#she's got some signals crossed when it comes to war | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

in1-nutshell · 2 months

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Hi, I just recently came across your blog and I really liked it, well done, you write very well, I can't wait to read what you write next time. If I can make a request, then I would like to ask you to write the reaction of TFP Autobots and Decepticons (and maybe humans) to the fact that on one day both sides discovered the vital signals of both factions emanating from the Smithsonian museum. The Autobots arrive at the department of the museum with historical cars to find the Autobot Buddy in stasis in her altforem of the Red Cross car from the time of the First World War. And at the same time, the Decepticons arriving at the museum department with historical aircraft find the Decepticon Buddy also in stasis in his altforem of the World War One aircraft. Both Buddies were sent by their leaders at the beginning of the Cybertron war to explore new worlds suitable for the extraction of energon. And arriving on earth in 1915, they not only continued their war, but also to some extent became part of the human war until one day in 1917, they both plunged each other into stasis. I apologize in advance if there are errors or typos in the text, English is not my native language.

These Buddy's are going to be in for a shock when they figure out they had been gone for a while.

Hope you enjoy!

Bot Buddy's the Bot and Con waking up from stasis after being in WWI

SFW, Platonic, Cybertronain reader

TFP

Bot is red cross car.

Con is a red barron.

Bot is name Red Cross.

Con named Deadloop.

They were both sent to Earth to scout energon.

Once they both land on the planet they are at each other’s throats trying to claim the planet it the name of their faction. Until they realize this planet is also at war.

“You have got to be kidding me!”—Red Cross

“War seems to be following us everywhere my friend…”--Deadloop

“I’m not your friend!”—Red Cross

“We are now! We’re the only Cybertronains on this planet at war. We need to look after each other whether we like it or not!”--Deadloop

“Hmmm…”—Red Cross

Silence…

“What if we helped the good side of this war?”—Red Cross

“Don’t we have our own war to worry about?”--Deadloop

“And they’re lightyears away. I saw we help the good side win; we strike a deal for them not to hunt us down, take the energon reserves and when our sides come no one will be mad. Mission accomplished.”—Red Cross

“…Primus what am I doing… Fine! Don’t have anything better to do.”--Deadloop

After scanning random vehicles, the Cybertronains end up partnering up with Allied forces under a secret organization.

The organization made sure that not many people knew about their existence, which was fine by them.

Deadloop ended up helping arial strikes and dog fights.

It was confusing as they took the form of the infamous Red Baron, but it certainly struck fear in the hearts of the Central Power’s aerial forces thinking their Baron went rogue.

Red Cross ended up taking up learning more about organic medicine to help the troops, especially those who had just come back from the trenches.

They end up becoming good friends with each other and their fellow human companions.

Red Cross fixing Deadloop’s damaged propeller.

“You have to be more careful Loop. The supplies are low with propeller parts.”—Red Cross

Deadloop gives them a smirk.

“You should see the other guys. They’re practically in scrap metal.”--Deadloop

Red Cross shakes their helm a bit while reattaching the new propeller.

A human enters the hangar.

“How’s Deadloop Cross?”

Red Cross looks down at the nurse smiling.

“Mrs. Fowler, the propeller replacement is just about finished. How’s the Mister?”—Red Cross

She smiles a bit.

“He’s doing as good as we all are… There’s something I need to tell you two.”—Mrs. Fowler

Both look at each other before giving full attention to the nurse.

“…I’m pregnant.”—Mrs. Fowler

“…What’s pregnant?”--Deadloop

Red Cross’s optics widened.

“Your having a sparkling!? Loop! She’s having a sparkling!”—Red Cross

Deadloop looks at her wide optic.

“Congratulations!”—Red Cross

“Yeah… wow... did not expect that.”--Deadloop

The nurse looks down a bit.

“Mrs. Fowler? Is something else on your mind?”—Red Cross

“We’ve been talking, the mister and I, about making you two the godparents—”—Mrs. Fowler

Red Cross squeals a bit.

“I’ve heard about that term!”—Red Cross

They put their arm around Deadloop whose optics just grow wider.

Red Cross looks at Deadloop and they both look down at the nurse.

Deadloop kneels down and gently places a digit on Mrs. Fowler’s belly.

“Hey there tiny. This is Deadloop and Red Cross speaking, your grandparents. We can’t wait to meet ya.”--Deadloop

It would be a couple days after that news when Deadloop got shot down in no mans land. Red Cross moving to their friend trying to cover them from the shelling and the mustard gas that was clogging their vents.

The two eventually reverted into vehicle mode before going into stasis.

Us govt kept their bodies in a museum after many of the families and members of the secret unit refuses to burry them or burn them.

Now to present day…

The Autobots and Decepticon’s had recently come across two different signals coming from the museum.

Cons get there first and find the stasis signal coming from a red baron plane.

They take the plane and groundbridge out of there before the bots come.

The bots come and realize one of the signals is now gone.

But thankfully there’s one more.

The signal is coming from a car, and they take it.

After a bit of fixing the bot wakes up and is very startled to see their leader there.

Red Cross stretches a bit.

“Urgh… That hurts…”—Red Cross

They look up to see Optimus.

Their optics widened.

“Prime?! You’re here? Wait where’s Deadloop? Where’s Fowler? Where—”—Red Cross

“How do you know my name?”—Agent Fowler

Red Cross looks at Fowler with shocked expression.

“You’re not the Missus or the Mister… but they didn’t have any siblings that I know about…”—Red Cross

Red Cross looks carefully at their surroundings.

“This isn’t base camp…”—Red Cross

“It’s a good thing your sitting down then. There’s a lot you missed.”--Bulkhead

Optimus explains what happened.

Bot must sit down for a second realizing that all of their friends were dead and was once again thrusted into their own civil war.

They agree to work with them and mainly stay on base with Ratchet as their altmode isn’t suitable for the current times and a heavy limp in one of their pedes thanks to the shrapnel attack had gotten infected.

Red Cross looks sadly at Agent Fowler.

“You have her eyes… and you have his hair.”—Red Cross

“You really knew them?”—Agent Fowler

“Sure did! I met the Missus when she threw an egg at us the first day we met. That was some day.”—Red Cross

Fowler raises and eyebrow.

“An egg?”—Agent Fowler

“Yep! That little bugger gave us quite the scare first time around. Good thing I kicked it before it could hurt anyone.”—Red Cross

“…A chicken egg?”—Agent Fowler

“Chicken? No! An egg! What there’s a new word for that…”—Red Cross

Red Cross thinks for a bit.

“Oh! Grenade!”—Red Cross

“She threw a grenade!”--Miko

With cons…

Con wakes up and is ready to attack the first things they see.

Shocked to see Megatron.

They listen carefully and are slightly relief that their friend wasn’t captured.

But they are still worried for their safety now that Megatron has arrived to this planet.

There was no telling what the warlord would do to their friends.

“I expect to see you back in the sky’s at first light.”--Megatron

Deadloops propeller falls off.

“…Maybe after their not falling apart Lord Megatron?”--Knockout

Megatron nods and leaves.

Deadloop looks at Steve.

“Hey, how are the Granny’s here?”--Deadloop

“The what?”--Steve

“You know the Granny’s? Do we still have them shooting the basic blasts?”--Deadloop

“… Do you mean heavy guns?”--Steve

“Yes? That’s a Granny.”--Deadloop

“…”--Steve

#transformers x reader #maccadam #bot buddy #tfp #tfp x reader #tfp x platonic reader

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milf-harrington · 1 year

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i wrote this in like an hour so please forgive the quality but here's some gentle steddie set somewhere in the early 90's mentions of canonical violence and trauma, but otherwise just a gentle morning scene

5:30 am found Eddie Munson on the back porch steps, watching their liver spotted dalmatian patrol the fence-line with her usual level of seriousness. Ronnie moved like a spectre in the half-light, her edges all blurred and smudged until she stopped to sniff at a weed and became solid again.

The cherry of his cigarette flared bright on his inhale as he brought his knees further into his chest, feet crossed over one another like he could trap the warmth in if he just curled up tight enough. With autumn creeping closer, the mornings were getting crisp.

Luckily, his ears were warm under both his hair and the hood of his jumper,but his legs were prickly with goosebumps thanks to his habit of grabbing whatever was on the floor. This time it was Steve's basketball shorts, the one's that used to be trackpants until he'd taken scissors to them in the summer of '88.

They definitely weren't suited for cooler weather, but they were comfortable and Eddie kind of liked the distraction the chill brought. It was harder to get stuck in memories of snapping bones and dead motors and being eaten by bats when your toes were trying not to freeze off.

Eddie sniffled without tears and wiped his nose with the back of his hand, bringing his smoke back to his lips for another drag. His hands were shaking, but it had nothing to do with the weather.

He'd dreamed of Chrissy again.

The problem with an overactive imagination, is that it could always make your nightmares worse.

After weeks of stress free dreaming, he'd wound up back in his trailer last night, but this time he'd known Chrissy's favourite song. Playing it hadn't worked, and instead the bats had come pouring from her mouth like it was it's own gate. They'd swarmed him before he even had a chance to run, breaking free through the windows and those damn vents before tearing him and Hawkins apart.

He'd woken in his and Steve's bed, in the house they bought with their shady government money, sweat slicked and on fire. His skin was tight and itchy as he'd crept out of bed, tapping the dog awake to take her outside and grabbing his smokes from the dresser.

Ronnie chose then to drop her favoured rope at his feet, head ducked and eyes flitting from between him and the toy hopefully, tail wagging. Eddie secured his cigarette between his lips so he could distract her with a scratch behind her ears, and grabbed the toy with his free hand before she could react. She'd turn it into a game of tug-o-war if he wasn't careful, and it was impossible to ask her to drop it when it took both hands just to keep hold of the thing.

The rope sailed across the backyard in a high arc, and Ronnie almost tripped over her own paws in her haste to get to it.

A few more throws later, the sky was brighter and the back door opened with a familiar wheeze behind him.

Eddie didn't turn as he threw Ronnie's toy again, but listened to Steve quietly walk closer and settle down beside him with a soft grunt.

A moment later, his cigarette was stolen from right between his fingers, but when he turned to complain, Eddie was met with a steaming mug shaped like a bear. He took it with hands that were steadier than they'd been 10 minutes ago.

Steve, meanwhile, had tucked the cigarette between his own lips like he used too when he was trying to seem cool and impressive (before they got their shit together), and unfolded the blanket he'd brought out with him.

It settled over both of their shoulders while Eddie sipped his coffee, feeling it's journey all the way down to his stomach. He watched Ronnie register Steve's presence and come bounding over.

She stopped in front of them with the rope toy swinging from her mouth, tail picking up enough speed to move her hips with it when Steve signaled for her to drop it.

Steve generally wasn't verbal this early in the morning, preferring to sign until the world felt awake enough for voices. Luckily their dog was deaf too, even if she was cheeky about ignoring signals by pretending not to see them.

Finally, Ronnie relented, dropping the rope between Steve's ridiculous old-man slippers as he passed the cigarette back to Eddie. She graciously accepted her vigorous head scratches as reward.

Eddie huffed a laugh and tapped off the excess ash, taking another drag and waiting until the dog was tearing off after her toy to pass it back to Steve.

He accepted the smoke with a smile and didn't ask why Eddie was awake so early, or why he hadn't bothered to dress warmer. Just made sure the blanket was wrapped around him properly, and pressed a kiss to his temple over the top of his hood.

Eddie sighed from somewhere deep and tired inside him and let his head drop onto Steve's shoulder, feeling it drop as he exhaled smoke towards the rising sun.

#hoh steve harrington #steddie #steve harrington #eddie munson #i really want a dalmatian but i'm currently in no position to get one so i gave steddie one instead #im imagining that they adopted her from shelter sometime after vecna is defeated #eddie wanted to name her something metal but steve didn't want her to have a weird name so they compromised on 'ronnie'#which is cute and also the name of dio's lead singer #steddie fluff #sort of #domestic steddie #my writing

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ppnuggie · 8 months

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slides in,, claps hands together,, crosses legs,,

hello tumblr user ppnuggie i say ominously

i have a tarn request for you 🦀

first contact au where they dock on earth to snag a run away thats posing as reader's truck!! reader livin their best life pampering their old truck and driving on the beach and then theirs just a massive ass space ship on the beach and then giant ass robots come out and reader "nopes" the fuck outta there but when she gets to the parking lot her trUCK DUMPED HER and now shes having a very awkward staring competition with some purple man thats like "what is that thing?? its so small and squishy?? what do we do with it??" but also "its so cute,, it sounds adorable,, i like it,, i like this thing" and just fuckin,, nabs her

itd be absolutely delicious of you if there was a language barrier

　　　　　　TARN x fem reader

　　　　『　tarn ,, female reader 』

　　-> first contact au w/ tarn

　　— fluff ,, sfw ,, lil crack ,, kidnapping

　　— kaon takes reader ,, lmk if you want another part to continue w/ this 🙏

" are you sure he's here kaon ? i don't remember this planet or sector ." voice gruff and questioning the smaller bot . the red mech nodded ,, optics dark and empty as he smiled . " i'm sure of it , tarn ." he replied . the mech known as tarn nodded in return ,, looking at the scanners aboard the ship known as the peaceful tyranny . there was barely any trace of a cybertronian signal . barely ,, that is . there was a faint dot on the screen ,, showing one life signal .

" prepare yourselves for departure . lets make this quick ,," tarn said to his crew ,, the djd ,, or better known as the decepticon justice division . " watch out for the life here ,, theyre .... organic ." he said slowly ,, disgust dripping from his words .

_____________________________

thankfully there werent a lot of people here today . not exactly hot enough for a beach day ,, per say ,, but you didnt mind that one bit . resting in the driver's seat of your old truck ,, you smothered your face with sunscreen . just because it was 70 degrees out didnt mean you were gonna risk getting toasted by the sun .

glad there werent too many little kids around ,, you were able to enjoy your little day off without many interruptions . or so you thought ,, when all the sudden a gigantic ass space ship came outta nowhere . aint no way in hell you were gonna let this moment go though ,, knowing the ufos exist and the government was keeping those aliens locked up and away from public . fishing for your phone in your bag ,, you quickly drew it out and snapped your camera app open .

switching to video ,, you got out your truck and starting to tape the spaceship . this was something outta star wars because aint no way this was government property and a thing for a movie . or maybe it was ? you werent too sure ,, busy being in awe of this majestic ship . until it had landed and out popped its crewmates .

this had to be for a movie ,, it had to be . nothing like just happens on a wednesday . the most that happens is that commercial with the camel saying its hump day . this sorta thing happens on a friday or sunday . one of the robotic beings opened their mouth ,, static and chirps coming out . you werent too sure what it was saying though .

it was all fine until they started looking around and one spotted you . it was quite big ,, purple with tank treads maybe ? it surely didnt look like something from the government ,, but it did look like it was some sort of military machine . a shorter yet more lanky one stomped forward ,, water splashing up against its legs as its hands wrapped around your body .

your phone slipped from your hand ,, eyes wide with shock and jaw dropped open . " hey !" you yelled ,, pointing accusingly at it . " put me down this instant ! who do you think you are ?!" you spat at it . the being looked curious ,, chirping at the purple one you were just looking at .

_____________________________

" boss ! look ! its one of those organice you told us about !" kaon exclaimed ,, vos coming up beside him and looking at the creature . " it even gave me its goo ! that must mean we've bonded ! oh boss ,, can i keep it ?" kaok rushed excitedly towards tarn . he shoved the creature up at him ,," just look how cute it is ! please boss ! i promise to take care of it !"

tarn backed away a bit ,, leaning down slightly to get a better look at it . " fine fine ,, just focus on the task at hand . as long as you keep it in your habsuite only ." the mech grunted ,, waving kaon away as he pulled up his internal scanners .

tarn would later question his decision . the bot they were looking for had gone into hiding and with night falling ,, the leader had become quite irritated . he would just have to wait ,, it would seem .

#transformers x reader #x reader #x fem!reader #x female reader #tarn x reader #tarn x female reader #human reader #x human reader #🎇.mtmte #🎇.tarn #⌛️.first contact au #mtmte tarn #tarn #transformers tarn

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simp-ly-writes · 5 months

Text

A Shadow Company Visit (pt.4)

PSA: This can be read as a standalone.

Pairing: Commander Philip Graves x Reader & Shadows

Summary: What happens when you get kidnapped?

Warnings: 1500 words, ANGST with a HEA. a bit of overprotective themes, mentions of children.

A/N: We are in for a long one folks with this chapter, thank you @unicorngirly1, for the ideas!! it appear that this series just keeps on giving ahahaha; my asks are open as of the publication of this chapter for those with ideas as well!

Masterlist | Taglist | edited.

A Shadow Company Visit Series (pt.1) (pt.2) (pt.3) (pt.4) you are here

↳ Waving the driver goodbye, you enter the home and lock the door behind yourself, a beep sounds as the door opens and closes: signalling your entrance.

↳ Getting your child ready for bed, you curse underneath your breath as you notice a light left on in the bathroom. Thankfully Philip was not tonight home to see this since it was a major pet peeve of his

↳ Removing their little shoes and socks as they stir slightly when changing them into their nightwear, you flick the baby monitor on alongside some white noise before tip-toeing out of the room so you could bunker down for the night as well

↳ Placing your phone on to charge on your nightstand you undress, wash yourself up and place yourself into some home clothes before making your way downstairs. The security system beeps to your presence once more as you cross over the front door sensor and make your way towards the kitchen

↳ Feeding the dog alongside yourself, you finish your day by sneakily watching the next episode of some reality TV show you and your partner were addicted to before finding yourself falling asleep on the couch with the dog laying at your feet

↳ Yet unknowingly, as you were sleeping a group of masked figures triggered the alarm system that night- waking you up with an abrupt fright to the beeps as your dog roared to attack, their past training flooding their system before they fell to the floor and you heard yourself scream in tune with your child upstairs

↳ Your hands went to secure the gun taped underneath the coffee table, Philip had placed various weapons around the house for a moment like this yet he was not there that night as your limbs got tied together and a bag was placed over your head, the system beeped one last time upon your exit

↳ Philip was on a mission with task force 141, left unknowing as to the panic that had been brewing at the headquarters awaiting his return

↳ Shadows move around in a panicked state, preparing for a war; The night patrol that was supposed to secure the perimeter of the commanders home-lot had not returned alongside the assisting squad sent later in the night and as the higher-ranking unit appeared, the situation and the child kneeled over in grief from atop the stairs had spelled destruction and overwhelming grief amongst the Shadows

↳ Many of the high ranking shadows were already praying as they awaited the commanders outburst. Yet the mental torture of trying to stabilize the dog found in the home while sending the child to the hospital over their minor bruises was already taking a toll and would forever outweigh anything else coming their way

↳ The intelligence service teams were already working overtime as they called in a favour from the British SAS and to say that Laswell lost her shit on them was an understatement over her best friend...

↳ As Philip shook hands with Farah as another mission was completed successfully, smiling and giving his fellow Shadows each a pat on the back alongside some words of praise they all cheered while boarding the plane for the ride back

↳ Yet Graves stopped when he heard your name being yelled down the phone line by Laswell, he knew something had to be up and as she blew up on him for not protecting you better, the commanders eyes darkened as he took in Kates outburst while he strapped himself into communications while boarding the plane set for home

↳ "Shadow-01 how copy? Shadow-01? Commander? Commander Graves Sir?!" The voice yelled down the line, pure panic stricken in their vocal cords.

↳ "This is Shadow-01"

↳ The line goes silent as dread hangs in the air as Graves' mind floods with possibilities and images of pure horror flash to the surface as he grips the gun tighter to his chest

↳ "Commander... we have your child in recovery alongside the dog. Both are alive and breathing. Your partner... hasn't been located since 19:00..."

↳ The information laughs mockingly in Philips face as he cannot believe what he heard earlier to be true, looking around the plane, all shadows refuse to make eye-contact with their commander as they witness pure rage overcome his form

↳ "FUCK" is screamed in distain as the commander rips off the headset and breathing becomes laboured. His chest rig feels all too tight against his form as does the metal of the seat digging into his thighs and then coldness rushes over his entire being

↳ Placing the headset back on with a whiplash of emotional outburst to downright composure, the commander signals back to headquarters, "I want a full report as soon as I am off with god-damn plane, not one detail misplaced with Laswell and her crew waiting in the boardroom. Shadow-01 out."

↳ Once arriving back on base a hoard of members are awaiting for their Commander, papers in hand and speeches, they get Philip back up to date as he rallies squads together, addresses the intelligence services and suits up in angered silence waiting to strike

↳ They had to wait until night for the technical advantage, and to say that the commanders wait was restless would be an understatement, this man was pacing up and down the halls and punching walls, ripping apart his desk while sitting and silently crying at your own as he bandaged his shaking hands

↳ The watch you gifted him beeped as he stood up from his chair and hurriedly marched over to the awaiting vehicles. Slapping the roofs car thrice and wheels spun out the gate that he didn't have the heart to laugh fondly in remembrance at

↳ The cleaning of the alleged house was swift as was Graves deadly precision, their pleads for forgiveness fell on dead ears as he calmly made his way through the house, Shadows following his every order as task force 141 shook the place in search of the ringleader

↳ Entering the office space, Graves sees red as you have a guns barrel pointed into your skull as the grip your hair, moving your body into their compliance

↳ Your captor opens his mouth, showing the yellow teeth and chapped lips that were soon overridden with blood as a shot rang out in the room, another followed soon after through their heart as you partner didn't have the patience to hear any of it

↳ Your legs gave out for under you as the final shot was placed. Your skin being corrupted with blood as Philip shoved his gun into an awaiting Shadows hands as he knelt down beside you and signalled for the team to secure the perimeter of the house for evac

↳ You reached your hand up to his face, unlocking his helmet as it fell on to the floor, your bloodied hand rushed to settle his hair in comfort as his eyes closed and he moved to kiss your palm

↳ Taking some supplies from his vest, he cleaned your hands and wiped your face of the blood it held, apologizing softly as you winced from the bruising that had formed from the captors strong hold on you

↳ Helping you to stand, you wobbly made your way to the doorframe, holding it to steady yourself before becoming swept off your feet by the commander, the Shadows waiting by the door smiled brightly at you as you gave them a small thumbs up causing them to chuckle back at you

↳ Being placed in the back of the SUV, you saw Laswell with her arms wide open awaiting your presence. A tear falling softly down her cheek as she felt you in her arms, whispering how thankful she was that you were still in her life

↳ While being checked up on at the hospital, Philip refuses to leave your side as you pressure him into taking basic meals and a shower, guilt eating him alive as his memories flash back to those moments.

↳ In the meanwhile, task force 141 hand you a plethora of kind messages both through texts and letters for your speedy recovery, Laswell is happily taking over as godmother- watching over yours and Philips child and dog happily

↳ The Shadows place balloons, flowers and other small offering around your room as a couple stand watch outside and move on rotation even though their commander has asked them to take their leave many times by now, you feel loved by their devotion to protect

╰┈➤ A/N: thank you all for the support on this series!

A Shadow Company Visit Series (pt.1) (pt.2) (pt.3) (pt.4) you are here

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oneshotnewbie · 6 months

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Request: Baby Danvers is the new vigilante in National City. When her sisters find out, they're overprotective of her but then she shows them how well she can defend herself & ends up fighting side by side with her sisters against the new villian in National City. Maybe they can have a heartwarming sisterly moment afterwards.

Authors note: I am not quite happy with the whole outcome of the story, but I hope you still like it. Reason the Danvers siblings know about your work as a vigilante is because it slipped out of Winn's mouth when they raised the issue at the DEO, but this will not be discussed further in this story.

Summary: As a baby, your parents dumped you on the street. A man came across you and took you into his family where you grew up as an ordinary woman alongside two siblings. But at 20, you accidentally became known as a vigilante who saved many lives and stopped many crimes, only being able to do that because they taught you all the things you needed. You kept everything a secret from your family until you couldn't anymore.

ᕚ---ᕘ

"You wanna do what?" your eldest sister demanded as she used the hand of the soldier and transformed into her protective suit. Alex already knew where this discussion was going. Not for the first time in the past few weeks, this conversation has been reignited when a renewed adversary of Supergirl has been rampaging around town.

"I want to help. Fight by your side and protect National City from the new villian" you repeated, rolling your eyes in annoyance as you sat on the couch at Kara´s apartment, one leg crossing over the other with frustration.

"Out of question," she shook her head to emphasize her explicit comment, avoiding looking at you, knowing that she would buckle if she caught your puppy eyes and the pout. You were too young and had no experience dealing with an opponent who possessed far more powers than simple bank robbers.

It had been hard enough for her to accept that you were the new vigilante that the DEO wanted to hunt down first, but putting you in even more danger than you already were on a day-to-day basis was a no go for her.

"Come on, Alex! I want to be a hero, just like Kara and you!" you pleaded, arguing a fair point. A direct glare and a frown on your forehead signaled the redhead pure anger pouring out of you. Fixing her visually, you tried to intimidate her with a scrutinizing look and steer her opinion in a different direction.

But you hit a hard wall against which all your requests ricocheted off, Alex stayed strong.

"No, I do not want you to get hurt or worse. You stay here, end of discussion" you waved her off and crossed your arms grumbling over your chest. It was not your fault that small tears suddenly welled up in your eyes and you leaned your face in the direction of the open balcony.

Disappointment set in over the fact that the redhead did not trust you to fight at both sides and to be able to protect yourself. You took a shaky breath as you tried to calm down so as not to drop a single tear. Strictly refusing eye contact, you listened to the conversation between your siblings while nervously shaking your foot.

"Y/n?" you quickly blinked away the water that had pooled in your eyes and glared at the young blonde who was standing in the bedroom doorway, eyeing you questioningly. "Hm?"

"You do not need to be angry, you know why we are doing this" she said with pursed lips, knowing that you would like to come with her but in her eyes, you were still to green behind your ears to understand the danger you would put yourself and others in. "We just want to protect you. You are still too young to engage in this kind of war"

"I can decide that myself," you replied without looking her in the eyes. "Like you did when you saved the crashing plane Alex was in"

There was a brief silence, then Kara got up from her seat with a smile and walked over to you. She was aware that she would not allow you to do some things, but she did not want you to see and do things that could probably haunt you for the rest of your life. "We have to go now. I will bring you your favorite ice cream, okay?"

With a kiss on the top of your hair, she disappeared from the balcony with Alex pressed close to her.

As soon as they were gone, you stopped gripping the pillow with all your strength and ran to your room to change into your costume. Over your black dress, which you wore underneath, you put on a wine red vest of decterity with lacing at the front and sides before you underlined it with a dark red, luminous cloak, whose tendrils of roses on it shone bright red.

With the last laces of your black boots tied, you set out for the action. Immediately pulling your hood over your head to protect your identity, you stayed in the shadows of each alley, moving swiftly as to not be noticed until you were in the arsenal of the battle.

Running into the frey, most of the people were running in the opposite direction, making it difficult for you to get to the heart of the fight. As you battled the crowd and squeezed through the narrowest of gaps between people, you spotted Kara and Alex surrounded by several aliens.

You quickly jumped and slid over the concrete blocks that blocked your way while pulling your black mask over the lower half of your face. With a somersault, you landed in an open but secluded place and immediately drew your bow, which you strung with an arrow and aimed at General Astra´s rogue Kryptonians.

Intentionally, one of the arrows broke loose and hit one of her followers with a krypton-made tip while attacking your sisters, making him fall to the ground. All the attention from the people as well as from your sisters and the attackers was now on you.

"There is Red! She is helping Supergirl!" yelled an unfamiliar voice near you and you caught the young eyes of a boy who was hiding behind a fallen tree with his friends. His big grin, despite the ongoing danger told you, that he was one of your fans.

A fainted snort drew your attention up into the air as your eyes met the triumphant expression on the face of no other than Kara´s aunt. Your siblings also had their eyes on you by now, shocked and at the same time angry glares throwing in your direction. "Y/n, what the hell are you doing here?!"

"If I were you, I do wipe that smug smile off quickly" you said scathingly to Astra, and all the assembled humans, the Kryptonians and your sisters while ignoring the redheads ask- You spoke as if fate had now chosen you to continue the fight against her. You were brave, so incredibly brave and you would not give up until you took the life out of Kara's aunt, even if you were more scared inside than you carried on the outside.

The moment you drew your bow with an arrow and aimed it at her was the moment the scenery exploded. No matter what you had been through by now, whatever was about to happen would decide either war or peace.

"I guess it runs in the family," she began, throwing her people back into the fray; who immediately pounced on Supergirl. "Eighty percent quirk that you think your toy could kill me and only twenty percent normal because I can smell your fear from here."

You snarled. Astra was clearly not thinking straight when she let the sentence fall out of her mouth. But you did not have time to think about it. She charged at you, who was absolutely in no shape to dodge the powers of a Kryptonian. Luckily, your sister pushed you out of the way, taking the hit skillfully. "You will not touch her!"

"Get the kid!" she yelled hysterically. Astra was mad, very mad as her blood burned in anger. She let her comrades loose on you and Alex, who dragged you with her, but you stayed away from her a short time later. "Alex, stop. We have to fight!"

"We do not stand a chance, we do not have superpowers!"

"But we have each other," you stated and your fist collided with Nonn's chest who was after you and was now on the ground for a fair fight. Your punched him blast after blast, trying to remain standing, but one powerful punch of wind sent you tumbling to the ground, leaving you with no air in your lungs.

-If you do not stand up now, you will never show your chance to fight alongside your sisters- you thought to yourself and stood up while the redhead kept up her punches and blasts of her gun towards the Kryptonian. "Alex, hold him!" The redhead looked back briefly before turning around and holding him firmly in her grip. You took out a special arrow, the tip bright green, and let it hurtle towards the enemy's chest, not moving any facial muscles as he collapsed.

Alex had not made any move to evade, as she had more trust in you than you thought and had not even flinched at the approaching attack. She stared at you for a few seconds before finding her voice. "Good shot, sister. Remind me to never piss you off."

You laughed briefly before putting your bow back around your body and using Alex to launch another attack on other Kryptonians to give Kara space to deal with Astra. Anyone with common sense would have been scared of their physical superiority and their superpowers, but not you. You were cut from Danvers wood.

ᕚ---ᕘ

Exhausted, you fell through the door of the apartment, immediately threw your bow with the remaining arrows on the floor and lay down on the couch. After a strenuous day in which you sustained a few small injuries, you just wanted to spend time on the couch and not move a muscle.

"Y/n, get off the couch. You are covered in dust and dirt," ordered the blonde in a slightly annoyed tone and you lifted your head over the back of the sofa, your gaze meeting the blue icy eyes that glared at you before wrinkling your nose in response. "Meeh, without food there is no energy and without energy there is no movement of my body." you let yourself fall back into the pillow, earning a loud giggle from the eldest Danvers.

From your position you tried to grab the remote control, which was too far away for your standards. Fingertips danced on the edge of the table, scratching at the plastic of the remote control. Just as you almost pushed it towards you, the redhead grabbed them and swooped your legs off the couch. "Make room,"

Alex turned on the television, which immediately switched to one of the news channels. You looked at it in amazement as a helicopter shot showed you fighting shoulder to shoulder alongside your sisters. And you did not look so bad. "Well sis, I have to say that you really showed courage and ambition today," remarked the woman next to you and you smiled overjoyed at the compliment given. "Still, I have to ask.. What do you actually think of putting yourself in such a situation even though I expressly forbade you to come with us?"

She sipped the beer she had previously grabbed from the fridge and did not tear her eyes away from you. You could see sheer anger in her expression, but you could also see relief and pride flashing in her eyes.

Alex rested her arms with her elbows on her thighs, waiting for you to answer. Your mouth opened and closed, but not a word escaped your lips. Just as you were about to utter a simple apology, her mouth turned into a big grin and she lovingly pulled you into her arms. "Even though I do not approve of you not following my rules, I am super proud of you."

She ran her fist over your head several times in hasty motions, ruffling your hair as you nimbly tried to escape her grasp; laughing. "And I first, little one. You really helped us," the blonde also chimed in and brought the food to the table. She lifted your upper body up to get you into a sitting position and squeezed into the free space that was created.

"Does that mean I can always fight at your side from now on?" you asked and your face enjoyed new happiness. Your eyes were wide, pupils dilated and shining in the bright light of the living room. Your lip formed into a big smile. You promptly sat up, looking between your two sisters and waiting impatiently for an answer.

Alex and Kara looked at each other intently above you before smiles appeared on their faces too. They both began to shake their heads before uttering a "no" at the same time. Rolling your eyes, you took a slice of the pizza out of the box and flopped back onto the backrest in annoyance before taking a bite. "But that does not mean you will never be allowed to do it again."

"What?" your ears were alert and your chewing sped up in curiosity. The blonde paused for a brief moment and turned completely to you so that she could talk to you better. Alex had also now completely focused on you. "J'onn and Alex have agreed to train you in the DEO. As soon as they consider you approved, you can come along on a mission every now and then."

"Really? So you are really sure about this and you do not want to tease me now, right?"

Shaking both heads again caused the happiness hormones to pour out of you. With your arms stretched out behind them and placed on their shoulders, you pulled both of them close to you with full force. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" you were happy. Their heads leaned against yours, both grinning from ear to ear.

"Now eat and relax, you are going to need the energy. I am going to give you hell during training."

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angriel · 1 year

Text

Eywa's Chance: Again Pt. 3

Warning: Widowed! Jake Sully, Warrior! Reader, Sexual Themes (will put signs), Angst, Absolutely Ass Writing, 17+, Violence, War, Chaos, Peace. Skypeople reader, Jake x Reader, there will be a S*x*al H*r*ssm*nt here dont worry ill put a warning

(Y/n) jolted awake by the tap she felt on her cheeks, she met her eyes with his. "Wake up sleepy head, we've got much to do" he said while staring at you with arms crossed on his chest. His veins in his Biceps showing causing you to blush.

You nodded and he tosses a loincloth and an armor beside you. He signaled for you to get changed and you picked the clothes up. You crossed your arms and touched the hem of your camo sports bra when you turned around and saw Jake is still standing there watching you.

"Enjoying the show?" You teased him. He rolled his eyes and left the tent mumbling some incoherent words along the way, you chuckled quietly and proceeds to undress and wear the native clothes he got for you. You were super uncomfortable with the loincloth you wear, but you had no choice, you went out the tent and saw jake waiting for you.

You suddenly felt insecure as he stares you down and nodded. You scratched your head and laughed awkwardly, "Come" Jake ordered you. You followed him feeling excited as this is the 1st day of your training with the very Toruk Makto himself as you two walk out of the tent many Native Na'vi's stared you down while whispering to the others.

You've totally forgot this part, you hung your head low and just stared at the ground hoping they'll stop the whispers but you know to yourself that it's not possible. Jake suddenly stopped and spun around to look at you causing you to bump at his chest and falling landing on your butt, you looked at him in annoyance but you blushed when you looked at his chest.

You thought to yourself Damn that's a nice looking sturdy chest he got there. You shooked your head and he coughed to gain your attention, "definitely need to work on your speed reaction and to your attentiveness to the surroundings." He said, he's circling you while staring at your body up and down as if his eyes is scanning your deepest and darkest soul.

"Wow thanks for the completely unnecessary comment about my abilities, really hurts btw." you said in sarcasm while you put your hands at your waist, he clicked his tongue and shooks his head. "you have a long way to go" he said while going to his ikran, he reached out his hands for you to take it and mount his ikran but you have trust issues considering the events that happened yesterday.

"if you act like a bitch like yesterday I swear i'll fucking-" you angrily said but he cut you off by saying "You what? Go on continue what you'll say. What. Will. You. Fucking. Do?" Jake taunted you with a hiss. "Come before I lose my cool and drop you from here, I guarantee you that it'll not be fun" He said with venom lacing in his voice.

You got intimidated a little bit, but you didn't let it show infront of him. You rolled your eyes and said fine as you took his hands and he supported you to mount his ikran. "Hold on tight Babe" He said, that threw you off guard and he suddenly swooped down from rocks. It takes all of your strength not to scream when he did that.

You're right he's an asshole. The feeling of screaming quickly went away when you saw almost all of Pandora up above, this scene will never fail to take your breath away. You admired the clouds, the little birds flying with you two and the sun that gleamed proudly in the sky.

After a while of flying Jake landed near the tree of souls. He dismounted his ikran and took your arms to support you from dismounting his ikran. "Try to keep up sweetheart" he sarcastically said while running at his full speed..

Okay what's with the pet names? You suddenly ran after him not failing to keep up with his speed through the forest, he climbs up a tree and you followed surprised by how light your body is. He jumps from tree to tree swinging from the vines that's hanging near the trees, and eventually after some time he went down to the ground again and you followed after him.

He proceeds to run across a slippery log that acts like a bridge and you followed him until you slipped. He seems to know what happened because the moment you closed your eyes you felt his hand pull you up, "Careful there, don't want you to die now" he teasingly said. You thought this asshole would run again but to your surprise he didn't. You admired the beauty of nature in this world unlike on earth where it's fake and plastic.

The thought of humans wanting to destroy Eywa's connection through these roots angered you and it boosts your motivation to train and become one of the people. You grew familiar of the surroundings as it was near to your link pod and you gulped hoping he wouldn't find your human body.

Jake Sully kept walking and walking when suddenly he threw a knife at your direction which you caught with one hand. "What the fuck?" you whispered loud enough to be heard by him. "That's good babygirl, now pay attention and be on high alert the real training starts now" He said smirking at you.

After hours of running and fighting him you grew tired and you feel the slow and painful improvement of your stamina. "Come on (Y/n) I could do this all day" he teased you and your blood boiled.

"You know I thank Eywa for giving me 5 fingers so that I could do this" I said and then pulled my middle finger up. He chuckled at my actions and proceeds to charge in my direction, I was about to block it when I felt my body limping and losing consciousness only to woke up on my human body.

I saw my commander at my link pod and he was not happy. "Hello (Y/N), did ya miss me?" I grunted at him and spat at his face. He then grabbed a fistf full of my hair and ordered his men to take me away. "Now where's that avatar body of yours hmm?" He whispered and you rolled your eyes earning you a slap across your cheek. "that all you've got?" You said at the commander.

"You're not a very easy to break are ya?" he said as you give him a smirk. "Tie this bitch up and leave her outside without a mask we can always find your puny little avatar body" he said. he lets go of your hair and one of his men dragged you outside, this is one of the moments you're thankful you took swimming lessons back on earth as you held your breath.

You prayed to Eywa to send somebody to help her as her life will only lasts 10 minutes. They dragged you away of your link shack land tying you up to a tree so you couldn't go anywhere. Let's say you've never been so desperate to live in your life.

Jake stopped in his tracks causing him to tumble with your avatar body when he saw you fell down, he laid you down and taps your cheek cradling your face on his chest. "(Y/n) wake up, do you hear me?" He said while trying to wake you up. And that's when a thought dawns him.

he remembered that this place is near on your link shack. He secured your avatar body first then bolted to your place, when he saw people guarding your place that's when he knew something was wrong. He suddenly felt a need to rescue you and it drives him insane because he doesn't know the reason why he wants to save you so bad.

He saw how they drag you outside without a mask on and you holding your breath, he saw the commander following his men and a plane of RDA came and he went up. The commander left his 4 men to watch you. Unknown to Jake they're the best combat men on his team.

He silently reached for the bow behind his back, the arrow's tip laced with a deadly poison capable of killing a human in a matter of seconds. He arched his back and inhaled deeply while maintaining the form his beloved had taught him and aimed at the heart of the soldier, he let go of the bow and it landed straight at it's target.

This alarmed the other one and he proceeded to fire at the direction of Jake. Thankfully Jake has managed to relocate and hide somewhere, and Jake hoped that you could hold your breath long enough for him to save you.

He successfully killed the human soldier by sneaking up on his back and stabbing it's neck and proceeds to go in the link shack to get a mask and immediately ran into the forest where they dragged you to.

3 minutes have past and 2 men watches over you and to your bad luck one of them was your ex. His name is Peter, and he's more of an asshole than Jake. "Hi Babe you miss me?" he joked, you struggled with the ropes to show that you're not pleased with his presence.

"I missed you, you know" he said while touching your face. You bit his hand causing you to lose too much air and now approximately you have 5 minutes of air left. He screamed in pain and you let go of his hand.

"You fucking bitch!" He was about to slap you when a Palulukan (Thanator) jumped at his company and killed it, that shocked him and he proceeds to point his gun at it. It looked at him and growled. "Come to daddy you piece of shit!" Peter Screamed.

It growled and jumped at him missing his head by an inch and the creatures mistake is what ended it, peter managed to shoot at it's stomach mid air causing it to crash to the nearby tree and die. All hope was gone to you now as you watched your only savior die in front of you.

(( WARNING! ⚠️ ))

Tears are streaming down your face when he lifted them up and kissed you, you headbutted him and he winced in pain. "You're not being a good girl aren't ya? let me teach you some manners" He said in a low voice, he ripped your shirt off and your bra is exposed to him and he laughed like a maniac.

"Look how fucking delicious you're you fucking whore!" he reached for his knife on his side and is about to slice to fabric of your bra, you're currently losing hope and oxygen at this point with having less than a minute left, when suddenly he was punched by Jake.

5..

Jake saw it all unfold infront of him, how he assaulted you. It made his blood boiled. He ran to him and held him up by his neck.

4..

Peter chuckled and spat at Jakes face, "You're her new boyfriend aren't you? She never told me she likes those alien dicks." Peter said.

3..

Jake growled and slowly tightened his grip around Peters neck, " See you in hell (Y/N). " Peter said before Jake killed him by cracking his neck

2..

Jake turned and immediately ran to you picking up the mask he dropped on the process.

1..

You felt your eyes darken and wondered if he'll make it or not. You silently prayed to Eywa to save you and make you one of her Warriors to protect this land.

0..

Jake has placed the masked on you and activated it allowing you to breathe and regain your consciousness, Jake held your human body close to his chest as he cradles you. You began to cry as it traumatized you how Peter was about to do disgusting things to you.

"It's all right baby girl I'm right here, let it all out don't hold back" Jake whispered encouraging words to you as you cried and cried until you fell asleep on his embrace. Jake carried your body towards the link shack and placed you on one of the double deck.

He contacted Norm and ordered for him to take your link shack near the Hallelujah mountains, norm replied yes and made the preparations. He has mixed feelings about this whole incident.

He's confused why he feels like this, wanting to protect you and have you from himself. But he pushed it all down and guarded your body in the link shack until norm and the other pilots and scientists came.

He picked up your Avatar body and made a Camp Near the tree of souls, and laid beside your Avatar body there. he wouldn't allow the same events that happen to him happen to you.

As he stares at your Avatar's Face he wonders if History's Repeating itself

Again...

Chapter 4 is out!

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sentinelpri · 1 year

Text

Rising Action

Shikamaru sits on the rooftop of the Nara compound with a cup of hot tea in his hands as the wind blows through his long, damp hair. He’s fresh from a shower, so the raven locks are loose and flowing over the back of his shoulder blades. A dark long-sleeved shirt and matching sweatpants adorn his thin frame.

It’s a cold, stormy day. The grey and puffy clouds in the sky above him signal the storm that’s sure to come. He shivers and moves to sit criss-cross-applesauce.

Naruto has always hated this kind of weather… Shikamaru can imagine the Jinchuriki now, whining about how the rain is going to mess up his hair and impede his training. He laughs at the thought and takes a sip from the mug clasped in his hands.

Just then, the hatch to the roof is opened. Shikamaru peers behind his shoulder to see no other than his father, Shikaku Nara, coming onto the roof with a lit blunt held between two fingers. Either he wants to come enjoy the view of the clouds as well, or he wants to talk to Shikamaru about something. Shikamaru shifts uncomfortably at the latter thought and stares back up at the clouds as Shikaku sits next to him.

“Hey, kiddo,” The older man greets with half a smile and stares at him with curious onyx eyes. “What are you up to?”

Shikamaru struggles to answer him. He tries not to lie- lying to his father has always been difficult- but he doesn’t want to tell the truth either, because the truth is that he’s thinking about Naruto yet again. The Akatsuki keep attacking, Sasuke keeps showing his face, more and more Jinchuriki have been captured… And Shikamaru is fully aware that this is going to be a full on war between the five major ninja villages and the Akatsuki. That thought is a terrifying one in itself. Even more terrifying, however, is the thought of dying in this upcoming war without getting to tell Naruto that he’s in love with him.

They’ve been friends since they were children with Shikamaru being one of the few children in their academy class to accept and love Naruto for who he was. Maybe his love wasn’t- isn’t- so open and gushy like Hinata’s or Choji’s, but it’s always been there. It’ll always be there. Naruto is a kind and passionate person. Shikamaru can’t help but be in love with him, even after all these years.

Saying something about it is the logical thing to do, it always has been. He should’ve told Naruto the second he realized back when they were still kids about to graduate from the ninja academy. Love isn’t logical, though, and Shikamaru is as terrified of rejection as most people are. He resigned himself to silence in hopes that being on different cell units and being apart for years on end would make the intense crush fizzle out. It didn’t work, as his feelings only got stronger, morphing from a childish crush to genuine love.

After far too long of not saying anything, Shikamaru answers.

“Just thinking.”

A pause, and then, Shikaku is holding out his blunt in front of Shikamaru.

“...Want some?”

Shikamaru blinks. His mother would kill both of them if she knew about this, she’s already lost her shit the few times Shikamaru has come home smelling of cigarette smoke.

“Uh, are you sure? I don’t think I’m old enough for that,” Shikamaru nervously laughs and scratches the back of his neck.

“I know you smoke cigarettes, don’t pretend you haven’t smoked weed too,” Shikaku scoffs. “You’re old enough to be a Jonin, old enough to kill people for your job, you’re old enough to smoke and drink. I won’t tell your mom.”

“Eh, okay, then. Sure.”

And so, Shikamaru takes the blunt and smokes it. The two men pass it back and forth while falling into a comfortable silence. Occasionally, the wind will blow smoke from Shikaku’s drags into Shikamaru’s face, but he doesn’t mind it all too much. The weed itself isn’t that strong- not strong enough to make him feel anything, at least. The act of smoking itself is comforting, though. It reminds him of Asuma.

Things are quiet for long enough to provide Shikamaru with a false sense of relief. He thinks that maybe his father really did just want to come hang out with him and watch the clouds on this peaceful evening. That relief is shattered when Shikaku places a hand on his shoulder and looks at him intensely.

“Shikamaru, what’s wrong?”

Shikamaru’s stomach drops. Against his better judgment, he averts his gaze and lies through his teeth.

“Nothing.”

“You’re my son, I know you better than most people do,” Shikaku sighs. He sounds more concerned than anything. “That lie may work on your friends, but it won’t work on me. You’ve been so in your feelings lately that everyone has noticed, and that’s not like you. Your composure is slipping. Do I need to get you in with a therapist? Ino and Choji are worried about you. Your mom’s worried about you, I’m worried about you, and I know it’s not about the Akatsuki.”

“How could that not be what it’s about?” Shikamaru huffs. He crosses his arms defensively. How is it that his family is able to see right through him? He finds it so incredibly frustrating. At the same time, though, he internally scolds himself for even thinking that way. There are so many people he knows that don’t have the privilege of having stupid conflicts with their parents- Kiba, whose father was never around, Naruto and Sasuke, who lost both sets of their parents so tragically, Lee, whose parents disowned him for his inability to use Ninjutsu and Genjutsu, Neji and Hinata, who both lost their parents to the inner turmoil of their clan. “There’s a chance that we’re all going to die in the next few days. That doesn’t scare you?”

“Tch, of course not,” Shikaku answers like death has no consequence. Shikamaru stares at him with wide eyes as he puts the blunt out against the top of the roof. “I’ve been faced with death enough times to come to terms with the idea of it, and I know the same applies to you. So, what is it that you’re actually scared of, son?”

Shikamaru starts to crack. His father is going to get the truth out of him whether he likes it or not, just like he always does.

“Compared to everything else that’s going on right now, it’s stupid.”

“It’s not stupid if it’s bothering you this much.”

“It’s about Naruto.”

Much to Shikamaru’s embarrassment, Shikaku laughs. His ears and cheeks burn bright red at the loud cackle that comes from between the older man’s chapped lips. He pouts and looks away.

“You still haven’t told him how you feel?” Shikaku asks while wiping tears of laughter from his eyes, having been fully aware of Shikamaru’s predicament since the younger man came home from the academy one day panicking because of his crush.

Shikamaru still remembers that day and how he so childishly spat out his feelings for Naruto in the form of word vomit to his parents at the kitchen table over a bowl of his mom’s overly salted udon. Thankfully, his parents are more accepting than most. That night, they reassured him that it was okay to love or like someone- even someone of the same gender. They wiped his tears, patted his back, and let him have his favorite mochi for dessert.

“Why would I? He has a million other things going on right now, Dad,” Shikamaru argues. For his own sake, he should tell Naruto the truth, but he knows it would be incredibly selfish. Naruto has the weight of the world on his shoulders right now. Why would Naruto want him of all people, anyway? He has Hinata, who has loved him for even longer than Shikamaru has. Even if the two aren’t dating yet, Shikamaru is just waiting for it to happen. Surely, if Naruto doesn’t end up reciprocating Hinata’s obvious feelings in the end, he’ll find someone else. There are plenty of girls their age who have shown interest in him since he saved the village from Pain. “Plus… He’s special. He’s the Jinchuriki who’s saved the village time and time again, and I’m just a regular ninja. I’m fine with that- I have no qualms about it. All I’ve ever wanted is a normal, boring life, but… Naruto probably wants more, and he probably wants someone who’s as special as he is, which I’m not.”

“Look, I hate to have to be the one to tell you this, but you’ve had a crush on that boy since you were in the academy together,” Shikaku points out and pats Shikamaru’s back just like he did that one night over udon and mochi. “Ignoring how you feel clearly hasn’t worked at all, has it?”

“Sadly, no. It hasn’t.”

“Then neither will wallowing in self-pity about it, Shikamaru. You’re just going to put yourself through more pain than it’s worth for a childhood crush that may not even return your feelings.”

Shikamaru winces. He couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to be rejected like Naruto… No, he doesn’t want to imagine it. He knows it would be God awful with the blond tripping over himself to apologize for not returning the feelings while insisting that they can still be friends and that it won’t change anything. Shikamaru knows that relationships don’t work like that, though. Friendships are forever changed once romantic feelings are put on the table. Him confessing will make things awkward if Naruto doesn’t reciprocate.

“Ouch. Aren’t you supposed to reassure me that he loves me back because I’m so smart and amazing? I thought that’s what parents were supposed to do.”

“Well, I’m not going to lie to you,” Shikaku shrugs, as blunt as ever. It’s something that Shikamaru has always appreciated about him. “I have no idea how he feels, that’s why you need to man up and talk to him already.”

“You’re right… That’s what’s been bothering me these last few days. I’m not afraid of death, but I am afraid of one of us dying before I get the chance to tell him the truth.”

“Then tell him now,” Shikaku says like it’s that easy.

“I know that’s what I need to do, I’m just…” For the first time since Asuma died, Shikamaru cries. He tries to swallow the tears that are welling up in his eyes only for them to come pouring out at the same time that a sob falls from his lips. Once more, he spews word vomit about this stupid bullshit to his poor father who probably has much more important things to be worried about right now. As soon as the first tear falls from his onyx eyes, Shikaku is leaning over to wrap his long arms around Shikamaru’s smaller frame to envelop him in a warm hug. “God, I’m so scared. What if I say something and it changes everything between the two of us?”

“Shikamaru, I promise it’ll be okay no matter how he reacts,” Shikaku reassures Shikamaru while running his thin, scarred fingers through the younger man’s tangled hair. Shikamaru leans into the touch and cries even harder. “But you need to do this for your own sake. It’s hard to see you struggling like this.”

“I know,” He sniffles.

“...Why don’t we clear our minds over a game of shogi? Your mom should have dinner finished in a little bit.”

Shikaku lets go, so Shikamaru pulls away and wipes the tears from his eyes before nodding.

“I’d like that.”

Unsurprisingly, Shikamaru’s resolve is strengthened by the conversation with his father. He’s scared shitless, but he knows that if he’s to have any peace before things get worse with the Akatsuki, he needs to tell Naruto the truth.

Naruto is the most beautiful soul on the planet, though, so Shikamaru can’t make a fool of himself by showing up at the man’s doorstep with nothing in hand so he can burden him with his feelings. He stops by Yamanaka Flowers to get a bouquet of marigolds the following evening. He doesn’t know if Naruto likes flowers or what his favorite kind of flower would be if he did, but marigolds are bright and pretty just like Naruto himself, so Shikamaru figures they’ll work just fine for what he’s trying to accomplish.

When he gets to Naruto’s apartment, he’s surprised to find that Naruto isn’t there despite it being past six in the evening. He knows that the Jinchuriki isn’t out of town or assigned on any missions right now since he’s focusing on training for the upcoming conflict, so he must be somewhere else. After checking Ichiraku Ramen and finding the place void of anyone (except for Tsunade and Sakura), he goes to the next place that Naruto frequently inhabits; that lonely wooden swing outside of the academy.

The sun sets over the horizon as Shikamaru approaches Naruto from behind and taps his shoulder. The blond damn near falls out of the swing before managing to gain his composure and turning to face Shikamaru with a grin.

“Hey,” Shikamaru greets while holding the bouquet of flowers behind his back. “I thought I’d find you here.”

“Shikamaru!” Naruto, as warm and as welcoming as ever, wraps his arms around Shikamaru for a hug without even thinking about it. He pulls away too fast for Shikamaru’s liking, though. “Hey, man, what’s up?”

“It’s complicated, but first,” Shikamaru pauses to scrutinize Naruto’s expression. From far away, he was so distracted that he didn’t notice Shikamaru approaching, and he looked pretty deep in thought. Then, as soon as Shikamaru made his presence known, he forced a smile onto his face. “What’s up with you? You look pretty depressed.”

“Oh, it’s nothing, just…” Naruto laughs, then shakes his head. It’s clear that he’s a lot more melancholy than usual and Shikamaru wants to get to the bottom of why before adding any additional stress into the Genin’s already stressful life. “No, it’s nothing.”

“Seriously? You can talk to me, you know. I won’t tell anyone.”

“I’m just stressed. I know everyone is depending on me…” Naruto admits and stares down at the ground to avoid Shikamaru’s gaze. It’s true that everyone is banking on Naruto being able to pull through this without allowing the Akatsuki to capture him and the Nine Tails. Naruto is constantly energetic and spouting nonsense about how he’s not going to give up, about how he’s going to persevere no matter what. With all of the pressure that he’s facing to stay strong in the face of this adversity, Shikamaru isn’t surprised that Naruto crumbles like this when he’s alone. I know all our friends are going to be trying to protect me, too. What if I fail? What if I’m not good enough?”

“Naruto…” Shikamaru doesn’t know exactly what to say because he can’t understand anything that Naruto is going through. Naruto is in a unique positon, and most of the others who would understand are dead. All Shikamaru can do is reach forward, place a reassuring hand on Naruto’s shoulder, and offer his own perspective. “I can’t promise you we’ll be okay at the end of this because I have no way of telling the future. What I can promise you is that you’re plenty good enough. None of this that has happened lately has been your fault and it shouldn’t be your responsibility… It just so happens that there are people in this world who want the power of the tailed beasts for their own selfish desires. It’s unfortunate, but that doesn’t mean the weight of the world should have to be on your shoulders alone. You have so many friends who are backing you, including myself, so don’t think you have to act strong all the time.”

Naruto starts to cry. Shikamaru has no idea how to handle it, so he does what he’s always been best at and stands there awkwardly after setting the bouquet of flowers down on the grass beneath their feet. Maybe now wasn’t the best time to confess, after all…

“Shikamaru, you’re so cool…!” Naruto exclaims while frantically wiping his tears with the obnoxiously orange sleeves of his sweatsuit. “How come you can be so calm and collected during all this and I can’t?”

“Believe it or not, Naruto, I have problems, too. They may not be as convoluted as yours, but still… I’m not a stone wall either. I’m a human being who’s weak at times and feels negative emotions very strongly. And that’s okay.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. You know, I’m still not over Asuma’s death… I still feel like it’s my fault. I have nightmares about it almost every time I try to sleep. Avenging him did nothing to bring me any sort of closure. I’m killing my lungs by smoking daily because it’s the only thing that makes me feel like I’m close to him again now that he’s gone,” Shikamaru sighs and wipes the tears that are welling up in his own eyes. To his relief, Naruto seems to gather his composure enough to stop crying. “We’re all struggling like you are, Naruto… As ninja, we’ve all gone through significant loss, through pain. That’s why we should rely on each other instead of trying to shoulder the burden of it all by ourselves.”

“Yeah, I guess you’re right…”

“Uh, Naruto… Speaking of,” Shikamaru clears his throat and bends down to pick up the bouquet of marigolds. Then, he pushes it into Naruto’s hands. The blond holds the flowers and stares down at them with a baffled expression. “I guess doing this tonight is kind of a dick move on my end, but with everything that’s been going down with the Akatsuki lately, I’m concerned that there’s a chance we don’t have much time left. So, I’m just gonna go ahead and get it out of the way.”

“Shikamaru, don’t say that-!”

“Naruto, I appreciate you trying to reassure me, but please just listen. I need you to hear me out- this is important to me.”

“Oh… Okay, sorry. Go ahead.”

“If anything happens to either of us- or both of us- I want you to know that I love you very, very much, and that will never change.”

“I love you, too!” Naruto exclaims, and it hurts. Shikamaru knows that Naruto means those words in the kindest, most sincere, friendliest way possible. They’re so far from what Shikamaru means when he thinks them. “You know that, don’t ‘cha, Shikamaru?”

“Of course, but… That’s not what I meant. I know you love me platonically, we’ve been friends for a very long time, and I wouldn’t change that for anything in the world,” Shikamaru clarifies. Naruto stares back at him like a dumb, confused puppy, his ocean blue eyes still sparkling with tears and his tan cheeks bright red. “However, the love I feel for you is different. I’m sure you get offers all the time, especially after the incident with Pain, but… I’m in love with you. I’ve loved you since we were kids.”

“Shikamaru, that’s not funny!” Naruto pouts, seemingly convinced that Shikamaru must be joking.

Shikamaru can’t help but be frustrated. He holds his head in his hands and tugs at his hair before raising his voice in a desperate attempt to get his point across.

“I’m not joking! Why would I joke about something like this? It’s serious shit, Naruto!”

“Okay, okay, sorry!” Naruto rushes out an apology and nervously shifts his weight between his toes and the heels of his feet while passing the marigolds back and forth between his hands. “I’m just confused, okay?”

“What is there to be confused about? I’m in love with you and I have been for a long time. It’s pretty simple.”

Shikamaru expects a lot of things; a kind rejection that ends with something like ‘but let’s still stay friends’, an awkward offer to go on a date, questions about how long he’s been gay for and why. What he couldn’t have possibly prepared himself for or expected was Naruto’s actual response.

“You’re so smart and capable, and there’s a ton of girls who chase after you that you don’t pay any attention to! So, out of everyone in the village you could have, why me? You’re a Jonin! You could have just about anyone you wanted! I swear, I thought you and Temari had a thing going on.”

“Temari and I have never been anything more than close friends, but… I don’t know why it’s so hard for you to understand. I’m gay, I don’t like women like that. I don’t even like most people like that. You’re the only one I’ve ever loved.”

“No, you don’t get it!” Naruto huffs. It seems like he’s getting fed up with trying to get his point across, but Shikamaru just doesn’t understand. “I’m not good enough for you- compared to you, I’m a loser! You’ve always been smarter than me, more talented than me… People just like you better, y’know?”

“None of that shit matters, though! People don’t like you because they’re fucking stupid and they don’t get how amazing you are, Naruto. It’s a privilege to be your friend. You are smart, and you are talented, it’s just that no one gets that because you’re not conventional,” Shikamaru insists through the blinding anger that tries to consume him when he hears Naruto spew this uncharacteristically self-deprecating horseshit. “Look, if you don’t love me back, that’s fine. I was fully prepared for you to reject me. Me confessing was more for my peace of mind than it was an attempt to get you to date me or something, so it’s fine, really. What isn’t fine is you talking down on yourself and saying you’re not good enough for me. It’s fucking bullshit.”

Shikamaru turns his back to leave, only for Naruto to grab him by the wrist with his spare hand. Shikamaru looks over his shoulder as a flicker of hope ignites deep in his chest and makes his heart skip a beat.

“But I- I think I do love you, Shikamaru!”

“You think?” Shikamaru deadpans. How could he have not guessed that confessing his love to Naruto would turn into something so ridiculous? He should’ve known. “Love isn’t a ‘maybe’, ‘I think’ sort of emotion. You’re either in love with me or you’re not. You don’t have to pretend to love me like that to spare my feelings, I can handle rejection.”

“I… I am in love with you,” Naruto whispers. The expression that takes over his face is a cross between bafflement and utter confusion that makes Shikamaru’s face burn red with a mixture of relief, adoration, and secondhand embarrassment. “I guess I’ve just been so busy that I never thought about it, but of course I’m in love with you! It all makes sense now!”

“You can’t be serious,” Shikamaru groans and facepalms. If he never would’ve said anything… Naruto may have never realized. “You’re in love with me and you’re only just now realizing it?”

“Yes?” Naruto answers so loudly that it echoes in the clear night. “I just- I always felt different around you than with all my other friends! Like that gushy feeling and your heart skipping a beat that you see in the romance novels, you know?”

“You’re ridiculous.”

“I know,” Naruto smiles from ear to ear, so beautifully that Shikamaru can’t help but pull the blond into his arms and hug him as tightly as possible.

“I love you,” He says against Naruto’s ear as the blond hugs him back.

The marigolds are a little crushed, but neither of them care.

“I love you, too.”

After a few minutes, Shikamaru pulls away and looks down at Naruto, who is staring up at him with stars in his ocean blue eyes.

“Shit’s about to get real soon… I doubt we’ll have a lot of time to hang out,” Shikamaru starts. “Do you… Maybe want to come stay at my place? You could eat dinner with my family. I’m sure they’d love to get to know you.”

“Really? Are you sure? You’re not like, embarrassed by me?”

“Really, Naruto… I just confessed my undying love to you and you think I’m going to be embarrassed to bring you to my family? That’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard,” Shikamaru laughs. “Of course I’m sure. I wouldn’t have asked if I weren’t.”

“Okay! If you’re sure about this, then let’s go!”

The two start walking away from the academy and in the direction of the Nara compound, side by side.

“...Can I hold your hand?”

Naruto doesn’t answer out loud. Instead, he offers Shikamaru a calming smile and reaches over to hold his hand. Shikamaru can’t help but smile back as he intertwines their fingers and laughs.

Maybe things will be okay in the end, after all.

#shikamaru nara #Naruto Uzumaki #shikanaru #naruto #naruto shippuden #naruto fanfiction #oneshot #oneshots #drabble #drabbles #fluff #shikaku nara

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hazel-of-sodor · 7 months

Text

Day 25-RMS Aquitania

Traintober 2023

Other Stories

Day 25-Distress Signal

RMS Aquitania

Aquitania tried to struggle against the tugboats, but her fires were long gone out. She had managed to get out a quick distress call before they shut off her wireless, she had little hope anyone would answer. Her owners had told her she was being sold to American owners, instead she was being dragged to Scotland for scrap.

Even with her boiler cold, her size meant the tugs had to strain to maintain control of the liner.

'I served them for thirty-five years,' she thought bitterly, 'but I'm not even worth the trouble of trying to sell me.'

She desperately used the last of the steam she had hidden away to blast her whistles a final time, the sound echoing mournfully through the fog.

"Stop with all that!" The lead tugboat snapped. "No one is coming. We made sure Mauretania was in New York. Anyone who would care is across the Atlantic, by the time they got word it will be too late." He growled with grim satisfaction.

The blast of a Liner's horn in close proximity proved him wrong.

Had the tug been less assured of his control of the situation, he may have noticed the other ships approach through the fog. As it was, distracted as he had been by Aquitania's struggles, he only had time to see a massive prow cut through the fog and bowl him under as the liner charged through the tugboats' ranks. Even when rebuilt, the distinctive lines of an Olympic class were unmistakable.

The great liner disappeared into the fog, blasting her whistles challengingly. The remaining tugs whirled to face the direction she had gone. This was their second mistake.

They were caught completely off guard when Olympic herself slammed through their lines from Aquitania's starboard side at full steam, her prow slicing the lines, her wake threatening to swamp the smaller tugs.

Before the tugs could recover, the youngest sister appeared from port and expertly threw her line, taking Aquitania under tow.

The tugboats went to pursue, only for Olympic and the first ship, who could only be Tina, to cut them off, crossing in an x behind Aquitania's stern.

"Sorry it took so long!" Britannic called back. "We thought we waiting for Tina, but she was already steaming for you."

"I thought she was mid-refit?" Aquitania called back

Brit snorted, "Like that was gonna stop her."

The mentioned liner pulled alongside, and sure enough, Aquitania could now see her superstructure was stripped bare.

"How's it going Aqua?" The flagship yelled, beaming with the flush of battle.

"I've told you not to call me that," Aquitania groaned. She couldn't stop her smile, however, "Better now thanks to you three."

Olympic upon her other side, "Got that out of your system?" She teased Tina.

"No, but it'll do."

Olympic muttered something about battle-crazed little sisters while Brit laughed ahead.

"How did you know I needed help?" Aquitania asked.

"Maura got a signal through, relayed from ship to ship from New York'" Olympic explained.

"Caomhnóir found me at the drydock," Tina added.

"Caomhnóir?" Aquitania asked, "But I'm not an engine!"

"The Lady warned him as a favor to the Siren." Brit chimed in.

Aquitania froze, "...the Siren?"

Tina smirked, "Lusitania may not have been allowed to intervene directly, but your sister didn't let that stop her."

A/N: Some Context-Yes all three Olympic class liners are alive and well in the 50s, in service with the Sodor Star Line. As for Lusitania, she did sionk during the war, but rather than dying out right she was offered the position of The Siren, the Gaurdian spirit of the Atlantic. Essentially she serves a very simular role to Caomhnóir but for ships, and she doesn't have a true physical form anymore.

#Traintober #Traintober23 #Traintober 2023 #ttte fanfic #rws fanfic #fanfic #RMS Olympic #RMS Titanic #RMS Britannic #RMS Aquitania #RMS Mauretania #RMS Lusitania #Caomhnóir

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zep-writings · 5 months

Text

You Feel Like Home

CHAPTER SIX.

Warnings: Bad words, mention of war and military, sickness and trauma.

Pairings: Steve Rogers x OFC Ellie Barnes.

Notes: I do not own any of the characters present in this story, except for Ellie Barnes, an original character. This is pure fiction.

This has not been beta and English is not my first language so be nice haha.

Please give me some feedback, even just a small comment is really appreciated!

I've been working on this one for a while, so please let me know what you think!

You Feel Like Home Masterlist || Main Masterlist.

Chapter five

Three days went by, and Ellie never received any news from Steve. Peggy had promised to keep her updated if she got a signal from the transponder but so far they had absolutely nothing and Ellie was starting to lose hope. Little positivity she had left thanks to her talks with Peggy over the last few days was now gone and she just felt lost and alone. She kept herself busy with her work, tending to the wounded the best way she could, and filling paperwork when everyone was resting. Things were quiet at the camp so far until Ellie heard loud claps coming from outside the tent. She frowned and turned to another nurse who shrugged as a soldier walked in, out of breath.

“We need medics, we have wounded soldiers who need medical attention!” A soldier announced.

“We’re coming.” Ellie simply said, whipping her hands and following other nurses and medics outside.

There were hundreds of men standing near the entrance of the camp, men who had disappeared weeks ago and for a moment Ellie didn’t understand. As people were rushing around her, she went into nurse mode, talking to a few soldiers and directing them to help carry the wounded to the medical tents. Quickly, her instincts took over and she grabbed a bag of medical supplies. She administered pain killers to those who needed it and started to take care of the wounds of others.

For the next few hours, she did her best to do her job, to patch bullets wounds, fix broken bones or tend to sick soldiers but her mind couldn’t help but wonder about Steve or Bucky. Where were they? Did they make it back? She hadn’t seen any of them and a part of her was still scared that neither of them had made it back.

“Leah, can you keep an eye on everyone for a minute?” Ellie wondered, looking up at her friend who simply nodded.

Ellie finished up a bandage on a young man, barely in his twenties before she stood up and walked to the entrance of the tent. She gave a quick glance around, the most seriously injured soldiers had already been taking care of and she needed to check on the others, but she also needed to find Steve. She needed to ask him about Bucky, she knew there was a chance he would bring back bad news, but she had to know.

“Hi, have you seen Steve Rogers?” Ellie asked the first soldier she crossed path with outside the medical tent.

“He was with Colonel Phillips, near the entrance of the camp.” The soldier explained, pointing out at the big tent and Ellie nodded.

Ellie thanked him, looked around and made her way through the small crowd still reunited. Her heart fastened in her chest; concern visible on her soft features as she searched for the captain. When her eyes landed on his dirt covered face, she let out a loud sigh she didn’t know she was holding. He was there, alive.

“Steve…” Ellie muttered, and the super soldier turned to her, a smile spreading on his lips. “Steve, is he…” But she couldn’t finish her sentence, her throat tightened at the thought of Steve telling her Bucky was gone for good.

Instead of replying, Steve moved a step to the side to let Ellie’s eyes fell on her brother. Bucky was there, dirty and smelly but alive. Her hands flew to her mouth, and she let out a sob.

“Bucky…” Ellie sobbed as she rushed to him, and he pulled her into a hug. For a moment they stayed like that, hugging each other. “I… I thought I’d never see you again…” Ellie admitted, stepping away a little and whipping her tears, sniffling a little.

“You won’t get rid of me so easily. We Barneses are tough, remember?” Bucky smiled, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “But what are you doing here?” Bucky frowned, a little confused.

“I graduated early. I’m officially a nurse.” Ellie stated as she observed Bucky a little closer. He was pale and weak, there was no doubt in that, but what got her worried was the sound of his breathing. “You’re sick.”

“I’m fine, Ellie.”

“No. You’re not. You need some medical attention, Buck.” Ellie observed and glanced at Steve. “Tell him to stop being so stubborn.”

Steve raised both his hand. “Hey, he always listened to you more than me.” He smirked but gave Bucky a knowing look.

“Okay, okay. Fine.” Bucky finally said with a sigh. “But I’m telling you, I’m fine.”

Ellie gave him a look, the one that resemble so much of the one their mother used to give him all the time, that he didn’t argue more and followed her to her own personal tent. He dropped on the camp bed. He was exhausted, struggling a little to breathe, but he would never tell Ellie she was right. Steve stayed in the entrance of the tent, not wanting to invade Ellie’s privacy.

“Okay, take of your shirt.” Ellie told her brother who did as he was told. She tried not to pay attention to the multiple bruises on his chest and grabbed a stethoscope, pressing it against his chest. “Take a deep breathe.”

Bucky took a deep breath but starting coughing, wincing at the pain in his lung. Ellie placed the stethoscope around her neck and touch his neck and forehead. He was burning up.

“You’ve got pneumonia, Buck. I’ll go grab some medication, you laid down and get some rest.” Ellie ordered and before he could reply, she walked out of the tent, Steve hot on her tail.

“Is he gonna be okay? He was in a lab of some sort when I found him.” Steve explained to Ellie, his hands resting on his buckle.

“He’ll be fine, he just need rest, a lot of it. Even if he says he’s fine.” Ellie took a bag and put a few needles, penicillin and other medications in it before she turned to Steve, hesitating a moment. “Do… Do you know what they did to him?”

“No. Not really. He didn’t talk about it. They were put to work, that’s all I know.”

Ellie nodded and for a moment silence set between them. Ellie’s mind went back to that kiss, the one she had initiated when she thought she would never see him again, and now that he was back, she felt awkward. And so did Steve. He didn’t have much time to think about what had happened between them before the plane ride and yet now that he was right in front of her, he couldn’t think about anything else than kissing her again.

“We should…” Ellie pointed at her tent.

“Right, yeah.” Steve nodded.

The captain followed her back to her tent where Bucky was now laying down on the bed, half asleep, his mind racing through what had happened to him over the last few weeks. However, as soon as Ellie passed the doors of the tent, he put a smile on his face. The smile was a fake one and both Steve and Ellie noticed as they exchanged a glance.

“I’ve got some penicillin and some antibiotics. That should help you.” Ellie said softly, sitting on the side on the bed.

“You know how much I hate needles.” Bucky pouted like a five-year-old boy.

“I know, but it’ll make you feel better, I promise.” Ellie explained, stroking his arm.

“Fine, make it quick.”

Ellie pulled a needle out of the bag, sterilized it and as gently as possible she administered Bucky with what he needed. She bent down and pressed a kiss to his forehead.

“Get some rest.” Ellie whispered.

It didn’t take long for Bucky to fall asleep, and Ellie stared at him for a few minutes, he looked so small… She stood up and walked to Steve who was unusually quiet.

“Thanks for saving him…” Ellie looked up at the captain and Steve simply smiled softly. “And for coming back.”

“I told you I would.”

“I know but I thought…” Ellie went quiet for a second and shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. You’re both safe.”

Steve nodded and pulled her into his chest. She snuggled against him for a moment, silence settling between the two. Things were a little awkward between them and for a moment Ellie was worried she had messed up everything between them. Why did she have to kiss him? Why couldn’t she just act like she always did with him? She finally pulled away and glanced at her brother.

“Just keep an eye on him, will you? I have to go back to the medic tent.” Ellie asked Steve.

“Of course.” Steve said, a soft smile on his lips and he watch Ellie walked out.

****

Weeks passed by quickly after Steve saved all those soldiers and he had brought Bucky back. Bucky had recovered from the pneumonia he had caught in Azzano and to Ellie’s surprise he had recovering faster than she expected. In barely two weeks, he had almost fully healed but Ellie still insisted on him resting, which he refused to do.

For the most part of that time, Steve had been busy with Peggy, some of the officers he had rescued and Colonel Phillips planning operations. From the little Ellie knew, he was now part of the fighting team going against Hydra, the Nazi Scientist Division and even if she worried of what it meant, she was relieved he was busy.

Ellie missed him, but since their kiss, she couldn’t keep Steve out of her mind. She wasn’t ready to face what she had done or what she felt for him, and she did her best to keep herself occupied and avoid Steve, which turned out to be easier than she thought as both of them were so busy. She knew she would have to face him at some point, to tell him why she had kissed him, but truth was, she was scared of telling him. She didn’t want things to change between them, she didn’t want to face the fact that she may have ruined their friendship.

Now back in London, Ellie was working in the same building as Steve and Bucky, but luckily their path didn’t cross much and when they did, she always found an excuse to leave. Bucky on his part had noticed something was up with Ellie, he knew her all too well not to notice, but he never pushed or never asked. However, Bucky wasn’t dumb, he knew how her sister felt about Steve, and he suspected something had happened for them to end up avoiding each other.

“Are you coming for a drink?” Peggy’s voice pulled Ellie out of her thoughts.

Ellie raised her head to look at Peggy, looking absolutely gorgeous in that tight red dress hugging her curves perfectly. “Wow, Peg you look beautiful.”

“Well, thank you.” The Agent smiled. “And soon you’ll look perfect, and Steve will only have eyes for you. Come on.”

“Peg… I don’t think I’m coming.” Ellie bit down on her lower lips.

“Oh yes, yes you are.” Peggy shook her head and went through Ellie’s small hotel room closet. She pulled out a very simple little pink dress. “Come on put this on.”

Ellie sighed but stood up from her bed where she was sat and grabbed the dress, walking to her bathroom.

“Have you talk to Steve yet?” Peggy asked a little louder from the room.

“To say what? I don’t know what to say, Peg, he’s my brother’s best friend.” Ellie took of her clothes and pull on the dress her friend had chosen for her.

“To say what you feel. I know Steve doesn’t know how act around women, but you have to talk to him.”

Ellie pulled her long brown hair back and walked back to the room. Peggy smiled at her, approving her outfit as she slipped on black shoes. “I guess I’m as bad as he is then.” Ellie admitted. “Look, in just a few days he’s going to be back on the front and I’m gonna be here, in London. What’s the point of telling him anything if he’s gonna leave?”

“So, you can have him when he comes back home.” Peggy simply stated as she gently squeezed Ellie’s hand in hers.

“I’ll think about it.” Ellie promised, giving Peggy a smile.

The Agent nodded and threw her arm around Ellie’s arm. Quickly, they made their way to the neighbor pub Whip & Fiddle near their hotel, the one where Steve, Bucky and a few other soldiers had decided to spend the night. As soon as the two ladies entered the bar, heads turned to look at them and Ellie felt herself blush. She never liked being the center of attention, but she knew Peggy often had that affect on men, she was a beautiful woman after all. Ellie silently followed Peggy to the back of the bar where Steve and Bucky were sat on stools, and she watched as they both leaned back to look at them approach. As soon as they noticed Ellie and Peggy, they both stood up, facing them.

“Captain.” The Agent Carter spoke.

“Agent Carter.” Steve replied, his eyes glancing at her before landing on Ellie, standing slightly behind the Agent.

“Ma’am.” Bucky saluted as looked up and down at Peggy.

“Howard has some equipment for you to try. Tomorrow morning?” Peggy announced as Steve couldn’t take his eyes of Ellie who felt herself blushed even more, pushing a piece of hair back behind her ear and looking down at the floor.

“Sounds good.” Steve replied, glancing quickly at Peggy.

Peggy looked to her right, her eyes falling on the men Steve had chosen to be in his team, where they resumed to their loud singing. “I see your top squad is prepping for duty.”

Bucky looked back and turned back to Peggy, a charming smile on his lips, a smile that Ellie knew all too well. “You don’t like music?”

“I do, actually.” Peggy turned to Ellie and smirked slightly. “And so does she.”

Ellie looked back up, her eyes landing on Steve who still hadn’t taken his eyes out of her. She is so gorgeous, he thought, his heart beating a little faster in his chest.

“We might even, when this is all over, go dancing.” Peggy added, offering a smile to Bucky.

“Then what are we waiting for?” Bucky asked, turning on his charm.

“The right partner.” Ellie spoke for the first time that evening.

Steve couldn’t help but notice this seemed to be aimed at him. Was she referring to the kiss they had shared? Was she trying to say something to him? Steve hadn’t stopped thinking about her since their kiss, he couldn’t and all he wanted to do at that moment was tasting her lips again. He missed her.

“0800, Captain.” Peggy ordered, taking Ellie’s arm back in hers as she started to walk away.

“Yes ma’am. I’ll be there.” Steve said, his eyes following Ellie as she walked away.

The last thing Ellie heard was her brother’s voice saying, “I’m invisible.”

Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest way and when she sat next to Peggy at the bar, she turned to her and shook her head. “What was that?”

“What was what?” Peggy said innocently, smiling at her friend and ordering them a drink.

“That. Saying we’ll go dancing.”

“Hey, you’re the one who said you were waiting for the right partner. But you know, Steve only had eyes for you in there, it was obvious.”

Ellie felt herself blush again and grabbed the drink the bar tender was handing her. “I’ve always felt invisible with Steve, I mean not in a bad way. He’s always been an amazing friend, we’ve always been close, but I never thought…”

“You never thought he could feel something for you?”

“Well, yes.” Ellie admitted, taking a sip of her drink, and looking up at Peggy.

“I think you have to get use to the idea that he does feel something for you though. And you should stop overthinking, just… Go with it.”

Ellie stayed silent for a while, drinking with Peggy before she got tired. Things had been crazy and busy over the last few weeks, and everything that was going on with Steve wasn’t helping Ellie who struggled to sleep. She wished Peggy a good night and walked out of the pub, wrapping her arms around herself to shield her from the cold. She jumped a little when she felt someone dropped a jacket around her shoulder.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” Steve softly spoke, offering her a soft smile.

“It’s okay. What are you doing here?” Ellie pulled his jacket around her.

“I was gonna go back to the hotel. Let me walk you back.”

Ellie smiled shyly. “Sure.”

Steve pushed his hands into his pants pocket as a silence settle between them. It was awkward, and for a moment Ellie’s remembered Peggy’s words: stop overthinking, go with it. Why was it so hard though? Why couldn’t she simply tell him how she felt?

“Are you okay, Angel?” Steve broke the silence, looking at the brunette by his side.

“I’m fine, just tired. It’s been a lot lately, you know.” Ellie admitted, glancing quickly at those blue eyes she loved so much.

“Yeah, I know how you feel. But you’re an amazing nurse, Ellie. I’m glad you were here after Azzano, and I know Bucky was too, even if he’s too proud to say it.”

Ellie chuckled slightly. “It’s Buck, I know he would never ask for help unless he’s dying. He likes to play tough.”

“He sure does.”

Silence fell between them again as Steve and Ellie entered the hotel. They reached out Ellie’s floor and stopped in front of her door before she took of Steve’s jacket and handed over back to him.

“Thanks for walking me back.” Ellie whispered with a small smile.

“Anytime.” Steve hesitated for a second before he spoke again. “You looked beautiful by the way, very beautiful.”

“Thanks.” Ellie placed a piece of her hair behind her ear as she always did when she was nervous and felt herself blush. “Goodnight, Steve.”

“Goodnight, Angel.” Without a second thought, he bent down and pressed a kiss to her cheek. “I’ll see you tomorrow.”

Ellie nodded and entered her hotel room, biting down on her lower lip. Maybe Peggy was right after all, maybe Steve felt more for her than she thought.

****

Chapter seven

#marvel fanfiction #mcufanfic #steve rogers fanfiction #steve rogers x original female character #chris evans fanfiction #steve rogers #steve rogers x ofc #bucky barnes #chris evans fanfic #ellie barnes #you feel like home #captain america fanfiction #captain america x original female character #captain america x female reader

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fastcardotmp3 · 1 year

Text

okay in the Dead Steve Agenda he stays that way without any extra StuffTM about it, but in an adjacent Dead Steve World his consciousness gets trapped in the Upside Down and in the process of crossing over, comes across whatever lingering presence of Barbara Holland still exists down there-- never created nor destroyed and all that stuff.

Barb who does not trust him and Steve who knows he has no right to ask her to.

Barb who is angry as she is smug in him being here because you were supposed to keep her safe.

Barb who gave up hope that she'd ever get home a long time ago, who understands this place and what it means to be stuck here better than Steve but hesitates to talk to him about it.

(It's been a long time since she talked to anyone too.)

And I'm just thinking, y'know, about closure and peace and how going out like they do-- at the bottom of a swimming pool all alone and in the arms of a kid he'd let down by making a sacrifice that hadn't even won them the war-- neither one of them has those things.

I'm just thinking about how they're not alive, but they've got some sort of presence here, maybe just enough to feel out Vecna's power, to manipulate it, maybe to even send some sort of signal in the gentle convincing of vines out of a very specific path to a very specific and vulnerable place.

They aren't there anymore, no one will ever know how they've helped, even if they'll know the ultimate catalysts that both of their deaths were in this fight and the saving of so many lives in the long run.

No one will ever know that as the Upside Down purges every piece of darkness with the defeat of those cruel and powerful beings that had taken over too many years ago to remember what it was before, that too goes with it a couple of kids lost too soon.

They sit at the bottom of Steve Harrington's pool and hold hands as they stare up at crimson lighting changing into something new entirely because it's scary, finding closure. It's terrifying, having hope that whatever comes next will be something that will give their friends and families comfort in their deaths.

Barb was never meant to be friends with Steve, but they were never meant to be more than casualties either, so maybe it doesn't matter that it's his hand she's holding when one existence passes on to the next.

Maybe all that matters is that they helped one last time before they left.

#dot post #dot fic #stranger things #steve harrington #barb holland #barbara holland

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in1-nutshell · 1 month

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Ratchet's daughter with opposite personality (Lithia) taking Synth-En

SFW, Platonic, Mention of injuries, Slight angst, Cybertronain reader

TFP

Lithia, like Ratchet feels guilty of not doing anymore for her team than being a medic. Angry on some occasions when the battering and denting’s were much more pronounced.

She is incredibly invested in the search for the Synth-En; especially with the recent Cons attacks.

Arcee limping a bit into the base.

Lithia looks at her.

“Arcee!”--Lithia

She quickly goes to the two-wheeler and carefully guides her to the med berth.

“I’m fine kid.”--Arcee

Lithia was already looking over her wounds with a little flashlight.

“I’ll be the judge of that… Who’s the sorry Con who got the end of this? Starscream?”--Lithia

Lithia gets the tools ready.

“…Arachnid.”--Arcee

Lithia pauses a bit before going back to work.

“I’m sorry…”--Lithia

“It not your fault, it’s no one’s fault but hers.”--Arcee

Arcee winces a bit when Lithia starts the patch work.

Lithia looks away a second before venting and getting back to work.

Normally she is much more levelheaded and chooses the facts over hope.

… but after overhearing how low their energon rations where at an all-time low, it shocks her a bit.

She was already rationing her rations even more than usual, even more than her father knew.

Maybe this new Synth-En really was the team’s only chance in getting an upper hand in the war. But there was no way she was going to makes the team become guinea pigs to this experiment.

Herself on the other hand, had no problem.

So, when Lithia saw the chance of trying the experimental energon, she didn’t think twice before injecting it into her arm.

Lithia groans and backs into the med slab leaning half of her frame on it.

Her digits digging on the helm feeling the helmache of a lifetime happening.

One servo clenches the side of the med slab catching Raf’s attention.

“Lithia?”--Raf

Lithia groans in response.

“Lithia are you okay? I can go get—”--Raf

“Don’t—don’t get him… huh?”--Lithia

Lithia now blinks her now green optics and stands upright.

Raf walks to the med slab holding one of her digits worriedly as he sees the green.

“Lithia? Lithia—Woah!”--Raf

Lithia playfully holds Raf and puts him back on the balcony.

“This… feels… Amazing!”--Lithia

She looks at all of her scans and notices the increase in all levels of her frame.

And it feels good.

Really good.

Ratchet comes back and notices the green in her optics.

Before he can put two and two together, Arcee’s signal goes off.

Lithia is off into that groundbrigde with her med kit.

Ratchet stays still for a couple seconds before realizing what just happened and scurries to the groundbrigde.

Lithia appears from above and lets out a fierce battle cry as she demolishes the Vechicons around her and Arcee.

She was taking them all out as if she spent her entire time taking out Con’s.

Once all of them are gone Ratchet comes through and checks on Arcee and Lithia.

Lithia pumps her servos up in the air in triumph.

“OH YES! DID YOU SEE THAT!? I WAS A BEAST! WHO’S UNSTOPPABLE! I AM!”--Lithia

“Beep? boop bop bep (Lithy? What was—)"--Bumblebee

Lithia picks Bee up and spins him around in excitement.

Bee whirls in confusion by the sudden action.

“That felt amazing! So—Oh Primus Arcee! Did you see that!?”--Lithia

Lithia races over helping Arcee up smiling and slightly jumpy.

“Yeah… Primus where did you learn that?”--Arcee

Lithia stands straighter in a bit of a cockier fashion.

“Learned from the best.”--Lithia

She winks at Bee.

Bee shyly rubs the back of his helm as the others come closer.

“…We are heading back to base right now.”--Ratchet

At the base…

“And then I went BAM! BOOM! PEDE IN THE TAILPIPE!”--Lithia

Lithia begins to mimic some of the actions in emphasis.

The kids watch in curiosity with the bots.

Ratchet has his servo crossed.

“You know what you did was foolish Lithia. You could have gotten killed and you put in an experimental—”--Ratchet

“Not entirely experimental now, is it? This thing can be the key to finishing the war! Dad this can be it!”--Lithia

Ratchet shakes his helm.

“You and I both know that it needed more testing Lithia. How could you—are you rolling your optics at me?”--Ratchet

Lithia does it again and beings to walk off.

“I’m not finished talking!”--Ratchet

Lithia stops for a second to take a glance at him.

“I am. Bee with me.”--Lithia

She grabs the back of his spoiler and beings to drag him with her to the training room.

Bumblebee just walks with her not really sure what to do.

Everyone looks stunned by what just happened.

“Did she just…”--Arcee

“Primus this is like Bumblebee all over again.”--Bulkhead

A few seconds later there is a crashing sound.

Arcee and Bulkhead go to check on what the noise was and find Bee in the hallway groaning with a rather hyperactive Lithia in the training room egging him to continue the fight.

She even goes to Bulkhead to fight.

Arcee tries to get everything in order.

“Hey, remember when I got back from Arachnid?”--Arcee

Lithia grows quiet.

“I got a bit too cocky and that’s why I got those extra dents.”--Arcee

Lithia looks down with her servos clenched to her sides.

Bulkhead puts a servo on her shoulder.

“Don’t be like me and get all cocky with those ideas, okay? The last thing we need is you getting hurt.”--Arcee

Lithia vents a bit and leaves to the opposite side of the hall.

Bee goes to follow her, but Arcee stops him.

“She needs some space. Let her be.”--Arcee

Bee whirrs worriedly but leaves with the others.

They don’t realize that she took a sharp turn into the weapons room.

Lithia had secretly stashed a bit of the Synth-En left in the canister she had injected into herself earlier.

She put the rest of it into her system.

She was going to need it for what she was about to do.

The young medic hides any evidence in her subspace as well as her new blasters and knives.

Lithia walks back into the room with so much confidence the kids don’t really believe it was their shy sweet friend.

“Wow… it almost like looking at another bot. Kind of like this new Lithia.”--Miko

Lithia smirks at Miko.

“You better believe it. How about a quick spar in that Apex Armor?”--Lithia

Miko looks like she is about to agree when Bulkhead moves in.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”--Bulkhead

Lithia puts her servos on her hips.

“You don’t get to decide for her Bulkhead. That’s Miko’s decision.”--Lithia

“As her guardian—”--Bulkhead

“aS hEr GuArDiAn—She doesn’t need you to answer for her.”--Lithia

Bulkhead looks a bit miffed by this.

“Lithia! What has gotten into you—”--Ratchet

Lithia scoffs.

“Lithia do this! Lithia do that! Tell me a sentence that doesn’t start with those words or imply them.”--Lithia

Ratchet’s optics widen.

Optimus decides to intervene.

“Lithia, I believe it is best if you let Ratchet take a look at your frame. I fear the effects of the Synth-En may have taken a toll on you psychic.”--Optimus

Lithia gives the older Prime a look.

“Yeah, no. This stuff gives me a better role on the team than being your ‘favorite naïve little medic.’ And what goes on in my mind in MY business.”--Lithia

“Though your prowess in battle was impressive, that does not mean that it is the best for the team—”--Optimus

“For the team?! Arcee would have been kidnapped or worse if I hadn’t interfered Optimus. Me having this is one of the best things this team has right now. And I don’t think you really know most of the time what is best for the team. Explain the—”--Lithia

“THAT’S ENOUGH!”--Ratchet

Lithia looks at him a bit surprised before glaring.

“Look at that you finally decided to talk. How nice.”—Lithia

“You have gone too far Lithia. Apologize.”--Ratchet

She sends him another glare taking a step forward.

“No.”--Lithia

“THAT’S IT! YOU ARE GROUNDED!”--Ratchet

Lithia glares at him quietly before shoulder shoving him and heading straight to her room.

Silence…

“I take it back I want the old Lithia back.”--Miko

What the team didn’t know was that she managed to slip a tracking data pad into her sub space.

Her plan was coming together.

She waited until everyone was asleep when she finally got the signal of the one she was looking for.

Lithia carefully leaves her habsuite and places a data slug in the back of the monitor. The slug would hide any evidence of her travels until she came back. Once the coordinates were in, she leaped in.

No one woke up to the sound of the groundbrigde being used.

She walks into a dark and foggy forest where she spotted her enemy.

Lithia gaze hardens as she slips her blades catching the Cons attention.

“Hello Arachnid. Funny seeing you here.”--Lithia

Arachnid angrily looks at the bot who interrupted her previous plan.

“Well, isn’t it the little medic. Where’s your—”--Arachnid

SLICE!

“GAH!”--Arachnid

Arachnid pulls back and looks at her bleeding servo.

“I hope you have all your arrangements settled Arachnid. You meet your end today.”--Lithia

Arachnid hisses.

“I WILL TEAR OUT YOUR SPARK!”—Arachnid

Lithia dodges the lunge and proceeds to perform the high kick Cliffjumper once taught her.

BAM!

“THIS IS FOR TAILGATE!”--Lithia

WHAM!

“FOR CLIFFJUMPER!”--Lithia

BAM!

“AND FOR ARCEE!”--Lithia

Lithia defiantly gets cuts and dents, but Arachnid was getting the worse brunt of it having severely underestimated her opponent.

The clashes of green and purple bio lights were seen throughout the woods.

Lithia finally has Arachnid pinned and reading the final blow when something pierces her armor sending harsh electrical waves through her system.

Screaming, she falls down shriveling in pain as she sees a red paintjob and blue on before going to black.

...

Lithia wakes up feeling drained completely and dangling from someone’s shoulder.

She looks quickly at her levels and sees them back to the same levels before the synth-en.

Yep, she did not want to take that thing again.

She is gently put on the ground and groggily lifts her helm.

Her vision is a bit blurry but does recognize the figures as Breakdown and Knockout.

Lithia tries to move but Knockout stops her.

“Don’t move Autobot. It’ll make the patch work quicker.”--Knockout

“Patch work?”--Lithia

“Well, it is the least I can do for the ‘friendly fire’ and the extra dents on that finish of yours. Have you considered waxing it every now and then?”--Knockout

Lithia looks at him with half closed optics strangely looking for answers.

“Why?”--Lithia

Breakdown kneels in front of her.

“Arachnid was going to ambush me tonight. And she would have if you hadn’t distracted her.”--Breakdown

Lithia blinks a bit suddenly remembering the fight.

“And when Knockout came, he tried to pierce Arachnid with the electro spear, but it kind of hit you instead.”--Breakdown

“And Arachnid?”--Lithia

Lithia looks over a bit seeing a strangely familiar frame on the ground.

Breakdown moves in front of her blocking her view.

“We took care of it kid. You don’t have to worry about her anymore.”--Breakdown

Knockout finishes his work.

“Not my finest but it’ll due until your team shows up. We’ll call this an even Autobot.”--Knockout

Knockout begins to walk to their groundbridge.

Breakdown slings the limp frame over his shoulder and gives her a friendly wave.

“Wait!”--Lithia

Both Cons look back curiously.

“Thank you.”--Lithia

They smile a bit before disappearing into the portal.

A few minutes later another groundbrigde opens not too far where she was.

She shakingly slides out her knives just in case.

To her relief a familiar blue and pink paint job and a yellow and black paint job came out.

Lithia retracts her knives and winces a bit at the transformation.

“Cee! Bee!”--Lithia

Bumblebee hears her and runs to her.

“BEEP! (LITHIA!)”--Bumblebee

Arcee follows behind.

Bee slides his arm around Lithia helping her stand.

She smiles weakly at the two of them.

“Hi…”--Lithia

“What were you thinking kid!”—Arcee

Lithia winces a bit at the loud sound.

“I kind of wasn’t… do you mind not screaming too loud? It feels like Bulkhead’s wrecking ball is pounding my helm.”--Lithia

Arcee looks at the wounds and dents and decides that the scolding would have to wait till later.

“Bulkhead. Groundbrigde now.”--Arcee

Lithia slowly opens her optics seeing Ratchet looking over the patch work.

“You were lucky to find her in time… but that doesn’t explain the patch work. In this state she wouldn’t have been able to—”--Ratchet

“That was Knockout and Breakdown.”--Lithia

Ratchet looks over at her gently taking his servo in hers.

She looks at him with so much regret and sadness.

“I-I’m so sorry—”--Lithia

“Shhhh… It was the Synth-En talking I know.”--Ratchet

She starts shaking as the tears start falling faster.

“I’m sorry! I’m so sorry!”--Lithia

Ratchet reaches over and gives a half hug trying not to aggravate any of the wounds.

She looks over at the team gives a small smile.

Lithia would tell them later, for now, she just wanted to bury her helm into her dad’s shoulder.

Safe and sound…

#transformers x reader #maccadam #bot buddy #tfp #tfp x reader #tfp x platonic reader

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burritowitch · 1 year

Text

okay- so- Justice League Twitch streamer au anyone???

So maybe the league itself is just a group of streamers who've been all doing their own thing but they all meet online and do streams together a lot. they'll play a lot of multiplayer together, ya'know? but what about what each of them does individually?

Bruce- man still wears the cowl. its just rubber but that man wears it like his life depends on it, and he makes all of his kids wear masks in front of the camera too. he's just this gruff muscular dude with a low voice but he's just like playing celeste and star dew valley and shit. alfred will pop up on his streams from time to time to bring him food, all the viewers love him. Dream levels of popularity, but he's just a good guy and he donates a lot of the streamer income cause he's already rich. all his kids also have channels, i'll probably expand on those in a later post.

Clark: you know he's being the hero in every game he plays. he chooses the nicest option possible, he can't bare to break the npc's hearts. plays a lot of strange games that no one is quite sure how he finds, but he'll also play minecraft with his sons. lois is also a staple, regularly popping in to say hi to the stream and will occasionally take the controller or whatever and absolutely decimate the game, when he's struggling he calls her and she figures it out almost immediately

Diana: assassins creed, cod, apex, she's playing those games. everytime people see her in person they're shocked to discover that she is 6'8" and absolutely towers over everyone else at cons. she'll occasionally go on rants about history and different greek myths during eight hour streams and no one can quite figure out how old she is. especially when she talks about world war one as if she was there.

barry: racing games, just any racing game. he definitely plays sonic. he talks really fast and half the time no one knows what he's saying, and if the signals bad enough you can't see his fingers, they're moving too fast. lots of rambling rants, he's an adhd icon in the streamer community. everyone loves iris, they just love her. same with wally, half his viewers just migrated to wally's streams when he started.

Oliver: he seems like the kinda guy to enjoy stuff like elden ring, god of war, skyrim, shit like that. he also occasionally brings a real bow on camera and from time to time his streams will be interuppted by him picking up the webcam and going outside to do some archery as a weird form of rage quitting. he and dinah are a streaming couple, she has her own channel tho i'll discuss more later

Hal: a halo dude for sure, that and doom. unlike the others, he's a part of a company. he streams with the other lanterns a lot by contractual obligation so those streams are pretty weird, like hal is playing halo while Kyle is drawing and jessica is playing super mario brothers and guy is playing the sims 2, no ones really sure whats happening.

Arthur: yknow all those raft games where you're lost at sea? those. all of them. hes got a hot tub set up in his gaming room so he'll be streaming from there a lot and theres the occasional beach and surfing streams where he just goes off talking about sharks and dolphins for twelve hours and it seems like he knows more than hes letting on anytime the topic of the lost city of atlantis comes up. (which is weirdly common for him)

Billy: he's a vtuber. everyone is sure he's an adult, but he's actually a kid streaming from his and freddy's shared computer at the vasquez's. he opens all his streams by yelling shazam, something that all of his siblings have taken to doing as well. definitely a zelda guy. actually, anything nintendo. he got a switch for his 12th birthday and he loves that thing so much. animal crossing, splatoon, mario cart, smash bros with his siblings. everyone is certain he's an adult until he shows up to a con panel with the league and he's backstage and people are like 'where'd this kid come from?' and he's like. 'oh yeah im here for the panel lol btw batman says we're on in five.'

Dinah: she's playing gta and cod along with the last of us and silent hill, but sometimes she'll just stream coming up with a new song and half her viewers don't even watch gamers or anything, theyre just fans of her music so they come to support her. she has a lot of simps, like a lot. nothing will get rid of them. like i said in oliver's section, they stream together a lot. but, they never stream in the same room. their gaming rooms are on opposite sides of the house, the only time they run into each other while streaming is during snack runs.

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whisker-biscuit · 5 months

Text

The Lines We Cross: Chapter 23

Inside the Stronghold

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

Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality.

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

It was a long, shameful walk back to the ruined village.

Carmelita trudged through snow and wreckage, only aware enough of her surroundings to avoid the lights of guards and the occasional patch of ice. She was covered in dust, powder, and rubble that together created a grimy film to her clothing and her hair and her pistol. Everything she touched was left dirtied, marked by her presence as well as her failure.

She barely noticed any of it; her mind was still dead-set focused on the encounter she had just had with Cooper. Frustration over him slipping away warred against the discrepancies she had seen that made her analyze every second of their interaction. The way he had acted towards her at first, so unaffected by their falling out, had been an obvious diversion that had nevertheless gotten her blood boiling and falling right into it. His legitimate anger over her assumption that he’d had anything to do with the avalanche was not nearly as surprising, but what had convinced her he wasn’t involved – begrudging as she was to admit it – was the legitimate hurt in his eyes that she knew from experience he could not truly fake. And his last words to her…

A distant flash of light caught her attention. She squinted into the dark and realized it was a Morse Code signal from one of her officers, telling her where it was safe to return to. Well, telling her and her team, but guilt sunk in deep as it struck her that she had no idea where they were or if they were safe. She hadn’t seen any sign of them since she’d abandoned them on top of that temple to rush after Cooper.

Already-swirling emotions suddenly had a heaping dose of dread in the mix as the fox headed for the blinking light. When she was close enough to start making out buried buildings, she took her own flashlight out and began turning it on and off in a return signal, waiting until the other light changed to affirmation before continuing any further.

The last thing she needed in this shitty night was for one of her own to accidentally shoot her because they thought she was an enemy. That would really just be the cherry on top.

“Inspector Fox!” Three officers approached her with speed, all looking relieved to see her. The one who had called out paused a moment to take in her haggard, dusty appearance. “Are you injured?”

“I’m fine,” she managed to say without any bitterness. The same could not be said for exhaustion. “I just got caught up in the outskirts of a collapsing statue. It – I got separated from the team I went in with. Have any of them come back this way?”

They all shook their heads, but the leading officer clarified before her heart could drop into her stomach. “We’ve been maintaining radio updates from them since your separation. Everyone is accounted for, and they’re still working through the Panda King’s territory. It’s been slow-going success, though, and we were debating whether to send more people in.”

Carmelita could hear the fishing in the tone; now that she was back, they were hoping she would make the decision for them. She stalled for time by brushing stone powder off her coat sleeves and peered past them towards the truck where town refuges were still being tended to.

“What’s the status here?”

“All injuries have been stabilized, but there’s only so much we can do with limited resources. Some of the civilians have started asking if we’ll take them down the mountain to a hospital, or at least into the nearest city that isn’t under King’s direct hold.”

She started doing the math in her head. There was enough room for about twenty people in the truck if they were packed shoulder to shoulder, which meant several trips. “How long would it take to ferry everyone down?”

“The driver estimated at least three or four hours with the return trips, but that will depend on road conditions.”

Everyone reflexively glanced up at the sky. It was already starting to snow again. Inspector Fox rubbed her gloved hands together to stave off the chill in her stiff fingers.

“Let me go see for myself how they’re all doing,” she announced after a moment. “Our priority is to get these people to safety. Has anyone called the nearest police department, Interpol or local or otherwise?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Someone get on that right away, then.” It was easier to walk with less shame when she was giving simple orders. The fox could almost ignore it entirely. “Ask for more manpower to come up the mountain with first responders, but don’t mention anything about the Panda King. Just a natural disaster with survivors that need tending to.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Two of her subordinates branched off to do as instructed without any hesitation. It made her terrible spirits lift just the tiniest amount. The one who remained stayed at her side as she approached the truck and the makeshift refugee camp surrounding it.

As reported, none of the survivors seemed at immediate risk of death anymore, but they huddled together against the chill of the deepening night and there was not a single face that didn’t look absolutely miserable. Carmelita recalculated travel time against the growing snowfall. The conclusion she came to was what her instincts had been leaning towards since the beginning – the lost time searching for King was a loss they were just going to have to take for the sake of these civilians.

“I need someone who can translate for me,” she called to the remainder of her team. “Tell everyone here that we’ll start taking people down the mountain. Start filling the truck with those that are most injured.”

As the decision was relayed and the villagers started doing as instructed, directed by officers, there was a sudden flash of light in the sky. Everyone turned at once to see a giant mass of fireworks speeding through the air, and immediately the survivors began crying out, understandably terrified that the crime lord was aware of their presence and had decided to finish what he’d started.

Carmelita believed it too for a single heart-stopping moment, right up until she realized that instead of coming towards the buried town, the rockets were heading towards the Panda King’s distant fortress instead. As it arced upwards to avoid hitting the head of the statue and exploded harmlessly in a flash of uncoordinated color, she saw a dark shape illuminated by the blaze careen through one of the statue’s eyes.

This far away, there was no way to see the same ringed tail that had tipped her off the last time, but she knew it could be no one else. The fireworks strapped to his back had been part of a plan after all, and not just for the sake of stealing from King.

Sly had made it inside the fortress. She was running out of time to catch up before he disappeared again.

Before she could do a single thing about her heart now beating rapidly in her chest, an officer appeared in her line of vision with a confused expression.

“There’s a call for you from Interpol HQ, Inspector.”

The fox looked over, blinking in surprise at the radio being offered to her. Suddenly afraid that Barkley was waiting on the other end to chew her out for doing something wrong – or for somehow finding out about Sly Cooper – she took it gingerly and held it up to her ear with trepidation.

“This is Inspector Fox.”

“Hi Inspector, it’s Winthorp!”

Never in her life did she think she’d feel relief at hearing that voice, but here she was. “Winthorp. What time is it over in Paris right now?”

“Not important,” he dismissed, sounding excited and impatient. “What’s important is that case you asked me to work on – the one about Conner Cooper?”

Carmelita’s breath caught in her throat. She turned around to face the destroyed town as if to ward off anyone who might be eavesdropping even though her entire team was busy.

“Uh, yeah. Did you find out what happened to that missing report?”

“No, but I have better news! I got in contact with Inspector Pennington, and she still had her own copy of it! Turns out she always kept records for herself and never tossed anything, even after she’d retired from the force. Crazy, right?”

“With that woman? I can believe it.” She pressed the transmitter a little closer against her ear. “What was on it?”

“You’re not going to believe this.” Winthorp paused, probably for dramatic effect, but all it did was make her want to reach through the radio and strangle him until he finally continued. “Conner Cooper had a kid!”

It took a lot more acting talent than she probably possessed to act shocked. Thank goodness the otter couldn’t see her face. “Oh – wow. What happened to hi – to them?”

“According to Inspector Pennington’s notes, her team found a birth certificate and a bunch of homeschooling records, as well as several framed pictures. It was a son who had just turned eight when the murder happened. Apparently his legal name was ‘Sly’, which is just nuts. Who names their kid that?”

(“It’s just – an unusual name. Unique. ‘Sly’. Do you have a last name just as unique to go with it?”

“Nope. And I’m not telling it to you, so don’t bother asking.”

“Why not?”

“Names have power. Truth be told…I’m not the biggest fan of mine.”)

Carmelita bit her lip. “Yeah. Crazy. Was there anything else? Do we know what happened to him?”

“I asked the retired inspector about that, cause nothing was mentioned in the report. She told me she theorized that Cooper’s son either escaped the night his parents were killed and ended up on the streets somewhere, or that the intruders found him and killed him too. She said it’s always puzzled her why they never found his body, though.”

“That’s…a lot to process.”

“I know, right? Could you imagine if there was another Cooper out there, continuing the family’s thieving legacy, and we didn’t even know?”

The fox looked back up towards the Panda King’s fortress. Then she looked towards the truck, where other officers were pulling infiltration equipment out to make room for more civilians to sit inside.

One of the things that was set out and aside was her jetpack – still fully stocked with fuel.

“Hey, Winthorp? Thanks for the update, but I have to go.”

“It’s my pleasure! Good luck taking down another Fiendish Five member!”

She hung up and made a beeline for the jetpack. The officers who had put it down in the snow looked up at her approach.

“Ma’am?”

“I have an idea,” she said, already picking the jetpack up to strap it against her back. “But I need you all to trust me, and I need to know I can trust you.”

The rest of her team grouped around her, hearing the no-nonsense tone to her voice. They all waited patiently for her to elaborate without ever asking their own questions, and she was grateful for it.

“I think I know exactly where the Panda King is, and I want to go after him while we still have the element of surprise.” The lie came easily, and with less guilt this time. Carmelita refused to think about why. “If I can trust you all to take care of the survivors here, then I’m going to infiltrate that giant stone statue by myself.”

A few glances were shared, but none looked dubious or worried. Just Interpol officers processing their superior’s plan.

“You can trust us, Inspector Fox. We can handle things on this end.” Someone finally spoke up, sounding confident both in themselves and in her. The nods of agreement to that statement almost made her teary-eyed. “What should we tell the team that’s still in the criminal’s territory?”

“Tell them to head towards the fortress at its base,” the fox answered without hesitation. “If they come in from there and I come in from the top, we’ll cut off all of King’s escape routes at once.”

“Roger.”

“Thank you for your belief in me, men. I’m proud to work with you all.”

A radio was tossed her way. She caught it with ease and clipped it to her belt beside her holster. Then she lifted her head high, surveying the officers who had finally come to respect her.

“I swear to you: one way or another, this ends tonight.”

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

After successfully losing Inspector Fox, Sly had doubled back three times just to be sure there was no chance for her to pick up his trail again. It had been a tedious but necessary process, and by the time he was certain he was safe from being tailed, he had already started searching for the best place to put his plan into action.

The spot he chose was a tall, secluded bluff that was as close to the stone statue as he could manage without risking a guard’s flashlight swinging his way. Snow was falling at a rapid pace, but he paid it no mind as he pulled all seven fireworks off his back. One by one he stacked them on top of each other, binding the fuses together in a tightly-woven knot. Once he was certain all of them were secure, he began carefully positioning the amalgamation of firepower in the direction of the fortress.

It took nearly ten minutes for him to be satisfied with his aim; he wasn’t an engineer or even very good at math, but this stunt couldn’t afford any cut corners or he’d be dead before he ever reached his target. When the rockets had been pointed as accurately as he could possibly eyeball them, the raccoon took the matchbox out of his pocket and lit the knotted fuse. Then he wrapped his hands around the body of the biggest firework, held it above his head, and sprinted towards the sheer side of the bluff.

He had timed it perfectly – just as the hiss of every fuse disappearing simultaneously into the rockets’ bases made his ears perk, he jumped off the edge. There was a single second of freefall before his arms were jerked into the air above him so harshly that it nearly dislocated them. He held onto the homemade jetpack for dear life as it flew in a beautiful, deadly arc straight for the stone head.

And went higher. And higher. And higher.

Sly swung his dangling legs forward and let go of the fireworks, falling in an arc towards the left eye window of the statue. It was barely in time as there was a sudden explosion of noise and heat at his back, propelling him even faster than he’d estimated as the rocket bundle finally blew itself apart in a blinding light display. He was headed towards the window – the closed window – like he himself was a rocket, and he had just enough time to throw his arms over his face as his body shot straight through it. Glass pelted his fur and ripped at his clothes, and he tumbled head-over-heels onto hard, cold ground, skidding to a stop on his side while curled into a ball.

It was with a painful sense of déjà vu that he uncurled and began to stand, reminded of his rough jump into Mz. Ruby’s lair as his body immediately protested all movement. Shallow cuts lined the skin of his head that he hadn’t been able to shield from the violent entry, evident both in pain and the feeling of wetness in his fur, and he could see tears in his hoodie sleeves when he glanced down to make sure his hands hadn’t suffered similar injuries. A pang of remorse ran through him at the sight of the yellow fabric ruined by the broken window. This had been a gift, and here he was destroying it.

Then he forcefully reminded himself that it didn’t matter what happened to it; not when the gifter no longer mattered to him.

The room he had landed in was devoid of people or alarms when he finally had the sense to look around. The raccoon counted his blessings for the sudden turn of luck as he did a quick three-sixty spin and saw a large, bulky safe on an opposite wall. Immediately he rushed over, ready to repeat the process of cracking it like he had all the others, but his fingers froze a centimeter from metal as he stared at a keypad instead of a dial. Even worse, the keypad wasn’t made up of numbers but of an unusual set of symbols. They nagged at the back of his brain, familiar yet undecipherable, and the raccoon let out a quiet curse as he realized that he’d seen something like them before in the Thievius Raccoonus.

Notes from his ancestors of an ancient language that was just as incomprehensible to them as it was now to him. Speculation of it being some kind of bird dialect that was lost to time and lack of speakers. Rioichi and a few other intellectual-type Coopers had tried to interpret it, but they hadn’t gotten very far without basic sentences or even a full alphabet to go off of.

There was no doubt in Sly’s mind who this language benefited, or why he was seeing it on the massive safe here and now, and it made that cold fear creep up his spine again. He stuffed it down before it could paralyze him for a second time.

Frustrated but not deterred, his eyes landed on the single door leading to the rest of the fortress, and he checked it without any hesitation. When it proved unlocked, he quietly slipped through with his cane in-hand, choosing a direction at random to search for the Panda King’s private chambers. If there was ever a place that held the code to open that safe, it would be there, and if he were really lucky then the panda’s own stolen pages would be right next to that code.

King’s, and Clockwerk’s. Only two left and then this would all be over. It would be worth the heartache, and the pain, and the constant terror of being caught. Sly clung to that sentiment as tightly as he did his weapon as he crept through the heart of his enemy’s lair.

There were no guards to be found in the fortress. Even the staff had been reduced to a skeleton crew, making it all too easy to avoid them while the raccoon picked locks and searched rooms and overturned every conceivable hiding place. There was no rhyme or reason to the layout of the place, and his memory of everything was foggy, but he consoled himself with the reminder that he didn’t have a timer on his back like when he’d been with the Inspector. Sure, she was already traipsing about King’s territory, but the chances of her knowing he was inside the statue – and finding a way up herself without getting caught, to boot – were slim to none. It was better that he’d shed the dead weight of her presence for this last stretch. It made things so much less complicated.

He clung to that sentiment, too.

Another turn or two, and Sly was finally in familiar territory. He nearly stumbled as he halted in place, staring at the wallpaper and hanging portraits and Chinese décor that hadn’t changed since the last time he’d been here five years ago. Entranced, he pressed his left hand to the wall and traced the groove there where a ten-year-old him had punched it in a fit of anger. No one had been there to witness it, and apparently no one had noticed the dent it had left. It was probably one of the only remaining reminders of his life here. No doubt King had removed everything else after the raccoon had gone to officially work for the Five.

A few meters down, he could see the door to his old room. Sly shuffled over to gape at it with a pit in his stomach that he couldn’t identify. The door was devoid of the heavy-duty lock that had kept him trapped inside at night to prevent escape; more evidence to his theory that the panda hadn’t wanted Sly’s past presence to linger in his precious stronghold.

Against his better judgement, he began to quietly slide the door open – and then stopped immediately as his keen eyes caught the dark interior.

Jing was in his room.

Sly stilled halfway through the doorway, but she had not noticed him. She was facing away from him, kneeling in front of a small shrine she had placed on his old dresser to which she seemed to be praying to by the clasp of her hands and the bowing of her head. Her eyes were closed, but he could see clearly the troubled pinch of her face as her lips moved rapidly in a silent request.

For a long moment, he simply watched the panda while she prayed with his foot still hovering where he had been about to place it in his old room. It wasn’t fear of disrupting her actions that kept him from getting her attention, nor was it why he remained perfectly still as he studied every centimeter of her body language, committing it to memory as best he could.

When he finally did move, it was only to slip carefully back out into the hall and silently slide the door closed behind him again so that she would be none the wiser to his presence. The raccoon stared at the shadow cast by her silhouette through the thin wall. Then he turned on his heel and continued onward, fighting every fiber in his body to go back.

It was better this way. For both of them.

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

When Carmelita touched down on the other side of the shattered window and powered down her jetpack, she was a little surprised to find a completely-intact safe sitting in the room with her. Sly Cooper had definitely come through this way, so why had he left such an enticing prize alone when it was in such easy reach?

She shook her head and refused to examine the bulky thing. There was no use trying to rationalize the irrational mind of a criminal. Finding the answer to that question could come after she had apprehended both him and the Panda King, and they had too much of a head start for her to stop and scrutinize every discrepancy in the environment. Instead, she left the empty room to begin prowling the grounds in search of the ringtail.

Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before she found herself hopelessly lost. Inspector Fox didn’t know whether the long hallway she turned a corner into was one she’d already been in before, or if the layout was simply identical to the last four she’d passed, but it was doing nothing to help her nerves or her confidence as she continued to find the exact same décor over and over again while encountering not a soul. Not a hide nor hair of Cooper, or King, or any of the latter’s employees. It was eerie, like she’d stepped into a nightmare or the setting of a ghost story.

Just as she was starting to wonder whether there was any merit to backtracking to the room with the safe to regain her bearings, the sudden heavy arrival of multiple footsteps somewhere nearby had her tensing up. She had forgotten to reload her shock pistol before running off for the statue, blinded by her determination to stay on the raccoon’s trail while it was fresh, and while she wasn’t at risk of running out of bullets any time soon, it still meant she had to be frugal with her shots until at least the Panda King was incapacitated.

A large group of guards, or staff, or whoever was coming this way would only deplete her resources and cause enough of a ruckus to bring even more along. Carmelita quickly found the nearest unlocked door and slipped past it, closing it behind her and holding her breath as she listened to the unknown gang travel by unaware on the other side of the wall.

The fur on the back of her neck prickled. Someone else was in this room.

The fox whirled around with her weapon at the ready, prepared to bark orders for surrender at whoever she came face to face with. Then the words died abruptly on her tongue as she stared at who had startled her.

A teenage girl stared back.

“Who are you?” The young panda asked in a quiet voice with the same accent that Sly had, albeit much stronger. She clutched her hands to her chest as if to protect herself from the weapon pointed at her.

“I’m – I –” Carmelita lowered her pistol, dumbfounded by the turn of events and struggling to figure out the best course of action. Of all the things she’d expected to find in King’s personal hideout, it wasn’t anything close to this. “I’m an Inspector from Interpol.”

The girl tilted her head at the title but otherwise didn’t seem surprised. She looked Inspector Fox up and down as though she were staring directly into her heart. “You’re the woman from Sly’s pictures.”

That statement jolted her so badly that her weapon came right back up, on full alert again. Amazingly, the panda didn’t even flinch.

“What the hell does that mean? How do you know him?” Carmelita growled, unable to help herself. She was sick of getting more questions than answers when it came to that damn raccoon. “Who are you?”

The teen stared at the gun before her eyes slowly lifted to meet Carmelita’s. “My name is Jing King. I assume you are here to arrest my father.”

Father bounced around inside the fox’s skull like a lit firework. For some reason, it didn’t stun her as badly as the knowledge that this girl – the Panda King’s daughter, apparently – knew Sly.

“Okay. Jing. Yes, I’m here to arrest your f-father.” The word was strange to say. Never in her life would she have pictured the homicidal, pyro-loving criminal to have a child. “But you still haven’t answered my other question; how do you know Sly Cooper?”

There was a long pause, and the inspector could practically see the calculations running through the panda’s head – determining how much information to reveal about herself that wouldn’t put her at risk. It was a hesitancy Carmelita knew all too well from a very different source.

“…He is my brother,” she finally said. “In a manner of speaking.”

Inspector Fox blanched. “What?”

“It was not by his choice, however.” Despite her shock, Carmelita caught the hard, protective edge to the younger girl’s voice. “Sly was brought here against his will and raised by my father for a time. If he had been allowed to choose his own path, he never would have gone down this one.”

Jing was speaking rapidly, sounding almost desperate to say her piece before the fox could recover from being blindsided. The inspector registered her words on a level separate from the rest of her mind; a mind that was currently spinning so badly she was amazed it hadn’t flown right off.

“– actually in his old room,” the teenager continued, unaware that she had been almost completely tuned out. “You are welcome to look around to confirm my words if that would help you believe his innocence.”

Innocence. It was like a magic password had been spoken – Carmelita blinked back to herself, face setting into a pinched frown as she finally glanced around the room for the first time. There was no believing in any innocence when it came to Sly Cooper. He had already shown his true colors.

But still, she humored the girl, if only to lower the risk of her alerting her father to the inspector’s presence.

They were in a bedroom, almost completely cleared of anything except for a stripped futon on the floor and an old dresser covered in photo frames. She could feel the panda’s eyes on her as she carefully padded over to see what was in those frames, curiosity momentarily overriding her callousness, and picked up one to wipe away the dust obscuring the picture inside.

She nearly dropped the thing.

It was Sly – the young Sly she had seen in that single cracked photo frame from the crime scene of the Cooper home, but that was where the similarities ended. Instead of smiling with a balloon in his hand and his parents on either side, this Sly – around the same age, as far as she could tell – was standing straight-backed with bags under his eyes and a scowl on his face. He seemed to not have realized the picture was being taken, as his gaze was off to the left side towards something out of frame. One arm was curled around his middle, and the other was wrapped protectively around a much younger Jing King, who was peering over his shoulder at whatever had caught his attention. She looked tired but not unhappy; a stark contrast to the raccoon beside her.

Carmelita was so engrossed by the details in the photo that she didn’t even hear the teenager come up next to her, and almost dropped the frame again when she spoke.

“That picture was taken about a year after he came to live with us.” Jing’s voice was mournful and tinged with wistfulness. “I had just recovered from being very sick, and that was the first time I was allowed out of my room in weeks. Sly refused to leave my side the whole day.”

The fox looked down at the photo again. The anger in the young raccoon’s eyes was visible; just as potent back then as it was in the brief glimpses that she’d seen from him in the present.

A missing body at a crime scene. Missing records from a secure case file. An entire missing existence that should have been documented as soon as it was known. A few things clicked into place all at once.

“…You said something about him being here against his will,” Carmelita began slowly, not because she was having trouble putting the pieces together but because she could already see the picture it was forming, and it was starting to make her sick. “How old was – how long ago did that happen?”

“It was eleven years ago that he was brought here. He was eight.”

She wanted to scream. She wanted to shoot something. She wanted to march right back to Interpol and demand to know how they had lost the knowledge of the continuation of Cooper’s bloodline. Why they hadn’t worked harder to find him all those years ago.

How deep did this go? Who had removed confidential reports just to ensure Sly remained off the radar? How many people did the Fiendish Five have on the inside? Why had they gone out of their way to keep a child alive for all these years when it had never, ever aligned with their modus operandi?

How much did Sly know? Why did he risk getting caught by his kidnappers with every step he took back into their domain? What exactly was it –

“They all took something from me. And with you, I knew there was a chance to get it back.”

– that he was so desperate to get back?

Inspector Fox whirled on Jing King so fast it made the teenager flinch, but there wasn’t enough time to care. She grabbed the girl by the shoulders, staring up at wide, startled eyes that reflected her own wide, manic ones.

“Whatever you know, tell me.” She demanded. “About Sly and your father and his cohorts and anything else.”

Jing was frozen, gaze darting back and forth across the older woman’s face in a desperate attempt to read it. “What…what would you do with such knowledge?”

“Everything I can to see that justice is done.” The fox lifted her chin, deadly serious in every line of her body. She had never been so sure of anything in her life as she was in what she was promising now. “To right every wrong that has been done by the Panda King, and the Fiendish Five, and even beyond that. I will not rest until they can never harm anyone ever again, but to do that, I need to know exactly what is going on. I need to know about Sly Cooper.”

The girl still looked uncertain. Carmelita closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and finally let out what she had not dared to since the confession that had shattered her heart.

“Please, Jing.” When she opened her eyes again, the wetness there was as real as her conviction. “You mentioned his innocence. I want to believe that, but I’m not – I can’t – I’m an officer of the law, and I’ve seen him break it several times over. I need to be convinced that there’s a good enough reason he’s done all of that. You have to convince me, or else I can’t help either of you. Please convince me.”

Her fingers tightened against Jing’s shoulders.

“Please.”

There was a sharp intake of breath from the panda as they stared at each other; one who deeply loved Sly Cooper because of her upbringing, and one who wanted to in spite of it.

“…Okay.”

Giant hands reached up to grasp her own. The look in Jing’s eyes was haunted, and yet there was an iron will hiding behind it; the same unyielding spirit that Sly had held in all the time Carmelita had known him.

“Okay. I’ll tell you everything.”

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

A/N: The alternate title of this chapter is "The Author Struggles with Time-Blindness at the Best of Times and the Holidays Ruined Her Routine Entirely". I'm just glad I was able to get it done and posted before Christmas double-whammied me. Fingers crossed I can get back into my original weekly rhythm, cause next chapter is going to be a doozy and a half.

Anywho, thanks for your patience, and hope you enjoyed!

#sly cooper #carmelita fox #fanfiction #the lines we cross

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deannastrois · 1 month

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Aerti unchau, ashkaidan stargate, and chlodine fake date pls!

aerti unchau is in fact an aerith/tifa uncharted au I came up with with @edains like four years ago (haha what is time...) in this au tifa worked with barret to steal artifacts and return them to their rightful land but I as putting her more in the elena type role of uncharted and then aerith showed up as the last survivor from a place that had been ransacked years ago looking for the team to get her things back, so really less uncharted more generic but it started as an uncharted idea

"I can't really see you firing a gun." Tifa said, her voice low. "I can, Tseng taught me." Aerith laughed, her giggling echoing in the quiet van. She put a hand over her mouth and whispers an apology to Barret who grunted and went back to sleep."Not that I love doing it." Aerith said in a stage whisper to Tifa, leaning in across the way to talk to her. "Oh." Tifa replied, taken aback. "Is it...were you..." She faltered with her words and trying to find the right thing to say. Aerith smiled at her but for once it didn't meet her eyes. "It wasn't by choice. But! I can still take people in a fight." She winked at Tifa. "And I'm willing to fight for my peoples things. They've been gone for too long." "We'll get them back," Tifa promised, hoping beyond everything she could keep that promise, "And then we'll make Cloud carry them all back for us." Aerith giggled again and this time her smile was genuine. "The perfect pack mule."

ashkaidan stargate is also what it says on the lid where they're on a stargate team with shep as the leader and the rest of the me1 squad, and then me2 squad was it's own group, and me3 squad. legion was like a replicator style machine in this universe and tali was from the race that built the replicators but I never got around to writing that point in the story I just really liked it.

Ashley was fairly certain she could time how long the gate took to dial a planet to a T in her head. She'd seen it well over a hundred times but when the last connection was made and the gate whooshed open with a brilliant flash of blue and white it always made the breath catch in her throat. She shifted slightly, trying to get rid of some of excitement and nervous energy that always came with the start of a mission and traveling to a new world. The M.A.L.P. had shown them that this world would be covered in ice and snow though it shouldn't have been given the planets location to the sun. Kaidan nudged her as Shepard did one last inventory check before they left. "You sure you ready for this one Gunnery? If it gets to cold let me know, I've got a trick or two to keep war." Kaidan teased. Ashley rolled her eyes. "It doesn't get that cold up in Vancouver LT, don't act like you're the expert here. Just make sure your mom packed your sweater." She shot back and began walking up the plank to the gate on Shepard's signal. "That was one time." She heard Kaidan mutter behind her and tried to stiffle a laugh. She wasn't laughing by the time the cold hit her face, instantly making her eyes water. She scrambled to put on the glasses she should have before entering the gate. "Sure you don't need help?" Kaidan asked, his voice coming in her ear over the comms. Whatever response she was going to come up with was killed when Shepard held up her hand to signal for them to cut the chatter. "We're not alone, team."

chlodine fake dating is again what is says on the tin, these two start dating mostly to troll nate and sam and whoops it's real

Sam stared down at their joined hands and then back up at Nadine and Chloe. "No." He said. "Oh yes." Nadine gave him a sharp grin in reply. Chloe tried not to laugh at Sam's face of utter incredulity. "Something wrong Sam?" Chloe asked, as casual as she could. "You don't get more of a cut for being a couple." Sam finally huffed, crossing his arms. "Now hang on, that wasn't on the table. But it could be." Chloe let go of Nadine's hand and shook off the sudden chill as smoothly as possibly. "Let's talk number." Nadine turned her face, dropping her head onto Chloe's shoulder and making it look like she was either telling her sweet nothings or how to get a larger cut of the loot to Sam. In reality Chloe could feel more than hear Nadine's muffled laughter.

#replies in thirty minutes or they're free #camalyng

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atlabeth · 2 years

Text

everything happens for a reason part 16 - zuko x fem!reader

I miss you more than anything

part 15 | masterlist | part 17

a/n: SO. it has only been a minor 116 days since the last chapter. lol. i am so sorry for the delay, my inspiration to write for this series has been pretty low lately but all the sweet comments you guys have left abt this series has brought it back and it's finally here !! thank you to everyone that's kept with this throughout the constant month-long waits, i love you all and your support means the world<3 this chapter jumps around in pov quite a bit but hopefully it works out alright

wc: 5.9k

warning(s): angst, a lot of angst, katara, zuko, and yn's inner turmoil lol, prisons and bad conditions, and some more angst

chapter title comes from francis forever by mitski

The flowers were in bloom.

Camellias, roses, peonies, fire lilies, silver wisterias. Their aroma was almost overwhelmingly sweet, but it signaled the change of seasons, the slow descent into the notoriously torturous Fire Nation summer. While Zuko would normally be reluctantly preparing for a trip to Ember Island or engaging in rigorous training to fill the hours in the absence of school lessons, his days instead consisted of politics and meetings.

He was — once again — the crown prince. The Fire Lord’s heir, the next leader of the Fire Nation, the one who would have the honor of leading a fully united world after a century of war with the Fire Nation at its helm. It was what he had been fighting for all his life, what he had spent the past three years in exile for, what he had cast aside everything for. This — the life of the prince he was supposed to be — was what Zuko was meant for.

And yet he couldn’t even look himself in the mirror.

When he did, he was met with a person he hardly recognized. Dark circles underneath his eyes, prominent cheekbones, shaggy hair that constantly fell in his line of sight. To anyone that asked he simply cited hard work, the excuse of all his new duties more than enough to get someone off his back.

Zuko didn’t understand it. Everything was perfect. He had the title, the honor, the respect — for Agni’s sake, he even had the girl. He and Mai got together shortly after his return to the Fire Nation, and she was everything a noble son could have wanted.

He should’ve been happy, grateful, ecstatic to have the life he’d always wanted after so long, but the only constant in his life seemed to be unrelenting anger. He snapped at every guard, every servant, Mai, Ty Lee, Azula — everyone that went farther than a greeted nicety that wasn’t his father.

How could he have everything he had ever wanted but still be so miserable?

“Zuko? Did you hear me?”

Zuko was jarred from his thoughts by Mai’s voice, and he blinked a couple times as he met her eyes again. In all the years he’d known her, he didn’t think he had ever seen her smile. In a weird way, he was thankful for the lack of emotion. He didn’t have to worry about the seemingly ever-present scowl he bore most days when Mai was the same way.

He shook his head. “No. What’d you say?”

Mai sighed. “Ty Lee won’t stop talking about going into town to see the lanterns and the barges they’re setting up for the festival, and she finally managed to wear me down. I was wondering if you wanted to come with us tomorrow night.”

Zuko frowned. “There’s a festival coming up?”

“The Festival of Szeto,” she responded. “You haven’t been to one in a while, so I thought it would be…” Mai rolled her eyes a bit, “…nice.”

He swallowed the sudden lump in his throat, barely managing a nod. “Yeah. Sure.”

Mai nodded as well then stood up from the chaise, walking over to the door frame before she turned to face him. “I should go. Azula requested Ty Lee and I join her for something tonight; I need to get ready for whatever she’s planning.”

“You’ve been talking a lot about Ty Lee lately,” Zuko said, not looking back at her as he got up as well and crossed over to his desk, the furnished wood covered by heaps of papers.

There was something heavy in Mai’s silence, and he felt the weight of her gaze on his back. “She’s one of the only people I can tolerate in this place. You’re not exactly easy to be around these days.”

Zuko clenched his jaw, his hand tightening into a fist on the table. “It’s not like you’re any better.”

“You don’t really inspire happiness,” Mai retorted. “At least I can talk to people without them being afraid I’ll explode if they say the wrong thing. You’re a walking fire hazard Zuko, and it’s so painfully obvious that it’s because of her.”

He whipped around, a familiar fire blazing in his irises. “What are you saying?”

“You know exactly what I’m saying.” Mai crossed her arms. “You refuse to eat fruit tarts, you hate silver wisterias, you snap at every servant, and you can’t even look me in the eye some days. I can’t even mention her without you losing your temper. You have everything you could ever want, but you’re still stuck in the past.”

Zuko glared at her. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She just shook her head, the same deadpan expression as ever. But there was something else in her eyes, something he couldn’t place. “Azula was right. You really aren’t over her.”

Before Zuko had a chance to say anything, Mai left, shutting the door behind her. He stewed in a suffocating silence until it became too much, his rage manifesting in a frustrated roar as he slammed his fist into his desk. The pain didn’t faze him, his breathing slightly ragged as he lifted his head and stared out the window.

Y/N. Mai didn’t mention her by name, but Zuko knew. He always knew; he knew her, and it was— she was— the source of every problem in his life. He hadn’t seen her in weeks, not since he had made the misguided decision to visit her in the prisons, and yet she managed to consume his every waking thought without lifting a finger.

Everything in his life was perfect except for her. Except for Y/N, the girl he never should have fallen for and had no reason to feel anything else for, especially not now. What he said, he wanted so badly to be true. He wanted to hate her, he wanted to banish her from his mind, he wanted every part of her erased from every part of him.

But every Agni-damned thing in the Fire Nation reminded him of her.

The silver wisterias that grew in the gardens. The fabrics the servants used to mend his clothes, the servants themselves. The fruit tarts in the kitchens. He nursed any injuries on his own, unable to even think about stepping foot in the infirmary.

Zuko pulled away from his desk and sat against the side of his bed, burning holes into the floorboards with the heat of his glare.

Mai was right. If he didn’t get rid of this guilt, if he didn’t let go of the past, he would never be free. And he wasn’t going to give up everything he had fought for over a childish crush.

His hands once again clenched into fists, the loose fabric of his tunic bunching up underneath. He had to forget his uncle, he had to forget Y/N , he had to forget every memory of the Avatar and his team and the disappointment and anger that each of them looked at him with that night in Ba Sing Se.

He just had to figure out how.

So this was the Boiling Rock.

It truly was deserted. An island in the middle of a boiling lake surrounded by rock that rose miles above the water, a sight that never failed to instill that feeling of worthlessness that was growing all too familiar.

She did not belong here, isolated from everyone she knew in an inescapable prison with only the worst criminals for company. It instilled a sick sense of dread in her, that this was what the Fire Nation, or at least those in power, thought of those fighting against them to bring back peace.

Y/N realized that Princess Azula had certainly made good on her promise the moment she was loaded onto the airship, one in a line of many other prisoners. With her spine ramrod straight and features tightened into a trained mask of stoicism, she was almost able to fool the others into thinking she wasn’t absolutely terrified. She got good looks at her fellow inmates on the gondola ride over to the prison, and saying she was intimidated was an understatement.

Fellow inmates. It was strange to think of it like that, but it was her reality now. Back in the Fire Nation, she was completely alone. Here, she was surrounded by criminals, all much older than her and likely far more grizzled. She was out of her league in so many ways — one of the guards had warned the others about her waterbending (or lack thereof) and it only served to make her more vulnerable.

Y/N had a feeling that the prisoners here didn’t care for outsiders.

After becoming the not-so-proud owner of an ill-fitting red jumpsuit and going through a very blunt orientation warning them of what would happen if they were even a step out of line, she was introduced to her new home for the foreseeable future.

The cell was cramped, dry, and uncomfortable in every way. Boasting no windows, a single cot with a blanket so thin she could have torn it herself, and absolutely nothing else, she was truly living the life of luxury.

She sat on the sorry excuse for a bed and pulled her knees up to her chest as she backed against the wall, and the slow, methodical breathing she had learned from Aang was the only thing keeping her somewhat calm.

This was it.

Y/N was in a Fire Nation prison with no means of escape, her friends were on the other side of the world with no idea of what had happened to her, Aang was really and truly gone with no chance of rebirth, and the world’s last chance at peace was foiled with the fall of Ba Sing Se.

There was no second chance. There was no ‘sleep on it, try again tomorrow’ — they had lost everything. She had lost everything.

She was going to live out the rest of her short, pitiful life as a non-bending, traitorous prisoner, completely separated from everyone and everything she’d ever loved.

In the darkest moments of her life, Y/N had always been able to look to the sky, at least comforted by the notion that Yue was watching over her. No matter where she was, Yue was always there. But here, surrounded by concrete and not even granted the luxury of barred windows, stargazing was not an option.

She no longer even had the moon to turn to.

She had lost.

And she was purely and truly alone.

“I honestly thought I wouldn’t be able to deal with the Fire Nation weather, but it’s actually pretty nice.” Sokka cleaned his machete as he spoke, needing something to do with his hands while he waited for dinner. “Don’t get me wrong, I love the South, but it’s nice not having to worry about freezing to death all the time.”

Aang gave him a strange look. “You worried about freezing to death all the time?”

He brushed his question off with his hand. “You get used to it after a while. I like not having to wear parkas everywhere, especially at night. This seaside breeze?” Sokka smiled as he inhaled the salty scent, gesturing towards the water with his machete. “Almost makes up for the Fire Nation chasing us everywhere.”

“You have very low standards,” Katara said dryly, glancing over at him as she stirred a pot of soup with her waterbending.

“Hey,” he shrugged, “low standards means that you’re never disappointed. It helps with your cooking.”

She rolled her eyes at his remark, but she couldn’t hold back her smile. “Keep that up and you’ll be hunting for food on your own.”

Sokka held up his hands in defense, but Toph just groaned from her spot on the ground, her blank gaze aimed at the night sky. “Are you gonna be done soon? I’m starving.”

“You’re in luck,” she said, and she started bending their pitiful excuse for a meal into the wooden bowls they had picked up a hundred villages ago.

They didn’t have much after their loss in Ba Sing Se, the sum of their journey having been reduced to the few possessions each of them kept in their bags after they were forced to flee from the city.

There wasn’t much in terms of food where the four of them had been staking out lately either — the rations Hakoda had provided them before they left the Water Tribe fleet ran out despite their best efforts to make them last, leaving Sokka to scrounge up what he could on his usual scavenging trips and Katara to cook something up with the little ingredients and tools they had. It was a con to camping out in the middle of the Fire Nation, but underneath Sokka’s and Toph’s complaints, they would agree that it was a small price to pay to avoid anyone from the Fire Nation.

Katara finished filling all of the bowls and she started passing them out, but when she got to her own she froze in place. “Oh.”

Sokka had already started digging in — the broth might’ve been largely flavorless, but it was better than nothing — but he looked up from his bowl at his sister. “What?”

She sat down with a solemn expression, but he could see the emotions warring on her face. “I… I made five.”

The three words drained all of the earlier lightness out of the atmosphere, leaving the four of them in a heavy silence at the indirect mention of their lost companion.

“It just…” Katara sighed as she set her bowl on the dirt, her appetite suddenly gone. “It just doesn’t feel right without her. I’ve always known we were friends, best friends, but I never knew how much I would miss her until she wasn’t here anymore. I always end up wanting to tell her things, and then I remember she’s not here, and I…” She trailed off, her gaze falling to the ground, but Toph nodded.

“She could actually take a joke,” she said with a smile. “She looked out for me and she took care of me, but she never treated me like I was a child. I could tell that she cared in her own way, and that was special.”

“You are a child,” Sokka said.

“You know what I mean.”

“I do,” he chuckled. “And I miss her too. We have this— this kind of bond that you guys can’t understand — I think it has to do with Yue, but she just always got me. She got all of us.” Sokka looked at his sister and shrugged. “You’re right. It feels wrong without her.”

“I feel like it’s my fault,” Katara muttered. “I was down there when she sacrificed herself. I should’ve been faster, I should’ve been able to help her somehow—”

“You can’t do that to yourself, Katara,” Sokka interrupted. “You did everything you could— she made the choice to stay down there.”

“Do you blame me for not helping her?” Aang asked. “Do you blame me for going down in the Avatar state?”

“Of course not,” she said with a frown. “You saved us all — we had no idea what Azula was going to do.”

Toph nodded. “And do you blame Sokka and me for not being down there?”

“No!” she exclaimed, her brows creasing even further. “How could I blame you all?”

Aang gave her a knowing look and she chuckled lightly as she nodded. “Oh. I see what you’re doing.”

“If you can’t blame us for it, then you can’t blame yourself for what happened to Y/N.” Aang gave her a small smile. “She wouldn’t want you to blame yourself anyways. You know that.”

“Just because I know it doesn’t mean it’s easy to accept,” Katara sighed. She fiddled with her hands as she stared down at the ground, a question weighing on her mind that she could barely bring herself to ask.

“Do you think she’s still…?” Katara trailed off again, but the implication was obvious as it hung heavily in the air.

“She has to be,” Aang said, and he sounded so sure of himself it was hard to think otherwise. “There’s no other option than her being okay.”

Toph nodded. “She’s tough. You said she was a servant there before all of this, right? If she’s handled the Fire Nation before, she can do it again.”

Katara nodded as well, offering another soft smile to her friends in thanks for their efforts. “Yeah. She’ll be fine.”

She didn’t know if she believed her words, to tell the truth. But she kept repeating them to herself in her head, hardly paying attention as the rest of the group idled onto another topic of conversation.

“Wherever you are,” she murmured so quietly no one could hear, “I hope you know that I miss you.”

Zuko stared up at the ceiling, his eyes burning from a lack of rest but his mind unable to shut off. It was almost funny, how he dragged through each day completely exhausted, yet once the night came he could never find the sweet release of sleep.

Nights like these had become far more frequent than they should have, his habits becoming so unhealthy even Mai was beginning to worry. He let out a frustrated growl as he sat up, running one of his hands through his unkempt hair, shaggy layers continuing to grow the more he ignored it.

“Guess your lies aren’t helping you sleep as much as you thought they would.”

Zuko’s head shot up at the sound of a voice, his wild eyes darting back and forth looking for the source. When he found it, his eyes widened.

“What?” His voice was low, barely more than a whisper, and for a moment he wondered if this was it, if he was really going crazy.

She was there — Y/N, his waterbender, the link to his past that he was trying so Agnidamned hard to forget—

“Did you think it would be that easy to get rid of me?” She was almost taunting him from her spot, leaning against the wall with her arms crossed. Dressed in the grime-covered tunics all prisoners were forced to wear, looking just the way she had the day he visited her in the cells, it was hard to tell himself that she wasn’t really here. “I’ve always been a part of you, Zuko. You know that just as well as I do.”

“No,” he said, already on the edge of rambling, “no, you’re not—”

“Why do you keep trying to deny it?” she asked, her composed features in stark contrast to his own desperation. “You haven’t stopped thinking about me since the day I escaped the Fire Nation. Even when you’ve betrayed me, when I’m supposed to be your enemy, you bring me here like this.”

“I didn’t do anything,” he muttered, his hands clenching into fists around the fabric of his sheets. “I’m trying to forget you, and when I finally do, I’ll be free.”

She laughed mirthlessly. “That’s how you think this will go? That eventually, you’ll forget me, and you’ll be able to move on without the pesky little waterbender weighing you down.”

Y/N stood up from the wall and walked towards the bed, stopping at the foot as she crossed her arms. Zuko knew it wasn’t real, that she wasn’t real, but he could hardly keep himself from reaching out on instinct.

“You betrayed me. You betrayed your uncle. You don’t just get to forget what you did to us, go on and live your happy royal life.” She practically spit her words, and Zuko flinched. “This will destroy you from the inside out. And I hope to the spirits it does.”

“Why won’t you leave me alone?” Zuko was almost begging now, and even though he hated the desperation in his voice he couldn’t help it. “I can’t help you anymore. I have no choice, just— just leave me alone!”

Her lips quirked up in a sardonic smile as she tilted her head to the side slightly. “I’m not even here, Zuko. You did this. You did this.”

Her mockery, her taunts, her being so close and yet completely unobtainable, the fact that everything she said was true. Zuko couldn’t take it anymore, the last of his weakened façade breaking as he felt the temperature rise around him.

“Get out of my head!” he yelled, a blast of fire shooting out from his fists in a desperate effort to end this. She disappeared with the flames, leaving only a small fire in his place. Zuko had been so caught up with his own mind’s creation that he almost forgot the consequences of his rage, and he darted out of his bed to smother the flames with his sheets.

He stood there, panting and staring down at the smoldering fabric with wide eyes. Zuko ran a shaky hand through his hair as he turned around, grabbing one of his bed posts to ensure his balance. He was scared, terrified — could he even tell what was real or not?

Zuko would go insane if he didn’t figure this out, he knew that much. He had to end this— this war inside of his head, and then he would finally be free.

He grabbed his cloak from the chest on the edge of his bed and shoved his arms into it, leaving the mess in his room as he closed the door as quietly as he could. After making sure he wasn’t being followed, he set off to end his turmoil, once and for all.

He needed closure.

“All prisoners from Block C, report to the courtyard.”

Y/N sighed as she pushed herself up from her bed, waiting a few seconds after her cell door opened to walk out and join the flow of inmates. Though her hands itched to do something, she kept them hanging loosely by her side, doing her best to blend in as just another prisoner on their walk to the courtyard.

Everything in her dismal life had blended together, the strict schedules set in place by the guards the only reason she was able to keep track of the days. Even then it wasn’t always helpful, as their block times weren’t set in stone. Some days she would end up in the courtyard in the early morning, other days she would be armed with a mop to fight against the neverending grime the moment she woke up.

It was a torturously mundane existence, but when surrounded by some of the Fire Nation’s worst criminals, Y/N found that she preferred mundane to any other option.

She squinted a bit when they entered the courtyard; despite a few weeks of the same routine, the sun still got to her every day after coming from the dark isolation of her cell. The place might’ve been hot, humid, and miserable, but it was still better than the rest of the prison.

It didn’t take her very long to learn how to survive in the Boiling Rock — she stayed silent, kept her head down, and showed zero emotion. Never show any vulnerability, and stay out of everything. She was an abnormality here as a young girl, even more so with her brand of waterbender — it was a giant target on her back, and she did whatever she could to keep it from being shot at.

“Hey!”

But sometimes, her best efforts weren’t enough.

A gruff voice rang out behind her and she tried to ignore it, hoping that it was directed at someone else. There were hundreds of prisoners, and at least half of the blocks were out at the moment. It was more likely that he wasn’t trying to get her attention—

“I said hey. You listen to me when I talk to you.”

Of course she wouldn’t be so lucky.

Y/N tentatively turned around and had to force herself to hold eye contact with the man in front of her. He looked to be a little older than her, maybe in his late twenties. With a handsome face and a sharp jawline, he was the image of a noble son she might’ve met back home but with the added fatigue from prison life. She had seen him around a couple of times, and she knew that he was nothing but trouble. She wished he didn't have a bone to pick with her.

“You’re that Water Tribe savage, aren’t you?” he sneered, taking a step towards her that in turn caused her to back up. “I heard you worked with the Avatar, that’s why you’re in here.”

“You’ve got the wrong girl,” she muttered, refusing to look away from her assailant as he continued to push forward. Y/N felt her back hit the wall and she bit down hard on the inside of her cheek, willing herself not to show any emotion.

His arm shot out, palm flat against the wall and effectively trapping her in place. “I don’t think I do,” he taunted. “I think you’re the only one who has a chance of getting out of here, but you’re just too damn weak to do anything.”

“You’re lucky I can’t bend out here,” she refuted coolly, still maintaining eye contact. “Otherwise you’d be dead where you stand.”

“Oh, we’ve got a feisty one here!” he laughed, turning and gesturing with his head towards her to get the attention of some other prisoners before bringing his attention back to Y/N, his eyes gleaming dangerously.

“You think you’re better than us, don’t you? Because you’re all about your fancy waterbending, and working with the Avatar, and being a hero. But you ended up in the same place we did, so I guess it wasn’t worth it.” He closed the distance between them, the proximity so near she could feel the heat from every exhale. She forced herself not to look away, despite every nerve in her body screaming at her to back down. “I think I gotta take you down a notch.”

He launched his fist at her before she could blink, and Y/N recoiled instantly as she took the blow to the right side of her face. Her hand immediately flew up to nurse the injury, letting out a strained gasp at the sudden pain.

“Doesn’t feel so good, does it?” the man snarled as he reeled back for another. She screwed her eyes shut, already bracing for the impact, but it never came. She heard a grunt and slowly opened her eyes to see another girl, one that couldn’t be any older than her, holding his fist in place with an iron grip. She had appeared out of nowhere, but she had saved her.

“Go pick on someone your own size,” she threatened. Y/N could see his face contorting in pain with the hold the girl had on him, and as soon as she released his hand he backed up.

“What’s your fuckin’ problem?” he snarled, squeezing his hand to regain feeling in his fingers again. “No one ever taught you how to mind your own business?”

“It’s my business when you pick on innocent people,” she countered. “Now, are you gonna get out of here, or do I have to do something a lot worse?”

The man grit his teeth as he glanced around him — no one would come to help him if he took her challenge. As he started to back away, he glared at the girl. “You’ve just made a powerful enemy.”

She rolled her eyes as he walked off, then turned to the group of prisoners that had gathered around the scene. The girl drew herself up, acting much older and intimidating than she appeared.

“Well?” she yelled, enhancing her stature as she took a step forward. “Get out of here!”

In yet another fantastical feat, the girl managed to scare the crowd off. Y/N couldn’t help as her jaw dropped, amazed at how easily she had gotten rid of not only her attacker but everyone else. She was ready to thank her savior, but when she turned around giving Y/N a full view of her face, she gasped.

“Suki?”

Warmth blossomed in her chest despite the instinctual disbelief. Y/N had always wanted to meet up with Suki again after she left to go help her warriors, but the Boiling Rock was the last place she thought they would find each other again. Was her friend really here?

“Hey.” Suki grinned as she casually leaned against the wall, taking a second to shake out her hand. “Talk about a reunion, huh?”

Suki didn’t have the chance to even breathe before Y/N lunged at her, wrapping her in the tightest embrace she could muster and relishing in the warmth of another, of someone she could actually trust.

“You’re here,” she breathed, close to tears. “I’m not alone. You’re here.”

“I’m here.” Suki responded in kind after a moment of hesitation, reciprocating the hug with the same intensity. Once Y/N pulled away, she gave her a sideways smile, though her coyness was lessened by the softness in her eyes. “How’d you get unlucky enough to end up here?”

Y/N rubbed her injury, already able to feel the swelling, and shook her head. “Tui’s gills. There’s… a lot to unpack.”

She shrugged and gestured to her surroundings. “We’ve got time.”

She managed a small smile of her own and mirrored Suki’s lean against the wall as she sighed. “Well… It all started in Ba Sing Se.”

Zuko was familiar with the Capital City prison by now. He’d visited Y/N once before and his uncle far too many times after, but after Azula caught him one night, he decided to play it safe. Despite her promise not to tell anyone, he didn’t trust her. He had his childhood mantra for a reason.

The guards were familiar with his disguise, allowing him in without any trouble, but once he reached the block he remembered Y/N to be in, he was met with a guard he’d never seen before. He looked young, far too young to be on guard duty in a prison like this, but Zuko didn’t really care. It meant it would be easier to get what he wanted.

“You can’t be here, sir,” the guard said, snapping up to attention as he finally sensed his presence. “This block of the prison doesn’t accept visitors—”

Zuko took off his hood and the man’s eyes widened, an apology tumbling out immediately.

“I’m so sorry, Prince Zuko! Please, forgive me— I’m new and I was never told that you—”

“Save it,” he grumbled, but as he got closer to the cell, a frown twisted his features. The inhabitant was a large, muscular man, and in the moment he was thankful he was asleep so he wouldn’t have to deal with it. Zuko turned to the guard and glared at him. “Where is she?”

“Who?”

“The waterbender, the prisoner that worked with the Avatar!” he snapped, that wild desperation in his eyes growing once again. “Where is she? This is her cell!”

“She isn’t here anymore!” the guard rushed out, his hands raised up slightly at his sides in some sort of defense. “She hasn’t been here for weeks— she was transferred out with the last block of prisoners to make room for the rioters.”

“Where was she sent?” he demanded.

“I don’t know!” he practically whimpered out, and when Zuko grabbed his collar, ignited a flame in his free hand and held it up to his face, his eyes widened even more. “I swear, I don’t know! Princess Azula authorized it herself; she didn’t tell anyone about the specifics!”

Azula.

Zuko let him go with a growl, already beginning to stalk off before he stopped and turned partially. “I was never here. And if you spread word of it to a single person, I’ll make sure you—”

“I promise, Prince Zuko,” he said, still terrified, “it won’t leave this room.”

He all but stormed off, his hands clenching into fists at his side as his feet carried him to a place he was far more familiar with. Zuko was back in the palace soon enough, and he didn’t even bother to knock as he barged into his sister’s room.

“What is your problem?” he seethed, barely contained rage simmering just below the surface.

Azula frowned as she sat up, and she brushed her loose locks out of her face as her eyes settled on Zuko. “How kind of you to wake me up like this.”

“I don’t have time for your games,” he spat. “Why did you transfer Y/N out?”

She rolled her eyes as she glared at him. “This is really what you choose to bother me with? You don’t even try to hide it anymore, Zuko. It’s pathetic, truly.”

“Why did you transfer her out?” he repeated.

“I’m doing you a favor,” Azula snarled, the interruption starting to get to her. “You’re not strong enough to let go of her by yourself, so I’m trying to help you get rid of her. Anyone with eyes can see that you’re still holding onto her — the only way for you to truly thrive is for her to be out of the picture.”

“That’s not your decision to make,” Zuko seethed.

“It may not be, but you refuse to make any of the changes necessary of your position.” Azula shook her head, something genuine in her eyes. “You were made for this life, Zuko, not one with that Water Tribe peasant. Don’t throw it away because of her.”

Zuko couldn’t find anything to say to her, like his anger had fizzled out after a night of burning red hot. She didn’t seem to care.

“Now,” Azula laid back down on her pillows, “don’t bother me with this talk anymore. Especially not in the middle of the night.”

Zuko fumed as he stormed out of her room, quickly finding his way back to his own. The second he stepped past the threshold, he nearly lost it.

He wanted to scream, he wanted to shout, cry, do anything, but all he felt was unwavering numbness. Zuko settled on the edge of his bed and took the headpiece that kept his topknot together out of his pocket, and he pressed the pad of his finger against the point of one of the flames. All it provided was a dull pain, and suddenly he could barely even stand the sight of it. He didn’t deserve the mark of a prince.

Zuko opened the drawer on his bedside table, about to throw it in without a care, when he noticed the only other belonging in the compartment.

A simple children’s book, the edges rolled up and the spine broken in from a loving owner. His heart stopped as he took it in.

Keiko and the Koalaotter. A wilted and dried petal from a silver wisteria. A scribbled heart done with Zuko’s own ink, now old and faded but undeniably from her.

Something inside of him broke at the sight, and he stared at the ground as his fist tightened around the headpiece. The realization hit him like a ton of bricks, and it made it hard to breathe as his chest tightened.

This was a mistake. All of it, the life that he thought was his destiny— it was all a mistake.

How the hell was he going to fix this?

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