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missathlete31 · 1 year

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Someone In Your Corner

Summary: Hangman, struggling to deal with his nightmares after the mission, goes for a run in the California heat. When he gets himself into trouble he finds a surprising ally on his side.

Aka if Maverick is MavDad meet DaggerMom

Hey look, yet another Jake Seresin Whump/Angst fic….. also known as the only thing I know how to write lol! Enjoy!

Two week after the Uranium mission and Jake "Hangman" Seresin was struggling. The Navy had given them all a month's worth of leave, a ridiculously long time in Jake's opinion but extremely sought after for all the others. There was a mandatory week of debriefs and discussions, most of which Jake hovered in the back and only answered when he was addressed directly, but then they were free to go. The whole squadron seemed to have gotten plane tickets to head back home, the suicide mission making a lot of them place things in new perspective. Jake of course would rather perform ten suicide missions than even think about going home to Texas. Javy had invited him back to New Orleans with him and his family but Jake declined. He loved the Machados; he spent enough holidays over there to think of them as the closest thing he'd ever get to a real family, but he knew Javy was still shaken up from his G-Loc incident and the mission in general. He deserved a chance to decompress with his loved ones instead of trying to entertain Jake.

So Jake waved his best friend off at the airport on the third day after the start of their official leave and went back to the barracks to find a notice on his door. It seemed that the temporary living quarters they were supplied for training was being revoked now that everything was over. Jake had vaguely heard one of the others talking about it at the bar but he didn't realize it applied to those that weren't going home as well. He assumed he would be allowed to hang around base, maybe convince Admiral Simpson (or at least the more agreeable Admiral Bates) to let him jump into a few hops to keep his skills sharp. Those plans were scrapped though as both Admirals informed him in no uncertain terms that none of the Daggers would be allowed back in the air until they were given the all clear from both medical and psych. Jake was already cleared on the medical end but all psych evals were to be conducted after the team returned from leave. He wanted to push to get his moved up but Cyclone only gave him that un-amused look that he usually reserved for Maverick, and Jake figured it wasn't worth the fight (he was still on shaky ground for disobeying direct orders on the carrier that day- and for getting the rest of the flight crew to go along with him).

So now not only was Jake alone on North Island, he was also forced to find new housing. With no real other options, he checked into a random motel that was far from luxurious with its outdated decor and questionable activities for it's by the hour patrons. Jake found he didn't mind though as long as he used his own sheets. Also besides a few quick visitors a few doors down, Jake was virtually on his own in his section. This was a huge benefit for the blonde pilot as he found himself dealing with an added difficulty now that the mission was over: debilitating nightmares.

It was embarrassing for him to admit but Jake had always struggled with nightmares. As a child in an abusive household he was always so tense and on edge, especially at night after his father had had a couple of drinks in him, that he found his dreams were filled with running away from monsters that looked vaguely like his parents until he woke up screaming. After receiving punishments for waking anyone up with his pathetic cries, Jake learned to muffle his terror to much quieter levels, though the nightmares always held a grip on him for those formable years. As he got older and into his teen years, Jake's real world seemed to be worse than any dream ever could be and sadly that was what quashed his night terrors for a few years at least. When he left home and joined the Navy he felt freer than he ever had in the world and he finally learned what the term 'sleep like a baby' really meant.

It didn't last for long though because after his first confirmed kill, Jake's nightmares came back. He was forever dreaming of being back in his plane, sometimes shooting down the Bogey, other times the Bogey catching him first. He had nightmares where he shot his wingman down instead, his whole squadron condemning him for the action. Other times it would be his squad shot him down because they were protecting themselves from Hangman leaving them like his call-sign dictated. These dreams circled through Jake's sleep cycle for weeks until Javy caught on before he was sent to ship out again and noticed the dark bags under his best friend's eyes. Though Javy knew better than to push Jake towards any sort of professional therapy from the Navy that could ultimately keep him grounded, he did force his best friend to talk to him more about what was troubling him and to find healthy outlets for his anxiety, fear, and guilt. Jake's favorite method became running.

Jake already enjoyed running from when he was a kid and needed an escape at home so using it to relax from work stress as well came fairly easy. He took to jogging around bases in the morning, night or whenever he just felt a little overwhelmed. Javy would join him if he was able, though normally he cut out about half the miles while jokingly calling Jake a robot for being able to run so much. It was therapeutic and it worked, especially when he ran at night, as Jake felt his body become so tired he went off to sleep without any dreams at all.

But then this mission happened.

First it was Coyote's G-loc; the sounds of Maverick trying to stir his best friend back to consciousness before he crashed into a mountain staying with Jake even during waking hours. In dreams it was worse, Maverick never getting tone in time, Coyote's scream over the radio before he burned up in his jet. Jake would wake up each time with tears in his eyes and would struggle to not call his best friend right there and then. Jake also dreamed of the bird strike. Though he pretended to be indifferent, he really did care about Phoenix, she was one of his oldest friends, dating back to his Flight School days. That nightmarish day, after being so close to losing Javy, to then hear her and Bob forced to eject, it broke something in Jake. His dreams featured the two not ejecting in time, or sometimes different pilots were up there but with the same results. The worst nightmare was when Jake was in the air with them and he listened to Phoenix scream at him that because he left them hanging, the birds hit their plane instead of his. Both Bob and Phoenix's last words were wishing it was Jake instead. Maverick would share the sentiment on the radio as the two planes watched the other go down. When Jake woke from that particular dream, he usually felt so gutted all he could do was sit up in silence.

There were moments from the actual mission that attributed to his night terrors as well of course. First it was Dagger one going down, the others blaming Jake for not being good enough that Maverick had to take the spot of team leader to ensure the others survived and therefore sacrificed himself. Then he would hear Dagger Two going down and there was the guilt of having Bradshaw die after all the mean things Jake had said and done to him. But the worst was Jake's rescue of Maverick and Rooster. Jake couldn't count the times he would close his eyes (both awake and asleep) and see the damn missile that was headed right for that old F-14. He never told anyone outside of his debriefs with the Admirals but that missile was shot and deployed and not even seconds away from killing both Captain Mitchell and Bradshaw. He had had no time to spare.

Every night during the week of debriefs Jake would dream of being too late, of watching that missile kill his CO and his wingman in a fiery blaze as bright as the sun. Jake would be forced to call on the radio that he hadn’t reached them in time, would land on the carrier not to celebration and hugs but dirty looks and tears. One night the nightmare was so bad, felt so real, that Jake actually called Rooster just to hear his voice. The groggy other pilot thought it was some kind of joke and didn't respond incredibly kind but Jake hung up the phone with tears of relief in his eyes anyway. He would take a sarcastic Rooster over a dead one any day.

Last night Jake dreamed of the man he shot down. His second confirmed kill but it wasn't any easier. He dreamed of the man's family, his children growing up fatherless like Rooster did. A whole family lineage cursing him for taking away the man they loved most. When he woke up Jake only had a few seconds before he was puking in his toilet, no chance of falling back to sleep again. His count of hours slept in the week at a sickening level. He knew he should be worried, knew that he should address his problems with someone but everyone else was dealing and he didn’t understand how he couldn’t. He wasn’t one of the Daggers, he wasn’t the one completing the suicide course. He didn’t go into G-Loc or get hit with a bird strike. He wasn’t shot down and he wasn’t stuck behind enemy lines and scrambling to get home. Jake was just the spare; sure he had a lucky shot, but he did nothing more. He didn’t deserve to bother anyone with his lack of sleeping. He would get it sorted, just like he always did.

As the day progressed and Jake's lids got heavier he thought about his techniques to combat his nightmares in the past and looked for his running gear. He hoped to kill two birds with one stone, run enough to clear his mind but also to make himself so exhausted he would fall asleep right away. The pilot put on his sneakers and reached for headphones before heading out the door. He knew it was going to be hot but the minute he was outside he felt like a wall of humidity was surrounding him. It wasn't the ideal running conditions but Jake grew up in Texas where heat was a part of everyday life. He threw off his shirt knowing it would be soaked in a second and headed out.

—————————————————————————-

Penny Benjamin wiped another hand across her brow as she turned to another box. She knew she shouldn't have chosen Tuesday to do inventory especially when the weather forecasts all called for the height of the heat wave to hit, yet here she was sweating in the back rooms of the Hard Deck anyway. She wished Maverick was around to help, though he was abnormally chaotic in a tight setting, at least the man could have helped with the lifting. Pete however, had taken Bradley for a 'getting re-acquainted trip' aka a 'get our crap together' trip up in Northern California. Penny was so happy to see the two trying to make things right and she knew it meant the world to Pete.

It did leave her alone though and with all the other pilots of the squadron gone on leave and Amelia visiting her father, Penny hated the quiet. Even doing normal chores around the bar made her ache for the loud and boisterous group she had grown to love. She hoped they were at least all trying to heal like Maverick and Rooster. She wasn't given all the details from the mission but she knew there were a lot of close calls and that for everyone to return was lucky, bordering on miraculous. Penny felt lucky herself every time she got to see Pete's smile again.

As the morning progressed and the heat got too much Penny opted to go over some sales numbers and to save the inventory for later. Grabbing her books, she headed for her usual table outside, the umbrella giving only the most miniscule relief from the heat.

She looked up as she watched a man run on the beach. He looked vaguely familiar but it wasn't until he was a bit closer that Penny realized it was Hangman. She had been surprised this morning when she saw the man arrive at the beach to run. She had assumed Hangman like all the others had gone away for leave. Clearly this wasn’t the case as the pilot putt his ear pods in and started his jog just as she first opened up to do inventory. Penny glanced at her watch and saw it was close to an hour later then since she had first arrived, and yet Hangman was still running. A hint of worry bubbled in her stomach but she learned that Top Gun pilots tended to be work-out fanatics, Hangman no exception.

As the man neared, Penny raised her hand, "Hangman!" she called but she wasn't surprised when the man kept running, no doubt lost in his music and training. She watched him for a minute, not immune to admit that the sight of the muscular shirtless blonde running along the beach wasn't the worst thing she's laid her eyes on. She shook her head at her silliness and turned back to her sales book figuring she would chastise the man for ignoring her later when he came in for some beers tonight.

Thirty minutes later the same figured appeared for the third time since she sat outside and Penny's brow furrowed. She knew Hangman liked to run but this was getting a bit excessive. She was familiar with his two mile loop, she had walked it with Amelia many times herself, but never this many times, nor in this kind of heat. When she included the time she was in the basement, she knew Jake was running much more than was normal or healthy on a day like today. It was nearing noon, the heat for the day was at its worse and she had heard an air quality alert on the news this morning. Jake ran with no water bottle, no shirt and if she had to guess no sunscreen. He just ran, and ran, and ran.

Perhaps it was the mother in her or perhaps it was just the concern for a pilot she had grown to care about over the years, but Penny refused to let Hangman run past again without at least taking a little respite. She stood herself up from the table and headed towards the sand, waving a bit to not startle the runner. As she got closer she noticed Hangman's gait was off, he seemed to be listing to the side with each step. Her concern mounting, Penny hurried forward a little faster, her heart dropping when she noticed Jake had started to stagger. "Hangman you alright?" the barmaid hollered, but instead of a verbal response Jake fell to one knee. "Jake!" Penny called as she watched the blonde collapse complete to the ground. He landed face first in the sand and the older woman felt herself fall next to him, a gentle hand reaching for his shoulder to help roll him over.

The man lying before her looked so far from the Hangman she knew that Penny gasped. Jake's normally lively green eyes were closed, his skin pale and his breath raspy. She gently nudged his face, trying to stir some kind of reaction and felt her heart relax a fraction when Jake gave a low groan and took a wobbling hand to brush hers away.

"Hey Hangman you with me?" she tapped his cheek again, worry increasing when she felt how warm his body was and yet she didn't notice much sweat on his body. Familiar with signs of overheating but in no way a doctor, Penny looked back towards the Hard Deck and hoped to see someone around that could help her. Unfortunately it seemed they were alone. She turned back to the blonde and saw his eyes were still closed though his body seemed to want to move. “Jake honey, can you hear me?” she asked again.

“P-Penny?” Jake murmured and finally those green eyes were open if barely past slits. He seemed to take a good look at the woman leaning over him before all the rest of the color in Hangman’s face disappeared and he rolled over to his side. As he retched out what Penny disgustingly assumed was his breakfast, she tried to run a soothing hand over his back but again she faltered at how hot his body temperature seemed to be. She reached to pull him back to face her carefully, allowing his back to land back in a clean portion of sand before trying to meet his eyes, “Jake, you with me? Are you alright?”

“Y-yeah, yeah” he didn’t sound convincing, “’ll good.”

“I think you’re overheated, I need to get you inside.”

“No-“ he shook his head weakly, his voice low and gravelly, “-m fine…. Just-… just overdid it a bit. ”

Penny moved to brush back his damp hair from where it was plastered with sand to his forehead, “You really over did it, okay” she tried to give a reassuring smile but her concern was too great and it became more of a grimace, “you need to get out of this sun and get some water in you. You think you can stand?”

It didn’t look like Jake would be moving any time soon but when Penny gave him a small pull the pilot managed to follow the momentum enough to get himself standing. It wasn’t pretty and Hangman looked ready to puke again at least three different times, but he held it in and allowed Penny to throw his arm around her shoulders. The two took a moment to gain their balance before they started with small and slow steps all the way back to the Hard Deck.

The walk was long and tedious. With each step that they got closer Jake’s movements got sloppier and the weight Penny had to support seemed to double. When she finally got him inside, Penny deposited Jake to the nearest booth and ran for a cold water bottle and some towels. She ran them under the coldest water she could get and started to place them over Jake’s chest, his neck and his forehead. The man didn’t even flinch. “Keep those there” Penny ordered as she moved to grab more water bottles, “and take small sips of water.”

Jake tried to follow orders but when he moved his hands to open the bottle, they were shaking so bad he dropped it. He went to get his body to pick it up but instead he slid down to the floor, his back against the table’s leg. Penny heard the commotion and came running, finding the pilot out of it and on the floor of her bar. “Jesus Jake, I think we need to get you to the hospital” she told him, “This is way worse than over heating-“

“No” Jake shook his head, his eyes unfocused, “’m –ok-“

“Honey” she got him standing again, “no you’re not. Hang on, take a seat for a minute and let me get my keys. I have to lock up the basement and then I will take you.” She led him back towards the booths but didn’t wait for him to sit, instead running to her bag and car keys.

Meanwhile the blonde had teetered after her, following towards the bar and knocking over a stool followed by another, "shit” he cursed, “’m sorry. Y-you can just call m’ an uber" Jake slurred softly, now leaning heavily against the bar, “’t’s no bother.”

"Absolutely not, and I said to sit Jake" she ordered, manhandling him towards the booths, "sit before you collapse again."

"'M -fine-"

"No you're really not." Her eyes must have shown her anger and concern because Jake seemed to melt into the cushion of the seats. Penny gave a nod and then ran to lock up her basement door and lock the inventory room. When she got back to the bar she noticed Jake’s head was leaning down on the table. “Hangman?” she questioned, but the man didn’t stir, “Jake?” When she still got no answer, she hurried over and took one of the water bottles, emptying it over the man’s head in a frantic shake, “Lieutenant Seresin!” she yelled and was luckily awarded with a dazed Jake shaking his wet hair out in confusion. “-enny?” he murmured sleepily, “did it rain?”

“Something like that” Penny lied, moving to grab the man out of the booth once more and get him towards the exit, “now come on honey, we’re going to the hospital.”

“-Don’’ feel so g-good.”

“I know, but we’re going to get you all fixed up” she promised silently praying that she could deliver on such a statement. If she was honest with herself Jake’s condition was really starting to frighten her. He collapsed three times already, he threw up on the beach and his body temperature was frightening high. She had tried cold compresses but they didn’t seem to make a difference. He was incoherent and confused; his body a shaky and unstable mess when he was normally frighteningly in control.

They got to Penny’s car quickly; fortunately she parked in the closet spot this morning. She helped lay Jake out along the back seat, sparing a second to take a hand to his forehead where she still felt the heat radiating off his skin. She pursed her lips but didn’t say anything, instead starting her car and cranking the A/C, hoping that it would help cool the pilot down.

For the first few minutes of the ride, Jake stayed silent and if it weren’t for Penny looking towards him in the rear view mirror every few seconds she would have thought he was unconscious or worse. Instead she watched as the man took shallow wheezy breaths, praying they get to the hospital quickly so he could get real help.

After a few more minutes of silence, Penny heard what sounded like a throat clearing in the back seat. Jake’s voice sounded fractured when he finally spoke up, "'why-you helpin' me?" he whispered from the back, 'm a bad person. A bad person with no one left.”

"No you're not honey" Penny immediately argued back, watching as Hangman’s eyes closed and his face scrunched up in pain, "you're a good person. I know that and so do the others."

"Asshole to them.... always a jerk..."

"I think they've started to see all that for what it is.” And she really believed that. The Hangman that strutted around the Hard Deck all these years was a show, meant for entertainment and for keeping people at arm’s length. Penny, no stranger at pushing people away herself, could recognize the signs easily though she knew it took the others a while to see. “You earned your teammates’ trust” she continued with what she hoped sounded reassuring. Jake didn’t seem to react to the words though, so Penny tried to push a bit more remembering what Maverick had told her the night he returned after the boat docked, about how Jake had saved his life, “you showed them the true Jake Seresin during the mission. They see it now.”

“They all left, ‘m alone again.”

“You’re not alone sweetheart”

“I should be, ‘ve killed people” Jake announced next and in the driver’s seat Penny stilled. It’s not that she doesn’t know this fact, she’s heard Hangman address it before but hearing Jake speak the words so matter of factly while he himself was so broken, exhausted and barely conscious, Penny’s heart clenched. “You were just doing your job, Jake, it’s different.”

“No” he shook his head minutely, “’t’s not.” He sniffed back what sounded like a sob, “can’t sleep, just see it again and again… All my mistakes... all the early graves… all my fault.”

“Nothing was your fault Jake, you saved lives that day. You saved Maverick and Rooster-“

“see them die every night…. ‘m pathetic-“

“No you’re not, you’re so brave honey” she felt a tear fall down her cheek as Jake let out another raspy sob, “so, so brave.”

“’ can’t even sleep anymore” Jake moaned, “just wanna sleep-“

“We can get you help for that” she urged, “there are people that can help-“

“No one can ‘elp me” his head lulled to the side, “I…can’t be fixed.”

There was so much Penny wished to say, so much she wished to correct but before she got the chance she was pulling into the emergency driveway entrance of the hospital and screeching her brakes to a halt behind an empty ambulance. “Please!” Penny hollered from her window at the two paramedics heading out the exit doors. Both stopped and looked her way, “please I need help” she urged to them.

The two women hurried forward, following Penny’s directions to the back seat, “he’s in rough shape, can you help me get him inside?”

“I’ll get the backboard and gurney” the younger of the medics announced, running back to her rig. When she returned the three women were able to lift Jake up and onto it, the two medical professionals beginning to wheel him inside, Penny hot on their heels.

“Ma’am you can’t leave your car here” the security guard tried but Penny ignored it and just continued to follow the gurney wheeling Hangman further into the hospital. Getting a ticket was the least of her worries, even getting towed. All she cared about was making sure the blonde pilot in that bed got the care he needed.

She followed them through into the emergency room where Jake was taken into a corner make-shift room with curtains closing it off. A nurse started asking Penny questions about Jake’s age, medical history, and if he had any allergies. She tried to answer to the best of her abilities but the truth was she didn’t really know. Jake Seresin had been coming to the bar for years but Penny couldn’t even tell the hospital if he was allergic to peanuts yet alone any medication he was on; she just never bothered to get to know him that well. She vowed if they got through this debacle, she would find out, resolved to pester Jake with so many questions he would have no choice but to tell her everything. She looked forward to it with a spark of hope.

Suddenly an older man came forward from the other side of the curtain, ripping it open with an intern on his heels, “What do we have?” he asked, not looking away from his patient on the bed.

“32 year old white male, fading in and out of consciousness, feels excessively warm to the touch-“

The doctor sighed and put on his glasses, his thinning hair reflecting the light as he knelt down on his work stool, and started to lightly examine Jake’s face and chest, “what’s his name?”

When no one else replied Penny realized the question was addressed to her. She swallowed her nerves, “Lieutenant Jake Seresin” she told him.

“Navy?”

“A Navy pilot, yes.”

“Why did you bring him here, shouldn’t he be on base?”

Penny shrugged, realizing she never even thought about taking Jake back to North Island, her mind just drove them to the first hospital she could think of, “this was closer” she explained instead.

The doctor hummed but continued his examination, “okay Lieutenant can you hear me?” when the blonde gave no response, the doctor turned to one of the nurses, “get me a temperature reading now” he ordered.

“Right away Doctor” and the nurse hurried to get the thermometer.

“What happened to him?” the ER doctor asked, shining a pen light as he used a hand to hold open Jake’s eye lid.

“He collapsed on the beach,” Penny supplied dutifully, still watching with what felt like a heavy weight on her chest, “he had been running and I think he might have over heated-“

“In this heat, I’m not surprised. Order a toxicology report, I don’t like his pupil dilation.”

Penny felt her temper flare, “He wasn’t drinking” she shot back, “he’s exhausted.”

“Let’s take the family out of the room-“ the doctor also added, rolling his eyes to his staff. As a nurse went to remove her, Penny listened as another rattled off Jake’s temperature. The minute his nurse was done saying 105 degrees, the ER doctor began sprouting commands, his voice a lot more concerned and worried than it were not two minutes ago. Penny knew 105 was dangerous, even deadly, but seeing doctors and nurses run in frantically made the woman more scared than she could ever remember being in her life. A curtain was pulled and her view was gone, and Penny felt her heart stutter as she wondered if that was to be the last time she would ever see Jake again. What if he died? What if she was too late getting him help, waited too long in the bar locking up a damn inventory closet when she should have been calling an ambulance and getting the poor man help. Her legs buckled for a moment but the nurse at her side kept a strong hand on her arm that kept her standing. “Here we go” the nurse told her steering her to the nurses’ station, “Fran” she called and one nurse was replaced with a different one as Penny was handed off once more.

“Okay” the nurse named Fran began, an iPad in her hand and glasses on her kind face, “let’s begin. Patient’s name was what again?”

“Lieutenant Jake Seresin.”

“Age?”

“32.”

“Occupation?”

“Naval Pilot.”

She typed faster, then opened her mouth to ask more but Penny beat her too it, "please" she begged, "is he going to be alright?"

Fran seemed to scrutinize her for a moment, his brown eyes boring into Penny over her glasses, “What is your relation to him again?" she questioned.

Penny stuttered for a moment, but then found her confidence, "I'm- I'm his aunt” she declared daring someone to disagree. The nurse didn’t argue, just typed something on her iPad, “and your name?”

“Penny Benjamin.”

Fran nodded and motioned towards the waiting room, “okay Ms. Benjamin, take a seat and I’ll send a doctor to talk once he finishes his evaluations.”

"But can’t I go back in?“

“You’ve done everything you could for the Lieutenant; now leave it to the doctors.” Fran placed a comforting hand to her arm and squeezed gently, “your nephew is in good hands.”

“What if I didn’t do enough, I tried to put cold compresses, and the water, but he could even grip it properly and I never made him drink-“

“Shhh” the kind woman placated her, “I’ll let the doctors know. I’m sure they will put him on fluids right away, you just sit here.”

“T-Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, I’ll be back later.”

Penny watched her go, falling into the hard waiting room chair and taking her head into her hands. She wanted to scream in frustration and worry, but she knew that wouldn’t help Jake. Instead she closed her eyes and focused on her breathing.

A hand on her arm a few minutes later made her jump. She looked up; expecting a doctor or nurse but finding herself staring at the same security guard she had run past before. The man looked sheepish, clearly feeling guilty for startling her. Penny pulled her fingers through her long brown hair to try to look even a semblance of normal but the security guard didn’t seem to judge. “Ma’am” he began, “I’m sorry to bug you but I really need you to move your car, we got ambulances that need to unload in those spaces and you’re blocking them.”

She looked back at him, her face reddening in mortification; she had completely forgotten about the car she had left parked in the emergency entrance. “I’m so sorry, Sir, I was so panicked before-“

He shook off her apology, “believe me I’ve seen it a million times before. Just move it now and we can both pretend it didn’t happen. I know you got more important things to worry about.” He offered a hand to help her standing and Penny took it gratefully, rising from the chair and heading to the automatic doors leading outside.

Penny moved her car like directed and then took back her seat in the waiting room. She noticed others sitting around, none paying her much attention, everyone lost in their own worlds of worry and fear.

This was why she hated hospitals, especially waiting rooms. It was a place where time simultaneously stood still and yet rushed by. People waited in agony over people in actually agony. Some people were here for last goodbyes while others welcomed new lives into the world. It was a place of overstimulation and over emotion and yet Penny couldn’t imagine herself being anywhere else at the moment. She would wait here as long as it took until she knew Jake would be okay.

About an hour later, a tall man approached the nurse’s station and Penny watched as he was directed to her. "Ms Benjamin?" the dark haired doctor called dressed in scrubs, "my name is Doctor Rask,” he held out a hand for Penny to shake, her grip lacking from her fear, “I’m your nephew's doctor” he told her soothingly.

"Hi" Penny breathed out, trying to control her nerves, "how's Jake?" she asked after no preamble.

If he thought she was rude the doctor didn't comment, instead he went right into Jake's diagnosis. "Lieutenant Seresin has a severe case of hyperthermia, more specifically heat stroke. His body temperature was 105 when you brought him in and that was with the cooling methods you tried to do prior. With a body temp that high our biggest concern is always going to be organ failure."

Penny clutched her hands into fists; the feeling of her nails in her palms the only thing keeping her together. She focused on the slight pain as she struggled to find her voice, "did he-... is his organs... are they okay?"

"He is extremely lucky” the doctor explained, “We don't see any evidence of organ failure but we will monitor him closely for the next few hours to be sure."

"That's- that's good news."

Dr. Rask spared her a comforting look, "it is, especially with how overheated he was but he's not out of the woods yet. Lieutenant Seresin was also severely dehydrated and extremely exhausted. His fine motor skills were so impaired upon admission that the ER doctor ordered a toxicology report because he was convinced Lieutenant Seresin must have been drunk. He wasn't of course but the Lieutenant admitted to being unable to supply the last time he had a full night's sleep."

Penny sighed, "he just got back from a serious mission Doctor Rask, it affective him deeply-"

"I understand," the doctor cut in gently, "and believe me I'm sympathetic but I suggest he find someone to talk to about this. He is beyond normal exhaustion levels which is extremely dangerous, not only in his profession but in all matters of his life."

"I agree. I plan on reaching out to his CO to discuss this as well."

The doctor softened, "we can also recommend people for him to talk to if he didn't want to go through the Navy. My father served and I know firsthand how people can be hesitant to show weakness to their superiors. It’s dangerous and they end up denying themselves the opportunity to get proper help."

"Thank you, I worry about that as well but I can promise you I will personally make sure Jake gets the help he needs, even if I have to drag him myself."

"He's lucky to have you" Doctor Rask shared with a smile.

Penny shook her head, her eyes falling to the floor, “I don't know about that” she admitted softly.

"I do” the doctor told her kindly, “You saved his life getting him in here so quickly."

"So he will be okay?"

"Well like I said before his organs look undamaged which is the best news for his case. He is still on cooling pads right now as we try to lower his temperature safely. We also have him on multiple IVs to increase his fluids and nutrients."

It certainly didn’t sound like he was okay but Penny took the doctor’s calm attitude as a good sign. Still she would only feel better once she could see Jake with her own eyes, "Is he awake?" she asked ready to run to his room if she found out he was.

Doctor Rask shook his head, "we gave him a small sedative which I would normally be against but Lieutenant Seresin was very restless in the room from the over exhaustion. I feared he would tax himself further. It should wear off in a few hours but he will be exceptionally groggy. Do to the severity of the heat stroke and the strain on his body; I want to keep him overnight for observations."

"Can I see him?"

"I would prefer not if I'm honest” he managed a sympathetic look when he noticed her face fall. “It's important for him to stay resting. In his heightened state and with the weak sedation, any disruption could cause him to wake before he's ready and that's the last thing he needs. Rest is his best medication at this point."

"I understand" and she did, no matter how much it broke her heart to think of Jake waking up alone in the hospital.

"If you leave your info with the nurse, I'll call you personally when he wakes, or any other member of his family."

He doesn't think he has any family, Penny's mind automatically corrected but she didn't bother saying it out loud. Besides, she learned many years ago that family went far beyond blood no matter what the medical world said. "Thank you Doctor, for everything."

"My pleasure and make sure Lieutenant Seresin thanks you as well. Like I said before, you saved your nephew's life today Ms. Benjamin, a few more minutes out there and we would be having a very different conversation."

She shuddered but gave her thanks anyway before turning back to her waiting room seat. She knew she had hours to kill before Jake would be up and she could see him so Penny took out her phone and scrolled to Pete’s name. She knew she needed to call the man, knew that the minute he heard something was wrong with one of his pilots he would want to be informed and be there. She wondered for a moment if perhaps she was overstepping until she remember Jake’s sad words in the car. This was a man who thought he was alone in the world and even worse, he thought he deserved to be alone in the world. He thought of himself as a killer for doing his job and pathetic for not being to handle his emotions and his PTSD properly. His hyperthermia would be treated but Penny knew that Jake Seresin had a much longer road to recovery once he was discharged from the hospital. Penny knew that she, Maverick, Rooster and the rest of the Daggers would be there for him every step of the way. They were a family now and that’s what family does.

Her mind made up, Penny hit the call button and brought the phone up to her ear, ready to call on the reinforcements.

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aphrodisiac-siren · 1 year

Text

Dynasty of Flames

Aemond Targaryen x Targaryen-Royce Reader

Summary: Being born into the most respected and equally feared houses in the realm made people look up to you as if you were a god and the devil himself, in equal measure. People say that when a Targaryen is born, the gods flip a coin; and when news of the birth of Daemon's firstborn- a girl, spread, people could only wait in anticipation to see which side of the coin faced up during her birth.

Y/N slowly starting to turn into Daemon 2.0

Warnings: Incest (duh)

Part 1, part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7,

Part 8

The large dining hall was well lit up and well decorated in the colours of gold and maroon. When Y/N arrived with the rest of her family, the greens were already present by the table yet none of them had taken their seats.

Y/N picked a spot next to Jace and right when Aemond spotted her walking toward the chair she intended to be seated in, he too walked in the same direction, pulling it out for her. Y/N smiled up at him and Aemond gave her a curt nod.

Aegon remained standing even when Helaena took her place; he left an empty spot next to Y/N for Aemond but the prince did not put two and two together and instead went and sat himself at the head of the table.

Aegon inwardly groaned as he face-palmed himself. "You are an absolute twat" Aegon leaned closer to Aemond as he muttered "I gave you a- you smell different" Aegon noticed the fragrance of the oils. Aemond was silent and Aegon just sighed before going to sit beside Y/N.

As the dinner progressed, and after toasts had been made; The king's to Jace and Luke's engagement, Helaena's to Baela and Rhaena's near marriage. Even Rhaenyra and Alicent had made toasts to one another, both of them laughing as they spoke amidst themselves later on. Y/N too, seemed to be in a lovely mood, joking around with her sisters and laughing at something Jace was ranting about.

Aemond's gaze was fixated on Y/N the entire time. He smiled ever so slightly when he saw her laugh yet again and remembered how it was he who used to be able to make her laugh like that. He almost scoffed when he saw Jace nudge her shoulder, Y/N still giggling along with him.

Aegon noticed his brother's annoyance with Jace and immediately decided to take matters into his hands and ruin Jace's evening. He stood up from his place to pour himself some wine from a jug that was near Baela.

"I regret the disappointment you are soon to suffer" he whispered into her ear, referring to Jace's lack of experience in bed "If you do ever wish to be satisfied, all you need to do is ask"

Jace slammed the table in rage just as Baela was about to hurl some rather indecent profanities at Aegon. Aemond immediately stood up from his chair, as if he were warning Jace that if he tried anything with Aegon, he would have to deal with him as well. Y/N turned toward her half-brother, curious as to what had upset him but Jace simply smiled and grabbed ahold of his chalice.

"I wish to raise my cup to prince Aegon and prince Aemond" Jace spoke through gritted teeth, still flashing a fake smile to mask his annoyance "I won't deny we've never gotten along well as children but I do have rather fond memories of our shared youth"

"Memories of you tormenting me?" Aemond sneered with a malicious grin "memories of Luke taking my ey-"

"I do hope that as men" Jace interrupted, not wanting for this peaceful dinner to go south "we might be friends or close allies. Let us put our past behind us and start afresh"

Y/N took a sip of her wine, eyeing Aemond from behind the rim of her glass and he too met her gaze.

For her sake, he mentally told himself as he sat down again, for her sake I will practice restraint.

"Let us have some music" the king clapped, thinking that at last, his lovely little family had come together as one.

Jace excused himself from Baela before he rose and walked toward Helaena, asking her for a dance. The older princess was rather happy to oblige and slid her hand into his. Luke asked Rhaena for a dance and Baela dragged her father along with her. Y/N knew Aemond did not like to dance so didn’t bother pestering him. She instead went and seized the queen Alicent and her step-mother Rhaenyra by the arms and pulled them along with her.

"Boys?" Alicent called out "won't you come dance?"

Aemond politely declined so Aegon stood up, just so that one of them wouldn’t be without a partner since it was an odd number of people.

Alicent and Rhaenyra danced together, remembering how they used to giggle and dance when they were girls when Rhaenyra had to take dance lessons.

Aegon paired with Y/N.

"Aemond is a decent dancer" he told the princess as he twirled her around in a half circle before linking arms at the elbows "I do not understand why he doesn’t dance. He seemed to be rather good at it when he practiced with Alys"

"Alys" Y/N repeated, her voice sharp"who is she? I do not think I have ever heard of her"

"Oh" Aegon raised his brow at the sudden shift in the girl's tone "Do i detect a hint of jealousy?"

"Please" Y/N rolled her eyes with a playful chuckle "I do not care who Aemond converses with, I am not his lady to be bothered by it. And even if I were, I wouldn’t have to worry, I know no one posses as a threat. I have no competition; simply fools who believe they are on the same pedestal as I am"

"Daemon's daughter indeed. Alys is just some bastard girl who lives in the keep, studying to be a wet nurse" Aegon grinned as he held her at the waist to turn around. He had to step closer to her for this and thus got a whiff of her bath oils, a scent very similar to the one Aemond had on. Aegon knew his brother and how he did not like experimenting with different fragrances; it did not take a genius to decipher what had happened.

"Did you and Aemond perhaps bathe together?" he asked in a hushed tone though his cheeky expression was constant "Do not try and deny it Y/N, the fragrant oils you both used speaks louder than those words of denial. Any other fluids that were exchanged besides those oils?"

"Aegon!" Y/N laughed at his statement, stumbling over her own footing for a few moments before she regained her balance.

The dance went on, everyone twirling in a circle joyously. Aemond was rather tempted to join but did not move and stayed at the table with his father and grandfather. While the others were busy swaying to the music, the king seemed to grow weary and Aemond called for the guards to take his father back to his chambers.

Once the rest of the family grew tired from their dancing, they each returned back to their seats.

"Y/N dear" Alicent spoke gently "Rhaenyra just mentioned that there is to be a tourney held to help find yourself a match"

"Ah, yes" the younger girl chuckled "I am not too thrilled with the idea but father seemed to be rather confident that I will find a suitable man to court and then perhaps be betrothed too"

"Oh how marvellous" Aegon clapped, gaining everyone's attention "Aemond absolutely loves tourneys!"

Aemond shot Aegon a murderous look the same time Jace and Luke looked at him quizzically.

"Didn’t you mention that you do not care for them?" Luke asked, phrasing it differently to avoid using the profanities that Aemond used.

"Aemond says things he does not mean all the time" Aegon spoke before Aemond could even respond "like how he said he wasn’t looking to marry"

"I never said that" Aemond snapped, his face contoured with annoyance, something Y/N found almost comical. For a moment it felt as though she caught a glimpse of the little boy she used to play with within the walls of this very castle.

"Lovely" Aegon raised his cup "let’s save you the hassle of organising a tourney and instead have you both court-"

"I appreciate your kind offer" Daemon interrupted "but you mustn’t bother, the preparations for the tourney are already well in order"

"Well I-"

"Furthermore my daughter wishes to find a suitor of her own choosing" Daemon continued "We won’t meddle in matters such as this, after all this is the man she is to spend the remainder of her life with and alongside who she will rule someday"

"Rule?" Jace asked and Y/N immediately winced.

Rhaenyra exchanged nervous glances between Jace, Daemon and Y/N, making it clear that she had not yet told Jace of who she had chosen as her successor.

"Y/N? What does he mean?" Jace's gaze shifted from his mother and toward his half-sister. Everyone at the table grew silent and Aegon seemed to be enjoying this; for once he was not responsible for any chaos.

"Perhaps we can discuss it later" Y/N nervously looked around "now is not the time"

"Right" Jace scoffed. He had a vague idea of what the conversation would be, whenever it happened. He was no longer going to be Rhaenyra's heir, something he was so hopeful for had been taken and given away to someone else, someone who seemed to care about some one-eyed prince far more than her own family.

Everyone at the table were only breaking away from that awkward silence when Luke decided to cause another uproar of mayhem.

As the servants brought along the food, they happed to place the roast pig right in front of Aemond.

Luke noticed this and immediately broke into a fit of giggles, leaning in to tell Rhaena about the story of the 'pink dread'

Aemond turned only for a moment, away from Y/N, and toward the rest of the table to see Luke shift glances between the pig and him, smirking shamelessly.

The nerve the boy had to laugh about years worth of bullying they'd put Aemond through for something that wasn’t in his control.

Aemond had run out of his patience and slammed his fist hard on the table, making everyone jolt.

Even the musicians ceased their playing.

"Final tribute" he picked up his goblet, slowly standing up "to the health of my nephews: Jace, Luke and Joffrey; each of them handsome, wise"

Aegon immediately raised his cup, knowing well that his brother was about to turn this peaceful dinner into a chaotic ale house.

Meanwhile Y/N was hopeful that he was perhaps actually trying to be nice toward them, that was until he uttered something that left even his mother on edge.

"Strong"

"Aemond" Queen Alicent tried to interrupt.

Y/N tugged at Aegon's coat when she heard him chuckle. She did not want the evening to be ruined.

"Come," Aemond went on despite his mother making her displeasure obvious and urging that he shouldn't push it "let us drain our cups to these three strong boys-"

"I dare you to say that again" Jace snapped at him, glaring menacingly at the older prince.

Darling Helaena did not seem to catch on to the insult at first as she smiled, bringing her hands together to clap before Jace's interruption had her pause and think on it for a minute.

Jace was trying to control his temper but it was a challenge every time he looked at Aemond and his shit-eating grin.

"Why? 'Twas only a compliment" Aemond shrugged, taking it a little too far now "do you not think yourself strong?"

Jace finally let his anger get the best of him and he stomped toward Aemond and punched him along the jaw in a fit of rage.

"Jace!" Y/N was up in an instant, obviously not expecting her half-brother to resort to any physical violence.

Aemond barely flinched, in fact he seemed quiet amused at the horrible punch Jace threw at him. It was so weak that even the wine in his chalice never spilled upon the impact.

He simply pushed the boy, not wanting to mirror his violent approach and engage in a fist fight that he knew he'd win.

That simple push against the chest was a display enough of his brute strength since it sent Jace straight to the floor.

Luke stood up to aid his brother but Aegon was already up and by his side, slamming Luke's head against the table.

"That is enough!" Alicent yelled at Aegon and she stood up from her chair, Rhaenyra doing the same.

Baela was up in an instant and Rhaena was quick to restrain her twin; she was well aware that Baela when angry would throw all rationality out the window. She'd even throw a chair if she felt like it.

"Why did you say that?" Y/N placed her hand on Aemond's bicep.

"I was only expressing how proud I am of my family ñuha dārilaros" Aemond innocently stated as he pretended he was unaware of what she was referring to whilst quickly pulling his hand out of her grasp "though it seems my nephews aren't quite as proud of theirs"

He turned around to menacingly stare at them as the king's guard restrained them. He found it amusing how the little runts were still struggling to break away from the guards to throw another punch at Aemond.

"And you" Y/N turned to Jace "what on earth possessed you to hit him? Could you not have communicated your displeasure in a civil manner?"

"He calls us bastards and you still find fault with me?" Jace snapped his tone dripping with venom, something that Y/N had never seen before "apologies your grace, I do hope you won’t take my head like how you took my throne"

"Your throne?" Y/N raised her brow. It was no secret that the princess did not appreciate anyone talking to her with their voice raised and their tone laced with mockery "I never took anything. I was granted my own birthri-"

"Wait, Wait!" Daemon interrupted the mess, stepping in between his daughter and Jace. He did not want a fght breaking out between the both of them now.

"Go to your quarters" Rhaenyra sounded exhausted "All of you go, now"

Each one left in silence. Jace, Luke, Baela and Rhaena first followed by Aemond, Y/N and Aegon.

"I think its best if we return back to Dragonstone" Rhaenyra told Alicent.

"But you've only just arrived" the queen took her hand in her own. After so many years, they were only just starting to get along and she missed all of it so much that she didn’t wish for it to end.

"Perhaps you could visit us during the tourney held for Y/N" Rhaenyra offered a smile "even if Aemond doesn’t wish to compete. You could come with us and spectate, just like we used to"

Alicent smiled fondly at the memory and gave Rhaenyra's hand a gentle squeeze.

"I would like that very much"

In the days following up to the tourney, Y/N had grown apart from the boys. Baela and Rhaena were put in a difficult situation because of it; on one side stood their betrotheds and on the other was their dear sister who they were happy for upon the news of her being named as Rhaenyra's heir.

The atmosphere was tense and Y/N avoided conversation with them as much as possible to avoid any disruption at Dragonstone. She did not wish to repeat the same thing that happened at King's landing.

On the day of the tourney, Y/N wore a lovely gown- rusty pink in colour. Her hair was braided into an elegant half up-half down style, her silver locks of hair standing out amidst the brunette curls.

Queen Alicent was present, as promised but neither of her children accompanied her, including Aemond.

Y/N didn’t care for any of this, she seemed rather bored than interested when all of the contenders for her hand marched out onto the field.

"Aren’t you even the least bit excited to find someone you-"

"No" she interrupted Rhaenyra, politely "I feel like a piece of meat hoisted up for these men to fight over like hungry dogs"

Rhaenyra rolled her eyes and Alicent laughed, reminded of how Rhaenyra too was like that once. Never keen on getting married.

Y/N fidgeted with the fabric of her dress, not bothering to so much as glance at the men who were announcing themselves.

"Lo kostā sepār dīnagon va iā urnēptre naejot sagon ezīmagon ziry" Daemon leaned in to whisper to his daughter "kesan sagon olvie kirimvogon lēda hen ao"

"If you can just pretend to be interested, I will be rather appreciative of you"

Y/N only rolled her eyes. She knew that her father would call off the entire thing if she asked for it, she was rather spoiled in that sense. But the only reason he went ahead with it was to simply spite Aemond, someone he did not seem to like as much.

"Kessa kepa"

"Yes father"

A loud rumbling sound startled the princess and when she turned, she saw that everyone else too were caught off guard. A few seconds passed when that sound thundered down again and the a shadow befell the ground.

Y/N, for the first time that entire day, smiled. By the looks of it, a rainstorm was about to commence and thus, put this absurd competition for her hand at a halt.

A loud thud sounded and she could swear she momentarily felt the ground shake beneath her feet.

Gasps arose from the crowd gathered at the stands and Daemon was the first one who stood up to peer over the balcony and immediately his face hardened. Curious as to what put her father in such a bad temperament, Y/N too followed after him and leaned over the barrister.

Her heart skipped a beat and she could physically feel a cool fluttering sensation in her chest when her eyes landed on the majestic winged beast, snarling at nothing.

The rider of the dragon swiftly unchained himself from the saddle and climbed down promptly before he walked toward the stands, taking confident strides.

It was not his silver hair, or his midnight-black armour but the striking blue of the sapphire that caught her attention. It was not cloaked or covered beneath a leather patch like how it normally was. No, it was on display for the world to see and admire or to be frightened of; the beholder did not care.

Y/N grinned as Aemond approached, ignoring the sneers Jace and Luke were throwing at him over her shoulder.

Quiet the entrance, she thought.

“Dārilaros” he looked up at her with the faintest smile “Lo kesā rual nyke, nyke kessa hae naejot urnēptre nyke mērī gūrogon hen aōha ondos”

“Princess, If you will allow me, I shall like to prove that I alone am worthy of your hand”

Y/N smiled as she leaned forward to speak to him. “nyke gaomagon naejot pendagon ao gōntan daor hae tourneys”

“I thought you did not like tourneys”

“Gaoman daor hae tourneys” Aemond tilted his head slightly “yn se dārilaros y/n? konir sagon tolmiot hen ziry”

“I do not like tourneys. But the princess Y/N? That is entirely different”

Aemond then took a step forward.

“Might I ask for your favour?”

Y/N couldn’t keep the smile off her face. She didn’t know why but she found this entire situation rather sweet. Him showing up despite not liking tourneys, travelling here all the way for her, it just felt sweet. The princess climbed down the stairs, reaching up to her hair and undoing one of the ribbons. Her hair came cascading down, some of the braids getting halfway undone.

“Your sword, my prince” she spoke tenderly, remembering to address him using her formalities since they were in the presence of other nobles. Aemond obliged and unsheathed his sword. Y/N then carefully wrapped the satin ribbon around the hilt, from the pommel all the way to the cross guard, tying a reef knot to secure it before making a little bow; just to add some playfulness to Aemond’s intimidating attire.

That was the first time she had seen him clad in armour and by the gods he looked dashing.

“These lords can try as hard as they want” Aemond lowered his voice until it was nothing more than a whisper “but I am the one who is going to win your hand”

“You seem rather certain” Y/N hummed even though she knew out of everyone here if she had to pick, she would choose her childhood friend,

Aemond grinned. Of course he was certain; no one else here was deserving of her like how he was. She was a dragon, the same as him. She was made by the gods just for him, the same way the gods had crafted him for her. Why else would they get along so well ever since they were babes? It was only fate that the both of them would become one with marriage.

“You and I, we were created for each other by the gods” he told her “and I will prove it to you today. I will prove to all present that you and I are destined to become one and add to the glory of our house”

#aemond targaryen #ewan mitchell #ewan nation #hotd #house of the dragon #tom bennett #world on fire #aemond #aemond smut #aemond x you #aemond headcanons #aemond x fem!reader #aemond x y/n #daemon targaryen #daemon smut #aegon targaryen #aegon smut

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beary-rambles · 1 year

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Hi! Can I request an Osferth smut where she sees the two ladies fighting over him and gets jealous and runs away and Osferth has to run after her to fix it?

a/n: i love love love this idea so much!! I hope you like it!! Not my best work, Sorry for the delay!

Warnings: Not proofread, mutual pining, public sex ? I mean they are in the woods but no ones around, nsfw.

You’ve been traveling with uhtred and his gang for a couple of years now being one of his closest allies along with finan, sihtric and osferth. Right now you were out exploring the woods alone looking for herbs. Osferth had gotten a nasty cut on his leg and you wanted to do nothing more but to help him. It was a secret to no one you were in love with osferth, well maybe other than him.

“Just tell him how you feel.” You remember sihtric asking you in an alehouse, finan and osferth went off to go find some woman while you were sitting in an alehouse moping with sithric. “I cant.” He groans and chugs his drink. “You can, you just won't.” Finally you had found what you wanted and collected a good amount of it before walking back towards the town. As you enter you hear a large amount of commotion and rush over.

It's two girls who are fighting. They look oddly familiar. They seem to be yelling out something you can't really hear. You watch in amazement as Finan and Uhtred break up the fight. “What's happening here?” You notice osferth standing awkwardly off to the side. They begin to both yell at finan saying something about osferth. Oh. You remember now, in the alehouse on two different occasions you remember one of the girls giggling and smiling at osferth who would walk over to them and you didn't see them again for a while. They were both clearly taken with him and were fighting over him. Your eyes water as you look at the two girls, you look like neither of them, he would never be attracted to you.

Osferth notices you and his eyes widen. You're suddenly humiliated and the basket you were carrying drops out of your hands as you book it. You can hear him calling after you but you dont care as you continue to run. You continue to run through the woods until you end up at the river and sit at the seat to catch your breath, praying he never finds you.

“y/n.” but of course he does. He’s standing behind you, out of breath. You turn back to him and cross your legs. He says your name again softer but with no response he sighs. You hope he leaves but instead he moves to take a seat next to you. “I'm sorry-” “For what?” you look at him, the tears already pooling back in your eyes. “I… I don't know…” You huff and turn away from him, burying your face in your lap. “I'm sorry for upsetting you.” “Do you think I'm pretty?” You don't look at him as you speak. You hear him take a light gasp as he considers his next words. “I think you're the most beautiful woman in the whole world.” Despite his beautiful words and how they make your chest hurt you whip your head up at him angrily. “Then why is it never me?” you hiss. He looks confused but you don't give him time to ask. “Why is it never I who gets invited back with you? Why do you never give me that kind of attention if you think I'm so pretty? Will you never love me the way I love you?” The tears are not running quickly down your face as you vigorously rub your hands along your cheeks to clear them.

After a beat the hands that are on your face are pulled away and he grabs your cheeks to stare at you directly in the eyes. “I love you.” Your eyes widen, “No-” “i love you more than words can describe i love you more than flowers love the rain and nightingales love to sing. I need you the way the moon needs the sun, you are my soul, my life. You are my everything. I'm sorry ive made you feel this way, I never wanted this to happen. I didn't want to have you like any of those other girls because they do not matter to me like you matter to me.”

His eyes are also teary as he speaks, “I love you. I wish for you to be by my side, be my lady until the day I die.” You're breathless, you can barely believe your ears, you believe it to be a dream but the pounding of your heart in your ears reminds you it's real.

You lean towards him and he leans towards you, “I love you.” “I love you more.” You kiss.

It starts off soft before turning passionate and quick as you slowly lean back and fall to the grassy floor under you, you admire osferth as he holds himself up above you. “Here?” Here.” “Are you sure you want to-” “yes.” “Maybe we should wait-” “I have done enough waiting, I want you now.”

He kisses you again as he finally gives in to your advances, he rearranges his clothes and pulls his cock free and lifts up your dress so he has access to you. You moan loudly as he pushes himself in as he curses.

He gives you a second before he begins to move, all you can do is moan as he whispers sweet nothings in your ear. You feel yourself close, an you tighten around him causing him to moan, “Fuck are you close?” You nod feverishly, “please, fuck, please wait for me lets cum together.” You whine but listen and try you best not to. He gets close relatively quickly especially when all he can hear are your moans and whines begging him to come.

“Cum please.” He begs you. So you do and so does he. You're both left panting as he falls on top of you, not pulling out, causing you to giggle.

“I love you so much.” You say as you run a hand through his hair. “I love you more.”

#osferth #osferth imagine #osferth x reader #i love osferth so much #the last kingdom #tlk #osferth x you #osferth x y/n #osferth the last kingdom #osferth oneshot

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heckinhacker · 1 year

Note

hi so i was wondering if u could do one like “Eric Cartman x Reader - South Park's days are OVER.” but with kyle, like they are the same and everything, idk if u have already done it

Kyle Broflovski x Reader - South Park might be saved, after all??

Which means we get the version where Kyle meets someone similiar to himself! It's like a 'sequel', (but not really, more like an alternative version with same trope) to “Eric Cartman x Reader - South Park's days are OVER.”

Remember that when I write for South Park, they're teenagers at less(16 y/o minimum), adults at most! it's silly i write it every south park post but better safe than sorry~

I gave Kyle green color for easier reading experience in dialogues!

note: color code might be broken because lately tumblr on pc is being silly goofy

Kyle had a great grasp of how fucked up situations in south park are having occurances

Aaand he's pretty aware there will be noone else who understands him.

Or so he thought.

There is a new student announced to be in his class while you all were in 4th grade or so?

And you seemed not too quiet, nor too shy, but surely smart enough not to push yourself into any weird situations.

Teacher sat you both together and Kyle tries to talk you up-

"Hey! I'm Kyle, it's refreshing to have a new face around. Want to play with us on long break?"

It's nice to have a new group to play with, so you agree.

Ah, kids and their not complicated feelings, right? <3

You tag along, and you grew really quickly to dislike Cartman-

It's not hard to hate him he's UNBEARABLE,

Kyle wants to let out his signature "Shut up, fatass!"

but you beat him to it-

"Shut up, fatso, mama did not taught you to behave, or was she absent in your life like yo papa?"

You had NO idea he's fatherless and it made other guys go "OOOHHHH--"

you made yourself an enemy in Cartman,

but an ally in Kyle.

You seemed to have similiar nerdy interests,

From playing Stick of Truth and heroes,

to DnD (that he played online, because not with his group-- but he invited you into his new online session!!)

Beside Terrance and Philip, Kyle also liked that vampire/werewolf series called "Under Devil's grasp" that seemed mostly for girls or boring, yet he liked it in secret and once he caught you watching first episodes, just...because,

and then joined you, for his own re-watch and your first watch, he liked seeing how you reacted

"HOW COULD YOU?" you asked out of sudden once, in a call,

"How could I what?" Kyle asks, having you on speaker while he does his homework.

" YOU KNEW ALL THE TIME THAT BARRY WILL BE KILLED AND YOU DID NOTHING TO WARN ME, I GREW TO LOVE HIM AND NOW HE'S GONE."

"Well, you said no spoilers?"

"KYLE."

He giggles, "Plus he had death flags since always so-"

He's playing, it turns out Barry barely lived and hid for like season and a half to return in dramatical moment that he watched with you and you SCREAMED.

And he has a blast with your reactions <3

And so on, you bond over similiarities,

Over years you put many blood, sweat and tears into your friendship, and you're glued by hip. Kyle won't ever pick between you and Stan who is his closer friend, it would be even cruel to ask.

You two got along decently, good, not badly, but it always seemed you're more closer with Kyle than Stan.

You grew beside each other and your families became one, big family because of how close you've gotten between each other and made them grow closer. (Or not if your relation with them is bad)

No matter your family (or your own) relligion, you spend Hanukkah with Kyle and it's almost a norm of you being around.

Listen, Ike? Absolutely adores you. Kyle sometimes has a laugh your'e more of an older sibling than he is.

(Absolute bull, we all know Ike loves Kyle the most <3)

Kyle's family wanted to make little ride to nearest amusement park

Of course they suggested you go too! You're a part of the family already <3

You have the fun of your lives, all of you. Kyle's parents mostly chill around but you, Kyle and Ike are using all the activities possible while you can, stuffing yourselves with snacks and sweets.

Bad idea, if you'd ask me

You went to roller coaster and none of you paid no mind in that choice,

but Kyle's stomach DID pay a mind

Especially in a middle where he felt like throwing out

And hell, he did! But he took out his hat and puked int oit so noone got blessed with mix of dinner and snacks.

He was almost carried out of the roller coaster by you--

You decided to go to ferris wheel and call it after a day.

They were two-people cabin on the wheel, so Ike let you two have one while he went with some other random kid.

Ike is your biggest wingman, he did that on purpose of course. Little guy <3

When you're up high, alone, with Kyle, having option to look at all the view, you can't help but to look at little buildings under you, and then to take a peak at Kyle.

Oh boy, were you surprised when you met his gaze-

He blushed furiously and muttered "Sorry- Uh- did not mean to stare."

Of course - you did not mind, but that was SURPRISING.

You did not bother him about it though. Whatever he had in mind - nothing, or something, he will come around.

But you might've realised that you DO have feelings towards your childhood best friend. For sure.

You remember how I mentioned your shared liked series with Kyle, "Under Devil's grasp" ? Soo...

Imagine it was near end, and studio decided to make finale into movie, two and half hour long one.

It's a series you two follow since you were kids, OF COURSE you have to be there in the cinema.

You ride with Kyle to big city, with his freshly acquired driver license and shitty car of his.

You enjoy your WHOLE drive there, time spent in bigger city, it all was just amazing.

Series, even though it was mostly about vampires and werewolves, was called "Under Devil's grasp" and it's very questionable, for years there were just theories, yet the movie after all those years of content literally ended with said title as last words.

Y'all were crying already enough but it was such a HIT in the face

When you walked out of cinema you whipped your tears out of your eyes, so did Kyle, as you giggled and gushed about the ending of your beloved series.

Ride home was mixed, going from peaceful to chaotic, just atosphere was...magical. Lights of highway, music blasting loudly and Kyle jamming to it, while you take a glance with full adoration at him.

You sing a little, then you rest and sooner than later end up in South Park.

Kyle drives to your house first to drop you off, walks out of car to walk you to your door, and gazes at you.

"Thank you...for today. I had fun! I hope you did too."

"I did, you kidding me? Thanks for even offering. I...really appreciate it."

Kyle seems to hesitate, and then sighs deeply.

"...I love you."

" Yeah, good night to you too man- oh wait what the fuck-??"

"I...wanted to say so, and today's spent time with you made me realise I'd hate you to spend the day out of South Park with someone else. I'd hate for you to have late-night drives with somebody else, I'd hate to see you happy with somebody else because...well, I wish you stayed with me. Of course I mean- have fun with others, I just...I wish you'd keep your heart on my hands. It's fine if you'd prefer to stay friends, I hope it doesn't break our friendship. But I uh...I wanted to let you know."

...that was...a lot. Wow."

He thinks it's a rejection, but...

It's not, really

You grab his cheeks and kiss him before he can get into tangent of self-doubt.

Then smile at him,

and say:

"Information saved. Let's grab something to eat tommorow together too, alright, boyfriend?"

You smile and wave him away goodnight and closed your door.

...

"...boyfriend?"

He's so giddy pls <3

Other's reactions:

Ike:

FUCKING FINALLY 2: ELECTRIC BOOGALO.

My little dude was waiting for the moment you hold hands and kiss each other already for TOO LONG

I mean, don't kiss too much in front of him he'd gag, it's still his older brother we're talking about

but at least Kyle pinning over you days are OVER.

He congratulates you and gives you gift cards of "congratulations on marriage!" drew with crayons and pencils

My man Ike is an anime fan, he made you badass gift card <3

Stan:

Not surprised but surprised at the same time.

He's second biggest fan, first being Ike

He learned the news from Kyle himself the same night you became a thing, later Ike hit him up because he was excited BSHSH

He hears Kyle out and congratulates him A LOT

Kenny:

He kind off knew? everyone kind off knew but he was sure you were already dating so...

news were shocking because

"Weren't you dating already? damn-"

he was sure you're married and expecting a kid/j

he doesn't have strong reaction because, as I said, it's not much of a news for him not going to lie

Cartman:

He always tried taking away whatever Kyle loved the most

So he's salty he failed this time

He always makes you both miserable, with slightest show of affection he is making big clown show out of it

Enough that just guys ask you to STOP with PDA because Cartman is being fucking annoying

He's just that salty single friend man for sure <3

Lemme be honest, it's not one of my best works, but I have (I am in a middle of...) 9 days streak of work straight, I am exhausted beyond human belief, but maybe because my ability to hold my ground is shitty, thanks depreshon--

So yes, It's not my best piece, but it was pretty much expected, so :>

I wanted to tag @bath1lda because of "kyle kyle" spam ask hehe- I hope you, and everyone else who read it, a nice "have a good read" :>

#hacker writes #headcanons #south park #south park x reader #kyle #kyle brovlofski #kyle broflovski x reader #south park kyle x reader #sp kyle #sp kyle x reader

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bedlamsbard · 10 months

Note

Hi there!

I just finished reading Queen’s Gambit, for the first time, and first off, I wanna extend my personal compliments. It’s probably some of the best Star Wars anything I’ve ever read, let alone one of the best fics I’ve ever read. Excellent job.

My actual question is this: was the plotline with “our” Anakin/Obi-Wan/Padmé (aka the versions from the Wake the Storm-verse) ever officially continued anywhere? I found the posts outlining what the sequels to Queen’s Gambit would have been, but I can’t seem to find anything for the other versions if the characters. I’m not necessarily asking for fic or demanding anything, I’m just genuinely curious if there’s anything out there about potential plans.

Thank you so much and I hope you have a lovely day/evening/whatever time of day!

Thank you for reading, I'm glad to hear you enjoyed the story!

To the best of my memory, I don't have any posts up about what would have happened in All Along the Watchtower, the third Ouroboros story -- there's some concept writing posted well far back in my cut scenes and concept writing tag that dates from when Gambit was in progress, I believe. At a later point in time I planned to use the Watchtower 'verse, the 'verse that the Wake trio ends up in at the end of Gambit, as the same universe that Ezra ends up in during The Starry Crown, though I left the fandom and stopped working on that story before that was revealed; there's some concept writing that shows a later incarnation of that universe from Ezra's POV.

The three alternate universes in the Ouroboros trilogy -- the OT canon universe (as of 2013) in Wake, the Gambitverse in Gambit, and the Watchtower 'verse in Watchtower -- were designed to be mirrorverses for each of the three trio members, so the outcome of each character's worst case scenario. Canon for Anakin (he was responsible for the death and destruction of everything he loved), Gambitverse for Padme (she was the tyrant responsible for corrupting a Jedi and launching the galaxy into civil war), and Watchtower for Obi-Wan (he lost control, fell to the Dark Side, and was unable to help when the Jedi were slaughtered because of circumstances outside his control). I don't remember exactly the precipitating factors now, but Obi-Wan had ended up on Dooku's side here (I think he was captured by Maul? and tortured and later rescued by Dooku? it's been a long time now), and Dooku was able to manipulate him into turning on Palpatine, killing him early and allowing Dooku to become emperor. There was an Order 66, but it wasn't as successful as the canon one; a large portion of the Jedi Order was able to escape and regroup under the grandmastership of Mace Windu. (Yoda having been killed.) Anakin was one of them. Padme and a number of other Jedi allies remained in the now-Imperial Senate; Padme specifically was spying for the Jedi. She had had Luke and Leia, but gave them both up (Luke to Anakin and the Jedi, Leia to the Organas) so that they wouldn't be vulnerable to Dooku. Dooku started -- I can't remember what I was going to call it, an Order of Sith Knights, maybe, sort of like the One Sith from the comics, which Obi-Wan headed up. He and Padme were having a sexual relationship, which Anakin was aware of; uncertain if he and Anakin were also involved but they might have been. The galaxy had fragmented pretty significantly; Maul was still running around, Dooku didn't have as good a grip on recalcitrant systems as Palpatine had, so there were various independence movements.

The Wake trio had all gotten dropped into different locations in the galaxy about, uh, ten years or so onwards from the divergence point? Padme we see at the end of Gambit; Anakin ended up on Coruscant and goes to contact that universe's Padme, who is understandably a little freaked out but does help him. I can't remember where exactly Obi-Wan was, but ultimately he ends up on Tatooine with that universe's Ahsoka, who is at this point a Jedi Knight representing the Order during an auction facilitated by the Hutts for major weaponry, at which a bunch of other political groups in the galaxy are also present, so we meet various Mandalorian groups (Sabine is a junior Protector), rebels/terrorists (Hera is there representing Free Ryloth), and Maul's apprentice (Kanan/Caleb, who had gotten kidnapped from the Order years earlier and has been believed dead for years). This is also where the Ezra of The Starry Crown ends up (as seen in the concept writing linked up above); when I was writing Crown I was still leaving it up in the air if I would use that to crabwalk sideways into actually using the Wake trio there too.

As early as 2016 or 2017 (Gambit wrapped in 2015, I immediately started working on Backbone that summer with the intention to go back to Ouroboros after I finished, I thought it would be a quick project ha ha ha Backbone didn't wrap until 2018), I had been planning to integrate Rebels plot points into Watchtower; I don't remember all the details now, but it involved a plan to use the Malachor temple/superweapon (which I have postulated elsewhere was actually a massive starship) and a counterpart on Coruscant to do Bad Things. The Malachor end got shut down by Hera, Kanan, Crown!Ezra, and that universe's Ezra (masterless Jedi padawan nicknamed Rat, the Jedi had to change up some of their Process because so many of them had died in Order 66); this is also where the Malachor holocron is destroyed and absorbed by Crown!Ezra, which is seen in Crown. That universe's Anakin went to deal with the Coruscant end, fought and killed that universe's Obi-Wan, and was fatally injured destroying the Coruscant superweapon, dying there.

This obviously doesn't leave a lot of room for the Wake trio to do anything but observe, which isn't that different from what they do in Gambit (and which gets a lot of criticism). But that is, as I remember it, the plot. Because it never got written and finalized, it's changed a lot over the years, but many of the fundamental details of the universe remained the same; like I said, I at one point planned to use it for Crown after I'd decided not to write Watchtower itself, but it was always the same plot, just with a larger cast of characters.

I say this pretty regularly because Wake/Gambit are always picking up new readers, but there aren't any current plans to pick up Ouroboros again -- I have gotten a regular amount of vitriolic comments on both fics for the better part of a decade now and it's completely killed any desire of mine to work on them. Also left some permanent scars and fundamentally changed the way I write, plot, and interact with fandom, which I complain about regularly in my talking about feedback in public tag. (Wake went up in 2013, so we really are coming up on the ten year anniversary. Watchtower got hate mail EVEN BEFORE it ever went up.)

#sailor marinara22 #bedlam replies #ouroboros #all along the watchtower

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the-sweet-madame · 2 years

Text

ꜰʀɪᴠᴏʟᴏᴜꜱ ʙᴀɴᴛᴇʀ (𝘚𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘢𝘮𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘹 𝘙𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘦𝘳)

So, this has been in my drafts for like a year. It's kind of a mix of my old-ish writing and my new writing so it's not very good but my friend said to post it so here I am. Please go easy on this one, I'm aware that it's not very well written.

Female reader! Happy reading :)

Warning: Murder, swearing and a very OOC Scaramouche ahahaha kill me.

Summary: The Balladeer is assigned another mission to retrieve information. Although, he is partnered with a very flirtatious woman.. :).

"You requested of my presence, your majesty?" Footsteps with occasional jingling entered the room, a male with purple hair and matching violet eyes came into sight before the throne.

His orbs were like violet grass, its colour gentle like a breeze on a dandelion. How could a person with such calming eyes have such ruthless hidden rage within them? Brutality only reflected off them, his strides until he reached the throne were with confidence. The golden patterns of his attire shined as if it had taken some of his confidence.

The Tsaritsa sat on the throne, her eyes were cold and sharpened like the tip of an iceberg. It was hard to believe such a cruel soul like hers was the archon of love as her heart was empty.

"Yes, you have a new mission to acquire information that is vital for future plans." She made a hand motion for someone to come forward, "Though, for this mission, you must go with one of my trusted allies. She has created fake identities for the both of you to get into the ball. Her name is [Y/N]."

A [H/C] haired female walked in the room, wearing a foreign type of attire, but she seemed laidback. She wore a black crop top, lace adorning the collar and the veil that fell down her shoulder, the lines of gold stitched multiple unique patterns that matched with her skirt. Her skirt having the same golden designs as her crop top, a slit on the side of her skirt showed off her lace-on boots as it just barely brushed against the cold floor.

Her lips tugged upwards into a smirk when she made eye-contact with him, giving him a small wave. Her [E/C] eyes flickered with amusement when she saw him narrow his eyes.

"So, I have to be working with this pretty boy?" She laughed, placing one hand on her hip, "Consider this mission done, Your Majesty or whatever they call you."

Her [E/c] seemed to have represent the definition of chaos, her tinkling laughter filled with what the normal person would identify as insanity. An inaudible sigh left the Cryo Archon, wondering if she did the right thing by letting [Y/N] accompany the easily angered Fatui Harbinger.

"You two may be dismissed." The Tsaritsa flicked her wrist, a gesture for them to leave immediately. Her eyes were trained on them, her voice monotonous and heartless. "Do not fail me."

"Ah, but of course." [Y/N] smiled at the Tsaritsa but something about it was off, a certain glint in her eyes made the Fatui Harbinger go dead silent. "You know I cannot afford to fail."

"Anyways, Balladeer, run along. We cannot let this mission wait." She began to walk back out the door, lifting her hand to crook two fingers at him to follow her without looking back. The heels of her boots clicked with each step, her veil by her shoulder fluttered with each movement.

"The fuck? Does she think I'm some sort of low life?" He grumbled under his breath, quickly walking beside her. Well, she seems close to the Tsaritsa, especially if she could talk to Her Highness in a casual manner. Obviously, she must exile in these fields. Though, is she an intellectual or fighter with exceptional skills? Or perhaps both?

"No, you're just overthinking too much." His breathing hitched when she heard him, not expecting a reply, "Don't hurt your pretty little head by worrying about nonsense when you've barely gotten any room to fit in anything in there."

"Are you assuming I lack intelligence? Because I can assure you that you're misplacing yourself with me," He smirked when he saw her face flinch in surprise for a split second before she quickly hid it away with rolling her eyes.

"Ha? Replace a pretty face like yours? Impossible." Her laughter echoed through the halls, her [E/C] orbs glimmering with mirth as she spoke.

"Taking part in your frivolous chats is bothersome. Do you ever shut up?" Scaramouche pressed two fingers to his temple, contemplating on whether he should choke himself or the female beside him.

"Why would I miss an opportunity to talk to a pretty boy like you?" She hummed, taking joy in how red the male's cheeks were.

"Don't call me pretty," He hissed, fixating a glare at her before his facial features shifted into a smirk. "The role suits you better."

"Ah, well. We're here now." She gestured towards the door, "I kept all the stuff we need for the mission here. Including the outfits, I've gotten for the fancy ball thing or whatever they call it." She twisted the doorknob open.

The room had white paint adorning the walls, gold patterning scattered across it. A circular rich brown rug in the centre of the room with a matching-coloured coffee table on top of it, both having the same gold patterning as the walls. Two smaller rooms on the left, with golden doorknobs.

It wasn't a room to awe over but he didn't complain, entering the room after her.

"Your clothes are in that bag along with your ID," She pointed to the bag on top of the table with a special designer symbol on it, "Also, I didn't know what fashion taste you had so I just picked what I thought suited you."

He only hummed in response, taking the bag into hand, and picking up the card that was on top of the clothes.

"Kaji Gushiken?" He questioned, reading the name out loud on the card.

"You're a rich guy that donates to orphanages and you're my husband," she said, picking up her own bag. "Well, until the mission ends anyways."

"So, I'm now the Mr. Nice guy," His face crinkled in disgust as he tossed the card back into the bag, "Weird name for a guy that's nice."

"True, considering how his first name literally means blaze," [Y/N] chuckled. "The name doesn't suit your face but your personality."

Ignoring her, he inquired. "So how are we going to get the information? I'm assuming it has to do with the identities."

"Catching on fast, love." She smiled at him, full of mischief. "Basically, since we cannot attract much attention during this mission. I've come up with a plan. Our target with the information has connections with these people but have never met as they've only communicated through letters, they were planning to meet soon for a fundraiser so why not give him a little surprise?"

"As in him finding out we stole back the information?" He raised his brows slightly, quite impressed.

"Of course," She hummed. "You seem impressed."

"Not that much, it's not much of a good plan anyway."

Before she could reply, he asked another question.

"What happened to the people whose identities we stole?" He asked, despite knowing the answer.

"Oh, them? I got rid of them."

"As expected," He spoke, his focus on the electricity dancing between his fingers although his gaze held little to no interest. Snapping out of whatever trance he was, he turned towards one of the changing rooms and picked up his bag of designer clothes, "I'm going to get ready, and you should as well."

Not waiting for a response, he shut the door behind him. The room was confined, plain white walls. On the wall, on the right there was a hook and in front, there was a tall mirror. He placed his hat on the hook, the bells jingling as he did so.

"Don't take too long, darling," [Y/N] said before entering the room next to his, "We must hurry and get this mission over and done with, regardless of how much I'd love to spend more time with you."

He bit back a laugh. "For once, we can agree on something, but remove the part of cherishing our time together. I'd rather bicker with Childe and work with him than go out with you, darling," The pet-name rolled off his tongue, lathered in poison with such ease. She could hear the sadistic smirk in his voice as he spoke.

"To get along? This is a mission; we are only tied by work not by your petty friendship."

"Friendship? You think I want to befriend you?" Another one of her laughs reached his eardrums with the same tinge of amusement. "My sweet, sweet Balladeer. I do not want to form such an acquainted bond with you, I would like to win over your heart."

Ha? Win over his heart? What a strange request, he thought. One half of him told him to ignore her but the other half of him was intrigued. It wouldn't hurt to have a little fun, would it?

"Win over my heart, you say? Why not. Give me your worst, doll."

This time he had no verbal response, a soft chuckle heard from the female, followed by the crinkling of plastic. Right, he should probably get dressed as well.

He took out the clothes out from the bag, cringing when the paper bag crinkled at his actions. The fabric was silky and soft to the touch, it almost slithered from his fingers.

Slipping out of his clothes, his nimble fingers had quickly dressed himself after, finally pulling on the gloves. The clothing was not too tight or too loose, how did she know of his size? Well, she was a designer of some sort. He turned to the mirror, adjusting the bottom of his suit as he did so. The collar of his suit was a deep purple that matched his gloves, the tie hanging off by the black gem in the middle of his neck, was a lighter shade of purple but not too light. By his shoulder blades were gold linings that shimmered even in the dim light of the room. The overall colour of his suit was a dark violet, with the occasional gold gem-like shapes stitched onto the fabric. Underneath his suit was a pitch-black bodysuit, the material thin yet comfortable. By the torso was golden patterns etched onto the fabric, leading up to the chest. The black leather boots had streaks of purple at the ends and were an exact fit. Everything was an exact fit. Did someone provide her with the measurements while she was designing? He thought, shaking his head. He didn't have time to ponder.

Well, at least she had good taste in clothing.

"Balladeer?" [Y/N] knocked on his door. "We must hurry so that I can tell you about the plan along the way."

Wordlessly, he pushed open the door.

He would be lying if he said she didn't look good because she looked very attractive. She wore the same colours as him. Her dress was pitch black with the casual streaks of purple, forming the occasional pattern on her abdomen. The hem of her dress would be brushing against her ankles if it weren't for the black leathered boots. The region by her shoulders and neck was graced with lace. By both sides of her hips was a layer of violet fabric, falling until the hem of the dress. Her gloves matched the violet fabric, the material seemed smooth and silky. Her hair fell freely down her shoulders, framing her face perfectly. At the side of her head was a flower pin a light purple with spirals of black complimenting it, similar to the charm on her necklace that hung by her neck.

"Someone's dressed up," His tone was teasing, a smirk crossing his face.

"You're not too bad yourself, pretty boy." She returned his smirk before waving her hand. A map of teleport waypoints hovered above her hand as she studied it, her eyes flickering from one waypoint to another.

"This one is closer."

He pointed towards one of the waypoint symbols while pressing his body against her back. It was slight, but the contact was there.

"Agreed, it is an easier path as well." She nodded, "Are you ready to go, darling?"

"Unfortunately."

Two fingers were snapped, and they stood upon a hill. Their shoes would have sunk into the snow if it weren't such a thin layer. The cool breeze caressed his face, as if a whisper of murder by his ears. The taste of death lingering on the tip of his tongue. It was ironic, all those years ago when he was abandoned by his master and was left to fend on his own. He knew nothing of the world back then, he was forced to learn it the hard way. So fragile and delicate, as if he were glasswork compared to his ruthlessness now. It was truly ironic that the thought of it made him swallow a dry laugh.

The Fatui organisation wasn't easy to be a part of. The first life taken away by your own hands is a memory that stays engraved into your head, every sound, every movement, and every detail. The Fatui required you to be utterly ruthless. To take life as if it were taking candy from a child. The scars from battles are etched onto your skin, a reminder of your reckless mistakes.

A tap on his shoulder brought him back to reality with another breeze of the wind.

"Pay attention, dear. We can't have you zoning out during the mission, can we now?" [Y/N] held a subtle smirk on her face as she spoke though, the teasing lilt to her voice made it obvious.

He shot her a glare and flicked her temple, prompting a noise of surprise from her as a soft pink tinted his cheeks subtly. It was subtle but [Y/N]'s eyes were sharp, immediately catching it.

"You're going to give me a headache, shut up."

"Flustered already, are we? What happened to all that talk earlier?" She caught his wrist before it returned to his side, in a tight hold, stepping closer until their chests were just barely touching. "Was that all bark and no bite? I'm quite disappointed, I was expecting more from you, Balladeer."

He held her chin, pulling her closer but her expression didn't differ, it only widened her smirk. Seconds felt like it was stretched to hours as they had the same glint in their eyes, waiting for a move from one another. As if they were in a game of chess, playing against each other. Tied, they were, trying to anticipate each other's next move.

"The mission isn't over, doll. I never thought you were the type to give up so easily," His chuckle full of mischief as their noses brushed against each other, his eyes like violet stones up close.

"I'm not a patient person. Don't keep me waiting, love."

"Oh? And what if I do?" He raised his eyebrow, mischief laced in his tone. "What will you do, doll?"

"Would you like to find out?"

Her smirk quickly faded as she pulled his wrist to duck behind the hill. To her surprise, he didn't argue. Waiting for a reply.

"By the pathway of behind the house there's 4 guards. Two to the left and two to the right." [Y/N] summoned her spear, spinning it with ease between her fingers. "Which side would you like to take, darling?"

"I really don't give a shit, doll."

"Wonderful attitude, dear. I'll be taking the left. Meet me in the stock room, I'll be the one retrieving the information."

She didn't wait for a reply, sprinting past him and off to the guards. She took in a short breath, electricity rushing through her veins as her spear swirled with anemo, a deep forest-like green coming to life.

"Hey, stop right-" The man fell to the ground, the tip of her spear intruding his ribcage and to his heart, leaving as fast as it came.

"How dare you!" The other guard spoke, thrusting his sword forward.

She stepped back to dodge his strike, grabbing his wrist to flip him over.

"Now, now, don't squirm otherwise it will be more painful." She placed her foot on his back as his body was sprawled on the floor, wrist in her hand. "If you value your life, inform me of where the owner of this household has kept information about the Tsaritsa."

"Never!"

"Oh? You're the stubborn type I see," She hummed as if she were thinking, twisting his wrist further. "It seems that I will have to take your life, hm?"

"N-no! Stop! Please! I-I'll tell you!" He begged, his tone annoyingly desperate.

[Y/N] clicked her tongue in satisfaction, loosening her grip. "Go on."

"A-at the second floor, the room furthest down the hall on the right." He blurted out, "From what I h-have heard, there is information about the Cryo Archon in one of the locked drawers of his desk. I-I don't know if it's exactly true, but please! Spare me! I gave you what you wanted!"

She hummed, helping the man up singlehandedly while smiling, "Thank you."

"Though, don't take this too personally, just doing my job." She lunged her spear into his chest without summoning her winds before the man could react. She narrowed her eyes as she watched him fall to the ground, her weapon dispersing into small gold glimmers until nothing was there. A sigh of disappointment left her, "How pathetic, at least I didn't dirty my dress. That would be a shame."

"The worst part of this job aside from the paperwork is hiding evidence, I swear." She muttered, grabbing a leg from each man to begin dragging.

"It's not like I have to deal with the aftermath, so it won't bother me if they find out after the event, hm?" Pausing for a moment, she spotted bushes near a tree, a little far from the house. "Aha, bingo."

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

"It seems that you took your time, love." She spoke, leaning against one of the crates of the stock room as Scaramouche climbed through the window.

"I literally just saw you coming through the window a few seconds before."

"Still earlier."

"Sure, doll." He narrowed his eyes, dusting off imaginary dust from his suit as he walked towards the door, "Shall we?"

"Oh? So, he does have manners?" She laughed before reaching up to him, "We shall."

She pressed her ear to the door while placing a finger on her lips, motioning him to stay silent. Hearing nothing, she twisted the doorknob to open the door a little, seeing through the small crack. Seeing no one, she gestured for him to come through while stepping out.

"Be ready to attack," She whispered. "There will be shit tons of guards, maybe."

"I don't think so," He whispered back. "This man is dumb enough to put only two fucking guards behind his house."

"Fair," She shrugged. "Let us find out."

Step by step as they proceeded down the hall, the chatter of guests began to get louder and louder. She put a hand to his chest, halting both of their movements before they went through the second hall.

"We can't take the short cut to the stairs here; there's guards and we cannot fight against them with the of risk of so many civilians watching." She said, speaking in a hushed tone.

Scaramouche peeked to see all the guests, spotting a staircase near the corner.

"We can go through the guests and through those stairs?" He whispered back. "But how will we get through when there's two guards right there down that hall?"

"People are stupid, don't worry. Come." She stepped forward, "We've to act like a couple though."

Narrowing his eyes, he offered her his elbow in which she gladly slid her arm around it.

Walking down the second hallway, the two guards quickly turned their heads at the noise of heels clicking rather loudly against the floor.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" One of them stepped forward, readying his own weapon.

"O-oh, sorry! I didn't mean to cause such a misunderstanding, sir." [Y/N] spoke hesitantly, displaying her now teary eyes as she gripped on Scaramouche's arm harder. "I just couldn't find the restroom is all."

As Scaramouche could neither curse at [Y/N] at the moment nor roll his eyes at her, he did it inside his head as he began to speak, going on with her little show.

"Don't apologise, darling. It's their fault for intimidating you and speaking in such a manner to you." He placed a soft kiss on her forehead before glaring at the guard, "Speak to my wife with respect, do you understand?"

"My apologies, sir." The guard bowed his head, shaken by the authority in Scaramouche's voice. "The restroom is near the refreshments table, miss."

"Thank you, good sir. We'll be off then." [Y/N] chirped with a smile, going pass them with Scaramouche.

"See? Told you they're total dumbasses." She laughed once they were by the crowd. "And you did a good job at being my husband, don't you think?"

He almost didn't reply, too busy scanning his surroundings. The walls were painted gold with black linings, a crystal-clear chandelier hanging from above. It glimmered as if it were made from diamonds, and it probably was. The tabletops were made out of pure marble, even a fool could tell. People were scattered everywhere, the smell of rich perfume wafting through the air.

"Whatever you say," He narrowed his eyes. "Where to next?"

She cocked her head towards the staircase, opposite of them in the right corner.

"Well, why not have a little fun before all the serious stuff, hm?" He asked, stepping in front of her.

"Fun?" She inquired with a perplexed face.

"May I have this dance, doll?" A familiar teasing smirk had made its way onto his face as he held out his gloved hand.

Her eyes widened a little, quite surprised at his actions. But who was she to complain?

"Of course, although, I must ask for something in return." She slipped her hand into his as he led her to where everyone was dancing, one hand on her waist while the other held hers.

"And what may that be?" He asked as she placed her hand on his shoulder, following his steps.

"Your heart."

"And what if I deny your request?"

A short chortle slipped by her as he spun her around then pulled her close to his chest.

"That surely would be a shame but," She leaned in closer, his face a breath away from hers. "Who said I'll give up?"

"I expected so from you." He chuckled, "After all, where's the fun without a little game?"

She hummed in response, locking gazes with him. She smiled; it wasn't a mischievous one. It was a genuine, sweet smile. One that he couldn't help but return, the corners of his lips quirking upwards ever so slightly. Their eyes full of mirth as they waltzed around, in their own little word, her dress flowing with grace with each spin. This time, neither spoke, blocking out the excited chatter of others and the clinking of wine glasses. Silence enveloping them, seconds stretching into hours.

"I hate to ruin the moment but," She sighed, once they were near the staircase. "We have a mission to finish."

This time, 3 guards stood there. Their faces stoic with black suits, hands behind their back.

The pair of criminals glanced at each other, matching smirks adorning their faces as he gave her one last spin.

"Ready to rack havoc, darling?" Dipping her slowly, his grip on her waist loosening teasingly.

"Sure," She chuckled, rising rather quickly. "Let us get this done fast, love. I do not take pleasure in slacking off."

"Of course."

Without another word, they built up their fake facades while nearing the guards. Chaos surely trailing after their footsteps.

#scaramouche x reader #genshin #genshin impact #fluff #mihoyo #hoyoverse #genshinimpact #genshin x reader #genshin x you #genshin fanfic #fanfic #fanfiction #ooc scara #scara x reader

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magnus-sm-writes · 1 year

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WIP (Re)Intro: Hamish

(Image ID: A cropped slice of Van Gogh's Skull with Burning Cigarette focusing on the facial structure.)

Genre: Literary Fiction/Gothic | Progress: Rewriting | World: Earth | POV: First Person Referral (I to You), Past Tense | Hamlet Retelling

Summary

Hamish Herbert Jr. is the son of Hamish Herbert Sr. and Genoveva Machado de Herbert, two prominent politicians, and all he wants to do is abandon his past. Horacio Aiza is a bright university student looking to leave his abusive childhood behind. Their codependent friendship leads them to Hamish's family home upon news of Hamish Sr.'s death. But once they arrive, Hamish and Horacio are haunted by both real and metaphorical ghosts as they attempt to uncover the truth. A Hamlet retelling.

In One Sentence

Upon the news of Hamish's father's death, Horacio accompanies him back to his abusive family, where both of their haunting pasts are just as dangerous as the present.

Literal Logline

"Ride or die" in the most literal sense, featuring ghosts.

Inspirations

Warsan Shire's poetry, NBC's Hannibal, Fransisco Goya's black paintings, "From Now On We Are Enemies" by Fall Out Boy, The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Why am I rewriting it?

Put quite simply, Hamish was my first novel that I took some real risks with. Looking back at the last draft (from 2020, before I was even a man), I can fully identify that many of my literary hallmarks were established in this novel. It was a test of my ability to write unlikable, morally-gray characters in a way that didn't have to be fully-explained, and with little satire, unlike Jeez Take the Wheel. It was the first novel I posted to my writing Insta, so it has some great nostalgia for me. And it feels right to return to now that I've established myself as an author of semi-gothic stories with plenty of fabulism. I feel like now I can elevate Hamish to a level I didn't achieve before, now that my skills are more mature.

Characters

Hamish Herbert Jr. (you) is a neurotic mess of a man, plagued by PTSD and his own dark thoughts. Eccentric, fascinating, and full of philosophic musings on every facet of life, Hamish is the manic pixie dream boy of his own life.

Horacio Aiza (I) is equally as riddled with PTSD, but chooses to focus instead on Hamish's issues than on solving his own problems. Quiet and reserved, he tempers Hamish's more emotional side while also providing the narration for the story. His nostalgia makes every moment bittersweet.

Genoveva Machado de Herbert is Hamish's mother. She is a stern, no-nonsense woman who cares more about her chances of being reelected for governor than her son.

Hamish Herbert Sr. is dead.

Claude Herbert is Hamish's uncle, along with being Genoveva's accomplice and lover. Though once loved, he is now just as cruel as both of his parents.

Pol Bello is Genoveva's lawyer, friend, and accomplice. He believes himself to be more important than he is.

Ofelia Bello is Hamish's ex-girlfriend. Enigmatic and brilliant, she becomes an ally to Horacio, though she does not seem to have good luck.

Leon Bello is Hamish's ex-boyfriend. He highly distrusts Hamish for cheating on his sister (with him) and has inherited Pol's self-importance.

Playlist

"From Now On We Are Enemies" - Fall Out Boy

Dirty Laundry - Bitter:Sweet

Archive - Mal Blum

Grave Digger - Matt Maeson

Wait - The Dear Hunter

Mama's Gun - Glass Animals

Domestic Bliss - Glass Animals

Excerpt

You scraped your ragged fingernails against my skin, the places where the curling script rested on your own ribs. This is where love comes to die. You’d gotten it, you said, when you were high, when you were sad, when you were remembering what you shouldn’t. I’ve always loved that poem, you said, and now it’s with me forever. “My father— I don’t know how I’m supposed to handle it all.”

Taglist

Ask to be tagged! I'll hopefully be making a few posts about this project.

#wip intro #wip #current wip #writers of tumblr #my writing #writing community #writeblr #writing blog #gothic literature #literary fiction #hamlet #hamish

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youareunbearable · 1 year

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🌹

Hello besite!!! Because I love and adore u here is snippet of a TF! Raoul ficlet I was working on

While he would rather cut off his own hand than admit it out loud, Spike hated the fact that all the Autobots and their human allies were fawning over themselves when it came to Raoul.

Blaster and Tracks he got, since the older man saved both of them at least once, and Blaster was just easy to get along with. And if Blaster was fond of someone, so were his Cassettes. Jazz wasn’t too much of a big jump either, since the TIC shared Blaster’s idea of a fun time, and enjoyed dancing, so befriending the human who spent a lot of time dancing in front of crowds was a given.

And sure, if he and Astoria suddenly we’re all chummy chummy, that’s not a big deal. Like, someone who willingly spent free time with the snobbiest Autobot was probably going to get along with the snobbiest human Spike ever met. Even if Astoria was gorgeous, her bratty personality and bad luck made her unbearable to be around.

Chip was a good kid though, and Spike’s best friend so he thought he knew the other pretty well. And that knowledge told him that Chip was like, the complete opposite of what Spike thought Raoul would be like. So hearing that they actually went to a movie together was boggling to him! Spike wasn’t even aware that they knew each other, let alone close enough to go to the movies in their free time! When he asked, Chip just shrugged and said:

“We met at the Autobot base in New York a while back, he was nice and fixed my watch for me so I made him a mixtape. We’ve been writing each other letters ever since.”

So while Spike sulked over the fact that Chip never made him any mixtapes, he missed over half the Autobots suddenly befriending the Latino.

It wasn’t until Carly asked, in an excited, coy, tone, “Are you going to the Valentine’s Day dance the Autobots are hosting? I heard Tracks finally managed to convince Raoul to come over to the West Coast base!”

Spike’s head shot up, “Why do you sound so excited about Raoul coming? Why do you care? You’re not gonna ask him to dance with you, are you?”

Carly just looked at him, a little confused with her eyes narrowed. “I mean, probably. ‘Storia said he’s amazing, really light on his feet and I haven’t gotten a chance to dance with him yet. Better question is: why are you so grumpy? Don’t you like Raoul? He’s so funny!”

Feeling his face flush, Spike huffed and looked away. “Whatever. I just think the guy is overrated. Anyone can dance and fix stuff.” He waved a hand at the car he was currently fixing, and then around at his dad’s shop. “I’ve taken you out dancing and I help my dad with his shop too! But that doesn’t mean I’m suddenly God’s gift to mankind!”

Carly straightened, eyes tight and lips pulled into a frown. “If you spent any time with him like we have, you would realize he’s actually just a good guy!” She hopped down off the table she was sitting on and strutted out of the garage with her nose in the air. “I don’t wanna hang out with you if you’re in a mood. See ‘ya whenever you calm down.”

She didn’t talk to him for two days, and during that time all Spike seemed to hear was the name “Raoul.”

Bumblebee had noticed Spike’s gloomy mood, and finally decided to see what was bothering his little friend.

#tracks-and-raoul #asks #ask #transformers #maccadam #tf raoul #tf spike #tf carly

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wahlpaper · 10 months

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Imogen, Obviously Review

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

CW: Swearing, Mentions of Sex, Underage Drinking, Gaslighting, Queer Gatekeeping, Internalized Biphobia, Anxiety, Celebrity Pressured into Coming Out, Bullying, Queerphobia, Biphobia, Positive Reference to David Bowie

5/5

I obviously read this book because I read all of Becky Albertalli's books, she even has a tag on this site. I love knowing that I'm getting queer and/or Jewish content when I start to read any of her novels. However, Imogen, Obviously ended up being extra special to me. Imogen and I are very similar people with very similar experiences. I am warning you now that I am going to go into some of my own queer journey further down. There is some bullying, but I will keep the details light. It is impossible for me to talk about this book without going into what it means to me.

Imogen Scott is a senior in high school who has just been accepted to her best friend's college. Lili is one year older than Imogen and has been begging her to come visit all year. When Imogen finally does, she quickly gets absorbed into the group of cool college queer folks that Lili is a part of. That includes Tessa, a chaotic lesbian who reminds Imogen of her favorite character in her favorite movie. It turns out that these friends think that Imogen is bi, as Lili pretended that they used to date. Imogen agrees to go along with it, but she starts to consider all she knows about being bi and what that might have to do with her.

Imogen, Obviously is written very well! Every joke landed, the characters felt like the ages they were written as, there was plenty of diversity, it dove into real and important issues, the pacing was perfect, and mental health was handled realistically and with care. Mental health is very important to this novel, especially considering the anxiety Imogen seems to be struggling with. Other mental health topics discussed and shown in this book are ADHD, bullying, bigotry, gaslighting/gatekeeping, and self-esteem. The diversity in the novel goes beyond queer representation, including a black character, an Asian character, and a Jewish love interest. The book takes place over the course of about a week, but nothing feels rushed or like it couldn't fit. Albertalli is great at making all of the elements work together.

Albertalli has discussed her story on social media, so I will discuss her’s before my own story. If you know it before you read the book, you'll be able to pick up on the references to it. However, you will still get a lot from Imogen, Obviously even if you don't know. There have been a lot of creators of queer content that have been pressured into coming out, especially from within the community. Becky Albertalli is one of them. Others include Kit Connor (Heartstopper), Jameela Jamil (Legacy), and Rebel Wilson (Isn't It Romantic). Albertalli faced years of scrutiny, harassment, criticism, and invasive questions surrounding her sexuality. Although she has been a great ally and advocate to the queer community and has never written anything exploitative, people had a problem with her writing queer content while being seen as cis and heterosexual. Her books led her to questioning her identity, but she should have gotten to come out on her own terms, if she ever wanted to. Imogen, Obviously explores both the pressure to come out when creating queer content and not knowing that you are queer until later in life.

Now for my own story. Thanks to queer media and Glee specifically, I started to consider that I might be bi in middle school. I called myself bicurious at summer camp between sixth and seventh grade. In retrospect, I had a crush on both the girl and boy in a couple I knew there. Although, my first unknown-crush was likely on a girl in my second grade class. However, in middle school, a bully found out that I am bi when she took my friend's phone. I believe I said it was a joke when I realized, and then went so far back into the closet that I thought I was straight.

I was a strong ally to a bunch of queer best friends throughout high school, even to the one person that was a lot like Imogen's friend, Gretchen (you'll know what I mean if you read the book). I also had my one "girl-crush" on/obsession with Felicia Day. In senior year I learned about aesthetic attraction and started coming back to terms with not being straight. It wasn't until the summer when I was posting a lot of pictures of Hayley Atwell on tumblr and also found the term "biromantic" on there, that I finally knew I was bi. Albertalli touches on this a little near the end of the book, but we need more asexual representation in school and in media. The lack of knowledge and the presence of bullies kept me from realizing who I am until a little after Imogen figured herself out. Still, it took me several more years to fully process where I am on the ace spectrum. My story is obviously mine, but I feel a deep sense of familiarity with Imogen.

Thank you for reading my story and Becky Albertalli's. I hope that you'll read Imogen's as well. If you like queer nerds and college stories, Imogen, Obviously is a great book for you! A giant griddle, underground passageways, and dark academia await you in the pages of this book!

#becky albertalli #imogen obviously #bookblogger #book blog #queer books #queer characters #jewish books #wlw #jewish authors #bisexual mc #contemporary ya #teen rom com #college #asexual side character #personal story #queer journey #how i learned im bi

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thewolfisawake · 1 year

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{The Strings that Bind Us}

Part 1/???

Alright, time to do as I do whenever I go into any series...Make an AU. Because it really be like that. Starting in with my favorite group, just cause this particular series has an org that can work like the game’s. So yeah, Scarlet Nexus AU baby. This ended up taking more time than expected so I’m splitting stuff up again. Mentions for @arcxnumvitae

An OSF Major. His ability is Disruption. His weapon are a pair of handguns. Head of the aptly named Crowe platoon, Crowe doesn’t really care about ranking with himself or anyone he works with. It can be both freeing and nuisance but Crowe takes the peace where he can get it. He is known as a very thorough commander, thinking of patrols and missions with the utmost care. He has a great survival rate because of this and, unfortunate to him, this stat makes it where he is guaranteed to receive cadets every class. While he may groan about it, Crowe does have a care for those under his command and keeps his stat for a reason. As for his ability, it is properly Nerve Disruption, where his ability affects the nerve signaling. But plainly, he confuses enemies to where they attack themselves or their allies. within the SAS, a comrade uses his ability to inflict DoT and leave enemies more vulnerable to attacks. His ability can bypass most gimmick enemies.

Crowe graduated in the 542nd class along with Emil and they are rather good friends but do not see each other as often because of their duties. He was scouted at around 14 and wasn’t happy to hear of the same eventually happening to his sister. While he keeps his head down, he perceives much and collects it all. He originally was under the Chares platoon when he first started but both because of the man’s ambition and Crowe’s lack thereof, the platoon was removed and Crowe transferred elsewhere. He is aware there is a storm brewing within the OSF and he keeps his finger on the pulse. He has discovered all the ‘potential players and pieces’ but can only wait until they fall where they may.

An OSF Lientenant Colonel. His ability is cryokinesis. His weapon is a sword. While Emil personally didn’t have any interest climbing the ranks in OSF, he did come from a family where a lot of them have served. So it seemed inevitable...when he got to that point. But that will come. In his present, he is a rather well-loved member and does hold that awe due to being a Septentrion, a collection of the strongest of the OSF. But he finds it all rather embarrassing and doesn’t really bring it up with those under his command. He knows about the seediness of the OSF and rather keep those he knows from their pitfalls.

It started that Emil didn’t have any ability. He was considered a dud, which is not common. Initially, this didn’t bother Emil since a) he was a child and b) he grew up in a small area outside the likes of New Himuka and Seiran, where there wasn’t an emphasis on powers at all. He was happy to live with his parents in his little town.

Of course all this changed with an Other infestation. There was always the chance but the shelters were supposed to be enough. However there was a Major Other within these ranks and managed to push through. This prompted the action of his mother, a former OSF operative, to take up arms in defense of the people. She was successful but died in the process, which was very traumatizing for Emil since he does not have Vision and thus saw it uncensored. The funeral of his mother was a changing point in his life since it was when he learned of his mother’s past life and met his grandparents for the first time.

They knew of Emil but hadn’t gotten to know that he was a dud because his parents--smartly--moved away beforehand. Henrik wasn’t keen on Emil getting close to them, especially knowing their treatment of their own daughter, but he really couldn’t say no to Emil who was curious. Looking back he would consider himself naive and not accustomed to the ‘mind games’ people like his grandparents would play. They preyed on his curiosity about the side he never knew and his guilt and grief over his mother as to convince him to come with them to New Himuka. And it was clear when he got there, he had no powers.

And boy did that start the problems. He couldn’t join the OSF without powers and they wouldn’t dare to tout him as their grandkid either. But having connections isn’t without perks...as dubious as they were. Emil was put into an experimental program to essentially force a psionic ability, or die trying. By luck, Emil did develop an ability and such a strong one that he was scouted out of this program. Of course this entire ordeal both left him scars and complex feelings about family. He learned how to play the game, even if he hates that he did.

His cryokinesis is pretty straight forward. He can manifest ice using the moisture in the atmosphere. Well, technically from anywhere but it’s just the most common for him. When his ability is used in the SAS, it infuses the user’s attacks with ice, which freezes enemies. With further connection with Emil, this can lead to even being able to make ice spikes within attacks.

#{The Strings that Bind Us}#is this another excuse to have Crowe and Emil as friends long time?#maybe #so what if it was #don't judge me

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voidingintotheshout · 3 months

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Mini Movie Review

Holiday Date (Hallmark, 2019).

Grade: B minus.

Please note that this review contains spoilers.

OK, so I don’t know if I like this movie. I have to ding it quite a few points for the completely bananas premise, which involved both main characters lying and gaslighting this woman’s family for the entire movie and them in true Hallmark fashion, none of the family members are remotely mad about this, and everyone gets along in the end.

So the actual plot is that this lady gets dumped by her fiancé a week before Christmas. Why he couldn’t have just waited until after Christmas IDK. The first question that it made me think about is did he know that she was planning on introducing him to her family? Because it seems like breaking up with her when he knew she was about to mention him to her family would’ve been the best time. If alternatively, she was planning on bringing him to her family for Christmas, and hadn’t even mentioned this to him when Christmas was less than a week away is another thing entirely. That seems kind of crazy. Maybe it’s my fault for trying to inject logic into a hallmark movie.

In any event, she is left by this guy that she was engaged to but she now is alone and has already told her family that Ethan is coming and is “Mr. Christmas”. That’s when she goes to a holiday party and meet this dude that is an actor and who wants to “connect” with small-town life, so he agrees to be her fake fiancé in exchange for being able to understand what small town living is like. The only thing is that he is Jewish.

As a gentile, I’m unsure, but from what I’ve gathered, he seems like one of the more assimilationist Jews that I’ve heard of. In the clip below, he goes on about how he’s so excited to get into Christmas and to put up lights and decorate a tree and sing Christmas carols and open presents and stuff like that. I could be wrong, but a lot of Jews don’t wish they were Christians. They’re really proud of their culture. Also, he does a recitation, if that’s the right word, of the prayer “Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha-olam asher kid'shanu b'mitzvotav v'tzivanu l'hadlik neir shel Shabbat.” However, he does it in what feels like the most gentile pronunciation I could’ve imagined. I mean the actor playing this person is Jewish from what I’ve gathered, and it’s all about him sharing his Jewish faith with these Gentiles, which is great, but him as a character, as a representative of all Judaism was really… confusing.

Like, it’s what I expected because Hallmark has gotten a lot of knocks from people in the Jewish community about their depiction in Hallmark movies as this group that wishes they could be Christians and not actually celebrating why they’re happy to be Jews. I knew that’s kind of what this movie was going to be depicting. It’s telling that most of the scenes about his Jewish culture involved the Christians being presented as good allies, and being excited to learn about this culture, which is also great, and not about why this culture matters to him. Like obviously latkes are delicious. Sufganiyot (jelly donuts eaten during Hanukkah) are obviously delicious. I don’t know. I liked it but I feel like the movie worked because it wasn’t just another two attractive white people and their one person of color friend in a absurd small town that doesn’t make any sense except during Christmas, making extreme life choices based on their love of the holiday season. It was about people connecting—but wow.

The fact that her family was totally fine with her lying and bringing a fake boyfriend, lying and implying that the boyfriend was Christian, and then revealing that they’re Jewish, revealing that the person isn’t even named Ethan. They aren’t an architect. Those two weren’t dating, but you expect your parents to believe that the dude who you bought as a prop to trick them is a guy you have fallen in love with and are now dating. Then, both of you decide to quit your jobs on Christmas Eve to do jobs that objectively will not pay enough to live in New York. And everyone is cool with it? That is a typical Hallmark movie ending.

#holiday date #hallmark movies #jumblr

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starshipsofstarlord · 3 years

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Hey! Could I request a fic where the reader and Bucky like each other and she has to pretend she’s Zemo’s girlfriend for the Madripor mission? Bucky gets jealous and all that jazz and they confess their feelings :)

Madripoor Muse

Pairing | Bucky Barnes x reader

Summary | Bucky harbours feelings for you, but despite Sam’s inflatable encouragement, refuses to inform you of them. However, seeing you pretend to be Zemo’s girlfriend whilst on a mission, more so when the criminal knows what strings he is pulling at, happens to infuriate him inevitably.

Warnings | jealousy, violence, references to sex work (there is nothing wrong with it, everyone is free to do what they want or need to do to get by, angst, mentions of death, grief, smut, unprotected sex, fluff, swearing

Quick link to my masterlist, if you’re interested in reading more of my crap 😬

“I mean, if he looks like a pimp, then I look like one of his workers.” Sam snorted at your words, as Bucky’s eyes trailed down the skin that was exposed through the small piece of fabric, that in modern days, was considered a dress.

Zemo simply sighed at the pair of you, shaking his head as though the former winter soldier would understand his point. “It’s Madripoor, not an american graduation. You are not going to be clothed in long robes in this place, expression is in the body, and how it is clothed.”

“Or not clothed.” Bucky retorted, frowning at how you shuffled beneath the criminal’s gaze, crossing your arms, which definitely did not help the situation, considering that it did nothing more than make your breasts rise. Admitting defeat, you let them fall, holding them to your sides, outlining your hips, which once more, was not how you wished to be portrayed as you walked through the illuminated air, careful to keep pace in your heels.

“We all have a part to play, winter soldier.” Helmut spoke, his accent causing waves to ripple through the euphoria of lights that lay up ahead. “I am me, you are you, Sam is the Smiling Tiger, and...”

“I’m a hooker?” Once more, Zemo showed disappointment, pinching the bridge of his nose as he turned to you. It seemed that tonight, you, a smart and well coordinated avenger, was absolutely adoring testing his patience, but that was his trick.

He was the captive here, forced to help the forsaken superheroes that had prompted him with the idea of escaping from the government’s ensured facility. And it was without a doubt that he would mess with their minds each chance that he got.

“No, think of yourself as more personalised to one person than that y/n. Your as you people say ‘arm candy’.” He used quotations with his fingers, causing you to reach for Sam’s arm to assume the role. “Oh no, not his.” Zemo made a come here motion, making you gulp.

“You’re kidding, right?” Bucky huffed, glaring unimpressed towards the Baron, who only tutted in reply, implying that he indeed was serious. “This is stupid.”

“Stupid would be allowing this hurrah of new age super soldiers to continue their war path, don’t you think James?” Zemo asked condescendingly, holding his arm out for you to grasp onto, so that you would look more than an associate, or a serum induced bodyguard.

“Me posing as your sugar baby is stupid.” You muttered, as you walked, Bucky on look out behind you, as he glared frustratedly at where you and the mass murderer were touching.

Zemo tugged you by the arm for the comment, causing you to roll your eyes at the man that had tried his best and succeeded, at destroying your team; your family. Nevertheless, you followed his stride, well aware of the sharp eyes of the man behind you.

As you entered the club, a spectrum of blue lights illuminated your skin, as you stared around in wander. There was a variety of all didn’t people, born from different virtues, wealths and races all intermingling around in the space.

If Zemo didn’t have a leash on your arm, you’d have stared for a little longer, perhaps even gotten purposely lost in the sea of bodies that flashed with such ambition and prospect. All were designed to suit their surroundings, and you wished that you could fit in that easily too.

But you were lost, roped into this journey by the Falcon, the man that denied Steve’s wishes and passed on the shield to firmer hands, still uncertain of where you were planning on going. What you needed was a fight, a reason to keep roaming upon the earth. If you came up empty, you may have well have taken up Thor’s offer, and accompanied him with his new friends.

The avengers were disbanded, dotted with different services. You’d heard nothing from Wanda, it appeared that her phone had been cut off, leaving you gravely confused, but you understood that she needed time to mourn. But you couldn’t give yourself the same pampering, if you did so, then all purpose of life would slip through your fingers, and you’d be left vulnerable, a hero that willingly fell from their graces.

Finally you reached the bar, with the shadow of the winter soldier hovering over your shoulder, watching as Zemo’s untrustworthy hand trailed along your furthest collarbone, using it as his sway to grab your attention. He set his sights upon his touch, glaring harshly at it.

No one would question the expression that he wore, it was only natural for his reputation to be proceeded with such a dagger like gaze; he was supposed to be playing the killer that he once was after all.

“My lady, what would you like to drink?” Helmut asked, turning your gaze towards his, gripping your chin between his thumb and forefinger, forbidding you from even try to look away from his sly eyes.

“White wine will do the trick, my love.” The words felt like spew falling from your mouth, but you withheld the impulse to grimace, instead, flashing him a flirtatious smile, fanning his face with your eyelashes as you were still held to face him.

“Fine choice.” He smirked, nodding towards the bartender, who had just presented the Smiling Tiger imposter with a shot that had the intestines of a snake floating around in its liquid. Out of the corner of your eye, you watched as Sam hesitated to drink it for a moment, before throwing it down the hatch, treating it as an old trick.

Madripoor, for an island trapped in violence, didn’t appear that bad on the outside. That was, until the shooting began, causing the lot of you to leg it from the citizens targeting their rifled hardware towards you, running with your lives depending on it.

You had temporarily lost Zemo, as you put head your own safety, your pace and spot being just between Sam and Bucky, as the first man’s arms flailed as he insisted that he could not run in the heels that he was wearing. Huh, you’d be running in heels all your life, maybe he shoulda learned how to do so earlier, it came as a great talent.

Gunshots rang out, as a hooded figure unveiled themselves, introducing the older face of a blonde that you had once knew. It had been quite some time since you had last seen her, all having gone your separate ways to evade the law, and its cruel jurisdiction. “Sharon?” Bucky spoke, instantly recognising the woman that had aided them in the past.

Once you were all reintroduced, and met with her annoyance, which was surely understandable, she led you to her property, where you were able to part from the Sokovian, and share your distaste to the man, as well as remove the skimpy dress.

It pooled at your feet as you tossed it from your ankle, leaving you in nothing more than your underwear. As you squinted, searching for some reason that you were continuing with this foolishness of thinking that the world still considered you a hero, an echo of a knock rattled against the door. It was metal upon wood; Bucky.

“Come in.” You spoke, as you tied a spare robe around your waist, watching as the super soldier, who appeared less stoic, and more human stepped into the room, closing the door behind his emerging shadow. “You alright man?”

Bucky’s eyes drifted down for a moment, before they splintered back up towards your face, his jaw physically tensing, the notion well visible. He breathed in a long breath through his nose, as he stepped closer, his brow harsh and lined upon his forehead.

“I didn’t like Zemo putting his filthy hands on you.” He admitted aloud, the words of Sharon, teasing him for pining after someone that he had once thought of as no more than a friend of Steve’s. But now that man was gone, and so was the one that he used to be. Instead, he was left standing on his own feet, having to find balance by himself somehow.

“Neither did I.” You informed him. “It was like he was pulling back the images of his collapsing country, pouring every ounce of pain and hatred upon me, evading my mind with guilt, and the memories of what it all amounted to. None of it had been worth it, living like this. We’re treated like animals, no longer idols or heroes, people under the big thumb that keeps pressing down on us.”

“Well we’re both pressed down, limited to our rules and the outlines they want us to obey.” He nodded, raising his flesh hand to your collarbone, wanting to mark his touch upon it to remove that of Zemo’s. At his action, your breath hitched, but you allowed him to sweep his pads over the flesh, shuffling indefinitely closer so that you were chest to chest.

“We’re dangerous in their eyes. That’s a mindset they have in common with our prisoner out there.” You whispered, frowning from the thought. Two monarchies, one still whilst the other already fallen, served the same opinions, though, only one could continue to take action. Zemo was a Baron, but of what country now?

Like all, his home had been vanquished into smithereens, the foundations collapsing into rubble, the history disappearing with its lands, having thrown its dusty remnants in your face.

“I’m fine with being considered dangerous so long as I’m not alone.” He pinched your chin, tilting your head, this time though, you felt in his grasp. It didn’t belong to that of an enemy, it was one of an ally, a friend. “Tell me I’m not alone y/n.”

“I’m here James.” You stared up at him with focused pools, biting your lip as your mind went haywire over everything. “The Wakandans will come for him, you do realise that, right?” He hummed in reply, briskly bringing his metal hand to toy with the belt of the white wrap around.

“Do you think that you could show me that I’m not alone?” He nervously asked, shuffling his weight from foot to foot, as he awaited a reply. But instead of words, he earned himself the sensation of your lips upon his, collaborating in a touch starved jumble of grunts. “You’re beautiful, like...”

“Like what Barnes?” You prompted, brushing your palms onto his shoulders, easing his tenseness. Expectedly, you watched him through half lidded eyes as you leant up to plant supple kisses upon his neck, sucking his skin into your mouth, as though you were trying to thread it gently with your teeth.

“A muse.” He sighed, thinking for a momentum, before dragging your hair through his vibranium fist, lightly grinning as he heard your breath wither from the sensation. “A beautiful muse, one that reminds me to be better everyday. I want to become someone better for you.”

“You shouldn’t.” You unlatched your mouth from him, frowning lightly at the brunette man. “You should become better for nobody but yourself Buck, each day, it’s about self growth, fixing everything that you have ever been taught so that you can learn to do better next time, so that no one else will die because of your expense.”

Bucky nodded, allowing your words to sink in. His fingers returned to playing with the waist band on your robe, his eyes gazing into your own, as he fiddled with the material. “Can I?”

“Go ahead.” You granted him permission, allowing him to push the coverage from you, his eyes widening at seeing you in nothing more than your underwear. His sight traced every curve and bump and dip that was upon your shape, licking his dry lips to make his gawking less subtle.

“You’re killing me doll.” He leant his head back, as he raked his contrasting fingertips down your shoulders, all the way to the small of your back. You smirked, grasping him through his jeans, earning yourself a moan from the elder man.

“I said it’s all about self growth, didn’t I? It seems that you are taking that in quite a literal sense.” You rubbed him through the denim, finding it unsurprising as the man backed you towards the bed, your knees hitting the end sending you falling onto the mattress.

Bucky crawled his way atop of you, rutting his hips against your own. It had been so long since he had been permitted to be this free, and he knew for sure, this would be a secret that he would not inform any therapist of. This was private, the sentiment making it close to his weathered heart.

His lips returned to your own, as your hands scaled beneath your shirt, lightly tracing the scars. He wasn’t as insecure as he thought he’d be about someone touching them, perhaps it was because many of your own materialised stories were written in your skin, or that you understood what it meant to be a soldier, serving under orders.

It didn’t matter too much, he wasn’t overthinking it. Instead, he was yearning as he grasped at the straps of your bra, trying to pull it over your head, as was done with the dames back in his day, but the effort seemed more difficult. Lightly leaning away from him, you reached around your back, unclamping the contraption before tossing it out of his sight.

He didn’t care to ask what the modern day had done to the garment, he was far too focused on your pert nipples, and how they stood to attention before him. The super soldier reached forwards, running his smooth hands upon the underneath of your breasts, before interacting with the present buds, softly tugging at them with his whimsical fingers.

“You’re wearing too many clothes.” Released from you as a sign, instantly becoming pleased as Bucky stripped himself from everything but his underwear, leaving a nest of his clothes upon the wooden floor, as he leant his head down, capturing your left nipple within the warmth of his mouth, moaning lightly as your hands weaved through his locks, tugging lightly at the short roots. “Stop teasing Buck.”

He didn’t miss the way your eyes roll from the slowness of motions, and thus, he reached down, and snapped the band of your underwear, the ripping noise audible, as he then pulled his boxers down, revealing his bobbing cock, that was directing its tip towards your entrance.

With a glance down, he lightly drooled at the way your cunt clenched around nothing, quickly swiping his fingers through your slit, as he brought them up to his lips, humming contently at the flavour that graced his tastebuds. “Need to be in you doll.”

“Need you in me soldier.” You taunted back, digging your knuckles into his shoulders as you pressed him against you, pushing your tongue into his mouth, as he suddenly bottomed out inside of you, waiting for a moment for the pair of you to adjust to the sensations.

He was in you, filling you to the brim, as you tucked your heels into the base of his back, lightly rotating your hips up, as your tongue chased his own, sucking on it as you nipped at the end, causing him to unintentionally jerk his rigid cock into you.

That had prompted him to start moving, screwing his hands into the satin sheets either side of your head, as your bodies succumbed the others to waves of pleasure. It was a luxury, having an outlet to all the stress that your duty brought. If you could just pass the mantle on like Steve had done, and Clint was in the process of doing, you would.

But it was all you had known; the gritty route, that had spanned the entirety of your tale. And Bucky now became a part of it, as he became a part of you, unravelling your vulnerabilities with sleek thrusts into your cunt, and smooth words that had swept you from your feet and had landed you in a bed.

A bed thats structure was creaking from the strength behind the animalistic carnage that you spent on one another. His teeth pulled at your lip, opening your mouth so that you could use him as an oxygen mask. Neither one of you had noticed the door opened, and an unimpressed Sharon standing in the entry way, her agent arms crossed unamused.

She cleared her throat, which made Bucky still inside of you, and you to clutch onto his back, to cover the decency of your chest. “You let me go on the run, then you fuck in my bed. It’s like I’m not allowed to belong anywhere.”

“Sharon-“ she halted your speech by raising a finger, her eyebrows pointedly telling you not to bother trying to speak, as sweat beading down your body. Bucky subtly rolled from atop of you, quickly pulling the sheets over you both, giving Sharon views that she neither wanted nor appreciated.

That was grittiness, she was a hustler, not a once avenger. A part of you wished she would understand that, as much as it would be painful to hear, she hadn’t been the top of anyone’s list. She had disappeared, and from so, she had became unreachable, practically falling off the face of the earth.

But she had been here, in Madripoor, the island of bones and whatever else Zemo had described it to be. “You two fucked in my bed. Okay.” She remained cool headed, her eyes trailing through the various fabrics among her floor. “Thought I’d tell you to get ready, and to blend in, though you two have that part already figured out. There’s some clothes in the wadrobe, and from what I can tell, you’re going to need new underwear.”

She bothered no longer once she had informed you of what she had told the other men. Instead she simply left, only for you to brace your head back into the quality pillows, slumping, and dreading the journey ahead.

Though you seemed restless, Bucky still thought of you as a muse. His hands grasped your chin, leading your lips to his own, as he sucked on your bottom one, his right hand grasping one of your breasts, as he pulled you atop of him, your skin flushed as you steadied your weight over his tough thighs.

“Now this is a dangerous sight.” He clicked his teeth, trailing his large hand down from your jaw, surpassing the middle of your chest, to your hip, which he grasp, as he shuffled you up just a little, so that you were seated upon the base of his cock.

“I can show you dangerous Barnes.” You smirked, adjusting the both of you so you were ready to sink down on his length. Your hands softly stroked his erect shaft, as you tapped his tip upon your pussy, before pushing down, filling yourself up one more.

Madripoor was a bad place, but good things could come out of visiting the skull island. This was the job, though, breaks were prompted, and were you glad that Bucky had became your little bit of calm in the arising trouble in the world.

“Fuck.” He groaned beneath you, his balls clenching as he felt you writhe all the way down to his base, beginning to bounce upon him, the years of training that you had endorsed coming in handy as it had helped your stamina. He was a super soldier after all, you were surely going to need it.

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