#but it is very much meant to be confusing both to the hunter and the reader at this point

[northern-passage]

ok all of first screaming and crying over the new update etc etc. all of SECOND quick lore question(s) about blood pacts! (forgive me if there is a codex entry i overlooked just point me that way and i will head on over lol) how are they perceived culturally? i can’t quite tell from the flavor text when clem makes a deal with you if it’s intended to come off as “fairly standard/commonplace practice, if a little unusual in the specific context” vs “immediately very strange/extreme”? basically, How Weird is it supposed to be that clem offers that to you? is there any circumstance where it’s normal/expected to see them used? are all blood pacts magically binding? are there differences in cultural perception in the north vs south? upper class vs lower class? thanks!

the handshake is pretty universal; i actually had a conversation planned with Clem while you walked to the isolation district, but i had to cut it for pacing (and i plan to have a similar conversation later instead now) so there isn't really any indication in game yet, aside from the hunter's reaction when Clem offers it.

in the codex entry for magic, blood magic is briefly touched on and how in certain instances it's "allowed," like healing magic. the handshake is similar, it's just treated like signing a contract, and like you see here in this conversation most people don't even consider it to be blood magic, it's become so disassociated with it. it's also not really called a bloodpact in game - that's just the easiest thing for me to call it but that name makes it sound more serious than it is.

it works more like a pinky promise than a "pact"; you can't intentionally break your side of the deal, and neither can Clementine. if you do, you can be injured/will lose something equivalent to the value of the thing you promised. this kind of magic is very loosey goosey; it very much is connected to the person's intentions and whether or not they are genuine. if something did happen to Clementine despite the hunter's best efforts, they wouldn't necessarily be punished to the fullest extent possible if they were truly trying everything in their power to protect them.

when Clem asks the hunter to shake on it in that way, they're basically ensuring that the hunter will not lie or turn on them, because now if they do there is the potential for the hunter to be punished as well. and vice versa, the hunter can assure that Clementine won't try to give them the slip without paying them again, so it's beneficial on both sides. it's not exactly uncommon, but it can be considered a little extreme or offputting in certain situations. it does actually make sense with Clem and the hunter - considering Clem just admitted to having never planned to pay them for their original deal, and the fact that they don't really know each other well, a handshake like that is an easy way to protect yourself when making deals with strangers.

and this is definitely a "working class" kind of gesture. rich people are too evil to ever be able to successfully fulfill a bloodpact. lmfao. it's definitely seen as "gross," demeaning, and insulting in higher class circles; and i would say far more malicious, too (as in if someone like Duncan wanted to make a bloodpact with you, it would almost definitely be a way for him to trap you in some kind of Situation) whereas a shake between two people just trying to get by together feels far more sincere and is seen more as just covering all your bases than trying to take advantage of someone.

however, all of that to say: when it comes to the trade with Duncan, the hunter doesn't understand what's happening, nor do they immediately get angry or suspicious of Clem afterwards, because what happened in the courtyard... let's just say a handshake shouldn't be able to compel the hunter in that way.

#tnp spoilers #this is stuff that will be explained in game as well like i said i just had to move the conversation back #but it is very much meant to be confusing both to the hunter and the reader at this point #i did put the handshake early in the game w little explanation intentionally #i wanted it to feel casual bc for the hunter it is and they don't think much of it #which i suppose worked since so many people were confused mdfnksjf #i felt like if i emphasized it people would immediately be sus #i mean clem IS sus but i didnt want it to be too obvious too fast i guess #this conversation will now probably happen maaaybe second half of the chapter? or ch3 #not entirely sure because i am once again fighting with the pacing lmfao #ask #pearsharks #lore

[cevansbrat0007]

On the Clock

Summary: Ari stops by for a snack while he's out chasing a lead.

Warnings: Smut, Ari Being A Menace, Oral Sex (fem rec), Finger Fucking, Ass Slapping, Ass Grabbing, Handcuffs (mentioned), Overstimulation (implied), Cursing, Pet Names, Minors DNI

A/N: Part of my Sweet Renegades Series. Not beta'd. All mistakes are my own. Likes, comments, and reblogs are sincerely appreciated.

___

“Oh God, I–Beast!”

Your fist slams down on the desk as your legs threaten to give out from under you. It was all too much. Between each sinful flick of his tongue, and the delicate precision of his thick fingers roughly pumping in and out of your dripping pussy… 

You weren’t sure if you were actually going to survive. 

“Gimme one more, Bird. Just one.” Ari’s free hand comes down hard on your ass, the sharp crack echoing through your tiny stockroom and spilling out into the shop. “You can do it.” 

A muffled sob escapes as you cling to the cool, flat surface for dear life while that same hand delivers another blow – this time giving your cheek a hard squeeze after it lands. His punishing grip all but ensuring that you’ll be heading home with fresh bruises, although he has yet to hear you complain. 

Especially after he just got done telling you that all your sweet curves belonged to him anyway. A fact that you were no longer as interested in disputing as you once used to be. Maybe it was because you enjoyed wearing his marks almost as much as he enjoyed giving them to you.  

The filthy wet squelch of his fingers as they ruthlessly fuck your cunt, along with with the sounds of your desperate cries, has you feeling grateful that there’s no one around to witness just how pitiful you must look. 

Of course you have Ari to thank for that, whose quick thinking brought you to this very moment. 

Which involves him kneeling between your parted thighs, eating your pussy from the back. Devouring you as if his life depends on it. And for all you knew, it did.

Because when Ari had sent you a message at 11:57am asking if you were free for a quick snack, you’d had no idea that he’d been referring to this. But then again, you also hadn’t had time to respond, what with you trying to box up orders for several waiting customers. 

Which meant that you’d been just as surprised as anyone when he strolled through the doors of Baubles & Quills less than ten minutes later, with his badge displayed on his hip and a scowl etched across his ruggedly handsome face.

Confused by his sudden presence, you’d offered him a brief smile before suggesting that he might be more comfortable waiting for you in the back. Of course your bounty hunter had declined, muttering something about “being on the clock”. And then he’d stood off in the corner glowering at the small group of patrons that were steadily occupying your time. 

Precious time that was apparently reserved for him.

Shaking your head, you’d simply returned your attention to running your business. If Ari had questions that needed answering before you were slated to see him tonight, then he was going to have to wait his turn. Afterall, you had bills to pay for both this place as well as your own home. And providing quality customer service was one way to ensure that you would be able to do all of that on time and in full.

However, that’s not to say that you weren’t affected by his presence. It was almost impossible to ignore the weight of his heavy gaze. Especially since your body felt the need to respond accordingly against your own best interests.

From your quickening pulse and pebbled nipples, to your slightly shaking hands and damp panties, your bounty hunter was not the type to be so easily relegated to the background. Nor was he the kind of man who would allow himself to be forgotten either.

Which was why you then witnessed Ari escort your last patron, the lovely Ms. Greta Thurman who was also pushing 80, out to her car with all the patience of a saint. Only for him to return seconds later, this time locking the door behind him and flipping your sign around to signal that the shop was closed – without your fucking permission.

You’d opened your mouth, fully prepared to protest such gross mistreatment. Only to swiftly think better of it the moment you’d gotten a good look at his face. And then he’d motioned for you to join him back in the stockroom, which had been roughly twenty minutes ago. And now…

Now, you were growing increasingly convinced you were going to die. And yet, the Beast at your back had the nerve to keep demanding that you give him one more. Always just one more. 

“Poor little Bird.” Ari hums, sounding slightly out of breath. But he doesn’t let that stop him, especially when he feels you clench around his fingers when they strum over that special spot inside you. “You might be done, but your pussy wants more.” His pointed tongue goes back to rhythmically lashing at your sensitive clit. 

Again and again. It was enough to drive a woman crazy.

“It’s so good, Beast! S’good!” You mewl, your short, blunt nails scraping against the desk. “S’goo–fuckfuckfuck!” Your ability to form coherent sentences has long since abandoned you, leaving you a sweaty, blubbering mess as your body works overtime to process the intensity of the pleasure coursing through your veins.

“My greedy girl.” His harsh growl has your knees about ready to buckle. “Greediest pussy I’ve ever had.” Sensing you’re about to collapse, he removes his fingers from your wet heat, making you whine. And then he goes back to squeezing and kneading your ass, loving the way you rise up on your toes as he holds you open for his assault.

“Ari!” You continue to whine, wishing you still had his fingers buried deep in your cunt, even as your impending orgasm looms. He growls again in response, the heady vibrations pulsing through your entire overly stimulated body.

You try to run – attempting to climb over the desk in search of refuge – only for your bounty hunter to drag you back. 

“Try that shit again and I’ll cuff you.” Is the only gruff warning you receive before he goes back to lapping at your honeyed folds. The vulgar sounds he makes as he sucks and slurps at your heated flesh, demonstrating just how committed he is to his task.

And he positively hated being interrupted. Your vision blurs when he reaches around to stroke talented fingers along your swollen nub, taking special care not to send you over the edge until he felt you were ready.

Asshole.

Your hips continue to writhe and buck beneath his assault, but you don’t try to run again. And this time when your orgasm washes over you, it feels so good it hurts. Your mouth falls open on a silent scream as wave after wave of bliss sends your nerve endings buzzing. 

It was hands down some of the most exquisite pleasure you had ever experienced. 

Eventually Ari relaxes his hold, albeit rather reluctantly, before giving you a minute or two to get your bearings. “Thank you, baby.” He murmurs, the husky timbre of his voice sending another small jolt of white-hot electricity pulsing through you as he goes to stand up. “That should be enough to get me through.” 

“Huh?” Comes your weak reply. Frankly, he’s lucky to even get that. Right now you could barely function, let alone string together a damn sentence. But then it registers that he’s leaving. 

Even though he hadn’t –

“I really hate to eat and run, but I’m afraid I’m on the clock.” He winks at you, taking a moment to twirl your ruined panties around his index finger. “Just needed a taste of something sweet first.” He then tucks the garment into the back pocket of his jeans. 

At this rate, your entire underwear drawer was going to be empty before the month’s end. Which meant that you were going to have to put your foot down and demand he return them. At least a few pairs anyway. The brute wouldn’t be happy until you were walking around this town going commando. 

“Oh.” You mumble, feeling a pang of disappointment as you push your damp curls off of your forehead. “Um, okay.” But as quickly as it comes, it’s replaced by a fresh surge of heat in your belly when you finally notice the wetness still darkening his beard. Something he didn’t seem too worried about fixing.

“Aw, don’t look so disappointed, Bird.” His big hands go to frame your face, pulling you close to capture your lips in a heartfelt kiss that has you practically melting. And you can’t help the sliver of female satisfaction that slowly unfurls inside of you when you catch a hint of your warm, earthy scent on his skin. 

Because whether you realized it or not, you’d just marked your territory in a way no other woman could possibly compete with. This Beast was all yours for the time being. 

“There we go.” Grinning when you finally relax, your gentle giant pecks your lips one last time before stepping away from you. He winces slightly, adjusting his straining erection through his jeans, inwardly cursing the fact he had an appointment across town that he was probably already late for. “I’ll be at your place no later than 8:00pm with takeout from Mi Patron. Text me what you want and then be sure to call when you’re locking up, okay?”

“Okay, Ari.” You breathe, your teeth going to nibble at your bottom lip. “It’s a date.” On impulse, you raise up on your toes and wrap your arms around his neck, dragging him down for one last kiss – which he eagerly accepts without an ounce of fight. 

“Sorry.” Is all you say when you finally allow yourselves to come up for air. In truth, you weren’t feeling even remotely apologetic. But you did have an image to maintain so… “Must’ve lost my balance.”

“Right.” Ari whistles low, shaking his head as he pins you with a knowing look. “I’ll see you later. Behave while I’m gone, sweet girl.” With that, he turns on his heel and heads in the direction of your front door. Leaving you alone to make peace with the fact that you were falling for this man.

“I’m doomed.” You mutter, staring down at your bare toes while you debate your next move. On one hand, you supposed you could always skip town. But given his profession, you reasoned he’d be able to track you down with relative ease. 

Well, there went that option. With a sigh you bend down to pick up your capris so you can go about making yourself look presentable again, sans panties. The way you saw it, the only choice you had left was to go down swinging. Which made sense. And if that was the case, then…

“I’m taking you down with me, Levinson.”

END

___

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[kasagia]

I'll be back for you

Pairing: Aleksander Morozova/General Kirigan/The Darkling x reader, Kaz Brekker x reader Summary: The Moon Summoner ran away with Alina from the Little Palace with the help of Kaz Brekker's crows. The group successfully escaped from Darkling's hands, but that doesn't mean he will forget about his Y/N. He's going to chase her until she is in his arms again. However, Mr. Brekker did not let his childhood friend disappear without a trace from his life again. He will protect her. For all costs. After all, she was his newest investment. Warning(s): Darkling, Kaz fights haphephobia (but not as severe for him ), reader argues with Baghra, reader has internal moral conflict, curses, fights, and their red aftermath, I used a quote from TVD and The Invisible Life of Addie Laurie because… they fit and I love them veeery much It's my first one-shot for both Darkling and Kaz, so please be gentle (I'm very nervous and excited at the same time to publish it) <3 Word count: 14k (too long, someone should take me away from the keyboard in the middle of this)

~•♤♤♤•~ Part 2 (end) ~•♤♤♤•~

Every night since you escaped with Alina and Genya with the help of your childhood friend Kaz and his crows from Ravka, you've been haunted by nightmares. No. Not the usual horrible flashbacks of your past in Ketterdam or the Little Palace.

HE visited you.

The Darkling. The Black Heretic. The man who promised to keep your heart safe and broke it in two along with your trust.

Genya has a right to warn you about powerful men. But you, the lost girl kidnapped by slave hunters from Ketterdam, the girl who has nothing to lose and was happy enough to somehow end up in the general's tent and find out about being one of the most powerful Grisha, didn't want to listen to her.

You foolishly believed that you, of all people, were able to charm the most dangerous man in all Ravka with your beauty, character and mind.

You believed that sweet words, longing glances and tender moments between you were real, that they meant something.

But it was all just a game. A game that brought him your affection and blind trust. And Kirigan, Darkling, or Alexander played in it like mastermind.

You should have listened to Genya. At least those damn dark eyes wouldn't haunt you every time you closed yours.

With the taste in men you have, you should have predicted that the first guy you hooked up with would be a psychopath. Fate could only be a little bit more favorable to you and not connect you to the hundreds-year-old black heretic who created the fold.

You've always had a weakness for villains and gray characters.

Your first teenage crush only proved it.

Because who else but you would fall in love with a bastard boy from the barrel who started his criminal career with the Dregs, who couldn't stand the touch of other people, and who wanted nothing more in his life than revenge on Pekka Rollins?

If I survive this shit, I really should find someone normal to be with.

You thought before you somehow managed to fall asleep for the first time in a month, hoping that your bond with the Darkling would weaken for those few hours when you tried to find peace.

~•♤♤♤•~

It was pure darkness around you. Not that one when all the lights went out and it's only you and your bed. No. They felt too familiar for you to confuse them with anything else. Those were his shadows.

He must have been near, playing with you as he always had.

You carefully took one step forward. The shadows parted in front of you, so you could see the ground. You bent down to your boot and pulled out a dagger, hiding it behind the sleeve of your blouse. You had to be ready for anything. Even if it meant fighting the shadow lord himself in your own subconscious. You sighed, stepping uncertainly into the darkness.

Your eyes quickly adjusted to the place around you, allowing you to move faster along the path. You recognized this bloody spot. The path in the woods you raced down when he took you for your first ride. Then he dragged you to HIS fountain, telling you nonsense about how it's only here among other Grishas that you discover your true self. He was already weaving his manipulative web around you, and you fell into it like an oblivious fly.

The snap of a twig stopped you. You looked around, not seeing anything at all except for the fountain in the distance. You flinched as his shadows gently pushed you forward.

"I'm not going to play another of your games, General!" you screamed as you spun around, walking forward. If he was already disturbing you, at least he might have had the honor to step out of the shadows.

"Call me Aleksander…"

You shivered as you felt his soft whisper against your neck. You spun, summoning your light and shooting into the space behind you. Unfortunately, it didn't encounter any Black Heretics on its way.

You huffed angrily, continuing your walk until you reached the fountain.

It was different than when he brought you here last time. The engravings have changed. They no longer told the story of the Black Heretic who created the fold. They were of you and Aleksander. Slowly falling in love.

"The union of darkness and his light." you felt your body tremble as the fabric of his kefta brushed your hand.

"I would never have taken you for such a sentimental fool." you turned to face him, taking a step back to increase the distance between you. With a very smug smirk, you noticed that he had dark circles under his eyes. Good. At least the son of a bitch suffers as much as you do. "Especially not after what Baghra had told me."

"My mother has the amazingly irritating gift of ruining my plans. She also doesn't like the people I care about much."

"Hmm… what a pity. Maybe if you weren't planning to use us as weapons in your plans, I'd care more. Also, don't try to tell me that there are people in this world who are more important to you than yourself. We both know I'm not going to fall for it again."

"I understand your resentment." you laughed, shaking your head in disbelief as you turned your gaze back to the fountain. "What's so funny?" you relished every irritated word directed at you. Maybe you couldn't seriously hurt him physically, but at least you could be a pain in his ass.

"I just forgot how easy it is for you to choose words that both tell the truth and work in your favor. Please, continue. I didn't truly laugh for a very long time."

"You're making a mistake." he stood next to you, grabbing your arm to turn you toward him.

You yanked your arm out of his grip as soon as your powers met in that familiar dance of dark and light. You both sighed, stunned by the sudden combination of your powers coursing through your veins. You opened your eyes, which you closed in the flow of the moment, meeting his tender, longing gaze. The man reached out to cup your cheek, but you pulled away from him before your skin had a chance to touch again.

"Funny. That's what I heard from your mother before she made me realize what shit I got into."

"One conversation with my mother, and you're ready to give it all up? Just because she was faster than me? Because she revealed a truth about me that she had no right to? What if I wanted to tell you right after I dealt with the group that wanted to attack you and Miss Starkov?" the grudge in his eyes only fueled your anger. He had no right to resent you for running away from him at the earliest opportunity when he had been hiding this important piece of his past for so long.

"What does it matter, general? None of it was real anyway." you growled, turning your back on him again so as not to reveal your hidden emotions to him. You didn't want him to know that you still cared. Indifference was a worse punishment for him than your wrath.

"So c'mon. Prove your point. Turn around, look me in the eyes, and tell me that you didn't feel anything towards me for even the slightest moment."

You wanted. You really did. To look directly into his soul-black eyes and say that he meant as much to you as the dust under your shoes. However, you both knew very well that it would be just a poor lie. And you both knew each other well enough to know when the other was lying.

"Just because my foolish heart longs for something, it doesn't mean I'll give in to its stupid desires. Wasn't you the one who told me that wanting makes us weak?"

"You should know I've changed my mind by now." the sound of leaves crunching under his boots was the only warning you got before you felt his presence behind you. "You. You are changing my mind."

"Don't tell me I have any influence over you. It's a poor play. You can do better, Kirigan."

"You and I may change the world, Y/N…" you flinched as you heard the exact same words he said here so many months ago. You turned to face him when you felt the coldness of one of his shadows wrapping around your leg. You pointed your dagger at the man standing only one, little step away from you. He didn't seem affected at all as you pointed the dagger at him. He didn't even look at it. His eyes were only on yours. "You may not see it now, too blinded by your righteous, but not entirely fair, anger at me, but deep down, you know that we are destined for greater things than others. You, me, and Alina together can be the strongest creatures in the world." 

"You know very well that we never wanted to live like this. Neither of us."

"Do you? Alina maybe doesn't want to be the Saint, but you, Y/N?" you took a step back and another as the black heretic approached you with his every word. He stood in front of you, letting the dagger you were holding in your trembling hands touch his chest. He smiled almost mockingly, seeing that your weapon against him was exactly the same one he gave you on your birthday, provoking your anger again. To spite him, you summoned wispy beams of white light that began to radiate from your hand to chase away his shadows.

"You don't know what I want." you growled, pressing the dagger harder against his heart to remind him that you were in control here. He could sneak into your dreams, but at night you were the most powerful Grisha in this bloody world. And even he had to reckon with your power.

"Yet I still see a desire in your eyes." you shifted your gaze to him, watching him silently and with hostility as his face was illuminated only by your powers. You were disgusted to find that, despite his betrayal, he was still equally handsome to you. "Not only for me but also for my power. You, my little moonlight, you want to be just like me. Strong, powerful, and ageless." he raised his hand deftly, dodging your dagger, and, under your watchful gaze, brushed a strand of hair behind your ear, stroking your cheek as he did so. He took a step towards you, causing you to press the blade against his neck as he got close enough to whisper in your ear. "You can run as far as you want, but you don't run from the truth that's inside you. And when you finally understand what you really want, I'll be there for you, waiting with open arms for my saint moon."

"Have fun waiting for this day, Morozova." you whispered, not giving in to his piercing gaze.

"I am a very patient man, after a thousand years on this earth, you will be too, Y/L/N."

"I'm not you, Aleksander. I don't wanna live forever, and I'm not gonna. I won't see the only people I truly love and care about die before me. Even eternity and unimaginable power are not worth it."

"They're still people you love and who can share this fate with you. Who will live long enough to be with you forever." one of his shadows began to wrap around your hand, forcing you to remove the dagger from his neck.

He leaned closer to you and rested his forehead against yours. You sighed, shivering as the scent of his familiar perfume enveloped you after so many weeks apart. You were tempted to give in to him again. And that dark desire in your heart terrified you more than the capabilities of the Black Heretic caressing your cheek.

"This isn't love. It was just a game. We were just playing a game. The same one you created a long time ago to earn my trust. But I'm no longer that naive girl who is desperate for somebody's attention and love. You made me stronger, crueler, ruthless. And believe me, general, I'll repay you for all you have done."

"You don't believe that. You can't have believed my mother that I am your villain so easily." in other circumstances, where your heart wasn't beating for his, you'd probably laugh at the desperation in his voice. But now that every fiber of you longed for the man before you, there was only one thing you could do.

"Then tell me, Aleksander..." you leaned in to him, rubbing his nose with yours as he closed his eyes and waited for your lips to finally touch after weeks of craving your slightest touch. "Why was I so tempted to do this?" you dug into his tempting mouth, giving you both what you needed.

In your head, you explained this crime against your friends as wanting to do what was originally intended to be your primary goal. The gentle prolongation of your longing, amazing, desperate kiss before you plunged the dagger into his side without the slightest hesitation wasn't your fault at all. Aleksander moaned into your lips, pulling away from you as he felt blood trickle down his side.

"Leave me alone, or I will make myself your villain." you whispered into his mouth before you somehow managed to get yourself out of your "dream".

~•♤♤♤•~

"Y/N?" Alina's soft whisper wakes you up. You opened your eyes, feeling how your chest was burning for fresh air and your heart beating faster than it should. The woman was sitting next to you, holding your hand.

In the corner of your eye, you can see Nina standing in the doorway of the room Kaz graciously assigned to you after you arrived in Ketterdam. You can swear on saints that Inej was looking through your window before she went - probably going to tell Kaz about your fourth nightmare this week.

And it was only Tuesday.

You felt attacked from all sides. If not Inej through the window, then the madmen through the door or in your dreams.

"What are you doing here? It's well after midnight." you asked her, gratefully accepting a towel from Nina to wipe the sweat from your face. Alina and Genya lived far from the club, in motels on opposite sides of the city.

"Just in case someone betrays us. At least one of you will save yourself if the Darkling comes to these parts."

Brekker's brilliant and preventive mind had already terrified you before you stepped off the boat onto the familiar land of Ketterdam. The fact that he thought through and arranged your accommodation before anyone could ask him was either another display of his otherworldly mind or a blatant act of arrogance and overconfidence in his strength against the Darkling. But you knew Kaz too well to assume that he underestimated the power of the Black Heretic even for a moment.

"Nice to see you too. Kaz sent for me."

"Since when does the sun summoner do all the Dreg king's orders?" you asked, making Nina laugh.

"Since the moon summoner is constantly skipping her bedtime. You have to sleep. You can't always be on Jesper's special energetic drinks." she scolded you like a little child, to which you snorted indignantly.

"I will take a gorgeous, lovely, very long nap right after we kill Kirigan. Before then, nobody can make me do that. And tell Kaz I remembered him as braver the last time we saw each other on your way back to the motel."

"We are just worried about you, Y/N. You slept the whole night only once since we left."

"Don't tell me you're surprised. If you were me, you would do the same."

"Maybe. But we both know you're stronger than me. I know you can beat him, and even if you can't do this alone, which I doubt…" she wrapped her hand around yours, making you look into her eyes again. "You must know I will always be by your side, like you by mine. It's you and me against the darkness, Y/N."

"You know, you've spent way too much time on that boat with your toughts. You sound like an old uncle giving good advice or something."

"Speaking of advice, if I were you, I wouldn't insult the only person who can wake you up from… this." Nina waved her hand in a circle, pointing to the miserable state you were in.

"You should see Kirigan. I stabbed him." you replied with a self-satisfied smirk, watching the heartrender gasp in shock and Alina shake her head in disapproval.

"What have I told you about starting unnecessary arguments with him and maiming him?"

"That this is a good way to vent my anger and frustration?" you asked innocently with a huge smile.

Alina drew breath to argue with you, but a knock on the door distracted her. You glanced at Jesper, peering into your room, and wrinkled your nose at the light-burnt sheets you and Alina had left.

"The boss wants you, moon girl."

"Not only him." you murmured, pulling the remnants of the quilt from yourself. You took your clothes out of the closet and turned to the people in the room with your hands on your hips. "Are you leaving or staying for the show?" Alina mumbled a silent apology, blushing in embarrassment as she left, along with a laughing Jesper and an amused Nina.

You sighed as you stood in front of the mirror and brushed away the sweaty hair that was stuck to your face. Thanks to Inej and Kirigan, it looks like you'll have a long conversation with Kaz about your safety again. Your friend was sometimes a bigger pain in the ass than you—an achievement that wasn't granted by you to just anyone.

"I just fucking hope you're writhing in pain right now." you muttered to yourself, not believing for a moment in the sincerity of what you just said.

~•♤♤♤•~

"You wanted me." you entered the Dirtyhands' office without knocking, taking a place of honor on one of the two comfortable armchairs in the room. Kaz didn't look up from his papers, but the slight crease of irritation on his forehead told you he had noticed your presence. You were surprised that, after years of separation, you could still read him easily. "It's rude to ignore your guest."

"It's rude to come in without knocking." he replied to your provocation, tracing something he had just written. You snorted in amusement, seeing that you managed to distract him.

"Well, I didn't come here for no reason. You sent Jes for me."

"Jes?" a diminutive you used for his sharpshooter, has earned the man's attention. He gave you a questioning look, throwing the papers on his desk.

"What? Can't I make a friend other than you?"

"I'm your boss." he hummed, getting his cane up from his desk and walking to his dresser. You rolled your eyes as you watched the man's back. The son of a bitch knew perfectly well that you hated it when he didn't look at you during a conversation.

"Sure, if it helps you sleep, tell yourself what you want, Brekker."

"You live at my club, sleep here, eat with my crows, and waste my time taking some useless gossip from downstairs." he enumerated, turning over his things and searching persistently for something.

"And I'd been doing this for four years before you became Mr. Scary Dirtyhands from the Barrel. You just proved my point, Kazzle. We are friends."

You got up from your chair and stood next to him. You glanced at the contents of his drawer and frowned, noticing something familiar. You reached for a small silver box with his REAL initials on it, but the man slammed the drawer shut before you could get your hands on the find. You snorted indignantly as you noticed the smug smirk on his face as he nearly clipped your fingers for your meddling.

Kaz Brekker was sentimental enough to keep the ashtray you gave him.

You involuntarily remembered what you told him when you handed it to him.

"I know you don't smoke and don't celebrate your birthday, but I think that's a pretty nice metaphor and the closure you need."

"What? An old ashtray from the market? Which you probably swept from under the noses of some heavy smokers."

"No, genius, in case you haven't noticed, it has a special engraving. Read it."

"For K.R., let him rest in peace. What's that supposed to mean?"

"You can consider it what you want. A keepsake of your former self, a lost life you might have had, an urn for the ashes of your former self... we both know you're not the same man you used to be. And you have every right to be, Kaz. It's just... I think you deserve something commemorating your old self. The boy who stole half-rotten apples with me to survive. Now you are someone else—someone stronger, wiser, cunninger... but know that I will never forget Kaz, who was my only light when I was at my worst."

"That's pretty sentimental for you. Also, calling me light is not quite an appropriate metaphor." he replied coolly, returning to his book.

You nodded to him, saying goodbye. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw him stroke a silver object for a moment and put it in his pants pocket. You smiled. Apparently, you weren't the only sentimental fool in Ketterdam.

"Then, as my friend, you won't mind telling me about that strange connection between you and the Darkling that keeps you from sleeping without threatening to set my club on fire with your dazzling moonlight?" he asked, snapping you out of your flashback.

"No, because, as my friend, you won't be nosy, and out of politeness, you won't ask."

"I anticipated this reaction. That's why I got this." a velvet ring box magically appeared in his hands.

"Are you going to propose to me? Oh, Kazzie, you have no idea how long I've been waiting for this! You don't have to kneel, sweetheart. We can call Jes, and he'll do it for you. It's a perfect opportunity for him to practice before asking Wylan."

"Can you be serious for just one moment, please?" he asked, blushing slightly and trying to give you one of his famous menacing looks.

"Sorry, I couldn't resist. Besides, you could have foreseen in that plan of yours that I would never waste such an opportunity."

"Just open it." he sighed, tossing you the box. Too curious to find out what was inside, you decided to leave the poor boy alone and refrained from commenting further. You widened your eyes as you saw the real ring. "What? No enthusiastic and loud: "Yes, Kazzie, I'll marry you!", so my crows can tease me about it too? To be honest, I'm disappointed, Y/N."

"Well, I could have been joking about it when I didn't have a ridiculously beautiful ring in front of me. Sorry that I'm a little confused, Kaz."

"It's good you like it, but I'd rather know if it works as it should. Put it on your finger."

"As romantic as always." you murmured, trying on a silver ring with an opal and small diamonds around the stone. You raised your hand and, by using your power, increased the light reflected by the moon that was still in the sky so it could illuminate your new jewelry. "It's beautiful, but I have absolutely no idea what it is supposed to do."

"Protect you." you glanced back at Kaz, only to discover that he had been staring at you the entire time. The white sparkles in his eyes caused by your light captivated you more than the shining diamonds. You shook your head, remembering what happened the last time you gave in to your stupid crush.

"Protect me?"

"I've been doing some research with Alina and Nina about the bond between you and him, the amplifiers… we believe this will weaken the bond between you enough for you to sleep peacefully. He will not enter your mind uninvited." he said, spitting out the words about the Darkling like he was a plague. But you were more interested in something quite different from his open dislike of the Black Heretic.

"Why? Why are you getting through all of it for me? It's not your war to fight. You have no interest in it."

"I have. Since I got you out of the Little Palace, you've been my investment. And I protect everything I invest in and what's worth my time. No matter what."

"You do realize I won't bring you any profit? Alina would be a better choice than me." you questioned his choice. Kaz turned to the window, as if looking for Inej, whose arrival would interrupt this uncomfortable conversation.

Unfortunately for him, the saints had no watch over him. And one of them was waiting for him to gather his thoughts and answer her question. He had to do this without betraying the emotions that had been bubbling up inside him since he had first seen her at one of the Dreg's raids. He was lost the second he saw her and completely fated to love her after their first conversation.

But she couldn't know it.

She couldn't know that his heart was gone with her and that it took him ages to find himself after she disappeared. He promised himself to keep her away from him. To make sure he wouldn't fall for her beauty, mind, eyes, smile, and laugh like he had done as a child. But the second he saw her again, he knew that his heart was hers. Hers to keep, hold, break, play.

But she couldn't know it.... At least not now. Not when he had just snatched her from the Darkling's grasp.

Not when he wasn't ready to love her the way she should be loved.

"That's for me to evaluate and for you to make sure I won't regret this. Besides, I only invest in one-of-a-kind. I don't need more narcissistic saints to go into my office like it was their own." he said after a long silence, without taking his eyes off the window.

He was afraid that his eyes would betray the truth hidden in his stupid heart. He was grateful to all above that she wasn't a heartrender and couldn't feel his treacherous heart beating madly every time he looked at her. He just had to make sure Nina didn't reveal his little secret. He didn't know that the woman had been blackmailed into a similar case by the moon summoner.

"So I'm pretty lucky. I would die if I had to sleep on those inconvenient motel beds."

"Considering how much sleep you actually get, you're unlikely to notice a difference." you gasped, feigning indignation at the mischievous, amused tone of his voice.

"You're a cruel bastard, Kaz Brekker." he finally turned to you with a small smirk on his face. You giggled, only widening his smile.

"Go and check your ring. I hope you won't be threatened by any ugly faces."

"Yes, boss." you saluted, walking towards the door. You opened it and were about to leave when an idea popped into your head. You leaned against the door frame, looking at the man taking his place at the desk. "Kazzie?" you asked sweetly, biting your lip to keep from laughing too soon. The Bastard of the Barrel gave you a questioning look, fearing the familiar tone of your voice and the question coming. "As your fiancée, am I going to get half of your club?"

"Over my dead, cold body." he replied without a second of hesitation, perfectly prepared for such a provocation from your side.

"You know, you need to work on sharing if you plan to be husband material in the future. I feel sorry for your future spouse, unless it'll be your job."

"Go to sleep before I put you in bed myself."

"You should know better than to scare me with a good time, sweetheart!" you shouted back, leaving and pushing your way through the crowd of a few shocked Dregs who had probably heard the part about the fiancée and whom Kaz called to his office as soon as he saw them.

And as soon as he is done with them, Kaz will rip your legs out of your pretty ass. Even Alina and Nina will not be able to help you.

~•♤♤♤•~

The ring worked great. From that night on, you slept like a baby every day. The Darkling's face appeared only occasionally in your nightmares (both bloody ones and… more pleasant ones). But it wasn't REALLY him. Just a messed-up version of your sick imagination.

In the meantime, you trained with Alina and Nina (the woman needed the presence of other Grishas in Brekker's gang; besides, she was an amazing friend, and she also made wonderful waffles); you developed your powers; and you two gossiped with Genya, as she changed your looks every week so that no one would accidentally recognize you (by the way, you learned that David was heading this way to reunite with the love of his life).

You became close to Jes (you had the honor of being trained with HIS PISTOLS) and Inej, whose comforting company was invaluable (as well as the rooftop stealth lessons. Kaz cursed her after the first time you scared him by climbing through his office window and giving you a barrier. Of course you had your mind, and you didn't listen to him. Your unexpected visits to his office only became more frequent.)

So you could say that everything was on its way back to normality.

But it wasn't. Because one fine day, when the crows, Kaz, you, Alina, and Genya were eating breakfast at his club, someone showed up at your door.

Someone you didn't want to see more than the Darkling himself.

"What the fuck is she doing here, if I may culturally ask?" Alina gave you an apologetic look as Baghra walked casually into the crows' kitchen like she belonged here. Out of the corner of your eye, you saw Kaz taking any sharp metal objects from the table that you might have used to attack the woman.

You and Baghra had a rough relationship. Due to the fact that you and Aleksander were something, the woman did not look at you very favorably. You had no intention of fawning over a woman who wanted to kill her own son, either. Maybe your feelings for the Darkling were... unclear, but you wouldn't wish anyone, not even your worst enemy, a mother who was willing to stand against her own child, to spurn him instead of doing... anything to help him out of his darkness. It was not in line with your moral views. But no one here seemed to care since they invited the mother of Satan to your table.

"It's nice to see you too, Y/N."

"I don't even have enough respect for you to lie to you and admit that seeing you didn't ruin my day. I will ask one last time..." you got up from the table, shielding Kaz and the crows as you summoned your power. "What are you doing here?"

"My son is looking for you all over the world, do you think I won't try to get to you first before he does?"

"Oh, you've already shown how much you care about outdoing Kirigan in reaching us. I'm asking you, what do you want from us?"

"I came here for you. Because of you, child." you stiffened slightly, wondering what else the old woman had to say. But you would die before admitting that Baghra's help would be invaluable to your little band of rebels. Your pride was both your greatest strength and weakness.

"Well, excuse me, but I have more important things to do than listen to some old lady's ravings. I haven't finished my breakfast yet, and I'm far too sober for another conversation about how everyone wants to use me as a weapon."

"Every day I'm less surprised by how you ended up with my son. You two are a perfect match for each other." she snapped, annoyed at your indifferent attitude.

"I'd suggest you get to the point. You were the one who wanted to meet with us. As our moon summoner mentioned, we don't have to listen to you. And trust me, I have absolutely no intention of stopping her when she wants to kick you out of my club." Kaz stood next to you, measuring the woman with a watchful gaze.

You were proud that he believed in your and Alina's powers and wasn't afraid to provoke the shadow summoner in your presence. You cast a fleeting glance at him, watching as Baghra gave him an appraising look.

"Mr. Breaker. It would be better for you and your club if work with the summoners of the sun and moon ended in Ravka. You have no idea what you're getting yourself into."

"I never make ill-considered decisions, and certainly not out of fear." he replied with his poker, business face.

"This is only a trait of the greatest winners or greatest losers."

"You don't have to worry about him. Mr. Brekker is always on the winning team." you answered for him, having had enough of this woman. Unfortunately, it looked like she wouldn't be leaving you so soon.

"Turn that light out, girl, before the Grishas swarm here. I won't hurt your boyfriend and his friends." you frowned as you heard Jes coughing in the background, trying not to laugh. With a wave of your hand, the white light around you vanished. You watched in displeasure as a smirk began to form on Baghra's lips.

"He is/I am not my/her boyfriend." together with Kaz, you both uttered these words as Baghra pushed past you. This caused you to turn to one another and exchange equally awkward, perplexed looks.

"Whatever, just get your lovebird butts over here." she murmured as she unfolded the map on the table and took a few items out of her bag. You snorted at seeing a small wooden statue of Aleksander.

It was going to be a long and tiring morning.

~•♤♤♤•~

"We have to hurry before your boy gets here. Good thing he is walking with the cane, at least it keeps him from sneaking up on us." Baghra growled at you. She'd only been here a week, and she'd already ruled everyone. You were no longer surprised at where Aleksander inherited his incredible self-confidence and arrogance.

"For the love of God, I'm telling you for the last time, KAZ IS NOT MY BOYFRIEND. Besides, if I were you, I wouldn't underestimate him. You could actually learn from him. You'll need a cane soon, too."

"Can you two just stop arguing for once and focus on the task at hand?" the sun summoner lingered, following you to the basement of the Crow Club.

"I'm sorry, Alina, that I'd rather banter with that witch than figure out how to seduce her son, lull his guard down, pluck the antlers of a wonderful steg out of his hand, and break the link between us once and for all."

"Start by undoing a few buttons on your blouse and letting your hair down; that should be enough for him to lose his mind." she advised you, making you and Alina shudder, both equally abashed.

"Seriously?" you asked mockingly, giving her a disgusted look. Nevertheless, you followed the woman's suggestion. "What is the next step? Shall I wear some nice underwear?"

"Not necessarily, but it would be nice to take off that ring. I doubt Aleksander would appreciate that someone other than himself gave you such gaudy jewelry." you snorted, taking off the only thing keeping the Darkling from crossing the walls of your mind.

You bypassed Baghra's outstretched hand and handed the ring to Alina. The older woman snorted indignantly at what you stuck your tongue out at. She didn't expect you to trust her with anything, even something as small as Kaz's ring, right?

"Done. What's next?"

"You need to make a connection. Every time he thinks of you or you think of him, you seek each other out and make a link. Imagine his face, voice, and silhouette; recall some memory associated with him; do anything to have him in front of your eyes. It should work and take you to where he is now. Just like when you two were getting into each other's dreams before Mr. Brekker gave you this ring."

"I did not seek him of my own free will. It just happened." you defended yourself, not wanting anyone to think you were looking for the Darkling like a lost puppy.

"You know him. He will continue to invade your thoughts and your life to convince you of the error of your ways and choices. This ring can work now, but what happens when you two get stronger in the future? It will stop working. You will be condemned to endure his pervasive presence. In the morning, afternoon, nights, and midnights. He won't let you go. Never. You cannot extract the stag from your own body. So you must find a way to block him permanently. Not by some magic ring."

You sighed, realizing she was right. You will be free of him only when any bond between you is gone. The only thing you were afraid of was that it existed between you and the Darkling long before you killed the stag...

Darkness and its light. Moon and shadow. Destined to be together. United at the end of the day.

"And what if I fail and he chokes me, stabs me, or just uses the cut on me?"

"We will observe the energy around you. If we see too many shadows or your light, we'll pull you out."

"All right. Let's get this over with." you sat down, leaning against the wall of the Crow Club basement, praying to all of Inej's mighty saints that your plan would work.

You closed your eyes, remembering the moment before your big performance at the winter fete.

You had to pretend that you didn't know Kaz, and then you had no idea what he was doing here wearing one of the soldiers uniforms. He promised to explain everything to you, but then Aleksander came.

"I'll take her from here." he said to Kaz, letting him know that he was no longer needed.

But he has not left you. Aleksander ignored him, examining your kefta carefully. It was beautiful. Genya decorated it with silver threads and embroidered stars and moons in different phases. However, the fact that probably delighted him the most was its black (but actually dark navy blue) color. But he didn't care about the true color of your kefta as long as it looked black to any other observer.

A clear signal that you were his moon.

"I have something for you." he whispered as he leaned closer to you so that your noses were practically touching. He pulled something shiny out of his sleeve. He held the silver chain up to your eye level so you could see the pendant. Moon with a star. You shifted your gaze from the shiny object to those mesmerizing black eyes staring at you in pure adoration. "I know you're practically festooned with these symbols, but I wanted you to know..." he interrupted, brushing your hair over one shoulder so he could place the necklace over your neck. He planted a quick, tender kiss on your nape as he clicked the silver jewelry. "That you're not just a Saint Y/N, summoner of the moon. You're mine moonlight in the worst darkness of mine. My hope and peace. The only light I let through my shadows."

You grabbed the pendant, noticing your initials carved into the back of the moon.

"It's beautiful." you turned in his arms to whisper in his ear, making him shiver as you kissed his earlobe. "Aleksander..."

~•♤♤♤•~

You opened your eyes.

A dim light illuminated Kirigan's war room.

You did it. Now all you had to do was seduce him. Piece of cake.

You let yourself watch him flick through some papers, wrinkling his nose and occasionally running a hand through his hair. The exact same one with the stag antler still stuck in it. You shook your head, remembering your task. You had to outsmart him. And in such a wise way that it didn't cross his mind that you might have bad intentions towards him.

"Aleksander." you whispered as you stepped out of the shadows. The man either really didn't notice you or he was a brilliant actor, judging by the pure shock that painted his face the moment he turned to meet your gaze. "You seem surprised to see me."

"I am." his mask of indifference and self-confidence quickly fell back into place. "But perhaps I shouldn't be. I should have known you'd prove to be an apt pupil. Not many can learn that trick." he placed the papers on the desk and leaned against it. "But after our last meeting, I had the impression that you didn't want to see me again. What changed your mind to seek me out?"

"I hate to say this, but I realized you were right."

"How so?" he began to watch you with interest, too curious to know what you were going to say to repay you for stabbing him last time. The fact that he didn't pounce on you with his shadows the moment he saw you gave you an odd sense of confidence. Maybe you could have made it.

"I was meant for more. And you were the first person to see me as I truly am. First to help me realize what I'm meant for. First to tech me how to use my power and how to see it as something more incredible than terrifying. First to see, I was more than a scared little girl. That I was powerful Grisha and I can do anything I want." with every word you said and every step you took towards him, you could see his mask crack open, revealing his true emotions. However, there was still a shadow of uncertainty and suspicion in his eyes. You had to remove it if you wanted to win this battle.

"Was I? And what about Alina? Or your helpful friends that take you away from Little Palace?" you hoped you didn't show that his words affected you. You were afraid that somehow he might have discovered a little help from Kaz and his crows.

"They… they don't understand the power growing within me. I thought that Alina might share my feelings, but … it seems to me that we understand our possibilities completely differently when it comes to our powers. And my friends… I think they're more afraid of what I can do than admire it as… as you did."

"That's not their fault. I did try to warn you. Tried to explain that with so much power that flows in our veins, usually comes fear from the side of our loved ones."

"I know. I think I'm starting to finally understand that now." you took one slow step towards him, feeling his watchful gaze on you. "There are no others like us, and they never will be. We are connected by our powers. Alina can live without us, but you and me… you and me are destined to work together and to stand by our sides. There is no darkness without light, but it's the moon that brings it into the night and that lives among the shadows, working with them… Like calls to like, right, Aleksander?"

In his eyes, you could see how much he wanted to believe you, how much he wanted the words you said to be true... but you knew that Aleksander lived too long to believe only empty words. He needed conclusive proof that you were on his side and that you were only his moon. And you had to convince him somehow.

"As I delighted as I am that you found your way to me, what do you want?"

"That thing that binds us. I think you fear it more than you actually care to admit."

"I fear everything there is to fear; it makes me strong. I understand things about power that you've had years yet to learn, moonlight."

"Well, as you said, with a good teacher, I'm a very apt pupil. But I think we both know… that it's not all about power, though, is it?" you walked the distance between you two and stood chest-to-chest with him. "What about the other bond we share? That one I was avoiding for too long." you slowly cup his cheek, making him close his eyes at the touch of your soft skin. You tenderly stroked one of his black scars on his cheek, which made the Black Heretic sighe in relief. "I want you, Aleksander." he opened his eyes, looking at you in disbelief when he tried to seek any sight of lies on your face. "And being in your presence terrifies me as much as making me feel… like I finally belonged somewhere. Like I was made by saints to be next to you. It felt... right in some crazy way."

"Love is for madmen, Y/N. And I've already told you…" you shivered as his cold fingertips touched the hot skin of your neck. His fingers went to the silver necklace—your only sin against your friends. He took the pendant in his hands and kissed it, not taking his eyes off yours. "You're my moonlight. Nothing has changed, and I doubt it ever will... for both of us."

You pulled him by the hair to connect your lips in a long-awaited kiss, too annoyed with how long you had to work him out. (Or too scared that his words are true.) You moaned as he bit your lips, and in one sweeping motion, he scooped you up off the floor and sat you on his desk.

He pulled away from you, dropping his kefta on the floor, and went back to kissing you as if you were the only one that mattered in this world. But the next amplifier's whereabouts map you laid on as he kissed your soul out of you was a glaring reminder that you could never have truly had him.

You would never be his first choice.

"Forgive me for stabbing you, then." you whispered into his mouth as you broke apart for a moment to catch your breath. He pressed into you more fervently than before, caressing your waist tenderly.

"I will have kissed these tempting, sweet lips, even if it means I'll get stabbed by you, every time I do it."

That was good to know, you thought, throwing your arms around his shoulders and slowly pulling out the dagger from your sleeve as he continued to kiss you greedily, like he wanted to sate himself with you while he still had you in his arms.

"Your words, not mine." you murmured, catching his mouth with yours while driving the dagger into his hand. He snarled, breaking away from you and trying in vain to yank the metal out of your hand. You tried to pry the last stag's bone out of him.

But suddenly, just as you were about to do it, you find yourself back in the basement of the Crows Club.

You were breathing fast, frantically looking around the room. Kaz was kneeling a step away from you and watching you worriedly as you tried to calm down.

From the cane that was on your leg and his firm grip on your arm, you figured out pretty quickly why you suddenly came back. You yanked your arm from his hand in your anger, forgetting his phobia of touch and how much of an achievement it was for him to hold your arm.

"What the hell, Brekker?! I had him! I could end this right there! UGH! Why did you let him break our connection?!" you screamed in frustration, looking resentfully at Alina and Baghra.

"You nearly blew yourself out with your power, and they couldn't bring you back."

"I had it under control, Kaz!"

"Oh, really?" he asked mockingly, struggling to his feet with the help of his cane and walking over to you with equal anger painted in his eyes. "Because it didn't look good from my point of view. You could have blown up the whole club..."

"Of course you would only care about your stupid, fucking club! Forgive me, Dirtyhands. Next time I'm going to save the damn world from the Darkling, I'll pick up a place other than one of your fucking bases!" you yelled at him, pushing past a shocked Alina and Baghra.

"Y/N, come back here!" he shouted after you. The distinctive sound of his cane told you he was following you.

"I'm not your fucking property, Brekker! I can go anywhere I want!" you screamed, running as fast and far for him as you could, thanking everyone above that Brekker wasn't able to catch up with you. You needed a moment to yourself. And you only knew one place in all of Ketterdam where you could be truly alone.

~•♤♤♤•~

For a long time, you hated harbour. It was a reminder of your weakness—a reminder of a girl who got kidnapped by slave hunters. Then you met Aleksander and became one of the strongest Grisha. From then harbour was for you to remind you of the birth of Saint Y/N. Moon summoner. It was funny for you to see how easy it is to get on the ship and go anywhere you want. Be anyone you want. But you don't have this choice anymore. Not until your past stops chasing you whenever you close your eyes.

"I knew you'd be here." Kaz's voice below you made you shiver, but you didn't grace him with your gaze. "You'd be too merciful to me by choosing an easily accessible spot, wouldn't you?" he grumbled as he clambered next to you on the crates of goods. He sighed as he managed to climb up. He tossed his cane, catching it spectacularly and resting it against the crate beneath you. He leaned forward, staring out at the harbour with you, when the wind blew his hair, messing up his always perfectly styled hairdo.

"Nobody made you follow me around, Kazzle." you murmured, casting a fleeting glance at him, grinning mischievously at how tired he was of climbing crates. Someone here was in bad shape. Brekker must sit with these plans and papers for too long.

"I did." you turned your head to meet his piercing gaze. "I already told you. I take care of my investments."

"Maybe you're making a mistake."

"I'm never mistaken. I know when and how much to invest in something valuable."

"But what if I'm a lost cause? What if you're wrong this time? Why do you think I'm done with the Darkling? Me and him have so much in common... what if I become like him? Are you not afraid? That one day, in my naiveté, I'd decide Kirigan was worth a second chance and betray you? That one day I'll stop controlling my power and that I'll hurt you? How can you sit here so calmly and..."

"Because I know you better than myself. I may not believe in saints, but I believe in you, Y/N. I will always believe in you."

You swallowed, looking down in embarrassment. You didn't deserve this.

"I get caught up in it sometimes. That I return with memories to the Little Palace. I wonder what I could have done differently to prevent all this. How could I reason with him, what could I do to dissuade him from his plans. How to behave, what to say out loud, and what to keep to yourself. And I'm furious with Baghra that, being his mother, she didn't fight for him to the end; she gave up before we could do ANYTHING for him together. And I curse myself every time I feel guilty, knowing that I left him utterly alone. So tell me, Kaz, knowing now all these doubts growing within me, do you still believe in me?"

The killing silence told you everything you wanted to know.

"Come on. Go right ahead, Kazzie. Call me a fool, an idiot who wants to believe that everyone deserves someone close, someone they can trust. Who stupidly believes in giving people a second chance." you said, afraid to look up to see the revulsion in the eyes of the only person you could always count on.

Kaz said your name, but you ignored him completely, feeling tears slowly welling up in your eyes. Suddenly you felt the cold steel crow's head of his cane under your chin. Brekker forced you to look into his eyes. And you thanked all the saints for the tenderness that was still present in them.

"You know, I don't think that about you. You are a Grisha. The moon summoner. The only beacon of hope in the darkness. I think that in your job description lies faith even in the most deprived, lost, and broken souls."

"I didn't know that poetic side of you, Brekker."

"I've changed since the last time you saw me."

"Really?" you asked, nodding at his gloves and cane. He caught your eye, gripping the crow's head tighter. "Hey. You have every right to do that, Kaz, okay? I was kidding, and I didn't know it was still a sensitive subject. I'm sorry. Apart from that, I can name more. For example, you still have a stick in your ass when it comes to pranks. It was too easy to get on your nerves with Jes." you said, trying to make a joke to lighten the atmosphere.

"Looking now at you, it's better for humanity that you haven't become a saint. Saints, protect some wretch who would have asked you for help." you smiled at him, glad he understood your intentions.

"Now, I feel hurt, Kazzie. Wouldn't you pray to me if they hung my holy image up here somewhere?" you asked, offended, putting your hand over your heart.

He knew he would spend hours, days, and weeks praying to her, only to see her face again and hear the voice of the Saint of his heart...

"No. No saint has ever watched over me. It wouldn't make sense to pray to you either. Especially since I knew you personally before you became a mighty Grisha."

"Well, I'm no saint yet, but since I'm your newest investment, I guess that means I'm supposed to serve you in some way. And since I'm not going to be your errand dog or spy crow, I guess a good compromise would be if I became your bodyguard. Then you can't say that there's no saint watching over you."

"I don't need a guardian angel."

"It's good then that I'm far from being an angel." you stared at each other, the wind blowing your hair, as you enjoyed the understanding between you and the unspoken acknowledgment of your closeness.

Kaz Brekker could not have a weakness. This city would use it against him very quickly. But he felt that perhaps his weakness could be powerful enough to be his greatest asset instead of his darkest burden. Maybe he didn't have to worry about her that much.

"Ketterdam was boring without you. It was also harder to work without your… skills." he said uncertainly, averting his gaze from your piercing, mesmerizing eyes.

"Is that your way to tell me you missed me?" you were teasing him and pushing his cane. He almost fell over when you broke his only support. You almost couldn't prevent yourself from laughing.

"We could have gained much more kruge if you had been here."

"I didn't want to leave." you whispered, involuntarily remembering the day they kidnapped you.

"I know." he leaned towards you, forcing you to look into his eyes. "You don't have to worry about them. I made sure they were six feet deep underground before you even set foot in Ketterdam." your heart warmed at the thought that he was chasing them for you.

He made sure you were 100% safe and comfortable before he brought you back home. Home. You didn't think you'd find him among the crows, thieves, and the Dreg Club. You didn't think you'd feel this way about him—one of the men whose lifestyle was far from normal and safe.

"You're getting soft in your old age, Brekker." you replied with a half smile, holding back unwanted tears. You weren't that weak girl anymore. You were Grisha. And thanks to the man sitting next to you, you were (almost) free. You grabbed his cane, right next to the crow's head, where Kaz's hands were. His gaze flicked to where your hands were so close together. He turned his head to meet your watery eyes. "Thank you, Kaz. For everything. It means a lot to me. Even if it was foolish to break into the Darkling's palace and kidnap us like sacks of potatoes."

"It was the perfect plan! Nobody noticed us." he was indignant, immediately defending his action.

"Yeah, but what I and Alina get hit with every time Jesper and you steer that wooden cart over rocks is ours. You could really choose a path that wasn't made of stones."

"Next time, it's up to you to make a plan to escape the 500-year-old shadow summoner. We'll see how you do." he snorted, offended, but didn't move an inch. Contrary. His hand moved closer to yours, wrapping precariously around yours on his cane.

"Less than a week back in Ketterdam, and you're already letting me into your plans? Aww, I love you too, Kazzie."

He would give all the kruge of this world to hear those words from you for the rest of his life... and it surprised him that he wasn't afraid to admit it to himself at all.

"And I almost forgot how annoying you can be."

"Don't worry. I have all the time in the world to shrink your inflated ego and remind you of that, boss." Kaz held his breath. He stared at you searchingly, trying to find in your face the answer to whatever question he was asking in his head. You unknowingly scooted closer to each other so that your shoulders rested against each other.

You were much closer to each other before. Kaz (on his good days) even felt comfortable hugging you for a while. After years apart, you thought it would take ages for him to get used to your presence again and the brief touch without going underwater with Jordi.

But you were here. Holding hands, leaning against each other, and staring into each other's eyes.

You shivered as you felt his breath against your cheek when he leaned a little closer to you, testing his border.

"You're shining." he whispered softly, hypnotized, afraid to break the silence between you.

"What?"

"Your eyes are shining." his trembling hand took your cheek as you were watching him speechless. Even in your wildest dreams, you wouldn't suppose he would hold you like that. He truly changed. He beat Pekka, and now the King of Ketterdam was fighting with his demons. You were so proud of him and also sad that you weren't with him at the beginning of his road to healing. "And the light is coming out of your skin. You're shining like a star for lost souls."

"You're not lost... not anymore." you whispered, your voice trembling, fully understanding what he had left unsaid.

"I was. But now the moonlight is lighting up Ketterdam's darkness again."

"Kaz... I..." you held your breath, staring at him in anticipation. You didn't know what for. All you knew was that taking your eyes off him for even a second was an unforgivable crime.

Your noses were almost touching, your lips were the closest you've known each other. And Kaz was as calm as if he'd never had a haphephobia. As if the situation with Jordi never happened. You were afraid his waters would finally rise, interrupting your moment, but as soon as your foreheads touched, all the logical thoughts in your head went to hell. It was just you and him.

And you would still enjoy that closeness if the sound of breaking glass and Jesper's curses hadn't driven you apart.

"Here you are! How the hell did you get in there?! Get down! We're leaving in half an hour!" Jesper shouted to you from below and disappeared as quickly as he appeared. You cleared your throat, realized what Jes said after a long moment.

"We are leaving?" you asked, surprised. Bastard didn't say a word about going anywhere.

"Yes. I'll explain everything to you on the ship." he gave you a brush-off as he began his downward journey.

"On the ship? Kaz, what have you planned?!" you shouted angry as you followed him.

~•♤♤♤•~

"This is the dumbest plan ever made, and believe me, I've been to more than one of his idiotic ideas." you said, pointing at the offended Kaz.

Your great friends (and Baghra) have decided to sneak into the Darkling's palace, steal his maps and war plans, and set the Little Palace on fire.

You started to doubt their good sanity... or sobriety.

"Sooner or later, we have to sneak in there. Aleksander has stolen from me all the books and records of our ancestors; he is in possession of immense power, and we can not allow him to make use of it." you clenched your fists, almost ready to pounce on the woman for revealing the Darkling's true name.

"Who is Aleksander?" you ignored Kaz's question, nervously twirling the ring he gave you on your finger.

"Was he able to steal something from YOU? And you let him do it? How surprised I am."

"What are you implying?"

"I implying that we are in some huge coach driven by your men, leaving Ketterdam on your initiative and entering the lion's mouth because you said so. In my place, you'd be suspicious too."

"The odds of me betraying you are as high as the odds that you will."

"And why is that?" you hissed, furious at how easily she got on your nerves.

"Aleksander has a knack for manipulating people. A few sweet words, and even your boyfriend won't be able to count on your devotion anymore."

"Watch your mouth. I'm not her boyfriend." Kaz growled, tensing up next to you, thereby stopping your quarrel. Baghra shrugged, continuing her quiet conversation with Alina. In your mind, you were planning the old lady's slow death until someone's hand grabbed yours in a strong grip.

You turned your head towards Kaz. He stared blankly out the window, completely ignoring your gaze. Instead, he started drawing circles on your palm, trying to calm you down somehow. You turned your head in the opposite direction, smiling to yourself at the tender gesture. Unbeknownst to you, Kaz had the same smirk as yours on his face.

The rest of the trip to the city was uneventful. As planned, Alina and you stayed in Baghra's secret stash while the rest went off to play heroes. Your job was to distract the Darkling, and Alina was supposed to watch over you.

You'd agree to their plan if your role wasn't just to stand by while others risked their lives trying to get the information you all needed.

But you decided not to argue with the others about it this time. After all, they couldn't control you once you got into the palace. You might as well have snooped around, looked for what you needed, and done most of the work for them. Closing your eyes and getting ready to connect with the Darkling, you only hoped that your little disobedience would go unnoticed.

~•♤♤♤•~

You just finished searching Kirigan's study, war room, and bedroom. You were on your way to the last room - the library, when you bumped into the one person you wanted to avoid.

You were paralysed as soon as you saw him walking down the hall. You hoped he wouldn't look in your direction, but the general (alert as always) glanced at you briefly before disappearing from your view. You had the faintest hope that he would think you were a vision, but all of it vanished when you felt a hand gently wrap around your neck and pin you against the wall.

"You either have too much free time or you enjoy haunting me at random times, little moon." you didn't answer, too scared that the moment he touched you, all your power took on a life of its own, merging with his shadows, as it usually does when your skins meet for the first time after a long separation. You were defenceless. Kirigan frowned, watching you with growing interest. "Speechless? Not any irritating responses? Do you fear me, Y/N?" his taunts brought you to your senses, forcing you to calm down immediately. You couldn't wait for Alina to be rescued. You had to fight him yourself.

"That's what you want, isn't it? To have everyone and everything under control, too scared to say or do anything against you."

"Fear is a powerful ally and also loyal."

"Not as loyal and lasting as love, trust, respect." you tried to break free from his grip, but all attempts to remove his hand from your neck proved futile. You were lucky that instead of tightening the grip and cutting off your air, he just wrapped his other arm around your waist, pulling you closer so that your faces were mere millimetres apart. "We could have had it, Aleksander. All of it. All you had to do was set me free and make me your equal."

"You'll come to feel it towards me someday. For now… even though I truly want to, I have no time for you, moonlight. Your friends are waiting for me. But don't get the wrong impression…" he leaned towards you, stroking your cheek tenderly as he whispered in your ear. "I will be back for you, my Y/N. Wherever you are hiding from me."

You shivered as he kissed your temple, making this terrifying promise to you. At some point, his shadows enveloped you completely and sent you back to the room where you and Alina were hiding.

And after one look at the sun summoner, you both knew what you had to do.

~•♤♤♤•~

You couldn't remember the last time you ran so fast in your entire life. It must have been back in your Ketterdam days, doing some little errands for the Dregs.

But this time, you weren't running to save your life. You ran to save Kaz Brekker's ass, who was the only one (not counting Inej, who was already hidden somewhere with Alina, waiting for you in harbour) who didn't return from his mission. As you expected, everything went to hell without you, and if you and Alina hadn't arrived, half of the crows (including Baghra) would have been captured by Aleksander's grishas. You wouldn't feel sorry for the old woman, but Alina insisted on saving her.

Jes, Wylan, Nina and Baghra searched other parts of the Little Palace, trying to burn everything in their path. You could still make it. If only Brekker hadn't gotten lost in the meantime. You knew you should go with him. You've always been a team player, and pairing you with Alina for this mission and leaving you behind was their worst idea.

You promised yourself that the next time you'd strap that risky idiot to your hip.

That's why you breathed a sigh of relief when you saw him at the end of the corridor. But instead of running up to him and yelling at him for his thoughtlessness, you hid in the shadows as he backed away slowly. Someone had to catch him. You caught his eye for a moment, glad he noticed you and started to head your way. Thanks to this, you could assassinate his attacker and try to escape from the palace.

Piece of cake. If he wasn't talking to a fucking Darkling.

"I know you kidnapped my moon summoner. Now you're going to tell me where you stashed her." you cursed internally, feeling yourself start to panic. You guys were officially screwed.

"We didn't take her. She fled on her own." you marvelled at how Kaz could still keep his composure with an angry Darkling a few feet in front of him. Sometimes you forget how mentally strong he was.

"I don't doubt in it… where is she? I won't ask you again."

"I don't know. I don't own her… but it's pretty clear she wasn't interested in being a captive anymore."

Aleksander got even angrier at the little insinuation that Kaz took better care of you, that he didn't treat you like an asset, unlike the general. You cursed Dirtyhands for wanting to mock and taunt the Darkling, even though you could see that he wasn't so confident around him.

"I heard about you. And your crows. It would be a shame if something happened to such a talented group." the Darkling summoned some of his shadows, causing Kaz to back away and reach for the light grenade that you and Wylan had prepared. "It's good for you that you have the decency to show signs of fear."

"I'm afraid of what I must."

"And yet you are not so defenceless." Kaz raised an inquiring eyebrow. "Don't make a fool of yourself, Mr. Brekker. I can feel my moon's power everywhere. Especially when it's imbedded so much into one small object."

You tensed, remembering that you had given Kaz the necklace before he left for the Little Palace. A necklace whose pendant you poured so much moonlight into that no shadows could surround him while wearing it or only holding it.

Defence against the Darkling. Specially prepared for situations like this. However, handing it to him, you hoped the two would never meet, growling at each other like two rabid dogs.

"Y/N must have strong feelings for you to give you some of her power. And you for her. Putting your people and yourself at risk, your profit, your club. In the name of what, Mr. Brekker?"

"If you did thorough research on me, you'd know that all of Ketterdam knows I don't need a reason to do things."

"You'll never fully appreciate what she really is. But that's alright. Because I do." Aleksander let Dirtyhands' insult pass over his ears, trying to annoy him that much, so he let his guard down. You knew very well that method, just like you knew that Kaz wasn't foolish to fall for it.

"You've right. I'll never use her as a weapon or treat her like a saint. That's not what she wants. You may understand her powers, but you have no idea who she really is. What's in her mind. What are her dreams and desires. All you care about is her power, which I don't give a damn if she has or not. You see her only as a moon summoner. Not Y/N. You don't know the woman she was before Grisha's thing. You will never know how amazing and indescribable she was before Ravka. This is part of her that only I was allowed to see. You can't change the fact that I know her better than you."

"You're forgetting one important fact. You are a child, and she is Grisha. Y/N may take years to forgive me… but I can wait. Take away my shadows, and I still have something you don't. Time. Meanwhile, you will grow old. Your hair will grey, but she will remain ageless. Like me. Not mention your little inconvenience. Do you think you'll be able to touch her for more than a few minutes before your body grows old? That you'll be able to give her the life she deserves? We both know that one day, maybe a year from now, maybe fifty, she will realise that she has only one equal. There are no others like us, and there never will be. Even you can't change that, Mr. Brekker." he gave him a hostile look, laughing mockingly as he noticed that Kaz continued to back up with each step the Darkling took towards him until he did not stand in front of your hiding place. "Don't worry. I'm not going to kill you. Time will do it for me." he summoned more of his shadows, wanting to scare him with his power. You three knew very well that with your necklace around his neck, no cut would kill him."You should have stayed in Ketterdam, Mr. Brekker."

At this point, you both decided to step in. Kaz threw his grenade, and you summoned your power, blinding the two of them. You grabbed Kaz's arm, and you both ran (as fast as his leg would allow). You stopped only a few corridors and stairs further, at the crossroads where you were all supposed to meet. Along the way, you avoided several fires that the tidemakers were busy with.

"What are you doing here?!" he growled furiously at you as you finally stopped, only making you more angry at his recklessness and attitude. He attacked and insulted the most powerful grisha. An 18-year-old with a cane and no powers.

"What am I doing here?! You tell me, what are you doing! You made him mad for no reason! You think now that he knows your identities, he'll let you go so easily? He will hunt you as long as he lives, just like me and Alina! Congratulations, Brekker!"

"I knew the risk." he replied angrily, looking around all four corridors.

"No, you didn't. You'd know a flimsy toy like that one, fucking grenade wouldn't be enough for him with all the amplifiers he's got."

"Well, I guess your little gift was strong enough to protect me. Which brings me to the question… why am I the only one blessed with this power from you?" he asked as he walked over to you, standing a few inches in front of you. You were both panting with quick anger, rage, and adrenaline, which was slowly draining from your systems.

"It's not your business, Brekker." you growled into his face and took a step, trying to avoid him, but his firm grip on your elbow stopped you.

You turned to face him, ready to yank your arm out of his grip and scream at him to fuck off, but all thoughts flew out of your head as soon as you looked into his mesmerising eyes, which were looking at you with concern and… love.

"It is my business." he leaned closer to you, just enough for you to feel his warmth and his scent, and far enough away not to touch you any more than he already did. "You... you're my most important business. And if something happens to you, if he catches you again..." he sighed, shaking his head, trying to find the right words as he licked his annoyed lips, unconsciously drawing your gaze to them and making you hold your breath for a moment, wanting something as forbidden and holy as kissing them. "I don't know how to... express my feelings. I don't know if I even understand them well enough. All I know is that I would rather die than see you enslaved and sorrowful... and it pains me to know that I'm too weak to protect you. That I'll always be too weak FOR YOU."

"You are literally everything but weak. In my eyes, you're the strongest person I know, Kaz. One of the very few to whom I would entrust my life in the blink of an eye."

"And yet I'm not enough for Grisha's love."

"How could you not be enough for something you already have?" Kaz's head snapped up as he watched you, befuddled in complete silence. You hesitantly reached for his hand, giving him enough time to pull away. He did not do. "And because I love you, I cannot be selfish with you. I cannot risk your life just because I have loved you since we were stupid teenagers." he squeezed your hand, too overwhelmed by his emotions to say anything. Fortunately, you understood him without any words.

Slowly, as if time had slowed down just for you two, he leaned towards you, resting his forehead against yours. You stood like that for a moment, enjoying the other's presence, forgetting that the palace was burning around you and probably 100 Grishas were chasing you.

"I will have you, Kaz Brekker. But only when it's safe for both of us." you promised him, whispering with your eyes still closed. "And for that to happen, I have to stay here. I have to make sure he doesn't go after you, that he will be distracted by me instead of planning your death.." you were about to extricate yourself from his grip, but the man only pulled you closer to him, not wanting to let you go.

"Please, don't. Stay with me. You're not a saint or a hero. You said it yourself. More than I could count."

"Kaz…" you took the ring off and put it on his little finger. "Keep it for me until I'm back. As a promise that whatever is going to happen next… I will be back for you." testing your luck, you placed a quick, tender kiss on his finger, feeling him tremble under your lips.

Before you got a chance to change your mind, you ran in the opposite direction, following the voice of the fighting Grishas.

You didn't turn around. You didn't steal a second glance at him, even though you knew he was watching you until you were out of sight. You knew the moment you looked into his eyes again, you'd change your mind.

You had to be strong.

For both of you. For your common future.

~•♤♤♤•~

When you regained consciousness, you weren't surprised that your hands had been handcuffed, so you couldn't use your powers. You were surprised to be greeted by the familiar sheets of Aleksander's comfortable bed.

And the Darkling himself was lying right next to you with his face towards you.

His eyes were closed, giving you a good look at the darker shadows under his eyes than before. Without knowing why, they disturbed you more than those lazily hovering around the bed. For a moment, you listened to his measured, calm breathing, which would probably confuse anyone else and give the illusory belief that the man next to you is sleeping. But you knew him much better than to fall for such a simple trick.

"I know how you breathe when you're sleeping, Aleksander."

"Maybe I was trying to fall asleep."

"Wearing a kefta? Doubtful." he opened one eye, staring at you silently. You felt your heart start beating faster from the nerves. You had no idea why you were here. Or at least you didn't want to admit it to yourself, so you decided to play the fool. "Are the dungeons undergoing some kind of refurbishment, or are they so full that you haven't found another place for me?"

He stared at you silently, deep in thought. He took his time to answer, playing with the strands of your hair that had escaped your bun from an earlier fight.

"It didn't seem like the right place for you" he finally whispered, making you even more suspicious.

"And where is my right place? After I stabbed you in the back so many times? In your bed? In your arms? As a weapon for your use? Where do you see me, Aleksander?"

"By my side. I've always seen you by my side." he answered at once, without a trace of hesitation in his voice. His shadow circled the room, caressing you from time to time. You didn't know if he was planning to let your guard down or if he had completely lost his mind.

"I don't understand. You should be mad at me. Why don't you hate me? Why are you still looking at me like... like you really have feelings for me? This is another one of your games, right? You want me to go completely crazy this time, don't you?"

"No, my little saint moon." he whispered, undaunted by your anger, gently cupping your chin so you had to look him in the eye. "All I ever wanted was someone equal to me. Why should I get mad at you when all you're doing is trying to find your way to me?"

"I don't…"

"Then why did you let them catch you? Don't try to lie to me, Y/N. I was there. I saw with my own eyes how you backed away from running away at the last moment. Why?"

"You know why." you whispered in a shaky voice. You closed your eyes, trying to protect yourself from the Black Heretic's penetrating gaze and show him the tears beginning to form in your eyes. "I have a million reasons why I should give you up, why I should hate you more than anyone else, but the truth is… my heart wants what it wants. And I don't think I can resist this anymore." you couldn't control your tears, but from the tender touch of his hand as he wiped them from your cheek and the clank of the handcuffs opening, you figured they were necessary for him to believe you.

"You have no idea how long…"

"No." you cut him off before he could say anything more." I have one question for you. Answer it right, and I'll forget about the last few months. Answer it right, and I promise you that you will never have to be alone again, that I'll always be by your side, along with your shadows and everything else that you truly are. That I will accept my destiny as being your moon. I won't let anyone scare me away from you ever again. I just… I need you to be completely honest with me. This one time." you cursed yourself at how weak your voice sounded when he grabbed your hand, kissing tenderly the places where the handcuffs were marked. "You don't have to tell me your whole plan; I just want to know… are all of these lies, battles, wars, deaths… just to keep the Grishas safe? You have no other intention behind this than to give our people home, where they don't have to be afraid of people who hate us and our powers?"

"I swear to you, my little moonstone, there is no other reason. I'm not a maniac drunk on power, as everybody tells you. I just want our people to be safe; I want to give them a world where we can explore the abilities of our power without fear of getting killed for being extraordinary. I can only do this with you by my side. As my equal. As a person who thinks like me and can keep up with my plans. As my partner. As the only one I can trust."

"Good." you nodded, cupping his cheek as you pulled him closer to you, so your lips caught each other again.

And maybe it was naive to think he bought your story about being completely devoted to him; maybe it was just another one of his games; maybe this time he really believed your words. Or maybe he was tired of pretending you didn't feel that strange attraction every time you were together.

You did not know. And you didn't want to know.

You gave into that burning desire every time you were near him, explaining to yourself that you had to earn his trust.

But there was much more to this one kiss than just lust.

It was a promise to you.

You will break his heart and make him hate you. You will drive him mad, drive him away, and then he will cast you out. Aleksander will come to think of you not as his lover but as his greatest enemy. Alina, Baghra and you gonna end the circle of unnecessary deaths.

And then you will finally be free...

Or at least... you will kill you both while trying to hate him as you should from the beginning.

#aleksander morovoza #aleksander morozova x reader #aleksander morozova x y/n #the darkling x you #darkling x reader #the darkling #darkling shadow and bone #general kirigan #baghra morozova #general kirigan x reader #aleksander kirigan #darkling #the darkling x reader #the darkling x y/n #the darkling x oc #kaz brekker #kaz brekker x you #kaz brekker x reader #kaz brekker x y/n #alina starkov #romance #one shot #shadow and bone #six of crows #toxic love #love triangle #love confessions #darkling x y/n #general kirigan x you #kasagia

[arctrooper69]

Mine

Here's my piece for the wonderful @isaidonyourknees for the @cloneficgiftexchange! So sorry it's a day and a half late! 😂😅

Warnings: Suggestive spice (nothing explicit), unwanted advances, jealousy, angst

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

"Leave me alone, Crosshair." The order meant to be snappish slipped out instead with a tired sigh.

"No," came the reply.

You sighed again as you felt him shift and sit down a few feet away. No more words were exchanged - the silence felt both peaceful, yet suffocating.

"Why are you up here pouting?" He finally spoke.

You glanced at him sharply. "I'm not pouting!"

"Yes you are."

"No. I'm not!"

He huffed dryly. "Sure looks like it to me."

"Hunter benched me!"

Crosshair shifted and sighed, "It's for your own good."

You scoffed, "And how would you know what's good for me?"

"You're exhausted. You're off your game."

"I'm fine. I feel fine."

He sighed again and you could practically feel him rolling his eyes. "That constant tapping of your foot and the way you're shaking tells me you're trying to run on stims and caf."

Now it was your turn to roll your eyes. "And how would you know?"

He was silent. "Because I've done the same thing."

"So that makes you think you're better than me?"

"No."

You crossed your arms, turning away from him. “I’m still not pouting.”

“Sure.”

You glared at him out of the corner of your eye. “Just go away.” This time the words did deliver the sharp edge you’d wanted before, but now you weren’t sure it was exactly what you wanted.

You didn’t know what you wanted.

“Fine, came the equally snappish response. Crosshair stood and headed back down the wooded trail. A sudden disappointment threatened to overtake you and a heat burned in the back of your throat as you tried to swallow it back.

“Crosshair wait…” you called out, turning to face him as he paused and turned back.

“What?”

“I…” You stopped. No. Crosshair had better things to do than to deal with emotions that you yourself couldn’t even decipher. “Nevermind.”

For a second he paused, almost as if waiting for you to once again change your mind. He shook his head and turned around once again, disappearing into the woods, leaving you on your own.

Fine. It’s fine. You’d asked for privacy and that’s exactly what he gave you. Yet, it felt lonely nonetheless.

Crosshair was confusing to say the least. One moment it felt like he was trying to make an emotional connection, and the next he acted like he wanted nothing to do with you.

The roar of engines echoed through the trees from the base of the hill as the Marauder soared into the sky and disappeared into the atmosphere.

***

It seemed like forever ago that you'd met the surly sniper on a job. It was forever ago. So much had changed since a heated exchange of angry words led to a moment of heedless passion. One night. A romance ignited by the very intensity that divided you. The same fingers that rested pompously on the trigger of a rifle soon pulled through tangled hair and moved with purpose against your warmth. Tongues once sharp and taunting, now slotted through parted lips with desperate pleas for more.

And then it was over. Back to the cold realities of war. No words were spoken, only awkward avoidances and inverted eyes.

Talk to me, you'd wanted to say. Tell me what you want. Tell me what you need.

Perhaps that's all it was to him. Maybe you'd given him everything he wanted in that moment. Maybe that's all you were to him - a distraction - a soldier's relief from the stress of a never ending war.

You'd wanted to say something but the words wouldn't come. Then the galaxy changed and as the Republic fell, so did your hopes.

And now after so long, he was back.

***

It was nearing dusk before you finally pushed yourself from the ground and headed back down the path.

Fueled by a growing sense of hunger and the need to be around others, you found yourself walking towards the local cantina.

The music blared from somewhere above, pumping a bass that rattled your bones.

Despite the club-like atmosphere the lighting was dim, illuminating the same bar scene that haunted almost every planet in the galaxy.

The air was thick with the scent of spice and the sound of raucous laughter. You sat at the bar, nursing a drink. Despite the bustle, it still felt lonely.

“Hey there, sweetheart.”

Fingers ran across your back as you spun around to face the unfamiliar voice.

A large nikto smiled drunkenly over at you as he leaned against the bar.

“You look lonely. You here alone?”

His breath reeked of alcohol. “You're real pretty,” he slurred, reaching out to grab your arm.

You jerked away, shooting him a glare. "Back off," you growled, voice barely audible over the din of the crowd.

The nikto persisted, his grip tightening. "Come on, don't be like that.”

“Dude,” you rolled your eyes, “leave me alone.”

He sighed, seemingly annoyed at your refusal.

“A pretty girl like you shouldn't be alone in a place like this. Let me at least walk you home, baby.”

“Don't call me that,” You spat, wrenching your arm from his grip.

His jaw stiffened as he stood up straighter.

“You should be more grateful that I'm even giving you the time of day, bitch!”

Now it was your turn to stand. The nikto grabbed your arm again. Your fingers curling into a fist, ready to strike the stupid smirk from his drunken face.

"She's not yours to touch."

A familiar voice growled from behind as the nikto’s hand was wrenched from your arm with a cry of pain.

Crosshair.

What was he doing back already? You turned to face him standing behind you, expression dark and dangerous. His hand rested on the blaster at his hip, ready to draw at a moment's notice.

The nikto's eyes narrowed. “And who do you think you are, asshole?”

Crosshair glowered, taking a menacing step forward. “I'm the guy who's going to put an extra hole in you if you don't leave immediately.”

The nikto paused, unsure if he was bluffing or not.

Crosshair clicked the safety off, loosening the blaster from its holster.

"I'm not gonna ask you again," he said, voice low and threatening.

The nikto had enough. “Geez, okay fine! I'm leaving!”

Without another word, he turned and fled, disappearing into the crowd.

You stood silently watching as Crosshair stepped forward, his practiced eyes scanning every inch of you.

“Are you alright?” He asked, “Did he hurt you?”

You let out a shaky breath, “No,” you murmured, “I'm fine.” A smile flitted across your face as you looked up.

Honey brown eyes stared sharp, pierced with concern and something else.

Jealousy?

“Good.” He replied. His lips parted as if he wanted to say something more but couldn't find the courage to do so.

But this time something rose within your own chest, warm and encouraging.

“Crosshair?” The words came timidly despite their bold intent.

He looked sharply, “What?”

“What did you mean by that? ‘She's not yours to touch’?” You asked. His hand, still on your arm, gripped a bit tighter, pulling you close. Something flashed in his eyes. It wasn't the hardness you'd come to expect from him.

“It means you're mine. You've always been mine.”

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

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[avatarmerida]

It’s been awhile since I’ve had something to share but this is the piece I wanted to have ready for Valentine’s Day but better late than never, right? No plot really, just cringe fluff 💛💚

———

Hunter had a very specific way of managing stress. If there was something he needed or wanted to do that was important and he found it was overwhelming him, he would simply plan a series of slightly smaller but equally important tasks ahead of it to make the original task seem less intimidating.

It worked wonders in the coven. When he tried to work up the nerve to ask his uncle something important, he prolonged it by setting goals for himself to run a certain distance in a certain amount of time or memorize portions of the handbook or to make a certain amount of arrests first. The lists grew longer and more elaborate and while he did end up doing some things that previously caused him a great deal of anxiety, he still found a way to put off the thing he truly needed to do.

And despite the progress he had made, old habits die hard.

So now, here he was in the middle of Grom supposed to be enjoying the fruits of his labor but all he could do was scream internally. He had done the impossible, he had asked Willow to Grom and yet he couldn’t enjoy it because there was more (or at least there was supposed to be). Normally, this would be the impossible task he aspired to accomplish but he had one more outlandish feat to reach for and he was having trouble finding a solid, logical reason to keep putting it off.

“Gus,” Hunter whispered nervously under the guise of coming up to his table to request a song . “Are we totally sure that Willow knows we’re here together like on a date?”

Gus’ smile faded as he lowered his glasses to give his friend a look. “Seriously dude?” said Gus with a familiar sigh, having been there at every step of Hunter’s doubt and anxiety regarding his feelings for their friend. “I was there: she said yes. She said yes and hugged you and like a billion flowers bloomed in her hair. She was obviously so beyond happy that you asked her, why are you so worried?”

“Because of how I said it,” groaned Hunter. “I said ‘do you want to go to Grom’ I didn’t say ‘with me’ or ‘as a date.’ I mean, of course she wanted to go!”

“Hunter, seriously?”

“Yes, seriously!”

With no impending doom or unrealistic and unhealthy expectations set for him, Hunter’s mind had more time and room to focus on more pleasant things. His feelings for Willow had been progressing slowly in the background but now that he was embracing what it meant to be a normal teenager, his feelings rose to the surface as soon as they could. Now there was no reason to feel guilty about getting distracted by the sound of her laughter or practicing jokes in the mirror before bed each night to try and impress her. No, guilt was not a feeling he associated with Willow but the feelings he did associate with the plant witch were unique and powerful and confusing.

Hunter’s friends had assured him this was a totally normal way to feel about a crush, but Hunter didn’t have much experience with normalcy and he highly doubted that he’d ever get used to the way his lungs stopped working when she stood near him. So when he had decided to do something about these feelings, he approached it with the extreme attention detail he had always approached everything.

The only difference was that unlike a vast majority of his other interests, Willow was real.

“Well usually when you do a gromposal it means you want to go as more than friends ,” said Gus. “Otherwise you say ‘hey since we don’t have dates let’s all go to Grom as friends.’ You usually don’t spend all night arranging her favorite flowers to spell ‘GROM?’ on the flyer derby field for someone you like as just a friend.”

Hunter blushed, rather pleased with how his efforts had turned out. He had aimed for something both grand and personal in hopes it would translate to romantic. It had been a unique challenge to get Willow to look down as she was so focused on winning their usual end of practice match (loser paid for the eyescream) but when she finally did, her expression was priceless.

They had flown back up so she could take a selfie with it in the background and he had made it his scroll’s wallpaper because he simply could not stop looking at it.

“But we had already agreed to go as a group so how can I be sure that she knows I asked her specifically because I like her as more than just a friend if we’re doing group things all night because I don’t know what to do on a date.”

“You can just be direct, dude,” said Gus. “Tell her you like her and you’re having a good time and stuff.”

Hunter had no problem doing that, he had done it plenty of times. Whenever Willow planned something or suggested they do something like that, he always made sure to tell her what a nice time he had. It was just proper manners. But complementing her in a way that voiced his constant thoughts was another thing. He could tell her the cafe she suggested was a great spot any day of the week, or that her plants were looking strong, but he wanted to tell her his admiration for her far surpassed anything she merely did , it encompassed everything she was . It was confusing because it seemed like something beyond mere words, he wanted to express his gratitude every time she messaged him or said his name or walked into a room.

For some reason he thought Grom would give him the courage to do it.

“It’s just that… there’s… more …”

“More?” Gus repeated, intrigued. “More how ?”

“It’s just… well Luz might have mentioned- and I’m not saying this is the only reason I asked Willow to come with me- that sometimes at Grom people who are more than friends have certain ways to… express that.”

Gus narrowed his eyes and offered Hunter a knowing smirk. “You wanna kiss her, don’t you?”

Hunter wrung his hands as his breathing became shallow, his eyes darting over to Willow laughing with Luz and Amity and Hunter felt a familiar lightheadedness that the event’s ambiance had been amplifying all night.

“Yes,” he said breathlessly, knowing he couldn’t and truthfully did not want to deny it. “Yeah. I do. Very much.”

“Dude!” Gus explained, playfully punching him in the arm. “That’s great! You should go for it!”

“I mean, there’s just one problem with that…”

“What? Bad breath?”

“No, I- wait,” Hunter quickly checked his breath to ensure he hadn’t neglected that detail. He had been chewing mints all day. “No, not that. It’s just that, well, uh,” he chuckled nervously as the words quickly spilled out of him. “Willow maaaay be under the impression that I don’twanttokissher.”

“And whyyy exactly would she think that?”

“Well…”

Three weeks earlier:

“Hunter!” Willow greeted him joyfully as she opened the door to find him waiting with an equally wide smile to hers. “Hi! You’re right on time!”

“Oh, that’s a relief, I timed my pace so I would be,” he said

“Did you bring the stuff?” Willow asked with a giggle.

He held up his book bag with pride. “Got it all right here, safe and sound.”

“Perfect!” said Willow, her voice low and mischievous. “Let’s go!”

“Perfect! Yeah, okay let’s go-woah!”

Willow excitedly reached out to take his wrist to pull him inside and Hunter happily trailed after her.

“Dad! Papa! Hunter is here and he says hi and we’re gonna be in my room!” she called as she ran up the stairs.

“Okay petal, sounds good! Hello Hunter!” called Harvey.

“Hello sirs!” Hunter called back as best he could.

“Have fun!” Gilbert added.

“We will!” Willow called back as they finally made it to her room and just as she was about to shut the door behind them, her fathers added in unison:

“And make sure the door stays open!”

Willow groaned in defeat as she obliged, as though she had been hoping to outrun the instruction.

“Why do they always say that?” Hunter asked as he unpacked his bag, a collection of threads and patches as they prepared for a long evening of uniform customization to surprise the Entrails for their upcoming game with personalized jackets. Darius was always asking him to close his door, mostly because of how loud he liked to play his music.

“Oh, you know how they get,” she said simply, rolling her eyes endearingly. “They’re just overprotective.”

“Are they… scared of me?” Hunter asked, his voice low and hurt and Willow jumped to address the misunderstanding.

“Oh, no! No, nothing like that I promise,” Willow assured him with a smile he knew could never be deceptive. “No, they love you, they really do. They wanna give us our space but they also wanna make sure we’re not up here kissing.”

Hunter completely stopped working.

"What?” he basically squeaked after a moment, certain he had misheard her somehow.

“Oh, well ya know if we keep the door open then they think we’ll be less likely to kiss because they can like walk by and see,” Willow explained casually as she went to help him unpack the bag.

“W-why would they think we would be up here k-kissing?” Hunter asked in a panicked chuckle before clearing his throat, he felt like he was on the surface of the sun. “Ya know, cause we’re totally not.”

“Well, yeah I know that but if we leave the door open they’ll know that too,” said Willow with a shrug. “Personally, I think they’re just nosey because of how they used to be when they played flyer derby.”

“How come they never say it when Gus is with us?’

“Uh, it’s just a dad thing I guess,” said Willow, as she sorted the supplies trying not to show the mild blush creeping on her face. She knew why but she didn’t know how to say how she knew why.

“Just a dad thing, sure,” Hunter repeated lightly. So her dads thought there was a possibility they would kiss? Cool, cool, cool, no biggie. He knew he had been the last one to arrive at the Park residence several times and opened the door to find her and Gus laughing on their scrolls, or Luz or Amity would be over when he came to pick her up to go train and often the door was even locked. No he was the common denominator. He suddenly recalled Camila had a similar rule for when Luz and Amity were left alone. His mind raced to connect the dots as he realized that the Parks thought that if the two of them were specially left unsupervised, that they would…

“Ha ha yeah! A dad thing, totally!” Hunter exclaimed with forced laughter. “So totally not based on anything! Haha, because that would never happen!”

“Um, okay?”

“Yeah because we don’t, I mean we’ve never, we would never… I mean, what?”

“Are you okay, Hunter?” asked Willow, sitting on the edge of her bed beside him. He suddenly was aware of how often they sat on her bed together. Why did that make him feel nervous?

“Yeah, I’m totally fine!” he said, very much aware of how much he was sweating. “I’m great! I’m totally not thinking about kissing you! Ya know, if you want I can run downstairs and let your dads know they don’t have to worry about the door because of how much I don’t think about it!”

“Um…”

“I mean, you and me? Us? Kissing? Pssh!” Hunter continued, unaware of how to stop talking. “Who even thinks about that sometimes? That’s, uh, woah that’s a good one!”

Willow’s fathers must have read his mind or his diary somehow because Hunter had definitely thought about it. Never on purpose, it’s just one of those random scenarios that your mind makes up every few days, right? He couldn’t help that one day he realized that Willow was the perfect height to kiss on the forehead. Like, it would take very little effort just to lean forward and gently press her lips below her hairline. It had been in the human realm, the first time he had helped her in the garden and had ended up being chased by a swarm of bees. When Clover stepped in to explain things, she pulled him into an embrace to ensure he hadn’t been hurt and to let him know how happy she was that he had come out with her. When he looked down to assure her that he was fine, the thought devoured every corner of his mind. The action would certainly convey his feelings, would summarize words he wasn’t sure had been invented yet. It would just be really nice actually.

Over time, that thought evolved. His daydreams wandered to fetch visions of some nicer timeline where they had met under different circumstances and he was the kind of bold who kissed her hand when they met or kissed her cheek when they parted ways. The first time his unconscious mind leapt to insert them in place of O’Bailey and Ivy in the famous scene under the endless moon of Jupiter 7 where they sealed their love for each other with a kiss, Hunter awoke in a cold sweat feeling like he had reached a point of no return. But it must not be okay because Willow’s dads were clearly taking actions to prevent it and Hunter felt he needed to deny these claims, lest the front door to the Park house be closed to him forever.

“I mean, w-why would I try to kiss you? That just seems so-.”

“I got it, Hunter,” said Willow sternly as she rose to move the supplies to her desk. She kept her back to him as she organized the needles and threads. Her voice lacked its usual spunk, it was a tone he was unfamiliar with. “Message received, you don’t wanna kiss me. I’ll let my dads know they have nothing to worry about.”

---

“Dude…” was all Gus could say as Hunter finished his retelling.

“I know, I know!” Hunter groaned as he covered his face with his hands. “It’s bad, right?”

“It’s…not great,” Gus couldn’t lie. “But hey, it didn’t stop her from saying yes! That’s good, right?”

“But her dads think there’s a possibility that I would want to kiss her so much that they keep the door open to prevent it,” Hunter was letting all his pent up worries spiral out of him while Willow was out of earshot, but luckily Gus had become a pro at reeling him back in.

“They probably just remember what it's like to be young and have a crush on someone.”

“How do her dads know I have a crush on her?”

Gus couldn’t help but roll his eyes a little. “I mean, did you ever consider that you weren’t the one they were worried about?”

“What do you mean? I was the only one there.”

“I just mean, they know Willow better than they know you…”

“I’m not following.”

Gus sighed, knowing that the sharing of Willow’s feelings was not his responsibility but he couldn’t help relating to her frustration with Hunter’s inability to pick up hints no matter how obvious.

“Hunter, you got this far, just be honest.” he said sincerely. “We both know you want to tell her you like her.”

“I mean is that too much for one night?” Hunter asked in a panicked whisper. “Should I tell her I like her first and then reschedule the ki- or, hold on it’s probably weird to schedule that, huh? I mean what if she doesn’t feel that way about me and then boom! I’ve ruined her night because she’ll always remember this Grom as the night she couldn’t enjoy herself because I don’t know how to tell her I think about kissing her without being weird. Titan, and she just looks so… gah, is it hot in here?”

“Hunter, I promise nothing could ruin this night for Willow,” Gus chuckled. “Do you remember how excited she was when you asked her? You barely finished the question before she tackled you, you guys nearly fell to your death because she was so happy. It’s all she’s been talking about all week, I promise that you telling her you think she’s awesome will not ruin her night.”

“You sure?”

“Positive,” Gus said confidently. “Just don’t get too in your head, you know? Willow cares about you, she wants you to have a good time too. She’s not gonna care if you’re a bad kisser.”

“Thanks Gus, you know I really-,” Hunter cut himself off and offered his friend a glare as his voice became low and menacing. “I didn’t say I was worried I’d be a bad kisser.”

As Gus continued to attempt giving his friend a pep talk, across the room Willow could not take her eyes off Hunter.

“Doesn’t he look so cute?” sighed Willow dreamily as she stood beside Luz at the punch bowl.

“Darius and I may have to disagree with you on that,” Amity laughed as she poured Luz some punch. “After all the hours we spent suit shopping and at the tailor, he comes down the stairs in another ensemble from 2008.”

“Well you said he couldn’t wear the Cosmic Frontier cosplay,” Luz reminded her girlfriend. “So he had to make an impression somehow , and you know how much he wants to impress Willow.”

“Did he really say that?” Willow took a break from her string to gleefully ask. She felt like she was going to leap out of her skin as she looked back at him knowing he had gone out of his way to put in so much effort for her sake yet again. “Well you can tell him it’s working.”

“Ew, tell him yourself,” Amity groaned playfully.

“Oof, believe me I’m trying,” Willow chuckled softly.

“Are you guys having fun on your daaaaate?” Luz asked with a raised eyebrow.

She waved at him from across the room and he bashfully waved back, straightening his spine when he saw he had her attention. Willow giggled, finding it charming and endearing. She had been looking forward to this moment for weeks, preparing to ask him before he had beaten her to it. She knew he wanted tonight to be special, he was going all out at every turn to make sure she was comfortable and having fun.

She couldn’t help but hope it was all leading to something more.

Two weeks ago:

They were walking down the sidewalk in the human realm, revisiting an ice cream shop they had grown fond of when they had been trapped in the human realm. They had made sure to get a pint of their newest flavor of the month for Gus who had stayed at the Noceda’s to help Camila set up her old projector for a special viewing of the Cosmic Frontier holiday special that had only aired once that she had recently found her old recording of on a device even Luz considered historic.

Willow had recently caught up with the reading required to understand the special, but Camila had informed her that it was not canon and rather controversial in the fandom. This excited Willow and so she was spending their walk back trying to guess the wildest thing that could happen as though composing a bingo list to enhance the experience.

“...I also think they’ll reveal Ivy has a twin and O’Bailey will go to confess his feelings and then you find out it’s her twin and so it won’t count,” Willow continued. “And I know no one knows O’Bailey’s secret and it feels like they definitely don’t find out until closer to the end but I feel like memory loss is gonna be a big part of-.”

“I would wanna kiss you!” he blurted, unable to hold it in anymore. It had been weighing on him all week and hearing her talk about his favorite thing while looking so stunning sent him over the edge.

“What?”

“Er not right now!” He said, realizing the volume of his admission made it seem like he intended to follow though at that very moment. “I mean well yes right now as in I still feel that way but I’m not saying it because that’s what I… I just, I mean last week when I said that I wouldn’t kiss you I wasn’t saying that because I thought it would be unlikeable or unpleasant.”

“Oh,” Willow said, shaking herself out of her daze as she made the connection. “Wait, is that why you’ve been acting so weird?”

“I’ve been acting weird?”

“No, well yes but no I mean,” Willow smiled as she swung the bag of treats, feeling giddy at his timing. “I could tell you’ve been worried about something, but have you been making yourself crazy just to tell me that kissing me wouldn’t be so bad?”

That was definitely part of the reason but a larger percentage was what he had planned for tomorrow after practice: a gromposal that had been in the works since he had learned the term. But he couldn't give that way, not just yet.

“I just wanted to make sure I hadn’t offended you.” Hunter said softly. “I didn't want you to think I didn't want to because it didn't sound appealing, I’m sure it would be… nice.”

“So then what's the real reason you don't wanna kiss me?” Willow asked with a sly smile that faltered when she saw the color leave Hunter’s face. “Oh no Hunter, I was only teasing! It’s fine, really! I know you didn’t mean anything by it! It’s okay, really!”

“I just meant that your dads wouldn’t need to worry because I would never kiss you unless you wanted me to,” Hunter clarified with a deep breath. There, perfect. Now they could continue their way back to the house in peace and there would be nothing more to worry about or-

“Okay what if I said I wanted you to,” she began, her voice dancing and spinning like a vine twisting its way to the top of a fence, eager to see the other side. “What if I said I wanted you to and you had no doubt that I was totally okay with it? Would you… do it then?

“Is that… what's happening right now?”

Willow bit her lip as she took in the sight of the tall, nervous boy in front of her. He cared about her so much, so much it made him nervous. She knew everything he cared about he cared about intensely and with unbreakable loyalty. But she had suspected for awhile that the way he cared about her was different. That was what made it so familiar to her.

“What would you say if it was?” She said, giving a non answer. Because it was one thing to say ‘I want to kiss you’ but somehow even harder to ask ‘Do you want to kiss me?’ because didn’t other conversations have to happen first? Surely he was holding back because of the feeling that needed to be attached. Willow was nearly positive they shared these feelings, she was so so certain that a mind reader would know they were on the same page but neither wanted to risk losing what they had built by adding something heavier on.

But actions were louder than words, and a little harder to misinterpret.

“I uh, well I guess I-I would say…” Hunter stuttered to try and give a response without giving too much away. He had no way to support his theory with experience, but he knew that kissing Willow would be pleasant, it would be warm and soft and safe. But he couldn’t speak to the experience she would have.

But Willow once again shared his thoughts.

When Willow had woken up that morning, she had not intended to kiss Hunter in the middle of the sidewalk forgetting the urgency of getting their icy treats home before they melted, but at this moment she couldn’t imagine continuing the day without doing so. So many times they had been on the brink and being more, of something slipping that platonic friends did not harbor for one another. It was small and dramatic and silly and confusing and always there like a snowball rolling down a hill growing faster and bigger with every inch. She had always been a fan of directness, of being open and honest but she didn’t know how to say she felt this way plainly. It could be done in three words, nothing crazy complicated about that, right?

But something always held her back.

As she tried to summon a response both clever and truthful to try and help him find his own, the sound of church bells reminded them they were on a timed limit. More specifically, they were supposed to be back at the house before four o clock, which the bells indicated it now was.

“Well, anyway, we should probably be getting back,” he said, releasing a breath he didn’t realize he was holding. “I know Gus is probably jumping off the walls waiting for us and I really wanna hear more of your theories.”

“Yeah, right of course,” said Willow softly, as she tried to shake away the haze she had wandered into. “Besides, they won’t stay cold forever but also my fingers are starting to freeze.”

“Oh well here let me take it,” said Hunter, his nerves letting up when he saw an opportunity to help her. Before she could say anything, he maneuvered the bag from her grip. “The cold doesn’t bother me anyway, it’s a grimwalker thing.”

She knew even if it did he would endure it for her sake. It was an action so simple and small but it made her heart spin every time he leapt to her aide. It wasn’t because he thought she needed his help but because he enjoyed helping her, because maybe he was looking for any reason to be closer to her, even for a moment.

“Well aren’t you sweet,” she said. As Hunter readjusted his grip on the bags, she went onto her tip toes and placed a quick but purposeful kiss to his cheek and continued to walk as though it was no big deal. “Thanks Hunter.”

Hunter froze, trying to process and replay and stay conscious. It had been so swift and soft but it was as though the brush of her lips inspired the world to stop and adopt new colors. It was like something finally clicked in his mind, that he had thought it so impossible because he did not know how to take that step but he should have known he would once again follow Willow’s lead.

Willow smiled to herself, knowing in an instant that her risk had paid off. He quickly caught up her as she continued with her Cosmic Frontier theories, secretly delighted by the way his face was red the rest of the way home.

The ball was in his court.

-

“Do you guys think he asked me because he likes me or because he knows how much I’ve always wanted a gromposal?” Willow asked.

“Um… both?” said Amity as she and Luz shared a confused and slightly concerned look.

“Willow, are you seriously doubting that Hunter is crazy about you?” Luz asked sternly.

“Well, I mean he could still like me and still have asked me just as a friend,” said Willow. “He’s been doing a lot to try and be a normal teenager, what if he just thought that Gromposals were a part of that because of how much I was talking about them when I thought I was dropping hints?”

“Well in my experience, friends don’t normally practice in their bedroom mirror how they’re going to ask just friends to dance with them,” said Luz.

“Well, I’ll believe it when I see it,” Willow said with a smile, Hunter actually had managed that. He could spin and shuffle with the best of them, but every time the music started to slow down he made an excuse to leave for the duration of the song. He would dance beside her, and she could tell he had practiced a few moves to impress her, but they weren’t dancing together . But she had a feeling with how much he built up the gromposal that he wanted his dance ask to be equally special.

“I’m pretty sure he’s waiting for the right song,” said Amity. “There’s this one he found in the human realm that Darius said he’s been playing nonstop because it reminds him of you.”

“Really?”

Amity’s eyes widened. “And I’m just now realizing that that was supposed to be a secret,” she grimaced. “Please forget I said anything.”

Across the room, Gus and Hunter were also discussing the song.

“Hunter, being the Grom host I have an obligation to keep the evening to a certain flow,” said Gus. “I can’t keep pushing back your song, the music has to flow, bro.”

“I know, I know,” he said nervously swirling his punch. “It’s just… every time I know it’s coming up I get in my head.”

The first few notes would start to play and Hunter would instinctively run past the joining couples with envy in the pit of his stomach to tell Gus to wait a little longer. The crowd would quickly recover, as Gus always knew the perfect transition out, and Hunter would walk back to her no closer to his goal than he was before.

“Well I have it queued up to play after we take our photo, so its time to figure it out,” said Gus sternly. “The worst thing that could happen is she says no.”

But that wasn’t true. Because she could say yes, thinking him asking meant he knew what he was supposed to do, but he knew if he was meant to take Willow by the waist and pull her close to him he would be paralyzed. And even if he wasn’t, what if after all the extreme movement he smelled or was sweaty and Willow would regret being so close to him? What if he tripped and fell? What if he stepped on her toes?

What if he thought about kissing her again?

In his mind he thought about using the idea of asking her to dance to delay the higher issue but Gus was right; it was time to figure it it

He didn’t ask Willow to Grom so he could sit in the corner hyperventilating about how much he liked her, no he wanted her to have a good time, and that was the perfect goal to distract him.

“Gus, do you have the song Willow likes? The one from the shoe commercial?”

“I might have had Luz help me get it, why do you ask?” Gus asked with a smirk that said he already knew.

“Can you play it?”

Hunter knew it would get Willow back on the dance floor in an instant, and he intended to be there when she rushed on in excitement. The iconic notes echoed, and Hunter saw Willow’s ears perk up as she turned her head to see it was true. In the human realm, Willow had been obsessed with the cheesy shoe commercial that played nonstop. And thusly, Hunter had been obsessed with how obsessed with it she was. It was improbable, everyone dancing in the street uninterrupted by traffic just because of how comfortable their shoes were.

Hunter stood in the center of the floor, his eyes locked confidentiality on her as they both knew what they had to do. Hunter got a running start and slid on his knees to her and quickly leapt up and gave her a wink, just as the actors did. Willow nearly squealed in delight, recognizing the reference instantly. She quickly grabbed his hand to lead him onto the floor and he happily followed behind her, feeling as though they traveled in slow motion. They fell into a comfortable rhythm, spinning and singing along just as they often did in the Noceda living room. It was too silly to be scary as Hunter found himself seeing her under the reflection of the mirror ball, her eyes shining as everything else around her melted away.

“You’re a really good dancer,” Willow said, catching her breath as the song started to fade out.

“Thanks,” he said, equally breathless. “Y-you too. Not that I’m surprised! You’re good at everything.”

She bit her lip as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, it helps to have a great partner,” she said shyly.

Hunter laughed nervously, becoming hyper aware of how close they were, how close they had been during the song. He saw her hand hovered beside his and he gently swung his own to knock into hers as though by accident. She inched closer.

“Well, just to be clear, you’re the great partner here,” Hunter said modestly, and Willow couldn’t help but blush, a string of small yellow flowers blooming in her hair. Something compelled him to take her hand, and he rubbed his fingers over her knuckle. He cleared his throat. “Willow, do you think-.”

“Willow! Hunter! C’mon! We’re next in line for the photo booth!” Gus called.

“We’ll be right there!” Willow called before turning back to him, giving his hand a small squeeze. “I’m sorry, what were you gonna say?”

He gulped, having the perfect chance to chicken out but knowing he didn’t want to. He pressed on right where he left off. “You think you might wanna dance some more after we take a photo? Like, just you and me? To like… a slower song?”

“Like a slower… romantic song?” Willow asked, testing the waters.

“Yeah, yeah t-the song could be romantic,” he gulped. “I-I-I’d prefer it to be romantic. With you.”

“Okay cool,” Willow said with a wide smile, sliding closer to him and lacing their fingers together. “Me too.”

“R-really?”

“Yeah,” she said brightly, absolutely smitten by the utterly adorable and shocked look he wore. “I’m having a really nice time with you, Hunter,”

He hadn’t messed it up. She was having a nice time, she was having a nice time with him. He took a deep breath and the words just started to pour out of him.

“Willow I just wanted to say that I’m having a great time with you too and that I always have a good time with you and when I asked you to Grom I didn’t ask you as a friend even though I really like being your friend but I asked you because I like you romantically and if you would prefer staying just friends I’m okay with that but I just wanted to thank you for agreeing to accompany me and express my admiration for you because I think you’re the coolest person I’ve ever met and also you look so pretty tonight it makes me feel dizzy.”

He leaned down and removed his hand from hers to cup her cheek as he quickly pressed a kiss to the other side before rushing to meet the others. His face was completely red and he fought through the lightheadedness to keep walking, stuffing his hands in his pockets to try and seem casual. He was too overwhelmed to wait to see her reaction.

He didn’t see that she was utterly enchanted as she watched him hurry with wide eyes as she touched the spot where he had kissed. A delighted smile overtook her face as she fluffed her dress and proceeded to float in the booth after him, her eyes fixated and determined. She was deaf to the chaos around her as the boy became surrounded by a vibrant, rosy frame. She had no doubt they were on the same page now, and the ball had returned to her court.

“Took you guys long enough! Tell Luz you vote for my pose first!” said Vee as Hunter was the first of the two to enter the booth, the rest of their friends in the middle of trying to agree on how to take the photo.

“Can we all even fit?” Amity asked as they tried to arrange themselves in frame.

“Yeah we just have to squeeze!” announced Luz. from beside her. “Gus, move over!”

“I will if Hunter does!” He replied as he turned to face his friend. “Hunter, dude, why-.”

Gus was greeted by Hunter wearing a face that he could only describe as seasick. His face was contorted like he wasn’t sure what to feel and as Willow entered his view just behind him wearing a soft, calm expression Gus knew why.

“You did it, didn’t you?” He whispered with a gasp and Hunter merely nodded, still feeling as though he could combust. Gus jumped up and gave his best friend a celebratory noogie.

“Willow, do you wanna stand by us or-.” Amity began to ask before catching sight of the dizzy expression her friend wore, an expression she knew all too well. She instantly knew the cause as she went to stand beside Hunter who was attempting to fix his hair. “No way,” she gasped as Willow wordlessly confirmed her thought by looking her focus on Hunter, shaking away the small flowers that had bloomed atop her head once again.

“Told you Amity!” Gus called victoriously before leaning down to whisper to Vee what had happened.

“Hunter, your bow tie is crooked,” called Luz as she pulled Vee back into the frame, too focused on preserving the memory to realize what was enfolding behind her.

“I’ll fix it,” said Willow with a dreamy smile as she reached out to adjust his tie. “I need to make sure my date looks his best for the photo, right?”

Hunter let out a high-pitched chuckle as Willow pulled him closer, and he didn’t really care that she technically wasn’t fixing his bow tie as her words echoed in his ears.

Date… date… date.

My date. She said he was her date. They were on a date, and they both knew it. She was his date and having a good time and it was all just so much that all he could do was give her a small nod of agreement.

“Hunter, put your arm around Willow.” Luz instructed as she looked at the positioning to try and get everyone in the shot.

“Yeah, Hunter put your arms around me,” Willow said dreamily as she used her hold on his bow tie to pull him even closer. Hunter felt transported, as though just being in her gaze made everything else around them melt. He had thought after his impulsive action she might look at him differently, but this was beyond his wildest dreams. Could it be that his impulsiveness was contagious? His hand cautiously hovered over her waist as he debated if he was indeed bold enough to put his arm around her. He felt like he was in a sauna as the sounds around them became muffled as he was overly aware of the sound of his heart beating. Or was it the sound of hers? He wasn’t sure if he technically had a heartbeat but whatever the case was as long as his eyes were on her everything was in slow motion again.

His eyes tried to spend equal time between her and the camera but there was a clear victor for his attention. “Have I told you how cute you look tonight?” Willow said with an airy giggle, deaf to the orders to smile and pay attention around her.

“Um hehe I-I don’t think so,” Hunter chuckled, his mouth dry.

“Well you do,” she giggled again, like it was some inside joke as she used her hold on his bowtie to keep him close. “Hunter, I wanted to tell you-.”

As Hunter turned his head to hear her better, he underestimated just how close they were and the movement caused their lips to touch unintentionally. Normally, that would be when Hunter melted into the floor or tried to vanish from existence, but even the small contact was enough to cause fireworks. That was when everything really stopped. It was nothing more than a peck, catching them both off guard, but there had never been a more happy accident.

She went down off her tiptoes slowly, both of them holding back any sign of a reaction until the other did. But there was no apology, nothing to be sorry for, nothing to regret, and once they both realized that they donned matching grins. They reentered reality together as the flash of the camera reminded them why they were here, and as their friends shouted their approval they also shouted out the themes of the poses they were supposed to be doing. Willow and Hunter got their bearings back and offered the camera a smile, which was not hard to do as they both couldn’t help but smile after what had just occurred. Another photo was taken and as the rest of the group moved and adjusted to do another pose, Hunter noticed his hand was still on Willow’s waist. Willow seemed to notice at the same time, and as her eyes found him again she was surprised to see he was already focused on her, or maybe he had never stopped.

Wordlessly they moved closer to each other until they realized they each possessed half of a magnet that was desperate to be kept together and found themselves in another kiss. This one was undoubtedly purposeful and not as sudden or quick as the first one. Willow’s arms went from holding his bow tie to drape around his shoulders taking a moment to plant lipstick marks all along his face. He saw the opportunity to use his hold on her waist to eagerly loft her off the ground, making a point to kiss her back. He wasn’t sure how he knew how, but he did and he felt like he could fly away as he felt her lips form a smile against his.

“Okay love birds, other people are waiting for the Photo Booth!”

It was like a record scratch as they stopped to remember where they were, eyes opening to come off whatever cloud they had been on as they faded back into reality once more. Willow leaned back to break the kiss, and Hunter couldn’t help but follow as though to savor the moment just a few moments more. She adjusted her glasses to better see the lipstick smudges she had left on his mouth and the side of his face paired with the goofy, awestruck look of disbelief.

“Sorry!” Willow giggled, as she looked around and realized the rest of their friends had left. “I guess we got carried away, huh?”

“Mhmhmhahaha,” Hunter squeaked in response, still trying to process that he was real and this was something that really happened to him in real life.

“Hunter, unless you wanna carry me out you’re gonna have to put me down,” Willow whispered.

“Oh yeah sorry yeah I can do that heh,” he said gently, setting her down. "We should uh, we should probably go.” He turned to leave but Willow caught his arm and pulled him out, so he left the correct way and didn’t re-enter the long line of other students waiting to take a photo.

“Well that’ll certainly be a photo for the scrapbook,” Willow laughed as she rested her head against his arm. They both felt that if they did not hold onto each other, they would float away. They knew the rest of the group was waiting for them by the bleachers ready to tease them, knowing from a distance they were at the ready with smirks of ‘About time’s and ‘I-told-you-so’s.

But Hunter was still lost in this impossible daydream beyond anything he thought possible. He couldn’t help but feel it had ended too soon, and now he truly had nothing standing in his way.

“Willow,” he began delicately as he cleared his throat, trying to seem calm and casual. “Would you want to uh, I-I mean if you could come with me, if you wanted to of course, outside where we could be alone, if you were okay with that, and I thought we could-.”

“Hunter and I are gonna go kiss in the hallway!” Willow announced giddily to the group as she redirected him to the door. His gaze darted between his friends and the wonderful girl who somehow read his mind, knowing thoughts he struggled to vocalize.

“Haha, whaaat? No, I mean that’s not.. I mean it’s not…” he realized it was pointless to try and hide his glee and as he allowed the dopey grin to overtake him as he embraced the moment and picked up the pace to follow her yet again and forever to no one’s surprise. “Heh, I’m Hunter.”

As they ran out the gym together, Hunter made sure to keep the door open behind them.

#huntlow #Winter toh #huntlow fanfiction #toh #the owl house #Willow park #Hunter toh

[akiraiscute]

can you write something for hisoka and illumi who both have a crush on reader? and maybe they get jealous, fight and stuff

I wasn’t gonna write for hisoka but, since this is my second request! Ima add him to the masterlink and write for him. Only requests though as i won’t write for him normally<3

As i think about it, you would absolutely have to be strong to HAVE ILLUMI AND HISOKA crushing on u so!! Gonna make reader strong and prob a blacklist hunter bc those make me giggle. — Song : Noel’s Lament (Covered by Anna !!)

“I wanna be that fucked up girl~”

Hisoka X Black-List Hunter!Reader X Illumi.

Tw : its hisoka bro what the fuck do u expect😞 and illumi. Nah bc both??? UR FUCKED, anyways stalking and fighting <3

You met hisoka and illumi in the hunter exam, also when you met two kids. Gon and killua, you wouldn’t say that you got attached (you did.) but of course, you had to go your different ways but with these two well mainly hisoka always around you. You couldn’t get away from him which always annoyed you, you know? Hisoka always followed you and so did illumi just far away of course unless he was on a mission, Illumi really didn’t want Hisoka around you at all but yet he couldn’t speak to you, not yet at least.. You ended up befriending the weird clown, always finding him around you since. But in this month, he has been at heaven’s arena or whatever. Talking about gon and killua, which that made you wanna go to see those kids that you found so ever sweet (whenever you were near them, you acted like their mother) but you had too many missions you were delaying so.. you couldn’t and that made you upset so. Each mission sorta and.. definitely ended with a blood bath! Which you didn’t mind, you weren’t the one who would be cleaning the mess up.

(As i said, reader would be pretty strong so they probably already knew nen😭) By the end of this one mission though, Illumi finally came out of hiding and started to talk to you! Well. Not really as he only spoke like maybe one word through the whole conversation which was just you absolutely venting about how you were so upset that you were delaying too many missions that you couldn’t see those kids! And as you finished your ranting.. you were already walking out with illumi without him even saying a word, which you sorta minded? You didn’t really know how to feel about that but it was at least nice to rant to someone who wasn’t at all like hisoka.. But anyways, you were smiling at Illumi and finally jumping away even if you could off walked but listen. You were just too tired to walk! Anyways, when you got back home and closed the door behind and locked it.. always made sure you could off locked it, you turned around to see the clown right on your couch playing with cards. It seemed hisoka couldn’t get enough off you!

You ended up finding out that hisoka and illumi were friends which was nice? You think, as that meant you could find out more about illumi and maybe hisoka wasn’t gonna be that werid, oh boy were you so wrong.. As you spent more time with the two of thems, hisoka grew more flirty and touchy as Illumi at least grew to have spoken a few more than five words to you which was always appealing to you at least because every time hisoka saw illumi talk to you, he grew even more touchy and very much more flirty. This all happened in front of illumi as well… You always looked confused when he did it but always rolled with whatever he said as he couldn’t get much worse than that really, well. You think, like hope as well that hisoka couldn’t or wouldn’t get much worse… as you didn’t wanna see like a whore in front of illumi really, you at least wanted to see a bit nice. (He already saw you as nice and good fitting for a spouse to create another heir to the zoldyck family…) You still talked to hisoka, of course. He seemed fun or just.. weird but you couldn’t pick which one actually and you still talked to illumi.. well it was sorta one-sided as he didn’t speak, only maybe ten words now and there… but at least it’s not just one like before! That at least made you always a bit happier!

One day really, just a random day.. well not really as you were on a mission but both of them said they could join and so now. You were talking to both, hisoka and illumi which wasn’t that bad of a idea untill… Hisoka just made a really.. well just flirted with you like he usually did but you already felt his seductive aura, it was like he was trying to make you give into him already which made you suspicious a bit..

“My heart, today~ you look so.. so delicious that i could just eat you right up..~ and right here in front of illumi darling..”

“Hisoka we’re on a mission.”

“And? My heart, i don’t really mind just eating you up anywhere..”

“Hisoka. Focus.”

You looked at illumi, you were shocked. Illumi usually didn’t say shit about Hisoka flirting, maybe it was because Hisoka added illumi to his flirting but.. god, you tried to make yourself remember any time that hisoka added illumi to his flirting like he just did now! It was honestly annoying and you were growing frustrated with yourself that you couldn’t even remember you spent time with them, which you didn’t mind as you didn’t care but now it was sorta important to your curiosity and you needed to at least remember something… until Hisoka spoke up as he was smirking and leaning on your shoulder which you tried knocking him off but you couldn’t really as he stuck to his place on your shoulder. Hisoka let out a playful giggle as he tilted his head a bit, you can hear the smugness already..

“And what if i dont illumi?~”

“Then you go away, simple. You’re gonna ruin the mission if you keep flirting.”

Illumi’s voice strict as ever as he responded to Hisoka, Hisoka stood up completely as he kept smirking. Which made you able to turn around to see what was going to happen and.. this wasn’t as boring as the mission really, that you didn’t even wanted to do but it was good enough money for it so…. Maybe you could watch this go down, then go back to the mission???

“And yet, my darling doesnt seem to mind that im flirting, only you~”

“I guess but "your darling" isn’t taking their mission seriously. And i do wanna fix that.”

“Oh? Wanna fix my darling illumi~ that isn’t nice..~”

“They aren’t your darling Hisoka.”

“Oh?.”

This made you even more interested in this, like really interested. You never took Hisoka’s flirting seriously as he never really seemed that serious, but maybe illumi took each flirty conversation hisoka and you had serious? But he never spoke up about it until now which.. made you even more confused, this whole thing was confused but you didn’t even mind, how could you since this was just now getting good! It was like a dramatic tv show!

“Does illumi like my darling?~”

“I do think, i like them. They seem like the perfect spouse.”

“Oh my~ I do think that’s a problem.”

“And why is that a problem?”

“I also like my darling~, of course i do~”

“Ah.. this is much of a problem really.”

“Well, just you that’s the problem~”

“Not really Hisoka.”

If you had water in your mouth, you would off spit it out onto the ground. They both- woah. Woah woah woah wait what. Now this is why? Illumi was jealous, but how can he be even jealous?! God this was so god damn confusing… still interesting though as now you learned that you got two men almost arguing over you whicn made you feel sorta confident, who wouldn’t be confident? Anyways. This was causing the main target of this god damn mission to hear them both, which made you sorta annoyed with them both. And yet, you couldn’t even stopped it as their aura was already both menacing.. they were both arguing still and sorta seemed like they were getting ready to fight until. The target came over to where you guys were, seeming nice and asking what’s wrong before their head was on the ground! Thank god you three were in a alley but the mission was over which was.. also good as the two couldn’t finsh their fighting really. But in reality that just made them more angry and you didn’t really wanna be in that anymore! As much as it was interesting, you had to leave pretty quickly. And you did, leaving them both behind and getting ready to get your money and leave the city to get another mission and you could off until you heard both of their footsteps well.. mainly hisoka’s. You couldn’t hear illumis.

“My darling, where are you going~?”

“Away from you two, isn’t it obvious? Well, actually getting my money and getting done with this stupid mission.”

“Aw my darling~, you can’t just leave me~”

“nor me. You can’t and i won’t allow it.”

“I don’t care, if you keep fighting like cats and dogs well. Mainly like cats and cats, i will keep leaving until you stop because it’s annoying as fuck.”

They both stayed quiet before one of them smirking and the other one without no emotion on his face and agreeing to you but that doesn’t mean they still didn’t like the other being close to you until they actually got around to think about ideas to share you. Which, you don’t remember agreeing to that at all.. it’s not like you really have a choice. You did but, honestly.. you didn’t know how the fuck you would win against a crazy ass clown and someone that was apart of the zoldyck family. It may be a challenge for another day but not today nor tomorrow. So, might as well accept it right? Right..?

Again, I will only do hisoka bu requests, i wont do him normally until someone asks for him. But i hope that anon likes this! Was honestly just going to not post today until i saw the request as i didnt know what to write😭 probably gotta write something up as well and post that soon, now! Thank you for being my second request:D i hope this was what you wanted!! I didnt really know how to put them fighting so i just made them kill someone else besides from each other. It was nice writing for illumi for the first time:D, hope i did good enough for him!! And if you guys wanted, send in some requests! I wouldn’t mind<3

— Akira Logging Off !

#akira’s short stories #akiraiscute #x reader #<3 #hxh #hxh x reader #hxh illumi #hxh hisoka #illumi zoldyck #hisoka morow #illumi x reader #hisoka x reader #second request

[olliesneweyes]

Wanted to flesh out and add more headcanons to this ↑, so that'll be under the cut!

⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘⫘

This post by my friend(?) Is basically what I mean by he's chaotic academia lol

⫘⫘ Messy as hell handwriting that only he can read, although sometimes he can't read it either and struggles with remembering what he wrote

i feel like he'd have a typewriter in his room for important notes because of this (no idea if those actually existed when idv takes place but we have cypher machines which seem pretty similar so-)

He's always, always doing something with his hands.

if he's not writing on his notes, he's doodling abstract shapes or concept inventions on them.

And if he's not doing that, then he either has something to fidget with or tinker on, or he's playing with his hands.

⫘⫘ speaking of hands, to me he only wears one glove because they irritate his scarred hand.

He should take regular breaks so his hands don't cramp and hurt, but he's usually so engrossed in his tasks that he forgets it's even a problem.

⫘⫘ He talks a lot! But sometimes it's not just the chatty type of talking but a cacophony of thoughts and ideas that his brain works him up into and needs to be dragged out of him by the only way he can.

If you're not his friend already and you end up on the listening end of one of these, as long as you don't actively recoil from it you've probably gained a ton of trust with him.

⫘⫘ Part of talking so much with everyone is that he has a lot of friends! But he doesn't really have many friends, you know? There's only a select few he trusts properly.

⫘⫘ His memory tends to go blank on things like the date or time.

He's worried quite a few people by not realising it was a holiday, and commenting on it with confusion.

More minor holidays like Easter and Valentine's Day are the easiest to forget, because people don't really decorate for them.

He has Several alarm clocks for timing, but he usually asks people to immediately come and get him if he's needed for something and isn't there.

Due to this, he's been part of things he wasn't supposed to be, because he generally trusts that he's just forgotten he was meant to be there.

Of course he has distorted dreams of the incident, but he actually has quite a lot that revolve around his prison time.

⫘⫘ He has a lot of night terrors. There's been so many nights where he's jolted up, heart racing, and couldn't tell what was real or fake or where he was for a while.

He was treated... extremely badly there. Any excuse to take frustrations out on a rich person was taken liberally by the other people. Prisoners, guards, all of them.

Lots of both physical and mental trauma helped to cement his broken mental state and lack of memory, as well. Being hurt like that is not going for your head.

After all, one of his canon dislikes are "implements of torture"

⫘⫘ He's pretty good at decoding when he decides to do a match! He avoids hunters pretty well too. Unfortunately, they don't like him very much...

He always HATES the rocket chairs. Not necessarily what happens after he's eliminated, although that's startling too. It's actually being strapped down to it that makes him panic.

He doesn't like being stuck to anything, and he especially doesn't like it when the hunters are usually nearby ready to hurt him.

⫘⫘ It's alright though, because he has his chain! He's augmented it in order to create the static charges you see in the matches.

There is just one teensy little problem. After coming to the makeshift hospital ward after blacking out while using his abilities a couple of times, he was asked what he did to keep his electricity generator from shocking him. He didn't have an answer.

As it turns out, he's rather numb in certain parts of his body. Including his neck. And as he was only focused on this invention being effective, he never quite realised that it might be a danger to have it near his already messed up brain.

He's trying to refine it so it doesn't do that, but he's advised to stay out of matches for now.

⫘⫘ he's not the best with self care. At all.

his hair is VERY messy, so it's tied in place with a lot of unconventional things.

Ribbons, wires, gears to wrap it around, clasps, and more. He even kept it tied with a pair of pliers one time. He just needs it up. It's a sensory thing.

But on a less light hearted note, he usually forgets to eat, and "forgets" to sleep while he's working.

If he does eat, he usually brings things like pastries from the main hall to his room.

And if he sleeps... The night terrors about killing his mentor are much more vivid when he jolts up to a desk that looks exactly as it always did back then.

⫘⫘ he doesn't work on his invention. He desperately wants to, but he can't.

Even for someone with good memory, trying to continue a project you last worked on YEARS ago, completely from scratch, is hard.

But he barely remembers what it was meant to do. His life's devotion, shattered to pieces in his mind because of a stupid impulsive accident he feels that he caused. It breaks him.

So he works on other things. Everything and everything will be tinkered with, because maybe he can remember what he wanted. Someday. Through desperate notes and ramblings and trying to weld the puzzle pieces together in his mind.

Grasping for it even as it slips away the more he tries to think of what it was...

⫘⫘ He has friends now. And he'll do whatever they want to do. Anything to distract himself from his plight.

They're the main reason he takes self care at all, besides keeping up appearances. He doesn't feel as alone when everyone is struggling with him.

His room is full of little gifts for them. Might as well put his knowledge to things that make them happy, right?

#identity v #idv #idv prisoner #identity v prisoner #idv luca

[alektro06]

Luz and Hunter Sibling Headcannons

I am currently obsessed with these two and their sibling dynamic so here is a collection of headcannons I’ve managed to cook up about them;

It annoyed Luz that Hunter was both taller and older than her so whenever she talked about her brother she always called him “Little Bro” just to get on his nerves. That little annoyance spiralled out of control and now nobody believes Hunter when he tries to explain that, in fact, he’s the older sibling.

Hunter is fascinated with sewing and one night he unknowingly sewed up all of Luz’s purposefully ripped jeans. He woke up to a very rude awakening the next day (Luz still wears the jeans though)

Luz forced Hunter to have an Azura Movie Marathon one night, she ended up falling asleep at the beginning of movie 2 but the story enthralled Hunter so much that he ended up finishing the series and cried his heart out at the finale. Now they have a common interest with Hunters newfound respect for the series.

When Hunter started living at the Noceda residence permenantly, he asked Camila what ‘Hermano’ means and why Luz kept calling him that. He cried when he found out what it meant and now calls Luz ‘Hermana’  whenever the opportunity arises.

Whenever Luz falls asleep on the couch or any other precarious place in the house, Hunter picks her up piggyback style and carries her to bed. If you ask him though its ‘for his own conscience’ and no other reason.

Nightmares about Belos still haunt the both of them even in the human realm, so it’s not uncommon for one of them to come over to the others room late at night and ask to sleep there. It’s almost become routine for Camila to go wake up Luz and find her two children cuddled up close in her bed. (She always gives them time to wake up by themselves when that happens)

They steal eachothers clothes all the time. Hunter likes to take Luz’s beanies to hide his ears and Luz steals Hunter’s hoodies because they’re big and comfy.

There is an unspoken agreement between the two siblings that if one of them asks for a hug you give that hug, no questions asked. Sure its Luz asking Hunter for a hug a large majority of the time but the rare moment arises that Hunter asks for one Luz makes sure to make it tight and comforting. Sometimes Luz also asks for a hug when she knows that Hunters had a bad day but is too embarrassed to ask for one himself.

Speaking of hugs, Hunter usually avoids hugs like the plague. This confused Luz at first, thinking that it was some undealt trauma from living with Belos, until she found out that its actually because Hunter deems hugs ‘too comfortable’  and falls asleep every time someone hugs him. Now whenever Luz finds Hunter up too late she attacks him in a hug, knocking him out cold in seconds.

They might act like they hate each other and tease one another in public but if someone else is teasing their sibling then its a whole different story. One time Luz came back home with a bruise on her face after some bully punched her at school, let’s just say that Hunter made very sure it would never happen again. 

Luz introduced Hunter to the furry fandom after he started showing interest in Wolves. She ended up drawing him a fursona based on his description (which he thanked her profusely for afterwards) and he keeps it hung up on his wall

#they mean so much to me #can you tell that I've been thinking about this way too much #luz noceda #hunter noceda #luz and hunter are siblings #luz and hunter being siblings makes me want to eat recycled cardboard #sibling #noceda siblings #pittwins #the owl house

[snippychicke]

Hi, according to one of your posts you are open to suggestions concerning Kuro to teach you to understand the character a little better, so I propose this idea :

In the manga, Kuro can no longer stand being a pirate because of the altercations constants of the Marine and organizes his own death to be peaceful. So I propose a Kuro/Reader fanfiction where Kuro wants to organize his death but faced with the reader's dismay he realizes that the reader loves him and a story is created in them (why not a story with a little NSFW).

Thank you very much for your work, I really like it! 🖤

Thank you so much! I really hope what I ended up writing. Not too especially spicy, however.

Being the cook of the Bezan Black meant you heard everything. Even though you were usually cooped up in the kitchen, making food for all of the crew as well as your captain, the crew would wander in for food and drink and usually felt comfortable talking to one of the few women on the ship, especially since you weren't seen as one of the dangerous ones. 

Little did they know, you reported right back to the captain anything you heard, happy to be his little mouse. 

You were actually one of the few in his trusted inner circle besides his First Mate Jango and the 'Nyaban twins' Buchi and Sham. Well, truthfully, you felt as if you were possibly the most trusted by the captain. 

You knew Kuro trusted no one. How could he, when he was one of the most feared pirates in the East Blue, as well as the most targeted by bounty hunters and marines alike. 

But… he trusted you enough to cook for him, which was a high honor. 

"Mouse!" Jango called as he entered, closing the kitchen door behind him that you usually kept open. You watched rather confused as he checked every inch of the galley as if looking for someone. 

Or something. 

"Is… something wrong?" You asked once Jango seemed satisfied with his search. 

"You and the Cap'n are close," he said softly as he slinked backwards towards you, only pausing when his back was pressed against your shoulder. (Such a drama king, Jango. But you were used to his eccentricities.) 

"You could say that," you answered hesitantly, returning back to the roast you were cubing.

 Jango was Kuro's right-hand man, but Kuro's paranoia had rubbed off on you enough that if anyone started asking vague open-ended questions, you were wary. 

"...have you heard about his latest plot?" 

You scoffed out of habit. "Jango, we both know the Cap'n has a dozen plans going at once. You're going to have to be a little more specific, and even then I probably won't know." 

If anything, the blond hypnotist tensed further. "What about the plan to die?"

You missed the meat and sliced your own finger. 

~*~

Kuro leaned in his chair, his distant gaze looking out the port window as he thought. So many variables to consider.

His last great plan. 

No more looking over his shoulder. No more  worrying of someone burying a knife in his back. Or killing in his sleep. 

It sounded better than any treasure he had seen on through his career. 

His thoughts were interrupted by a timid knock at his door. A glance at the clock confirmed his suspicions. His little mouse, right on time.

"Enter," he called out, moving enough to watch you carefully opening the door, one hand carefully holding a dinner tray. 

"Evening, cap'n," you greeted as softly as usual, closing the door behind you before setting the tray on the table. 

"Good evening, my little mouse." He smiled to himself as he watched you blush. You were such an adorable thing, so unsuited for a pirate's life, yet you survived. Flourished. 

Something twisted in his stomach as a new idea crossed his mind. 

His plan would involve leaving you. The one he was able to keep close without fear, because you were so meek and loyal. 

His crew would slaughter you once he was gone. His protection kept you safe. Without that threat…

He pushed that thought away to deal with later as he noticed how nervous you were--more so than normal. Then he noticed the bandages on your fingers, red with blood. 

You went to try and hide,but he quickly grabbed your hand, yanking you closer. "What happened." 

"I-I just cut my fingers cutting a roast." 

Kuro wanted to call a lie, especially consider knew your had more skill and finesse with your knives than he had with his claws. You had full conversations with him before, your eyes rarely looking while you finely minced and diced. 

"Why?" He asked instead. 

You shifted guilty, "Jango came to talk with me and said-and told me about your plan."

Of course. Jango had been startled, and while he wouldn't talk to anyone, he would talk to you. "Of course. What did he say?" 

He let you go and turned to the meal you had prepared. Amazing, as usual. What you had been doing in the dingy little port bar, he had no idea. You deserved to be in some five-star restuant as head chef. 

"You-you want to… die?" 

You sounded so stricken, tears in your eyes when he looked up at you again. Your knuckles were white as you clenched your fists at your side, your head was to the side as if avoiding his gaze. "I-I… sir, please…I don't know if… if I could stand that." 

Kuro was stunned for a moment as you silently cried. Jango had only told you half the plan? And you were affected this much? 

He didn't think. Kuro stood and cupped your chin to make you look at him. "Dear little mouse, you have it wrong." 

Oh. Maybe this wasn't a good idea. He had been aware of his attraction to you, but seeing you like this, looking up at him like this… your eyes wide and watery, your expression pleading. He could see where you been biting your own lips, causing them to be a little more swollen.

"I'm going to fake my death," he said softly, trying to ignore the feelings tumbling in his chest. "I don't actually plan on dying." 

The relief in your expression in your eyes, was enough to make his breath hitch. Or maybe it was because you overcame your usual shyness and impulsively wrapped your arms around him in a hug. 

"Oh thank god!" You swore into his chest. "I was so worried, so scared!" 

Kuro slowly relaxed into your embrace, wrapping his arms around your shoulders and pulling you even closer. Do you really care for him that much? You were his most loyal, most devoted crew member, but didn't imagine you had this much emotion dedicated to him. 

Leaving you behind would be unacceptable. there was absolutely no way he could abandon you. 

"You have a choice," he spoke. "You can stay as part of the Black Cat crew, or you can come with me." 

You had no idea what the plan was. None at all, yet there eas no hesitancy as you looked up at him. "I want to be with you, sir." 

Kuro's lips captured your before he could allow himself to second-guess. Yet you instantly melted against him, fingers reaching up to tease the hair at the nape of his neck as you returned his kiss. You parted your lips for him, allowing him whatever he wanted. 

His perfect little mouse. 

He had been aching for you for such a long time it felt like all control was lost as he picked you up and placed you on the table, your legs instantly wrapping around his waist, his hips flushed with yours. He didn't care for his meal still waiting for him, not when he was able to taste you. 

He'd steal you away once more. He'd abandon the rest of the crew, leave this life of uncertainty behind him, but you he would keep. 

#one piece kuro #kuro/reader #captain kuro #one piece klahadore #klahadore #Klahadore/reader #one piece #opla #one piece live action

[beansprean]

stumbled across your wwdits art—so cute! it also reminded me that sylvia de la cruz is also a vampire hunter by blood. in fact, iirc not only is the entire family, but none of them have...told guillermo?? (aside from at the dinner w nadja, but she hypnotized them to forget that.) and we know sylvia knows nandor's a vampire because she did try to stake him at the end there—though notably not until after guillermo pulled one out! which brings me to the funniest possible conclusion, which is that she took one look at nandor, felt los goosebumps, took a second look, saw his big bleeding heart, and went "we'll have to work on my son's taste in men but i'll let him have this. hi nandor not-a-vampire, wanna see baby photos?"

anyways. i really do wonder why no one's ever told guillermo about the old ancestral vampire hunting. did they just see him full iwtv at halloween age 10 and call an emergency meeting like "the first person to say something before he grows out of it gets staked" and then he never grew out of it.

LOL I mean it was kinda vague with how much la familia consciously KNEW - only abuela specifically said anything before they all went feral and seemed to know what los goosebumps meant - Miguel and his mom were both very confused by their physical reactions. i think abuela does call Nadja "chupasangre" (bloodsucker) but everyone else sticks to "demonio," "monstruo," "maldita" over and over like they're hypnotized, and only jump into action after abuela stands up and says smth like "monstruo debe de morir" (monster must die). There does seem to be a bit of a delay in their reaction as well, as they were dining with Nadja for at least like 20 mins before snapping, and Silvia didn't react to Nandor for probably like....hmmm. If Guillermo was bat-flying from Staten Island to the Bronx (like 15-odd miles as the crow flies), he could've been there with her for like 30-60 mins depending on how fast Guillermo can fly. Technically since I hc him as a mexican freetailed bat he can go up to 99mph but probably not for more than a few seconds, avg speed in a hurry would probably be more like 15-30mph. But let me not turn this into another 'bean talks about bats at length' moment.

Anyway I feel like la familia at large isn't fully conscious of their slayer heritage enough to really talk openly about it, like they either don't really know the specifics or pretend not to. Like it's very mythologized and entwined with their religion so just like 'yeah we stand up against evil, thats just catholicism!' but never 'vampires exist and we hunt them.' They just follow the traditions that have been passed down (wear your cross, eat your garlic; why? idk its just what we do) and follow the orders of their matriarch. Nadja may very well be the first vampire they've encountered! Guillermo also hypnotized Silvia at the end there and told her"no es peligroso" - "he's not dangerous" - which could have some very fun side effects. He very well may have made her forget again or she may just be cool about Nandor specifically now lmao.

#idk im rambling its very loosey goosey in my head #like they know but they dont KNOW know #theyre just vibin #if they get los goosebumps they kill a vampire and then just move on #either they are in a fugue state and dont even really remember doing it or they just trust that god is guiding them right #wwdits meta #de la cruces #not art

[cheemscakecat]

Dumb AU idea

Spy ends up raising Scout from a young age… Because they’re both werewolves and he had to be rescued from the sect of monster hunters.

Jeremy didn’t like the bad people; they always wore those stupid freakin black hoods and told him to shut up. They took him away from Ma when he was late coming home one night and transformed.

It wasn’t fair; he didn’t hurt anybody as a wolf. Ma said it was only bad werewolves that bit people and ate their animals. But they kept talking about him like he ate another kid, and like he would be happy if he did.

They didn’t smell right. It had been a month since he’d been taken here to this dungeon by these monster hunters. It was too dark all the time, there weren’t any windows. He was only 7, what was he gonna do if the moonlight did transform him? Bark? He was really sick and pale. And he felt like layin down all the time. But they didn’t try to fix it, and they got mad if he started talking. The fat one kicked him one day.

They called themselves strong, called themselves hunters. Who keeps a werewolf puppy in a dark cage and watches him all the time? If they were so important, why didn’t they go after grown ups that were hurtin people? New ones kept showing up, but the old ones didn’t leave. And of course, they wouldn’ta told him nothin if he tried to ask. They wouldn’t tell him what happened to Ma and his brothers.

Jeremy hoped they were ok, the others weren’t werewolves so they mighta been let go if the bad guys took them to the police. The bad guys all left the hallway for a while. It was their dinner time. It really sucked that they didn’t share that food, it was one of the things he could still smell right. Bet they hada lot of money too.

Somebody walked into the hall, alone. The bad guy was really tall and skinny, and Jeremy couldn’t see him under the hood. He smelled like smoke, and smoke meant fire. Jeremy didn’t like fire, the bad guys burned people up too much. The monster hunter got real close to the cage and made him nervous. He shuffled to the back of the cage and glared up at the man. They could always poke him or shake the cage around if he got too angry, but this way he couldn’t get kicked.

The monster hunter kneeled down and stuck his hand in the cage. Jeremy snarled and got small again; he didn’t trust these guys, they’d been mean to him already. The bad guy stopped for a minute, then patted his head.

“Don’t be scared, I’m not going to hurt you. But I need you to be very quiet and stay next to me, okay?” He stared up in confusion. The hooded tall guy unlocked the cage and opened it for him. “I’m here to get you out.” Jeremy scooted forward and tried to stand up, but he got real dizzy and fell. The man held onto him and mumbled something that sounded funny. Like it wasn’t English. “Hold on a moment.” The tall man said.

He took off his monster hunter robe, and Jeremy could see what he looked like. The stranger had a hooked nose and black hair with a little grey in some places. And he was wearing baggy red clothes. He pulled off his vest, and it wasn’t a vest at all. It was a big red bag with two straps. He picked Jeremy up and put him in the bag. He frowned, not sure whether to trust the new stranger or not.

“It is going to be okay, I won’t let them keep you here anymore.” And then he put the bag back on, leaving the ugly black hood on the floor. “I- I smell people-” Jeremy tried to warn the stranger, but the bad men had returned. They were all around.

“You. Who are you, you dirty infiltrator?” The mean fat one pointed. The strange tall man didn’t look real bothered. “Someone you’d like to treat just as badly as this little child. If you monster hunting pigs have any sense, you’ll let me take the boy.” “And why should we give a disgusting werewolf to a spy in our ranks? What makes you think you can just walk out with our quarry?” The tall man took a step forward, staring at the bad guys. “Tell me, what made you double and triple your numbers these past weeks? Surely such skilled men are capable of detaining an untrained child.” A few of the bad guys grumbled. Jeremy almost felt like laughing at them. Almost.

The bad hunter man with all the silver on his hood stepped forward with his dumb metal stick. “That is no common werewolf from this country. That is a European Dire.” The stranger just crossed his arms and said nothing. “Ugh, since you are clearly an uncouth hired nuisance, I may as well explain. A European Direwolf is a horrible, savage animal from the old country that willingly hunts humans. A werewolf version is-“

“More powerful than the wolves of America, bloodthirsty, incapable of controlling itself, evil, demonic.. Yes, yes, I’ve heard it all before.” The bad people paused. They moved like they were trying to see if the stranger was really strong. “Why do you know this?” The stick man sounded mad. “I’m from Europe, it’s not exactly a big secret like it is here.” So the tall man was from all the way in Europe? Jeremy wondered how many other monsters were really strong there. “In any case, you abusive animals have been tormenting this boy who does not belong to you, and I’m leaving with him either way. Move or die, I don’t care.”

All the bad guys got real huffy about that and drew their swords and things from under their robes. Jeremy gulped. Did the tall man have backup? Where were his weapons? “Silence, you insolent mercenary! You are guilty of infiltration and tampering with a high level quarry! Surrender and we may spare you your life.” The tall man put Jeremy’s bag on the floor and patted him on the head again. At least he knew surrender wasn’t gonna happen, which was relievin. Then the stranger stood up to face them.

“You are the one who is insolent, head of Boston Guild. You do not fear the child. You fear the wolf who fathered the child and the rest of the pack.” The hooded people got ready to fight, and there were like 25 of them so Jeremy wasn’t sure how one guy was gonna beat them. Tall man chuckled. “Evidently not enough to call upon your European faction. They may have stood a chance here.” “What makes you so sure, mercenary?” Fat man grumbled. The stranger took off his shirt and popped his neck by pushing on his head, not caring about their words. He stared them down.

“Woof woof.” And with that, the tall man turned into a big black and white wolf. Jeremy stared at him in awe. His baggy pants were just the right size to fit him and his fluffy tail as a werewolf. All the bad guys started yelling and freakin out. “D-d-d DIREWOLF!” Fatty screamed. “It’s impossible! How did he transform inside?!” Some of the bad men tried to attack the big werewolf, but he knocked three of them into the wall with his tail and clawed two coming over from the other side. He stared at the fancy stick guy. “ATTACK THE BEAST, HUNTERS. DO NOT LET HIM ESCAPE INTO THE CITY!”

Like the wind, the grown up werewolf took out all the hunters but the fancy one. He ran away like a coward after telling them what to do. They tried swinging their heavy swords, maces and battle axes, but the big wolf was too skinny and fast for them to aim at the right spot. He bit-ed a few of them in half and threw the candle ch-handle-ear on about 6 of them. Fatty ran to the dining room as fast as his legs would take him, and the big wolf followed, grinning real furious like.

“Weren’t you the one who liked kicking Jeremy for crying?” From the hallway, the boy heard the big wolf say that and then the ugly scream that followed. When he walked back into the hall, his back foot claws were all bloody. The little boy looked up at him excitedly. “Wow! You really got all’a them, Mr! Thanks a lot!” He thought real hard. “But how did you know my name?” The big wolf looked a little sad. He lay down and let Jeremy look at his face real good.

They had the same marking on their face and ears. Hey, didn’t Ma say… “Dad?” “I’m so sorry Jeremy. I thought you took after your mother. I never would have left you two here to be hunted by these bad people if I had known..”

“DAD!” The seven year old buried his little face in Spy’s fur and giggled. “That was so cool… Wait! Ma! We gotta go find Ma!” He sounded panicked. “Don’t worry, I’ve got friends on the case.” Dad wolf put the bag on his back, and the straps fit just right.

The Head Monster Hunter ran outside, calling for the townsfolk’s attention. “THE WEREWOLF WOMAN! BRING ME THE- the-“ She was already there with 8 monsters of various shapes and sizes.

There was a Red and black Dragonborne, and a maniacal vampire, a- an Australian elf! Giant Siberian Ogre, a Shortfurred Plains Bigfoot wearing a soldier’s helmet as a trophy, a Scottish Seabeast, and a poisonous Texan Arachnecentaur!

The Direwolf strolled out of the dungeon with the child on his back and nodded to the other beasts. He locked eyes with the woman. “Are you hurt?” “Naw. Your friends made sure’ a that.” “Woah Dad, you got so many friends! What kinda monsters are you, you guys look cool!” The restless baby werewolf had transformed, seeing as it was night, and was fussily shifting around in his holding bag. His golden and white fur was fluffy and sticking up from the static.

The Arachnecentaur took the child and gave it back to the mother, who sat down on the Ogre’s hand and pet the puppy’s tummy. “Thank you gentlemen. I’ll be along shortly, there’s just one more loose end to tie up.” And those were the last words said before the child was walked out of eyesight and his father tore the head hunter apart with his teeth.

#tf2 #dadspy #alternate universe #monster au #Thats not a trophy he’s a soldier darn you!

[huesofgoldensun]

Okay so my Huntceda/Luz and Hunter ship is canon compliant. A summary of it is: Hunter and Luz through the canon events developed mutual feelings. Luz still loved Amity ofc, and Hunter knows she's taken + Willow and him having that chemistry made him more uncertain despite the feelings being there. Luz pushes the feelings down because Amity is her first relationship + that bisexual fear of your sexuality not being taken seriously if you're with someone of a different gender. As they grow up, she's very close with hunter, and he is with her. Nobody thinks anything of it because all of the crew are pretty close. But they're both the only odd ones out so far as doing magic. Neither of them can perform magic normally. :readmore:

Amity and Luz have some common interests (the azura books, magic) but they're eachothers first loves. It's all new. We've seen the issues in their relationship throughout most of the last season, and meta-wise Amity became not much beyond supportive gf who blushes. In my huntceda set up Willow and Hunter don't date until like a few months before the finale when we see them together. It lasts about a year before they mutually break up. Luz and Amity's breakup is an attempt at a collected one but it doesn't end up being that. It's the product of a lack of trust, growing apart and Luz developing her relationships outside of Amity. All of them being just as excitable and caring from Luz's end. She also has a tendency not to really confide in Amity which makes her much more frustrated with Luz because she's supposed to be her girlfriend. Luz tends to curl in on herself in times of trouble, or figure it out on her own, but Amity assumes she'll be sought out, so is often unaware of the issues Luz is struggling with. This is where those mutual repressed feelings crop up because Hunter tends to seek out Luz when she's off on her own. And she ends up turning to him for support for those stressors. Amity and Luz both still love Alura, and grudgby. But outside of magic they tend to lack things to discuss or keep conversations going. Which isn't noticeable for a long time since they're both really into the books and analyzing them. Luz also tends to get Jealous of Amity because of how together she often seems, as well as wondering if Amity could do better. (hormones, teenage stuff). Her conflicting feelings, wishing for more support, as well as the slow diverging of their interests (especially with Vee being in the picture as her legit sibling, and likely spending more time in the human realm) I don't see them ending up together forever. Also because this show has a real 'your first love is your real forever one true love' bias and that's...... not realistic. So they have a huge blowup fight that starts as a reasonable, kind of backpedally request for a break, which then escalates on Amity's end, and then on Luz's end in response. Their friends are sure it's just a couples spat and they'll reconcile. They don't. At least not at first. (they eventually become friends again, but it blows up pt. 2 when Luz and Hunter finally address their feelings after about a year and a half.) Willow initially sided with Luz, but when that happens Willow ends up going with Amity/siding with her in the dispute. Gus is confused and acts as a messenger before getting fed up with his friends constantly dragging him into stuff. Willow is really hurt by it, Amity is hurt by it. Both Hunter and Luz feel guilty but also REALLY care about each other and both are so lost on what to do. They initially agree not to officially be anything until they can figure it out. Luz is conflicted on her feelings, Hunter is not. Willow is wonderful and pretty, and badass and cool but just not who he really had those intense feelings for. Luz DEEPLY cares for Amity still, but it's just... not how she used to feel. They became more different than they were similar. And that's normal, but she still struggles a lot with it because they're all meant to be a team. Luz and Hunter ultimately end up coming back together officially but quietly. It takes a while before everyone is talking fully again. It causes a lot of friction before Luz eventually breaks down and it brings everyone streaming in together because of the front she was putting up to try to seem together.

#lunter #huntceda #angst #bitter exes #rambling #post-canon TOH #not tagging other ships cuz i fear the shippers will take my elbows.

[claymorexpunisher]

Stolen Moments (One Shot)

Pairing(s): Cody Rhodes/Fem. Reader

Summary: Brock and Cody's feud takes an ugly and very personal turn. Reader is Brock's advocate, and she doesn't know how long she can stand there and watch it all unfold.

Tags/TWs: fluff, forbidden romance, mentions of injuries, stupid dumbass reckless!Cody, budding relationship, happy ending.

Word Count: 2,290

My heart was in my throat as Cody’s prone body was carded off into the ambulance after his latest brawl with Brock had gone horribly wrong. For a moment I feared he wasn’t even breathing.

“God dammit, Cody…” I mumbled to myself, wringing my hands anxiously. “God dammit, Brock!” I said, a little louder than I intended, causing Brock to look over his shoulder from his conversation off to the side with Hunter. Hunter was extremely animated. Brock, however? … he seemed as if he couldn’t care less and as if he had somewhere more important to be and more important things to do than be chastised by anyone. Even if he had just beaten Cody to a bloody pulp.

I couldn’t breathe as Brock gave me once over, and I tried not to let my shoulders sag in relief as he seemed to convince himself he was hearing things and he went back to his conversation with Hunter. Up til now I hadn’t been uneasy around Brock. He could be fun to be around when his mood allowed it. But even on the days where being around people was less appealing than being at the dentist for him, I was never intimidated or afraid. But now things have changed. His and Cody’s altercations have slowly climbed to outright fights and not the carefully choreographed dance that looked brutal to those watching at home. Now, I was terrified of Brock. And I knew that if he realized I was concerned for Cody in the slightest, he wasn’t going to be happy. Things at work slowly became a little too real for me and Cody to handle and we slowly began to find some form of solace in each other.

Brock didn’t really leave us with much of a choice, though.

As the weeks went by, between small check-ins at the venues, to fleeting touches in hotel rooms, to text messages exchanged through my friend and coworker Becky’s phone, and secretive and impromptu coffee “dates” before shows, Cody and I’s dynamic became something just as confusing as Brock’s animalistic actions that seemed to come from outta nowhere. But this new development between Cody and I was much more welcome… I was catching feelings for Cody’s stupid and reckless ass at an alarming rate, and I didn’t know how long it would take before those feelings erupted and caused me to do some stupid shit that I couldn’t take back.

Like kissing him. Which… would be very, very bad, if he didn’t want my advances. Talk about fuckin awkward… I mean you can’t just go around kissing people, especially your coworkers, when they haven’t explicitly expressed their interest. Even if with just one look, just one softspoken and fond ‘how are you?’ they make you feel like you’re the only thing that matters to them.

Yeah, I had it bad for Cody fuckin Rhodes. And it was getting more and more difficult to pretend otherwise.

I wanted so badly to be in that ambulance with Cody but I just… didn’t trust Brock. I didn’t trust him not to take it personally seeing as reality and fiction had gone murky in his mind. To him, Cody was challenging him, despite already being told by the higher ups that this is how things were quite literally written in the script for both of them. Cody was meant to scratch, claw, and fight tooth and nail against Brock. But Brock’s ego didn’t like that. Brock would rather Cody just stay down. But every time Brock would beat him down, Cody would get back up. Just to piss Brock off and to give me a fuckin heart attack all over again.

~~~

“Cody Rhodes, have you lost your ever-loving mind?!” I exclaimed as soon as Cody let me into his hotel room. I don’t know how the hell Cody got up to even open the door, being as battered as he looked.

“Hunter already gave me a piece of his mind after tonight, I don’t need you to do the sa-” Cody spoke softly, but with a note of simmering irritation in his voice. Oh no. He was listening to me whether he wanted to or not. I was sick and tired. I was sick and tired of Cody poking at the ferocious bear that was Brock- and for what? For answers? Good fuckin’ luck to anyone who questioned Brock and his motives. Nah… this had gone past kayfabe long ago. And I was done with it all.

More importantly, I was done pretending like my feelings for Cody were just friendly concern. And I was done staying silent. I wanted to understand, and I wanted it to stop.

“Well, tough shit.” I snapped. My brows furrowed grumpily as I folded my arms snug against my chest. A lightly amused look passed over Cody’s eyes, but it was immediately wiped off when I smacked his bandaged chest. He grunted in pain in response. “Why aren’t you still in the hospital right now? I was told you checked yourself out?!” I asked shrilly before I remembered that aside from a select few safe people, no one was supposed to know that I was here checking up on Cody. I instantly shuffled into the room and shut the door.

I shook my head as I watched Cody limp slowly back to the bed. A bandage was wrapped tight around his torso along with a brace on his arm. He also had a split lip and bruised eye to boot. Jesus Christ… his blue eyes trailed over my face for a moment, causing me to freeze momentarily underneath their assessment. That softly amused look returned. That look that said Cody somehow knew something you didn’t. I wanted to wipe that look off his face again, but my embarrassment was catching up to me. Suddenly, I didn’t feel so sure about what I came here to do. He still hadn’t answered my question, but his eyes stayed trained on me and I gulped noticeably when he finally spoke.

“Why are you here? Did you come to play nurse because that would be much appreciated.” Cody asked, his eyes twinkling as he watched my every move. He would do this often. Flirt shamelessly with me until I was a sack of melted and flustered bones. Despite me wanting to throw caution to the wind and let my feelings for him come to the surface, I couldn’t help but blush deeply. I suddenly became shy, playing with the multiple bangles around my wrists as I now avoided his gaze.

“I asked you first,” I mumbled, throwing a fleeting look at him. I rolled my eyes, blushing harder as Cody’s amused expression became a full-blown grin. My breath caught in my throat at the sight of it and I willed myself to look away from him once again.

Why was I suddenly tongue tied? Was it because in the back of my head I was worried that he didn’t feel the same? Or that he just saw me as his coworker- Brock’s advocate and nothing more? … I had no idea. But right now, I was ready to bolt. And it seemed as if somehow Cody could tell.

“I’m fine,” he said. His features held a calm, soothing expression. As if he were trying to placate my own concerns and he wasn’t the one who had to be carded off to the hospital at the end of tonight’s RAW taping and those before it. It took everything in me not to scream at Brock to go fuck himself every time altercation happened, and to jump into the ambulance with Cody. Even though I felt like throttling him as well.

Looking at him through my lashes, I pushed through my sudden shyness, and I came over to sit next to him on the edge of the bed. My eyes welled up with tears before I could stop them and I was a bit horrified when my jaw began to tremble, signaling some ugly crying was afoot. Cody quickly became concerned, and he reached out with his uninjured hand, and he laced our hands together.

“I’m okay, sweetheart. It’s just some bumps and bruises, I’ll live.” he stressed, letting the endearment slip easily from lips that quirked up into a small smile. But it was clearly more than just some bumps and bruises.

My voice trembled as I searched his features, and I squeezed his hand tightly. The pads of thumb sent butterflies all over my body as it grazed back and forth over palm in a soothing gesture.

“Why won’t you just quit? Why do you keep fucking with him, Cody?” I whispered. But apparently that was the wrong thing to say. Cody’s gaze turned icy cold, and his thumb suddenly froze, cutting off the soothing touch I’ve come to crave at this point.

“Is that why you’re here then? Why you come looking for me every single time? You want me to leave him alone? … Well, I’m sorry to tell have to tell you this, but that’s not going to happen. Brock and I are finishing this and I’m not going to stop until we do.” he said tersely. I scoffed and ripped my hand out of his grasp, and I twisted my torso to fully face him now. I reached out and gently cupped his cheek, urging him to look at me. I needed him to look at me when I said this.

When his eyes finally mine again, I could see the turmoil in them. His features still held that stubborn harshness that he held in his heart, but I watched that look melt into shock when I spoke again.

“Screw Brock. This isn’t about him. This is about us. A-about you,” I amended, chickening out as his eyes widened that much more at the mention of an ‘us’ having even the remote possibility of existing. “You can’t keep poking at him, Cody. You need to be smarter about this. Do you have any fucking idea how worried I’ve been these last few weeks? This isn’t just work shit anymore, Cody. this has gone way too far- he almost killed you! … let me help. I work closely with Brock; I can help you deal with him. Please.” I said, hearing the plea in my voice and not bothering to cover it up.

A lone tear slid down my cheek as Cody nuzzled into my touch. His eyes were closed for a moment before they met mine once again.

“I thought of… of stopping this. I don’t particularly enjoy the fact that you’re now caught up in all this. And yes, it’s… it’s gotten extremely personal between Brock and myself. If he finds out that you came to see me or that we’re working together to get one up on him-”

“He won’t.” I replied confidently. “But you’re going to have to trust me and let me do my job. You don’t know Brock like I do. So, you’re going to have to listen to me…” “Please?” I added after a couple seconds of pensive silence from Cody.

~~

By the grace of the universe, Cody eventually traded weekly ass whoopings from Brock for advice from me on a more sensible approach. With Brock you had to be 1000 steps ahead and alert at all times. Getting one up on him mentally injured his ego and kept him humble more than any physical asswhooping would.

But that didn’t mean Brock wouldn’t receive that as well.

Summer Slam came and Brock and Cody had their match. Everything was legal during this match. I knew Brock would fall into the trap of a No-DQ match. Any chance to taste Cody’s blood. But what he didn’t know was that Cody had someone on his side.

It felt insanely good to hold that kendo stick in my hands, slide into that ring and just absolutely wail on Brock’s body, over, and over, and over again. Getting him back for everything he put Cody through for no fucking reason. Cody and I were now officially dating, so I had double the reason to beat the ever-loving shit out of Brock. To say that fans and people backstage were shocked was an understatement. Our carefully crafted plan worked beautifully.

With my help, Cody won the match and we both held each other’s hands up triumphantly, while Brock left the ring with his tail between his legs. I was Brock’s biggest asset. And now that Cody had me in his corner, Brock couldn’t touch him because I knew Brock like the back of my hand.

Cody and I spent some time catering to the fans, signing things and taking selfies as the pay-per-view ended and then Cody carried me backstage bridal style despite being understandably exhausted. I kissed him soundly the second the cameras were off of us, and we smiled against each other’s lips as our coworkers and friends hooted and hollered.

“We’re not a bad team, are we?” I whispered as Cody pressed his forehead against mine. I closed my eyes as he kissed my forehead and then I let out a delighted giggle as he pressed our lips together again, letting his lips linger on mine for a few seconds. His now familiar and warm gaze made my stomach swoop, and I ran my fingers through his hair, not giving two shits about the blood mixed with sweat which now stained my fingers.

“No, we definitely don’t make a bad team… the bad news for you is now I’m gonna have to keep you.” Cody murmured, his dimples causing deep, adorable creases on his cheeks.

That didn’t sound like bad news at all, actually…

#cody rhodes #cody rhodes x reader #cody rhodes fluff fic #cody rhodes angst #cody rhodes x female reader #wwe fic #wwe fan fic #wrestling fic

[wackulart]

Glad your back! Could you do Belos x male wild witch who lives with eda and instead of eda getting taken he does?

Thank you very much!!

One Belos x male wild witch reader coming up!

Belos x Male Wild Witch!Reader

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

You and the Owl Lady had made quite a name for yourselves across the Isles with your mischief and wild magic.

That also meant there was no shortage of coven scouts coming to take you in, it was something you and Eda had gotten quickly used to dealing with.

It was simply the life of the two most powerful witches on the Boiling Isles despite what the Emperor insisted on being called. You and Eda were an unstoppable duo and you wouldn't have it any other way.

The Emperor however, would.

One wrong move was all it took, it was what the Emperor had been waiting for with a watchful eye and an itchy trigger finger. The minute the opportunity arose to get one of you, he wasted no time taking it. It had almost been both of you, but you had stalled the scouts long enough for Eda to get away. Now you had a meeting awaiting you with a witch that wanted your head.

You were sure this would be fine.

How bad could it be?

Scouts came to grab you from the wagon they had you locked up in and you made sure to be as much of a problem as you could. If they wanted to take you to the Emperor, you were going to make sure every minute of it was hell.

They had finally wrangled you into the throne room, most of them worn out and damaged from the amount of kicks you had landed on them.

A rather frustrated scout spoke up. "Here he is, my Emperor."

The shit-eating grin you had on your face made the Emperor scowl underneath his mask as you were tossed into the room. The sound of your laughter had gone under his skin as he dismissed the scouts from the room.

You watched as he descended from his throne and walked up to crouch in front of you. "What's the matter, wanted me all for yourself?"

He sat silent as if he was searching for something, then he let out a low chuckle. "You are quite the slippery one, aren't you? I've spent a lot of time on you and the Owl Lady."

"Obsessed much?" You taunted him.

Belos made an unamused noise as he stood up, towering above you as you were on your knees. Even in a completely vulnerable state, you still had the air of confidence as if you were in total control and it drove him mad.

He squinted as his fingers clenched and relaxed, he had planned this in his mind over and over for the second he had one of you in his grasp.

What he would do, what he would say, yet now words were failing him at the sight of you. Why?

The Emperor took your chin in between his finger and his thumb, lifting your face to look at him. He commanded power and respect in any way he could get it and yet you refused him that. You mocked and ridiculed him, putting up a challenge for him.

A challenge.

What sort of hunter would he be if he turned from a challenge?

You had grown a little uncomfortable at his stare and silence, expecting him to do something. In hopes of breaking the quiet tension you spoke up again.

Your head moved forward as you gave him a look of pity as if he were the one at your feet. "Speechless, My Emperor?" The title of honour spoken with such blatant disrespect.

He fought the chill that shot up his spine at the sound of it on your tongue.

"Perhaps you are a rather appealing sight." The Emperor commented as he turned your head to the side.

..Huh?

You almost didn't believe what you heard as you blinked in confusion. Did the Emperor just say you were appealing? As in attractive? You couldn't have possibly heard him right. His mask moved closer to your face as he leaned down to your height. Now you could clearly see his eyes looking you over with a different intent than to toss you in the Conformatorium.

Why did you like it?

With an unsure chuckle you tried to continue your quips. "Careful getting too close, my wild magic is infectious."

"You are infectious, you rotten little thing. Plaguing my mind like a disease." He snapped back.

It was meant to sound threatening, but his words had meant something very different.

"The big and powerful Emperor flustered over me? No wonder you look like a mess, that must be killing you." You cooed.

His breath hitched as he released your chin and turned from you. You could see his fist clench behind his back as he tried to sort his thoughts. Belos hadn't expected this sort of interaction to unfold between you two and neither had you, yet here you were.

Was this flirting?

Titan, if Eda could see you now..

He looked back at you, his eyes glowing through his mask as he looked conflicted for a moment. The Emperor turned to face you, waving his hand at you and releasing your bonds. You shot a suspicious look at him as he simply folded his arms behind his back.

Belos began walking back to this throne to seat himself. "What a shame that the wild witch had used his wiles to escape my grasp."

You stood up and stretched out your arms, waiting for him to stop you, to pull some sort of ambush. He didn't move an inch, other than to lift his finger towards the door. You smirked as you turned to the door, stopping a moment to look back at him.

"What a shame indeed." You purred as you burst through the doors and sped down the hallways to the nearest window.

Hearing The Emperor bark out orders for your capture, knowing they lacked conviction. He wasn't what you thought at all, you were in no way considering a coven, but you were interested in seeing him again.

What was going on behind that gold plated mask of his?

#this one was VEERY FUN #i love a good ol enemies to lovers #kicks my feet twirls my hair #GAAH i love writing belos #hes so fun #belos x reader #emperor belos x reader #philip wittebane x reader #toh x reader #the owl house x reader #x reader #writing #my writing #the owl house writing #philip wittebane #emperor belos #belos #toh philip #toh philip wittebane #toh belos #toh emperor belos #the owl house philip #the owl house philip wittebane #the owl house emperor belos #the owl house belos

[lawliet-ryuzaki-ryuga]

chapter 12

H X H ( ILLUMI ZOLDYCK)

CONTROL

WC: 1341

TW:  none really

A/N: I'M BACK BITCHES!!!!!! sorry for all the typos

masterlist

Chapter 11-- chapter 13

When taken back into the blimp with the remaining contestants, you’re told to just rest up until the next part of the exam comes in. With that you walk around and explore around until you catch the two young ones, Killua and Gon. You watch as they joke around and sit next to one another, looking out the window before them. Listening to their conversation and when Killua tells Gon that his parents are assassins and the destiny that was mapped out for him. You could see the look of shock and confusion over take young Gon when Killua describes wanting to get rid of his parents.. Hearing Killua speak so enthusiastically about the bounty the world might have on his parents. 

Oh how you remember your own thoughts of your parents when you were his age, Oh how you wanted to get rid of them yourself. Sometimes it was all you could dream about. As always your thoughts come to a stop when you feel a presence behind you, though they tried to conceal it, you can already tell the familiar Aura behind you. 

“ Hello Gittarackur.”

“Hello.”

You turn around to face the pierced man with not much of a smile to give, “ Stalking me i see.”

As always he is a man with few words, not much to share or say, but will always provide you with his presence. You turn back to face the two boys and that’s when you sense another person in the room, the chairman… What does he want with them? Slowly you pull out your small hair pin, in case you must attack the chairman, wanting to make sure Killua and his friend that he has made are safe at all costs. But to your surprise the chairman invites them to a game and if they win, they’ll be hunters on the spot. With that the boys walk away with him getting ready to play.

“ Why do you wish to protect those boys?” Gittarackur speaks from behind you.

“ It’s none of your business.” you glare at the man and begin to walk away, but he follows right behind you.

“ But I can tell, you would give up your spot if it meant protecting them, foolish of you. If they cannot fight for themselves they aren't worth saving.”

“ don’t tell me you're threatened by those two.”

“ Not at the very least.”

I laugh at his response and walk to your sleeping area, you notice that many men sit around the floor and look at the both of you in what looks like possible fear. 

“ All of you get up and leave.” I command them, but they all look at you as if you’re joking. With a small huff I pull out your pin once again and just before you're gonna aim for someone, Gittarackur stops you.

I look at Gittarackur as to why he stopped you, but he had already pulled out his own needle and aimed it at all of the individuals in the room. 

“ Leave the room now and don’t come back.” he instructs in a very firm tone. A tone I’m all too familiar with..

“ I could have done it myself.”

“ I’m Well aware Noa.”

“ Then you should have let me.”

“ I wouldn’t have been a gentleman.”

I let out a scoff at that comment and make your way to one end of the room and sit down. And begin removing all the pins from my hair. And massage any parts of my body that ache.

“ So Gittarackur, do tell me, do your needles change your appearance?” 

“ No.”

“ Lies, 

“ Maybe so, maybe not.”

“ So tell me Gittarackur, what is it that you do for a living, or why do you need a hunter's license?”

“ For work.”

“What work is that?”

“ None of your business”

“ But here’s the thing Gittarackur, you’re in my presence so I’ll ask again, what work is that?”

“ a mission.”

“ Gittarackur save you and I both the trouble and elaborate before I make you against your will. I look at him like im giving him a warning, and then turn back to examining my nails. Hmm they need some filing.

“ I’m what one would consider an assassin.”

“Hm really? I haven't seen your work, you must suck at it then.”

“ No, I just don't leave a mess behind.”

“Who said i leave a mess behind?”

“ Considering you and Hisoka get along rather well, it says alot about your style i suppose.”

“ He is an interesting one, but you’re friends with him, thus the same conclusion can be said about you.”

“ I don’t like any types of mess.”

“ i know you don’t.”

“ What?”

“ nothing Gittarackur, we should get some sleep.”

I go ahead and stretch my body before laying on my back and shutting my eyes in hopes to get some rest. But I don't hear Gittarackur shift or make a single sound.

“ Gittarackur you should rest, you’ll need it.”

“I don’t need it.”

“ We all need it, just because you were trained to not need it as often, doesn't mean your body doesn't require it. Now don’t be stupid and get some rest, besides if you’re really an assassin you would have been trained on the tunnel sound, you do know what that is right?”

With that Gittarackur huffs, “ Yes I know what that is, I just like to be alert.”

“ Just say you suck at the basic skills of assassination, obviously you haven't mastered that skill.”

“ I wouldn’t speak of things you don’t know about.”

“ Well Gittarackur, I know a lot more than you think. So keep your advice for yourself and don't speak of things that you yourself don’t know about.” 

With that i listen for Gittarackur to speak another word, but he doesn’t as usual. You lay in complete silence and feel as the atmosphere becomes ever so familiar. So tense, yet so calm.. So strong, yet comforting. You know this Aura, you know it all too well.. It was sometimes the only aura that would calm you. Like the arms you can be held in, the hands that would move through your hair. You knew it all too well. 

I slowly begin to even out my breath and heart beat until I know that Gittarackur will think I'm sleeping. It was when I heard the slight sound of something. Though to most people they wouldn’t have heard it, I can hear the  sound of a needle being dislodged from the skin. That was when I heard a small hum of satisfaction, and a few pops of one’s neck.. And a silent whisper of “ killua you’re such a pain.” 

That was all I needed to know, to know that the Aura, the needles and way of speaking was that of the one I knew the most. With a small smile to myself, and decide that it’s time to have a little fun.

“ Gittarackur” I speak out, knowing i did startle him as i hear him jab the needle right back to it’s old spot.

“ Why are you up!” he speaks up. 

“ I heard Hisoka in the distance, he’s about to come in.”

“ I didn’t hear anything, what games are you playing at?”

“ I’m not playing any games, I hear his heart rhythm in the distance… just like i hear yours… and just like i heard you pull that needle out, i heard it. Thus you lied and i was right. It does change your appearance.”

“Go to bed.”

“ So tell me, do you change the way you look because you’re just terrible to look at, thus this look is better than how you actually look like..  Or are you spying on someone?”

“ What are you getting at? Just spit it out.” he huffs

“I’m just saying Gittarackur, that you’re a mystery to me is all. And don’t worry, i didn’t see how you look. I respect you enough to give you your privacy… But you can tell me.. Are you hideous too look like without your disguise?”

“ I said go to bed.” He instructs me

“Fine.” i bite back

“ Good”

“Good”

“ Goodnight.”

“Goodnight Gittarackur.” 

#anime #illumi #illumi hunter x hunter #illumi x reader #illumi zoldyck #illumi x oc #illumi x you #illumi x y/n #hunter x reader #hunter x illumi #hunter x hunter #hunter x y/n #h x h #Gittarackur #Gittarackur x reader #yandere illumi #illumi fanart #illuminahd #illumina inc #illumi zoldyck x you #illumi zoldyck headcanons #illumi zoldyck imagine #illumi zoldyck x reader

[hunt-me-sergeant]

What the heck did actually happen to Crosshair's chip?

The theory isn't probably revolutionary, and my explanation is a mess, but it's almost 4am, so forgive me.

He definitely did not act like the regs.

It was confirmed that his chip did activate when Order 66 began. It was unexpected, tho. Even Nala Se was surprised it worked. His mutations altered much of his cranial activity, but it still worked.

Clone force 99 was expected to be immune to the programming. Yet we see it worked for Crosshair and Wrecker. We will never know if the chip would activate for the rest of the batch, fortunately.

It's safe to say that they were not immune, but their mutations definitely made the chip malfunction.

With Wrecker, it was probably a delayed reaction. And I believe it would activate later if not for him notoriously hitting his head.

I guess Hunter and Tech's chips would also have a different malfunction.

We could say, "Well, Crosshair had no malfunction. It worked as it was supposed to, right on time?"

Did it tho?

Let's compare Crosshair and Wrecker then.

Both are clones with mutations. However, Wrecker, although responding to Order 66 much later, he acted exactly like regs. They dropped everything they were doing and immediately began killing the Jedi and traitors. Wrecker reacted the same. Immediate reaction.

So let's recall Crosshair's reaction to Order 66 back on Kaller. Despite his chip being activated on time, his reaction was absolutely different.

He did not drop everything he was doing and ran to kill General Billaba and Caleb. He, along with the batch, ran to launch a counterattack on approaching droid battalion. They only stopped running, all confused, once they heard blaster and screams. When they approached Caleb, he never raised his weapon.

None of them knew what Order 66 was. When Wrecker asked what it meant, Crosshair didn't answer. If he knew, he would definitely enlighten them. Also, when Tech told them the meaning behind the order, he said,

"That would explain things."

Which confirmed that he indeed didn't know what the order was about.

But then, why did he try to kill Caleb later?

I'll get to it soon.

Let's go further with Crosshair behavior.

Hunter finally admitted he didn't kill Caleb cause he didn't feel like killing their commander was right. Also, we have Echo being openly angry at regs for killing the general.

Their behavior would be seen as treason and violation of Order 66. Knowing what regs and Wrecker did, Crosshair should have stood up and killed the batchers right there on the spot. He did nothing except getting mad at them for disobeying orders.

Now, the disobedience he kept talking about. I think that's the key to Crosshair's behavior.

We have these four very important scenes.

Lama Su : "[Clone force 99] could be an asset to your new Empire."

Tarkin : "Yet reports indicate they exhibit a concerning level of disobedience and disregard for orders."

Crosshair : "An order is an order."

Hunter : "Since when?"

Hunter : "What's wrong with you?"

Crosshair : "I'm following orders."

Hunter : "Exactly."

Crosshair : "He made us disobey orders."

Tech : "I never thought you disobeying orders was a problem."

Crosshair, along with the rest of the batch, was disobeying orders all the time to the point that the reports were concerning. And suddenly, we got Crosshair as a walking example of a soldier who follows orders.

The famous phrase that every clone, a reg or defective one said

"Good soldiers follow orders."

Now, to program something, you need a formula. I believe the formula to program the chip sounded something like that : "Good soldiers follow orders. Eliminate all the Jedi and their supporters, as they committed treason and are a threat to the Republic."

Crosshair kept repeating the phrase, yet he didn't know what the Order 66 was?

Because his malfunction was partial activation.

The chip activated only the first part on the formula, which made him obey orders - all orders in general.

That would explain why he didn't know what Order 66 was. He, however, knew there was an order, and he needed to follow it. He saw other troopers killing the General and Caleb being afraid. And let's be honest, Crosshair is very sharp. It wasn't hard for him to link the dots.

In conclusion, the failed functioning of the chip made Crosshair respond partially to Order 66. He didn't kill Caleb right away because he didn't know he was supposed to. Only later did he follow other troopers' steps. He didn't see troopers killing traitors cause, well, he didn't see them do it. Therefore, he only argued with the batchers. As I said, he only responded to the "Good soldiers follow orders" part and this is the only thing he cared about.

Now. The writers said, and I quote, "I think we can say he had his chip removed."

We heard him saying he had his chip removed a long time ago. We saw the scar. However, it wasn't a cut, it looked like a burn. As if it was forcibly removed, or... unprofessionally 👀 He heard about the chip from Hunter and Omega, we couldn't see his face, but it was visible he was taken aback by the news. I think he was angry hearing about the chip, cause it was either the Empire or The Batch lying to him. In anger, he ordered to aim for Omega. After all, he was a soldier of the Empire.

But then he found out Omega wasn't lying. He wanted to remove the chip on his own. Therefore, his head looks like it looks. It's a burn. Did he use some lasers? We won't probably know. Let's not forget, Crosshair had his chip augmented. And we can see he had it enhanced many times. I think he had his chip destroyed, deactivated or damaged. He still seems to suffer from headaches.

The next time we see him, we can see the scar, and we can see a change in his behavior.

He has never reported about Omega's existence. His own squad reported his changed behavior to Rampart. He suddenly began talking about the batchers' loyalty to him.

And here comes the main point that for me confirmed the chip deactivation or whatever he did to it.

Hunter : "You tried to kill us. We didn't have a choice."

Crosshair : "And I did?"

He didn't want to kill them but he didn't have a choice.

I think he was even more angry at the batchers. Cause he realized they knew and never tried to get him back.

"You betrayed everything we stood for. And for what? Republic?"

"We're loyal to each other, not some Empire."

"You weren't loyal to me. I was one of you. You may have forgotten but I haven't. And it's why I'm going to give you what you never gave me. A chance."

And it was exactly how Crosshair said it was. He was what he thought he was. He strongly believed he was made for only one purpose, to be a soldier. No matter the leadership, no matter the orders. The "chip Crosshair" and the real Crosshair didn't differ much. The only difference was that he didn't want to kill his brothers and Omega. He wanted them to join him and have Omega have a different life without being in constant danger.

He wouldn't change unless something or someone made him realize he had different options, and he was seen as disposable by the new leaders. The snituation with Cody began this process. Commander Cody was a walking perfection for Crosshair. It was clear to see. The only reg that had Crosshair's respect and admiration. Hearing about the perfect soldier going AWOL after saying clones are not droids and have a choice definitely broke something in him.

Everything that happened with Mayday only confirmed his doubts. He was not seen as a soldier, he didn't matter. He wasn't superior to the regs. He was treated exactly like them. Like trash. Killing Nolan was the moment of him admitting his decision to stay with the Empire was wrong.

We see he gave up completely. He doesn't care what happens to him. He was entirely consumed by darkness and remorse.

Until he hears the Empire is after his brothers and his little sister. He put all the strength he had left to warn them.

Crosshair is a victim. And he deserves forgiveness and a second chance. Don't yall dare to hate on my husband and call him names, just cause you don't understand what he went through 😤😤

#the bad batch #tbb crosshair #crosshair #tbb theories #clone force 99 #tbb echo #tbb hunter #tbb omega #tbb tech #tbb wrecker #the bad batch theory #clone wars #star wars