#and they found some kind of ally in each other and they both stepped all over each other trying to get to the top | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

nkn0va · 2 days

Note

What if yuzuriha, wagner, and orie met their s/o in bbtag? What if the reader decides to stay with them and leave their own world behind? Either because they hated it or just a depressing reason.

I'd take that chance too, ngl. Anything to get out of this shitshow we live in right now.

Slight CW: Slight hints of abuse/neglect in Wagner's section

-Once Yuzuriha along with everyone else heard that the only way to build up enough energy for System to send them home was to fight, she was naturally pretty enthusiastic. It wasn't every day she'd get to fight people from other worlds entirely. She'd be lying if she said she wasn't at least somewhat excited.

-She fully expected to be fighting some pretty damn strong opponents along the way, as well as team up with equally powerful allies. However even knowing the circumstances she ever expected to find someone like you.

-It took quite a bit of time to build up enough energy by fighting, much more than expected. That left you and her plenty of time to get to know each other. She found you intriguing, even minus the fact you were from another world. Wasn't long before that intrigue turned to attraction, feelings you ended up returning.

-Unfortunately it wasn't meant to last, because eventually System had finally regained all of her power. She's beginning the process of sending everyone home before you intervene, saying you wanted to go to Kanzakai with Yuzu, taking both of them aback and asking you why.

-With a sigh you reveal that your life back home...wasn't the best. You opened up about alone you really were, having lost your family in an accident and grappling with your own hopelessness about your purpose in life. You figured perhaps maybe starting over somewhere else was the best solution, and you wanted it to be with the first person you'd truly connected with for the first time in what felt like forever.

-Yuzuriha didn't have the heart to turn you down. She was more than willing to take you in and give you a fresh start. When you wake up, it's clearly late at night, and you're on the ground near what seems like a shrine, one you obviously don't recognize.

-Yuzu is the first to call out to you as she wakes up too, introducing the place as the shrine she's duty-bound to protect that she's mentioned in passing during your time in the Phantom Field.

-She can talk more about that later. First order of business is introducing you to her sister and mother and showing you where you'll be sleeping. You can go out to see Kanzakai after you've gotten some rest.

-Unlike Yuzuriha, Wagner was noticeably less thrilled about the idea of fighting so much. Teamwork isn't exactly her strong suit and she'd already wasted her time enough in this place as is.

-She wasn't interested in the chit-chat some of the others were partaking in. If she was talking to someone, it was to either team up with them for a fight or challenge them. Nothing more, nothing less. This was however, until you came along.

-For whatever reason you wanted to stick by her for more than just your first battle together. Wagner inexplicably started feeling this way too. Of course if you asked her she just said you were a fierce ally in battle, but that was only a surface reason.

-She eventually lets it slip. Being near you made her feel something she'd never felt before. Looking at you, especially when you smiled at her, made her heart suddenly start to beat faster and her face to feel warm, a very different kind of warm from her fire powers. It felt...warm and pleasant, and it confused her.

-Well the cat was out of the bag now, she had fallen for you whether she liked it or not. She was more than thankful that instead of laughing at her or taking advantage of her feelings that you returned them.

-Of course that only made it painful to have to go back to her home world much to her annoyance, at least until you stepped in saying you wanted to go back to Erika's world with her.

-Upon asking why you explained your...less than ideal family situation. They weren't the best people to be raised by for a number of reasons. It really screwed with you as a person in a lot of ways and you wanted nothing more than to get away from it. If it meant having to leave to another world, so be it.

-She was understandably furious at the revelation. She almost wanted to head back to your world instead just to teach them a lesson. She couldn't though, unlike you she had duties and business back home, pretty important ones at that. Yet that wouldn't stop her from bringing you home with her. It was likely for the best anyway.

-Upon passing out and waking up, you find yourself in the middle of a park in a rather large city with Erika waking up next to you. She can't take you to Licht Kreis HQ unfortunately. Even if she was their 4th Executor, non-personnel are not allowed on base.

-She opts to take you to the house she'd been given on her "rehabilitation" mission. She'll calm down Silvaria later once she inevitably finds out about you, the first order of business is getting you acquainted to an entirely new world.

-Orie's sort of in the middle when it comes to her stance on the fighting. She wasn't the biggest fan but she realized it was necessary if she wanted to get herself and everyone else caught up in all this Phantom Field business home so she readily took up her blade and fought anyone that would accept a duel...or... 2v2 fight.

-You were one of her first partners. She'd come across people she didn't know but they were from your world so you had some valuable intel on them that helped lead to victory. She admired your battle prowess even outside of that so she saw no harm in forming a bonafide team with you.

-Something began to happen though as you continued fighting. The way you always had her back, showed grace to your opponents no matter what, and the way you showed concern for her if you thought she was injured, she started to feel differently about you. Eventually, no matter how she spun it, there was no mistaking what it was.

-It took a really....really...really long time for System to regain power, she wasn't kidding when she emphasized the 'slowly' part during her explanation. It was long enough that you two managed to find out about each other's mutual feelings.

-It's a real shame when the time inevitably comes that System has replenished the proper power to send everyone home. At least that's what Orie is thinking until out of nowhere you ask System to send you to Kanzakai with her.

-Naturally she questions you on this decision, and you now have to tell her about your home; it's been ravaged by war, for quite a while now at that. A good majority of your world, including your home has been all but turned to wasteland where simple day to day survival was a cutthroat competition.

-Orie's heart sinks when she learns what your world was like, that someone so good had to live in a world so bad. It's a pretty easy decision for her to let you go to Kanzakai with her for the sake of giving you a better life, to give you the salvation you deserve.

-The moment you're teleported and wake up in Kanzakai, you almost start crying. It had been long since you'd last seen such a grand pristine city, last seen people living peacefully together without having to worry about where their next meal would come from or if they would even see the sun rise again. Far too long...

-Orie sees this and immediately asks if anything's wrong, you have to calm her down. Nothing is wrong with you. In fact they've never been better.

#under night in birth #headcanon #orie ballardiae #yuzuriha #erika wagner #x reader #anonymous

12 notes · View notes

the-kittens-of-vol-tron · 2 years

Note

How do you imagine a scenario plays out in which Keith (most beautiful red boy ❤️❤️❤️) is being flirted with by some aliens, what would Keith do? More importantly what would Lance do 🔫😠💙?

pleASE I lost it over 🔫😠💙

-----

Keith was getting tired of all of these parties he was forced to attend. He knew having allies was important in defeating the Galran empire but no matter how many times he told Allura he wasn't cut out for social situations she told him to just "smile and nod."

So that's what he did. Party after party, event after event he just smiled and nodded. He frankly didn't care what people said to him, the jokes they said to him, he just didn't care.

He took a sip of his drink, he wasn't even sure how to describe the taste of it; kind of fruity but bland. He quickly scanned the room, Shiro was chatting with the council members with Allura and Coran.

Pidge was talking excitedly to the couple of engineers that surrounded them. He had no doubt that were brainstorming how to upgrade their weapon systems or something similar.

Hunk was kept company by a couple of people wearing matching uniforms. Keith had noticed them going in and out of the kitchen, he figured they were chiefs of some sort.

His eyes found the Blue paladin; naturally, he was in his element. The aliens that surrounded him laughed loudly at whatever he was saying. One of them even touched his arm briefly; to which he quickly moved his arm in a polite way.

Lance met his eyes from across the room, sending him a quick smile that Keith found himself reciprocating.

He wasn't sure what he and Lance were at this point. Keith had kissed him after a particularly rough mission. He didn't really mean to, he didn't even realize he liked Lance like that until Lance didn't come back to the castle.

Blue was knocked offline and Lance couldn't get her back to the castle. Keith found him first and as soon as he saw Lance he just kissed him. Before he could really understand what he just did Lance was kissing him back.

They quickly pulled away as Hunk entered the atmosphere with the yellow lion.

Lance came to Keith's room that night, asking if they could talk about the kiss. They both came to the conclusion that maybe this rivalry was a bit of a cover-up for more intense feelings. Neither of them knew they liked each other past a friendship until they kissed.

So they weren't officially dating but they obviously had feelings for each other. They hadn't told the team yet either, they were still trying to figure out what to do with these feelings.

“Now that is a nice smile if I do say so myself.” A taller alien stepped closer to him. His skin was pastel pink, decorated with gold designs. His eyes were pitch black, and his baby blue color hair was tied up in a braided bun.

Keith looked at him, “thanks,” and he took another sip of his drink.

“So red paladin, you don’t seem to be enjoying yourself tonight.”

“Parties aren’t my thing.”

The alien released a small chuckle, “I can tell.”

Keith didn’t respond, he just wanted to be left alone.

“So does the red paladin have a name?” The man asked in a sultry voice.

Keith cleared his throat, trying to shake the discomfort he was feeling. “Keith.”

“Keith,” the man repeated it a couple of times, trying to get his tongue used to the name. “It’s a pleasure to meet you. My name is Dreknill.”

Keith fought the urge to roll his eyes, I didn’t ask. “Pleasure.”

Dreknill kept talking, it was small talk and Keith found himself replying. Not so much out of any interest more because it was passing the time. He wanted to know about Keith's life, what it was like being a paladin, how many planets he had saved, things like that.

Keith kept his answers short, very aware of how the taller man found every opportunity to step closer to him, touch his shoulder, things of that nature. Keith knew he was flirting with him, he wasn’t that socially obvious. He just didn’t know how to escape the situation he found himself in.

“Keith, the night is slowly coming to an end.”

Keith gave a small nod, finally.

“Would you care to share a dance?”

Before Keith could turn down his offer, Dreknill's hands were on his lower back, pushing him towards the center of the room. “I-I can’t dance,” Keith tried to turn away but the other man grabbed his arm, pulling him closer to his chest.

“I guess I’ll have to teach you.”

Keith frantically looked around the room as Dreknill twirled him around the room. He stumbled a bit under his feet and Dreknill lifted him up slightly, supporting most of his weight.

Keith held his breath, trying to think of his best route back to his room, or just out of the ballroom. He could tell the song was coming to an end and he silently begged for it to end faster.

Dreknill stopped twirling him, finally setting him back fully on the ground. “That wasn’t so bad was it?” He gave him a smile.

“Oh yeah, thanks but I think I’m going to turn in for the night.”

“Oh but Keith the night is so young! One more dance?” He leaned closer, his lips an inch or so apart from Keith’s.

Keith‘s mind was in an all-blown panic and he felt himself freeze. Move body! Come on! He could fight the Galra but freeze in this situation?

“Keith! What are you still doing up, you need your beauty sleep.” A familiar voice rang in his ears, his savior. An arm was wrapped around his waist, pulling him onto his teammate's side.

Dreknill straightened his back up, “Oh the Blue Paladin.”

“Please, call me Lance. I don’t mean to interrupt but Keith does have a strict bedtime routine.”

Dreknill squinted his eyes a bit at Lance, seeming to size him up, his eyes lingering on Lance’s hand on Keith's waist. “I see.”

Lance flashed him a wide smile, “it was a pleasure to meet you.”

“I can escort the red paladin back to his room,” Dreknill reached for Keith and Lance tightened his hold on him.

“Don’t worry. I can take care of him.” Lance looked down at Keith, “ready to leave love?”

Keith felt himself blushing, nodding a bit at Lance’s words.

“We both hope you get home okay,” and with that Lance turned around, dragging Keith with him, and quickly left the room. He didn’t stop walking until they were in the space between their bedroom doors.

Lance dropped the hold he had on Keith. “Sorry, you looked uncomfortable.”

“It...wasn’t pleasant. Thanks for getting me out of there.”

Lance gave him a tense nod.

Keith scanned his face, trying to decipher any emotion he could. “Lance?”

Lance grabbed his face gently and brought their lips together.

---

Lance wasn’t really a jealous person. He had his moments, who didn’t? But he had a very small list of things that would actually make him feel jealous. When his mama would call his siblings by his nickname. When his eldest brother got a dog and he didn’t. And apparently seeing Keith be flirted with was another one.

He had kept his eyes on his fellow teammate the entire night. He wanted to be by him, keeping their shoulders touching, maybe holding his hand, just be close to him. But he knew he needed to mingle, needed to help this alliance go smoothly. Plus he didn’t want to get integrated by the team because they were both suddenly joined at the hip.

So he chatted with the aliens that surrounded him, quickly dodging their flirting attempts or invitations back to their respective rooms. None of his guests seemed to take offense to his friendly decline which he was grateful for.

But then that...that guy strolled over to Keith, and Lance told himself to keep breathing, that Keith was just mingling like they all were. But then he put his hand on Keith's arms and Lance almost stormed over to him right then and there. He was stopped by a councilman stepping in front of him, quickly pulling him into a conversation.

Lance couldn’t keep his eyes off him, he kept nodding his head, giving half-ass responses to whatever the councilman was saying. A tight feeling bloomed in his chest the longer he watched Keith. He knew that they weren’t dating or anything but Lance wished they were.

He forced himself to remain where he was, forcing his breathing to remain even. Keith did look uncomfortable, he clearly wasn’t enjoying the conversation he was having and Lance did whatever he could to try to end the conversation.

He managed to slip away as Keith was being twirled on the dance floor, looking too uneasy on his feet. Lance stared at the two, stared specifically at Keith who was nearly being lifted off the ground by the other man.

Lance couldn’t control himself anymore, he couldn’t stop his advancement toward the two men even if he wanted to. He reached Keith in a couple of strides, immediately pulling him to his side with one arm. “Keith! What are you still doing up, you need your beauty sleep.”

Lance eyes the other man, trying to silently tell him to back off. The man, Lance didn’t care to learn his name, seem to take it as a challenge, which Lance was not going to lose.

“I can escort the red paladin back to his room,” the man reached for Keith, and Lance tightened his hold on his teammate, silently apologizing for how tightly he was grabbing him. He didn’t want that man to pull Keith out of his grasp.

“We both hope you get home okay, “ Lance didn’t think he could walk any faster. Each step put him further away from that man. He kept walking till they both reached in-between their rooms.

Kissing Keith was not something he expected to do tonight, be he felt like he was going to explode if he didn’t. Keith kissed back with a sense of hunger and Lance quickly pushed him back against the wall.

“Sorry I couldn’t get you out of there sooner. You looked in pain most of the night.” Lance mumbled against the other boy's lips.

Keith nodded and Lance pulled away, looking into his galaxy eyes. “I guess I don't like when others flirt with you.”

Keith blushed at the statement, “I only want you flirting with me honestly.”

Lance grinned, “I’ll make sure to be the only one,” he connected their lips again.

-----

I don’t really know why I went in this direction but why do I do anything?? I guess I just needed some jealous Lance in my life

I hope you liked it

Thank you <333333

241 notes · View notes

themsource · 4 months

Text

Homeless in New York - HT!Sans/Reader

Another idea ramble! Well, basically plot spiel. This one is very long though. I really liked the part in Beyond Two Souls where Elle goes through the homeless experience with Stan and everyone, for how eye opening it was and...other reasons! ^^

Said in the new year I'd share more so I'm blowing dust off my idea folder and just putting them out there lol

...I have a lot ._.

Rating: M

You and Sans start out as rivals.

He’s mean, cruel, says the most awful stuff with even worse morbid puns that set your hairs raising whenever you encounter each other but you’re just as vicious right back. There’s an energy to your exchanges that always leaves one of you smiling in the end, a witty verbal game of cat and mouse where the roles are constantly flipped.

For some reason out of all the fellow homeless you’ve met Sans gets to you the most. Mainly because you both always end up competing when it comes to resources. It’s a constant battle but one that you end up finding security in with how often it happens in the bland monotony that is job hunting and scrounging.

He smirks as he gets the last bed for the night at the shelter, fine, you have your favorite vent in the far off ally behind the donut shop anyway but you beat him to the food kitchen and steal the last bowl of potato soup much to his annoyance. Sometimes it’s in reverse, sometimes you both end up winning and missing out, but those are rare and far between.

You’ve been homeless for a long time and know the streets and the people on them. Sans is someone who only popped up a year ago wearing his four coats and his bizarre choice of three layers of mixing shorts and pants, one of only three monsters in the big city as far as you know since the race came top side six years prior. You don’t know where he came from but this whole rivalry started because you’d had to step out of your place in line to help someone outside the food bank and Sans had stolen it.

When you came back and pointed it out he had only shrugged and said ‘sounds like a personal problem kid.’

Never had you encountered a fellow struggler who wasn’t kind and supportive. New York may have been renowned for its cold shoulders and careless attitudes but that didn’t apply in the homeless community, there was always sharing if it could be managed rather that was a spare bit of food or a warm trashcan fire. You’d even tried telling him that wasn’t how it works and tried to nicely explain but he’d rolled his single red eye and told you to ‘buzzoff’ instead of listening.

You vowed to never let him know peace after that.

This continues for months and during that time you find moments. Moments where there’s some sort of silent understanding. Catching him with a bummed cigarette and several crossed off job posts on the paper he’s holding, exchanging a frown for his shrug. Him watching as you are attempting to duct tape the sole back on your shoe and titling his skull with you gesturing accusingly at a careless nail abandoned on the curb that had caught you. Never speaking except for those bantering moments where you’re trying to one up and beat the other out.

There’s no kindness, no verbal sympathies.

Until one day when a new shelter opens up and there’s plenty of space, it’s the biggest most well equipped one yet with the softest beds that you’ve found in years, only to see them chasing Sans off, or trying to. He stands there unimpressed as the man who owns the place, a blading big hefty man in his 60s yells up at him both hateful and derogatory things.

‘Your kind is a nuisance! Nothing but nightmares! Just look at these innocent people, don’t they suffer enough without having to see your ugly mug!?’

No one is trying to step in, more likely afraid they’ll be kicked out for back talking. You can tell they’re uncomfortable though because they all exchange awkward glances. Obviously they feel the same as you. Sans deserves the help as well. In fact you recognize a guy in the crowd you’d seen hanging out with Sans once sharing a smoke and the look on his face practically shouts offended and angered.

‘Hey!’

The man sputters as you approach and Sans’ eye lazily pans over before widening, and his frown shrinks as you take a step between him and the old man. ‘He has a right to be here just like the rest of us!’

Sans glowers as he reaches for your shoulder, ‘i can handle this–’

But you shake him off and spin on him.

‘I know you can! You’re such an asshole I bet you could rip this guy's skull from his shoulders and not give a damn!’ His glower drops as he looks over at the guy (who visibly sweats at the look) and back to you before shrugging and you continue. ‘But he needs to learn we’re a community!’

You spin right back around and point at the guy, jabbing him in the chest.

‘We suffer day in and day out! We struggle to get by and sometimes the only kindness we get is from each other. People like you? Who think they’re doing us a favor by making us play damn lottery just to get a bed or some food, you’re the ugly ones! Because look at you! There’s still plenty of beds but you’re turning one of us down just because he’s a different race, knowing he’s struggling too! Talk about showing your damn colors. Not to mention this is obvious discrimination!’

The embarrassment and fear in the man’s face vanishes as he latches onto your last sentence, ignoring the rest of your rant and valid points like a complete jerk, turns smug and stern.

‘Discrimination laws don’t apply to monsters miss. And you’re right, we have the right to ‘play lottery’ as you call it because sometimes things get tight, and sometimes so we can provide for the people that deserve it! Kindness gives is what kindness gets and if you want to abuse a fellow human being over trash then you can get the hell out!’

There are a few that know you that look ready to intervene but you shout about how you ‘don’t need handouts from a jerk’ and that you ‘have a perfectly working vent in the park’, keeping those that would help from suffering another painful night needlessly. You spin around back to Sans who’s been silent watching this whole thing and he meets your eye with a half lidded look that you can’t help snapping at.

‘Shut up and come on! Benches are more comfy than those rock slabs he calls mattresses anyways!’ You stomp away and Sans follows you. The cold night air helps to tame your temper as you walk but not by much and it’s some time before Sans finally says anything.

‘you’re a dumbass.’

You're shivering and tuck your hands under your armpits. You’d forgotten it was supposed to be negative three tonight. Your response is a grumble. ‘You’re welcome.’

‘...here.’ He sheds one of his four jackets and dumps it unceremoniously over your head.

You gratefully latch onto it and roll yourself in the larger material like a walking burrito and when you get to the vent that night not only does Sans help setup right beside it with his own foil blanket to share with the mat you’ve provided but also silently tucks you into his chest.

It’s awkward at first but you’ve cuddled with complete strangers before in the New York climate and so willingly fall asleep in his arms.

From there you spend time getting to know each other for a few months. Working to make sure you both manage to grab food and a bed even if you have to share sometimes, which honestly you’re okay with because turns out Sans is surprisingly warm for a skeleton. You still mouth off to each other but now there’s questions, words not hostile in nature.

‘you good?’

‘The manager didn’t know what he was talking about, I bet the next interview will be the one!’

There’s a time where he spots you meticulously washing your fingerless gloves, making sure to pay extra attention to the rose embroidery so the color don’t wind up too faded.

‘those are pretty.’ It’s said off-handedly but you feel an appreciation for the comment nonetheless. They’re all you have left of the one who loved and raised you before they died and your life went to hell in a handbasket. You don’t tell him any of that but Sans can tell they’re important anyways.

The gratitude shows in your voice as you smile down at them. ‘Thanks.’

Then suddenly you feel awkward and remember the quarter you have in your pocket. You pull it out and toss it at him, marveling how easily he catches it without looking up from one of the free burgers he snatched from a care worker doing patrols.

‘what’s this for?’

‘A penny for your thoughts, a Quarter for your manners.’ You reply smugly.

He snorts, ‘that’s not a thing’, but pockets it anyways.

Sans actually manages to get a job for a bit, you both celebrate and rent out a double bedded hotel room for a night with a breakfast buffet, but quickly the dream is crushed when Sans gets let go for some high school student.

Then you manage to earn a good chunk of change from a side job an old friend offered you and you use the money to buy you and Sans better winter clothes (which he tries to argue with you over but you ignore him as usual and win the argument by stating it’s a necessity for survival).

All is good, for once being homeless seems not so bad, still sucks but not awful.

Reality reminds you good things don’t last as news hits that the city is passing new mandates to help curb the homeless problem by eliminating shelters and closing down food banks. Supposedly it’ll get people to ‘get off their asses’ or go ‘loiter elsewhere’ all in all people believe this will solve things.

Things get tense as fellow homeless start turning on each other over scraps and places to sleep, even you and Sans get weary with each other but start deciding to find abandoned houses and buildings to squat in for a few nights at a time. Somehow without even noticing you both have started doing practically everything together and have started sticking to the other like glue.

But never once did you ever have to sacrifice. You were both very sufficient at finding your own things and if there was extra offering it to the other. That’s why it feels as if the world shattered the night you finally feel the fallout of having not eaten in a while.

You’re both in a basement of an old school, sitting around a meek fire made of newspaper and woodchips but you can’t feel the meager warmth at all. In fact your lips have gone blue and your vision keeps doubling in and out.

Sans looks at you from across the flame with a frown as he’s rummaging in his pockets.

‘when did you eat last?’

It’s a struggle to think. ‘When I found us that half bag of sunflower seeds by Charlies.’

‘that was four days ago.’

‘Oh…’ A part of you cringes at the revelation and yells at yourself over your stupidity. ‘Lost track I guess.’

‘and here you’re supposed to be the more experienced out of us.’

You chuckle lamely before breaking into a coughing fit. Sans looks down at the fire and then at the potato he found in his hand. It’s raw and has roots growing out of it, not to mention a suspicious green mold on one side, by all accounts it will probably make you sick.

But it’s something.

He holds it out in offer. ‘here.’

You stubbornly shake your head and pull the foil blanket closer. ‘N-no, you’re hungry aren’t you? Last time you ate was day before yesterday.’

Sans rolls his eye at the fact you’ve kept track of him but not yourself and he glances away. If worse comes to worse he can manage on finding a small animal or something. He’s been better since reaching the surface in managing his symptoms but he still has a limit. You on the other hand being human you won’t last nearly as long as he will before going insane.

‘i’m fine. i’m not that bad, yet. i can last a little longer.’

Yet?

‘Didn’t you starve underground?’ You ask, uncertain and guilty.

Sans ignores you and gets up to slap the potato in the palm of your hand. ‘shut up and eat.’

Prepared to argue you snap your mouth shut instead over the loud rumbling your stomach makes. You shakily bite into it, wincing at how foul it is but choke it down. You finish sick and nauseous but the hunger is gone and you survive another night curled up with Sans by the dying fire. One of the first things Sans ever said to you was that he hated humans, ‘you most of all’ during one of your spats.

But it looks like that’s slowly started to change.

The mandates are just the beginning, you both find a newspaper while garbage scrounging one day that declares a new law being enacted to start locking up anyone that’s homeless as it’s now seen as a crime tied into loitering. Sans shrugs it off and scoffs as he once again, really frequently, mutters low under his breath ‘stupid humans’.

But you’re shocked, because of course they would decide that wasting precious tax dollars to lock someone up like a criminal would be a smarter decision than putting the funding towards helping to find better jobs or bills to help create some, maybe even help to lower the cost in the housing market. No money can only be spent to try and earn more money. Good luck to that though because all those fines on a homeless person?

What a fucking joke.

As if closing down the shelters and food kitchens wasn’t enough.

Land of the free? More like land of the dollar.

Horrifyingly the homeless population gets cut down by half within a month. At first you think they’re at least getting in from out of the cold, and you admit a bit shamefully that it's kind of tempting (Sans even huffs an agreement 'makes me a bit jail-lous, not gonna lie' as he rubs warmth into his hands) but when you learn they’re being sent to places that are essentially labor prison camps you and Sans both do your best to avoid being seen too often.

At this point you’re no better than a murderer or thief in the eyes of the law. You don’t even want to think about what could happen to Sans as a monster. Job interviews are never done more than twice every few days to avoid suspicion of your desperation, and you and Sans both start washing your clothes in the cleanest ponds and fountains you can find as often as you can.

It’s rough.

…You’re not prepared the first time Sans goes hungry.

You don’t know what’s happening, Sans is shaking, trembling as he stays huddled in on himself, hands fisted over his face and phalanges curled in the brim of his beanie, pulling it down in what looks to be painfully tight.

Is this really what he looks like hungry?

You wrap your arms around him, trying to comfort him but it feels as if the skating only gets worse and there’s rough growling under his breath that concerns you. You’re lost, you don’t know what to do and there’s nowhere you can go so late at night to–

A rat, about the size of a shoe, runs across the floor.

You don’t want to think it but…

It’s…

It’s something.

You leave Sans to his corner, reassuringly rubbing his arm though he doesn’t seem to notice and take a deep breath of icy air as you slowly make your way over to where the rat is nibbling on something. Your joints are stiff and your whole body aches from the cold but still you steel yourself and lunge.

Never before have you been so grateful to have decent reflexes.

It’s over in a blink with one good smack against the ground. You take a moment to calm down. Killing has always twisted your stomach, never in your most hungry moments did you ever kill an animal to get by. But this was for Sans.

You slowly walk back over and lightly shake his shoulder to try getting his attention, ‘Sans, Sans look!’

It’s agonizing how long it takes for his quaking hands to pull apart just the slightest inch, revealing his eye which is blown wide in a manic frenzy and the horrifying blackened drool running from his teeth like a tainted waterfall.

Your heart skips and you shake as you feel like prey before a predator.

Refusing to be cowed you cautiously hold up the rat and his eye immediately snaps to it. He snatches it from you with such ferocity you yelp as you quickly back away. Sans tears into it with a viciousness, devouring it whole in three gruesome messy bites that makes you slightly sick to witness. And then he’s staring at the wall unseeing, breathing heavy as he wipes his jaw with a hand as the shaking slowly dies down. Gradually he’s still again, in that ever calm pose that you’re used to seeing and his eye shrinks back down to normal size, only then does he look over at you.

It’s as if Sans just now realizes what happened and quickly grabs you, starts turning you around as he looks for anything amiss despite your worried protests. When he’s satisfied he’s holding a hand over his face and chuckling with relief. ‘aw geez, sorry kid i—’

Your sudden embrace cuts off his words. Sans doesn’t say anything and neither do you. He slowly returns the embrace with another mumbled sorry but you only hold him tighter. You don’t know what that was but you never want to see it again. You never want Sans to ever get that bad, not if you can help it. Which leads to you constantly splitting the food you find from then on, even if it’s no better than a mouthful and he tries to fight you on it before conceding every time you threaten to leave the food where you found it.

Sans’ refusal to waste is…oddly endearing.

When he calls you ‘Rosebud’ for the first time instead of kid it shocks you, but you don’t protest. In fact you try not to blush over it but he sees it anyways and gives you shit over it with a smug grin on his face.

Then you actually witness the police beating a man with a baton for trash digging before dragging him away. Only Sans’ hand on your shoulder stops you from trying to help before guiding you and him both to safety. You both stop traveling together as much in daylight, meetup at certain times and certain places to check in and then find a place together for the night. One of you goes trash hopping and scrounging during this time while the other keeps watch over the base, and it works well.

But when morning hits one day and Sans doesn’t come back you panic.

You leave a note on the cement floor with a rock ‘looking 4 u’ and then go hunting. You search half the city, risk your safety by approaching people who know you’re homeless to ask after Sans or if they’ve seen a skeleton monster. With each negative and sad head shake you grow more and more anxious. Tears are in your eyes and you're freezing when night hits but you don’t stop, you keep going and even dare to sneak around the back of the local police station to see if Sans is in a holding cell.

When he’s not you try heading back to the base for one more night.

The sound of sirens stops you.

They get closer.

Frantically you look every way you can for a path off the trail but find none in your panic. You’re going to get caught and you still haven’t found Sans and he won’t know what happened–

A hand grabs your arm, and you're running blindly where it leads you.

The shadows of an alleyway fall over you and you’re pinned to the wall just as flashing red and blue lights pass. Mind slowly catching up you glance at who’s sheltering you and meet the red glow of Sans’ eye as he peers down at you. He’s covered in sweat, panting from having ran, but he’s here and fine–

You aren’t thinking when you pull him into a kiss and neither is he when he returns it with just as much passion. He hoists your legs up over his hips, growling ‘rosebud’ with a fierceness that shakes you, and drags you further into the alleyway, safe from prying eyes.

Being in a relationship with someone while being homeless has always been complicated. Always hurt feelings or worries that can’t be helped, an uneven power dynamic where food or drink is being forced on you for good conscious that even the affection you can get begins to feel questionable in its genuineness.

There’s none of that with Sans, nothing really changes.

There’s maybe more kind words, but there’s kisses now and sometimes more.

You both still have spats and go back and forth just as you did when you first met but you both end up smiling at the end of it, together. It strikes you how you really still don’t know that much about Sans, and he doesn’t know much about you either. You’ve both just been living in the moment and you decide to keep doing so. You’ve been happy so far despite being on the run like fugitives, why change that?

You regret that decision when Sans suddenly gets sick. He was fine that morning, but as the day wore on and you kept meeting up with him he started looking off colored from his usual white, grayer and grayer. When you ask he says it’s just a cold which you choose to believe.

Then as night hits and you go to cuddle with him…

You notice he’s already passed out.

Sans is sweating and…

You freeze.

You don’t know the first thing on how to help a sick monster. You doubt anyone in any of the hospitals do either and you start worrying. He continues to sleep, unresponsive to you no matter what you say, panting, and you make the executive decision to search him and see if he has any medicine or anything at all.

That’s when you find a bundle of string tied letters tucked away in one of the many pockets of one of his multiple coats. You quickly look through them, noticing they’re all from someone named ‘Papyrus’. Birthday wishes, holiday greetings and random life updates…the word ‘Brother’ and many, many, names of various people Sans obviously knows by how they’re talked about.

You have to stop and take a second to register what you just discovered.

Unlike you he has a loving family.

So why was he homeless?

…You didn’t understand.

A sharp gasp has you jolting and slipping a hand to his forehead. He’s burning up, as hot as a kettle. You start skimming the letters again until you find a phone number. There’s only a split second where you hesitate knowing how Sans feels about his privacy and how this might really upset him but you ignore the worry and go digging until you find a single spare quarter in one of his pockets, the one you’d affectionately given him.

Thankfully the payphones still work in the area you’re both currency camping at and you manage to sneak from building to building without notice. Your heart is racing when the call goes through and the number starts ringing.

‘HELLO?’

‘Is this Papyrus?’

“WHY YES! THIS IS THE GREAT PAPYRUS! MAY I ASK WHO YOU ARE AND HOW YOU GOT MY NUMBER?’ You consider, it’s not too late to hang up and stop from crossing this personal boundary more than you have already because you still don’t know why Sans isn’t with them, you can hang up and hope that Sans was right and this was just a cold and he’d be recovered by morning.

But then you remember the potato and the alleyway after you’d feared he’d been caught…

‘He’s got a cold.’ You whisper.

A sigh.

Papyrus’ tone is suddenly subdued and no longer jovial, serious as a heart attack. ‘Where is he?’

#undertale au #horrortale #sans #reader #sans/reader #My writing #M rambles

15 notes · View notes

genderkoolaid · 1 year

Note

Honestly, I was not expecting that kind of a response, thank you. And yeah, I guess I am just kinda hurting, when I was a small little trans boy in a small little Christian town, online trans spaces were the only place I could go and so many of them were filled with transfems putting down transmascs. And I guess it’s just kinda like, after you see enough of that shit you just kinda give up on having an ally in that group. Because yeah one or two isn’t bad, but when it’s constant like it is in a lot of Reddit/twitter spaces which was where my trans ass was, seeing people saying we should all just band together and forget our differences, idk, it just kinda hits me as naive. Obviously this isn’t to put down transfems, no group is a monolith, there’s just a very vocal minority of transfems who I had my first experiences with and it was like, okay, what the fuck am I trying to do allying with these ppl. Idk, it still seems a little bit fantastical to all band together. Plus pretty much (especially white) transfem I’ve met believes they are in some way more oppressed for being trans even if they acknowledge trans men “kinda face oppression too”, idk, it just seems like lumping us all together is like putting us in a get along tshirt and not realizing that some ppl don’t want to be around ppl who have historically hurt them a lot. Idk.

It makes sense that when you hear transunity your first thought is of the people who have hurt you the most, and that must have been traumatizing. The online community in general tends to emphasize the most divisive opinions & also tends to be dominated by the more privileged and sheltered people in the community, which is why many people find that people they meet in physical spaces tend to have much more diverse and open opinions. When that's the dominant way you experience the community, it definitely leaves you feeling like community is doomed to fail. This (both intra-community violence in general and transandrophobia specifically) has been allowed to fester in trans spaces for far too long. I get how while you logically know its a small minority your view of trans solidarity has been stained by that & that can be really hard to change, especially when that kind of thing is still a problem in the community.

If you want my opinion: taking care of your own mental health, especially as it relates to gender, and exposing yourself to transfems & other trans people who are openly supportive of transmasc activism, is vital. Running this blog I've found a lot of transfems who support the conversation around transandrophobia, including people who are extremely supportive and vocal about it. When you see people like that more and more, you start to focus on the ways we can help each other more than the ways we harm each other. I see other trans people talking about transandrophobia and transunity and it affirms to me how they are people who take this seriously and want to build a safer community for everyone. cipheramnesia is a pretty big transfem blogger who's been vocally supportive of transmasc activism discussing transandrophobia, and the reason I got into this discussion in the first place was through seeing a trans woman talk about it and insist that it wasn't inherently transmisogynistic and that transmascs do deserve to be heard about the details of our oppression. I may have never made this blog at all if it weren't for transfems being vocal allies of transmasc activism.

I've also seen a lot of trans people with awful, divisive, and bigoted takes; I know those come from people who are also hurting, who are lashing out at people they have biases against because it lets them feel some kind of control and release. Its tempting to step back and leave the whole thing behind- and if that's what you need to do for your mental health and safety, that is your right. But to me, the hardest and most important thing about activism is acknowledging how real change has to come from opening up and making connections and risking pain and rejection for the sake of transformation.

Transunity is, fundamentally, about taking that risk because we know its the only way we can unwork the thing that keeps all of us oppressed, the only thing that truly and consistently benefits from the infighting. Transunity is a direct response to the behavior you describe, created by trans people from multiple different groups. Its still very, very young as a movement but the more it grows, hopefully, the more people who will be vocal about the issues in our community and how open discussion and active solidarity are vital to our liberation. There may always be discourse and assholes lashing out, but there will also always be people putting in the work and showing compassion, so those people will find each other and work for the betterment of everyone, including those trying to tear each other apart.

Like I said, its also important to take care of your mental health. Alienation from your community is traumatizing (as plenty of aspec people can tell you), and that leaves you with defense mechanisms meant to keep you safe that can be hard to get rid of. I think transmasc-focused spaces can be really, really helpful in healing that kind of trauma and help you feel much more stable and supported in your transness & as a person, which in turn makes you more willing to take that risk and open up for a chance at solidarity and community. A lot of times, you need to take care of yourself and get in a good place before you can really engage in community activism, so I don't blame you at all for being wary of transunity when you are obviously still hurting. Healing is fucked up and messy and its alright to have complex emotions about people and things while you are dealing with that pain. Like I said, at the end of the day I wish you the best, and I hope you find yourself a community that supports you like you deserve.

#m.#ask box #transunity

56 notes · View notes

theaceofarrows · 10 months

Note

How do you see Luz's family? Like who's in it and playing what part? And be as detailed as you want - need - I'm very curious

Alright, here we go!

Camila, the amazing mama she's had all her life who's relationship has only grown between them and it's stronger than ever. Number 1# support system in the HR and group mom to all the kids

Eda, her loving, crazy mama she gained in the DR. There will always be a special bond between them for Eda being the first person (other than Camila) to except all her qurks and interests embrace her for it. Mom/crazy aunt to all the kids

Raine, her DR parent. Gives great advice especially for anxiety related issues. Absolutely a teen rebellion role model (THE Raine Whispers?!). Teaches her all the best bard spells and is always super patient

Lilith, cool aunt always down for bad girl™ shenanigans and adventures, ready to help with any and all school related questions 24/7

King, little brother. Would do anything for each other and both super protective. Number 1# cuddle buddy. Will always make groan inducing puns together

Amity, her awesome girlfriend/future wife. Her biggest fan and another huge support. Helps each other with self worth issues. Always hanging out and holding hands. Possible Bi awakening. Always ready to pull each other from danger. Enemies to friends to girlfriends

Willow, first and forever best friend. They are sisters hands down. Have been and always will be together through thick and thin. Have helped each other grow SO much since the beginning. Support each other's crazy stunts

Gus, also best friend and her's/Hunter's little brother. Always cheering each other on and lift each other up. Speak in memes. Getting into trouble and shenanigans all the time and giving they're parents grey hairs

Hunter, he's/Gus's older brother and Camila's son. Former enemies to reluctant allies to friends to siblings. Have helped each other through trauma especially Belos related. Have such oldest and youngest syndrome. Endlessly annoy each but would but would also kill for each other

Vee, her's/Hunter's little sister and Camila's daughter. Had a bit of a bumpy start at first but after some hard truths and life or situations are now 100% sisters. Vee seems like the voice of reason but in actuality is incredibly fierce and ready to kill to protect her family. They give each other wildly different dating advice

Emira & Edric, Amity's siblings/Luz's future siblings in-law/Hunter's step siblings??. Chaos twins. Probably founded the Lumity fan club. They are the friends you go to when you "know a guy". Always down to commit illegal acts and have the bail money ready. Constantly teasing

Alador, Amity and Em & Ed's dad/Luz's future father in-law/probably Darius husband/Hunter's step dad??. Very supportive of his kids relationships and always doing his best to make time and listen to them. Thought Luz was a member of the family 5 minutes ago. Probably already has the wedding planned

Darius, rich wine uncle/Hunter's dad/Amity, Em & Ed's step dad??/Alador's husband??. Acts like he doesn't care but will fight anyone who hurts his kid('s). Not so silently judging everyone's outfits. Goes to every sports match. Teaches Amity and Hunter crazy abomination spells because he claims Alador is to much of a hack to be trusted

Eberwolf, fun/crazy uncle/Darius' little brother. Has shown everyone what would probably be considered illegal beast keeping magic. Rides on people's shoulders whenever someone is having a bad day. Gives the kids tips on the best way to annoy Darius

Steve, the guy who just kind of showed up and is now everyone's honorary big brother. Gives rides on motorcycle. Like Em & Ed is also the guy you go to when you "know a guy". Hooks everyone up with a therapist

I hope this is okay! Thank you so much for this ask

31 notes · View notes

movedto-galenmarekstan · 2 years

Text

—BRUISES & BACTA PACKS summary: just some good old-fashioned hurt/comfort a/n: this was a request i got before i nuked my old blog so this is for you sweet anon

In just one day, the only life Kallus knew was over.

He was free from the Empire. The relief of a clear conscience was almost blissful, but he would’ve had to be blind to not notice the suspicion he was met with from his new allies.

The Rebels, many of whom had been injured during the attack on the Atollon base, glared heatedly towards him and the ISB armor he wore.

Kallus had no doubt they were projecting their hatred for the Empire and the pain of what they had lost onto him, but he couldn’t fault them for that.

So he kept to himself, despite the cramped hallway of the Ghost they shared. He grunted as he slowly sat down against the wall, stretching his legs out. Pain shot through him with every breath and he closed his eyes, focusing on controlling his breathing. For a man who fought a war from the safety of a Star Destroyer, Thrawn was utterly brutal in hand-to-hand combat.

Kallus was certain the Admiral had broken a rib, at the very least.

It wasn’t long before Kallus found himself drifting off to sleep, exhausted from combat, torture, and the adrenaline leaving his system now that he was something close to safe.

But only a few minutes passed before he was startled awake by a sharp noise. A door had opened on the opposite end of the hall and a familiar woman stepped through.

You kneeled beside the nearest wounded soldier, speaking softly as you held a flashlight to his eyes.

Kallus recognized you, of course. The Ghost crew’s medic; not officially a Specter but still an invaluable asset to the team. Back when he spent day and night hunting the Lothal Rebels, you had played a role in nearly every operation and he took it upon himself to find out all he could about you.

There hadn’t been much to find, however; all he knew was that you had been born on Hosnian Prime, attended the Imperial Academy to become a combat medic, and then abandoned your career for unknown reasons.

Not long ago, he had planned to capture you and use you as leverage against your Rebel friends, but they protected you too fiercely for him to even get close.

He watched you now as you made your way down the line of Rebels. Their injuries weren’t too severe, most only needing a bacta patch or spray; but you still took your time, only moving on when you were satisfied they were okay.

Kallus was up next. He tried to sit up straighter, but a sudden sharp pain quickly stopped him. You smoothed a bacta patch over the last shoulder’s arm and looked over at Kallus. He fought the urge to fix his hair. His anxiety must have shown on his face as your eyes softened and you gave him a kind smile, walking over to kneel at his side.

“Kallus,” you said, your voice barely above a gentle murmur, “you look awful.”

He chuckled and immediately regretted it. “I feel it, too. I’ve had a very bad day.”

“I’ve heard. Where does it hurt?”

Kallus patted his ribcage and you immediately got to work; skilled hands quickly removing his chestplate and the layered uniform underneath just enough for you to examine his torso.

You gently touched his ribs and Kallus flinched, both in pain and the heat of your palm as it moved down his side, applying just the slightest pressure to each rib. You were being as gentle as you could and that… meant something to him. He couldn’t remember the last time anyone had touched him with such care.

But perhaps he was reading too much into it. After living disconnected from others for so long, it was no wonder he would be affected by the slightest bit of compassion.

Your touch disappeared and Kallus opened his eyes — which had closed slipped without his notice — to see you rummaging through your medkit. He paled at the sight of several syringes in a neat row.

“Two of your ribs are bruised but not broken.” You pulled out a few bacta patches. “These will help with the pain, but don’t do anything strenuous for a few days.” You ripped the packets open with your teeth. Kallus helped by lifting his uniform so you could use both hands.

You gave him a grateful smile and again you touched him, warming the skin that had suddenly felt so cold. Kallus was glad you were so focused on treating him that you didn’t notice his blush.

Three patches of bacta were applied to his ribs, held in place by medical tape wrapped around his torso. You checked your work with a critical eye before you fixed his uniform. “Done. Now, let me take a look at your eye.”

You hovered your hands on either side of his head, silently asking if you could touch his face. He nodded and you cupped his jaw in your hands.

You gently tilted his head towards the light.

Oh.

With nowhere else to look but your face, it was as though Kallus was seeing you for the first time. And he thought you had an effect on him before. The light eclipsing over your shoulder made you look like an angel.

“It should heal just fine on its own,” you said, one hand moving to hold the back of his head as you picked up a thin metal tube, “but I’ll give you some bacta anyways.”

“Thank you for this.” Kallus murmured once you were done spraying his eye.

Your entire demeanor softened. Kallus wondered how often you got a “thank you” in your line of work. You patted his shoulder comfortingly. “You’re welcome, Kallus.”

“Alexsandr.”

He wasn’t sure why he wanted you to call him by his given name, but he couldn’t bring himself to regret it after hearing his name from your lips.

“Alexsandr.” You smiled. “Don’t be afraid to call for me if you need anything, alright?”

With that, you packed up the last of your supplies and gave him a tiny wave before you moved on to the next injured soldier. You spoke to her with the same gentle tone as you did him and he couldn’t help but feel… disappointed. Which was utterly ridiculous, he reprimanded himself.

You were a medic — of course you would treat everyone the same.

He wasn’t special. He was imagining things.

#agent kallus x reader #star wars x reader #star wars imagines #star wars rebels x reader

159 notes · View notes

operationslipperypuppet · 5 months

Note

What’s your take on the Thiala, Ulfgar, Alanis trio? Any romance HC?

Oh shit I got all doomed by the narrative ones so far tonight, loving it.

They didn’t meet on purpose. Nor did they meet kindly, like the Boobs (or the Third Mates, or Duck Team, for that matter). They were all traveling, separately, on the road to Galaderon. Bandits attacked someone ahead of Ulfgar, who arrived first. He was doing well when he attacked, but was wildly outnumbered, refusing to go down. Alanis arrived next, and shot a fireball at a group who were seconds away from striking Ulfgar down completely. Thiala arrived last, healing Ulfgar seconds after he finally fell, and took out a few of the bandits on her own. It was over quickly after that. Ulfgar offered to buy them drinks, as a thank you. Thiala was going to politely turn it down, but somehow couldn’t say no to the looks on their faces. She didn’t drink, but she did have fun. They decided that night that they should try to fight together. See how it worked out. And then a dragon attacked Moonstone.

When they were less powerful, and had less going on, Thiala was as effective a front-line fighter as Ulfgar. The battlemaster maneuver that gives an ally an attack as their reaction, with advantage, that Gerard of Greenleigh used all the time to assist PiB in Neverafter? That was a favorite of Ulfgar and Thiala, and they were damn good at it. It was only when they were more powerful and Alanis became incredibly effective while Ulfgar had an insane amount of attacks that she started to take a step back and focus on spellcasting and healing. That’s why, when Thiala was finally in control and able to battle for herself, she used the swords.

They had a tendency to spend a lot of time apart, even in the glory days. They all had other things going on. Thiala was in The Chosen, and expected to perform certain duties in Galaderon. Ulfgar always had something to do in Irondeep. Alanis was technically still enrolled at Gladeholm University. And the world wasn’t as in danger as it was for the Boobs. So they took their time. Spent some apart. They were friends, sure, but they were not best friends. They cared for each other, but the same found family love we see in PC parties wasn’t present. Which made it easier, somehow, when things shattered.

Alanis was into both of them. She knew a relationship with either would be incredibly destructive, so she never acted on it when they were a party. This did not, however, stop her from flirting profusely with both of them when she had one too many drinks. Ulfgar was the same way, in terms of physical attraction. He, however, vibed far more with Alanis’ personality, and kind of latched onto her mentally. He didn’t pursue it, but mostly because he didn’t think the feelings were reciprocated. (They did have their moment, once Thiala was gone. They had earned it at that point. It was brief, but for them, it was perfect.) Thiala was repressed. She didn’t allow herself to have those types of feelings for anyone. But something drew her to Alanis. It was one of the reasons she stayed. And once, as I mentioned in my justification for the “least likely to have explored each other’s bodies” poll, in one of Alanis’ wish timelines, Alanis went for it. But it changed nothing about who Thiala became, so she never brought it up in her retelling of the attempts. And she never tried again. But she never quite let it stop hurting her.

#hoo boy sorry this is a bit sad #they’re just kinda doomed. it had to be this way #send hc requests! or don’t! whatever!!#naddpod #bahumia #asks #anon #hc

16 notes · View notes

wallacejwriting · 1 year

Text

DESCENT ☆ an urban fantasy mystery/thriller

the first book in the metahuman initiative series

(both art pieces made by @hunter-kole)

genre | urban fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller audience | adult pov | third person limited, single pov

premise | After the violent murder of their family in their small Yukon town, Nat Carter follows the trail to Veda City, a twisting metropolis filled with fellow superpowered people, to hunt down the killer and make them pay.

themes & tropes | revenge, grief/mourning, found family, recovery, self-acceptance, anti-police, queerness & neurodivergence, self-discovery, corruption, rebelling against authority, friendship, learning to love, trust

content warnings | meltdowns, self-harm, suicidal ideation, depression, grief & mourning, graphic violence, death, referenced/past death of a child, bigoted police, bigotry in general, police brutality, ableism, ableist slurs, panic attacks & depictions of mental illness, recreational & medicinal drug use, some religious themes

☾ SYNOPSIS

Don't trust the law. Trust yourself. Approximately 99.5% of all people with superpowers, known as metahumans, live in Veda, an island city off the coast of British Columbia. Nat Carter, a 21-year-old meta who's spent the last twelve years living in the Yukon, has no wish to be one of them. Their family's cabin is all they've ever needed, their parents and sister the only people they've ever loved. On a cold, October morning, Nat's peaceful life is torn apart. The sudden, brutal murder of Nat's family leaves them alone and sends them, impossibly, toward Veda, the city the only clue Nat has to the identities of their family's murderer. But with each step toward the city, it becomes clear that the murders didn't just break Nat's heart and mind, they broke Nat's powers too. And their newfound strength and loss of control draws unwanted attention from all directions. In Veda without a voice, without a plan, and without allies, Nat finds themself unsure how to move forward. Their only chance is someone who can help - a voice to ask questions, a guide to the streets, and a well of information about the intricacies of Veda. But who? There's Mera, the counsellor assigned to Nat who seems to care beyond her job requirements. Or Sage, the teleporter who is the first person to offer Nat kindness in Veda. Or Liesel, their new roommate, who won't let Nat destroy themself no matter how they try. But whoever Nat trusts will be in just as much danger as them, and Nat can't bear to let someone else come to harm. And as it becomes clear that the killer is still chasing Nat, that they're not yet done with them, Nat must race to beat the killer at their own game before anyone else gets hurt. Why did someone kill their family? Why did someone draw Nat to Veda? And why didn't they just kill Nat back in the Yukon? There's a deeper mystery within this city that Nat hasn't yet found. A reason for everything that is happening. If Nat can find it, perhaps they can put their family, and their grief, to rest.

☾ CHARACTERS

Nat Carter: 21, they/them, autistic. A small-town adult who just lost their family in a horrible, violent way, and is determined to find the killer and make them pay, whatever that might mean. Tired, extremely blunt, prone to helping others, easily overwhelmed, always thinking. Has spent their life with selective mutism but it has grown much more debilitating recently.

Liesel Jaeger: 22, she/her. A city woman who wants nothing more than to keep her family as close as possible. Ends up Nat's roommate. Always taking on too many things, always on the go, wants to do and be everything.

Alejandro Hunter: 20, he/him, trans. A laidback martial artist and skateboarder who takes the world day by day. Loves to climb, loves the sun, and is always seeking a freedom he can't quite find in Veda.

Sage Beaufort: 34, they/them. A calm and patient punk who owns a mildly successful pizzeria with fantastic delivery times. One of the Veda Alphas - the teleporter. Loves to watch clouds on their days off. Dislikes the news, police, and any sort of authority figure that steps out of line.

Nicki: Late-20s, he/they. A mysterious person who Nat keeps running into in the city. Helpful, if cryptic, and always appearing at the oddest times. Quiet and solemn, carries a lot of guilt, speaks in rhetorical questions quite often.

Mera Elion: 41, she/her, trans. A social worker who focuses on new citizens of Veda under 25. Determined to give Nat a stable life in Veda and protect them from the police.

Benjamin Madden: 45, he/him. A member of the police force who is assigned to Nat's case. Strongly believes the murders were accidental and becomes increasingly convinced it was Nat's doing. Focused, argumentative, and determined.

Sean Lorenz: 42, he/him. A member of MERCY who is part of the group who brings Nat in. Becomes obsessed with Nat and their case, and is absolutely certain that Nat purposely killed their family and will go to any lengths to prove it.

Dr. Maddie Higgins: 46, she/her. A doctor who works with metas in Veda City and ends up with Nat as a patient. Thoughtful and optimistic, yet often redirects when asked personal or probing questions.

☾ SETTING

Just after WWI, metahumans were first documented in the world, starting with an athlete in the Olympics. Since then, they've only become more prevalent and more well-known throughout the world. Now, most metahumans live in Veda, a city off the coast of British Columbia that is technically a sovereign nation of the UN. The year is 2039 and the world is different from the one we know. Technology speeds ahead in Veda as the restraints of capitalism begin to peel back. Companies work alongside metas to find ways to copy or recreate useful powers. UBI keeps the population and economy steady. Programs to train powers guide the next generation of metas forward. And yet, despite this, many metas are feared, prejudices still race throughout the veins of the city, and the rampant ableism that lifts up June Holiday while pushing down the rest of the Alphas is only getting worse. Crime families and gangs whisper through the city; illegal underground fights and black markets pass cold steel and hard drugs as easily as blood and bone; and a cult with no way to count its numbers walks alongside Veda's citizens, led by one of the most powerful psychics to ever live. To those outside, Veda seems a paradise. But those inside know that the darkness that lurks in the city's corners will never blink first.

☾ SERIES

The Metahuman Initiative is a long-running urban fantasy series focused on found family, mystery, and what it means to be different from others. The series focuses on queer and neurodivergent characters within the metropolis of Veda, an island city filled with superpowered people. The central plot of the series revolves around the murder of Nat Carter's family and Nat's entry into Veda as a result. Each step along the way will reveal new answers and new questions, allowing the world to open up as the series progresses. While this series isn't a romance series there are multiple important romances, including polyamorous ones and monogamous ones, tragic ones and HEA ones. As well, in true UF fashion, Nat has several one night stands that I am very fond of. Yes, future TMI books may include spicy scenes. Relationships of all sorts - platonic, romantic, familial, toxic & antagonistic - are central to the story and nothing in the series would work without them. This is, fundamentally, my passion project. The story that's always been with me and begging to be written.

☆ LINKS | Book Playlist; Series Playlist; Book Tag; Series Tag; Excerpts ; Character Profiles

☆ TAGLIST | @scarthecreator, @aroaceawesomeness, @sapphic-story, @skarmoree, @reminiscentrevelry, @hunter-kole, @pugsanity, @vampywriter,

ask to be on the taglist! either in the notes of this post or in my askbox. taglist will be used for snippets, character profiles, & large worldbuilding posts.

#writeblr #wips #am writing #queer writing #urban fantasy #wip post #wip: descent #the metahuman initiative

43 notes · View notes

maxikha-ffxiv · 2 months

Text

A Story of Revenge

A small fic I wrote a few years ago, that still holds up. This would be around the events of late SB. Maxi just lost her grandmother to a bandit's poisoned arrow.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The small building was not a lot to look at. It was clearly set up and ran out of need more than anything. It was dirty, dimly lit, one could almost assume it wasn’t a bar, were it not for the people inside. A stereotypical grizzled man tended a shoddy bar, and a few splintered tables thrown about the floor housed patrons nursing local drinks. There were some hushed and quiet conversations, which stopped as a hooded figure walked in. From their size and the noticeable scaled tail poking out of their cloak, the few who cared to pay attention would be able to tell this was a Xaela female, and not much else.

She walked over to a table in the corner, where a pair of men sat. One was an older hyur, his partner much younger, both equally covered in scars and dirt. The only real distinguishable marking of any kind were identical tattoos on the left upper arm of each man. The woman said nothing, just sat down on the table, her hooded face turned toward the pair. As she did, the elder leaned forward, growling at her,

“This is a private table. You best be leaving before you get yourself in trouble.”

There was no response save an iron arrow dropped onto the table.

“That there’s a metal arrow. Dunno why you are putting it there. We don’t-” “Your name is Egill Swiftaxe is it not?”

The voice under the hood was curt and cold, as she cut off his reply. The figure pulled her hood back, revealing a dark skinned Xaela under the cloak. Her electric blue eyes were piercing, black hair pulled back into a braided ponytail.

Her eyes darted between the two as she picked up on hands heading straight towards weapons.

“You better make quite sure you mean your next words lass, else you ain’t walking out of here.”

“Was told that’s your arrow. Found it on the Steppe. Asked around, told to come here. So I did.”

“What braindead idiot told you a sort of thing like that?” “Someone who isn’t stupid enough to tell their name to people they don’t know. I’m simply looking to get some made for my own use and was told your hand crafted them. Now if I have the wrong man I understand and will take my gil with-” “You got the right man lass. Aye I made it. In fact I can tell you right now my mate Steinarr here’s the one that shot it. You can see his initials I forged in it right there. What you going about shooting arrows fer in the Steppe mate? Told ya these things are expensive, and you only use ‘em for special occasion.”

Before Steinarr had a chance to respond, two things happened. The first, the small Xaela woman drew a green dagger from somewhere under her cloak and jammed it up to Egill’s neck. Second, an arrow flew from outside the doorway and straight into the side of Steinarr’s head, felling him in a single shot. The few others in the tavern all froze, and before anyone else reacted, four rather large male Xaela, one of them holding a longbow, stepped in.

“Here’s the deal,” Maxi said, dagger pressed to her quarry’s throat, addressing the others in the building. “You all leave now, and make no fuss, you will never see us again nor be harmed. Anyone still here in the next twenty seconds we will consider an ally of this man and will be treated as such.”

Half a minute later, no one was in the building save for the Xaela, the dead body, and the poor man who they had tracked. Maxi nodded to her half-brother, “Well shot Jebei. I see she taught you as well as I. And as you can tell, unfortunately for you, I’m not here to buy. See your friend there made a grave error in judgement the other day. He decided to use that arrow right there and kill someone. Our,” and she guestured to herself and her half-brother “grandmother. This is now the second time your band of bandits have decided to harm me and those around me, and I’m now taking measures to make sure it won’t be happening again.”

While Maxi was talking, her free hand was removing the various weaponry her target had on him. Once satisfied he was now unarmed, the dagger flicked, leaving a small cut on his neck.

“You wouldn’t remember my first meeting with your lot, you’re far too new. So I’ll give you a chance to live. That venom you had coated your arrows with, hope you have the antidote on hand, else your life won’t exist much longer.” Maxi showed off her dagger, showing the light but potent coating of the same poison that was on the arrow. “Our herbalists figured out the mixture easily enough, and I can assure you, you have maybe an hour left to get that antidote in you. And just in case you do survive, you can tell your boss Altani of the Dazkar sends her regards.”

Maxi could see the terror in the man’s eyes, and let go of him. She walked back to her kin and headed out of the tavern.

“Altani was it wise leaving that man alive?” “Don’t worry Jebei. He’s a small fry compared to the main operation. They lose folk like that all the time to varying acts of stupidity. Their boss won’t care, all he will see is that a couple of his hired hands shot the wrong Xaela and paid the price for it. Not his problem. That guy will be lucky enough to live through reporting to his boss, it may actually be less painful than dying to that poison.”

“Then now what sister? What do we do?”

“We move on, go to the next step. I’ll see you all back at camp, I have a few things to do before then.”

#maxi kha #maxi's writings

3 notes · View notes

wh3nturtlesfly · 1 year

Text

Set Him Free (Chapter 3)

First | Previous | Next

Relationships: Slow Burn prinxiety and logicality

Word Count: 2266

Summary: Roman returns to the kingdom, and retells his days story, while receiving some welcome (and unwelcome) advice…

Roman tapped his fingers atop the glass windowpane, gazing over the kingdom. A soft glow from the moon reflected over various shops and cottages, making the whole area appear microscopic compared to the castle he was currently sitting in.

Still, each of the commoners within the village below possessed much more freedom than Roman could ever wish to have. Being heir to the throne came with its wide array of rules and regulations, forming invisible chains that in the end left him strangled by his own standing.

He looked up, the vision of hundreds of stars shining within his eyes. Roman could watch the stars forever. They served as a small escape from the society’s restraints, temporarily setting him free.

As much as he enjoyed getting to be the hero, it was nice to be able to occasionally forget about the kingdom's expectations.

Roman allowed himself to be enveloped in the illuminations, each star pulling him just a bit farther from reality. He held a finger to the sky, tracing through intricate constellations and brushing his fingertips across vast galaxies.

One by one, he recalled the stories for each. Auriga, the swift charioteer. Draco, the fierce dragon guardian. Orion, the valiant hunter.

True heroes and villains, all captured permanently within the heavens. Legacies, all contained within stories painted in the sky. It fascinated Roman how lasting the arrangements were, spreading their tales generation to generation, and becoming immortal within thousands of illuminations.

He let the memories of failed missions and strict orders slip from his mind, leaving only the stars.

“Ah, there you are, your highness,” A clear voice cut through the silence.

“It's great to see you as well Logan.” He offered a smile, “butI told you that you needn’t use such formalities when addressing me. Roman will do just fine.”

“Alright Ro-, nope, I can’t do it. As both you and the queen’s advisor, remaining professional is of top priority. If you are searching for nonchalance, you should’ve remained on the streets.”

“Oh come on Lo,” a cheerful figure emerged from behind Logan, a bright smile painted upon his face, “You don’t always have to be serious, we’re still teenagers after all!”

“Exactly, eighteen is the perfect age to grow and step into the real world.”

Roman sighed, “I don’t think you’re going to sway him with this Patton. Send out any new letters today?”

Patton Aureole was the royal messenger, in charge of sending and receiving important information along with establishing relations with other kingdoms. His bright and kind manner made him the perfect face for befriending others, contributing to Elden’s many allies.

“Nothing was in need of sending today, but I did receive a letter addressed to all of us from Lunaris!”

Patton retrieved a cream envelope displaying a crimson wax seal. Both Roman and Logan perked up at this, eying the letter with anticipation.

“Well,” Roman began fidgeting excitedly, “Are you going to open it or what?”

“Magic word?”

“Please!”

“Alright,” Patton smiled, carefully opening the envelope and removing the paper inside. Roman and Logan leaned in, trying to catch a glimpse of the cursive covered parchment as Patton read:

Dear Roman, Patton, and Logan,

Greetings from the kingdom of Lunaris! I hope you all have been faring well. It’s been a long time since I last wrote to you all, so I figured I might as well write again! Things here have been going great since we last got together. Despite the constant lessons, Joan, Talyn, and I have found ways to occupy ourselves, leading to many. . . adventures. Talyn has managed to teach me some swordplay techniques so that I may be able to beat even you someday Roman! All while Joan has been helping me stay on task with my studies. They sure know how to manage time well, though I’m not sure that I can go through another poetry class without boring myself to death! As for you three, Patton, I left some new wax colors in the envelope along with a new stamp tip for you! I figured that light blue would be a fun color for you to try out when sending letters! For Logan, I enclosed a page I found in one of the palace books, indicating flora and fauna specific to this area, and Roman, though I don’t have anything physical for you, I wish you luck in catching that thief of yours!

All the best,

Thomas Sanders, Prince of Lunaris

Patton folded the letter up, removing the wax and parchment, then gently placing it back into the envelope. With a smile, he handed the book page to Logan who eagerly bagan reading.

Roman chuckled, a bold expression forming among his features. “Ha!” He exclaimed, “I don’t need luck! I tell you all, I was this close to capturing him today!”

“Sure,” Logan smirked, “And was that before or after you were pushed off a candle shop?”

“How did you find out about that?”

“Evelyn informed me after she returned from the market.”

“Darn.”

“Is no one going to acknowledge the fact that you were pushed off of a building?!” Patton knit his brows in concern, “Are you alright? Did you get hurt at all? Here, show me your arms, I need to check you for the plague!”

“I’m fine Patton,” Roman chuckled, “I caught myself before I hit the ground, and quite gracefully too if I may add.”

“I assume you didn’t follow my advice from your last exploit then.”

“‘Stop engaging in valiant banter’, is not advice Logan! I promise you both, I will arrest him one of these days, it's not my fault he decided to be dramatic today!”

Logan raised a brow, “Dramatic, how so?”

“Well, I did catch him as he was escaping from the top of the candle shop, though he unclasped that cloak of his and ran off before I could process what was happening.”

“It’s alright Ro,” Patton placed a reassuring hand on the prince’s shoulder, “I do remember a certain someone saying they loved a challenge.”

Roman flopped onto a nearby chair, “I suppose you’re right,” he mumbled, “though I just can’t figure out what I keep doing wrong!”

“Try looking at it from a different angle,” Logan proposed, “Find some way in which he must adhere to the scene you have created. Know your surroundings, and stay attentive, rather than simply jumping into action the moment a disruption is reported.”

“You know, that may just work…wait- I got it! You’re a genius Logan!”

“Naturally,” Logan smirked, pushing up his glasses.

“What’s your big idea kiddo?”

“You’ll just have to wait and see when I come back with the notorious Virgil Rayne in custody tomorrow! This plan is foolproof, I can sense it!”

“Foolproof, such as your plan last week, in which you disguised as a street vendor to gain and I quote, ‘inside intel’, ” Logan looked at him doubtfully.

“I played the part wonderfully,” Roman huffed, “you should’ve seen how many people became upset at me when I explained I wasn’t actually selling anything.”

“I’m sure you did a wonderful job!” Patton quickly reassured him. Logan resisted the urge to roll his eyes.

“Well, it's good to know someone believes in my expertise.”

“Oh, I have no doubt about your skills, though your ability to push aside the theatrics for logic is questionable. However, I have no doubt that you will be able to complete all tasks you wish to accomplish, as I know how dedicated you can be.”

“Y’know, I think that’s the nicest thing you’ve ever said to me Logan.”

“Don’t get used to it,” Logan deadpanned, receiving a laugh from the prince in return.

A soft yawn caught their attention, and they turned to notice a very tired Patton, struggling to remain awake. Logan and Roman approached the drowsy messenger, smiles crossing both of their faces.

Roman gently nudged Patton’s shoulder, causing him to jump slightly, “You’re looking a little sleepy padre, you don’t have to stay here while we discuss strategy if you don’t want to.”

“No- I’m alright, I can stay, ‘m not even tired,” he mumbled, eyes fluttering closed before he could even finish his sentence.

The two practically melted at the scene before them, admiring the dedication of their caring friend. Roman retrieved a quilt from a nearby shelf, wrapping the messenger in a sea of soft peach fabric.

They then moved to a more distant corner of the room, careful not to disturb their friend with their discussions. Roman went through the day's events, describing each of his activities while Logan offered advice and the occasional critique.

It had quickly grown later as Roman finished up the last of his exploits for the day, and he eagerly listened to the last of Logan’s feedback.

“In all honesty, I believe you have more than enough expertise to fulfill what you have set out to do, now it all comes down to the mental portion. We must now work to improve your tactical intelligence.”

“I would be glad to,” Roman grinned, “though can I ask you a favor?”

“You’re the literal prince of this kingdom, I don’t think I’m allowed to refuse anything you ask unless refuted by your mother.”

“You know what I mean Logan. I just ask that you don’t tell my mother about the whole falling off the building thing.” He sighed, “She already hates that I’m head of the guard, so there’s no telling she would freak if she knew half the things I did out on patrol.”

“You have my word, I will not inform her.”

“Not inform me of what exactly, Logan?” A cold hand rested on the advisor’s shoulder, causing Roman and Logan to snap their heads around.

“Queen Elena- apologies, I didn’t see you before.” Logan nearly fell from his chair, scrambling to stand at attention.

“That would be your highness to you Mr. Sage.”

“Noted, sorry to be informal, your majesty,” Logan gulped, beginning to fidget with his fingers, “If you will excuse me, I’ll be directing Patton to his room so that you may talk to your son as I assume you desire to do.”

“That you will,” the queen responded, turning to the prince as Logan quickly shuffled out of the room, Patton carried in his arms.

Roman frowned as the door clicked shut, “You didn’t have to scold him like that.”

Elena raised a brow, “Is that so?”

Her words pierced like daggers, and Roman resisted the urge to shrink back. This was only his mother after all. She would never do anything to hurt him.

He squared his shoulders, meeting Elena’s eyes. No reason to be afraid.

“It’s just that Logan did nothing wrong. We were merely discussing strategy.”

“Well if there’s nothing wrong, why are we still discussing it?”

“Right,” Roman looked to the ground, “Apologies mother, we can continue.”

“Perfect,” She looked to Roman, the cold regalness slipping from her face as if it had never been there in the first place, “So dear, I trust your day was magnificent?”

“That and much more,” Roman mumbled, not fully meeting the eyes of the queen.

“And the streets?”

“Safe and protected, nothing out of the ordinary.”

“Oh good!” the queen sighed with relief, “You know how worried I get when you go out patrolling, especially with what happened to your father. I couldn’t bear to lose you.”

“I thought you said we weren’t supposed to talk about dad.”

“Indeed I did, which is exactly why we’re talking about something else,” The last words seemed to drip with an invisible venom as Elena pierced her son with a cold stare, though a second passed and she had transformed back to her noble self.

“Have you managed to come any closer in arresting that thief?”

“Almost, I believe I may know just what to do next time!” Roman struck a pose, happily reminiscing about the kingdom’s streets, lined with marvelous townsfolk and the perfect hint of adventure.

“Perfect, then I expect you to be successful soon. You must be prepared, you are coming closer to holding the crown more with every day.”

“I will. Thank you mother.”

“You are most welcome dear,” the queen stood up, heading to the door, “It’s getting late, and beauty sleep is an important thing, so I suggest you settle down for the night. Rest well Roman.”

“I will mother,” Roman muttered, meandering up a small spiral staircase and into his room. The white and gold door closed softly behind him, allowing the tension to slip from his shoulders.

He gracelessly collapsed onto his bed, taking in the soft comfort of the crimson sheets. Rolling onto his back, Roman turned his head gently to glance out yet another window. The stars came back into view, providing a reassuring comfort.

His mother hadn’t been the same ever since the king had died. Roman tried to convince himself that she was just trying to keep him safe, though with each conversation he felt more and more as if he was being controlled. There was no telling what the queen would think if she knew how exciting Roman’s days actually were.

He began to feel his body grow heavy, the exhilaration of the day finally catching up to him.

Closing his eyes, he imagined the stars growing into even more vast galaxies, stealing him away from the life of expectations and pressure.

Images of a world so beautiful, it seemed almost too good to be real. Each picture shone within his head as he finally slipped into his dreams, surrounded by the impossible illuminations.

#turtlewrites #fic #sanders sides #prinxiety #logicality #royal au #set him free ‘verse

11 notes · View notes

hinatastinygiant · 1 year

Text

17 | Artichoke

Pairing: Tokyo Revengers x Fem!Reader

Wasteland Masterlist

No matter how much you try to comfort your friend, she squirms and shouts through the tape, nearly crying… and it is then that you notice blood all over her fingers.

"Oh my god. What-" you begin just before realizing it. Both of her pinky fingers are cut clean off. Suddenly, you get light-headed and start falling to the side.

Thankfully, before your head smacks down against the floor, Draken swoops in like your sergeant in not-so-shiny military apparel. He carefully brings you outside the bus and sits you down along the curb while Baji stays with Hinata.

“What happened in there?” he asks as he pulls off his backpack and starts searching for something in it.

“I’m not sure,” you shake your head. “I just had a really bad feeling about something.”

“Was it the blood?” he then continues as he pulls out a water bottle from his backpack and hands it over to you.

“Thanks,” you smile softly as you take the drink. “But I don’t think it was that. It hasn’t made me faint like that before.”

A few moments later, Baji steps out of the bus with his arms around Hinata. He then sits her down beside you and you hand her your water.

“Are you alright?” she asks as she accepts the bottle. You notice that Baji’s already managed to bandage her pinky fingers with some kind of bandage and gauze.

“Am I alright? What about you? I just got a bit dizzy but you… What happened in there?” you ask her worriedly.

“I was just walking down the street, trying to stay hidden when that bus came barreling down the road. They must’ve seen me ‘cause they stopped so fast and ran right at me,” she tells you, looking down at the water bottle in her bloody hands.

“How many of them?” Draken then asks.

“Four,” she replies without looking up. “I had no chance. They tied me with tape and told me they were going to carve me piece by piece. They said if they all pitched in, they’d get five days each.”

“Shit. Five days?” Baji mutters.

“That’s what they said.”

“Did you happen to see what numbers they had on their wrists?” you then ask her.

“One of them. I think he was the leader. He rolled up his sleeves while he was explaining what he was going to do to me… right before he cut off my fingers… Sixty-two.”

“Oh my god…”

“You can’t be fucking serious?”

“Of course she is. We can’t be expecting everyone to be playing by the same rules as us,” Draken reminds you and Baji. “It’d be safe to assume there are people with even more than that.”

“We’ve been here for eight days,” you whisper. “How many people can you kill in eight days.”

“A lot,” Draken sighs, shaking his head slightly.

“If you think about it, sixty-two only averages out to about seven a day. And if he’s getting five from carving each person up, then it really isn’t that much,” Baji adds.

“Hinata, have you been by yourself since the start?” you ask her, recalling how the three of you had all gone in separate directions on that fateful first day.

“Yeah,” she nods as she hands you back the water bottle, blood all over the outside. “Can’t say I’ve run into any allies before I found you again and, uh, your new friends.”

“Oh, that’s right,” you smile as you hand Draken the water bottle. He looks at you with disgust now that he’s got Hinata’s blood all over his hands. “Hinata, I met the two of them, Draken and Baji, last week sort of after we split. I trust them,” you tell her while the two men pass each other a glance, “completely.”

“You do?” she asks, watching the two of them closely.

“Yeah. We’ve been through a lot in the past week. If you want to join us you’re more than welcome to.”

“She is?” Baji asks.

“No she’s not.” Draken answers.

“Are you really going to leave a woman who just had two of her fingers cut off become fresh meat for whoever wanders by next?” you scoff. “Come on. Besides, I’ve known her for way longer than I’ve known you two.”

“For how long?” Baji continues to wonder.

“Why the fuck does that-“ Draken begins, before you cut him off.

“Since high school. Draken, she’s one of my closest friends. I mean, fuck, she was head of human fucking resources at the goddamn police station. She’s not going to murder you in your sleep!”

“That isn’t what I said,” he groans.

“It’s what you implied,” you retaliate, earning an agreeing nod from Baji.

“It’s cool with me if you stick with us,” Baji then adds. “The more the merrier, right Draken?”

Draken doesn’t say anything and instead just nods. He then reaches into his backpack, pulls out a small rag, and zips up his bag.

“I guess that means we’re all good then,” Baji smiles as the three of you watch Draken stand up and wipe his water bottle clean with the rag.

“Better get back to base,” he hums.

“Base?” Hinata asks you as you stand up and reach your arm out to her.

“Yep, my old apartment. We’ve been staying there for a little while,” you smile.

As the four of you start to walk back to the apartment, you and Hinata walk a bit slower behind the two men.

“Hey, have you heard from Takemichi?” she whispers to you.

“No. Have you?” you then ask.

“If I had then I probably wouldn’t be out here alone,” she says with an attempt at a smile. “You sure you trust these guys?”

“As much as I can. Baji’s some kind of priest who seems to be a bit confused in his beliefs,” you chuckle, “and Draken’s a lot nicer than he seems at first. But he’s ex-military which explains some of it.”

“Oh, so the comment before about killing a lot of people in one day was because he had been in the war or something?” she then asks you.

“Mhm,” you nod, not sure if you want to give her any more information than that. “Seriously, we can trust them.”

Wasteland Masterlist

8 notes · View notes

pinkfluffybunnyy · 2 years

Text

fairy circles and daisy chains

summary: (Y/N) attempts to comfort Gabi and Falco after Jean's violent outburst towards Reiner. Armin tags along.

(part of the sidelines series, oneshot, canon universe, fairytale elements, fluff & angst)

content warnings: minor medical procedures {examination}, slight descriptions of violence

“Gabi!” Falco cried as he rushed over to his friend.

The exchange had been intense, Jean accidentally kicking Gabi as she jumped in front of her cousin to protect him from Jean’s brutal, raging fists.

The moment his foot made contact with Gabi’s stomach, he stilled, his eyes clearing of his rage filled frenzy.

“I’m sorry…” Gabi whimpered, tears streaming from her eyes. “We… Our wish… was to slaughter all of you… on Paradis.” She gasped for breaths, head hanging low. “We wanted the world to accept us, to forgive us. That’s why we kept hoping for the devils on this island to go away. And now, my mom, my dad… and everyone on Liberio will be gone because of it. I’m sorry…”

“Gabi, lay down on your back, sweetheart. I just need to make sure you don’t have any internal injuries.” (Y/N) instructed, leading the small child away from the group just a little, for her privacy and dignity. Falco followed, his brows furrowed, concerned for his dear friend and wishing to comfort her.

Gabi obliged (Y/N)’s command, laying down flat on her back.

“Okay darling, I’m gonna lift your shirt up a little bit and press down on your stomach, is that okay?” (Y/N) asked, her voice soft and gentle. Gabi nodded and pulled her shirt up to her ribcage, Falco taking her hand in an attempt to quell her anxieties.

(Y/N) crouched over her and pressed down on the skin of her stomach, earning a hiss from the petite child beneath her.

“I’m sorry angel, I’ll be as quick as I can, I promise.” (Y/N) pushed down on her stomach with both hands, squeezing feeling around her organs.

She nodded, “I can’t feel any damage, which is good. I think you’ve just been winded.” Gabi nodded again and sat up, pulling her shirt down and staring at the grass beneath her. Her eyes were still puffy and skin still blotchy from crying. The sight caused (Y/N)’s heart to contort in pain. She had to think of a distraction, something to try and help the two children feel some form of comfort in this horrible situation they had found themselves in.

A smile spread across her lips as an idea popped into her head.

“Do you guys know how to make daisy chains?” she asked, placing a gentle hand on the small of Gabi’s back.

“No, what are those?” Falco asked, looking up at (Y/N) with those doe hazel eyes.

“You join lots of daisies together to make rings or bracelets. You can even make necklaces or crowns, if you make them long enough. Would you like me to teach you?” she asked, her eyes soft and kind.

“Yes please.” Falco said, Gabi merely nodding in response.

“Come on.” (Y/N) said, standing up, extending her hands out to the two children sitting in front of her. “I’m pretty sure I saw some daisy patches back over there. We’ll see if we can find some good ones.”

Falco and Gabi stood up, each taking one of her hands. Just as she was about to lead them away, Armin piped up. “Is it okay if I come, too?” he asked meekly, looking up at (Y/N) from where he was sat amongst his allies.

She whipped her head around to look at him, flashing him a bright smile. “Of course!”

As they walked, (Y/N) pointed out different flora to the two children, sharing her knowledge of flowers and plants with them. Armin trailed behind them, listening intently to what she had to say.

“Oh, there’s a great patch over there! Come on.” (Y/N) exclaimed upon seeing a rather large patch of daisies, steering the children in her grasp towards them. Armin stared up at the trees around them, mindlessly following the trio.

(Y/N) let out a loud gasp, letting go of the children’s hands and turning to Armin, one hand grabbing his arm, the other pressing against his chest, stopping him in his tracks. “Don’t step in that!” she exclaimed.

Armin stopped walking and looked down at her in confusion.

“What?” He looked down below him to see a circle of mushrooms in front of him, his foot hovering over the ring of funga.

“Never step into a fairy circle. It’s really dangerous.” (Y/N) said, looking up at him, her brows furrowed in concern.

“What’s a fairy circle?” Falco asked, curious as ever. (Y/N) crouched down in front of him, that same soft smile on her plush lips.

“That little circle of mushrooms there,” she said, pointing towards the ring of fungi beside them, “is a fairy circle. You never, ever want to step in one, because they’re portals between this world and the fairy world. And fairies might seem fun and jovial, but they can actually be really sneaky and cunning, so you have to be very careful.”

Falco’s eyes lit up, his mouth slightly agape at the thought of little mythical creatures luring them into their trap.

“Fairies aren’t real!” Gabi scoffed, rolling her eyes and crossing her arms across her chest. “How can you, a grown up, believe in fairies?”

(Y/N) turned towards her, giggling. “Gabi, I don’t believe fairies exist, I know they exist. I’ve seen them myself.”

“You have?!” Falco gasped, his hands flying up to his lips. (Y/N) nodded.

“When I was really little, my grandad had a very large garden that he grew all sorts of flowers and vegetables in. There was a fairy circle right in the centre, and he always warned me never to step into it. One night, I was looking out my bedroom window into the garden, and I saw two little fairies dancing in the circle.” Her eyes lit up at the memory, a bright smile on her lips, pink petals illuminating her cheeks.

“So they are real! I knew it!” Falco exclaimed, turning towards a disgruntled Gabi, his face a painting of sunshine.

Gabi rolled her eyes again and shook her head. “You’re just showing off for Armin, you’ve never seen real fairies.”

(Y/N) chuckled at her comment. She was glad to see Gabi being her sassy little self again.

“You swear that you’ve seen real fairies?!” Falco asked, turning back to (Y/N), his eyes still burning with excitement. (Y/N) placed a hand over her heart. “I swear it.”

(Y/N) and Armin sat beside each other crossed legged on the grass, Falco and Gabi perched in front of them. (Y/N) picked a daisy with a particularly long stem, holding it in front of the duo.

“This daisy is a really good one to make daisy chains with because it has a long stem. That’s what you want to look for.” Taking the daisy between her delicate fingers, she pushed her thumb nail into the stem. “So, you want to use your nail to cut a small opening into the stem, but be careful not to break it.” She picked another daisy, holding her hands out for the children to observe. “Then, you take another daisy, and you push the stem through the hole.” She demonstrated how to do so, connecting the two daisies together. “Then you keep going until you have it at the length you like, and you connect the two ends together to make a daisy chain.”

Falco and Gabi stared in concentration, hunched over to get a better look at the delicate flowers in (Y/N)’s petite hands. “So, you guys go see if you can find some good daisies, and we’ll get started, okay?” She said, the two children running off to another large patch of daisies. She smiled at the sight before turning back to her own daisy chain, adding another to the collection.

“Are you okay?” she asked Armin, not looking up from her flowers.

“Yeah… Are you okay?” he replied, watching her intently as she braided the flora together in her hands.

“Don’t lie, Armin.” she accused, looking up at him, her bright violets meeting his baby blues, “I know when you’re stressed.”

He made a face, looking away, studying the trees that surrounded them. “If you knew the answer, why did you ask?” he quipped, frustration building in him.

She shrugged in response, “I thought you’d be honest with me.”

His face wilted, guilt washing over him. “... I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay.” she replied, finishing up her daisy chain. “Here.” she offered, taking his hand and wrapping the daisy chain around his wrist, securing the two ends together.

“... Thank you.” he whispered, a blush creeping up his cheeks. (Y/N) simply smiled and nodded in response.

She turned back towards where Gabi and Falco were picking the daisies, arguing over which ones were appropriate to use or not. She smiled watching them, her heart lighting up upon witnessing the remaining innocence of their youth. ‘This is how it should be.’ she thought.

Armin observed her as she watched the two youths before them, drinking in the small moment of serenity that they had been graced with. Even in the midnight darkness, she glowed, illuminating everything around her with a bright warmth. Her gentle aura was sucked in by all the wilting flora and fauna that surrounded them, breathing new life into them, causing the flowers to bloom even in the dead of night. She was ethereal, a goddess in his eyes.

He looked down beside him, searching for a daisy of his own. When he found one, he pulled it from the dirt, breaking the stem off close to the bloom.

“(Y/N).” he said, turning back to her. She turned to look at him, seeing the delicate flower held between his calloused fingers. Armin leaned forward and opened up the locket that rested on her decolletage, pressing the blossom into the cavity before gently clasping the metal shut. An exchange, a returned gift; a flower in her golden heart, for the same way she caused petals to blossom and bloom in his own.

She smiled down at the locket, cradling it lightly in her palm. “Thank you…” she whispered.

He returned her smile and paused for a moment before speaking again. “Did you really see real fairies when you were a child?” She laughed and winked at him, tapping her nose. “A lady never shares her secrets.” He chuckled in response. (Y/N) scooted closer to him ever so slightly, leeching off the warmth his body emitted.

“To be honest, I’m not sure. It could have just been a dream. But I think that’s what the fairies would want me to think.” she offered, a small smirk on her pink lips. He smiled back at her and looked up to the sky, admiring the stars that shone like rhinestones on black satin. Armin’s hand slowly inched towards her, gently grasping it when his skin found hers. She smiled softly, interlocking his fingers with hers and leaning back against the tree behind her, drinking in this small moment of peace. She knew she had to enjoy this moment, because she wasn’t sure how many more she had left in this world.

So she closed her eyes and breathed it all in, letting it soak into her lungs and imprint on her flesh. A small moment of serenity in a lifetime of anguish, war and suffering.

#besties i am on FIRE w these oneshots #so many ideas floating around my empty head lmao #my writings #armin x y/n #armin x reader #snk #shingeki no kyojin #attack on titan #aot #ocean prince #armin arlert #gabi braun #falco grice #jean kirschtien

22 notes · View notes

wind-becomes-lightning · 1 year

Text

Present

Day 5. Happy Birthday Obito!!! <3 <3 This is uh, for @foolishk ehe because she is sweet and I love her. Also this is so full of AU stuff that apart from her people probably won't get it but that doesn't stop me

Relinquo AU (Obito survives the war)

Uchiha Obito x OC (mention of Hatake Kakashi x OC)

Rated G

2641 words

for @obito-week: any au, clan, regret, birthday.

So when he thought of his upcoming birthday, a day he, by all means shouldn’t have even lived to see, there was only one thing he wished for. “I want to see Kaiya."

He hadn’t even noticed that his birthday was coming up, at least until Sayuri pinched him into his side. “What do you want for your birthday, by the way”, she had asked.

“Is it February already?” had been his stunned reply. Obito hadn’t noticed how quickly the last three months had passed while he was imprisoned like this. While the days at first had felt endless and endless with him left alone with nothing but his thoughts for most hours of the day, they then suddenly seemed to speed up. One bleeding into the next bleeding into the next without anything new going on.

Sayuri laughed: “Well aren’t you informed.” She always kept the tone light when she was around him in this desperate attempt to make it seem like their relationship was very normal. Like they had always been these kinds of siblings, from their childhood until now, as if they hadn’t spent most of their time apart, as if Obito hadn’t become a source for most of the evil in this world.

Obito was thankful for her continued support and affection, even though he couldn’t help but sometimes question her strong defensiveness when it came to any admission of his guilt. Not long ago she had told him of a shouting match she had had with a village elder because he had raised concerns about Obito’s trial. “He could put us all under a genjutsu, better to trial him without his presence,” the guy had said and Sayuri, steam still coming out of her ears when she told the story, had stepped forward and punched him in the face.

“He said something like “Uchiha are violent, Danzo has always said so”,” Sayuri had huffed. “He wanted to throw me in prison too, but Kakashi intercepted. Having the future Hokage as an ally is rather helpful.” Obito could basically see her grin without actually seeing it.

Truth was, Sayuri was the only Uchiha still alive that was not currently imprisoned. It was just like her to go against the grain. But then again she wasn’t going to be an Uchiha for much longer. Soon she would get her wish of a new last name and a better family.

Sasuke was still here too, some ways down the hallway, but according to Kakashi it was just a matter of time before he was let go. The Raikage had, after Sasuke had literally been part of why the world could be saved, cooled down on his anger a bit and asked for nothing more than an apology, which Sasuke felt ready to comply with. So Sasuke was sure to be on his way soon.

Obito was here of course too, because he had responsibility for the Uchiha massacre and the kyuubi attack and many deaths in the war. He was awaiting trial and as far as he could hear from the outside they would probably punish him for years of house arrest. “They can’t keep you here forever,” Kakashi had said, “The fact that you were groomed and controlled and the fact that you, once you had your will back, supported us, speaks for you.” Obito didn’t want forgiveness, but he would also not say no against spending days elsewhere than this cold prison cell.

The one Obito was most worried about, however, was Kaiya. After the Tsukuyomi had ended both of them had been instantly separated from each other without any chance for him to explain himself to her after she regained the memories had taken from her. As far as he had heard from Sayuri, Kaiya was mostly quiet, talking nothing more than necessary and reverting back into herself. Obito had seen this before, years ago when he had first found her, and he wished for nothing else than to see her and talk to her. He owed her an explanation and an apology.

So when he thought of his upcoming birthday, a day he, by all means shouldn’t have even lived to see, there was only one thing he wished for. “I want to see Kaiya,” he said and knew that it was impossible.

“Obito…” Sayuri replied weakly. “You know they don’t allow that.., besides, I’m not sure she wants to see you.”

That stung, but there was nothing to be done about that. “Try anyway,” he begged. “Just.. ask Kakashi if it could be made possible.”

She pinched him again, which he took as her assurance that she would in fact try to ask Kakashi again.

The hope that his wish would be fulfilled remained very low and Obito didn’t dare ask Sayuri about it in the next few days when she came to see him. She told him that Sasuke had actually been let go and had left Konoha though she had offered him to see Obito before that (which he had been not interested in), but she didn’t mention Kaiya a single time. It was also a bad sign that Kakashi wasn’t visiting these days, probably because he knew Obito would ask about his only birthday wish.

Meanwhile Kaiya continued to sit in a cell in a different block of the prison and he wondered if they had bound her eyes like his and double sealed her door. While he could deal with the loneliness well enough since he had been alone most of his adult life, he feared that Kaiya was alone again. Especially since she didn’t seem to talk to either Sayuri or Kakashi a whole lot. If only they had been put into neighbouring cells so that they could talk to each other, but unfortunately was something that the elders didn’t allow right from the beginning. The Uchiha survivors were to be separated from each other and stay separate. Sayuri had been the only exception.

On the morning of the tenth Obito awoke and though he had no calendar and no clock and no way of checking knew instantly that it was in fact his birthday. He sat up and massaged his hurting arms and then leaned his head against the stone wall behind him. He couldn’t tell why he knew that it was his birthday, but he was hundred percent sure it was today. Something about the air seemed different.

The rest of the morning passed without anything notable happening. The guards pushed Obito his food which tasted exactly the same as always and he spent the time skipping stones he could find on the ground against the wall and catching them again. Though blinded he still had an impressive reaction time. Maybe that was why there were four guards outside his gate instead of the usual two. They must have been scared he would overwhelm them.

At noon Obito could hear the door being unlocked and one of the guards cleared his throat. “I have a note here for you,” he said in his usual strict, coarse voice, “from Lord Sixth and his Wife.” Obito coughed. Neither was Kakashi Hokage nor Sayuri his wife, they probably felt really funny writing that on the envelope. “Happy Birthday- err- idiot sandwich. We hope you are happy with your gift. Glad you are still kicking.”

He laughed: “And what is that gift?”

The guard didn’t reply and at first Obito thought the joke was that there was no gift, but then he could hear footsteps again, much softer and muted ones. “Uh,” the voice said and Obito recognised her instantly.

“Kaiya-” he whispered her name and reached with his hand forward far enough to touch the fabric of her clothes. She was really there. Somehow Kakashi had pulled the strings to have her brought to him.

Kaiya closed her little hands around Obito’s larger one on her pants and sat down in front of him. Though her fingertips seemed rougher than they had been last time he had touched him, she was still softer than any other person he had ever met. He couldn’t help but take a deep breath. He has missed the way she smelled so much.

“Happy birthday, Obito,” she said quietly. “Sayuri said it was your wish to see me.”

“Thank you and yes, I really wanted to see you,” pressed her hand tighter.

For a moment they just sat there in silence as Obito revelled in the fact that she was actually sitting right in front of him. He could hear her shallow breath and knew that she was as nervous about their reunion as he felt. Had she thought about him as often as he had thought about her? What were her thoughts on the memories she had now retained from their time together? Was she mad? Obito ran through about 50 questions before he could decide to finally pick one to ask.

“How are you?” It was the most important thing he needed to know.

Despite how shaky her hands were, she did not pull them away. “I am fine”, she said, “I have had a lot of time to think and Sayuri visits every day.”

“She says you don’t speak much. I was worried…” He didn’t want to come right out of the gate swinging with how much he had thought about her, not that he would confuse or scare her with how strongly he still felt when she maybe didn’t.

He could hear Kaiya shift her weight. “I didn’t have much to say to her. She mostly apologises for things she doesn’t need apologising for.”

Something Obito had always felt when it came to Kaiya, was the weight of what she considered her crimes weighed so hard on her that she excused everyone else off handedly. Sayuri had left her thinking she was dead for over ten years and yet Kaiya could not even be mad at her for that, because she probably thought the fact that Sayuri had lied was somehow her fault. There were probably many other things that she thought were her fault when they really weren’t.

The idea of Kaiya sitting in the darkness of her cell blaming herself for a war she barely had any part of overwhelmed him and he said: “I’m sorry.” Then after a short breath to regain his composure he added: “I’m sorry I dragged you down with me. I shouldn’t have…”

Kaiya let go of his hands and he reached for her again, but found that she had moved away out of his reach. “You did not force me to abandon my life and join you,” she said, her voice hardened. “I did that all on my own.”

“Yes, but, I visited you for years and took your memories in the end and..deceiving you like this wasn’t alright and I am very sorry.” The thoughts in his head poured out of him. “Subconsciously you might have searched for me, because you still remembered some parts of our time together. So it is my fault.”

She let out a huff, which sounded so terribly like Sayuri that he was suddenly reminded of how close the two of them had been when they were children. “I didn’t remember anything about you when I left to search for you, nothing pulled me other than that I agreed with the plan you had developed. I didn’t know it was you, Obito, who had come to see me. I didn’t know anything. I just wanted this world to be… better.”

“I know,” Obito reached again and found her elbow. “Me too.”

They remained in silence together again. Obito wondered how the three of them could have become so broken. Sayuri, Kaiya and him, who had been such happy children together, especially Kaiya and him. Hopeful and optimistic. Now they all lived with their own type of hell, even Sayuri, who had come out much better, was battling her own demons.

“I think you were wrong,” Obito said and it was something that had been on his mind for a very long time. “When you used your mangekyou and looked into the future. I think you were wrong about what you saw.”

Kaiya replied: “It is never wrong.”

“Right, but I don’t mean it was wrong in what it showed you, I think you were wrong in what you saw.” He grabbed her elbow tighter, held on to the fabric of her clothes as if it was his only lifeline. “You saw a future right? With everyone happy and together. With us, together.. Right? You told me.”

She didn’t say anything, but her muscles tensed.

“You said that you think that the future is the Tsukuyomi, you said that your mangekyou revealed to you that it is the only way forward. That was why you supported me and then Madara, because you were convinced it was the only way to be happy.” Obito thought of the standoff they had had in the crater that was the battlefield, how Kaiya had refused to listen to reason. How Sayuri had not stopped yelling at her.

“I-” she started but then stopped herself. Obito waited a little in case she wanted to say something again, but she remained quiet, so he picked up his point again. “I think that what you saw was true, but I think your conclusion was wrong. I don’t think it meant that you -we- would only be happy in the Infinite Genjutsu, I think it meant that we will be happy…. here.”

In anticipation of her pulling her arm out of his hand he held her tighter, but she didn’t move at all. Instead he could hear her sniffling after a few moments of silence. She was crying.

Obito pushed himself forward and used his hands to find Kaiya. He followed her hair to the back of her head and then pressed her to his chest. “I- I didn’t… want to make you cry.”

“I was so convinced that I was right,” she gasped for air, “No matter what Sayuri or you said. I was so sure I was correct. I couldn’t even see….”

He pressed her even closer. “It’s okay, it's okay, you didn’t understand. It doesn’t matter now, we are still here, still alive, you and I, and we can… can make sure that happy future exists.”

Kaiya lifted her head and he could feel how she leaned it against his forehead. “It might take a long time…”

“Then it will,” he replied without hesitation.

“We might not see each other for a long time too. I don’t know when they will let me see you again.”

“So we will wait.”

She pressed her hands against his arms. “How can you be so sure?!”

Obito laughed. “I don’t know how, but I think I’ve never been sure about anything apart from you. The moment I saw you again I knew I couldn’t let you go again, which is why I tried so much for so long to do it and failed.” He knocked his head lightly into hers. “So I won’t start now.”

Kaiya sniffled again and then knocked her head lightly back into his. “I can’t believe I spent so much time with you without knowing it was you, Obito. I can’t believe this all happened to me.”

“Oh well, I’m.. sorry that you can remember that all now,” he scratched the back of his head in embarrassment.

“I’m not,” Kaiya said immediately. “I’m glad I can remember it all now.”

He felt hot on his face and realised that he had blushed against his will. He wished he could see her now, but at least being able to touch her was already a step up from the way it had been before.

After a while of just holding on to one another Kaiya whispered: “What a lame birthday this must be for you. I’m sorry, I’m not a great companion.”

“Nonsense,” Obito replied with a grin. “It’s perfect. You were my only wish, remember?”

#fanfiction things #oc: sayuri #other peoples ocs #obito week 2023 #obitoweek2023 #this is not beta read because nobody but kali will care #au: relinquo

6 notes · View notes