well, at least not mine. He moves around in the water like it's his second home, in many different versions of himself at once.
« So, who could ever tell? »
I struggle to tell the differences between the versions sometimes. They're all submerging into one gloomy memory.
« What you've taken's been misplaced »
Tom is only ever mentioned anymore by his new sinister name, or by the name that cowards created for him. His alias of Lord Voldemort holds an unreasonable amount of power; no wonder he went insane when he decided upon it. So much so that those afraid of him refer to him as either You-Know-Who or He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named.
« But your name doesn't ring any bells »
Who was Tom, really?
« Since the day that they took you to hell »
Whoever he was, he now surrounds himself with only evil. He has many followers, called death eaters, but no real friends. Not that he deserves any.
« I'm just swimming in lakes in my mind »
I can hear the echoes of my friends calling me back to reality, but I push my head under the water to muffle the sound further. It isn't safe out there, but it's safe in here, with everything I've ever known and no surprises. Reality could hold a million new blows to the gut that could completely break down my already fragile state.
« Too afraid to get out and deny »
Tom was my rock for so long. I never would have imagined that he would no longer be by my side; I thought it was a for-life thing.
« And my coy little smile will defend me awhile »
My limbs are numb as the coldness of the lake consumes my shivering body, and I wish for my brain to go numb as well. It's all become too much for me to take, so I just don't want to feel.
« So I'll stay with the lakes in my mind »
The hooded form of Tom conjures beside me, his arms wrapping around my figure and pulling me to the surface. I stare at him absently as he removes his hood, sighing when I see the evil grin that belongs to the Dark Lord - not my Tom.
« And now you've faded with no traces »
Where is my Tom?
« So, who could ever tell? »
No one can explain to me what happened to him in more detail than "his desire consumed him". What does that even mean?
« What you've taken's been misplaced »
He took my heart, and now I can't find it.
« But your name doesn't ring any bells »
Tom. Tom. Tom. His name has been said so many times in my mind it's become meaningless. But at the same time, it's the word that holds more meaning to me than any other.
« Since the day that they took you to hell »
"How have you been, sweetheart?" the eery memory of Voldemort speaks, "How come you haven't been to any meetings?"
« What's it like there in hell? »
"You know what you did," I reply shakily, "You betrayed me and everyone who loved you."
"I didn't betray anyone."
I scoffed, "What's it like being hell itself?"
« Glad they left you in hell »
"Lonely. I miss you."
"No you don't," I seethe, "I'm glad I left you."
« Stay right down there in hell »
"You don't mean that, darling."
"Yes I do. Stay away from me."
"I can't do that. I'm your conjuration, your memory, a part of you."
His lips curved into a smirk.
"I'll be with you in here until you die."
"Why?" The cracking of my voice remained evident.
"Because I'm a ghost of every version of Tom Riddle you've ever known, and my duty is to haunt you."
« So I'll stay with the lakes in my mind »
"This is my mind, and I don't want you here."
"Why don't you leave? Go back to your friends out there, re-become the Y/N you always were."
"You destroyed them."
"Maybe so, but you're the one choosing not to rebuild."
"It's not fucking easy, Tom."
He let out a laugh, "I have to go now, darling, but don't forget me- it's not like you can."
"Fuck you."
"Oh, and one more thing," he spoke as he began to fade.
"What?"
"Don't you dare think that here you can hide."
« Don't you dare think that here you can hide »
————————————
masterlist
written; 04/10/2021 —> 18/06/2022
published; 18/06/2022
edited; —/—/——
#tom riddle#tom riddle x reader#tom riddle x y/n#voldemort#lord voldemort#the dark lord#he who must not be named#you know who#hp fanfic#hp oneshots
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NITA STRAUSS + ALISSA WHITE-GLUZ: Behind-The-Scenes Footage From Making Of 'The Wolf You Feed' Video
Former Alice Cooper and current Demi Lovato guitarist Nita Strauss has released behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the official music video for her latest single, "The Wolf You Feed". The epic, headbanger of a track features huge, chunky, metallic riffs and the insane vocal talent of Alissa White-Gluz of ARCH ENEMY.
Nita comments: "If you look back at old interviews from the last ten years, any time I was asked about collaborating with a vocalist in the future, Alissa White-Gluz was always the first name out of my mouth. She is truly one of my favorite vocalists and performers in the industry and creating this track together was everything I hoped it would be.
"I'm very proud to release this track, especially now with everything else that's going on. This time in history, whether in politics, music, social media, or our personal lives, has been an eye-opening look into the two wolves of a lot of people out there, and maybe this song will be a reminder that we all have the ability to choose how we respond to things."
The lyrics of this song were inspired by "The Story Of The Two Wolves", a legend widely attributed to Native American storytellers. An old grandfather was teaching his grandson about life: "A fight is going on inside me," he said to the boy. "It is a terrible fight and it is between two wolves. One is evil — he is anger, envy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego." He continued: "The other is good — he is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith. The same fight is going on inside you–and inside every other person, too."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: "Which wolf will win?" The grandfather simply replied: "The one you feed."
Alissa adds: "Nita and I finally got to collaborate — something we have both wanted to do for years! 'The Wolf You Feed' is a kickass, catchy metal track with a really cool vibe. I kept the 'two wolves' analogy as a foundation throughout the song while playing up the dichotomy of the two sides of the tug of war we all have inside us. I recorded my parts in my home studio and it was an absolute pleasure to build this song with Nita. I am honored to be a part of it! Can't wait to do this again!"
"The Wolf You Feed" is the second song Nita has released featuring a star guest vocalist, the first being the enormously successful "Dead Inside" which featured guest vocals from DISTURBED's David Draiman and saw Nita become the first ever solo female to have a No. 1 hit at Active Rock radio. She also returned to her instrumental roots earlier this year with the release of single "Summer Storm", a fast-paced, emotive shred-fest. Combined, the two singles have had 3.5 million YouTube views and over 10 million streams on Spotify alone.
Nita made her live debut with Demi on July 14 with a performance of Lovato's single "Substance" on ABC's Emmy Award-winning late-night show "Jimmy Kimmel Live!".
Strauss had been playing with Cooper since 2014 when she replaced Australian musician and former Michael Jackson player Orianthi. She joined Alice in time for a mammoth MÖTLEY CRÜE tour. She was recommended to Cooper by the legendary rocker's former bass player and WINGER frontman Kip Winger.
Back in February, Nita told SiriusXM's "Trunk Nation With Eddie Trunk" about her upcoming LP: "It's gonna be half and half — six tracks with vocalists and six tracks of instrumental [music]. We've been doing ['Dead Inside'] live on the solo tour and it's been getting a super-good reaction from our crowds."
In early December, Nita told "The Mistress Carrie Podcast" about her decision to make the upcoming LP half vocal songs and half instrumental: "I did feel, and the label and everybody agreed, it's still important for me to keep my identity as a guitar player and not just branch off too much and go, 'Okay, well, now it's just guests.' Let me still have a little of what makes me me, which is the instrumental shred stuff. And the instrumental pieces that I've written on this record are, I think, better than anything I did on the first one — definitely more… I don't know if it could be more emotional but they're very emotional pieces of music and I think a little better crafted this time around. So I think all the songs in general are more well thought out, better put together this time around. And I do have some of my absolute favorite [singers guesting on it]. I have three amazing powerhouse female vocalists on this album so far."
Nita released "Controlled Chaos" to mass acclaim from fans and media alike, with Metal Injection calling it "a great debut that — as its creator intended — leaves no doubt", and Guitar World stating "'Controlled Chaos' is a panoramic view of Nita Strauss's many strengths".
As well as performing with Cooper, Nita has also played with R&B star Jermaine Jackson, early MTV darlings FEMME FATALE, video game supergroup CRITICAL HIT and popular tribute band THE IRON MAIDENS.
In April 2020, Nita launched "Rock Guitar Fundamentals" — a three-module online guitar teaching program suitable for learners of all levels. The course is available at www.iwanttoplayguitar.com.
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It's also funny that "inner child" stuff is the last thing I swore I'd ever do. I always found it so corny and laughable, but I guess that was a kneejerk reaction for a reason.
I definitely didn't realise that's what would save me someday. My brain really decided not to give me a choice on that one, but it's absolutely changed my life.
I've spent my whole life aching for the things I needed, and in constant fear about needing anything from other people. I've never not been in that powerless terrified spot, knowing I have no control over how people choose to treat me. It's a constant tug-of-war between closeness and safety.
Now I've learned what I can give to myself - and it's something that no one else can withhold or threaten or take away. It's not something I have to earn or battle to get. I'm the one who understands exactly what I need, and who never doubts that I deserve it.
That means it's safe - because no one can withhold it or take it away. No one can use that vulnerability to hurt me, or resent me for having needs. In theory, I shouldn't have to, but in practice, the more important part is that I can meet my needs without fear.
That's what makes it so difficult - even when things are ostensibly safe, the anxiety gets in the way. This way, it's safe because it's completely within my control.
To my 'child self', I can say:
You are not alone in the world. I know that nobody sees you, or sees any good in you, and I swear I do. I know you have feelings, and they matter. I will always be here to take care of you, to pay attention to them and help you through them, because you deserve that.
I see you and I see how good your heart is, when everyone else says otherwise. You are precious and you deserve to be in this world. You are wonderful and kind and curious and imaginative and you are worth knowing.
You don't deserve to be hurt and I always believe what you tell me. I know you are not evil, you are not malicious, you are not manipulative - you're a child who deserves to be safe and loved. I know you are so loving and that the love you show is real.
I will never leave you alone and hurting, and I'll never be complacent when you feel unsafe. You'll never be overlooked again, and I'm always here to take care of you.
It's finally safe to relax now. It's safe to be a child without fear of being weak, and that being weak will get you hurt. Your innocence will never be taken advantage of. It's safe to be yourself here with me.
To my 'teen self', I can say:
I know that you're hurting. I know that you're angry. It's safe to show me those feelings. They don't make you bad, and your pain is justified. Your pain isn't overdramatic. You're hurting because you were hurt deeply.
No matter how much you show me your 'badness', I will not leave you. I know you show that to me because you're afraid you're unlovable. No matter how much you lash out, even at me, I will be right here. I'll be right here through it all, until you're ready to talk to me.
I will never love you any less. I know you're afraid that as soon as you let your guard down, as soon as you stop pushing me away, as soon as you let me in, it will happen and I'll stop loving you.
I'm here to prove that isn't true, for as long as it takes. Every time you get that feeling out and calm down, I will still be here. I will show you how much I still love you, and that I won't abandon you. There is nothing you can do to make me leave.
It's okay that you can't trust in that yet. That doesn't make you bad either. You're worth my patience, and you're worth my kindness. There's nothing you can do to make that go away, and I know you're testing that because you're afraid.
I will be right with you through all of it. I will be right here until you can feel safe, and you know you don't have to fight any more. I know you hate yourself, but I don't hate you, and I care for you so deeply. You deserve that.
I know you want to hurt yourself to manage the pain, or do things to make it go away. I understand that feeling, and you're not bad or scary for feeling it. I'm not angry if you do that, and I will never be angry that you want to stop hurting. You aren't letting me down.
If you're ready to try with me, I am right here to help you find other ways to cope with it. I won't force you or trap you in that pain, I promise. You're still in control, and I'm here to help you stay safe in any way I can.
You have a future, and I will never give up on you. I'm here every step of the way.
To every version of myself, I can say:
You are loved. You have a place you belong, and that's here with me. You will not be alone. You will not be lost. You have a family. You will always be seen and valued.
Your needs are not too much. Your needs are not silly. Your pain is not insignificant. I will always care what you need. I will never give up on you. You are always worth it.
And there's an incredible peace in doing that. It's coming full circle and fully inhabiting that goodness and kindness and love that no one saw in me. I am my best self when I'm doing that. I know exactly who I am, here and now.
I understand that I do have something to offer people. I do have value. If I can do something so meaningful for myself, then maybe it's meaningful for others. The same kindness, the same patience, the same acceptance and understanding.
It's a triumph over everyone who's tried to hurt me or break my spirit. It's a victory against the people who did their best to make sure no one would ever love me, or believe me, or be kind to me.
That aloneness was intentional, it was orchestrated, poisoning the well with every person who could've helped me. That neglect and cruelty was meant to make me doubt myself, to permanently believe I was bad and unworthy.
They didn't win. This way, they will never win.
#posts#personal#trauma#child abuse cw#self harm cw (just a mention)#did tag#subsystem tag#clearly not beating the dad allegations#and it gives me peace to be 'parenting' from my best self#despite what anyone says#this is who I am with a child who needs me. not anything else
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What about top 5 angst tropes? Who doesn't like a bit of angst? 😉
[squint]
Five years later, I don’t remember if this was a part of my gif set antics or a question in general, but either way, Imma answer it and ramble about it because, like you said, who doesn’t like a bit of angst? :D It might not be the top five in order, but here’s five overall!
Pardon me if I don’t know the exact names of what these tropes are called. C':
1) Hurt/Comfort
I believe that’s what it’s call! Like, you know when there’s a character in such emotional turmoil and stress that they don’t know what to do? And then someone comes in and tries to offer them a bit of solace and peace despite the war waging within them? That. That’s a trope that I live for, as someone who loves writing dialogue – both internal and external. There’s a kind of sincerity when it comes to these kinds of scenarios that just tugs at the heartstrings – especially if the one comforting is the one who also knows what this pain is like. Icing on the cake of pain!
2) Corruption Versus Purity
I’m a sucker for the dynamics of good versus evil – corruption and purity – as it’s a rather interesting one to explore. Whether it’s something losing its innocence due to the corruption nature of the opposite force or the corrupted finding peace and solace with the unwavering purity that shines upon them – I find it to be a very dramatic and thematic trope that leads to all sorts of interesting dialogue and narratives. You might be able to phrase it in a much chipper light, but there’s always going to be some underlying tension between opposites.
3) Lovers to Rivals, But Still Lovers
I like this trope a lot in the context of lovers fighting with each other because I’m personally a big fan of the lovers/rivals dynamic too. But there’s something so fascinating about a scenario where two lovers who want nothing more than to be with each other have to pick between their loyalties to each other and loyalties to a bigger ideal. They don’t want to fight. But if the other doesn’t stand down, then they don’t have a choice. Bonus points on this trope if one of them willingly succumbs to the other in order to see their lover’s goals fulfilled.
4) Manipulation
Okay, this one I acknowledge is very problematic – as it drifts down paths of emotional abuse and all. But I enjoy this trope because of how you can delve into a character’s mindset on what they believe and what the intents are of the manipulator, and it often creates a very interesting push/pull between the two characters on what to believe and what to deny. It’s a very good exercise in terms of getting into a character’s mindset. But it’s also really fascinating if the manipulator’s words do have some sort of truth – making you yourself wonder if this is manipulation or realization of the truth.
5) ‘I Know How Much You Love This Person, Which is Exactly While I’ll Make Them Suffer’
So... Maybe this is just the villain in me coming out, but I love writing villains and how conniving they can be when it comes to the lengths they go in order to inflict pain on their rivals. It’s especially spicy when there’s a third party involved, and the rival has to find a way to spare their love from the traumas and tragedies the villain can and will put them through. It not only creates a dramatic moment, but it also is great to see the mindsets of the protagonist, the love interest, and the villain all within the same scenario context. All of the deeper machinations – but also makes for a great lead into the hurt/comfort context when the protagonist can finally protect their love from the horrors of the world.
#stephic thoughts#stephic writings#asks#dear anon#writing tropes#about me#because talking about the things i like to write about is delightful#especially when it brings out my inner villain#-u-
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Set a Direction of Doing Good
January 22 was the Chinese New Year. In Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s Chinese New Year message, she wished everyone a happy Chinese New Year and expressed her gratitude to all global Tzu Chi volunteers for taking care of people in the communities, giving people in need warmth and love.
Master also expressed her gratitude to all the staff in Tzu Chi’s four mission of charity, medicine, education, and culture and its eight footprints (eight fields of work). She encouraged all staff to continue to abide by their jobs and work together in unity and harmony with love at all times. Tzu Chi’s goal is to serve the world and bring people happiness. Being able to serve the world makes us the happiest. Even though Tzu Chi’s work makes us very busy, and serving others can be tiring. With love and the determination to do good, we take on the work joyously. For our medical mission, Master hopes everyone can work together in unity and harmony with love. With concerted effort, medical professionals join together in heart and in hand to safeguard people’s health with love. Moreover, what Tzu Chi does create blessings for the world. Creating causes of blessings, forming affinities of blessings, and creating karma of blessings are the direction of Tzu Chi’s missions.
As people celebrate the Chinese New Year holidays and enjoy a good time with their family, let us not forget what is happening in other parts of the world. Climate change is ongoing, causing natural disasters to happen frequently. There’s also the war in Ukraine. Many people had to flee from their homes and live a miserable life. They don’t know what will happen to them tomorrow. They can only care about surviving at this moment. Future is uncertain for them.
For a very long time, over the course of many generations, people have been creating and accumulating negative karma. There are now more people creating negative karma than people creating good karma. Our world has been in a tug of war between good karma and negative karma, and the side that is stronger wins. The side with weaker strength will then lose.
We are to increase kind thoughts in people and increase good karma in the world. Kind thoughts can dispel evil thoughts. When people are indifferent to what’s happening in the world and let the world deteriorate as it is, the strength on the good side will become weaker and weaker. Thus, we have to be more active in doing good and inspire more people to do good.
On the last day of the lunar calendar, people sent off the past year and welcomed the new year. The starting of a new year is the best time to start anew and set goals and directions. For our direction this year, Master hopes people can go in the direction of doing good. There’s a saying “families that do good will be blessed”. Doing good is creating blessings. By creating blessings every day, there’ll always be peace and harmony in the world. Our goal is for everyone and every family to live a peaceful and harmonious life. So, let us head in that direction with solid steps, step by step. There are 86,400 seconds in a day. We are to live by the seconds, and use every second to do good deeds. Doing good is our goal. Let us set a goal today of not wasting our time but do good all the time.
#Buddhism#Dharma Master Cheng Yen’s teaching#Tzu Chi#spiritual practice#new year goal#do good deeds#create blessings#tug of war
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A One Piece Theory *SPOILERS*
Okay soooo chapter 1043 happened and even before that I had gone down a rabbit hole of speculation about what the One Piece is why it made Roger laugh so hard he named the freaking island after it? Who was Joy Boy and how does Luffy’s Devil Fruit relate him? Who was the Sun God Nika? What is the Will of D?
Well I did some digging (and by some I mean a LOT) and if what I speculate is true than it’s all this is connected by a single thread called Hinduism. Now I’m no expert on Hinduism but I did some reading on it and found some very interesting things. Hinduism is the most ancient religion on earth. And so naturally many myths have an origin in Hinduism much like the legend of Joyboy. Joyboy the spirit of music, is a myth that had it’s origin in india, africa and Haiti. The legend told of a smiling man who’s drums where the stuff of legend and his songs would spread hope of liberation to slaves. Jazz drum musicians would strive to be as good as Joyboy.
In the chapter we hear mention from Zunesha about the “drums of liberation”
This legend was actually derived from a Javanese story about a man, a king actually named Jayabaya/Joyoboyo or Nika. Here’s a link to the wikipidia all about him https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jayabaya
But to make a long story short the guy was an amazing ruler and his people prospered under him. But it’s hard to tell what was fact and fiction about him cause stories clamed he was one of Vishnu’s incarnations. (We’ll get into that later.) He also was some sort of prophet and foretold Japan’s occupation in WW2 and that the Javanese people would be saved eventually. He also somehow foretold that there would be cars and planes so there’s that. Anyways this guy apparently meditated so long he got supernatural powers.
Now after I read his Wikipedia article I decided to go to another...Vishnu’s. This was where things got interesting. Apparently whenever the world is threatened with evil, chaos, and destructive forces, Vishnu descends in the form of an avatar to return balance to it. This very much reminds me of Luffy. Whenever there is evil Luffy rights it. Not because of some god granted reason no Luffy just wants to help his friends...but wouldn’t someone like Luffy be the perfect avatar for Vishnu or in other words for Joy Boy? Vishnu’s avatars all had wills of their own. They all had their own goals and wants. But they always aligned with Vishnu’s core beliefs. General goodness, leadership, but most importantly the rights of the individual. Now in the current chapter Luffy seems to have awakened his devil fruit and with it Joy Boy. But what links Joy Boy to the Devil Fruit?
Well the Youtuber “Joy_Boy Theories” (link below) had a fascinating take on this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NrswMlA9Rk
He believes that Joy Boy’s spirit IS the devil inside Luffy’s devil fruit. And that Devil Fruit were created using souls from the ancient kingdom. The Shandorians believed souls of the dead resided in the trees. And we know Devil fruit are made from a special tree, than henceforth reincarnated into the nearest fruit after the original eater has died. Given the information we have it’s not hard to come to the conclusion JBT did. Still I think we can take this idea a bit farther.
But first lets go back to the Hinduism aspect.
I always assumed that the Will of D was the will of the devil or something along those lines. After all they are the ones said to oppose the “gods” AKA the Celestial Dragons. However I think history has it backwards. Remember Doflamingo’s words at Marineford. “Justice will prevail, you say? But of course it will! Whoever wins this war becomes justice! .” In Hinduism there is a rivalry between two factions, the Devas the Suras. The Devas are basically good gods while the Suras are evil demons. There’s always been a tug of war between the two over control. So if Vishnu is a Deva than maybe the Will of D is actually the Will of the Devas. The gods who existed before the false gods took their place. We know that they were gods because NikaAKAJoyBoyAKAJoyoboyoAKAVishnu was said to be a “Sun God” This terminology has never been used towards ANY of the good guys so far. The “Gods” in One Piece are usually selfish and cruel. But Nika was a symbol of good of hope and of liberation for the slaves. Slavery is something the “Gods” of One Piece the Celestial Dragons and by extension the mysterious Im actively participate in. Meaning there used to be a different set of gods. Gods who’s souls were trapped in a tree and who’s individual powers became the devil fruit.
Now I know what your thinking. “If they were gods how were they killed.” I personally think this has a connection to another aspect of the fight between the Hindu gods. Kshira Sagara AKA the ocean of milk. Which finally brings me to The One Piece TM. It’s my belief that PART of it not all of it, is another pirate legend one that is very well known. The fountain of youth. In Hindu belief Devas and Suras got their immortality from the ocean of milk. They each took turns churning it until it became amirita the elixir of immortality. But if it’s youth and not full immortality we can assume their bodies can be killed. For the fountain of youth to exist in One Piece and no one knows about it it would have to be a well guarded secret perhaps only Im knows about it. After all he seems very immortal. As for Roger, a man dying of an illness the One Piece having with it something he’s never cared about but the whole world would give their left arm and a leg for would be amusing. Of course he didn’t drink it cause like Ace he wasn’t interested in living forever, just living today was enough.
Well I’ve reached the end of my theory. Do yall think I’m way off or do you think I’m on to something here. IDK. But I did have fun with this.
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As the World Caves In
pairing: levi x reader
word count: 3449
themes: levi’s pov, certified levi angst, lots of pining, levi just needs a hug tbh, song fic request that i think fits the vibe of the song
requested by anon
War.
All Levi can see is war. Everywhere, every second, every hour. It was all he had ever seen, from the moment he’d been born. He had long accepted that war was as inevitable as breathing. With that acceptance had also come the knowledge that that was all he would ever see. Only the gore, the death, the filth of war.
His feet ache as he trudges down the street alongside his horse, the reins loosely gripped in one hand as he keeps his head down, too tired to face the curious gazes of civilians. The evening rain splatters relentlessly atop his head and dribbles down his cheeks and soaks into his sullied uniform; the rain has always bothered him, but it is especially bothersome today.
He is here to fight for the beauty of humanity, but it isn’t a beauty he would ever get the chance to see for himself. That beauty was for those who came after him. He would suffer for them, he’d face the ugliness for them, if it meant that nobody would ever have to go through the horrors of fighting for humanity again. He would take it. He could take it.
A glance towards Hange tells him all he needs to know. The squad leader’s shoulders are hunched forward and Levi purses his lips, knowing they’d injured their back hours before, a result of so much heavy lifting. The wagon full of corpses and dead weight is much farther behind them, but the creaking of wheels seems deafening. Today, it feels like the world is ending.
Gore, and death, and filth. That’s all war is. All that war is, is the end of the world, every day.
With a sigh, Levi lifts his head up to stare straight ahead, expression as steely as ever.
He is here to fight for something that isn’t his. No need to get caught up in his thoughts about it.
War.
War was his life’s purpose. It was all he’d ever get to see. He’d have to see the end of the world every single day. There is no beauty in war.
-----
Fifteen minutes later, the first handful of scouts have started wandering off, Levi’s gaze wandering with them. Some of them go to greet family members. Others slump together in alleyways to take a break. And then there are others that have stepped into a tavern, a couple of them beckoning for Hange to come along. Members of their squad.
Before Levi’s gaze could turn away, Hange, always perceptive, meets his eyes.
“Want to come grab a drink?” they ask him.
Levi feels his jaw clench tight at the thought. He shakes his head.
“No,” he answers simply.
But it’s too late.
Hange grabs a hold of him and calls for a scout to come help with Levi’s horse. A designated horse-sitter, it seems, who does it solely for the promise of the steady flow of booze to be delivered to him outside.
“I just want to get back to base, Hange,” Levi protests, but his voice is dull and lifeless. There’s no venom to his fight.
“One drink, and it’ll be nice to get out of the rain,” Hange insists. They’re trying so hard to be upbeat, to have life in their eyes. Levi knows Hange well enough to see past the facade. There’s no signs of joy past the surface.
Hange wants to be numb tonight and have a warm body nearby. It’s the least Levi can do.
As dirty as he thinks taverns are, Levi feels much dirtier when he steps in, spattered with mud and blood and whatever other filth. He’s still drenched from the rain. It hasn’t let up and he doubts it will cease at all until tomorrow morning. He can hear it thundering on the roof of the tavern, like a furious heartbeat.
His boots squeak as he follows his comrades to a table; it’s not lost on him that the tavern has grown completely silent the moment they arrived.
He tries to ignore it but Levi’s prone to returning a few curious or frightened stares with some mean glares.
He does just that as he walks behind Hange, and it seems to work. But there’s one stare coming from somewhere in the tavern, he can feel it, but he can’t find the eyes. Everyone else has taken the hint and ducked their heads away. Almost everyone.
When he finally finds the pair of eyes on him, a crack of thunder booms outside and Levi swears that it stops time for a moment. Can thunder do that?
You clearly work here at the tavern, hair tugged out of the way and apron stained with ale. Eyes as big as the moon when they widen at the realization that he’s caught you staring. But you’re not staring in fear or curiosity or annoyance. Your eyes only hold kindness.
Levi doesn’t realize he’s frozen in place until you turn your head away from him and hurry off. It’s only until your gaze is torn away that he remembers he can move. And then he hears Hange calling for him from the table they’d settled on, a spot waiting for him.
He feels heavier and lighter simultaneously as he sits down and tries to focus on the meaningless mutterings between the scouts after shedding his cloak and jacket. Not even Hange is contributing to the chatter.
It’s not long until he feels someone behind him and Levi stiffens, the fresh memory of your face popping into his head. Slowly, he turns his head to look.
It’s you.
You’re expertly balancing a tray on your shoulder as you set down pints of ale in front of his comrades, not a word leaving your mouth. You can read the room perfectly. Levi can’t even bring himself to be angry that you didn’t come to ask about their drink preferences first. He’s willing to drink ale tonight.
But he’s surprised when, instead of a pint, you set down a mug of steaming tea in front of him.
“I’ve heard that you prefer tea, sir,” you murmur, and he can sense that you’re timid about what you’ve just said. Then you add, “But let me know if you’d like something else to drink.”
Levi is at a loss for words and he can’t pinpoint the feeling in his chest. He just nods curtly, staring up at you, holding your gaze, watching the way you get more and more flustered. Finally, he looks away, down at his tea, and brings both hands to wrap around the warm mug.
“Thank you,” he says, and slowly turns to watch you walk away from over his shoulder.
Is the tea thing really a topic of conversation everywhere?
He takes a sip and, while it’s an average cup of tea by his usual standards, Levi swears no other cup of tea has warmed him up faster in his whole life.
-----
The next time he’s at the tavern, it’s the night before departing to go beyond the wall. The soldiers are already some bottles deep in drink, swallowing their grief down along with the ale. It’s raining again, harder than the first night he’d come here. And Levi’s eyes have searched for glimpses of you since he arrived.
You always seem to escape his view. There are only fleeting glimpses as you saunter around, cleaning up and serving, and then disappearing to the back of the tavern where only the employees are allowed. You’re not the one to serve his table this time. But the fact that he was served a cup of tea tells him that you’re aware he’s there.
Levi doesn’t notice that when he can’t see you, you can see him. Thus, your gazes never cross paths.
He finally gets a good view of you when you come out wearing a cloak and a tired smile and tired eyes, and agree to help a barmaid serve a table of men a few meters away from his table, before you leave. You look uncomfortable as you serve them. They’re rowdy. One of them grabs the sleeve of your cloak and tugs hard. Levi hears the ripping of seams and then an uproar of drunk laughter from the table. And those eyes of yours fill with tears as you try to pull away to no avail.
Levi doesn’t realize he’s at the table until his hand is fisted into the man’s hair and yanking it so the drunkard can look at him.
“Keep your filthy hands to yourself,” he says in a low voice. He’s as calm as ever, but there is a dark undertone to his words that has the man and all his friends shutting up and shrinking back.
It disgusts him that these men would make you experience something like that.
When his eyes find yours, you’re looking at him in wonder, tears still lingering at your lash line.
“Thank you,” you breathe.
“You don’t need to thank me,” he mutters, and his only coherent thought at that moment is that his heart is pounding against his chest like the rain is pounding against the roof. Furious heartbeats.
The terrors of the world dawn on him full force when you clutch your cloak tighter around you and look towards the door. Levi knows war, and he knows terror, and he knows evil. He’s never thought about the fact that out there, you’re just as prone to the end of the world as anyone else. This tavern, this dingy little tavern, has been an escape for him.
It terrifies Levi to think that you’re out there on your own.
“Are you going home?” he asks you, and when you nod hesitantly, he makes up his mind. “I’m walking you home.”
“Oh, you don’t have to-” you begin, but Levi shakes his head.
“I want to,” he interjects. “It’s late and I’d like to know you’re safe. You seem like the type that finds trouble easily.”
“I seem like the type?” you echo, a corner of your mouth twitching up briefly. A hint of a smile.
Levi mentally curses himself but doesn’t elaborate further.
“Yep,” he confirms.
How can he tell you that he thinks that about you, not because of those men, but because you’d caught his attention? You’re doomed if you’re around Levi. Anyone and everyone is.
But he just can’t help himself.
“Okay. Thank you,” you whisper with a shy little smile, your eyes twinkling in the dim light of the tavern.
Levi clears his throat awkwardly and follows you out, ignoring the questions from his comrades, and definitely ignoring the little whoops from the ones who are too stupidly drunk to behave.
The rain is pouring from the sky and Levi grimaces, always bothered by the rain, and pulls the hood of his cloak over his head. He turns to you as you do the same, and only in that motion does he see how badly that drunkard has ruined your cloak. Your head may be protected from the rain, but your body is getting drenched.
He doesn’t give it a second thought before pulling off his cloak and shoving it your way with a grunt, the rain instantly drenching him.
You look at him in surprise, eyes as big as the moon again when they widen, and shake your head swiftly to refuse.
“Your cloak is useless. Use mine,” he tells you before you can verbally decline. “I’ll be fine. I’ve dealt with a lot worse things than getting wet.”
You reluctantly switch your cloak for his and Levi folds your ruined one over his arm so you don’t have to carry it. And then you start walking together, falling in step with each other easily. The streetlamps illuminate the wet pavement as the two of you walk together.
“Captain Levi, you really didn’t need to walk me home,” you say after a few beats of silence. The only other sound is the pattering of rain.
He turns to look at you briefly, because he just can’t stop looking at you, and for a moment he feels a dark pang in his chest when he looks you over while wearing his cloak. The green looks lovely on you, and while his heart flutters at the image of you wearing something of his, it also sinks at even the thought of you being a scout.
Levi would never want you to own a green cloak of your own. He would never want to expose you to war.
There is no beauty in war.
And you are very beautiful.
His head spins for a moment.
It’s the first time Levi has ever thought that about anything or anyone.
He has never had the luxury of seeing something beautiful before. He sees death and he sees war and he sees terrors beyond the walls. Levi has seen nothing but the cruelties of a dying humanity.
And now here you are, so beautiful, the person who gives him tea and stares at him with wide, kind eyes.
“It would just make me feel better to know you’re safe,” he says when he realizes he hasn’t said anything back yet.
You give him a shy smile, and then Levi replays your words in his mind and frowns to himself.
“And you can just call me Levi. Not Captain Levi,” he adds.
When you say your name, Levi realizes you’ve never been properly introduced. He didn’t even know your name, and you’ve got him acting this way.
Like everything else about you, your name is beautiful to him.
“Don’t you just love the rain?” you sigh, stretching a hand out from the cloak to catch raindrops on your palm.
“I hate it, actually,” Levi responds.
He cringes at how blunt he sounds, but when you actually laugh, he softens and looks at you from the corner of his eye.
“Why do you love the rain?” he asks.
“Because it makes everything look beautiful,” you answer easily, turning to him to give him a smile. “I think rainy days are magical.”
Levi takes a look around, and he doesn’t see what you see. Everything just looks wet.
But when he looks at you, he sees the way that the raindrops catch onto a few stray strands of hair peeking out from under the hood of the cloak you wear, and he sees the way the air puffs out of your mouth from the chilly temperature, and he sees the way your eyes glimmer in the faint light of the streetlamps, and he thinks that’s beautiful.
It turns out you don’t live that far. The short walk makes Levi frown in disappointment, but when you reach out and gently touch his arm to get his attention, he feels a rush of heat flow through him. And something else, another feeling that he still can’t quite pinpoint.
“Come inside for a bit to dry off. I have tea,” you tell him.
And how can he refuse that?
He helps you start a fire in your little home and he lets you make the tea however you want instead of giving his usual instructions. When you give him a quilt to wrap up in after hanging up the cloaks and stepping out of soggy shoes, Levi is almost in disbelief at the comfort he feels as your hands playfully toss the fabric around his shoulders. The comfort almost makes him uncomfortable.
He only knows war. He doesn’t know this...new feeling. What is it? It feels like it’s at the tip of his tongue.
When he looks out the window, he knows better than anyone that there’s a war going on. He’ll be riding out to meet it face to face tomorrow morning.
But when you sit down next to him in front of the fire and hand him his tea, a quilt draped around your shoulders too, the both of you fall into a lovely silence and Levi can actually forget about it all. In your little home, it does not feel like the end of the world.
For the first time in his life, he is experiencing something beautiful.
-----
Levi’s feet ache as he trudges down the street.
A scout has agreed to take his horse back to base at Levi’s request. Though he usually wants to get back to base as soon as possible, today is different.
Two days outside of the walls and all Levi wants is to see something beautiful. He can hear the creaking wheels of the wagon carrying the dead, far behind him, but haunting him.
He feels heavy.
And he’s back to feeling like it’s the end of the world, and the world is on his shoulders.
He doesn’t want you to see him like this, deep down. Right now, he looks a mess, and he feels a mess. He’s not beautiful, and you don’t deserve to look at the result of war. And Levi is the result of war. He’s scarred, physically and mentally, and he looks like he’s seen nothing but doom. In truth, he has.
But none of that stops him from trekking to your little home, the evening light slowly turning to dusk as he approaches your street.
He’s basically operating on instinct, horrors flashing through his mind as he knocks on your door. There was so much death, again. There was so much fear and so much terror, again. It’s the end of the world.
The things thrumming through his mind stop as soon as your door opens as he’s greeted with the sight of your wide, surprised eyes.
“You’re back,” is all you say, and Levi swallows thickly and nods.
You can see the remnants of war in Levi’s eyes and he can tell, and he feels ashamed to make you witness that. But his shame ebbs when you step aside to silently welcome him inside your home, eyes as kind as ever.
“Would you like some tea, Levi?” you ask him, voice just above a whisper.
He steps inside and everything is as he remembers it from two nights ago. There’s a fire crackling and a few quilts tossed over chairs. He spots the one you’d let him borrow and wants nothing more than to have you wrap it around him again.
That indecipherable feeling comes back again as soon as the door closes behind him. The one he can’t quite place yet. When he looks at you, he feels it stronger than ever and makes his gaze soften.
“I’d love some tea,” he murmurs.
Levi stiffens when you move toward him rather than to your kitchen. He’s frozen in place, doesn’t know what to do when you’re inches away from him. Your eyes search his face before your hand comes up to gently caress him from temple to jaw, just once, and then your palm settles nicely on his cheek.
“I’ll make us some tea, then,” you tell him with that gentle smile of yours, and then pull away from him to go to the kitchen.
He stands there for a few moments longer before settling into the chair he’d sat in before, quilt wrapped around him as he stares into the fire.
The smell of tea wafts to him and Levi turns to watch you prepare it.
Beautiful.
That unknown feeling is coursing through him now, and Levi has come to the conclusion on what it is, but doesn’t want to believe it.
Because a man like Levi doesn’t know anything about this feeling.
What does a man like Levi know about peace?
He looks out the window and understands that the world is ending if he doesn’t do anything to stop it. There is war out there and he has to fight.
But when he looks at you, it doesn’t matter.
He’s been fighting for something that isn’t his. Maybe that can change. He can let himself have this. He can let himself know peace, after an entire life of fighting. Levi would like to fight for you. He’d like to fight knowing that it’s to make sure you never have to see what he sees.
Even if the world is ending, it’s okay right now. He’s okay with it as long as he can stay here with you and protect you from it.
When you give him his tea and sit next to him, you don’t bother to press him to talk about it. Levi appreciates that. When you cup his cheek again like you’d done earlier, he’s glad you don’t say anything when he leans into your touch. He doesn’t want words right now.
He just wants to revel in the feeling you’ve brought him.
Peace.
#levi x reader#levi ackerman x reader#levi ackerman x you#levi one shot#levi ackerman oneshot#levi ackerman fanfiction#levi ackerman fic#levi fanfiction#levi fic#levi ackerman#levi#aot fanfiction#aot oneshots#aot#snk fanfiction#snk#attack on titan fanfiction
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A Hero Protects His Own - Part 1
Ao3
AU is by @ryssbelle I just write for it!!!! Go check them and their awesome AU out!!!!
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Loud.
It’s loud and the camp is overwhelmingly tense as Legend screams harsh words in a language Twilight doesn’t understand. The others sit in silence, either burying their heads in their hands or trying their hardest to ignore it while Sky stares cold and impassive at the vet.
He shrinks back into his hood.
He’s fought the worst of the worst; monsters, evils, shadows and nightmares from realms beyond what the others will ever know, but somehow hearing his brothers screaming at each other like this is what it takes to make him shiver and shrink back.
Or maybe it’s the steel in Sky’s eyes.
He’s tried to separate them, tried to stop Legend antagonizing the Chosen Hero, and for a while he even thought it worked! Sky and Legend had bonded some after what the three of them refer to as “the bunny incident” Legend with a fierce blush and Sky and himself with grins and teasing. The vet would tease them, stand at their side and back them up, and they would do the same for him. That’s just the power of secrets, sharing them makes you closer to other people.
But then they’d been dropped in Legend’s world. They’d come to the veteran’s Hyrule and spent a day at his house and gone out to the forest with Ravio to investigate something strange that the merchant had seen. When they'd come to the cozy cottage, Sky had been teasing Legend and receiving playful jabs in return, but the next morning when everyone woke up there was stone cold silence between the two, Ravio overcome with nervous energy that, to their collective shock, had earned him some rather sharp words from the Skyloftian when the merchant had gotten them lost in the woods.
From there it got worse.
Legend and Sky are almost always at each other's throats now, icy blue and raging indigo burning into each other as Time has struggled to keep them separate, neither willing to explain their spat and Ravio to overcome to even attempt it.
The bunny merchant clings to Warriors even now, their scarves wrapped over the both of them and tying them together as Warriors paints the merchant’s nails, speaking softly and recounting adventures the two had apparently shared in an attempt to distract him from the shouting that fills the camp and the heated stares being shot between two heroes.
Sky’s hand grips the hilt of the Master Sword where it lies in his lap and Legend’s fist at his sides while he stands over the older hero, face twisted up in an ugly expression as he spews words Twilight knows he doesn’t want to understand.
“Make it stop.” Four whimpers, head buried in his side as the smithy’s shoulders tense further with each word. “It hurts.”
“Guys-” He tries, he really does, to be firm, but when there's so much anger already in the air, he knows that yelling will only do so much good, and when Sky’s sharp eyes meet his, usually so gentle and dreamy but now flashing with lightning and shadowed in thunderclouds, it’s all he can do to keep his voice low enough to not worsen things for Four.
“You’re hurting Four.” Time scolds.
Legend’s mouth snaps shut, Sky’s hands twitching as the two both look over the miserable bundle against his side.
“Fine.” Legend snaps, crossing his arms and looking away.
“Apologies.” Sky nods.
It’s easy to believe Sky will be a king one day when he acts like that. There’s no doubt that their usually sleepy friend can rule and command when he sits poker straight, actions clipped as his words and tone deep enough to rival times when he speaks. Gone are the gentle words and reassuring smiles, instead replaced with regal nods and flashing silver eyes. The war cape that usually warms shivering heroes on cold nights is a cape, and the halo cast over the Skyloftian’s honey-hair is a crown in the firelight.
Twilight has to shift in his place.
Thank Ordonia the two both have a soft spot for the smithy, otherwise they’d be here all night! And, while he loves the wolf that nestles inside of his heart, he also hates how the wolf’s senses affect his own. Legend’s shrieks might be annoying to the others, but to himself and Four, they’re agonizing.
Then again, he has to muffle a strained chuckle as Legend stomps past on his way to his bedroll, which is as far as possible from Sky’s without Time raising his brows, rabbits do scream rather loudly, don’t they.
“Are they done?” Four’s eyes actually have tears in them when he looks up, face flushed and miserable as he peeks up out from under the tail end of the wolf pelt.
“Yeah.” He has to keep his voice low as he answers, Four’s headaches are well known to be absolutely awful, and he can’t help but gently pet the smithy’s hair in an attempt to comfort him.
Baby.
Twilight has to stop himself from rolling his eyes. Four’s nearly an adult.
Baby. The wolf in his soul rumbles, and Twilight has to mentally restrain himself from pulling the little smithy into his arms and absolutely suffocating him with his fluffy pelt and arms as he holds him as tight as possible. He thinks Four once explained why they want to squeeze babies and small things so much, but he can’t be bothered to dig through all of the smithy’s rants about Hylian behavior in order to remember it.
It was something related to eating though, and the thought makes him wrinkle his nose.
“Good.” Four sighs, flopping fully against him and tugging the pelt over his eyes. “They do that again and I’m gonna slap them both. Jerks.”
A laugh rumbles through his chest as the wolf growls in approval.
Fierce baby. The Wolf laughs.
He’s close to our age. Twilight reminds himself. He jist looks small and young.
Never mind that the smithy has his childish moments, eyes glimmering red and warm as he laughs along with Wind as the two watch some prank or another play out. It’s always hard to tell if Four is just laughing at their misfortune or if he’s the reason for it and is reveling in his genius, because when questioned the smithy always looks so childishly innocent or entirely unimpressed. It’s a difficult thing to pin the blame on the smithy, and they’ve all quite given up. Except Sky.
Sky, who can read Four like a book and is currently shooting worried glances in the smithy’s direction, all fire and rage gone from crystal eyes when the Skyloftian catches sight of the smithy curled up beside him, only his legs and stockinged feet visible beneath the pelt. “Is he okay?”
Twilight nods. “Exhausted, fightin’ a bad headache, but he says it ain’t quite a migraine.”
The other hero nods with a wince. “You got him then?”
Oh definitely. This is his little brother! Of course, he can take care of him! “Yeah.”
“Okay.”
He’s feeling guilty.
They are close, he prob’bly just wants to help.
“You good, Sky?”
Crystal blue meets his slowly, a pained smile on his brother’s face as Sky settles down on his other side, reaching over quickly to gently pat Four’s knee before answering. “Yeah. Legend just-” Sky answers, running a hand through his hair with a huff of his puffed-out cheeks. “Vet’s a Hylia Blessed piece of work somedays!”
Laughter spills from him this time, and he can’t stop it even when Four pokes his side irritably. “That has got to be the nicest way I’ve e’er heard someone call another person an ass! Did you just say ‘Hylia blessed’?”
Sky rolls his eyes. “I love Legend same as any of you guys, he’s just...” Another heavy puff of breath, one that he didn’t know Sky could even manage with his asthma, billows out, ruffling the Skyloftian’s bangs as he motions to where Legend is sat with his back against Warriors, Twilight would almost dare to say that the vet is pouting as War reaches over to gently ruffle the vet’s hair fondly while Ravio chirps something nervous and encouraging at him.
“He can a bit difficult.” He finishes, but Sky shakes his head fiercely.
“That’s not it! I deal with difficult people all the time! My best friend was the biggest ass I knew before he stopped trying to one up me and started to actually help. I can handle a bit of sass and snark, I mean, look at us!” Sky exclaims, motioning to the camp and everyone in it.
“Keep it down!” Four hisses. “Headache!”
“Sorry.” He choruses with Sky as the smithy glares up at the both of them before retreating back underneath the protective shade of his wolf pelt.
“It’s not the grouchiness, or the snark.” Sky explains softly, blue eyes pained as they glance at Legend. “We’re just. We have very different opinions about some things.” He’s about to say something when Sky cuts him off, eyes glistening softly in the fire as he stares across at the pouting vet. “I get that he doesn’t care for the goddesses. I’m not happy with it, but I can respect his opinions; they’re valid as much as mine are, and he has his reasons to feel the way he does. But some things-” The Skyloftian shakes his head fiercely, eyes going stony again. “Some things aren’t open for discussion like faith and beliefs. Hard, cold facts can’t be denied, no matter how much Legend would like to.”
There’s a bite in Sky’s voice again, and it makes him flinch back. Beneath his pelt, Four’s fingers clench his tunic, the smithy stiff as a board again. He sneaks an arm around the younger hero, squeezing gently in reassurance as he follows Sky’s gaze to the trio opposite them, where Legend is glaring at a laughing Warriors while Ravio giggles softly along, the three melting back into their seamlessly antagonistically friendly behavior around each other.
“Legend’s smart. But he’s also blind.” Sky bites out bitterly. “And it’s just gonna get him hurt.”
He’s about to ask what Sky means, but at that very moment Wild jumps up from sitting beside Time, ears pricked and eyes wide as a hoarse-shout rings from his cub’s throat. “Monster attack!”
Monsters.
The growl rumbles in his chest as he pulls himself to his feet, Four following with a groan and Sky already sprinting across the camp with the Master Sword drawn and in hand.
The monsters are on them before most of them even have a chance to draw their blades.
Mindless beasts swirl about, blocking his vision of the others as he dances through them, fending off any headed towards the suffering smithy while simultaneously trying to carve a path for himself and Four to where the others are.
“Eyes out for the black one!” Warriors voice rises over the din of blades crashing and monsters squealing, all of the playfulness of the moment before replaced with the practiced calm and clipped tones of a soldier.
“Aye Captain!” Wind shouts back, followed by Wild and Time, the only one’s accustomed to a soldier’s commands, as they thrust themselves into the battle.
The monsters swarm thicker and thicker, but in every spare second, he keeps his eyes open, searching the crowd for the black lizalfoes that’s been the source of so much of their trouble lately. Nothing can be seen save monster after monster of the normal sort, their blood streaking red across the dirt, thin and weak as bodies fall with more ease than any of their previous battles.
“These ‘blins are red blooded!” He calls out. “Keep your guards up! They strong one’s are prob’bly holdin’ back!”
The Ordon Sword sings through the air, but despite his own warning, the monsters are already starting the thin. More stream in from the forest, but they runabout wild like any old ‘blins and lizards, none of the intelligence or strength of their corrupted cousins making an appearance so often recently. The same can be said of the black lizalfoes; no one can spot it, there’s no flash of black in the crowd save for his own pelt as he spins and stabs, dancing easily along to Warriors’ side.
“Any sign?” The captain pants out, parrying an enemy blade and thrusting forwards to skewer the moblin before him.
“None.” He heaves back, raising his shield against his own opponent and pushing back against the spear that embedded it inside. “Have you seen Four? I lost him in the mob?”
The words are hardly out of his mouth before a scream, all too harsh and broken sounded across the field. “Sky!”
Midnight meets royal blue as soldier and rancher lock eyes for all of a moment before swinging out with all their might at their enemies, razing them low and clearing their vision long enough to stare over the field.
Four is clutching at his sword arm, eyes wide and staring as they looked to where Sky has been cast onto the ground a few paces away, thrown by the force of a blow that no doubt had been headed for the smithy himself. No ordinary monster could land a blow on Sky unless he was rushing to someone else’s rescue, and the guilt already filtering into the smithy’s eyes was all that is needed to confirm the thought.
The Master Sword lies on the forest floor, to far from Sky for the knight to grasp it as he pulls himself to his knees, enemies already baring down on him from all directions.
“Sky!” Twin voices shout.
Flying-Heart!!!! The Wolf screams inside of him, pushing his feet forwards to charge to Sky’s side.
Red flashes before him, swirling fabric, the color of aged blood and wine, a hood like a poe’s drawn up over a being’s head, a single blackened hand reaching out from beneath, red swirling over clawed fingers as Sky’s breath comes heaving from his lungs, side bleeding from the blow that had downed him.
A voice, neither high nor low but pitched in such a way that none could hear quite what was being said, murmurs something as the power on the blackened hand pulses.
Monsters rage around the hero and poe-like being, but none step closer to Sky, although their eyes trail to him eagerly every so often when Heroes, desperate to save their brother, aren’t hacking through their numbers.
A moblin rises before Twilight, blocking his vision for precious seconds before a roar built in his chest and his sword cleft the being in two. The second was enough though. Sky’s scream sounds over the field, harsh and grating and agonizing! The wolf throbs inside of him, tearing at the walls of his mind as he attempted to press through the creatures keeping him from his brother.
“Get back you-” Legend’s words are cut off sharply by Time’s scream of rage as the biggoron sword swings and fells three monsters at once. The Master Sword gleams in Legend’s hands as he launches himself at the being, teeth set and eyes flashing as he swings down, making the red-cape dart back as the pink-haired hero came to a halt between hero and monster, Sky’s weakening breath ringing over the field.
The vet’s eyes flash to meet his for only a moment. “Kick ass! We need to end this!”
A firm nod, the wolf is already raging inside him and he gave it full control as his blade and shield fend off and fell enemy after enemy, their screams and blood running over him like the air itself, so little he cares for them. His only job now is to beat back the monsters, give Legend space to work, keep Sky safe.
Beat the monsters.
Give Legend space to wreak havoc.
Protect Sky.
Beat the monsters.
Give Legend space to wreak havoc.
Protect Sky.
Beat the monsters.
Give Legend space to wreak havoc.
Protect Sky.
Like a dirge of war, the wolf’s thoughts swirl with his own, red clouding his vision as the Ordon Sword severs limbs and head and cleft bodies in two. Feet dance the war stomps of bloodlust as eyes flash with the golden of the wolf.
“Portal!” Wild screams over the din of the monsters falling. “Hylia’s!” His pup sounds strained, rage and terror mixing in a cocktail of fury as arrows plunge into the enemy and weapons fly loose across the Champion’s personal battle space, an area where even the monsters drew back in fear while the rest of the heroes give the youngster ample space to cause chaos.
Sure enough, the portal’s golden power is sweeping across the field, the faint brush of feathers over their cheeks and shoulders and the whisper of warmth and honey as the goddess’s strength flows over the field.
“Legend, watch out!” Hyrule’s cry cuts through, and Twilight only has enough time to see the blackened hand swing forwards and catch hold of Legend’s tunic before the golden glow of the shift swept it all away.
#linked universe#linkeduniverse#devine beast sky#devine twili beast sky#raven of sky#lu sky#lu legend#lu twilight#lu four#idiot writes angst#danggit! I forgot to tag Ravio on ao3!!!!#uh... yeah#lu ravio#lu time#lu hyrule#lu warriors#lu wind#lu wild#ryssbelle my beloved
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Xiao: String of Fate [Soulmate AU] HCs
Hey anon! Okay, I’m just gonna level with you. This request? This request right here? Probably one of my favourites. I went feral over this at 3am and my monkey brain fabricated an entire life story for Xiao when he’s not even out yet.
I sorta combined this request with my feral plot idea (which is honestly a 20k word fic at this point), but ahem, I hope you like and np^^ gotta make so many offerings so Xiao hopefully blesses me. Have a lovely day anon!!
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Xiao Semi Series
[ Friendship ] [ Falling in Love ] [ Cuddles ] [ Protective ] [ Affection ] [ Jealously ] [ Opposites Attract ] [ Fainting ]
[Masterlist]
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[taglist] <- if you want to be added, please read this first.
@mikeysbike @unionwitch @musekala @stanzastic @akaasea @xoneaboveallx @adoring-ghost @asheseiler @childelover @dilucsz @dai-tsukki-desu @thicmitten @sunnshiii @hanniejji @snowy224 @mayumintsu @tigerpriestess @yuu-yuukurotsuki @legionqueensav @youaskedfurret
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Xiao: String of Fate [Soulmate AU] HCs
The red string of fate is a concept that those who are connected by a red string are destined to meet and fall in love. Regardless of place, time, or circumstances. The red string can never be broken unless one connected passes away.
Alatus
For the past few days, Alatus would wake up early and scale the mountains of his small village to pick Qingxin flowers. The morning dew would still be on the petals before the sun came by and evaporated everything. It became a bit of a small joke that the elders used to make, that a earth spirit would appear at the break of dawn to place the flowers for harvest. Not that Alatus minded, he was grateful that whatever celestial spirt was out there made sure to replace the ones he took. Remembering to always offer a prayer of thanks and a small offering, you would scold him if he didn’t.
He quickly scaled and vaulted over the wooden beam and slipped into your room. He winced at the sound of his shoes landing on the wooden floor but you didn’t seem to stir. You were still sleeping peacefully as Alatus took the fresh flowers to add to the ones already in your small vase beside you. They were your favourite flower after all. He reminisces about when you were both children and how you would drag him to mountains and tell him all about how at the very top there was his beautiful white flower. But you were both too young with small limbs to even attempt to climb it, plus if you somehow managed to do it, it would take too long and both your parents would be worried. It never seemed to deter you as you reasoned that a wind spirit would help your journey. Come to think of it, you always put a lot of faith into celestial beings. But he goes along with your plan, never one to contain your desire to explore.
He’s suddenly snapped out of his memories when he hears a soft knock on the door. It quietly opens to reveal your mother. She gives him a small smile as he looked a bit guilty for getting caught breaking in before waving him over to hand him something. You left him with a small bamboo package that you had wanted to give on his birthday. On top of the bamboo, you had wrote a short but warming message that you were worried about him always running off outside and that he might catch a cold. He smiled softly at your words, ingraining the way your ink brush flowed down the bamboo sticks into his mind. He offer’s a small thanks as she gives him a comforting hug. Whether for him or her he doesn’t know and she leaves.
He carefully untied the brown string keeping the package together to unravel a blue, white, and gold sleeve. He silently marveled at how beautiful it was and held it up to the light, it almost seemed to shine with subtle highlights. He has no idea how you managed to create this, he had never even seen the dye of red or gold used in clothing before. Perhaps the celestial beings decided to bless you for your prayers and devotion. He gives one small squeeze of your hand as he ties the sleeve to his arm and he slips out through the same window he came from. He looks up at the mountain’s he’s scaled before setting on the tallest one. One so tall the elders say that it could reach celestia.
As he scales the mountain he can feel a taint tug on his thumb, before it slowly disappears. He closes his eyes for a brief moment, breathes in deeply, and continues upwards.
The Golden-Winged King
One of his first adepti duties was to investigate the place he once knew as his home. There had been a dream eating demon that had been spreading curses onto unsuspecting youths. Putting them into eternal sleep before they bodies finally succumbed and they passed away. It was horrible and Alatus swore he would do everything in his power to make the dream demon suffer. Unfortunely, seeing as this was his first time venturing out back into the moral world and still recovering from his trials, he was assigned to work with a senior anemo adepti. One who was well-versed in using polearms that could “show him the ropes” as mortals would say.
This other adepti was too loud and erratic for his tastes compared to the calm and peaceful friend he once knew. Always getting side-tracked and flying around Alatus like some overgrown pixie. Never taking anything serious even though the both of you were tasked to destroy evil. But he held his tongue since this was his senior, gripping his sleeve when he was especially annoyed. This only seemed to spur the other anemo adepti further and inquire about the sleeve. Naturally, Alatus was hostile and guarded. That was first time he ever raised his voice which instead of becoming offended or angry, the other adepti was impressed.
From then on the other adepti seemed to want to interact with Alatus at any given moment. From checking in with him on his latest mission or if he heard about how the delicious flowers tasted. Who even ate flowers? Either way, every instance of communication was brushed aside, he would always make some weak excuse that he needed to train. Which lead to the other challenging him. The both of you were the same element so it would be a good time to see who was the best at wielding it. Overtime he began to look forward to your weekly spars. Even finding a bit of joy out of them. Ever since he had climbed up the mountain it had been constant training and hardships but when it came to these spars. It was fun. Alatus began to open his heart a tiny bit, let’s himself relax and fall into amusement when he see’s his partner’s face pop over him as they hovered over him.
He even began to feel his locked up heart start to beat a bit faster whenever he saw his partner perk up and wave at him. Whenever you threw your arm around him he never brushed you off like he used to, just basked in your presence as you rambled about how this stuck up bird was running everyone through the ground with her demands. It was amusing for fresh adepti’s to see you both interact. The ever stoic and aloof Alatus that taught them through strict rules loosen up immediately and smile whenever your head popped up to scold him for his training methods.
It was fun. Until the day he became possessed and killed you with your own weapon.
Guardian Yaksha
Guizhong was concerned. Ever since Rex Lapis had saved the poor adepti man from his possession, he had locked himself in. He still fulfilled his duties with alarming accuracy but it seemed that he completely on auto-pilot. He could stand in the pouring rain without realizing it or he always seemed to be in such a rush. Asking to do anything that needed to be done rather than relax. He was going to end up running through his long years at this rate. She brought it up to Rex Lapis and his fellow Yaksha but none of them had the time or want to check in on him. It was a time of war after all. Except one.
You watch him stand in the rain. Any attempts from you or Guizhong to ask if he was better always failed and you didn’t want to push. But this was already past the point of simple concern. So the next time you saw him relapse you walked over and embraced him. He usually carried himself as stiff as possible but you swore you were holding one of Rex Lapis’s pillars. You braced yourself to get thrown off or at the very least be questioned but none of those things happened. He just stood there and to be honest, you weren’t sure if that was even more concerning. You both didn’t say anything even when the rain stopped until Rex Lapis had summoned you both over.
You and him never developed a close friendship but he never seemed to brush you away whenever you sat beside him ever since you hugged him in the rain. A bare acknowledgement on good days but that was alright. Just sitting in each other’s presence when the war wanted to be quiet somedays was nice. On harder days when fighting took too much of a toll on your body you would lean your head on his shoulder. He never shrugged you off or seemed bothered by it, in fact, it almost seemed as if he leaned back against you. You both never spoke during these moments, just a silent understanding looming over you both.
Then when Morax announced that Guizhong had passed away, you felt as if you somewhat understood how Xiao felt. You didn’t even register that you had walked back to the same place Xiao was standing back when he was in the rain. The war was finally over but after everything that had happened to get to this point, it was hard. You knew that a few of your other Yaksha’s were ready to return to Jueyun Karst or return to earth. You blink quickly as you feel two arms wrap around you and you realize how funny fate seems to be. You choke out some unintelligible noise that’s a mix between a laugh and a sob as you cling onto him and let your bottled up emotions pour out.
He’s the last person you see in the newly established Liyue, wishing him luck in the rest of his journey, as you return to the earth. You aren’t sure what you’ll turn into but you hope that the peaceful atmosphere you both created will remain.
Xiao
It was completely out of the blue when you asked if he wanted to come on an adventure with you. You were both sitting under the tree that held the Wangshu inn up when you suddenly sat up and pointed in some far off direction across Liyue. Asked if he wanted to come with you after the lantern festival was over. He was a bit taken aback, you were a traveler first and foremost but you never asked if he wanted to come with you. You had always assumed that he wanted to stay as a protector of Liyue but after what Morax, now Zhongli, had said and how it was time to him to step down. You decided to ask him. It didn’t have to be far, you both could go to the stone gate if he wanted, just if he wanted to come with you anywhere.
His first instinct is to decline but you end up cutting him off before he can say anything.
“I know you have your reasons and loyalties to stay as Liyue’s protector. That’s why I’m not asking for you to accompany me across Teyvat. But I don’t know when I’m going to be back and after what happened in Liyue, I thought it would be nice to just, take a break, and go anywhere. You don’t have to accompany me if you don’t want to but I think it’d be nice to wander together,” you say as you continue to look across the land from the balcony. He can’t see where you’re looking at exactly but he ponders your words.
To wander and go anywhere. Just the two of you. He’s never even considered leaving Liyue even after all the demons were replaced with weak hilichurls and slimes. He gazes up at the tree’s leaves, looks further to see celestia, and even further back to his home. Guizhong always said he needed to relax and live in the moment of now rather than running past everything but was he really ready for that?
“Ah, sorry was that a bit too forward? I really didn’t mean anything ba-”
“Yes. Let’s go,” Xiao cuts you off as his eyes shine in a new light of determination, “Wherever you want to go, I will come with you.”
You blink once, twice, before a bright grin stretch's across your face as you quickly ask if he’s joking. He’s not, and you cheer excitedly as you list off different places you’ve wanted to explore. Perhaps the shoal? Maybe even further into the chasm? Actually wait, the electro archon has closed that area off so maybe not there. Xiao patiently listens to you ramble as he smiles softly. Your excitement is addicting and he can feel his heart flutter just a bit. How long has it been since he felt this way? He can feel a small tug on his thumb, he looks down but he can’t see anything, but there’s a comfortable weight that he’s felt has been missing for a very long time.
---
If this seems interesting and people seem to enjoy it, I can post the actual fic when Xiao banner drops as a bit of a catalyst. It’s basically the same idea. Though it’s kinda long so I have no idea when that’s going to be finished. It might turn into a thank you gift instead. (or ahem, you know, if you wanna commission me and see it earlier there’s that haha just kidding;;).
Honestly, I took a lot of liberties. I read the lore on adepti and Xiao but most of this is my monkey brain and previous semi xiao fics (which you don’t have to read but it would be helpful to see extended parts). Phew, this took a lot of time. It’s not as cute as my other fics but hopefully you all enjoyed it^^
Actually, nevermind. I hate this. I’ll keep it up since I haven’t posted this week yet but I hate this.
#genshin#genshin impact#genshin x reader#genshin impact x reader#genshin imagines#genshin impact imagines#genshin headcanons#genshin impact headcanons#genshin fanfic#genshin impact fanfiction#genshin xiao#genshin impact xiao#genshin xiao x reader#genshin impact xiao x reader#xiao#xiao x reader#xiao x aether#xiao x lumine#xiao imagines#xiao headcanons#genshin fluff#genshin impact fluff
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Flowers and Vinyls
Summary: You and Porco are neighbours. You also despise each other.
Pairing: Porco Galliard x Fem!Reader (modern AU)
Warnings & Content: language, softdom!Porco, softsub!Reader, thigh riding, unprotected sex, spanking, oral sex (male receiving), alcohol abuse, enemies to lovers
Word Count: 2.2 k
A/N: Porco deserves some love, too! I also really wanna give Connie some love, too.
You hated him, you loathed him.
To you, Porco was the most insufferable person to ever walk on this earth, strutting his pushed back hair, with his stupid undercut and his silly little upturned nose. You wanted to gouge his eyes out, but that would only land you some time in jail. He was your next-door neighbour both in terms of accommodation, and in terms of work. You owned a small flower shop at the ground floor of your townhouse, he owned a record store placed strategically wall-to-wall with yours — naturally he lived above it. Marcel, Porco's brother, was seemingly a nicer person, but he wasn't always there when you needed him to shut his little brother's mouth — or music. Not only were you two bickering like petty children, you were also complete opposites — he was edgy and brash, you were dainty and solemn. He always wore dark colours, you were dressed in pastels. And to make matters worse, he was best friends with your best friend!
Pieck was completely oblivious to the fact that you two hated each other, both bitching to her, unaware of the other's complaints. She always told you, separately, that perhaps you just need to get laid with one another and get over it. Impossible, for you despised each other. And when Pieck invited you to a small party at her place, you were not expecting to see Porco there. At first, you wanted to turn around and leave, but your friend talked you into staying, promising that Porco was actually a good guy, and that you didn't know him well enough. Oh, how wrong she was. He was evil incarnate, he vandalised your shop after you called the cops on him. Nonetheless, you stayed at her party, opting to spend some time with Reiner and Colt, avoiding Porco at all costs, because if looks could kill, his would smite you.
What you didn't know was that a conflict was taking place inside his tipsy brain — should he kill you or fuck you? Despite your differences, Porco couldn't deny that you were a very alluring woman, hips swaying every time you walked and an ass that could raise the dead. And he saw Colt glancing at that ass, prompting him to drink some more. On the other side of the room, you told Pieck all about how your date stood you up and you were quite sad, opting to drown the empty feeling in your chest with cheap vodka and tequila, and that combination did a number on you. You weren't shitfaced by any means, just drunk enough to feel the music better, taste the liquor better, smell Porco's perfume better whenever he walked past you. God, he intoxicated you more than the alcohol could, and you were beginning to wonder if Pieck was right — maybe you didn't hate him, maybe you needed to fuck him, relieve the sexual tension. But how? What if he did hate you and you'd only make a fool of yourself? The questions were grinding your gears and no amount of tequila could help you get them out of your system. You settled on ignoring them.
"We're gonna split a cab." Porco explained, a bored, inexpensive look on his face.
"Hey, 'm not poor, aight? I can afford a f-fuckin' taxi." You poked his chest with your index finger while losing your balance and falling into his arms. He quickly released you once you regained control of your legs, his eyes drifting elsewhere, crimson creeping to his cheeks.
"We literally live next to each other, but if you wanna go all by yourself, fine!"
"I haaaaate you, Pokko, d'you know? I especially hate that cute nose! Boop!"
He was so done with your attitude, your gestures, your voice, his brows furrowed and lips pursed. But Pieck really wanted to make sure you got home safe, and Porco didn't want to disappoint his friend by letting you loose in a stranger's car, especially since you were drunk and vulnerable. He was an asshole, but he wasn't that bad. Not that you could realise that, anyway.
"Just get in the car, Y/N." He rolled his eyes and opened the door once the yellow taxi pulled over. You stopped between him and the car, nose and cheeks pink from the alcohol, and leaned closer to his face.
"D'you also know I really, really wanna ride you?" You whispered in his ear before stumbling inside the cab, giggling like a schoolgirl. "Ah! Evening, mister!"
"Jesus Christ..."
The entire way home you drove Porco insane with little touches, whispers, obscene proposals. He could feel his cock twitching in his pants but he didn't want to take advantage of you. Yet the more you looked at him with hunger in your eyes, the more he couldn't think rationally — he, too, was drunk, after all. When you got out of the car you almost fell face first, but luckily, he caught you, your hand accidentally brushing his thigh in the process. God, he hated you.
"Come inside!" You looped an arm around his neck for better balance. "I gotta give you your money b-back."
"It's fine."
"No, no, I insist."
"You're so annoying, you know that?" Porco walked with you, perfectly aware of how much he'd regret this night.
"Close the door behind youuuu!" You kicked your shoes off and grabbed the collar of his leather jacket, practically dragging him through the hallway, into the living room. "Sit!"
He could say no. He could just walk out. But he didn't want to. Not anymore.
You rummaged through a drawer looking for some cash, taking your sweet time to do it. The way you were bent over, the tight skirt revealing just an inch of your red panties, sent Porco down a rabbit hole of dirty thoughts. Every gesture, every word uttered so nonchalantly by you made you both forget the turf war you both started, the atmosphere slowly becoming more intimate and sensual. You swayed your hips from side to side, opening another drawer and digging through the clutter.
"Hey, Pokko? Do you think 'm pretty?"
The question caught him off guard as you turned around, no money in your hands. He raised his gaze from your skirt to your eyes, frantically nodding his head.
"Yeah."
"Then why did I get stood up?" You pouted, walking to the couch. Porco swallowed hard when you took a seat on his thigh, his fingers digging into the sofa. "If 'm pretty, why don't men want me?" Your hands rested on his shoulders as your hips slowly rocked back and forth.
"I- I don't know." He pursed his lips, unaware of what to do. Usually, he wouldn't have any issues with situations like this. But it was different this time because he really wanted to shut your srupid mouth up — or maybe Pieck was right and all he needed to do was fuck you.
"Do you want me?" You asked, head tilted, movement stopping.
"God, yes." Porco grabbed your nape and pulled you into a sloppy kiss, his other hand desperately tugging at your tank top strap. You could feel your panties dampening under his rough touch and hot kiss, your hands removing his jacket as quickly as possible. "I'm gonna fuck you on that table first." He picked you up and slammed your ass on the dining table, earning a moan out of you. "Then we'll take it to the bedroom." Porco removed his shirt while you pulled your underwear down.
"Fuck me wherever you want, just fuck me!" You begged, legs spread and lust in your eyes.
"Shit, I knew you were a little slut under all that soft girl crap." He unzipped his jeans, letting them fall to the ground while he pulled his cock out. You took a good look at it, teeth digging into your lower lip.
"Aren't you gonna finger me first?"
"You didn't do anything to deserve it. But I'm in a good mood." Porco sneered before he spat on your wet cunt. The disgusting gesture made you purr like a kitten, proving him more that you were indeed a filthy whore. He dragged the tip of his cock up and down your slit, slowly pushing it between your folds as you threw your head back in pleasure. "Fuuuck, you're so tight, so wet."
"Oh my God, go deeper! Please!" You pleaded, voice low and seductive.
"Look how good you're taking it." Porco praised you, fingers digging into your skin before he started rocking his hips. It truly felt that your pussy was made just for him, the silken walls clenching around his hard cock making him grunt with every thrust. Your legs wrapped around his waist and you both realised just how much you needed this, the hate you had for each other melting away, replaced by lust and desire.
"So b-big 'nd hard-" You mumbled incoherent words while one hand found your neck, calloused fingertips squeezing the skin.
"You've no idea how much I wanted these hands around your neck." Porco groaned, his thrusts faster and harder. "Who knew I wanted to fuck you, not kill you?" His thumb parted your lips and you hollowed your cheeks around it, sucking on it like a lollipop. "Good girl. Bedroom, now." He pulled out and you almost cried at the empty feeling between your thighs. You took his hand in yours and guided him to the room — just as pastel and cute as your personality. Porco spun you around, giving your ass a firm slap before bending you down. He pressed hot kisses on your hip and lower back and you threw your head back to look at him.
"Stop t-teasing me!"
"Jeez, aren't you greedy? I thought you hated me." He laughed into your skin, the vibrations tickling your flesh. Porco couldn't abstain any longer, one hand grasping your hip, the other pushing his cock back into you. Inch by inch, it disappeared and he let out a satisfied groan.
"I still h-hate you!" Teeth sunk into your lip to stifle a moan.
"Oh, really?" He thrusted so deep that you lost control over your arms, head falling onto the mattress. Another deep thrust and you shot back up with a growl. "Talk shit and I might not let you finish." His threat alerted you and you bucked your hips, walls clenching around his cock.
"It would be a shame if you f-finished first." Your voice was cocky, targeting that huge ego of his. It was effective — Porco's hand travelled between your legs, fingers rubbing your swollen clit and you moaned in extasy, adrenaline rushing through your veins.
"N-not fair!" You squirmed and whimpered, tears of pleasure pooling at your eyes.
"We're not playing fair." He wrapped his other hand around your neck to pull you closer, back hitting his chest. The room smelled of sex and jasmine incense and it drove you mad with lust. "Oh, what's the matter? Are you coming already?" He mocked while fucking your desperate cunt.
"Yes! God, yes!" You cried out, the climax blurring your vision.
Despite your pleas that you couldn't take it anymore, Porco kept thrusting deeper into your numbing pussy, his fingers bruising your skin, his teeth sinking into your shoulder. He was an animal, everything about him was instinctual and filthy and you hatedloved it. Your silken walls clenched around his cock again, and he was impressed that you still had some fight left in you.
"That's right, milk me dry, you dirty whore." His disgusting words reignited the dying fire inside your core and you bucked your hips against his, the friction and pressure making you come undone a second time.
"Fuck!" Was all you could say before collapsing onto the mattress, body limp and exhausted.
"Damn it, Y/N. I said milk me dry." Porco grabbed a fistful of hair and turned you over, yanking your head back to shove his cock down your throat. How on earth did he have so much stamina? You hollowed your cheeks and triedto suck, but it was him actually fucking your pretty mouth. "Are you gonna keep being a little bitch?"
"Nu-uh!" You shook your head, the word muffled by his girth. Your cheeks were burning from the lack of air, your eyes watery and red.
"Good." He groaned, thick, hot strings of his seed shooting down your throat. "Swallow." Porco held your head back as he slowly pulled out, the bitter taste lingering on your tongue.
You laid on the bed and pulled him next to you, unaware of what to do or say. Your body relaxed when he looped an arm around your shoulders, your head resting on his chest.
"Do you still hate me?" He asked.
"It depends. Are you gonna blast music at three in the morning?"
"Yep."
"Well, there's your answer." You laughed and planted a kiss on his cheek.
"Listen, I'm not sorry you got stood up tonight. I mean, I am, but I'm not-"
"Porco, stop talking. It was never going to work out with him, anyway."
"Fair enough." He shrugged, lips pursed and eyes narrowed. "What if I take you out?"
"Like a date, or a murder?"
"It depends. Are you gonna call the cops on me again?"
"I'll try not to?"
"A date, then."
#porco galliard#porco x reader#porco galliard x reader#aot#aot x reader#aot smut#attack on titan#porco galliard smut#snk#snk x reader#snk smut#shingeki no kyoujin#attack on titan x reader#attack on titan smut#shingeki no kyoujin smut#porco galliard one shot
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