#for a series that doesn’t exist nonetheless! But it will so get excited and stay tuned please. I want to share them so much

[fluffi]

SARCOLINE SUNSET I: WELCOME HOME, OUTSIDER :: SOOBIN

pairing: soobin x gn!reader, platonic!ot5 x gn!reader genre: fluff, some subjective angst, bits of humor, enemies-to-lovers, childhood friends word count: 4002 event: #summerscape for @kpopscape credit: @enha-woodzies​ for making the gfx for this series! show her some love <3 author’s note: i accidentally deleted this post so here is a rushed reupload. it might not be as good as the original because it isnt proof read as well but i still hope the algorithm picks it up, maybe this’ll be good for the post. Also, the second part will be coming out in 15 days. warnings: people disappearing, mentions of burning and fire (further warnings will be released in the next parts as the story gets darker)

THIS STORY IS PURELY A WORK OF FICTION AND DOES NOT DICTATE JAY OR NI-KI’S PERSONAL LIVES AND/OR FAMILY.

part two ->

The blonde stared up at an intricately designed structure in awe, walking forward to touch the sides of it and running his calloused hands up and down its rusted carved wedges. It seemed oddly cliche and unrealistic, but he could feel its story. Every touch of the ceramic pillar provided him with emotion that he couldn’t bring himself to explain.

The sun hadn’t set yet, but he could make out the faint reflection of it settling in the background. The huge pine trees around him were making conversation with each other; their faint whispers and rustles providing peace to his veins.

So entranced in the scenery of such a mystical place, he forgot to watch out for his younger peer. Kicking back into his senses, he nervously called out, “Riki! You there?” His voice, usually strong and boisterous, laced fear today.

“Don’t worry about me Jay, I’m right behind you. Just climbing this fence..and..there!” Riki let out a grunt as he jumped onto the soft grass, looking at his older friend with an innocent grin.

At the sight of his buddy, Jay visibly loosened. It was clear that he didn’t feel safe in this environment, yet felt entranced to it in some way. Riki caught up to him in a quick jog before standing next to Jay, in awe at the magnificent view that they were spectating for the first and possibly last time.

“Is this…the place you were talking about?” Riki was out of breath from running after his peer. He pats the grassy patch below him before slumping onto it, crossing his legs afterward.

Jay took a seat next to him, setting his canvas satchel and leather jacket next to him. “According to the maps and books, this is the right spot. I just want to see if the myth is true.”

Riki clapped his hands in excitement and turned to face Jay. “We’re staying till the sun sets right? I want to see what the carousel looks like at night! This structure is so fascinating. It must be beautiful out here at night.”

“No, we’re walking back as soon as the sun goes down. I do not want to risk being out here at night. People have disappeared from staying too long and I wouldn’t want to worry your mother.”

Riki visibly slumped and turned back in time to see the last drop of orange dip. It was quiet for a while. The singing birds stopped humming their soulful tunes, yet the whispering trees grew louder, their inaudible gossip echoing in the ears of the two boys.

At nine at night, Riki’s mother would call Jay, heeding no response. She would do the same for his parents and his friends. The only piece of information they could provide was that Jay had brought Riki, in his words, to “a magical place”. With no other vital details they could draw from their son’s peers, Jay and Riki’s family agree to call the local police, reporting two missing people: two minors, one last seen in a brown leather jacket, and a taller one tailing alongside him. Both their hairs were dyed in a striking shade of blonde.

Summer’s heat-blasted onto your skin as soon as you stepped out of your sleek white Toyota. It was good to be back, you supposed. Although it was something that not many people would fawn over, you were ecstatic to be home in town.

Leaving at the mere age of sixteen wasn’t easy. After your parents decided that you were too good for a mediocre high school where people cared more about their body count than grade count, they immediately sent you off to a prestigious boarding school in the big city. You were given three days to pack and say goodbye to your friends, the rest of your family, your world. As excited as you were to study in the evolutionary epicenter of technology, you didn’t like how you had almost no say in this decision.

You didn’t return home from high school even after four years of studying at that mentally draining institution. It wasn’t like you didn’t want to come back, you were just so accustomed to life in the big city that it seemed pointless to return to square one. With the rest of the world finally in your grip (or so you thought), you enrolled in a highly expensive university and received a full-ride scholarship.

Perhaps that was your breaking point. Piles of work that could never be cleared must’ve got to your head. No one out there seemed to care about your mental health and well-being. The only reason you were allowed to take a break from the university and return was because of your constant breakdowns that your lecturers called “distracting” and “unethical”. You were hoping that this drop-by in town would give you a physical and mental cleanse.

There was no place as hot as home, from where you had been. The blazing sun scorched onto the road. Carrying baggage by itself was already hard enough, but this heat was immensely torturing. You struggled to carry your belongings while trying to close the car boot at the same time. Oh, a pity. You had just returned home and you were slowly turning into a bundle of disorganization, unlike your previous methodical attitude.

“Need a hand?” A familiar suede voice behind your shoulder sounded like music to your ears as you dropped all of your luggage and turned back to see…

“Taehyun!” Child best friend number one. You were looking at a once-innocent boy with doe eyes who had matured into a fine young man. His hair was dyed platinum blonde and, although younger than you, possessed a flair that was completely unlike his past self. His facial features were more prominent than ever and you wondered if all of your friends had developed as well as he had.

You locked your arms around his neck and embraced him as he took your baggage from you.

“You’re so tall now!” You gasped in awe and looked him up and down.

“Of course I am! A boy has to grow, doesn’t he?”

Speak of the devil(s), four people tagged behind Taehyun, waiting for you to notice their presence. All of them were just as tall (if not taller) than your blonde friend and stood out like a sore thumb. It wasn’t just the height, their hair was also in very...exciting colors.

“Can’t believe you forgot about us just for Taehyun.” Ah, that nasal voice was so recognizable. Choi Yeonjun, second-best friend. You cherished him like he was your secret weapon, a power waiting to be unleashed into your industrial world. Although older than Taehyun, they seemed to be the same height now. You couldn’t tell because his new neon pink hair was waxed slick and puffy which made him look a teensy bit taller than his younger friend. You had seen him around on social media and he was a hair-changing chameleon.

Alongside Yeonjun was Hueningkai, better known as Kai in the friend group. He was the youngest one, constantly babied and spoiled, you could say. He was probably influenced by the rest of his friends too, his hair now in a mossy shade of blonde. 

Poor Yeonjun, you completely disregarded his existence and dashed over to Kai instead, eagerly standing next to him to compare heights. The kid had grown so much, you couldn’t tell if you were contented that he was now taller than you or dejected that you had missed so much when you weren’t around.

“Hey, wait up!” Someone from behind called. With Hueningkai and Yeonjun blocking your view you couldn’t see who that one person walking next to Choi Beomgyu was.

Beomgyu, the last friend who joined the friend group. He was always a comedian and never failed to make your day. Although, he didn’t seem so smiley anymore. You figured that it was school stress and adulting getting the best of him. We all had those days; you regrettably knew them like you knew the back of your hand . Unlike the rest of his friends, Beomgyu’s hair was kept in a natural shade of ivory brown. He had never been swayed by the rest of the crowd.

There were so many things to do, so many people to see. You had missed out on most of your growing: having fun with friends, staying up late at night just to watch the stars, dancing on your balcony. You had missed the people too. The town felt different from when you had left it.

“Soobin! Don’t just stand behind, meet our friend! They just returned from the city, right?” Beomgyu ran over to you before giving you a little squeeze.

Who’s Soobin?

“Hey, I’m Choi Soobin. Twenty-one this year. I moved here a few years ago. You must have left before I showed up.” A simple and concise introduction from the blue-haired man. Maybe he was the root of this hair-dyeing trend in town (pun very much intended), as well as the height trend since he was just as tall, if not taller than the rest of the boys.

You briefly introduced yourself but that was about it. You didn’t know how to create small talk, nonetheless with someone completely unfamiliar to you.

Later that day, you wondered if he had replaced you, become another guardian in the friend group. As one of the oldest, you and Yeonjun were always known as the parents of your three “kids”, but Soobin seemed to take care of them equally well. Throughout the day, you watched his every action, how he helped Beomgyu with homework, how he styled Kai’s hair, how he treated Taehyun to his favorite meal, exactly like what you did when you were still around. For once, you felt like the outsider.

Marshmallow Night had always been a tradition here. It was a five-of-you kind of thing, well, the six-of-you now. It had always been the go-to celebration whenever one of you hit a milestone, or was just held for fun. The days of joy where the only thing you had to worry about was whether your smores were burnt.

It had changed a lot over the years, you guys would add some new events to it and remove the ones you guys outgrew, like hopscotch.

You had missed most of its evolution.

Instead of being the main catalyst for today’s event, you resorted to sitting at the side as Soobin took the lead, carrying tables back and forth as well as setting up the fire in a method that the five of you had never used.

Oh, how much you loathed him. You hated his innocent-looking face that spurred out words of authority and boastfulness. You couldn’t stand how he looked so obnoxious with his bright blue hair, his dark brown eyes that held an impeccable gleam. He looked so cheeky, so mean, and worst of all, he had made all of your friends convert to mini spawns of him. Even Yeonjun, the oldest member, no longer felt like the Choi Yeonjun you once knew.

If you could, you would throw him out of your hometown, except that you seemed to be the outsider here. Anyone who walked past would see five people sitting on a huge log, helping each other light marshmallows and biscuits. They would barely notice the one person hunched over on the other side, sitting on the ground, eyes dazed and uninterested.

Occasionally one of the boys would call out to you, either hand you a s’more or ask if you were alright, to which you responded, “I’m alright! Don’t worry about me, I’m having fun.”

Anyone could also see that you weren’t in the zone, but you didn’t want to ruin the moment and be a party pooper. You ended up spending most of the time scrolling on your phone, checking school emails, and such. It didn’t feel like you were back home, it felt like you were on a vacation, on your own.

The commotion had died down, for the most part. Everyone else was either discussing school gossip in hushed voices or making the most of use of their electronic device. You were tempted to join the little heated conversation that Soobin and Beomgyu were having, but you didn’t know who this ‘Chaeyeon’ girl was and either way, you wouldn’t want to voluntarily speak to Choi Soobin.

It wasn’t long before both of them went to do something else, the only sound prevalent being the wood crackling from the bonfire and the occasional chirp of evening birds.

It was a loud, sucked-in breath that drew the attention of everyone, eyes pinned onto the instigator.

Choi Soobin, once again disrupting the peace of this curated environment. He ducked his head in apology and you were about to return to your world when Kai’s curiosity got the best of him.

“Why did you just do that?” His booming voice resounded over everyone else.

You weren’t going to lie, you were curious too. It wasn’t every day you heard a gasp like that.

Soobin looked back up, eyes wide and awake. He was excited about something but seemed to be masking it for the sake of..suspense?

“Okay. You guys know Yongsam Park right?” He put his phone down and tapped his hands on his thighs in a state of urgency.

Now that statement got everyone’s attention. “It’s the flower place outside our town, everyone passes it when they enter. Of course we would know where the place is. Why are you so adamant about it?” Taehyun inquired.

“Well, have any of you gone inside the park? Or near the landmark in general?”

“No. Why would we? There’s nothing to do there than to take pictures of boring flower statues.” You stated.

“See. You guys don’t know anything about the place.” He smirked tilting his head upwards and proudly crossing his arms.

“Could you cut to the chase and tell us what it is already?” Thank Yeonjun for his smart, impatient mouth.

Soobin didn’t answer and merely flipped his phone so you could see whatever was on it. The only words you could make out were “Yongsam...missing...carnival” and something related to the park before he turned it back, away from your view.

“You can’t just say that we don’t know anything about this place then proceed to give us nothing about it.” You rolled your eyes, disinterested in the conversation once again.

“Fine. I’ll send it to you.” Soobin rolled his eyes back as four of the other boys snickered. They loved seeing the two of you bicker.

In courtesy of Beomgyu who gave Soobin your number (without your consent), you received a news article and skimmed through it with eager eyes:

[WHAT’S THE HYBE?]

YONGSAM PARK CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION, AUTHORITIES SAY 3 days ago

What’s the deal with Yongsam Park? Insiders say that, although bland and boring, Yongsam Park is currently under high-level investigation for the disappearance of a few citizens. The flower-decorated park is the perfect place to take Instagram-worthy pictures and is quite harmless in itself, so visitors were shocked to arrive at the park only to find it surrounded by heaps of yellow tape.

Yongsam Park was developed by Kim Yongsam, director of My Flowers, a multi-million florist franchise that has now spread to Japan and Taiwan. In a 2015 Interview with the millionaire, he mentioned that he had created the park in the inspiration of the rising ootd picture trend, also known as the outfit-of-the-day trend, which he had initially discovered from his teen daughter. 

“I wanted to create a welcoming park for people of all ages, but I couldn’t find a suitable place to do it without the budget being drastically high. In the end, my team and I found an abandoned site and decided to build a simple structure with lower costs up there. Props to my team for the discovery of this landmark. The scenery there, especially in the evening, is stunning .” He stated in the 2015 interview with Soup Magazine.

What’s the abandoned site? With the evidence that is still standing, Yongsam Park is rumored to have previously been a carnival. Said evidence is a worn-down carousel in the back of the park, along with piles of other burnt carnival decoration and equipment. With research, Yongsam Park’s site may have once been an abandoned carnival that perished from an unknown wildfire. This may have been the primary cause of the drought that ensued in the 80s, leaving only a carousel and ashes behind. When questioned, Mr. Kim said that he had decided to leave the carousel standing behind the park due because he felt ‘drawn by its alluring glow’, as quoted.

Investigators and the local police have only enclosed the flower section of Yongsam Park because that was where the victims were spotted. They believe that disappearances took place there and are currently trying to find evidence to back up their stance. Most of this new information is not known to the public, however, Kim and his team are trying to keep it that way. The current disappearance count is seven people, the most recent case being two high-schoolers.

The carousel is still open and does not require a visitor ticket, but visitors are advised to take precautions and leave before the sun sets.

RELATED

TWO MORE BOYS HAVE DISAPPEARED AT THE NOW INFAMOUS YONGSAM PARK 5 days ago

FAMILY OF TOURISTS DISAPPEAR AT YONGSAM PARK, INSIDERS SAY THIS IS THE SECOND CASE OF DISAPPEARANCE HERE 2 weeks ago

JAPANESE COUPLE DISAPPEAR AT FLOWER PARK, NETIZENS CALL THE NEWS A POLITICAL DISTRACTION 3 weeks ago

“Are you seriously...telling us...that we should visit a place where people have been kidnapped?” Yeonjun gawked. “Dude, that’s so stupid. What if we die or something?”

“Don’t say that! I was just curious if you guys wanted to go since it’s so near and since your old friend is back home.”

“It’s a dumb move. I’m not risking my life just so I can celebrate the return of my friend. Not worth it.” Beomgyu huffed.

“Hey! You’re worth it, right?” Soobin glanced at you, waiting for a response.

He was...defending you? His ulterior motives were questionable and you weren’t sure if he was protecting you because he cared about you (cue the puking) or solely because he wanted to go to Yongsam Park that bad.

You didn’t reply and chose to drown out the wailing and chaos that ensued with your friends. You clicked on a related article below, curious to learn more about this lesser-known part of the park.

[WHAT’S THE HYBE?]

TWO MORE BOYS HAVE DISAPPEARED AT THE NOW INFAMOUS YONGSAM PARK 5 days ago

Park Jongseong (20) and Nishimura Riki (15) mentioned to their friends that they would be heading to ‘a magical place’, before disappearing for around a week. They were last spotted walking through Yongsam Park, according to anonymous witnesses. This is the third case of disappearances at the park and both teens are the sixth and seventh people to go missing.

Both families reported their children missing just two days after their disappearance. With this case being the last straw, local authorities forcibly shut down Yongsam Park despite protests from staff and management.

Parents of the two minors refused to respond when called for an interview and HYBE reporters resorted to interviewing the victims’ friends instead.

“Jay’s never been a bad kid. Yeah, he might be late here and there, but he wouldn’t skip class or fly across the country for vacation during school. I just don’t understand why he’s not here with us. He wouldn’t voluntarily disappear.” Park Sunghoon (19), a friend and classmate of Jongseong (who is better known as Jay among his friends) said.

“Although I’m not close with Jay, I know Riki personally and I know for a fact that both of them wouldn’t run away like that. Why, Riki was gearing up for a dance competition that he’s been excited about all year, and now he’s just gone? Like that? Riki has always been like my little brother, and he’ll always be. I just want him back at my side.” A teary-eyed Lee Heeseung (20) says.

Netizens have been complaining about the lack of coverage on this issue.

“Maybe Mr. Kim spent all his money on covering this story up from the mainstream public. That’s why he had to build the stupid park on an abandoned sketchy site.” An anonymous netizen commented.

Regardless, we’ll be keeping our prayers for Jongseong and Riki, as well as the five other victims, to return home soon.

“...you guys are such wimps.” That was the first thing you heard Soobin say when you tuned in to the conversation again.

How dare he say that? How dare he have the courage to call you, someone who moved out on your own at 16 to live in the big, scary world, a..wimp?

“Look, Choi Soobin. I may be a lot of things, but I’m not a wimp. I didn’t say that I wasn’t interested on this trip.” You stand up and blurt out without thinking twice.

The rest of the boys are gawking at you, their mouths open wide in awe and shock. Yes, you weren’t a wimp, that was for sure, but they had known you all their life as someone who could not stand going out into the wilderness. Maybe the big city had really changed you.

“At least someone wants to go! Perfect. We can leave tomorrow at noon, bring your camping stuff!” Soobin grabbed his things and began walking away.

“Camping?” The five of you exclaimed in unison.

Taehyun, the rational member, gasped. “I, personally, wouldn’t mind going to the carousel thing..or whatever it is, but I am not staying the night. Dude, are you nuts?” The rest of you nodded your heads in agreement.

“It says in the article that we are advised to leave before the sun sets.” You point out, trying to keep your voice as steady as possible in fear of breaking this mask of false confidence, when in reality, you were terrified of this place.

Soobin turned back and eyed you down disinterestedly. “Conclusion is that we’ll bring a small backpack, or whatever you guys want to pack, and we’ll stay there until eight. Deal?”

“Seven.” Hueningkai timidly said.

“Whatever you guys want.”

You hadn’t been able to sleep last night. It wasn’t due to fear of the place you were going, rather, you weren’t too excited about having to spend half of your day around Soobin.

What were you going to say to him? You were definitely overthinking at this point.

You know, they always say that the person one hates the most is the one that they also love most. And when Soobin flipped his blue hair back or cheekily smiled, showing his endearing dimples, you couldn’t help but…

No! You loathe Choi Soobin. You couldn’t stand his smile, or his hair, or his height. That evil moonwitch.

“Hey, you ready to go?” Speak of the devil (or moonwitch), you spotted a fluff of blue hair in your peripheral vision.

You couldn’t even muster up the courage to look back at him, merely nodding your head while staring at the white wall.

“Why aren’t you looking at me? Are you...scared?” You could see him wiggle his eyebrows as he made that statement.

That was it. You turned back at him. “Yes I am. I’m absolute terrified. I can’t stand the fact that I have to forcibly spend my precious time around you. It’s like I’m about to voluntarily live a nightmare.”

Woah there, calm down. You had smoke spurting out of your ears at this point.

Soobin’s once excited face fell into one of disappointment. “Yeah, it’s a nightmare having to be around you too. Gosh, the immaturity.” He left the room in haste as your eyes shot lasers through his well-toned back.

Maybe you had gone too far with the insult. He hadn’t been mean to you at all, really.

Then again, he had been mean. He took your place when you weren’t around. Suddenly, you were determined to get it back.

“Hop on the magic school bus!”

“Shut up, Yeonjun.” You deadpanned before leaning your head on his shoulder. The two of you were finally falling back into routine and you couldn’t help but bask in this nostalgia.

You also couldn’t help but notice how Soobin kept on looking through the rearview mirror at the both of you, pupils darting away once you locked eyes with him.

Man, this was going to be a long ride.

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[joviewinchester]

Hey! So this is a Supernatural My Babysitter’s a Vampire crossover requested by @the-fifth-marauder101 The request wasn’t super specific so I kind of just ran with it. Jack’s a bit younger in this for the sake of the story. And I know that the timeline is off and stuff but like don’t @ me about it please. I know it’s off. Also this is a reader insert because, ya know, that’s literally all I write. Lol, but anyways, I hope you like it, and keep those requests coming!

Another school. Another town. Another day. That’s how it always went. Avoid making friends at all costs. Well, she had Jack at least.

“What are we here for again?” Y/N asked sighing.

“Your dad said something about vampires or werewolves. They don’t know what it is yet. Said something’s off with this one.” Jack replied glancing over at a group of whispering teens.

“What do you think their deal is?” Erica asked eyeing both Y/N and Jack.

“They don’t look like siblings, at the very least not biological ones.” Sarah responded.

“I don’t know, but can I just say, the girl is hot. Like hotter than anyone I’ve ever laid eyes on. Like if I had to choose between her and a young Carrie Fisher, I’d choose her.” Benny said.

“No way. You’re joking right?” Ethan asked.

“No. I never joke about a babe.” Benny said seriously.

“I don’t know. Personally I’d love to sink my teeth into either of them.” Erica smirked.

Y/N looked from the group to Jack in confusion. “Is it just me or do we have a literal fanclub?”

“I wouldn’t call them a fanclub. They’re just…unusually interested.” Jack responded.

“Should we introduce ourselves? Don’t get me wrong. I know we probably won’t stay for very long but…I just…it would be nice to make friends for once, you know?” She asked Jack as she looked at them, or more specifically looked at Benny.

“I mean, how could it hurt right?” They approached the group.

“Dude they’re coming over here.” Benny said while slapping Ethan’s arm.

“Yeah. I know. I can see dude.”

“Hi.” Y/N said shyly.

Jack stepped in at that point. “Hello. My name is Jack and this is my friend Y/N.” He introduced.

“It’s nice to meet you guys. I’m Sarah and this is Ethan, Benny, and Erica.” Sarah smiled.

Benny had a dumbstruck look on his face. “Excuse him. He gets nervous around girls he thinks are pretty.” Ethan said.

Benny looked at him with a glare. “Dude.” He whisper shouted at him. They then had a small slap fight.

“Alright you two are embarrassing yourselves. Hi, as Sarah said, I’m Erica, and I would love to take you under my wing, Y/N was it? Please let me give you a makeover tonight. You have so much potential if we removed the flannel and the old leggings.”

“Sorry. She’s straightforward like that. She doesn’t mean in a rude way or anything she just thinks your pretty and wants to do your makeup.” Sarah said.

“I guess I could come over.” Y/N said nervously. Jack have her a look and lowered his voice.

“Y/N, Dean said to come straight home after school, and that we can’t go out. You can’t. If you leave on my watch, Dean and Cas will, what is it that you say? ‘rip me a new one’” He quoted.

“Who’s Dean?” Ethan asked.

“My dad. He’s just a little bit overprotective, and if you don’t want me to go out without you, then just come with me.” Y/N said.

“So, you two like live together?” Sarah asked.

“Yeah. Our dads work together. It’s a whole thing.” Y/N said.

“Anyways, I’ll talk to him if he’s home and if not I’ll text him and let him know it shouldn’t be a big deal.” She said.

“Great. Sarah you’re coming too right?” Erica asked.

“Actually, I have to babysit Ethan and Jane tonight.”

“No problem we’ll just go over there.”

“Sarah’s your babysitter?” Jack asked.

“No! Well, I mean, yes, but it’s only because my mom doesn’t trust me to babysit my little sister. Benny you’re still coming over to play that new zombie game right?”

“Like I would miss that.”

“Think we have room for another player?” Ethan asked.

“Not if you’re talking about Rory.” Benny complained.

“I’m clearly talking about Jack, Benny.”

Sarah and Erica both rolled their eyes at their antics. “Come on, Y/N. We’ll walk you to class. Honestly, I swear you geeks almost scared her off.” Erica said.

Y/N waved goodbye at Benny, Ethan, and Jack, linking her arms with Erica and Sarah.

The bell then rang. “Do you guys know where Mr. G’s class is?” Jack asked.

“Yeah we have him for first period too. Follow us.” Ethan said.

School seemed to go by like a breeze with their new friends by their sides. Before they knew it, they were all heading out the doors.

“Alright. Jack and I need to head out, but we’ll meet you guys at Ethan’s house later. See ya.” Y/N said. There was a series of byes and Jack and Y/N hopped into the Jeep they had jacked from the bunker.

Erica left shortly after that saying something about how she needed to pack some clothes and makeup for later.

“I should give her a love potion.” Benny said.

“Do you remember how that turned out last time? I still have nightmares.” Ethan shuddered.

“Benny, don’t let this get to your head, but I think you might actually have a chance with her. She stared at you throughout the entirety of biology class. You should just ask her to see a movie with you or something.” Sarah advised.

“Yes. I need to be more like Han Solo. God, she’d be such a pretty Princess Leia.” Benny sighed dreamily.

“Okay lover boy. You wanna stand out here all day? We’re practically the only ones still here. Your grandma is gonna get mad if you make her wait any longer.” Sarah said glancing at the SUV Benny’s grandma sat in.

“Right. See you guys later!” Benny called.

“Bye!” They said in sync.

“I’ll see you later?” Ethan asked.

“Duh. If I want to get paid I don’t really have a choice.” Sarah joked. Ethan waved awkwardly and jogged to his mom’s car.

“Dorks.” She muttered to herself a slight smile on her face.

Y/N and Jack entered the place one of their hunter friends had loaned them and saw Sam researching by himself.

“Hey, Sam! Do you know when dad is gonna be back?” Y/N asked.

“Um…not really, but it probably won’t be for a few hours. He and Cas are interviewing at the moment. Why? Do you need something? Maybe I can help.”

“Well, Jack and I were wondering if we could go over to a friend’s house around seven ish? We’re just hanging out, nothing big.”

Sam looked up from his laptop. “You guys made friends?” He asked.

“Yeah. I know. I know. We probably won’t stay here, but it’s hard avoiding people everywhere we go and they’re really nice.” Y/N explained.

“Y/N, you don’t have to explain yourself to me. I think it’s good that you guys are making friends, and I think it’s fine if you go out as long as you’re back by 10:30 or Dean will flip.”

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You’re the best uncle in the world.”

“Do you need any help with research?” Jack asked.

“No. It’s fine. You probably have homework to do.” Sam replied. Jack then headed to his room with his backpack slung over his shoulder.

“Hey, Sam?” Y/N asked sitting across from him.

“Yeah?”

“Can I talk to you about something?”

“You know that you can tell me anything Y/N.”

“I don’t…I don’t think that I can keep doing this.” She sighed.

“What do you mean?”

“The whole moving towns constantly and the saving people hunting things…I just don’t want to keep moving around. I know that it’s stupid. You’re saving the world. All of you, but I feel like I haven’t even lived. I’ve never really gotten to stop and smell the roses you know?”

“Y/N, it’s not like we can just leave you in a town by yourself. You’re only sixteen, but you’re in luck. We’re going to be here awhile. There are multiple cases in this one town and they all seem different. I don’t know what’s going on here. It’s like a Supernatural beacon.”

“Are you sure you don’t need help with research?” Y/N asked.

“No. You have homework too I’m assuming.”

“I finished all of mine in study hall. I’m available for four hours.”

Sam sighed. “Fine. You can help. I’m just looking through lore right now to try and figure out the first case.”

After about three and a half hours of researching, they both still came up with nothing. Y/N groaned.

“Are you sure there isn’t like more than one type of vampire?” She asked.

“Not according to any hunters I’ve met.” Sam said.

“Well, we didn’t think angels existed at one point and look at Cas. Look at Jack. We got an angel and a nephilim living in our house. Not to mention me. I’m a freak of nature.”

“I don’t know, Y/N. If we haven’t encountered one before, I don’t know why we would now.”

“Whatever. I’m gonna go upstairs and grab a few things, then Jack and I are leaving. I’ll see you later Sammy.”

Sam rolled his eyes at the nickname but told her goodbye nonetheless and went back to his research. Y/N grabbed her small bag that contained hand sanitizer, chapstick, lotion, a first aid kit and a pocket knife and knocked on Jack’s door.

“You ready?” She asked.

“Yeah let’s go before we’re stopped by Dean and Cas getting home.” Jack said.

They drove over to Ethan’s house and everyone else had already arrived. Y/N knocked on the door to see Benny with his mouth full of marshmallows. Y/N gasped in excitement.

“Are you guys seeing who can fit the most marshmallows in their mouth?! I bet I can win! I want in on this!” She exclaimed rushing past Jack and in the door.

“What’s the record I’m trying to beat?” Y/N asked Jane.

“It’s unclear. They argue all the time about which got the highest amount and what the highest amount is. I think it’s 176. You don’t need to waste your time here though. You should come play dress up with me and Sarah. I promise it’ll be much more fun.” Jane ranted grabbing her hand.

“Come on Y/N it’ll be way more fun.” Sarah joked. Y/N shrugged.

“You know what? Why not let’s go. You coming, Erica?”

“Playing ‘dress up’ with you is literally the only reason why I’m here. Of course I’m coming.” Erica replied grabbing her bag. They all rushed upstairs leaving the boys behind.

The marshmallows fell out of Benny’s mouth as he was watching Y/N go upstairs. Ethan fist pumped in victory.

“I win!” He yelled through a mouthful of marshmallows.

“Hey! Dude that is so not fair!”

“It’s completely fair! Just don’t get distracted next time and you might win.” Ethan said back smugly.

“Whatever. You guys wanna watch Star Wars or something?” Benny asked.

“I don’t know. Y/N might get mad if we watch it without her.” Jack half joked. Benny looked at him in exasperation.

“She likes Star Wars too?! What’s next?!”

Meanwhile, upstairs Erica had already began using Y/N as a human doll.

“Those dorks are literally not going to know what to do with themselves when they see you.” Erica praised.

“You look really pretty, Y/N. Dare I say, prettier than Debbie Dazzle.” Jane complimented.

“Is that a compliment? What’s a Debbie Dazzle?” Y/N asked Sarah.

“You mean you never had a Debbie Dazzle doll growing up?” Sarah asked. Y/N shook her head no and thought of her childhood.

“We…well, we’ve always moved around a lot, and I matured earlier than most kids. Never really got into that stuff, besides wouldn’t have anyone to play with it with anyways.”

“What about your dad or your mom?” Erica asked while brushing Y/N’s hair.

“My mom?” She asked mostly to herself. It’s not like she could straight up say that her mom was God’s sister. “My mom left us when I was young. I barely remember her.” She said. When she was born she automatically aged up to thirteen, similarly to Jack.

That was the end of that conversation. They didn’t want to pry into her personal life. Even if it felt like they’d known her for years, the truth of it was that they were practically strangers.

“Okay. All done.” Erica smiled. Y/N looked in the mirror Jane had in her room. She was shocked to say the least to see what was staring back at her. For the first time in her life, she felt normal. She felt like a regular teenage girl, not a demi-god who hunted monsters.

“Wow. I look-“

“Beautiful.” Sarah, Erica, and Jane all said at once.

https://shoplook.io/outfit-preview/2784047

“I was gonna say normal, but yeah.” She laughed.

There were a few seconds of silence then Y/N suddenly jumped out of her seat. “Is that the Star Wars theme song?!” She exclaimed. She started heading downstairs.

“What a cute little nerd.” Erica said.

“Can we go downstairs to get a snack?” Jane asked Sarah.

“Sure but you have to be in bed by 9:00 remember?” “9:30?” “Fine.”

When Y/N got downstairs she plopped on the couch in between Jack and Benny.

Benny glanced at her and did a double take. “Woah. Erica did a really good job…not that you weren’t pretty before. You’re really pretty, either way. I’m so sorry. I’m totally rambling again.”

“Are you done?” She asked jokingly.

“Yeah…well, actually,” she laughed. “So no then?”

“Well, I was just wondering if you wanted to go see a movie sometime…with me. I’ll even suffer through the new Dusk if you want.”

“No way are we watching Dusk. Pick me up Friday. We’re watching the new Avengers movie.”

Benny elbowed Ethan. “Dude. Did you hear that?”

“Yes, Benny, congratulations.” Y/N’s phone abruptly began to ring.

“Shoot. I gotta take this.” She got up and walked into the other room.

“Hello?” She asked. “Y/N? Where the hell are you? I told you and Jack to come home and stay home after school. Sam is not your dad. I am. You could’ve at least called and asked.” Dean grumbled.

“And you would’ve told me no and I would’ve been mad and you would’ve been mad and it would just not be fun at all so…”

“Are there boys there?” Y/N rolled her eyes.

“Does is matter?”

“Yes. It matters a lot.”

“You don’t know. I could be a lesbian.” She stated.

“Cut the crap, kid. You and Jack need to get your sorry asses home or youre grounded. Both of you.”

Y/N ignored that statement. “Well, I’d love to talk more, but I’m gonna hang up now.”

“Y/N Elaine Winchester I swear to Chuck if you hang up…”

“Calm down. We’ll be home in like twenty minutes. Bye.” She hung up before he could say anything else.

“Jack, we have to go. Dean is flipping out.” She said walking back into the living room.

“Did you just refer to your dad by his first name?” Ethan asked.

“Yeah I did. Because I’m mad. It’s a symbol of defiance…even if he can’t hear it. Anyways, we’ll see you guys tomorrow.”

Y/N, with annoyance, walked into the kitchen and said goodbye to Erica, Sarah, and Jane as well, before leaving with Jack trailing behind her.

Once they got home, they were greeted by all three hunters still sitting at the table researching.

“What the hell are you wearing?” Dean asked in disgust.

“Clothes. Goodnight. Good riddance. Love you partially and all that jazz. I’m going to bed. I have school.” She said running upstairs not letting anyone else get a word in.

The three men sighed. “Were there boys there?” Dean asked Jack seriously as he had Y/N on the phone.

“Yeah. Just two. Y/N has a date Friday.” Jack responded casually.

“She what?!”

“Anyways goodnight. Good riddance. Love you. And all that jazz as Y/N would say. See you tomorrow.” Jack repeated charging up the stairs.

#benny weir #ethan morgan #sarah fox #erica jones #rory keaner #my babysitters a vampire imagine #my babysitters a vampire #benny weir x reader #supernatural imagine #supernatural #jack kline #dean winchester #dean winchester x daughter!reader #sam winchester #castiel novak #castiel #requested

[darkdevasofdestruction]

Where they take you on vacation - 7 Brothers + Diavolo

Found out the edits are made by @devilgram​ who has such a beautiful blog and posts so many Obey Me! things that are so cool! You did a great job with all the edits! <3

LUCIFER

Lucifer would like to take you to Romania, mostly because of all the stories of the great Wallachian ruler Vlad Tepes/The Impaler and wants to find out more about his ruthless yet effective methods of insuring no crime happens in his country ( and hopes they will work on his brothers too ).

Apart from the gorgeous landscapes from the mountainside, the possibility to go to the seaside, or see the different types of regional architecture ( like the unique Black Church ) from different cities, he’d also like to get a full experience of the language, the music, the traditions ( customs, clothes, foo ) and feel for a day like a native from the old ages. 

Even more, he’d find it very nice if you were to try out one of the traditional outfits, and would take a picture of you at the mountains, on a nice field, and put the developed picture in his coat, looking at it whenever he is working and misses you.

He can get pretty salty about the fact that there are still people who believe the Bran castle is Dracula’s true castle, instead of the Poienari fortress and wouldn’t hesitate to express his displeasure, but would appreciate the castle and everything displayed there nonetheless.

Also, would be the first to go to the Horror house, holding your hand if you get scared, and would feel incredibly proud that you trust him and feel safe around him, but would get such a kick out of using his demon form while at it, to scare the actors there.

His whole aesthetic draws people near as if they would actually approach a vampire royalty, which allows him to puff his chest out in pride, so hey, you’re dating a vampire now!

Would take you out at the fanciest restaurant, just to feel how the life at this place is.

Would love to take long walks on the beach at the sea, your feet in the water, holding hands, and just admiring the moon and stars while waves are your music.

You’d mostly stay silent and enjoy the atmosphere, but sometimes you talk a few words, and that’s when Lucifer is the most relaxed, calm and tender.

He would saying that he loves you with such ease for the first time in so long, and the kiss on your forehead would be so soft that it brings you more butterflies than any kiss ever could.

Lucifer looks so ethereal in the light of the moon, it’s almost like he’s glowing, and when you tell him, he’d actually blush softly, before chuckling and stroking your hair, not denying, nor agreeing with your statement.

---

Mammon

Mammon loves to spend money and grab it, so what better place than Las Vegas?

He’d love for the two of you to dress super fancy and flashy, in matching colours if possible, go gambling, scam people and experience the luxury night lifestyle, go to clubs, loud music and expensive alcohol and all that.

But Mammon isn’t all about the flashy and exciting night time, instead, he would mostly love to just see the world with you by his side, and his goals is to make you happy, to he does everything he can to go sightseeing with you and reads in advance about whatever places you could visit and tells you some fun trivia about the place, he’s treating you to the fanciest food and drink places, and would spoil you rotten when going shopping, loving to see you do a little catwalk for him every time you get out of the changing booth.

He’d definitely insist on buying super cute animal Pyjamas.

He’s a huuuuuge fan of the “His Queen/Her King” trope and loves showing you off as much as possible, so get matching Tshirts or jackets and he would be SOOO proud and would laugh confidently and proud all the time, his arm around you, saying how cool you two are together and all that.

He wouldn’t admit it out loud, but he honestly doesn’t believe he’s good enough for you, but when he sees how your dazzling smile is always directed to him and you cling on his arm whenever you watch the Lights Show on the big buildings, see the beautiful fireworks or watch the impressive singing fountain...Well, he can’t help but blush and kiss your forehead, feeling butterflies in his stomach.

He’s the kind of guy who would spam his DevilGram with either couple pictures in different places you visit, or just cute pics of you or you two messing around, and his account is actually very popular for the #CoupleGoalz trend.

At night, he would like to either cuddle with you and watch a movie, or go drive through the city at night, watch the night lights, and go on a cliff, stargazing and chatting openly about everything, because honestly, this guy is always dismissed and insulted by his brothers, it’s always a relief and a fresh air when he can be himself and just...Talk with someone. 

---

Leviathan

Levi is the biggest weeb in the world, so the first place you’d visit together is Japan.

Anime conventions, wearing cute kimonos while going to festivals or roaming the streets of Kyoto or Akihabara, couple cosplay (Henry and the Lord of Shadows), buying merch of your favourite anime/manga/game, going to Vocaloid concerts, buying the newest Ruri-chan figurines, trying out new video games that just came out and so on.

Actually wants to go to a Pokemon cafe and fangirls SO much about all the cute pokemon themes there.

He would get you all the cutest Pokemon plushies, especially if you’re not all that into Pokemon but want to share that interest with him, so expect a Skitty, Vulpix, Shaymin, Eevee and all its Eeveelutions, Milotic plushie, while he would already be collecting plushies for the rarest Pokemons, but he’s incredibly happy that you want to do this with him.

He also gets an Ekans just for the Lolz and let’s out his tail, mostly for troll purposes, but it makes you laugh and he could swear his heart stopped beating and his cheeks were redder than ever.

He secretly got you a maid outfit and would love to see you wearing it, but he’s too embarrassed to actually say.

He would blush SO much seeing you in a kimono with a nice hair pin and a fan, while going to see the Sakura trees blossoming and you look like the Sengoku type of heroines from the dating sims he plays so much (to get experience and not fuck up with you), but somehow, you’re so much beautiful than any CG he’s every seen, no matter how gorgeous the art is.

He would get lots of packs of Pocky and despite not saying it out loud, would put a pocky in his mouth and you’d get the hint and munch on the other end of the pocky, in the end kissing him softly.

Levi.exe stopped working.

He would love taking pics of you alone, because you’re so beautiful, and would edit them to look as ethereal as possible, if you want, to even have fantastic backgrounds, and would take pride in how popular your DevilGram/InstaGram is.

He also changed his Lockscreen to have you with your hand in a half-heart gesture, while yours has him with the other half, so whenever he looks at the clock, or sees a new notif, he sees you smiling, with a cute kitten filter.

His Wallpaper is the two of you kissing, edited with a few hearts, sparkles and a little “I love you” written in cursive in a corner (you edited the pic and suggested you both use it, but he denied, so you changed it yourself for him too, while he was busy gaming, and he liked it so much that he couldn’t change it back to Ruri-chan.)

---

Satan

Satan would choose England first for so many reasons!

He’s such a perfect gentleman and seeing everyone so polite and chivalrous there makes his heart bloom and would up his gentleman shills even more, wanting to impress you and make your heart skip with everything he does.

Loves to take you to different castles, see in real life everything he read in books and saw in movies or TV series, and he’s so mesmerised by the beauty of everything that he forgets he promised to be your guide, but his bright smile and the way his eyes sparkle in curiosity and glee make up for everything.

Besides, he’d definitely go back to you and explain in very precise detail the reason for his fangirling.

He’s a little nerd so bookstore dates are a huge YES, and more - CAT CAFES where you can read at your heart’s content. HUGE YES.

You’d both get our of there with tons of books that you will read together, cuddled up under the blankets while enjoying an aromatic tea that Satan prepared for you, together with some nice scones.

He’d want to go with you to Shakespeare’s grave, Dicken’s house, would like to see anything involving the Romantics and so on, since he’s in love with British literature.

Satan wants to go see the Harry Potter theme park so much, and would buy tons of merch for the two of you, and wants to go in full Hogwarts robes and wand with you.

Would take a gazillion pics of you together, that only you can see since it may ruin his reputation with his brothers for geeking out, but he’d love it if the universe was actually real.

He’d also take you to King’s Cross to take pic near the wall where you get to the 9 3/4 Platform.

And no trip to England could exist without a visit to Sherlock’s house, pretending to be detectives, and at Madam Tussaud’s Wax Museum to admire all the figures and potentially take troll pics with them.

---

Asmodeus

Asmo wastes no time in taking you to Paris, of course!

And the first thing you do is have a coffee at the restaurant located on top of the Eiffel Tower.

He would, throughout all the trip, take tons of selfies EVERYWHERE, and aeshtetic pics of either you alone, him alone, or together.

He’s a Devilgram and Devilr celebrity, after all!

Loves going to all the little cafes and drink a hot beverage with you while looking and judging all the passer-bys, how they would never compare to how beautiful and fashionable you two are.

He takes you to the Versailles Palace while wearing the most glamorous outfits, and despite all the pics taken, he will tell you stories of when he visited the place long ago, and more, will tell you of the paintings displayed, since he’s rather knowledgeable.

Asmodeus will take you everywhere, but first, the Lafayette Galleries, all while streaming every second there, to shop everyone how amazing the place is.

Would pics the both of you sooo many pretty brand clothes, new skin care routine and make up products, that you almost wonder where he has all the money from, especially to pay someone to carry them back to your place.

Would take you to a lingerie shop where he’d make you try on all the cutest outfits and would buy them all, especially because he thinks they will make you more confident and wants to make sure you never thing bad of yourself, because if you’re dating him, then you’re obviously the most beautiful being he’s ever seen, inside and out. (he doesn’t count here, of course)

His wallpaper is a selfie of you two smiling and making a peace sign, from the top of the Eiffel Tower, seeing all Paris in the background, at evening, with the beautiful sky and the night lights all over.

Would take you on a cruise on Seine, serenading and drinking a glass of bubbly champagne, admiring all the buildings and the happy people sitting on the banks of the River, enjoying the scenery.

And of course, there’s no perfect trip to the City of  Love without some very tender and sensual love-making, with so many compliments, praises, soft touches and gentle kisses from Asmodeus, followed by a relaxing bath with milk, honey and rose petals, scented candles, bubbles and ambiental music, and of course, a lot of cuddling all night long.

---

Beelzebub

Beelzebub would want to go to Italy, since it’s the country with the best human food, and what better place to eat it them its home country?

Would actually love to go sightseeing with you and seeing all the pretty stuff there is.

He appreciates the architecture, statues and paintings of every historical place, loves to find out more about the country’s history and traditions and would like to take scenic pictures of all the places you visit...

And make a couple album where he puts pics with either you alone or together.

It’s his most treasured possession and nobody except Belphie knows about it, and while he is happy that his brother is happy, he would say it’s so cheesy.

Would have fun when doing the classic “Pushing the Pisa Tower” picture, would like to sing when you go on a Gondola ride in Venice, and pretend to be a gladiator at the Colosseum, while you’re his Caesar.

If you get him a necklace or a keychain, he’d never take it off and has it as his lucky charm, kissing it whenever he misses you or wants the day to go good.

After he understands how the food is made, he’d want to make it himself, so you cooking together would be so cute and fun, and the way you see the love and tenderness in his eyes as he looks at you laughing, while your face is covered in flour...

He’s such a precious and soft baby, and he loves you so much.

Also, he’d love to carry you around just for fun and because he loves holding you close to him, so either bridal style on on his shoulder, you say it, and he’s gonna do it.

Will also like to take lots of short videos with you two, just fooling around, giggling, laughing, making jokes, kissing, pretending to be kittens, having flour fights and all that, since they’re beautiful memories and whenever he’s sad, he watches them and he forgets the reason he was sad in the first place.

---

Belphegor

Belphegor would take you to New Zealand, because he saw how beautiful and green the landscape were, thanks to the Lord of the Rings movies, so he wanted to see what would be like stargazing on such a flowery field, or sleeping in a Hobbit hole.

He’s pretty sleepy all the time, but that doesn’t mean he wouldn’t take you to see the big cities as well, eat out, shop for souvenirs and so on, but his heart is taken by the simplicity and peace the countryside and forests hold.

Belphie would actually like to have his head on your lap as you stay at the bottom of a tree and read, much like Froddo Baggings would, waiting for Gandalf.

It’s a guilty pleasure of his, but he wants to see ‘Gandalf’s’ fireworks, and when a festival like that happens, he’d hold your hand tight, having a soft smile on his face and a tender look in his eyes.

Despite not saying it very often, he will confess his love for you.

It’s barely above a whispers, but it’s genuine.

It’s simple, small, but meaningful and beautiful nonetheless.

As you stargaze on the field, he’d tell you the names of all stars and constellations that you can see, and would tell you some trivia he knows about them.

Would take a few pics here and there, but his favourite one is one where you two are on the ground outside, both your heads on his favourite pillow, while looking at each other, both of you having such genuine and pure love in your expressions.

If he ever wakes up earlier than you, and likes to troll a bit, he’d get his tail out and tickle your noes, smirking at how cute your half-asleep reactions were, but would play innocent when you ask about it, only kissing your nose to make you forget and reassure you that it was only a dream (it wasn’t).

---

Diavolo

Diavolo is so easily excitable, despite his age and title for the next Devil Lord, but honestly, he wants to take you to Iceland to see the Northern Lights that you spoke so fondly about.

There are so many pretty things to see in the Devildom alright, but none of them quite as fascinating to him as how the sky lights up with so many different and beautiful shades of green, blue and pink, it’s almost unreal!

Who would have thought that the Human world could hold such natural wonders?

He could have sword you were a witch or something, and just wanted to impress him with your magic, as if charming him wasn’t enough, but this beauty makes him behave even more like a child, leaving him speechless and breathless.

Diavolo would kiss and hug you, spinning your around so many times, if you allow him, you forgot to count, which is his way of thanking you for showing him this place and he’s honestly just so happy that he can share this precious moment together with you.

You tell him some old stories about how they say the ancestors’ souls watch over everyone from up there, and that even the animals who died have their souls there, living in peace and quiet.

Despite knowing it’s obviously not true, the tales humans come up with are so creative and make so much sense to their beliefs, he’s genuinely fascinated by all these old stories and would like for you to tell him more.

Iceland’s landscapes are also to be taken into account, and Diavolo will take thousands of pics of you literally everywhere, just because you’re so cute and he’s so damn happy and wants many memories together.

Would like for you to take a selfie with his phone, while at the Northern Lights, and would make Lucifer frame it so he can have it on his desk whenever he’s working, and whenever he gets bored, tired, or just misses you, he’d gaze fondly at the picture and would occasionally kiss it.

#obey me #obey me! #obey me imagine #obey me headcanons #obey me x reader #obey me! imagine #obey me! headcanons #obey me! x reader #obey me lucifer #obey me lucifer x reader #obey me lucifer imagine #obey me lucifer headcanons #obey me mammon #obey me mammon x reader #obey me mammon imagine #obey me levi #obey me leviathan #obey me leviathan imagine #obey me leviathan headcanons #obey me leviathan x reader #obey me satan #obey me satan imagine #obey me satan headcanons #obey me satan x reader #obey me asmodeus #obey me beelzebub #obey me belphegor #obey me diavolo #obey me asmodeus x reader #obey me beelzebub x reader

[akvtsuki-ari]

Sweetheart (Ch.1)

Warnings: Mentions of BDSM and bunch of other kinks but nothing sexual in this chapter lol. Sub!Spencer and Femdom!Reader 

Length: 5.3k 

Authors Note: this is hands down the most self-indulgent shit ive ever wrote but do i care? the answer is no dsjk  but this that series i had planned where the reader introduces spencer to proper BDSM and all that. hoping to make this fic kinda informative also lol. also im uploading this fic on ao3 as well. also no tags for this fic bc its really specific and ill probably be writing for it for a while! sorry about that

Plot Summary: Spencer Reid just wanted to be.., well, you know. He doesn’t expect to find much when he signs up for a BDSM dating website but somehow he manages you and he couldn’t be more delighted

Spencer Reid was certainly a lot of things. He was a lover of the arts, someone who had a particular affinity for 15th-century literature, a magician at best, a theater nerd at worst, and a teacher when life called for it. He loves the world even when it's really dark and he loves sleeping in even more. He loves his friends and they love him too - even when they pretend that his random facts annoy them. Spencer Reid was a friend, an FBI agent, a genius with an IQ of 187, and a son to a mother he loves wholly. He was a lot of things and for the most part - he knew a lot about what he really loved to do. He supposed that it's been like that his whole life.

It's not everyday that he discovers something new about himself. About everything else? Always. He loves to learn, but about himself? There's never all that much on the frontier.

It's hard to say, because of that, when Spencer discovered he was a sub. It's difficult to pinpoint a specific time and place, or even how the pieces got put together. He just remembers how it felt when it hit him, like a freight train going 100 miles an hour into a concrete wall. Or a plane crashing onto an island. Or like a fly hitting the glass panes of a delivery truck. He remembers the feeling when he was deftly reminded of this fact. Spencer Reid was a sub - through and through and he wasn't really sure what to make of it.

Surprisingly to most of his direct peers, Spencer wasn't a virgin. He'd had sex with 2 people who he'd been kinda friends with at some point, but it always got a little weird after that. The second time though, the girl ended up choking him a little bit when she got off and Spencer thought he had died. Not in a bad way, more in a "I'm so turned on by this I feel like I've genuinely gone to heaven," sort of way. He didn't think it was possible for a sexual encounter to make him feel like that but it did. It didn't stop after that either, which was the most agitating part. 

Spencer doesn't consider himself a sexual person. Sex is about intimacy and companionship, and hopefully love when he finds that someday. Sex isn't necessarily about pleasure but that wasn't an easy lesson to learn.

Spencer just wanted to understand - so like any great genius he participated in thought experiments. It's normally a female superhero/supervillain that crosses his mind (he has an affinity for Poison Ivy), and he just kinda imagines what it would be like if they did what she did. The choking turned him on, but it wasn't enough. Through that, he figures out that he had more than a choking kink and that he was more than a little interested in a partner having complete access to him. He thought about it for weeks and the getting off was working for him but he couldn't get the fantasy out of his head. He wanted more - he wanted someone to fulfill his wishes.

It was too much for him to ignore. Those months of being able to hold off through masturbating are over and he's just sorta itching. Aching to act on those impulses with another person who can give him what he needs, and he doesn't want it to be transactional. Maybe it's too ideal to want a partner out of such an endeavor but was it so wrong? To want real affection and romance from someone who could also overpower him wasn't a crime and he'd be damned if he pretended to want any less. Spencer was just searching, even if it was rather desperately. 

So, when Spencer finds himself on a BDSM dating site and he feels like his life is in shambles, he can only blame himself. It's not something he'd normally do but he's getting a little more than relentless about it but he also just wants to see what's out there. He's so out of it was it happens, it felt like he was being possessed as he made a fake email and wrote out his account information. Definitely blaming it on possession, he thinks. 

It's too late to go back, as he scrolls through tons of profiles of rather intense looking people. He's not surprised, this is where people go to express themselves. They're entitled to that, it just sucks since he's just not ready for such levels of intensity. He wonders if he's in too deep yet, but he figures he'd hit that mark a long time ago and keeps scrolling through profiles. There wasn't much to go off of, many people not choosing to use photos for the sake of anonymity, which was good for Spencer. He clicks onto his own profile, reading his own bio carefully.

USERNAME: DOC187 

SUB/ SWITCH / DOM 

M / F / O

FETISHES: N/A

BIO: Interest in a dominant female companion. Completely inexperienced.

Spencer feels ridiculous, but he doubts anyone would even message him. He doesn't have much on his profile and he keeps things short for that purpose. He wanted to stay as low to the ground as possible - more curious to explore what was going in the world than to find anything legitimate. He scrolls through hundreds of profiles, mostly of people who were BDSM vets looking for new connections or fun. Some people catch his eye but they don't match his interests so he doesn't bother.

Except, one profile. The bio was beyond interesting to Spencer.

USERNAME: MISS—LILAC

SUB / SWITCH / DOM 

M / F / O 

FETISHES: Sadomasochist, Degradation, Humiliation, Pegging, Overstimulation, Edging, Crossdressing, Exhibitionism, Mutual Masturbation, Dacryphilia, Shibari/Gags/Bondage, Wax Play, Impact Play, Breath Play, General Sensation Play, Discipline, Collaring, Begging. Willing to try most things. 

BIO: Interested in submissive males of any experience level. Helps if you're interesting and like to read and watch indie films. Looking for genuine connection and plenty of good banter. Curly hair is nice too. lol.

Before Spencer can think about it for too long his mouse clicks over that stupid little message button next to your profile. Spencer shakes his head at his own existence as he types you a message. Says you're online right now, but Spencer's sure he won't get a response for a while.

DOC187: Seems I fit who you're interested in. I even have the curly hair.

Spencer chews on his nails anxiously before he sighs at himself. He has no clue what's gotten into him belle before he can think he sees your 3-dotted bubble pop up. He feels his body wracked with nerves.

MISS—LILAC: I'm guessing you like to read and watch indie films too?

Spencer smiles. You seem interesting and the fact that the two of you were just talking normal was making Spencer happy.

DOC187: Indeed. I'm a sucker for 15-century literature and anything in Russian and foreign language. You?

MISS—LILAC: 15th century huh? I'll assume Chaucer. And Russian? You're interesting, doc. I'm more modern and English, hope you're not deterred.

Spencer smiles, surprised that you recognize an author as niche as Chaucer. He shakes his head at your commentary. He almost forgets that both of you are on a BDSM dating site and the irony doesn't escape him.

DOC187: Deterred? Never. I think you're rather interesting too, Miss Lilac.

MISS—LILAC: Ever the gentleman doc. I'm hoping you won't run away if I ask you more personal questions.

Spencer swallows. He types back quickly.

DOC187: What kinds of questions?

MISS—LILAC: If it's okay, you're real name and what you do. My names Y/N, and I'm a florist. I live in DC and I love romance novels.

Spencer smiles. He appreciates you laying down the path for him, knowing the stakes.

DOC187: My names Spencer and I work for the FBI. I also live in DC, and I love magic.

MISS—LILAC: Magic? I'd love for you to show me sometime.

Spencer swallows. Part of him feels like it's a stupid idea to ask you out so early but if you asked, he'd likely say yes. He decides to wait it out.

DOC187: I'd be more than happy to show you.

MISS—LILAC: I suppose you could send me a video but that's not the same as seeing the magic in real life, now is it?

Spencer is smiling like an idiot at this point. He shakes his head a little, jittery.

DOC187: Infinitely better live, I would say.

MISS—LILAC: Seems like I've found an excuse to ask you on a date then. Saturday's work for me but I'm sure it depends on you, FBI man. Before that, I'm gonna drop my number and I'll be expecting your call. (XXX-XXX-XXXX)

Spencer giggles. It's a little out of range for things he's used to doing, giggling aloud for someone else is certainly new. Spencer picks up his phone and dials away, anxious to call you but excited nonetheless. He heard you pick up the phone and his heart catches in his throat.

"Hello?," Your voice is smooth, and a little bit lower than he was expecting. It sounds pretty.

"Hello, Y/N," Spencer says back. He heard you laugh on the other side and can't help the way his heart flutters.

"Lovely to talk to you doc,"

"Still Doc? Not Spencer?" Spencer questions. You smile on the other side of the line.

"Doc seems to fit you. But, for the sake of formality, hello Spencer,"

"I like Doc too, but it feels like I should have a nickname for you as well. Only seems fair," Spencer says laughing quietly.

"If it's your prerogative you can call me Miss Lilac, or just Miss but..." you trail off for a minute. Spencer squints.

"Miss is a title, you know? Doesn't seem fair for you to call me that when I haven't earned it from you yet. I'm sure we'll get there but for now you can just call me Y/N," you say softly. Spencer blushes bright red, his voice betraying him as he speaks.

"O-Oh, well um - where does the name Lilac come from? Normally people go with their names when it comes to stuff like that," Spencer says shyly. He heard you laugh on the other side of the phone and blushes again, grateful you can't see him.

"I love the language of flowers and flowers themselves. It's a way to speak that not many people know - but I like the meaning and look of lilacs. White lilacs represent purity, so that was a bit of irony, but light purple lilacs mean first love," you say carefully.

"First love?," Spencer asks. You bite your lip for a moment.

"I joke that BDSM is my first love since it's such a big part of my life. Not as big as some but not small for certain. It gave me much needed confidence so I joke that it was my first," You say lightly. You hear Spencer giggle on the other side and you smile.

"What about your username? Any significance to DOC187 that I should know of?," you readjust your seat on your couch as you talk. Spencer grows a bit embarrassed.

"I normally introduce myself as Doctor Spencer Reid for work, not a medical doctor but I have three PhD's," Spencer admits. You raise your brows but hear the hesitation in his voice.

"Very, very impressive doc. What about the 187? It could be a plain ol' number but my guess would be otherwise,"

"That's my IQ, actually. I don't think intelligence can be boiled down and quantified like that but I couldn't think of anything else," Spencer explains.

"So you're a certified genius with 3 PhD's? To say I'm impressed is an understatement. Anything else impressive you'd like to tell me before I totally pick your brains," you say a little shocked.

"You wanna pick my brains?," Spencer asks. You wanna laugh at the irony of such a silly question from such an intelligent man but you refrain.

"Who wouldn't?," you say incredulously. Spencer smiles shyly.

"The only other thing is that I can read 20,000 words per minute," Spencer says trying to deflect. Your jaw dropped before but it manages to unhinge a little further.

"There's a lot to get to know about you Doctor Reid,"

"I'm sure it's the same for you," Spencer replies.

"Guess we'll have to find out won't we?," you say smiling.

Damn, Spencer got lucky. Hopefully he'd get to find out soon

_____

"Reid, are you listening?," Derek's voice snaps Spencer out of his entranced state. His smiling expression snaps up to look at Derek who looks a little exasperated.

"Sorry, what was that?," Spencer asks back. Derek puts down the case file they were working on. They had just finished a case and needed to complete some paperwork before submitting it for review and to be used in court. The job was given to him and Morgan and Spencer was evidently distracted.

"Alright, kid - what is up with you? All case you've been checking your phone non-stop and spacing out, all smiles and giggles. C'mon now kid, seriously. You got a little lady at home waiting for you or is there something else I don't know about?," Derek interrogates. Spencer doesn't really know what to make of it, though it's not really in his interest to hide you, it hasn't really come up with anyone on the team yet so it was proving difficult to decide what to do. The smile on his face manages to appear again as he starts to think about you, the tips of his ears red.

"Reid," Morgan says again, with a small look of irritation.

"Her names Y/N," Spencer blurts out faster than he can't think. Derek gives him a huge grin, holding his hand out to dap Spencer up. Spencer just looks at it confused for a second before getting the memo.

"'My man," Derek says chuckling. Before Spencer can continue Prentiss, JJ, and Garcia walk in. Hotch is the only one missing, and Spencer's a little grateful.

"What are we celebrating in here you guys?," Prentiss asks first. Spencer goes to say something to move away from his sudden confession but Derek is quick to cut him off.

"Our boy genius over here got him a little lady," Derek announces. The whole team erupts in questions and Spencer wants to bury himself.

"Congratulations, Spencer!! How long have you two been dating?," Prentiss asks.

"You guys are so dramatic. It's only been two months but no first date because well..." Spencer trails off. JJ just nods her head.

"Duty calls, I'm guessing" JJ finishes. Spencer nods deflated hearing Emily draw a breath between her teeth.

"That's tough, Spence,"

Just as Spencer goes to give a response back he gets a text from you that makes his day a little better. It's a selfie of you at work, a picture your employee must've taken of you in a room full of new flower deliveries. You're giving Spencer a toothy grin as you hold a bunch of gardenias in your hand.

Y/N 🌸: *image attachment* 

Gardenias// You're lovely + Secret Love <33

Spencer cannot control the way his whole face bunches up in a smile, as if there's no one else in the room with him. Everyone just looks at him surprised, Garcia giving him a side-eye.

"How can you guys trust this stranger? We don't even know who she is! I haven't even run any background checks on her," Garcia complains. Prentiss nudges her side.

"I don't know if it matters - look at how hard he's smiling over there," Prentiss says. Garcia reluctantly looks and can't help but sigh.

"Okay well he seems really happy but still! We don't even know her," she pouts.

"I'm sure we'll meet her soon," JJ snickers at Spencer's lovestruck expression. Derek leans over Spencer's shoulder and raises his brows.

"Is that her, kid?," Derek asks. Spencer nods, simply staring at the picture you sent. Derek whistles when he sees you - you're genuinely stunning and he's surprised to say the least.

"Hot mama, pretty boy - how'd you manage that?," Derek asks, dumbfounded. Emily rolls her eyes.

"C'mon Derek, I'm sure - oh wow," Emily leans over Spencer's shoulder to see you and is met with the same reaction. JJ and Garcia are quick to follow thereafter, both looking equally as surprised.

"She's..." JJ trails off. The rest of the team just nods as Spencer grins ear to ear.

Spencer 🐻: Beautiful, as always.

Spencer ignores the rest of the team as they look at each other in disbelief.

Y/N🌸: Me or the flowers, Doc?

Spencer🐻: Both, but mostly you.

"Wow, Spencer you're really -" Prentiss starts

"You're whipped, kid. I mean seriously whipped," Derek finishes, nodding in agreement. JJ can't help but smile, giving Spencer a small pat on the back.

"She seems lovely, Spencer. How'd you two meet?," JJ says. Garcia stands around looking rather suspicious. A blush creeps onto Spencer's neck as he's reminded of how you two met.

"Online," Spencer says shortly. No one decides to question it, and Spencer thanks every god he can think of.

"Have you two FaceTimed yet? How can we know she's not, I don't know - catfishing you? Or scamming you in some other cyber criminal way?," Garcia sounds distressed. Spencer gives a small smile.

"We fall asleep over FaceTime every night," Spencer admits. Penelope's expression falls, and Prentiss gives a smile.

"That is disgustingly cute," JJ says laughing.

"Okay, well - I'm still running a background check on her," Garcia says stubbornly "But, I'm happy for you,"

"Thanks Garcia," Spencer mumbles out as he texts you again.

Y/N🌸: I wanna see you, love

Spencer blushes red as he reads your message. The word love makes his whole face hot.

Spencer🐻: I can't take a selfie for my life

Y/N🌸: You're with your team aren't you? Get them to take a picture of you.

Spencer wants to fold away, not ever really being the picture type, but how could he ever deny you.

Spencer🐻: How could I ever say no to you?

"Hey guys, can one of you take a picture of me for Y/N?" Spencer asks embarrassingly red. The whole team sends him a look of surprise.

"I'll take it Spence, try not to look as uncomfortable as you do right now," JJ says. The whole team refrains from laughing as Spencer gives an awkward smile. He thanks JJ who hands him back his phone before texting you again.

Spencer🐻: *image attachment* You owe me one

Y/N🌸: you're stunning as always. hadn't seen you in so long I almost forgot what you looked like.

Spencer🐻: stunnings an interesting choice of words.

Y/N🌸: I said what I said, doc. 

Spencer can't help but do a little giggle, that causes the whole team to give him a look. Morgan just shakes his head, shrugging. Emily, JJ, and Garcia just look at each other before the room draws into a subtle but comfortable silence as Spencer just smiles, totally unaware of how whipped he happened to look. He didn’t seem to mind either way. 

___

"How was work?," Spencer asks over the phone, kicking his shoes off as he looks into his fridge for something to eat. He hears you sigh on the other side of the line.

"Busy today - wedding season is coming up so tons of calls for centerpiece designs and costs. It's going well though, business couldn't be better," you say, clearly tired yet content. Spencer gives a small smile and feels relieved that things are going okay for you.

"That's really good. I'm glad you're feeling alright," Spencer replies. You ease into the couch as you talk to Spencer, relaxing by the second. 

"What about you, FBI man? You have an okay day?," Your voice is full of a gentle concern that Spencer appreciates.

"Yeah, just paperwork and JJ said that we shouldn't have any upcoming cases this week to be worried about so I have the weekend off," Spencer says without thought.

"Have any special plans for the weekend?," you say cheekily. Spencer, still not having caught on, shakes his head for a second.

"No, why?,"

"Hm... well - would you like to go on a date with me then Doctor Reid?," You ask, giggling. Spencer's eyes widen in realization as he facepalms for a moment.

"Wow, I didn't even think... yes - yes I would love to go on a date with you Y/N," Spencer says laughing at his own misfortune. You shake your head instinctively, but the growing smile and even further growing adoration makes it hard to sit still.

"Hey, Spencer," you say, butterflies filling your stomach.

"Yeah?"

"I really like you,"

____

Saturday comes quicker than Spencer can really understand. You told him not to worry about what the days plans would be but he can't help it. Anxiously awaiting you in front of the cafe that the two of you were supposed to meet at, in a part of town Spencer hasn't really seen before. You said that you'd lead the way and the irony isn't lost on him.

"Spencer?," Your voice is small, as you call out to what you think is Spencer Reid. Of course, you'd seen him before but to see him in person like this was still so unfamiliar. His head shoots up, eyes searching for you. He's delighted to have found you, certainly that was true as he walks towards you. Your arms envelop him in a friendly hug and he can't help but find himself sinking into. You smelled sweet, like fruit and flowers (which makes sense, the more he thinks about it)

"Lovely to finally meet you, Y/N,"

"Same goes for you, doc. Would you like to be informed of our plans for the day, or do you prefer the element of surprise?,"  You ask smiling. Spencer laughs at your question.

"Details would be appreciated, but I get the feeling you're not gonna give me those."

"You're right! It's a trick question, since it's a surprise. But, promise it'll be good,"

"I'll take your word for it then," Spencer says with a small smile. You hold your hand out for Spencer which he accepts, locking his hands with yours. The affection makes him feel full of warmth, as you lead him away for the day you had planned for the both of you.

___

Spencer underestimated how well you knew him. He really, really did. It's hard to explain since Spencers been on a date before but this was so profoundly different. He's a little touched, but beyond that he's just.. surprised? Every date he'd been on before this, he'd have to play the gentleman but it never seemed like the other person was interested in just him. It was always casual small-talk over dinner, or a mid-day coffee date or something else that just felt mundane but this was beyond Spencer's imagination.

The first place you took him was a bookstore - which was in Spencers mind already a winner for best date he'd ever been on. You walked inside with him and told him he had to pick up a book for you and you had to pick up a book for him and to say his heart absolutely fluttered would be an understatement. He picked up up a copy of "The Screwtape Tales," by C.S. Lewis for you, and you gave him a copy of Shel Silverstein's "Where The Sidewalk Ends." For you, you got a glimpse to see what Spencer's sense of humor was and you gave Spencer a piece of your childhood. Both equal but opposite forms of intimacy. The only thing was Spencer had to wait to read his book because it's relatively shorter than yours and he reads 20,000 words per minute.

The next place you took Spencer was an indoor butterfly garden. Does he have to explain why that's a good date? He heard you talk about all the scientific names for the different flowers and why they attract butterflies and he wasn't sure he could crush any harder on you if he tried. A particular moment sticks out to him on which a butterfly landed on your shoulders and just stayed there like it didn't want to leave. Spencer's eyes were fixated on it the whole time - and he had never wanted to be a butterfly in his life before but he figures there's a first time for everything.

The last place, where the both of you were at now was just a small coffee shop, locally owned and supported by the community here. You told Spencer that when you started up your shop, you'd come in here to work on big orders before you'd expanded enough to have employees. Spencer admires your work ethic, much more than he could ever anticipate as he sits down at a small booth, totally covering the both of you as you return to the table with a little plate of banana bread and two iced coffees. Spencer pouts as he looks up at you, watching you flash him a grin.

"I could've helped you carry this over," Spencer complains gently. You roll your eyes.

"Maybe next time doc," you say softly. You hold back your commentary often on the date, and Spencer pretends not to notice for your sake but he'd be lying if he said he didn't wanna know. You always had something sly to say but you'd kept it from him so many times now he figures it's better if he didn't ask.

Spencer looks at you as you push a plate of banana bread towards him. He looks at you with curious eyes before reading your clearly excited face and laughs. He picks up a piece and examines it, before taking a bite. If it tasted as good as it smelled then he would be more than obliged.

The involuntary moan that escapes Spencer's throat makes you choke with laughter. Shit, you weren't kidding when you said this was the best banana bread in the city. Spencer just looks up at you like he's about to cry with joy as you double over in giggles.

"I know," You say softly, taking a bite yourself eyes filling with joy "I ordered some more for us to take home - you're welcome," you say with confidence. Spencer smiles because that is genuinely thoughtful, but it was more endearing to see you pretend it wasn't. He just shakes his head, a blush arising to his face as he looks at you. You're staring at him with intent. He quirks his brow at you in question.

"I had a good time today, Spencer" You say warmly. You only called him Spencer when you were saying something affectionate and a bit serious. He gives you a toothy smile.

"I haven't been on very many dates, but this was easily the best one I'd ever been on," Spencer says honestly. You grin ear to ear, hands carefully holding Spencer across the table, running your thumb over his knuckles for a few seconds. You couldn't say for sure whether it was too soon to ask him to be your boyfriend, but you'd be damned if you said it didn't cross your mind.

Spencer was mind-numbingly unaware of what good boyfriend material he was, but beyond that - what good submissive boyfriend material he was. It was driving you nuts, but you knew this was all new for him and you didn't wanna freak him out. Even when guys say they're interested in being submissive, they're still often times uncomfortable with you being fully dominant. Dominant in public and in bed, if you will. You wanted to pay for dates, and buy him flowers, and make him feel special too - at least on the occasion. That role came naturally to you, that let me make you feel owned type affection that only a dominant person can give. It scared men off - out of relationships, and you totally got why - but you liked Spencer too much as a person to risk iit.

Spencer holds your hands together, gathering your attention. You looked at him spaced out and he gives you a look of concern.

"You okay?," Spencer asks. You nod, chewing your lip in debate of whether or not you should express your concerns. Spencer just tugs on your hand and looks at you intently.

You sigh, looking at Spencer softly.

"I'm okay I just really like you," you say a little exasperated. Spencer laughs but is filled with relief.

"I'm glad to hear that. What else is on your mind?,"

"I really like you - like in an, I want you to officially by my boyfriend way and I hope it's not too soon but I'm just, worried I guess," you say nervously. Spencer can't help the way his heart beats in his chest when he hears you say boyfriend. God did he want to be your boyfriend.

"What're you worried about?,"

"I'm worried about freaking you out. I can be a lot since I'm... you know?," You say nervously. Spencer looks at you  to continue.

"I'm more than just dominant in bed, and for a lot of guys it's not their thing and that's their right but I like you so much. I really don't want that to happen if I ask you out now and you realize that it's not for you," you say in clear upset.

Spencer looks at you in disbelief. You were worried that he was gonna freak out over that? That you were too dominant for him? It feels like such a silly concern but the expression on your face tells him you're speaking from experience.

"I mean, it's all kinda new to me but, well - I do like how you treat me? It's a nice change, I can't imagine myself getting tired of it, or of you. I really like you too," Spencer tried his best to reassure you without totally embarrassing you. You smiles at Spencer but your face is still full of doubt.

"If that ever changes, I'll tell you but I'd really like to call you my girlfriend," Spencer finishes. You can't help the warmth that spreads in your stomach at the offer. You just nod, looking up at him. You stand and walk to Spencer's side of the booth, sliding in next to him, leaning your head into his shoulder for a few while seconds. You sit back up, and Spencer turns to you.

"Hey, doc," you say softly. Spencer hums in acknowledgement.

"Can I kiss you?," you ask softly. Spencer chews his lip and nods, looking down at your lip. You're wearing lipgloss and it makes them look pretty - you are so pretty to Spencer.

Kisses are their own language, Spencer figures. The way someone kisses you can tell you a lot about who they are - so, when you put your hands on the side of Spencer's face, pulling him closer to you with such care and adoration - Spencer can feel what you were referencing earlier. The word Miss rings out in his mind, the way you pay attention to him with your hands. He feels your lips press against his, slowly gliding your fingers in his hair, thumb brushing agains the side of his cheek. Your other hand rested on his inner thigh and he has to think about anything other than that not to get hard. Spencer didn't get how much he'd been thinking about touching you until you'd do with no hesitation and he lets out a small whine. You pull back and Spencer has to catch his breath.

His lashes blink up at you and you're absolutely beaming.

"You're cute baby,"

Baby? Spencer wants to cover his face when you say it. You kiss him again and he can't help but feel flush.

You were Spencer's girlfriend and then some and he couldn't be more happy.

#spencer reid #spencer reid imagine #spencer reid smut #spencer reid angst #spencer reid oneshot #spencer x y/n #spencer reid x y/n #spencer reid x reader #spencer reid x you #Criminal Minds #criminal minds smut #criminal minds fluff #criminal minds imagine #criminal minds x reader #criminal minds x y/n #sub!spencer #sub!spencer reid #so nervous abt uploading this lol

[anachilles]

» somewhere in the crowd, there’s you  ♪  julie/luke [ juke ]

If they weren’t already dead Julie swore she would kill them. Luke especially.

Actually no, that wasn’t fair. This time she couldn’t completely blame them for what was admittedly a dumb decision on her own part. But see it from her perspective - the boys hadn’t seen the Mamma Mia movies. They didn’t even know of their existence. That had to be remedied.

TL;DR - The boys are introduced to the Mamma Mia Cinematic Universe. Alex spectates, Julie sings ABBA, Luke falls further in love, and Reggie ends up reliving the horror of high school math class. Also BROT4 couch cuddles.

link to read on AO3: [x]

taglist: @wokealex @blueruby31

If they weren’t already dead Julie swore she would kill them. Luke especially.

Actually, no, that wasn’t fair. This time she couldn’t completely blame them for what was admittedly a dumb decision on her own part.

But see it from her perspective - the boys hadn’t seen the Mamma Mia movies. Didn’t even know of their existence. They had just been finishing up a group jam session when she’d made some off-hand joke about them hitting the big-time and having their music turned into a movie-musical series “like ABBA”. Reggie’s face had lit up and he immediately jumped on it, “Wait, they made a movie out of ABBA music?”

“Multiple movies?!” Alex had cut in, looking disbelieving but nonetheless delightfully intrigued.

Luke snorted with laughter, throwing his hands up as he turned to look at Julie. “That’s it - I know what we’re doing tonight” he exclaimed, and pointed at her “Do you have them on ta-”

He catches himself before he can finish the word ‘tape’, but Julie’s eyes still narrow, her own smile now challenging. The boys really weren’t that bad at picking up the basics of modern technology, but slip-of-the-tongues still happened and Julie loved to tease them about it. Luke most of all just because he always dogged the other two the most about it when they did it. Also, perhaps a little bit, because he was kind of cute when he got all defensive.

“On what, now?”

Luke floundered for a second, and Alex and Reggie traded a look between them. Suddenly though, a lightbulb dinged above his head and his expression turned smug.

“DVD! Do you have them on DVD”

Julie laughed, making what was meant to be a loud ‘buzzer’ sound. “Wrong answer! Not the most up-to-date form of media storage, but nonetheless thank-you for playing”. Her expression softened though when she heard Alex and Reggie hound him a little behind her, “However, we do have them on DVD because my dad likes having physical copies of stuff”.

She was about to leave to go grab them from the house, only the time on her phone caught her attention and her heart sank.

“Hey guys, I can go get them for you but I don’t think I can stay the whole way through both. I’ve got school tomorrow.”

All three boys erupted in protestations, Luke’s notably the loudest of all, though on Alex’s suggestion she conceded to stay for at least the first one, then they’d pick up the second one tomorrow or something. 

Honestly, it hadn’t taken nearly as much convincing as it should have. 

She just really needed to physically be there to witness the three of them watching Meryl Streep jump off a pier to the tune of ‘Dancing Queen’ and Pierce Brosnan absolutely butcher ‘The Winner Takes it All’ for the very first time. Also, talking to them about the movies had made her realise it had been way too long since she’d last watched them herself, and they always made her feel so light and happy. As silly as it may sound, the care-free, sunshiney tone but with genuine moments in them had helped carry her through some really dark days. Since then, they’d always been comforting to return to.

So that’s how she ended up squished on the beat-up old studio couch with three ghost boys from the 90’s, having the absolute pleasure of seeing them react to ‘Mamma Mia’ for the very first time. It was a bit of a tight squeeze, and required Reggie to be sitting with one leg straddled over the arm of the couch and the rest of him pretty much glued to Luke’s side, but they made it work.

Although just as she was getting herself comfy in her spot between Alex and Luke, something niggled at the back of her mind. Something she forgot to do? Maybe? She wracked her brain for a couple of minutes, but her attention quickly and all-too-easily drifted to the screen as the opening chords of ‘Honey, Honey’ sounded, like some sort of siren call, and she couldn’t help but mouth along to the words. She knew them pretty much by heart.

What certainly didn’t help with her cognitive functioning however, is when during ‘Money, Money, Money…’ she felt Luke shift where he was pretty much flush against her side and his arm stretch out behind her neck. His hand settled somewhere near her shoulder; teasingly close but not quite touching it. Her heart rate kicked up a notch, but she was determined to keep her eyes on the screen in front of her, daring not to look his way or even let on that she noticed.

The boys were touchy-feely and generally very physically affectionate with each other, she knew that just from generally being around them these past couple of months. Julie had always found it really sweet and endearing, how unashamedly tactile they were with each other, but at the same time couldn’t help but feel left out as her own friendships with all of them got deeper and she grew closer to them all. Now that they were corporeal, at least to her, suddenly she’d become privy to all that as well.

Now she couldn’t imagine not being able to do stuff like hold their hands during band circles, or not knowing the utter warmth of Alex’s hugs (it was undisputed that he gives the best ones) when he noticed she’d had a tough day at school, or even what it felt like to not have Reggie gleefully grab her hands, or arm, or shoulders when he got super excited about something.

She’d already been falling hard for Luke before when she couldn’t physically feel him under her fingertips. For all intents and purposes wasn’t fully there there, but now? When she’d felt the brush of his body behind her when he’d lean over her shoulder to look at sheet music, or his thigh press up against her leg as they shared a piano stool during their little lyric brainstorming sessions? When they could high-five, lean into each other’s side, playfully shove each other when one thinks the other is being annoying, grab each other’s hands and dance around the room in celebration when they manage to book another gig? All those little moments they could have now added layers to what she already felt.

However, even if she felt something between them, that spark,  and her gut told her Luke possibly felt so too, Julie also couldn’t deny that that kind of affection wasn’t any different to the kind he showed towards Alex and Reggie too. Plus, she didn’t really know how ghosts felt about having relationships, especially with the living, or if Luke would even want to go there. So she tried not to read too much into what kind of felt like Luke pulling that old “arm around shoulder whilst distracted by the movie” move.

So although she never really could forget how close he was, Julie let herself become immersed back in the movie. Her life was generally good, labels and certainty or not, she was happy. The happiness of the movie fed into that. The boys seemed to be having a hoot with it as well, if how much Alex especially was grooving in his seat was any indication.

Julie’s not quite sure what possessed her to say it in the moment, or what she expected to transpire when she did, but when they got to the ‘Super Trouper’ scene coming straight off of the, uh, heaviness of ‘Lay All Your Love on Me’ (during which Luke went weirdly quiet for some reason, prompting Alex and Reggie to share a fleeting look over the top of both his and Julie’s heads) and the opening chords sounded she blurted out 

“Oh, this used to be my karaoke song when I was a kid”. 

Luke’s eyes immediately went wide and she knew she was in trouble. He quickly urged Reggie to grab the remote and pause the movie, ignoring Alex’s soft “Hey, I was watching that!”, before turning his attention fully towards her.

“Well now you have to do the routine; get on up there and show us what you’re made of!”

Julie’s jaw hung open a little and she wasn’t sure whether she could really be annoyed at anyone but herself for practically handing this to him on a silver platter.

“No! I really don’t…” she tried to argue, though his mischievous smile was infectious and damn her lips threatened to twitch into a smile too. “It’s been years! And anyway, I only bust it out for audiences that are deserving of it”.

Luke met her with a challenging gaze. “Bet it’s cause you don’t know the words” he said, turning to Reggie, his tone dripping in antagonism. “Hey, did you hear that the great Julie Molina won’t perform because she doesn’t know all of the words to Super Trouper by ABBA?”. Reggie’s eyebrows shot up and he immediately played along. “Y’know what? I actually did hear that somewhere. Huh…”.

Julie shot a withering look at Alex, a wordless “Can you do anything?” shining in her eyes, but he has the nerve to just shrug (!) with a silent, smiling “I’ll allow it”.

She could’ve got them to drop it if she really had wanted them to, she knew that. Maybe Julie from three months ago would have. Actually, no, that version of herself definitely would have made them drop it; the darkness shrouding her life day-in, day-out smothering any semblance of silly, carefree happiness and convincing her that simply having fun just wasn’t for her.

But she didn’t feel like that anymore.

Julie pulled herself to her feet, eyes fixed with new determination. She crossed the room to the open space, taking a stance mirroring that of the one they’d paused Meryl Streep in and fixed Luke with a playful glare, even though she was addressing Reggie.

“Unpause the movie”.

The performance was one for the history books, if she did say so herself. The boys watched on in amazement as she remembered every word, near enough every step and dance move (the big sleeve shimmy was an interesting one though with sweater sleeves nowhere near dramatic enough to match Donna’s) and personally she thought she sold it.

About halfway through Alex snuck a glance at Luke by his side, and realised karma must be having a slow night given how fast it was paying the other boy back, because he was undeniably staring at Julie with what was clearly pure, open adoration.

“‘Cause somewhere in the crowd, there’s yooooou” she finished with a flourish, heart thumping, and lowered her arm to point at all three of them in turn, but finishing ultimately on Luke even though he was sat in the middle. His face scrunched up with a cheesy smile and he let out a loud whoop of appreciation, kicking off the round of applause before the other boys joined in, Reggie coming in clutch with the standing ovation and everything.

Julie felt breathless but joyful as she flung herself back into her seat, and Luke leaned forward to grab her soda, handing it to her with what looked like contrition.

“I guess I stand corrected, huh?” he said, defeated, but not entirely sorry to be so.

She shrugged, taking a sip of the drink. “I guess you are. It’s a good look on you”.

Luke snorted with laughter and they laughed together for a brief second, an apparent blush rising to sit on his cheeks (Could ghosts blush? How did that even work?).

Before the situation could get weird or questionable though, he turned back towards the movie, but slowly. Like he wasn’t quite ready to leave this moment just yet; like he wanted to stay looking at her just a bit longer. Julie just nudged him and settled back in, trying to go about it in such a way that would implore him to put his arm back around her like he had before.

It didn’t come until the scene where Bill confesses to Sophie that he thinks he’s her father, but eventually that now familiar weight settled behind her head again, setting off a whole herd of butterflies in her stomach.

The first movie came to an end, and things wouldn’t have been awful if she’d just called it a night there and gone to bed. But she was having so much fun and they were all so comfy, and the boys seemed very excited for the prospect of a half-prequel-half-sequel.

“Surely they’ve already used all the good ABBA songs in the first one though, right?” Reggie argued, causing Alex to swing round to look at him, scandalised.

“Are you insinuating that there’s a bad ABBA song?”

While they hashed it out in the background, Luke backing Reggie up just to get a rise out of Alex, Julie acted on impulse and jumped up, running towards the garage window. All the lights in the house were out, meaning her dad was already in bed and everything. As long as she was super quiet sneaking back in and remembered to bypass that squeaky floorboard on the stairs, he never had to know.

“Alright; Here We Go Again - let’s do this”.

Turns out Julie had kind of underestimated how late it was and how long the day had been. She could feel herself getting tired around the ‘Waterloo’ mark, eyelids growing heavier and heavier as she gradually sunk lower and relaxed deeper into the couch. By the time young Donna makes it to the Kalokairi her head had come to rest in the crook Luke’s neck, his flannel soft under her cheek as his cheek leans against the top of her head. Maybe it was a testament to how sleepy she was, but she couldn’t bring herself to move away. The posture felt natural.

She was so comfortable, surrounded by warmth and the soothing hum of the old second-hand TV they’d bought at a garage sale and moved into the garage, she was right on the verge of dozing off… when a realisation crashed into her mind, seemingly out of nowhere.

Julie shot up poker-straight, suddenly very awake. “Oh, crap!”

The three boys startled, most of all Luke when her movement meant he almost fell face-first into the couch cushion.

“What is it?!”

She groaned and fell forward into her hands. “I have a math test tomorrow. And I was going to study for it before bed tonight.”

So that’s how she ends up with Reggie hanging uselessly over her shoulder in the middle of math class, the exchange that came after the realisation still ringing in her ears.

“Hey, hey! It’s fine. Take Reggie - believe it or not, he was good at math” Luke offered up hurriedly.

Reggie himself looked a little stricken. “Yeah, 25 years ago, dude!”.

“Do the rules of math go out-of-date, or…?” Alex teased, though still placed a comforting hand on Julie’s back.

“No, Alex, they don’t - so relax, you’ll be fine, man! You can’t make the situation any worse by trying”

“Don’t give him that challenge, Luke”.

Though admittedly she loved him just for actually turning up and trying, he was staring down at the test with as much confusion as she was. Apparently math had changed over the course of 25 years. They exchange a mutually panicked look. Clearly, neither of them knew shit. Instead, Reggie just runs up to the front of the room and peeps on Mrs Ford’s answer sheet, Julie’s hopeful eyes following him as he dodges around desks and backpacks lying on the floor.

“Are you sure?” she mumbles to him under her breath when he gets back. Apparently not quite low enough though, when the guy next to her turns to give her a funny look, and she has to make a show of furrowing her eyebrows and counting on her fingers, muttering appropriately as she goes.

Julie can feel Flynn’s discerning gaze from across the room and she knows she knows there’s some ghost-like foolery happening. It’s a mess. She’s a mess.

Eventually the bell sounds and signals an end to the ordeal, and Julie takes out her (locked) phone to genuinely thank Reggie for his help all the same.

“Ehhh I’m not sure how much help I was, but you’re welcome” he says, laughter coloured with self-deprecation.

Julie smiles genuinely, and she would’ve nudged him if she wouldn’t have been nudging thin air in public. “Hey, I think we got about three quarters of those answers down and that’s 75% more than I would’ve gotten without you”.

Reggie looks pleased, and stands up a little straighter as he walks alongside her. “Do you mind if I hang out here for a while, by the way?”

Julie’s a little taken aback. “I mean, sure, but why would you want to? It’s just school”.

Reggie shrugs, and there’s something unreadable in his eyes. It’s weird for him; he’s generally such an open book. “I don’t know. I never graduated, we were still going when we… y’know…” he trails off, eyes scanning the halls and the throngs of students laughing and chatting together at their lockers, going about their normal day. “Kind of miss it”.

“Well, you obviously have free reign to look around wherever you want. If you want me to show you anywhere in particular, just let me know. I’m meeting Flynn for lunch now though, so that might not be as fun for you...”

The way he says it makes something ache in Julie’s chest, and she wishes she could give him a hug. With the boys so real now, and so immersed and predominant in her life, it was getting easier and easier to somewhat forget that they were actually dead and had both led and left lives behind. Being reminded of that was starting to hit her that little bit harder.

Reggie nods sincerely, mirroring her slight chuckle. “Thanks, Julie”.

Approaching the cafeteria, Julie sees Flynn in the distance, and is about to put her phone away when she suddenly stops in her tracks, and keeps it held to her face.

“By the way…” she smirks. “If Alex or Luke ask, I scored a 95 and it was all down to you”.

#jatp #julie and the phantoms #juke #julie molina #luke patterson #jatp fanfiction #mine #my writing

[fluffymcu]

Letting Loose

Part TEN

This series is TICKLE related. Outfits that are linked here are purely for picturing the clothes, you don’t have to look like the model.

Series Summary:  You’re the little sister of the one and only Captain America. You’re also the youngest girl on the team, so that automatically makes you the avengers’ little princess. And they spoil you as such. They have become your amazing family and you don’t know where you’d be without them. This series will show random adventures and fluffy events in the daily life of the reader and her family, along with an unexpected turn later on as you read.

A/N: I’m so exited to have gotten to the big twist! I hope you guys enjoy this chapter even though it doesn’t have any tickle scenes in this one just because I didn’t really feel it fit right with this part since it’s kinda serious.

Warnings: Drama?

Word Count: 2,335

Previous       Next

----

“I don’t understand, how is that possible?” You ask her, the team equally as confused. You had let her in, motioning for her to take a seat. She did so with a sigh and had a look of mild annoyance. 

“To put it simply, I was made out of a one night stand. My mom was Cassandra Murray.” She started, Tony instantly recognizing that name and gulping at the small pang of sadness hitting his chest. “She got diagnosed with cancer when I was 12. I didn’t have any other family because my mom and her parents had a falling out years ago for being too abusive. Of course, she didn’t want me staying with my abusive grandparents ever, or ending up in foster care, so she made me promise that when she died, I would go straight to find my father.” 

“I don’t understand, why didn’t your mother tell me she was pregnant or that I had a daughter?” Tony asked, his brows furrowed in deep confusion. Ruby Anne only shrugged and looked away.

“She never said. She just... kept it a secret until I was old enough to know who you were and she finally told me you were my father.” The room feel into a deep silence before Steve decided to speak up.

“Well, thank you for keeping your promise coming to us. You’ll stay here in the compound until you’re of legal age and after that you can decide where you want be. But we’d be happy to have you here for as long as you want.” Steve nodded at her, giving her a sympathetic smile before deciding to give them some space. “Oh, and I’m so sorry about your mom. May she rest in peace.” The rest of the team agreed and gave her their apologies before you followed the team out of the living room, leaving Tony and Ruby to talk. 

The room fell silent again, Ruby Anne avoiding Tony’s gaze. He took a deep breath. “Would you like me to... show you to your room?” He asked. She nodded without a word and followed him upstairs, taking her bag with her. 

----

“Holy crap, this is insane!” You exclaimed. All of you were currently in the basement processing the news. The team agreed and ran their fingers through their hair and rubbed their hands on their faces. You were still also very confused as to why she was looking at you weirdly. You had nothing to do with her, why was she giving you weird looks? You knew everybody knew who you were, and that you lived with the team but that wouldn’t really seem like a valid excuse to take it out on you. But then again, we all grieve in different ways??

“Yup, and we’ve seen some weird crap over the years.” Clint chuckled humorlessly, taking a seat on one of the cushions. “Poor Tony, this is gonna hit him hard.” Your stomach tied itself in a knot at the thought of Tony being so distraught. Tony deserved only happiness and the fact that he might be experiencing something other than that made you frown. 

“But, he’s Tony. He can handle anything, right?” You asked, doubt and worry dripping from your words. When you didn’t receive a verbal answer, instead just unsure looks, you sighed, making it your mission to help Tony as much as he needed with this situation.

--- 

“Okay! This is you.” Tony sighed, giving her a small smile as she walked in, putting her bag by the bed and looking around, showing no expression. “Umm, listen, so I know you’re going through a tough time right now, your mother just... passed and I just wanna say I’m so sorry. And I mean that for everything. For-” He gets cut off by Ruby Anne looking at him straight in the eye for the first time since she got here.

“I don’t need your pity right now. I’m fine. Thanks for the room, I’m good for now.” She says dryly, turning her back to him. 

He wants to say he’s surprised at her behavior but how could he? He hadn’t been there for her, and her mother just died, and now she has to come live with a bunch of strangers all of a sudden. So no, he wasn’t surprised at her distant behavior, but he could only hope she would warm up soon so he could make up for all of that lost time. He nodded quietly, grabbing the knob to her door. “Well, if you need anything, anything at all, just let know.” And with that, he left, shutting the door behind him. Ruby sighs, and sits down on the big chair next to her nightstand and stares around the room. It’s nothing like her room at home. Everything in here looked expensive, but it didn’t surprise her. It was the Avengers compound after all. 

-----

You and the team were surrounding the kitchen island trying to have a normal conversation after all of this, but failing miserably. Moments later Tony joins them at the island and sighs, rubbing his hands over his face. You frown and feel bad for him, walking over to give him a hug. He returns it, a sad expression on his face. 

“I know it’s only the first day but it still hurts to see her hate me.” He mumbled. 

Nat tilted her head and rubbed his shoulder comfortingly. “She doesn’t hate you Tony, she’s just stressed. Like you said, this is the first day and a lot of things are changing for her and it may be too much for her right now. Plus she’s going through grief right now, so just give her time. She’ll come around.” She smiled, the rest of the team nodding in agreement. Tony sighed, not really believing it but nodding nonetheless. Now he just has to explain to Pepper why there’s another 15 year girl living in the compound when she comes back from her business trip.

---- 

It’s been 2 weeks, things have settled down a bit, the news finally settling in. The talk between Pepper and Tony going much better than expected, Pepper being very understanding and supportive. It made Tony feel at least a little better about the situation now that he had the support of his wife. Ruby Anne is still very distant, but he tells himself to be patient and give her time and space. She’ll warm up. He thought. She’ll warm up.

You and Peter trudged down the stairs, ready for school, waving everyone goodbye before running out to the car. Ruby was already there, sitting in the front seat next to Happy since you and Peter always sat in the back.

You thanked Happy, the 3 of you getting out of the car and walking inside. When Peter left to go to his class, you took advantage of this small time alone to try and talk to her, and maybe convince her to spend a little time with Tony.

“Hey, so maybe you wanna spend a little time with tony after school? I know he’s been eager to get to know you better and be a father to you?” You smile, trying to get her excited about spending some quality time with her dad. She turned to look at you with dulled eyes.

“He’s never been a father to me.” She ground out, walking in front of you. You stay there for a few seconds in mild shock but quickly recover, shaking off the stress and catching up to her.

“Ok... but,,, he didn’t know you had- you know, he didn’t know you existed then. But he does now! And he wants to apologize for everything and fix it!” You shrug cheerfully. She glanced at you once more before shaking her head and walking faster.

“No thanks.” She spat. You stand there and sigh, watching her advance and roll your eyes tiredly.

The whole school day you were thinking of plans to get Ruby Anne out of her shell. Right now, you would have liked it better if she could start warming up to Tony but apparently that wasn’t gonna happen just yet. So your next move was trying to get her to warm up to the rest of the team. Or at least for now, you and Peter.

———

You had gotten home later that day because traffic was horrible today so by the time you, Peter and Ruby got home, dinner was ready and they were waiting for you at the table.

“I’m not eating tonight.” Ruby mumbles, going straight to her room and closing the door. You raise your eyebrows a bit in mild awkwardness as you and Peter make your way to the table. Tony sighs, almost inaudible but you heard it. Pepper pats Tony’s back and reassured him. “Don’t worry, she’ll come around.”

“I wonder when that’ll be.” He chuckled dryly and you all begin to eat, trying to change the subject to a happier matter. You hate to see Tony so upset like this. And although you understood what Ruby was going through right now, the fact that his own daughter was the cause of him feeling like this didn’t sit right with you. You were getting impatient for him.

——-

3 weeks have passed, and Ruby has taken no steps toward getting to know anyone on the team. She would literally spend the whole day in her room if she wasn’t in school.

It was a Friday afternoon, and you all had gotten back from school and you and peter were watching a movie with Bucky and Wanda in the small movie theatre in the basement. Tony went to check up on Ruby, as he did everyday, hoping today would be the day where they take a positive step towards healing.

Ruby sighed when she heard the knock on her door and she rolled her eyes, letting out a mumbled “come in.” and facing away from the door. Tony stepped in, offering a smile even though she couldn’t see it. “Hey.” He started, not surprised when she didn’t respond.

“I uhh, just wanted to-“ He paused, not wanting to be turned down immediately again, deciding to delay the subject a bit. “Uhh y/n and Peter are down in the basement. They’re watching a movie with Barnes and Wanda. You didn’t wanna join them?” He asks.

She shakes her head silently, acting annoyed and shifting in her position. Tony bites his lip for a moment before trying once again to talk to her. “I also cane to say that I’m really sorry for not being there for you. If I had known-“ He sighs deeply as he gets cut off like he does every time he brings it up, looking down at the floor as she talks. But this time, she snaps at him.

“Look! I didn’t want to come here! The only reason I came in the first place was because I promised my mom I would. I didn’t want to come here!! I begged her not to make come here, but she made me promise because she didn’t want me ending up in an orphanage or foster care. That’s it! My mom was there for me!! You weren’t.” She spat, turning back around and giving him her back. Tony stood there, shocked. It was the longest conversation they’ve had together in the 2 months she’s been here, and it was to snap at him.

“I-I know, I didn’t know she had a daughter. And I’m sorry I wasn’t there. I promise, if I had known, I would never-“ he paused, chocking up a little as the guilt overtakes him. “I would have been there for you.”

She rolled her eyes and looking down at the floor, her brows knitted together. “I don’t need a father.” She seethed. “I spent all the important years of my life without one. It can stay that way.” She mumbled. Tony stayed there in silence, processing her words, and slowly nodding.

“Ok.” He sighs, leaving the room and closing the door, making his way down the halls. Ruby feels a bit of guilt for a split second before anger overcoming it and he grunts, taking a seat on the chair and moping.

———

After the movie, you go to check on Tony and after looking everywhere else, you go check down in his lab and you find him there, working on a suit. As you come in and walk closer to him, you notice how distraught he looks and your heart hurts as you walk faster over to him and rest your hand on his shoulder. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

Tony looks up at you, giving you a smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes, and looks down to his work. “She uhh,,, doesn’t want me around her; at all. Says she’s lived all the important years of her life without me, so she can keep it that way.” He mumbled. You furrow your eyebrows at the fact that she would actually say that to her father. “Maybe I should just let her be. When she’s a legal adult, she’ll be allowed to leave the compound and she won’t have to see me again.” Your body jerks up a bit at the sound of Tony being close to giving up and you shake your head.

“No, don’t give up, Tony! She’s your daughter. She’s gonna be a challenge... I mean, she is your daughter after all,” you smile lightly, hoping to liven up the mood. Tony chuckles once and shrugs.

“Yeah, but... if she doesn’t want this, why should I force her.” He draws his lips in a fine line.

“Because she’s your daughter. And you have to show her that you’ll be there for her now, and that you won’t give up on her. Make her know she’s worth it to you. It’s gonna be hard, but, you can do it! You’re Iron man.” You smirk, nudging him a bit. He smirks up at you and hugs you tightly.

“My little munchkin.” He cooes, pulling apart from the hug to look at you again. “You sure you’re not gonna be jealous now since you’re gonna have to share my attention between you, Peter, and Ruby Anne?” He teased, pinching your hip causing you to giggle.

“No. She deserves all your attention right now.” You grin, patting Tony’s head affectionately. He smiled and nods, promising himself that he won’t give up.

———-

So since this chapter was a bit serious, there wasn’t really any tickle scenes, but chapter 11 will have lots of fluff so that will be out this Friday! I also have a short Steve x reader imagine that I will post next week :)

#ticklish!reader #tickle fight #avengers tickle #marvel tickle #tickle fluff #avengers #marvel #marvel mcu #peter parker #peter x reader #peter parker x reader

[bb8sworld]

— litoreus, part i

pairing: god of the sea!obi-wan kenobi x reader

word count: 7k (*sweats nervously*)

a/n: greetings, and welcome to the first part of my new series! i don’t know how better to summarize this story than by saying that kara (@karasong) said “neptune is a dilf” then val (@milleniumvalcon) said a statue of poseidon looked like obi-wan, and it spiraled from there. so many thanks to the discord for the idea of this poseidon!obi au.

-- ☆ -- ☆ -- ☆ -- ☆ -- 

Destiny. Fate. Will. Luck. Fortune. Chance. Predestination.

Words Obi-Wan Kenobi was intimately familiar with in a multitude of different tongues, languages, dialects, and scripts. Words that have altered in connotation throughout history but have remained steadfast in their use. Words that he didn’t believe in but knew nonetheless. As someone who has been around as long as he has, and as someone who knows the inner workings of the universe and was created shortly after it’s conception, he’s aware that the ideas of Fate and Destiny were innately… human. Something clung onto by ordinary people who dwelled on the Earth and needed reassurance for an occurrence in their lives or ideas blamed for any wrongdoing that came their way.

No, Obi-Wan Kenobi didn’t believe in Fate, Destiny, Fortune, or whatever other terms may be used to describe these phenomena. Everything had an order, everything had a purpose, and things didn’t happen “by chance” or “just because.” They happened because they were supposed to, not because some outside force separate from the godly beings decided to intervene. As a godly being himself, he thinks he would know if there were outside forces beyond him and his fellow gods having any say in the universe.

One of the many perks of being a god, he supposed.

Being a god was tricky business, and it was a job that often didn’t pay in kind. From his very creation, Obi-Wan had struggled with this role of his, from who he was, who he was meant to be, and how he was supposed to act.

Despite being named Obi-Wan Kenobi upon “birth,” he has gone by a plethora of different names throughout his immortal life thus far—such as Olokun, Lir, Hapi, Poseidon, Neptune, Enbilulu, and Njord, just to name a few. So many names to describe one being who ruled, guarded, and protected the seas and oceans. Each one attuned to the civilization in which the name originated from, but all converging together to describe the same god. And from it came an outpouring of love and awe. It was flattering, to say the least, that humans at one point cared so much about him that they would craft pieces of artwork dedicated to him. Or how they would construct temples of worship for him so that they might have a place to pray for safe voyages, either for themselves or loved ones. It made him feel good and loved and appreciated and a whole litany of positive affirmations that humans use to describe this gooey feeling nestled within him.

Obi-Wan loved to help humanity and had always been infatuated with them—their cultures, lifestyles, relationships, emotions, everything. And any time he helped, he got to learn a little bit more about what made humans so human. Sometimes when he did intervene in their matters and was praised for it, he couldn’t help but wonder if that was what it felt like to be human. To be loved, appreciated, adored, wanted.

But being a god wasn’t always so pleasant and flattering.

Sometimes, if a storm churned in the ocean and caused a shipwreck, his name would be cursed at in such hatred and despair as grief overtook the humans. It stung and was incredibly painful to hear, but unfortunately, he didn’t always have control over those situations. Whenever this happened, he would wonder if the feelings he felt were the same ones humans did in response to these occurrences—unloved, hated, disgusted, guilty, remorseful.

Obi-Wan really, truly wanted to take suffering away from the very humans who had fascinated him for centuries, but that’s not the way the universe works. Matters of life and death were not his jurisdiction, even if either of these happened in the blue waves below. It fell to the god of the underworld who was the overseer of death, so therefore Obi-Wan’s hands were tied. He only had control over the voyage's journey, not the destination of the passengers, meaning he was often forced to watch as lives were taken at sea and his name was sworn against in wrath.

But like with all things brought to the attention of humanity, people move on. And unfortunately for Obi-Wan, as times changed and new beliefs gained traction, that meant humans moved on from their old ways and religions—from the other gods and from him.

Despite his presence once being well-known and called upon in times of need and worship and gratitude, his importance dwindled in the eyes of the humans until he was all but nonexistent. His very being and all his life’s work were boiled down to a name that was somehow both him yet not him, written offhandedly in a history textbook for children to be aware of for a test but to forget immediately afterward. His life became a story sometimes told in a mythology book or two, often censored and abridged for audiences to “understand better.” He became a name people were familiar with but knew little about.

And so humanity had moved on from him, but he hadn’t moved on from humanity.

He was still endlessly intrigued by everything they were about and everything they had to offer, but because of his godly status, he never dared to go down and explore for himself, despite other gods having done so for one reason or another. And every day he was a little more tempted to go down and see what was new and exciting. Every time he saw another god leave to head down, he got a little bit closer to asking if he could join.

That being said, he did stay connected where he could. Throughout all of human history, art had been made in his name, and sometimes he would clear his mind and connect to those works as he did back in the ancient days and listen in on what was being said. Sometimes he caught snippets of stories from those who stood nearby. Sometimes he heard tales of his own life being taught to a younger generation in museums. But it had been a long time since he heard anyone talk to him. And despite his lack of belief in Fate or Destiny or whatever you wanted to call it, he couldn’t help but wish for the times to change and for one person to talk to him instead of about him. He wished that someone would answer his pathetic call and just talk to him.

So imagine his surprise when one day someone picked up.

At first, he thought it to be an accident. No way had someone genuinely believed he was real and manifested the powers to protect them when they traveled at sea, nor had someone directly contacted him in years for any reason. With all the new methods of transportation and exploration in the seas and oceans, most people went on those devices willingly without saying a quick prayer to him for the waters to be safe. Which was fine, really. He knew his place. Doesn’t mean he didn’t feel a little pang of hurt every time he saw a cruise ship head out or people go boating or children learn how to canoe.

But no… this call was different. It wasn’t a history lesson, or someone singing to themselves near a statue of him, or just some background clutter. No, this one felt different. And so, Obi-Wan sat on the floor of his room, closed his eyes, and began to slip into a meditative state in order to hear the call better.

“—maybe… we hang the light a foot more to the right? And tilt it just a tiny bit backward… there. Perfect! Look at you, Poseidon—or do you prefer Neptune—whatever, it doesn’t matter. But look at you, all cleaned up, restored, illuminated, and ready to go on display when the exhibit opens tomorrow. Let’s hope the visitors appreciate you in your polished state. Are you ready?”

Ah, so a new exhibit was going up featuring, presumably, a statue of him made by one of the ancient Greeks or Romans he oversaw so many centuries ago. He was about to tune out the voice and slip out of his meditative state when the voice picked up again.

“—god I must sound crazy. Just look at me, talking to a statue of a god who doesn’t even exist.” A beat. “I wish you did though, you seem like you’d be better company than some of the other people around here. Wishful thinking, eh, Neptune? Or… Poseidon… ugh, this is what happens when it’s an ancient Greek and Roman exhibit, there are too many double names—”

And off the voice went on a tangent about finishing up illuminating each of the iconic pieces of artwork and organizing pamphlets about the new exhibit in the information stands. From the sounds of it, the person behind the voice presumably worked at some museum where a new exhibit of him and the other gods in his life was being put together.

Maybe… maybe he could go down and visit it sometime. At least to see the art he hadn’t seen in many years. And if he happened to stumble across the worker with the voice he just tuned into, then he’d consider that a happy accident despite that very claim going against his beliefs about Fate. But how could he head down from his home in the clouds without raising suspicion among the other gods? He was notorious for keeping his distance once humanity forgot him, instead preferring to observe from afar and rejecting any offers to head down to the land.

The answer came in the form of Anakin Skywalker—also known as Camulus, Svetovid, Teutates, Ares, Mars, Odin, and Montu, to name a few—the god of war and the manifestation of the spirit of battle. He was a frequent visitor of the land and was undoubtedly Obi-Wan’s best friend. Not to mention, he regularly asked Obi-Wan to join him in hopes of getting him “out of his hermit lifestyle and back to the land of the living,” to quote Anakin, but Obi-Wan had either made excuses or flat out rejected his offer. But maybe it was high time he said yes.

With his plan in mind, now all he had to do was wait for Anakin to approach him and ask. And sure enough, just a few earth days later, Anakin showed up outside of Obi-Wan’s room with a cheeky smile on his face and a “ready to be done with being a recluse?” comment as expected. And though Anakin wouldn’t ever admit it to Obi-Wan’s face, Obi-Wan could see the true concern reflecting in his eyes alongside the expectation of getting rejected. Typically, there would be a pain in his eyes following each rejection, likely stemming from the wedge that sat between them because, for all that they were best friends—brothers even—they didn’t always see eye-to-eye on godly matters. From this came the worry that always sat at the corner of every conversation because Obi-Wan (admittedly so) had been self-isolating from humanity and became a stickler for following the rules of the gods. Contrast that to Anakin who was laxer in his ways and open to embracing his feelings and attachments.

But that concern and pain would end today. Obi-Wan was tired of feeling sorry for himself and hiding away up here and being lonely despite never actually being alone.

He was ready for adventure again.

And so, it was with a resounding sigh and faked exasperation that he said, “Oh, alright.”

If he took a little pleasure in being able to cause such a shocked facial expression on Anakin’s face, then that was for him to know. Though, it was a moment later when Anakin’s face split into a wide grin that he felt any lingering doubts about going down to earth dissipate. Yes, this was the right choice. If not for himself, then for his relationship with Anakin.

The act of getting down to earth was a rather easy task consisting of exiting through a golden archway that teleported them to a location of their choosing. Obi-Wan hopped on Anakin’s coordinates and the two reappeared in a forest Obi-Wan was unfamiliar with, the lights and sounds of a nearby town being their guide on the trek.

Before stepping into the hustle and bustle of the town, Anakin and Obi-Wan had “normalized” themselves from their usual glowing, almost angelic appearance into something more humane and easily looked over, particularly nondescript and unassuming, using the powers they possessed. The less attention they brought to themselves, the better. It was safer not to risk the chance of revealing themselves. Back in historic and ancient times, it was more common for them to fall into crowds of people undercover and interact, getting to know and understand the circumstances humanity faced up close and personal instead of from a distance. But that had all changed once Obi-Wan, Anakin, and the fellow gods above all became characters in a history book.

Nonetheless, Obi-Wan treasured this one act of using his powers for fun instead of remaining dormant and simply controlling the seas in the same patterns and cycles. He looked over at Anakin, wanting to see if he was ready to head into the streets, when he was surprised to see Anakin’s eyes already looking his way, a smug smile tugging at his lips.

“Anakin,” Obi-Wan sighed, exasperation smothering the very word, “What is it?”

“Finally decided on getting a haircut?” Anakin replied, laughter playing on the edge of the question. Obi-Wan rolled his eyes at the question. Yes, usually when he came down to earth he sported a longer hairstyle—a godly mullet, as Anakin oh so lovingly called it, business in the front and the only fun you know how to have in the back—but times had changed, and Obi-Wan had figured it was time for him to as well, at least a little bit. So he did. It was less of a haircut and more of the decision to manifest with shorter hair, unlike a certain someone standing next to him who had apparently decided the opposite.

“Strong words coming from someone who’s sporting a mullet themselves,” he quipped back, turning his attention forward and beginning the trek to the town. Affronted was the only word to describe how Anakin reacted, cemented in his shock, before he shook out of his state and rushed to catch up with his friend, secretly happy to see Obi-Wan engaging in their familiar back-and-forth.

“It is not a mullet, Obi-Wan,” Anakin refuted. “It’s stylish and helps me blend in.”

Obi-Wan gives a quiet hmm in acknowledgment before replying, “Whatever you say, Anakin.”

And so the trek continued until they found themselves in a bustling town with car horns honking, people shoving themselves through crowds, and bright lights illuminating around them. It was both entirely overwhelming yet hauntingly intriguing. For as much as he wanted to look away from the circus before him, Obi-Wan couldn’t stop admiring and absorbing all the information thrown at him. Of course he was aware of how the earth and humanity had progressed from his perch in the clouds, but while it’s one thing to hear and know of something, it’s another thing to witness and experience that which you had heard so much about.

Through his daze, he’s just barely able to keep up with Anakin as they take to the sidewalks, Anakin walking in an apparent familiar cadence as if he already knows where he’s heading and knows the trek well. Perhaps there’s a destination Anakin frequents on his jaunts down to earth? Maybe Obi-Wan should’ve asked what Anakin had in mind before he agreed to this excursion, but it’s too little too late for that now. But still, asking the destination of their slightly fast walking couldn’t hurt, right?

“You know, Anakin,” he starts, “You never told me where you were intending for us to go today.”

“Oh,” Anakin flounders for a moment, as if not expecting the question. Curious. “I, uh, well I figured we’d go to the local art museum.”

“Really?” Obi-Wan is unconvinced, but plays along anyway, only the slightest bit of suspicion seeping into his tone.

“Well… I know you love learning and appreciating the more—how do you phrase it?—refined and civilized things in life,” Anakin jokes, “So I figured we could go to an art museum together.”

Well wasn’t that just the shock of the century. Art museums were far from Anakin’s usual environment. Why? Anakin was loud, brash, and impulsive, constantly itching to go out and meet action head-on, act now think later, a complete contrast to the usually quiet, serene, and contemplative nature that art museums held dear. And for all that Obi-Wan loved Anakin, there were certain environments he would never dare to be with him, art museums being one of them. But, considering Obi-Wan had agreed to join and Anakin actually seemed somewhat eager to go, he figured he could indulge Anakin just this once.

Besides, Obi-Wan figured there must’ve been some ulterior motive at play here, and if he played his cards right, he could figure it out.

“An art museum?” he asks casually, hoping maybe he’ll get a hint of this mysterious motive.

But Anakin immediately picks up on the slight curiosity in his words. “Yeah, why? You don’t want to go?”

“No, I wouldn’t mind going, I just didn’t know you’d be interested in that.”

“Well, people change, Obi-Wan. Maybe I’ve taken a page from your book and learned how to be stuffy and grandfatherly.”

Rude, Obi-Wan muses, but an unlikely story. He leaves it at that and instead asks Anakin what else he had on the itinerary for the day as they walk toward the museum. Apparently, the art museum is the highlight of the day, though Anakin does promise that if Obi-Wan would be open to indulging in human food—something that honestly means nothing to them because they can’t be satisfied on non-godly food—there’s a cafe not too far from the museum that they can hang out and people watch at. All-in-all, not a bad day. Could’ve been way worse given how differently he and Anakin define “a fun day out.”

Eventually, they do make it to the art museum in one piece, and Obi-Wan immediately takes note of how quaint it looks against the glamour of the surrounding town. Less bright colors and flashes of light on the exterior but still a commanding presence with its masonry that almost demands you to look at it and compels you to go inside.

They stand in the queue to get tickets and go inside, but once they do, Anakin starts walking off before Obi-Wan can even grab a map of the museum. He manages to snag one and just barely finds Anakin in the crowd of the entry foyer, leaving Obi-Wan to trail behind a couple of feet once he catches up as Anakin guides him to the Medieval and Renaissance art exhibit. They’re only a few feet inside the exhibit when someone calls out “Ani!” and the two whip their heads around in-sync to the sound of the voice, a chorus of shushing surrounding them.

It’s a short woman who approaches the pair, a charming smile on her lips and a glint in her eyes. She immediately goes to embrace Anakin and Obi-Wan thinks: ah, ulterior motive discovered. He looks at her professional attire, the low but elegant bun her brown hair is in, and the name tag he just barely caught a glimpse of and easily deduces that she must be a staff member here. Maybe once the two finally release each other Obi-Wan can say his greetings and find out more.

Luckily, she seems to be the sensible one between the two and releases Anakin after making eye contact with Obi-Wan, as if just now realizing that Anakin came with company. She tries to be blasé about the overly friendly interaction with Anakin by plowing forward in her introduction, holding her hand out for a handshake. Very interesting, indeed.

“I’m Padmé Amidala, one of the curators for this exhibit in the museum. You must be one of Anakin’s friends,” she greets. Obi-Wan takes her hand and gives it a slight shake. Her grip is firm but not tight, giving just enough of her away for him to understand that she is a person to be respected and in awe of but not feared. It’s easy to begin understanding how her dynamic with Anakin works.

“Pleasure to meet you. I’m Obi-Wan Kenobi.”

“Oh, so you’re the famous Obi-Wan. Anakin has told me so much about you.” Obi-Wan gives a side-eyed glance to Anakin, noting the innocent expression he wears and wondering just how much he’s revealed to Padmé.

“Interesting, he hasn’t mentioned you at all,” Obi-Wan responds, giving them both a teasing smile in some semblance of reassurance that he isn’t offended by this fact.

However, Obi-Wan can feel the lingering hesitation and slight nerves radiating off of Anakin, which is an unsurprising development. Gods aren’t meant to have deep bonds with humans. Loose friendships are typically accepted with only slight frowns, but once it strays into a tight-knit bond and attachments form, especially romantic ones, they’re frowned upon greatly. And between the two of them, Anakin is less of a stickler for the rules, instead preferring to live by his own interpretations and caveats to the rules—which means Obi-Wan knows that Anakin fears this friendship of his with Padmé will be scrutinized and berated.

Which… okay, is a valid concern considering Obi-Wan’s devotion to the rules, but Obi-Wan hates to be a snitch on his best friend. And as long as he doesn’t witness any actions that would confirm a more serious relationship, particularly romantic, Obi-Wan is willing to turn his eye to the obvious heart eyes and lingering touches the two share. Can’t tattle if there’s room for doubt and question.

He just hopes Anakin knows this himself. And he especially hopes that Anakin hasn’t told Padmé that he’s a god.

He decides to shake off these thoughts and turn the conversation to safer territory to try and ease Anakin some. “So, Padmé, I take it you work here. What is it that you do?”

Immense relief hits him like a tidal wave from Anakin with happiness trailing behind like seafoam as the wave recedes. Not wanting to make any open comments about Anakin’s feelings and potentially clue Padmé into their more than human nature, he settles for a quick moment of eye contact before focusing back on Padmé.

“I’m one of the museum curators here,” she confirms, “I mainly specialize with art in the Medieval and Renaissance exhibit as well as our Impressionist pieces.” She pauses to size him up, silently scrutinizing him and his reactions. Whatever it is she finds must satisfy her, because she continues as if nothing happened, “Have you been here before, Obi-Wan? We recently got some new pieces on loan from some collectors and other museums that are worth checking out.”

“This is my first time, actually,” Obi-Wan starts before Anakin jumps in, quick on his verbal heels, “Right! And I was going to show him around. Make sure he visits the highlights at least.”

Instantly Padmé’s face drops ever so slightly at the idea of this conversation ending and her parting from Anakin, but she composes herself well. But Obi-Wan would be blind not to notice Anakin’s disappointment too, so he decides to take matters into his own hands and says, “Though I’m more than capable of wandering on my own if you’d rather stay and chat with Padmé, Anakin.”

“Are you sure, Obi-Wan? I was the one who invited you out after all—”

“Nonsense, I’ll be more than fine on my own. Maybe then I’ll actually get to appreciate the art and read the descriptions like the grandfather you think I am,” he jokes. “I’ll meet you back by the entrance in a couple hours. Pleasure meeting you, Padmé, I hope we meet again soon.”

And just like that, Obi-Wan is off and he no longer has to be surrounded by the obvious desire for something more between the two that was only stifled from being acted on by his presence. When he’s a good distance away, he decides to stop for a moment and actually look at the map in his hand, and he’s pleasantly surprised by just how many exhibits, art movements, and cultural regions are housed in this art museum. With the knowledge that he may not be able to knock out every exhibit in one visit, he decides to make his rounds to the ones that intrigue him the most. 

He starts in the African Art section, admiring the ceramics and textiles created in various regions of Africa, before moving onto the Chinese bronzes, ceramics, and jades exhibition and it’s next-door Japanese screens and paintings exhibit. He’s thinking of swinging to modern and contemporary works when he looks at the map in his hands and eyes the Ancient Greek and Roman Art exhibit, reluctance setting in. Obi-Wan always feels a bit of hesitancy whenever admiring ancient creations because he remembers who the artists were and that fact makes him feel old and worn down in ways he never expected gods to feel like. Besides, wouldn’t it be narcissistic of himself to go and admire the times of old and perhaps even stumble upon a work of him?

Caution thrown to the wind, Obi-Wan decides to make his way to the Ancient Greek and Roman Art exhibit. With his head held high, he spots the tall glass doors to the exhibit and opens them slowly before stepping inside and almost immediately being hit by a whirlpool of nostalgia. Just seeing the vases, plates, coins, cups, relics, and statues on display make him nearly stumble on his feet. The faces staring back at him on the head busts by the entrance are so eerily similar to those of his friends that he feels his breathing stutter for a moment. It’s true that back in those times the gods were more… open to visiting earth. Back then they were more willing and able to interact with humanity and be treated kindly in return. Though, the stories of their escapades and interactions always seemed to be skewed and embellished among all civilizations.

But one thing that transpires over almost every civilization who ever believed in the gods and goddess that Obi-Wan is connected to is that they managed to nail one key feature of the gods in their stories: their extremities. Because at the end of the day, that’s what the gods all were—the best and worst of humanity, but maximized.

Obi-Wan prefers not to think about that fact and how, subsequently, he feels more than humans do and also has an awareness for the feelings of the other gods.

No, best not to dwell on that.

He decides that perhaps it’s best to move beyond the entryway and stop clogging up the doorway with his presence, so he begins to move through the exhibit, stopping every now and then to admire a certain work of art. By the time he’s gone through about half the exhibit, the sting of seeing those he knows etched onto bronze or marble is hurting less; he’s thinking he can finally start to appreciate the art more when he hears a voice.

But it’s not just any voice, it’s a voice he recognizes. And it’s not Anakin, nor is it Padmé. It’s a voice he’s heard before but he doesn’t know the person it belongs to. It’s familiar enough that he clings to it, scrambling through past and recent memories until finally it clicks:

The voice he’s hearing is the voice that recently talked to him via one of the statues commemorated in his honor.

And just like that, he turns his head around and begins to look around for the source. It’s like he’s a ship lost at sea and this voice is his guiding light home, if only he could find it. It takes a couple more seconds before finally his gaze settles on you, and it’s as if sunlight just burst into the room. He notices your eyes first and the way they shimmer with happiness as you wander through the exhibit, admiring the artworks yourself. But then he catches your smile as you turn to talk to one of the nearby patrons and the very sight of it makes him feel as if the world has just opened wide, opportunities he’s never considered laying out on many paths before him.

He takes a moment to shake himself out of his daze to properly take in your appearance. Judging on your outfit and the name tag that he just barely can’t make out and read, you are obviously a worker here, perhaps a curator like Padmé. You’re wandering the exhibit with an air of pride surrounding you, as if you’re happy that so many people are taking the time to come and appreciate the art before them. Everything about you is intriguing and he wants to introduce himself to you before this high feeling surrounding him comes crashing down and he goes back up to the clouds to spend out his immortal days alone and separated again from humanity.

Just as he’s about to take a few steps in your direction, he feels a harsh force of another body hit him in the side, nearly sending him toppling over onto a head bust next to him. He’s bracing for impact, praying that this piece of art somehow is a counterfeit and doesn’t cost more than he can even fathom (seriously, exactly how bad is inflation right now?) when he feels hands on his shoulders that push him back onto his feet. His hands immediately latch onto the ones grabbing him as he steadies himself. One he’s back on solid ground, he looks up to go thank whoever caught him when his heart leaps to his throat and he momentarily stops breathing because who else would be his savior than his guiding light?

He barely has time to even admire your speed and strength before you’re talking to him.

“Are you okay?” you ask and oh how he wants to hear more and more and more of your angelic voice. It’s as if you’re a siren, tempting him closer and closer to you until finally he is caught in your eyes and dancing among the many stars that twinkle in them. But suddenly he flushes with the realization that he’s been staring way too long and oh dear this is quite a messy first impression he really needs to redeem himself with something coherent and get this boat sailing back on course—

“Uh, y-yeah. Yeah. Fine. I’m fine. Never better, truly.” Shipwreck. What an utter shipwreck this is for him. Maker, he’s making a fool of himself. Amid his internal despair, he hears you giggle at his fumbling and his heart starts beating faster.

“Poseidon right?”

And suddenly his heart stops, his mouth drops every so slightly, and his face whitens. How have you possibly figured him out so quickly?

“What?” Is about all he can muster in response.

“Or Neptune, I guess, depending on which you prefer.” He’s silent. Awestruck. But you must pick up on the confusion and awe on his face because you elaborate, “You know… the sculpture right over there? The big marble one with a man holding a trident? The one you were staring at before you nearly crashed into this poor head bust of Zeus and broke this priceless piece of historic artwork? Really, what did the poor guy ever do to you? Surely he doesn’t deserve his head getting cracked open a second time.”

Oh thank the Maker, you were just referring to the art in the room. Which perhaps he should’ve accounted for instead of internally freaking out because he did willingly enter the Ancient Greek and Roman Art exhibit of the museum.

But you take his silent relief as continued confusion because you are suddenly rambling, “You know, because Zeus already had his head cracked open once by Hephaestus after Zeus swallowed a pregnant Metis and gave birth to Athena through his forehead?” You laugh awkwardly before plowing on, “Maybe I should stop talking now, sorry, sometimes I just go off about all these old myths, I just think they’re fascinating and—sorry, I’m doing it again aren’t I?”

He laughs in response to your weak joke and hearty explanation, and he starts to feel a little less wound up and nervous when he notices that you’re feeling the same way.

“No, no, it’s alright! It was very clever. Funny too,” he comments. The two of you share a smile and simply stare into each others’ eyes for a couple moments. But then he begins to worry that he’s making you uncomfortable by maintaining eye contact for longer than normal—except what is “normal”? How much has human etiquette changed since he’d last been on earth? Is this conversation already doomed? He decides to take the gamble anyway and clears his throat as his eyes flicker around the exhibit, trying to think of what else to say to you, before he lands on your name tag (what a pretty name you have) and he says the first thought that comes to mind.

“So, you work here then?” Not the best conversation starter, but it’s something, he supposes. Maker, what is wrong with him? He’s never been so nervous in his entire immortal life, but one conversation with you and suddenly he’s falling victim to all the nerves and anxieties of humans, but dialed up beyond a 10. Gods really are the maximization of humanity’s best and worst. What an awful time to be living this fact. Thankfully, you respond and break him out of his spiraling worries.

“Oh, yeah. I’ve been working here for the past couple of years as one of the curators. I actually worked on this exhibit. I helped organize and select all the pieces in the exhibit, arrange restorations and displays, and record all the art you see here. I’ll admit it’s rather hard selecting which art pieces would fit best with the message we’re trying to convey, not to mention the availability of many pieces of art also plays a difficult role, but I like to think it paid off in the end. There’s something special about all the pieces of art here,” you suddenly pause in your speech before walking over to the very Poseidon statue you thought Obi-Wan had been looking at earlier, and he follows, quick on your heels.

You continue, “Like, this statue of Poseidon, for example. It traveled through an ocean of time, across several continents, through several restorations, all to be right here, right now, in this very moment for you and I to admire.” You let out a sigh that Obi-Wan can only describe as wistful. “I can only wonder how it looked when the artist was creating it and when it was first unveiled.”

He wishes how he could tell you about when he first laid eyes on this statue of himself he had nearly burst into tears, sending a light rain over the agora from the intensity of his emotions. But he suppresses the urge. He wasn’t supposed to reveal himself to humanity, and even if he did let something slip, what are the odds that you’d ever believe him? The two of you are not close, and you never will be. His livelihood as a god forbids it.

Still…

There’s something about the sparkle in your eye as you wistfully look at the art, as if looking at it for the first time despite having seen it countless times before, and your passion for the ancient classics that he finds compelling. Initial literal-sweeping-off-his-feet encounter aside, there’s something about you that draws him to you.

You’re entirely intriguing to him, and he can’t quite pinpoint why. Not entirely, at least. It doesn’t hurt that he finds your ramblings of history and art to be adorable. Not that he’s admitting to anything more than simple infatuation at first sight. He wishes he had the chance to get to know you better beyond the confines of this Ancient Greek and Roman exhibit. But the two of you lead entirely different lives and he has to let this go.

But, he can allow himself this one instance of normal human interaction.

“I’m sure it must have been a sight to behold given how important the gods were to the Ancient Greeks and Romans,” he comments.

“Exactly!” Despite being a curator here and knowing the rules of the exhibits like the back of your hand, you are shushed by a nearby patron at your happy exclamation. Obi-Wan laughs softly at the embarrassed look on your face.

“Guess that’s my cue to switch topics,” you joke. Obi-Wan smiles kindly at you before you continue, “Basics then. I didn’t catch your name.”

“I didn’t throw it,” he winks at your unimpressed look. Luckily for him though, it cracks and transforms into a brilliant smile as the two of you share a laugh. No harm done.

“Okay, smartass, I’ll rephrase: what’s your name?” you ask. “Not all of us are lucky enough to talk with people who wear name tags.”

“Alright then, since you asked so nicely, I’m Obi-Wan. And it’s a pleasure to meet you.” He holds out a hand for you, which you easily take and give a shake. A slight zing runs through his body at the slight contact, his hand still buzzing even after you two let go.

“Pleasure to meet you as well. Is this your first time here?” you inquire.

“Ah, yes, my friend decided to take me,” Obi-Wan starts, but he can’t help but grumble out, “I think he’s a frequent visitor.”

You let out a giggle at his grumpy tone. “You make it seem as if that’s a bad thing. Surely it’s not that god-awful here?”

“The company sure makes it better,” slips out before he can catch the words, but he’s not blind to the pleased look on your face. Huh. Interesting. “I never thought he was interested in art museums but—”

“Obi-Wan!” Cuts through the air, loud and brash and diluted with the slightest hint of concern, immediately followed by shushing by other patrons. Obi-Wan sighs as he recognizes the voice of Anakin.

“—it would appear that he still hasn’t picked up on museum etiquette despite all those visits.”

You rub his arm gently, a look of playful sympathy on your face as you tell him, “How awful it must be to have a friend that cares about your whereabouts.”

But he’s suddenly finding it very hard to even pretend to be annoyed when you’re touching him with such care. All too soon, your hand is off his arm as Anakin makes himself known, sidling up right to Obi-Wan and immediately grasping his elbow.

“Where on earth were you? We were supposed to meet half an hour ago. I waited for you! And here I was thinking you were the responsible one—” Anakin is cut off by you attempting to diffuse the situation.

“I believe that’s my fault. I kept him here talking to me and I held him up,” you turn back to Obi-Wan, a bright smile on your lips and the stars twinkling once more in your eyes. Maker, if he didn’t know any better he really would think he was looking at the sun, his beacon of light. “It was lovely talking to you, Obi-Wan. Maybe you could come again soon and we can continue this conversation?”

“Of course.” It’s his automatic response, no thoughts, questions, or worries in mind. You just look so hopeful and he’s once again a ship in the night, setting out to sail the high seas but hoping to return to again safely, guided by your light. He can only hope Anakin doesn’t pick up on his infatuation with you.

“Great! I’ll let you two go then. Nice meeting you!” And just like the wind, you’re gone, moving on to other patrons and other works of art, sharing your knowledge and stories and passion with other lucky souls. Maybe he will come back.

“They seemed nice,” Anakin remarks with absolutely no subtly.

“I’m not sure what you think happened between us, but whatever it is, you’re wrong,” and with that Obi-Wan turns and begins walking out of the exhibit before Anakin can refute or comment on Obi-Wan’s building anxiety, giving him no choice but to follow.

The walk out of the museum, their time sitting and people watching at a nearby cafe, and the walk back to the forested area follow a similar pattern: Anakin trying to do some digging with heavy insinuations, Obi-Wan denying vehemently any theories and offering scant details, and neither one willing to back down from their stance. It’s an old familiar rhythm, and despite it being grating at times, it’s nice to feel a sense of normalcy with Anakin once more.

Eventually, they make it back up to their hidden sanctuary in the sky and part ways for the day. Once back in his dwelling, Obi-Wan sits down on a cushioned chair and mulls over his day. While going to the museum was fun and enlightening, his mind wanders back to a certain museum curator. The dark horse of the day. The unexpected detail. His beacon of light.

There’s something more to you, something he wants so desperately to know. He practically itches to go back to the museum and keep talking with you. You’re intelligent, beautiful, and humorous. You’re the sun, moon, and stars. He knows he can’t pursue a romantic relationship with you, and he knows friendships with humans are frowned upon if they get too close, but he reasons to himself that one more visit down to earth to speak with you wouldn’t hurt anyone. With this in mind, he closes his eyes and begins to reach out to see if he can hear you once again, but as he’s doing so, a realization dawns on him.

Meeting you is the closest he’s come to believing in Fate, and despite this going against his beliefs, he’s ready to set sail on this unknown voyage and see where your next meeting takes him.

#so that was a doozy... good grief but i hope it's worth it #i usually don't do taglists but lemme know if you want to be tagged in future parts #because i don't have a schedule soooo #obi-wan kenobi x reader #obi-wan kenobi #obi wan kenobi x reader #obi wan x reader #obi wan kenobi imagine #star wars #star wars x reader #star wars one shots #obi wan kenobi #my writing #userkarina #yes a lot of the godly traits were inspired by disney's hercules bc i am basic

[muertawrites]

Two Halves - Chapter Twelve (Zuko x Reader)

Part 11

Word Count: 3,000

Author’s Note: Let’s talk about Azula. I know a lot of people really want a redemption arc for her, and it’s something that’s written a lot in the fanfic community, but (like everything else) I have an unpopular opinion about her - I don’t think she deserves a redemption arc. This doesn’t mean I think she’s a bad character. I actually think exactly the opposite - she’s so perfectly written that I feel changing her to make her any less problematic would ruin her. 

Characters can be great without ever redeeming themselves, and Azula is a perfect example of one of A:TLA’s major themes - that there’s no such thing as absolute good or bad - in that she’s clearly vindictive, manipulative, egotistical, and sociopathic, but the way the series leaves her convinces the watcher to feel sympathetic towards her. It’s such a beautiful destruction of preconceived notions in fiction that I don’t think it needs to be touched. Azula is evil, but I love her that way. 

~ Muerta

Appa’s feet don't touch sand until late evening, by which time it feels like you've been flying for weeks.

A group of about twenty guards is waiting when you land, each of them wrapped from head to toe in white gauze; the woman at the front of the group removes her face covering and introduces herself as the warden of the compound, her expression hard and motionless behind sun-darkened skin. She leads you through a maze of buildings enclosed by high, interlocking stone walls, to an empty store room that’s been converted into a bedroom for your stay. 

“We only have what we need out here,” she explains. “The guards’ bunks are all filled, and we don't typically have guests. I'm sorry we couldn't give you more appropriate lodging.” 

“It's alright,” Aang assures her. “We’re used to sleeping rough.” 

Dinner is composed of a combination of dried meat and pickled vegetables, paired with water from a well in the center of the surrounding block of buildings; you're advised only to use it for drinking and not to bathe, saving it for the guards stationed at the compound. Even after the sun sets, the air feels arid and scorched, the sweat dripping down the back of your neck doing nothing to cool you. 

“It's awful out here,” you remark as you settle into your bed roll for the night. “I can see why Sokka went insane.” 

“Sokka went insane because of hallucinogenic cactus juice,” Katara corrects you, smirking at the memory.

“I can't believe I missed most of that,” Aang laments. “He must've been a handful.” 

“You had more important things to worry about,” Katara softly reminds him. She wraps her arms around his shoulders, placing a tender kiss atop the crest of his head; you look away, your stomach churning uneasily at the intimate display. 

You lay and attempt to sleep for the next few hours, finding yourself unable. The ground is too hard beneath you, your thin blankets too heavy and hot. You toss and turn over and over again, trying to find a comfortable position that seems not to exist. Your mind races and refuses to slow down. 

Despite your guilt over doing so, you go out to the well and fill a small basin, splashing your face with warm water in the hopes it'll make you feel better. Katara joins you a moment or two later, having noticed your unrest. She dips her hands into the water and runs them comfortingly through your hair to cool you off. 

“What's wrong?” she asks. 

You sigh as you lower yourself onto the base of the well, holding your knees to your chest. 

“I'm worried,” you admit in a murmur. 

Katara sits down beside you and rests her hand on your arm. 

“Aang and I won't leave until after you speak with Azula,” she promises. “And even then, we’ll be right outside the room the entire time. You're not doing this alone.” 

You shake your head, afraid to look her in the eye. 

“That's not it. When you go to the Northern Air Temple… they're going to expect me to get pregnant, too. But I'm not ready to have a baby, and I don't know if I'll ever be.” 

Katara curls her arms around you, pulling you into her lap in the motherly way she used to do when you were kids. She strokes your hair, and you nestle into the fabric of her night gown.

“What does it feel like?” you wonder. Your voice is nothing but a breath. “To… have sex?” 

Katara’s hands pause their ministrations. She sits absolutely still for a moment, gazing off as she mulls the question over. 

“... It hurts,” she says after a while, “but only at first. Then it feels exciting. It's sort of like getting hit by lightning, but gently, over and over again. You feel it in your whole body; it's unlike anything else. The best part is being so close to someone you love in a way that nobody else will ever be close to you. It’s like magic.” 

“But I don't love Zuko,” you reply. “I didn't choose him like you chose Aang. How could it be the same for me?” 

“You did choose Zuko,” Katara contests. “Do you think Dad would have forced you into marrying him if you fought hard enough against it? You might not have chosen him because you love him, but there's a reason you're together. I think you will love him. There's something about the two of you that just… fits. I've never been very good with intuition and even I could feel it the first time I saw you together. You will love each other; and we both know Zuko cares about you too much to force you into anything before you're ready. Trust him. Follow what you feel for him.” 

You sigh, shutting your eyes tightly as the weight of the desert heat squeezes down on you; nonetheless, Katara’s hands are chilled as they begin to rework the braid knotted down your back.

“I know he’ll protect me,” you say. “That's all he's done since we met. But I don't know if I want to be protected.” 

“You don't have to be,” Katara tells you. Her voice is soft and serious. “You've never let anyone tell you what to do; not even now.” 

“Keeping that up is dangerous though,” you whisper. “Doing the wrong thing could get me killed - it could get Zuko killed, or you, or any number of people I care about. And I've been really stupid about it up until now.” 

“Has Zuko ever talked to you about redirecting lighting?” Katara asks. 

You shake your head. 

“It's a water bending technique,” she explains. “The idea is that you take your opponent’s force and turn it back against them, but you have to keep your own energy steady to be able to do it.” 

She takes one of your hands between both of hers, pressing it tightly between her palms.

“Keep doing what you're doing,” she urges. “If one of us gets hurt, you can't let the loss break you; you have to use it to fight back. Anyone who wants to destroy you needs your permission to do so.” 

You sit up so you can look her in the eye; her expression is resolute, brows drawn together with  agency and concern. Your arms fall around her, pulling her into a tight embrace; she holds you close as you bury your face in her hair. 

“It'll be okay,” she promises. “You'll survive; it’s what we do.” 

The next morning, you meet with Azula’s psychological counselor before going to see her. 

The center of the compound is devoted entirely to the disgraced princess and her keepers, each of them living within the bounds of a large wall lined with guards every few feet. Her counselor’s home is divided from the main house by an ornate fence, painted red and black and gilded with gold detail; guard houses stand at either side of the gate. 

“This part of the compound is designed to look like a Fire Nation neighborhood,” the counselor explains. “We don't live luxuriously by any means, but a homey atmosphere is important to Azula’s rehabilitation.” 

“How has she improved?” Katara asks. 

You remember her retellings of what would've been Azula’s coronation, how she lost her mind with power and corruption. Thinking back on them, you almost pity her. 

“She's much more stable than she used to be,” the counselor states. “We know her vindictive behavior will never go away and that her condition prohibits her from understanding or feeling empathy, but she's learned not to act on those tendencies. She's also greatly overcome the anger her father instilled in her.” 

“I need something I can use as leverage,” you say. “Zuko’s told me that everything she does is a negotiation, and I need something to trade for her insight.” 

The counselor nods, tapping her fingers against the table you're seated around in thought. 

“The information alone won’t be enough incentive for her,” she concludes. “She’s seemingly lost interest in the outside world or trying to get out of the compound in the past few years, but I have a feeling she’ll use that to try and get more out of you. Perhaps offering her a chance to see her father will hold useful.” 

“She still wants to see him?” Aang gasps, incredulous. “After everything he did?” 

“She blames him for the breakdown she suffered at the end of the war,” the counselor elaborates. “She’s expressed a desire to confront him for years, and I’d like to help her find the catharsis in it without setting her back in her rehabilitation.” 

“We’ve spoken about the possible need for execution,” you say; your voice is meek, the shame making it difficult to meet the counselor’s eye. “Would the threat do anything? As a last resort?” 

“... I don’t know,” the counselor admits. “It truly depends on her mood. She swings between bouts of stability and episodes of deep, manic depression; were she depressed, the threat wouldn’t do much. She unfortunately is always on the brink of an episode, and I don’t think death is much of a fear to her.” 

You nod, unable to respond any other way. 

“Be civil,” the counselor advises, “but don’t let your guard down. She’s improved greatly, but she’s still extremely dangerous.” 

Azula’s home is quaint, consisting of only four rooms, but is every bit the palace she grew up in compared to the rest of the compound. The walls are painted deep, warm crimson, every inch decorated in elaborate murals; in the dining room where you meet, images of giant salamanders curl around pillars of forest and flame - they're terrifying, but as beautiful as any more traditional work of art. 

When Azula enters the room, she smirks at you. You're stricken by the fact that she looks nothing like her brother, her features much softer and rounder, save for her eyes and brow bones which are drawn downward in a permanent scowl; it occurs to you that while Zuko closely resembles  their father (something you've learned he resents), she’s almost a perfect mirror of their mother. Her clothes are simple - a shapeless dress over loose trousers - and her hair is knotted messily behind her head, loose tendrils falling carelessly around her face. Her cheeks are gaunt, years of living on only what the compound can provide clearly having taken their toll. 

“So Zuzu’s got himself a wife,” Azula chirps, sitting down across the table from you. “I suppose that's all you Southern women are good for - selling off to more powerful nations so you don't get yourselves pummeled.” 

You ignore her harsh words, bowing your head respectfully in greeting. 

“Zuko and I have actually known each other since we were teenagers,” you tell her. It isn't exactly a lie, but you decide that forfeiting her game is the best way to defend yourself. “It's an honor to finally meet you, Azula.” 

If she's put off by your deflection, she doesn't show it. She leans forward on her elbows, leering at you over the table like some sort of heinous, bloodthirsty predator; you stare back unfazed, reminding yourself that there's nothing she can do to you if you remain stoic. 

“To what do I owe the pleasure of my dear sister-in-law’s visit?” Azula wonders, grinning. “I doubt this is a family reunion given Zuzu’s absence.” 

“We need your help,” you tell her. “We’re facing serious problems with outside opposition and our advisors have failed us; Zuko suggested I come to you because of your intelligence in these matters.” 

Azula scoffs, her sickening smile disappearing as she leans back and crosses her arms over her chest. 

“I may be captive, but that doesn't mean I have to help you,” she spits. “I no longer hold any loyalty to the Fire Nation.” 

“We don't want to force you,” you reply. “Zuko and I are willing to offer something in return for your expertise.” 

“There's nothing you can give me that will convince me,” Azula states. “My brother lost any sympathy I had for him when he locked me up here.” 

“We both know you never had any sympathy for him.” 

Azula’s eyes shoot upward, meeting yours in a chilling glare. 

“He's the eldest,” you continue. “Despite your talent, he was still in your way - if he hadn't been banished, he’d have taken your father’s place. You hated him for that. You hated him for earning your mother’s affection. You hated him for things neither of you had any control over, and all you've ever wanted to do is have control. He defied that. So you took matters into your own hands and tried to kill him.” 

Azula glowers at you, her eyes icy as her face sets into stone. She's not used to being on the other end of this sort of needling; behind her muted, immobile shock, you know she's calculating her next move. 

“It wasn't fair,” you go on. “I've heard what people in the Fire Nation say about you - that you shaped the odds of the war while your father took all the credit. That's why we need you. Zuko himself admitted that he can't do it. This is your chance to show him once and for all who the true heir to your family name is.” 

Your sister-in-law studies you for a moment before tilting her head, the nasty smile she entered the room with returning. 

“Thanks to my shrinks, I'm no longer motivated by personal vindication,” she drawls. “And besides, what good would it do me for Zuko to take all the glory like Father did? He always liked to believe he took after Mother. He's wrong - he's just as cruel and underhanded as the rest of us.” 

At this point, you decide that bargaining is going to get you nowhere. Instead you turn your attention to the murals, standing so you can run your fingers over the scales of the nearest giant salamander; they're so realistic that even their grooves have texture, delicately carved between layers of thick paint. 

“These paintings are stunning,” you comment. “Are they yours?” 

Azula nods, though her expression remains shuttered and somewhat threatening. 

“Since that little brat took my bending, I had to find a new hobby,” she hisses. “When I run out of space on the walls, I'll start tattooing myself.” 

You smirk at her joke, but she doesn't reciprocate. Her eyes narrow, and though she doesn't move from her position at the table, she seems to prowl closer to you, caging you in with the sheer power of her presence. 

“I know why Zuzu married you,” she claims; her tone is matter-of-fact, her golden irises cutting through you. “You remind him of that Southern wretch he used to chase around during his banishment. He was enamored with her. But of course she chose the Avatar over him, since she wanted the alliance for your puny little nation, so it seems he rebounded with the next best thing. He's always been weak that way - falling for anyone dumb enough to buy into that kicked kitten act and let him use them for sympathy.” 

For a split second, her words bite you in a way you don't expect them to. Just last night, you told Katara you didn't love Zuko - now, at the thought that his affections could lie with anyone else, that you could mean nothing more than a placeholder to appease the ache of an unrequited love, your ribs feel as though they've caved in and are crushing your lungs. You do your best to keep your expression void, but the corners of your lips flinch with the ghost of a frown, your eyes fogging with a shadow of fear before you can stop them. Azula grins - she knows she found a weak spot. 

“I heard she's knocked up,” she spits. “Tell me, does Zuzu even bother to fuck you? Or is it just too painful, knowing you’ll never be the woman he loves?” 

The sting in your chest subsides the moment she speaks, the rest of her scathing going unheard as you look her dead in the eye, suddenly unmoved by the attack.

“How do you know that?” you murmur. 

Azula’s face falls. She doesn’t avert her gaze, but instead locks it with yours, frozen as if debating whether or not to admit defeat. It doesn’t matter if she does or not - she’s stabbed herself in the gut.

“How do you know Katara is pregnant?” you ask again. 

You pace forward, pushing back on the way she attempted to close you in with her criticism. Her poisonous grin once again makes a comeback, this time accompanied by a cackle as sharp as a spearhead. 

“You’re in far too deep, little girl,” she lilts. “All of you are. None of you can see the danger that’s been in front of you all your lives.” 

“Tell me what you know,” you command. “If you do, we might be persuaded not to execute you.” 

Azula huffs, tossing her head back as her laughter continues. By this point, the guards standing in the room’s corners have converged on her, taking her by the arms to hold her still; she doesn’t fight, instead leaning into their grip as if the touch is welcoming. 

“Zuzu could never bring himself to kill me,” she jeers. “Sniveling little cad he is. The world isn’t perfect because the war is over, and you’re a fool if you think that my grandfathers were the only men to ever destroy for the sake of their hate. Everyone has evil in them - some of us are just smart enough to embrace it.” 

As she growls out her last words, the guards drag her from the room, her laughter subsiding but her hideous, manic grin remaining splattered across her cheeks. The door slams as she's carried away, and you’re left with nothing but the looming silence of terror and dread. 

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#muerta's works #two halves #zuko #zuko x reader #zuko x you #prince zuko #prince zuko x reader #prince zuko x you #prince zuko fanfic #prince zuko fanfiction #zuko fanfiction #zuko fanfic #atla fanfiction #atla fanfic #firelord zuko #firelord zuko x reader #fanfiction series #self insert fanfiction #self insert fic #self insert #self-insert fanfiction #self-insert #self-insert fic #slow burn #slow burn fanfic

[evajellion]

2020 vidya ranking: #1 Bug Fables The Everlasting Sapling

You already knew that I was going to tell you that this was the best game I had played last year.

Imo, this should have been indie GOTY back in 2019, but whatever, I guess I should explain why I ranked this one at the top.

Back in 2004, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door was released. I had sadly missed out on getting the original game on the Nintendo 64, but I was nonetheless very excited for the sequel. I got the game, still have my copy even years later… aaaand I got confused in Rogueport Sewers because I was a dumb eight year old, but I swear I picked up the game a second time. Got through all of the chapters, and had fallen in love with the game.

I loved the characters, the battle system, the story, the chapter progression, the cooking system, even the hidden lore and the amount of side quest scattered throughout the game. I even cried. It was the first time I had cried over a video game.

I wanted more, but then, Nintendo didn’t do it again. Sure, Super Paper Mario had a fantastic story, and a lot of people treasure that game the way I do TTYD-- I wouldn’t even mind if the series stayed in that direction. After that though?

Well, Sticker Star happened and stripped away all of the things I loved. Two similar games and one spin-off followed after that. Needless to say, me and several other fans of 64, TTYD, and Super weren’t happy about it. Seemed like I would never get another game like the one that was so dear to me ever again.

Cue me finding Arlo’s video about a cute little game called Bug Fables, just around the summer time. It had come out in 2019 and had been in development for some time by an indie studio. I was skeptic, but at this point I wanted anything-- besides, I actually love insects.

And after the first two chapters, which were a bit bland, I found it. I found the game I had been looking for. I was so afraid that this would be another Mighty No. 9 or Yooka-Laylee, but Bug Fables was anything but. Sure, it took inspiration from Paper Mario with its gameplay structure, but saying that this game is “just Paper Mario” doesn’t do it justice, because game can stand tall on its own.

I loved just about everything here in the same way I loved TTYD. Characters (except for two), the battle system, the story, the chapter progression, the cooking system, the hidden lore and the amount of side quest-- and there was even more than that.

“Gee what did Bug Fables have that Paper Mario didn’t?”

More than one super boss

A card game

Three party members in battle at a time

An entire side quest chapter that you can miss

An in-game randomizer

Higher difficulty settings

FREE DLC

Actual quality of life improvements

And finally, a villain who doesn’t just get a mere slap on the wrist as punishment for their actions. It’s one of the things Super did far better than TTYD because Beldam being let off scott free in the ending always pissed me off as a kid. The final boss is less ham-fisted in general too.

You have three characters at all times-- they’re your only party members and the only ones you need because they’re all perfectly balanced: Kabbu, Vi, and Leif. The third of which you won’t even meet until a bit into the first chapter. You don’t have to worry about wasting turns by switching your members out in this game.

The story starts off simple with the team of three collecting artifacts for Queen Elizant II, who seeks the Everlasting Sapling for an unspecified reason. About half way through the game and into the fourth chapter, the tone of the situation begins to shift, as the wicked wasps from the Wasp Kingdom also seek these artifacts for their lord.

This game doesn’t skimp out on being accurate to bug details either, there are little nods to how things work in real life, which is something I always appreciate. There isn’t really a dull moment in the story or a second where you feel stuck, because with the amount of Medals you get, there are plenty of strategies you can play around with.

Bug Fables is also… surprisingly dark, which perhaps isn’t unfitting of a game inspired by Paper Mario, given the direction TTYD and Super would get into. I can’t really spoil anything in regards to that, because much like with Three Houses, I would rather someone experience that themselves.

In terms of the flaws in this game, I can only think of two. One is regarding a terrible Flappy Bird game that’s required for 100%. It just shouldn’t be there, or at least be easier on the eyes.

The other is that this game suffers from having too many characters, when only four of them get actual character arcs: The main trio and the queen. You have some characters that get more fleshed out in side quests such as fellow team members or NPCs, but I feel like other “major players” suffer in the process.

Neolith is a big one. Cute nerdy moth who just exists as exposition for the artifacts and is a part of Kabbu’s backstory, but he never really does anything besides that, which is disappointing because he’s very cute. I would have loved more lore to him and Kabbu’s past, maybe a future DLC quest can solve that!

Your “rival team” also suffers a bit in this department. The team leader, Mothiva, is a snooty diva who never properly gets her comeuppance or realization that she needs to stop making everything about herself. I guess that’s the point, to give that vibe similar to old Pokémon rivals. But we’re supposed to believe she’s an official couple with her partner; Zasp, who just seems to simp for her in a one-sided way. Perhaps this could also be fixed with another DLC quest.

The worst of the bunch is Kina, Maki’s overly protective and possessive sister to the point of it being creepy. Unlike Mothiva, who is your rival, Kina is supposed to be a supporting cast member, yet she has even less likable traits. She stalks her brother and constantly wants to be with him, gets upset at the idea of him needing space, threatens a small caterpillar character-- you could remove her from the story and it changes nothing. There’s not even a backstory reason for her to be the way she is.

Mind you-- these are very minor nitpicks that don’t really bog down the game. Some may say the main villain of the game suffers from this as well since he shows up halfway into the game, I personally think he was handled perfectly, because you can piece together his motivations and backstory through lore.

Speaking of lore, I hope with so much in this game, that we end up getting a sequel. There are so many questions left unanswered, so much more I wanna know about! 

Other than that thought? The trio of Kabbu, Vi, and Leif and their story is just about perfect. I can’t thank Arlo enough for introducing me to it, and I think this game will catch on more in the future since Chuggaconroy said he was playing it on Twitter, and Fatguy just completed his LP of the game.

I think… we’re entering an age where we should start expecting this level of quality from indie developers more often. This game didn’t feel like an indie game, it felt like a grade a RPG. Which is funny, because that’s what Paper Mario used to be.

God speed, Paper Bug devs. Keep up the good work in the future, thank you for bringing back a feeling I thought I’d never experience with a video game again. I know it sounds cheesy and stupid, but that’s.. just how much Paper Mario effected me back then. Even now, it inspires the books I wanna write, and it’s safe to say Bug Fables did the same.

By the way, can I talk about how delicious some of the food items look in this game? This is insect cuisine, and even I would eat these.

For recap on what the other games I had played this year were, just so you know how Bug Fables topped ‘em:

2. Fire Emblem: Three Houses

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

4. Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town

5. Super Mario All-Stars

6. Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and The Blade of Light

7. Final Fantasy VII

8. F-Zero

9. Star Fox

10. Puyo Puyo Champions

#bug fables

[inawickedlittletown]

What motivates your character? What makes them who they are? Act the way they do and say the things they say? The consistency of those fundamental things that make up a character and that remain in spite of growth...that is a beautiful thing to behold. And for me, I think that’s why I love Black Sails and why all of my free time for about a week went to watching Black Sails and consuming the show like a marooned sailor dreaming of bread and cheese. 

Before watching the show I knew that it concerned pirates and that Flint liked men. I’m glad I knew nothing more about it including the Thomas of it all (although it was easy to guess once we met him). The name John Silver was familiar to me from the moment I heard it, but I didn’t connect it to Treasure Island and I think I’m glad that I didn’t because that would have meant that I expected certain things to happen such as Silver losing his leg and the end of Flint in one way or another. 

I’ll admit that the first few episodes were difficult to get through. In part because of how violent the very first scene is that it’s almost off putting. There’s also a lot of confusion and a lack of exposition. There’s no easy way to actually like the characters at first and there’s also just a lot going on to settle into this both historical and fictional world. Nonetheless, that first episode does a great job at set-up for the rest of the season and the series as a whole. Ultimately, it does a lot to put the stakes of the world and how this life and this world can only work due to the ruthlessness of the pirates, the violence, the anger, and the freedom from civilization that exists in a very tangible way that relies on a balance of power that can disappear at any time. 

I could go on and on and on about each of the characters in this show because every single one is fleshed out and written so consistently well that there wouldn’t be an end to the praises I would write for each of them. So because Flint and Silver are my favorites those are the ones I want to discuss on this first initial post about my new obsession. 

Captain Flint starts off as someone that is not well liked by his men and who doesn’t care about any of that. Instead, his motivation is the Urca de Lima, a treasure so grand that it would change everything for him and for the island. Eleanor asks him why he won’t just take it and run in episode two and this was the moment when I knew that Flint was going to be my favorite character. He answers that he wants peace and to walk so far inland that the sea could never bother him again by referencing Odysseus. This, I’m sure, is a sentiment that not many pirates share and indeed Captain Vane at the start of the series wouldn’t agree with a wish of a future like that. So to want that and to believe that it would be achievable to take Nassau and keep it free from English rule is this grand dream that for Flint means absolutely everything to the point where he would do and sacrifice anything to achieve it. At first, the viewer doesn’t realize the depth and importance of why Flint wants this. 

Flint never changes his mind about this. It is his end goal, the one thing that keeps him going and that motivates his character. Motivation is such a big part of the show not just because it drives character from an external degree, but because it also informs the choices and decisions that are made despite how they impact everyone else. And this goes for every single character and why this show works so well. Everyone has an agenda and they are unwilling — most of the time — to drop it and change or allow themselves to be led in a different direction. Those agendas and the conflicts that arise when characters want opposing things, it’s what makes the plot drive forward in such a well weaved tale. And part of my love for how the series concludes is that Flint ends up allowing Silver’s decision to stand and control what happens to him. 

In episode five, Silver says: “The moment I start making choices based on her decisions I’ve given her a hell of a lot more power in my life than I’m quite comfortable ceeding to a perfect stranger” to Eleanor about Max and it struck me during my re-watch that I had to pause the episode because while Silver is talking about Max, it applies to everyone on this show and how the loss of power and the loss of control on any plan or decision twists and changes by the disregard of those plans/decisions by another character. 

Speaking of John Silver. John Silver is a cocky little shit from the moment we meet him. He’s smart and resourceful and opportunistic and self-preserving. He hides away during the attack on the ship he’s on and it’s obvious that he had no plan, but Silver is quick on his feet and right off the back we know that he is willing to do almost anything to keep himself alive. Can we blame him for that? Certainly not. So, he steals a piece of paper even when he knows nothing about it. All he knows is that it’s important and then he insinuates himself into Flint’s crew by claiming to be the cook. 

The growth and change that Silver goes through over the course of the series is amazing writing because it is gradual and paced so well. After all, he stays for the gold and for the security that the gold will bring him, Silver winds up wanting to stay with Flint and with the crew. Silver’s changes are directly connected to the friendship and bond that forms between Silver and Flint and yet Silver never loses the qualities that we first meet him with and his motivation to stay alive is strong throughout so much so that in the end, he doesn’t want Flint’s war not just to protect himself but because he wants to keep those that he loves alive as well. 

There is quite a tragedy to the show, from the tragic backstory of Flint’s that we learn in season two, to an end that while satisfying doesn’t actually allow the main characters to achieve what they’ve fought for and lost so much for. Yet, there is happiness there. There is the hope of Silver and Madi to get past everything that happened and there is of course Flint reuniting with Thomas. The treasure may have been lost to them and they may not have managed to liberate Nassau, but there is still so much beauty in the struggle and the growth and the end result. 

This show is full of depth and layers, an ocean’s worth of things to analyze and discuss and have so many perspectives on. It is worth watching and rewatching and I’m just so excited to continue my rewatch and continue to pick up on all the things I missed the first time around.

#black sails #just a ramble because I love this show so much #black sails meta #captain flint #john silver #I want to write about the flinthamilton of it all but I think I will after I rewatch s2 #so few shows manage the level of characterization that black sails just nails #long post

[monochromaticinsignias]

Imprint | Jeon Jungkook

Mentions of blood

Hybrid au

Words: 12.7k

A/N: This was a request given to me months ago. Man, I'm sorry for posting this so damn late but here it is! 

Summary: In which Jungkook reminisces about the days he had with his beloved human.

It's raining again.

Jungkook takes note of this little detail as his finger follows a trail of raindrop against the fogging surface of the window. His eyes are anything but empty, but they do reflect a twinge of melancholy and unease. 

The stormy grey sky flashes white, and he flinches ever so slightly at the crackling sound of thunder that succeeded right after it. His heart paced inside his chest, reminding him of the terrifying life he had before this one. 

Back then, he was always so alone—left to fend for himself as he scurried around the dark streets preying around for scraps of food. He had to run all over cities and get trampled on by those who wished to capture him. 

“Kookie,” his ears are sharp enough to hear the gentle whisper of his name—if it's even considered a whisper. 

It could not even be a mutter.

Heck, normal humans won't even be able to hear it at all.

But he did.

Maybe that's because he's part human and part dog—a hybrid, a beloved hybrid under the care of his beloved human owner. 

Standing up from the rather comfortable couch beside the fairly large window, he walks towards the dreadfully white bed, his tail not doing its usual wagging motion. His ears, instead of being up and quirky, are left flopping over his hair. 

He situates himself beside the bed.

Beside his human.

Beside you.

“[Y/n]..” he mumbles, looking over your pale form with his glistening eyes. 

If only you could look at him right now and comfort him like you used to, he would be alright. 

“.. Wake up?” 

You were only sleeping—you were dreaming. 

You aren't dead, no, you were only put to sleep. 

But he doesn't want that, he wanted you awake, he needed you awake so you can hold him through this storm. 

 But you didn't wake up.

Your eyes remained shut, concealed to the beautiful world you helped him see and helped him accept. 

It was you who did everything for him to overlook the negativity, but to focus solely on the upside in this dark world. 

You're his light—his comfort, his haven.

But now, you're fading away into the clutches of the same darkness he was once held into, and he can't do anything about it.

He can't pull you back, he can't.

He would if he could.

“..” 

Jungkook whimpers yet again, his ears drooping even more if that's possible, as he buries his face upon the soft pillow near your face. He can still smell the faint scent of [fav/flower] off your soft tresses of [c]. 

He could almost feel your arms encasing around him like you did when you found him in the same stormy night, he could almost hear your gentle voice calling him out as you relieved him of his worries and nightmares.

But that's the thing.

Almost.

It's far from being real.

When had everything spiralled down into a flurry of misfortune and melancholy? When had the euphoria dissipated in a series of grief?

Simple,

Right from the very beginning.

Jungkook refused to accept the truth of it all when he came to know about your condition roughly a few months after you found him.

How can he?

He just found a home—a family. 

And now he's just going to accept the fact that she's dying because of an illness she's been battling all her life?

It's too bad—too evil, he thought once to himself. 

Surely no one would put him through misery, then bring him bliss, only to push him back in an abyss of sadness, right? 

No one would do that... right?

Wrong.

The world has always been cruel, it always has been and it will stay that way as long as it exists. 

Jeon Jungkook knew that all when he was just a small pup. A literal, small pup, wobbling on his four legs, howling out for his long lost mother. He had been separated from his family when it was storming, and while being chased by humans bearing nets to catch them, he had slipped into a bridge of some sort and fell into the water.

He was lucky, at the very least, that he didn't drown.

The only downside to not drowning is that he was isolated from his mother, he was all alone in a place he is not aware of. He didn't know how far the current took him to, but seeing as he was suddenly in a place without buildings but the presence of nature—he figured he was taken very far away from where he originated.

He didn't even know that he was a hybrid at that time, but he was aware of a strange surging feeling in his tiny body, wanting to be released or something. Like it was some sort of power, but that was ludicrous because in his belief, shifting from a puppy into a human being—or being a hybrid, in general, is nothing but absurd.

Due to the rural area, he couldn't find any proper source of food. He was away from the city, directionless, and didn't even know if there's any source of civilization near the route he's taking.

It was still storming, too, so his fur was all matted with mud, dirt, and water. Everything was sticking so close to his skin that he shivered as he trudged along the rocky terrain. 

He kept going on for days and nights, and the rain never stopped. 

A few times, large moving objects with two lights on either side passed by him, some of them almost running over him in the process. Amid his fatigue and airy state of mind, the loud honk and the insanely blinding light was the only thing that reminded him that he was still living. 

In his surprise, he rushed on all four legs to—to somewhere. 

He didn't know where, but somewhere.

But he was only a little pup, a tiny little animal that couldn't even shift for the life of him. So, on a particular night, he finally collapsed under a tree, unable to go on any further.

He hasn't eaten in days, weeks even, and the only source of water he relied on was the continuous pouring of the heavy rain. The crackling sound of thunder accompanied him in his moments of isolation, he almost thought it was mocking him for being alone.

And he couldn't take it anymore.

He couldn't.

But just when he was finally about to drift off into the darkness he was held into, he felt.. warm.

Tiredly reopening his eyes, a faint, shaky whimper left his lips as he stared up at whatever caused him this sudden blanket of warmth.

And behold a human being!

It wasn't an adult, not like those humans who chased him as if he's prey. No, this one is younger, smaller, and much kinder—at least he hoped.

“Poor puppy,”

A girl?

The pup stiffened as warm hands wrapped around his small frame, and even though he was exhausted, he tried his best to wiggle around in hopes of being put down.

Child or not, she was still human! 

And humans have never been kind to him even if he was part-human!

“Shh, shh, don't worry,” she whispers tenderly, her other hand rubbing his head so gently as if she's afraid he'll break apart. 

“I'll take care of you, come on.” picking him up completely, she manages to let him take comfort in her warm arms -thanks to her raincoat- as she stands up with a kind smile.

His doe, black eyes stared against her hues of soft [c]. 

He can almost feel the gentle aura she's giving off, he can practically see the way the light around her hinders any form of darkness that seemed to approach.

After assuring that she has a good grip and that the puppy won't fall from her arms, the unnamed child, no older than nine, looks up at the grey firmament from underneath the willow tree. 

“Aw, it's raining pretty harder than before,” 

It was a good thing for her to bring along her frilly [c] umbrella even if it was only a rain shower earlier, one could not predict the weather these days. 

“Hold on, puppy,” she whispers and glances at the pup, only to find out that it's already fast asleep. 

Smiling, she takes out her umbrella and opens it up, happy that it would be easier to rush now that the cutie in her arms is sleeping. 

When he regained his consciousness, the first thing he noticed is the comforting atmosphere he's in.

Standing on his legs, he stretches and registers the soft mound of material underneath him. Looking down, he nuzzles against the soft pillow, contented with how he woke up.

He honestly couldn't believe that someone—a human, nonetheless, would do this for him.

“You're awake!” 

Startled, the little puppy falls from the mass of soft pillows and onto the floor, which was very low from where he was situated upon mere seconds ago.

“Silly, you fell off the bed.” he processes the words in his twitching ears, his eyes peering upwards to realize that he was on a bed before.

“But at least you can eat now,”

His head whips to the source of the voice quickly as soon as he heard food, and to his excitement, behold! A cute red dog bowl filled with, of course, food! Real food! Not the ones that are scrapped and came from the trash, not the ones that are stale and disgusting.

His tail automatically wags in delight as the bowl is placed in front of him, and he wasted no time to dig his snout in to scarf the contents down.

The still-unnamed human sits on her heels, elbows propped on her knees as she watched him fill himself up with the much-needed nourishment, his tail swaying in the process.

It's been so long ever since he had eaten something proper, let alone a complete meal. 

He even rotated himself so he could lick off the excess bits in the bowl, which resulted in a soft laugh from the girl in front of him.

“You still hungry?”

He sits back on his legs, tail wagging ever so lightly in a way to communicate with her.

“Good thing, you need to be reaaaally healthy, after all!” with that, she picks up the bowl and continues to stroll away, leaving the little pup all to himself.

Eager and patiently waiting for his refill of basically anything, he takes the time to fall back onto the carpeted floor. 

Ah, so soft...

Just by merely observing his surroundings, he can tell that he's in the girl's bedroom. It's fairly large for someone so young, and everything's almost a shade of complementary [c] and [2/c]. 

It looked nice.

“I'm back~” his thoughts ripped away in that instant, Jungkook looks back towards the approaching girl who placed the bowl back in front of him. 

Unlike before, the contents in it spilt a bit, some of it scattering all over the pretty [c] carpet and even his rough fur. 

He sniffs the odd white liquid.

What could this be? 

“It's milk, puppy, don't worry—it tastes really good!” she relays, and the pup takes a tentative lick of the so-called 'milk' and oh, was it delicious. 

Reluctance out of the way, he buries his entire snout into the milk and starts lapping as fast as he could, keen to take in the rich-tasting liquid he's yet to properly recognize. 

When he's done, he sits back and stares back at the girl, who smiles at him in what seems to be woe.

“Are you full, puppy? That's great,” she sets the bowl aside and sits in front of him, her [c] eyes shining brightly. “I'm [Y/n], and since you don't have a collar..” his ears drooped down at the thought of being a stray.

The singular thought of having no collar at all reminded him of the truth that he's all alone in a world without his mother, without his siblings, who were probably in despair without him as well. 

They were all so happy, after all. 

He was the youngest pup and he had found out that the entire family could shift, but he was the only not unable to yet. 

Shifting in the middle of being chased by animal control would technically be suicide because the topic of hybrids roaming around and coexisting with humans is taboo to the government. 

They'll just be thrown in jail and be experimented on, which is far worse than living in the streets.

“You prolly don't have a name yet so... huh, how about Jungkook?” 

His flattened ears perk back up in recognition.

Jungkook.

He likes the ring of it. 

Eyes glimmering in awe, he happily barks at his new name.

A name, he has a name, now!

“Perfect! I'll call you Kookie for short,” he rushed to rub his snout affectionally against her hands, showing her just how grateful he was that she took care of him splendidly. 

It appears to be a silent, onesided conversation, when in fact it is not.

He can understand what she's saying, it's just sad that she can't understand him at all.

[Y/n]. The girl who saved him from a literal end.

It was that rainy night did Jungkook finally found solace and comfort in the presence of a human who showered him with love and care every single day.

The hours that passed by that day were very eventful, to say the least. He found out more about her through further exploration of the house and her self-explanatory wordings at some point.

Even if she's a small child at the age of eight, she's living alone outside the city which, in her words, is far from the danger her parents once told her about. At one time, he agreed with her -not like she knows it- because the danger is in the city, but he can't exactly say that there's no root of danger outside. 

And she's living alone! 

She walked the rocky road of the area hours ago at night time without a care in the world, a frilly umbrella in her clasp as she stumbled upon his exhausted form. 

It's clear that she has no adult supervision whatsoever judging by the way she acted, and he realized that he awakened in the early morning—the proof of this being the clock that read three am.

She's staying up late waiting for him to wake up so she can give him proper food. 

He didn't know that such acts of compassion could exist.

More or less to a stray animal—but he's not exactly an animal now, is he?

Denying his real form would be disgracing what and who he is in the first place. He's a hybrid, a combination of animal and human.

Ah!

And speaking of the matter, he's fueled so well by now to the point wherein he feels he can do anything. There's a surge of—well, not power in particular, but there is something, flowing within his veins and it wants to be released. 

He didn't know if this is the urge to shift into a human boy since he's not educated well in the process of transformation, but he figured that it's that.

As three am eventually passed into four, the little girl finally felt sleep beginning to eat away her consciousness, so with a gentle pat to his head, she retires to her large bed.

It would be a lie to say that sleep doesn't look so inviting, not when he had just been stuffed with the meal he's been waiting for so long.

So after minutes of struggling to claw the mattress to settle on the side next to his newfound friend, he finally made it up the bed and dove underneath the blankets, making sure to stay as close to her as possible as he let sleep overtake his being.

That was the start of something so wonderful.

Days were spent with nothing but playful banter, and he finally felt what it's like to go chase and tag someone around. Even if he's apparently, still stuck at his small puppy form. 

All mornings are spent like this, either he wakes her up first by nudging her side or her waking him up by poking his sides. They'd eat breakfast together and then they'd play out in the field until the crack of dusk, only stopping to eat and rest before playing out in the open again.

It was until one late afternoon did Jungkook found out how she managed on her own.

[Y/n] was taking a nap at that time when someone came into the house, and of course, as a puppy that's now very protective, he barked with all his might. It was a man in black and white, with a handkerchief neatly designed in his chest pocket as he carried a couple of stuff with hands.

He barely paid the pup any mind as he laid the bags onto the counter along with what seems to be a journal or a book, then he left.

When [Y/n] came to be, she found everything that she was supplied with every month, and a look of forlorn came across her once mirthful features.

It turns out that her parents are working abroad for the entire time, making money to pay for her living expenses. She's assigned both a butler and a maid that goes to the house thrice every month to make sure she's doing well. 

And that's that.

Eventually, days flew to weeks, to months, and to an exact year later—when everything changed.

It had been the normal, typical day where he plays chase with the sweet little girl when she suddenly called out for his name in fright. 

He's a long-distance from her in the fields, but he heard her cry of fear and sudden silence very well thanks to his enhanced hearing.

[Y/n]?

His thoughts blurted in anxiousness as he pushed his four legs to run faster, and as he ascended over the lump of land he saw her last, the heavy feeling in his little heart grew even heavier.

!!

There, he saw her, face-first on the ground, writhing and heaving massive breaths as if she's having extreme difficulty. 

Barking, Jungkook skids over to where she is situated and immediately becomes alarmed at the sight of red splotches against the faint green grass. 

“K-Kookie,” she whispers hoarsely as she looks at him, eyes bloodshot from coughing so much. 

Jungkook whimpers in response as he watched her fall to her side, still breathing heavily as she tried to get a grasp of her consciousness.  

Unable to do anything, he began barking as loud as he could. Luckily, without even having to wait for something, it's as if someone answered his desperate cries.

For a car not too far in the horizon came into view, eventually stopping to the front of the house, and out came a maid.

He stiffens.

Today's the day someone checks up on her!

He wasted no time to run down the fields and under the fences, barking as he approached the shellshocked maid who looked down at him in confusion.

“What is it?” the woman questions, her young face crinkling in confusion.

Jungkook kept barking, trying to get her to notice how desperate and anxious he's sounding as of the moment. 

But when she didn't understand, he finally bit the hem of her long uniform and started tugging her to the fields impatiently.

Hurry!

He shouts inside his head, tearfully thanking whoever listened to him when the maid began to get the gist of what he's doing. 

He made sure to guide her to his fallen friend as quick and as clear as possible, even barking as a way for him to scream 'hurry up'.

When the maid stumbled over the fallen body of little [Y/n], she gasps in horror and scooped her up in her arms, glancing at the puppy who barked at her again before racing back towards the car.

The woman opens the door to the passenger seat and lets him hop inside before gently placing the fragile body of the girl inside and racing towards the driver's seat.

As she busied herself with her seatbelt and starting the car, Jungkook starts whimpering at the back, faint whining leaving his throat as he laid against [Y/n]'s stomach, his teary eyes ever once leaving her face. 

He stared at the dried blood against the corners of her pale cheeks, and he fussed over the sudden, horrific situation. 

Was she so sick to the point where she coughs up blood?

But she's been so healthy! 

All she eats are leafy greens and fruits! She's a nutritious individual who spent mornings out in the sun, making sure to get lots of vitamins provided by—

He froze.

Yes.. [Y/n] has been eating vegetables and fruits, she also ate meat on several occasions, but the most prominent one she's been intaking ever since he met her are those strange little things that are various in colour.

They come along in tiny white containers with prescriptions all over it, words he cannot fathom, and numbers and all instructions he doesn't get.

She's taking medicine.

But for what?

His questions were answered the second little [Y/n] was rushed to the Emergency Room, and he had to be cradled by the kind maid who thanked him for leading her to the young mistress. 

Fortunately, the woman has a habit of speaking to herself, so as she fussed over several possibilities as to how the child's health could've spiralled down so abruptly, Jungkook was there to listen and be aware of his friend's entire background.

[Y/n] [L/n] is suffering from a disease called tuberculosis and has long been given medications to help aid her health or to even minimize the risk of endangering her life. 

She's a girl with a weak immune system and has been diagnosed with repetitive chronic bronchitis back when she was four, effectively damaging her lungs severely and paving way for the bacteria to spread and eventually activate. 

Jungkook didn't understand it at first for all the terms the doctors gave the maid are extremely complex, but he did comprehend and speculate that whatever she's going through right now—it's putting her life in the line.

The maid called the parents, and they talked about moving back into the city so that more can watch over her the route to the hospital would be a quick ten to half an hour drive instead of a full-blown hour and a half.

He's positive with this turning point.

When [Y/n] woke up, he skidded right past the legs of nurses who struggled to rush out the room to alert the doctor in charge. He jumps onto a nearby chair and the bed, where he started barking in both worry and relief.

“Jungkook!” she smiles, the colour in her face back in its usual colour.

Satisfied and believing that she's fine as of the moment, he proceeded to snake closer to her side, letting her know how worried he was over the entire situation. 

Giggling, she embraces him gently, like she first did so when he slept by her side on that rainy night.

Everything would be alright.

He's sure of it as she's brought back into the bustling city life in Busan, the place where he originated from. 

There was already a place for them in the city, which didn't phase him at all by then considering he just realized how rich her family was.

It's good to think that even with the riches surrounding her, she wasn't spoiled at all, in fact, although alone and having no real company other than him, she started sharing her blessings and riches to both butlers and maids alike in the large house she has for herself.

She's a kind soul, a kind soul that's slowly being deprived of life.

He didn't understand why someone so fortunate is unfortunate at the same time. 

But he didn't care, at least not on the fortune side.

All he cares for now is the truth that she's hanging by a thread.

Jungkook stuck close to her ever since, making sure he can see her within his peripheral and giving her privacy when needed. He has to make sure that she doesn't succumb into the clutches of her disease, even if maids and butlers are roaming the place, it's his topmost priority to keep track of her safety.

Time passed by again, and she's now eleven years of age. 

He can tell that he's at least the same age as she is, judging by how his capacity to think and comprehend complex things has increased evidently. Though it's not much, he can understand better now.

Similarly, [Y/n] has left homeschooling to attend a school like any other kids her age is doing—which means she's gone for most hours of the day, and he's left to do whatever he wants.

It's boring having to wait all the time, but it's exciting when she steps foot back in the large house.

Ah, and how can I forget?

This time is also the time wherein he has learned to do the most crucial thing a hybrid can do;

Shifting.

It happened at a much-needed time. 

Butlers are out shopping for groceries and maids are busy attending to other matters addressed to them by the parents through the mail, and some are off-duty as of the moment.

It was three in the afternoon, and Jungkook is lazying around the living room after his well-deserved nap when the front door opened to reveal a stumbling and hacking [Y/n]. Her school uniform has tiny spots and flecks of red as she coughed into her fist, her other hand frantically searching the bag that dangled off her shoulders.

Not again!

He cries in his head, quickly rushing to her aid when she let her body drop to the nearby sofa. He helps in rummaging through the contents of her bag in hopes of finding the medication, luckily, she did—and she took it out, shaking hands struggling to open the container.

Cough!

Crash!

“Ah—” [Y/n] wheezes as the container falls to the floor, the medicine spilling all over the carpet. 

She reaches down to take it, when her vision suddenly crossed, blurring her sight and paving way for the dizziness to surge in her head. 

“Ugh..” she groans, holding her head and coughing at the same time.

Jungkook stiffens in his place as he watched in horror, unable to do anything yet again.

[Y/n]! 

She's too dizzy, too lightheaded. 

He whimpers and takes a glance at the spilt medication before racing towards the kitchen. 

Water first, he has to get her a glass of water. 

Picking the medicine up would be easy. 

Seconds later, he rushes into the hallway that leads to the kitchen, his legs racing and pushing to go faster.

But how will he be able to get water? 

He turns to a corner, and the door to the kitchen is seen.

He may be able to get in the kitchen, but how will he even manage to retrieve a glass?

Please...

Jungkook bursts in the kitchen, his feet immediately leading him to the cupboard where glasses are stored. 

He reaches to open it, his hand—

Wait, his hand!?

Gasping, eleven-year-old Jungkook freezes momentarily, his wide eyes scanning his little but much bigger.. paw? No, hand!

He's—he's shifted into a human!

In automatic response, he feels something wagging behind, and he looks back to see his tail still there—and he suddenly realizes that he's in fact, a hybrid.

He had forgotten all about it!

But now's not the time to stand around.

Rushing, he swiftly takes a glass out of the cupboard and skids to the water dispenser. After filling it up with enough water, he runs back to the living room where he can still hear laboured breathing. 

“[Y/n]!” his voice caught him by surprise, all because he's been accustomed to barking. 

He kneels and takes a spare medicine from within the fallen container and inches closer to the girl whose eyes are becoming duller by the second.

 “Here, quickly!” he eggs her on.

You didn't understand how things worked back then.

Who was this boy?

Where was Jungkook?

But he's technically saving your life, so even if you're feeling so nauseous, you took the medicine you dreaded so much and plopped it in your mouth. 

The boy nears the glass of water to your lips and you're grateful by how he helped you tip the glass so you can drink in ease.

It took a few minutes for the drug to kick in, but the boy waited along patiently in concern. 

When you can speak clearly and the feeling of queasiness has gone away, you stared at the boy in front of you.

He can't be older than eleven, that makes him the age as you!

“T-thank you, but...” 

Your question is cut off when you spotted the dog ears and the tail that's.. glued behind him.

Putting two and two together, you were able to come up with a decent realization.

“Y-y-you're a—!” 

Hybrid.

You dove back onto the couch, fear and awe and admiration soaring in your [c] eyes as you stared at the now familiar looking guy in front of you. 

You wouldn't miss the way those doe eyes looked at you in concern.

He stayed silent, probably soaking in how real everything is by now.

He kept looking at his hands too, he even tugged at his dog ears!

“Jungkook??” you stammered, and he instantly snaps his gaze at you.

“H-hi, [Y/n],” he tried using his voice, and to his shock, unlike the usual barks, the words he wanted to convey directed their way out of him.

He emphasizes his disbelief by slamming both of his hands on his mouth, eyes eerily wide and ears sticking up.

Still not over the ordeal at hand, you observed in mild interest and even scepticism at how your supposed puppy is fretting over the entirety of his being. 

“I—I shifted... !” the child laughed, the tail behind him starting to wag. 

He looked at you, and you stiffened again, “[Y-Y/n], I shifted!” and as he continued to be excited at how he transformed from puppy to half-human-half-puppy, you busied yourself with freaking out and squealing at t the same time.

“And you're a hybrid!” you exclaimed in glee and wonder, your hands darting out immediately to gently touch his ears. 

He paid no mind to this, in fact, he leaned into your touch with a bright grin on his face.

“Ahh, thank you very much for helping me earlier, Jungkook,” you said as you got comfortable on the couch, bewildered at how you think you're so... okay about the prevailing circumstance. 

The hybrid jumps a little at your statement, “Yeah, of course! It's the least I could do, hm!” his cute bunny-like teeth are seen, opposing how he's truly half-puppy and not half-rabbit.

You leaned back, humming in question,

“Least you could do?”

Once more, Jungkook nods and he chuckles at how your eyes followed the way his ears bobbed and flopped onto his soft hair.

“Yup, you saved me years ago, didn't you?”

A faint glow of white pops in—a memory, faded into your eyes, reminding you of that rainy night where you rescued an exhausted, stranded puppy in the middle of nowhere. 

You were reminded of how you nurtured the small puppy and fed it with well-needed meals, and you were reminded of how you took care of him to the best of your abilities.

“I didn't know how to shift back then, so I stayed as a puppy. I don't know how I did it now, but I'm glad I did!” his orbs twinkled, “I'm not returning the favour. I'm willing to show you the same care as you did for me!” he childishly opened his arms in emphasis, the sweet bunny grin still on his face.

You blinked,

once,

and twice.

And smiled.

Needless to say, Jungkook kept his promise that day. 

Finding him a place and letting others know of his true existence wasn't too hard, much to your befuddlement. It seems that as some point, some of the maids and butlers alike have encountered a good-natured hybrid in their life, while others merely accepted them in the society.

It brought a root of comfort from Jungkook, who then felt no need to shift back in his puppy form—which still baffled you. 

You didn't know that hybrids could shift to their alter esse, but I guess there's more to them than what meets the eye, after all.

After debating whether to tell your parents or not, you caved in after reminiscing about the days Jungkook was practically there to save you from your end. 

He's the reason why you're still living right now. 

And again, much to your surprise, they were more than alright to let him live under the same roof. They both strongly believe that he works best as a guardian of some sort—they even allowed him to go to the same school as you! 

So starting from then on, he accompanied you to the school you're attending as a transferee who always dons a cap in which he stuffs his ears upwards to hide them away. 

You asked him countless times to find a better solution if it's way too uncomfortable, but he reasoned that it felt rather nice. His tail is not hard to hide, it just really stays inside the back of his pants without any trouble. 

Your bond after that only deepened more, you two were even inseparable in school! You were open to making more friends, but Jungkook made it a habit to growl at anyone who even comes too close for comfort. 

It didn't help that his canines stayed intact, so he tends to show it off to those who are courageous enough to touch a fraction of your skin. 

You all were mere children, however, so it's a given that everyone will try to come close to befriend each other—but your classmates avoided you because you have a literal growling Jungkook beside you 24/7.

You didn't care, you had him, anyways!

When you first attended highschool, literal drama and puberty started topping off the charts. It was sometime around eighth grade when Jungkook learned to trust humans other than you, thus gaining more friends and being open like you wanted him to be. 

It didn't mean that he didn't stick by your side, though, because he did.

One time in eleventh grade, a boy whose name I'll shorten to J.M, asked you out to prom—let's say that Jungkook was pulling you away already before you even got to reply.

Much to his misfortune, J.M still took you for a dance at prom night, an event Jungkook couldn't go to because a hat and a tux don't go well together.  

He's forced to watch a live feed from one of your friends as he situated himself on the mansion's couch, his ears flat on his head and a scowl appearing to be permanently plastered on his face.

When you arrived at midnight, he bustled off the furniture and bounded over to you with a bright grin. He pushed through your bubble and hugged your waist as tight as he could, ruffling your [c] cocktail dress as his tail wagged back and forth. 

It kept on being like that even until college, where you took a major for [dream job] and he followed in your footsteps.

Literally.

In those years, you have not once seen your parents. 

It took a toll on you one college night when you broke down because of stress and the fact that you're dying—and that you know that your time is very limited. You thought of your life that very night as you sobbed into the sheets of your bed, wondering why your parents never visited. 

Jungkook wasn't there for he's staying in a different room in a different building in the university dorm, but it seems as if he has a sixth sense, for when you opened the door after hearing several soft knocks, he stood there with a concerned frown.

He took note of your bloodshot eyes and messy desk into recognition and wasn't slow to fit the pieces together, his ears sagging at the sight.

“Why are you here?” you whispered in the dead of night as he pushed you back into your room and gently shut the door behind him, “Something was off, and I'm right.” was his only response as he held your shoulders down, making you sit down on your bed.

When you made a move to stand back up, he holds you down again.

Seeing that he's not taking no for an answer, you begrudgingly laid down on the bed, watching as he approached your messy desk.

The wooden table contained an open lampshade, scatters of essays that had wet blotches that undoubtedly came from your tears, multiple books stacked upon one another, and a laptop that displays an opened, to-be-edited document. 

He shakes his head in disapproval at this after realizing that it's two in the morning. He turns off the lampshade and starts arranging the items neatly.

The sharp flutter of sheets echoed in the adequately sized room and from that sound alone, he knew you were deciding to trudge towards him and prevent him from keeping everything away.

“What are you doing?” you hissed as you swung your legs over the bed, “I'm going to study!” when you were about to stand up, Jungkook was already in front of you, pushing you back down as he did earlier.

“Jungkook!” you whispered harshly.

He snorted and wrapped you in your sheets before laying to your side, his strong arms overlapping your cocoon of a body. 

“You already studied enough, leave it be and sleep.” he mumbled, his eyes closed as he said this.

You whined and swayed back and forth, making an effort to get out of the layers concealing you from the neck to your feet. “I got a test tomorrow, let me study—” his body vibrated, indicating a laugh of some sort leaving him. “I know, I have one too. We're classmates,” he replied.

Another grunt left you, “Then we should—”

“[Y/n],”

You froze at his serious voice emanating from your side. 

It's rare to hear him talk so seriously after he grew out of growling at random people back at grade school. He's been a very uplifting spirit that didn't show an ounce of blue.

“You've been crying as of late,” murmured the hybrid. 

Damn it.

He knows how to shut you up real good.

“Why?” he lifted his face to peer at you through locks of black hair. 

You didn't look back at him, though—he's surprisingly good at staring people in the eyes and deriving their current emotion and motive through it. It must be because of his enhanced sixth sense, or maybe he's just good at reading you.

Or maybe you were simply extremely easy to read. 

“[Y/n]?” 

You didn't miss the sudden envelope of warmth coursing through the thin sheets of the makeshift cocoon, and you knew it was his hand gently entwining with yours.

It's a natural phenomenon for such a feat to occur considering how close the two of you are. 

You sighed, “I'm fine, Kook,” his hand tightens its grip and you finally meet his eyes, “Believe me.” you said. 

He furrows his eyebrows, the lightest act of concern whiplashing you with shock. He's not this insistent in knowing something.

“I don't,” he replied.

Pursing your lips together at his objection, you turned your head away, feeling defeated at the moment, but he only peeks over your line of sight.

“You'll sleep first, but you admit what's going on first thing tomorrow.” he subtly demands, the crease on his forehead still present.

Unable to disagree and unable to hide the dissatisfaction that he knows it when you lie, you mumbled a silent 'okay'. 

This singular act of obedience brought a timid smile across his lips, and he plopped down on the space beside you with a contented hum.

Somehow, this wave of warmth combined with his presence soothed your nerves. Jungkook always has this aura of comfort and safety wherever he goes, and you were adamant in being near it all the time.

It could be because he had saved you innumerable times and you've grown used to him being by your side.

Whatever the reason was, you were grateful, nevertheless.

So that supposedly lonely night, you spent it with the hybrid who shared a shred of your heart and soul, drifting away in a euphoric, tender infused sleep that took away all sorts of darkness that lingered in your chest.

That time appeared to have a drastic effect on your relationship with Jungkook—in a good way, of course. It's a clear case that you two became even more inseparable if that's possible. Ever since then, he made it a routine to come knocking at your door whenever his senses tingled like crazy, and his hunches are right most of the time.

Jungkook's never wrong when it comes to reading you.

He knew you as if you were an open book to him—or so he assumes.

That tiny belief that he knew you so well, came crashing down one day when you suddenly didn't return home from your workplace. 

He waited.

He didn't sleep.

He didn't care when your maids and butlers assured him that you'd be fine, that you're safe and sound.

Didn't care when they offered to give you a call, for he didn't want to hear your voice through a damned speaker from a device but face-to-face.

So he waited.

Until you came barging in the front doors, wobbling in your steps. 

He got to you first before any of your maids did.

He wasn't even that near from you when his nose crinkled at the whiff of something... very unlike you. His tail had frozen stiff behind him in anxiousness as he slid to you with open arms, just the right time for him to catch your falling body. 

He sniffed your hair, and he grimaced.

You smelled of alcohol.

“This is what you call 'busy'?” he asked with an undertone of hurt as he carried you to your room, dismissing the worried glances from the maids and butlers alike as he placed you on your bed.

“Going to a damned bar and drinking tons of alcohol? What's with you, [Y/n]?” he didn't sugarcoat his wordings as he scolded you.

You felt like a child, which you practically were in the moment for the large intake of alcohol made you act like you're eight.

“N~nothin'~”

Jungkook presses the space between his eyebrows in what can be assumed as exasperation, a guttural sound leaving him.

“[Y/n], you're not acting like yourself ever since you took that one week vacation,” he mentions, and in your euphoric state, you merely bobbed your head in reply. “Why aren't you saying anything?” Jungkook whispered, “Don't you know how worried I was? What if you suddenly got an attack and you didn't have your medication? What if—” he started listing off all the possible dangers you could've done by drinking alone, and somehow, you managed to understand every single thing.

“—I'm fine though, aren't I?” came your snappy remark, the liquor in your head blurring all sorts of conscious moral. 

Jungkook reared back from the bed in apprehension, his raised ears twitching by the sudden tone of snarkiness.

You're never like this.

“W...” he trailed away in his sentence, unable to complete it.

You rolled your eyes, “I'm perfectly fine! I've only drunk a couple of glasses and I have my medication. I'm still in one piece.” you scoffed as you said this.

Jungkook clenched his fist against the mattress of your bed and gritted his teeth, his sharp canines appearing, 

“I don't care if you're fine, I don't care if you only drank a few, I don't care if you had your medication and I don't care if you're still in one piece—I care about how much you're draining your life! Your health is not fine and that's what I'm worried about!” he bellowed, his voice dripping with the lightest tint of animosity. 

His blazing black eyes locked with yours in a staredown, sparks of confidence and pride sizzling off the invisible chain linking his annoyance to you own.

Why was he even fighting with you when you're not well enough to assess the situation? 

It hadn't been the first time for a fight to ensue between the two of you about your health, but this is the first time he felt so... so enraged. 

It's like you don't care about how limited your time in this world is and he's beyond the word of hurt and unacceptance because of it.

“Well don't worry because you'll have noooothing to worry about soon enough,” 

His thoughts were cut off almost instantly upon hearing this. 

His ears fell flat against the sides of his head and his tail went limp, he is incapable of stopping the furious beating of his heart and how his senses started fluctuating like crazy.

Something's not right.

You looked sullen.

“What... do you mean?” he tried to let out the words as quickly as he could so he'd not choke on it later on, but something inside him wished desperately that he didn't ask about it in the first place.

Your once blazing eyes of [c] morphs into a dull shade of [c], ridden of its life and twinkle as you stared at the frozen hybrid.

“I only have a year left.”

Slowly, as if he's in a movie of some sort, the world froze. 

The gears in his head turned and turned until they locked in place, perfectly registering those few devastating words that were strong enough to crash into his sense of distress. 

He noticed that you drew your stare away from his own, and he speculated that you didn't want to see his reaction.

Heck, he didn't even want to see how he reacts.

“What?” was the only thing he could utter. 

You didn't reply.

Of course.

What would you answer to that?

In a split second, every source of infuriation in his body dropped like a measly coin, and he felt the familiar surge of desolation overpower everything else.

“B-but,” his voice cracked and you swore a piece of your heart broke along with it, “That's too little time...!” you still didn't look his way.

The absence of your [c] eyes against his own triggered the desperation within, and he cried out in anguish as he rushed forward to tackle you to the bed, not even bothering to shift to his other form at the moment.

“Oof!” a pained gasp left you as his leaner body slammed roughly on top of your own, his arms swiftly encircling your waist just as your back lands back on the bed, your drunken stupor shook out in the process.

He practically buried his head on your chest in an immaculate manner, it was a thing he always kind of did when he's in his dog form -though he's not, presently speaking-. 

His body quaked above you as restless sobs began erupting from his throat, you can even feel his tears soaking your front.

“N-no, I'm sorry—I'm sorry I was mad, p-please don't play around like this. It's not funny, [Y/n]!” Jungkook whimpered in despair, his cries doubling in intensity when you sheltered your arms around him in a protective way—almost as if you're shielding him from the sad fact.  

You honestly didn't know what to cry about.

The fact that you have a year left to live, or the reality that Jungkook is in denial and stubbornly believes that you're merely bluffing.

“I-I don't like this game, please stop it, I don't want this.” he continued to whimper, sniffing now and then as he made no move to shield his crying. “I'm not playing around, Jungkook.” the whisper left your lips before you could even sugarcoat it, ending the phantasm the hybrid had put himself into.

The outcome is rapid and he snapped his head towards you, his tear-filled eyes already red and leaking. The crease in his eyebrows is apparent as he bared his teeth in a threatening manner.

He rose from his position and placed his hands on the bed, right beside both sides of your head, perfectly towering over you. 

One of his tears dropped on your cheek.

“You're lying—you're lying!!”

His outburst made you shrink underneath him, but you made sure to retain the eye contact he daringly started. He made no move to hide the fangs that were seen as he growled from above you.

“Don't be mad over something you know would happen soon, Jungkook, it's useless.” you bluntly stated, the memory of the doctor relaying the news to you making its way inside your head, causing a stream of upcoming tears to line in your eyes.

Both your sentence and the sight of your tears struck Jungkook like lightning, his gaze softening and his fangs shortening back to its normal size. 

It appeared as if he finally calmed down, at least enough to talk properly.

“I-...” he panted, the tears resuming to fall against your cheeks.

He hiccuped as you pulled him down, your arms covering him in a way to console him of his worries and fears. It always made him calm, but now, that effect turned for the worst, and he only seemed to cry even more.

“That can't be..” he sobbed, “No, [Y/n], no...” it wasn't even an understatement that your top is soaked by now. 

You sighed, your throat hurt from gulping the painful lump down in order not to break down in front of him, as well. 

All roots from your drunken state were now gone.

“It's still a year away, Kook, don't worry—I'm still here,”

That pacified him down in the slightest.

His sobs slowly silenced itself into hiccups and sniffles, and he didn't remove his arms from you. By now the two of you had turned to your sides, still staring at the other as you stroke his ears gently. 

His eyes were so red.

“Don't cry anymore, Kook. You need to be happy,”

But how?

He wanted to ask. 

How can he be happy when the person who loved and cared for him so much will be gone in a year?

He refrained from saying it out loud, of course, because he's afraid he'll start crying all over again—and you made an effort to stop him just earlier, he didn't want to put you through such difficulty.

Not when you're in the last phases of your life.

Just thinking of it like that made him stiff, but fortunately, you were there to hug and comfort him. 

And you never let go, not even when he fell asleep, drained from crying so much. He hoped that it would always be like that, that you'd always be there to hug him whenever he feels so lost.

You were that angel he's read from a book—you could even be that so-called prince charming, but at the same time, you were a princess. A deity, a goddess, even! 

You were that good character who's so nice but dies early in the series he's watched with you on Netflix, you were simply that light.

And to Jungkook's dismay, you couldn't last long.

The first month after he became aware of the news, he kept a very close eye on you such that he actually visited your workplace from time to time. Your coworkers and boss didn't mind—he's a sweet individual, after all. 

Plus, it's cute to see someone following you behind like a lost puppy.

Ah, if only they knew.

Jungkook waited for you until you get out of work and made it a routine to be the one to drive you home, practically taking the place of your driver and guardian. Sometimes, if you're working late, he gives your boss an earful, much to your embarrassment. 

Fortunately, the former deemed him as a cute boyfriend trying to coax him into getting you out of work early, which happens all the time. 

It kept on being like this until around the fourth month, where you suddenly fainted in the middle of work with a pool of blood surrounding your work desk. Your coworkers literally flew in panic as they fussed to inform your boss, the ambulance, and call the one listed in your emergency contacts list altogether. 

Jungkook, who was napping at that time in the mansion, had been shaken awake by the same maid he barked at decades ago. 

She was then carrying a phone with a look of dread all over her face.

As he hastened to take the respective accessories to conceal his twitchy ears, he was more than thankful to find out that the driver was already there. 

He also reached the hospital in less than ten minutes, thanks to the car speeding over red lights. 

You were rushed to the Emergency Room, apparently, so he had to wait outside. His knee kept bouncing in anticipation as he eyed multiple doctors and nurses walk back and forth in the room. Whenever he asked them about your condition, their answers are diverse and unspecific, which drove him wild. 

He waited for two more hours until you were moved into a more private room where he can finally see you without any trouble. 

Doctors weren't able to explain your predicament explicitly, only relaying details such as damaged lungs and that's it.

After tearfully accepting the obscure yet devastating news, he went to your side, sobbing as he did so three months ago. 

Only this time, you weren't awake.

And how can he forget?

It's as if the weather is on par with his emotions.

It's raining again, after all.

Jungkook takes note of this little detail as his finger follows a trail of raindrop against the fogging surface of the window. His eyes are anything but empty, but they do reflect a twinge of melancholy and unease. 

The stormy grey sky flashes white, and he flinches ever so slightly at the crackling sound of thunder that succeeded right after it. His heart paced inside his chest, reminding him of the terrifying life he had before this one. 

Back then, he was always so alone—left to fend for himself as he scurried around the dark streets preying around for scraps of food. He had to run all over cities and get trampled on by those who wished to capture him. 

“Kookie,” his ears are sharp enough to hear the gentle whisper of his name—if it's even considered a whisper. 

It could not even be a mutter.

Heck, normal humans won't even be able to hear it at all.

But he did.

Maybe that's because he's part human and part dog—a hybrid, a beloved hybrid under the care of his beloved human owner. 

Standing up from the rather comfortable couch beside the fairly large window, he walks towards the dreadfully white bed in haste, his tail not doing its usual wagging motion. His ears, instead of being up and quirky, are left flopping over his hair, long out of the beanie that concealed it.

He situates himself beside the bed.

Beside his human.

Beside you.

“[Y/n]..” he mumbles, looking over your pale form with his glistening eyes. 

If only you could look at him right now and comfort him like you used to, he would be alright. 

“.. Wake up?” 

You were only sleeping—you were dreaming. 

You aren't dead, no, you were only put to sleep so you wouldn't feel the throbbing pain in your lungs.

But he doesn't want that, he wanted you awake, he needed you awake so you can hold him through this storm. 

 But you didn't wake up.

Your eyes remained shut, concealed to the beautiful world you helped him see and helped him accept. 

It was you who did everything for him to overlook the negativity, but to focus solely on the upside in this dark world. 

You're his light—his comfort, his haven.

But now, you're fading away into the clutches of the same darkness he was once held into, and he can't do anything about it.

He can't pull you back, he can't.

He would if he could.

“..” 

Jungkook whimpers yet again, his ears drooping even more if that's possible, as he buries his face upon the soft pillow near your face. He can still smell the faint scent of [fav/flower] off your soft tresses of [c]. 

He could almost feel your arms encasing around him like you did when you found him in the same stormy night, he could almost hear your gentle voice calling him out as you relieved him of his worries and nightmares.

But that's the thing.

Almost.

It's far from being real.

When had everything spiralled down into a flurry of misfortune and melancholy? When had the euphoria dissipated in a series of grief?

Simple,

Right from the very beginning.

Jungkook refused to accept the truth of it all when he came to know about your condition roughly a few months after you found him.

How can he?

He just found a home—a family. 

And now he's just going to accept the fact that she's dying because of an illness she's been battling all her life?

It's too bad—too evil, he thought once to himself. 

Surely no one would put him through misery, then bring him bliss, only to push him back in an abyss of sadness, right? 

No one would do that... right?

Wrong.

The world has always been cruel, it always has been and it will stay that way as long as it exists.

He now has learned to accept that although there are good things in the world, they are only ephemeral—they're nothing but mere, fleeting dreams. 

They serve as short-lived euphoria for pathetic beings like him who are brought in the world to be crestfallen for the remaining of their existence.

It's unfair, it's very unfair.

But what can he do?

This is not like those fairytales that he read where he can plead to a diety, consult a witch for a potion, or even switch places with you! If it is, then he would've done so years ago. 

He'd do anything to ensure you a safe and happy life, but nothing ever goes his way, right? Nothing.

Jungkook takes a seat next to your bed and fishes out your hand from under the thin white blanket. He grasps it as tight as he could, hoping that you'd be able to feel the warmth he's so urgently wanting you to feel. Then he leans down, presses his forehead to it, and prays to whoever is listening for you to wake up.

He's waiting for so long, when will you finally open your eyes to look at him?

When will you finally be okay?

Never.

But then—that small flicker of hope made itself known.

“J.. Jungkook?”

Even for just a fraction of time.

The hybrid gasps, his ears perking and his tail stiffening as he snaps his head to shift his view to you.

His dull eyes met [c] hues, and he completely breaks down that instant.

“[Y-Y/N]!” he cries, standing up from the seat so he can loom over and capture you in a tight hug. You cough lightly underneath him but made a move to return the hug even if it proved to be difficult.  

His sobs rebounded back and forth, erupting continuously from his throat as he soaked your hospital gown with his endless tears. 

“You're okay... you're okay,” he keeps mumbling, his face buried in your hair at that moment.

You giggle—or at least you tried to, for all that came out of you are hoarse chaffing. “Of course I'm okay, I wouldn't leave you too soon. It hasn't even been a year,” your reply had done two consecutive effects on him; he's relieved that you're still fine, and he's wrecked upon remembering that you only had months yet to live.

After a couple more minutes of hugging each other to death, which may or may not be exaggerated, he finally departs from your arms, which took a lot of struggle. 

“Y-you mean you won't stay confined here?” Jungkook manages to question in the middle of sniffing, his tail cutely wagging behind in light bliss at the news you brought. Apparently, you've told your doctor before that if you ever were brought to the hospital due to severe condition, you'd only take the necessary steps to regain back your temporary good health before going home.

Your reason was that you didn't want to remain restricted in a single space for the remaining months, and although it's true, your main reason was that you'd rather spend it with Jungkook.

“Yes, I won't be staying here for the rest of my days,” you clarified with a tiny smile, your fingers -that you just noticed are gripped by his own- enclasping around his own with the same amount of strength. 

An indication that you're still okay, and that you're still there.

Before Jungkook can voice out his relief and excitement, however, the door to your hospital room opens, and your doctor comes in holding a bunch of papers and a clipboard.

As if knowing you're awake by then, she smiles, “I've already filled out the sheets that will discharge you by tomorrow, so for now, you should just rest.” she informs, nodding towards Jungkook who meekly bowed in return. 

The reality of the latter being a hybrid didn't faze the medical practitioner at the slightest—probably because she has a hybrid as a friend too, and respected them all equally. 

“Thank you,” you smile gratefully as she sets down a couple of new medications, undoubtedly dosed higher and stronger than the previous versions. “It's not a problem at all,” she says as she checked the labels, “Jungkook will be with you the entire time, I'd have nothing to worry about.” her sentence brings a timid laugh to escape the man in question, his eyes twinkling slightly in the process.

After rechecking her papers and confirming your vitals, the doctor gently pats your shoulder before leaving the room. 

“I'll take care of you, [Y/n], I promise.” his voice rebounds back into your ears just as the woman left. You drift your eyes back to him, the smile never leaving your face for a second.

With a hand adoringly caressing his still quivering hand, you chuckle,

“I know you will.”

And so, you were brought back to the mansion. 

Maids and butlers alike, though reluctant of your departure from the hospital, are more than ecstatic to see your mirthful face bounding all over the enormous abode. Your presence remained constant to the point wherein everyone adores you. 

You weren't the snobby, rich lil' girl who feeds off the money her parents send from abroad. You weren't the rags to riches type of girl, but you were the one who remained with the riches and used it to benefit the others. 

Jungkook, who experienced your hospitality firsthand, willingly told new servants of his story and your encounter in the rain. 

His stories made you look like an angel, and though you deny it -much to the others' displeasure-, he keeps telling you otherwise.

“You're a literal angel, [Y/n],” Jungkook hums as he snuggled close to your chest one lazy afternoon, and you laugh, “Not quite, but I'll let you be.” he smiles at your reply.

He's been expecting another drastic occurrence as of late, but so far nothing is happening and he couldn't be any more grateful. 

It finally seemed as if the granules of time halted momentarily to give him the proper closure, to prepare him for the worst to come before it finally resumes again like endless falling sand. 

And, albeit difficult, Jungkook finally learned to accept that you'll have to go soon—without him.

It's useless to dwell over the impending death when he could just accept it and cherish the time left with you, after all, and he's happy with what he'd done.

He's planned all the perfect stuff to keep you happy until the end of the year, too, thanks to his early acceptance. 

During the sixth month, the two of you left Seoul to take an entire month vacation in Italy, where there's a built house prepared for your arrival. It's one of your parents' vacation homes, and since they're currently somewhere in Switzerland, the place is free except for the caretakers.

That whole month was spent very nicely. 

Mornings are started with breakfast in bed, afternoons are versed with tours and sightseeing activities, and evenings are spent with eating pasta and throwing meatballs. 

Hybrids, however, are not exactly welcomed in Italy -at least a part of the country- so Jungkook had to hide his ears and tails for the month.

Amusingly, you had to conjure a whole story when a man tries to flirt with you and Jungkook comes growling like a predator. His canines even appeared one time, effectively scaring a poor, sweet man away. You remembered the day you watched a curl in his hair bounce as he ran.

“What an odd feature,” you mumbled, and Jungkook snorted. “He's no good for you, that's all I'm saying.” he didn't mind the hit on his arm as he pulled you away to a restaurant.

The seventh month, right after you stepped inside the mansion, confetti and all sorts of party paraphernalia blew up from each corner of the place and soon enough, you were covered of it.

There's a goofy smile in your face and the maids and butlers were more than happy to see you like that. They've grown to love you, after all, so celebrating your arrival was mandatory among them. 

With a sweet [f/f] cake to share with everyone paired with a whole lot of souvenirs bought from Italy handed to them, you retreated to your room, the fatigue finally making itself known. 

“Young mistress is so nice,” a maid, Yereuna, says adoringly. 

She was the same maid who Jungkook approached all those years ago.

“Her short life surely is devastating news..” Yeom, the maid's little brother, speaks up quietly in return. 

The atmosphere turned quite gloomy after that, and Jungkook was well knowledgeable of the eyes staring through his back as he silently ate his portion of the cake. 

Everyone's aware of the close relationship you have with the dog hybrid,  and empathizing with him is all the comfort they can do. 

A butler then quietly scolds Yeom for being too open with his words, the others shooting a sad look towards the hybrid who placed the plate in the sink before jumping up the steps to the second floor.

“It's okay,” he whispers to Yeom as he passes him by, much to the surprise of everyone present in the room.

The same day after that, Jungkook leapt at your bed with a doubtful look present in his face. He thought he accepted it all along, and he did, but he felt like breaking just hearing someone bring up your short life.

So who can he retreat to?

You.

And again, you showered him with all sorts of cuddles you can muster in the early morning. 

You didn't want him to have such a bland start of the day.

The following months eventually passed by like a blur, majority of the days were spent in carnivals and movies and everything—you had to thank Jungkook countless of times for it, too.

You felt nice, it felt nice.

It felt like you had no time limit, it felt like you were free from the grounds of the disease holding you down.

But that's quite the problem as well, isn't it?

It only felt like so. It was no reality, but you were mirthful to have experienced it anyway.

You made sure to bring it up to your beloved hybrid at the night of the last day of the eleventh month when he had simply taken you out for a ride back to the place where everything began.

The both of you were laying down on the roof of your old, cosy abode, your arms settled under the back of your heads to serve as a cushion against the hard material under you. 

It was a starry night, there were no clouds, but the presence of the stars was there and it was beyond heavenly to look at. All that's missing was the famed Aurora Borealis, though it's not like you can see that from Korea. 

Jungkook tore his gaze away from the stars to you.

And you appeared as if you were glowing—as if you were a star this time around, and soon, you'll have your spot in the same sky he was looking at just a second ago.

“What for?” he questioned, never tearing his stare away from you.

You smiled, and he can't help but frown a little.

All you've done the entire life was smile, smile, and smile. 

It somehow made him feel weak and inferior, because while he's there making every situation as negative as it could be, you were there making him see the positive side of things.

“For everything!” your smile brightened, and he started having second thoughts, “You arranged all those stuff for me to enjoy and I did. I felt like I was free, unburdened from the weight holding me down..” 

Maybe he was meant to feel inferior when he's around you because your purpose was to lift him, willingly, might I add. You are his foundation, and without you, he can never be where he is now. 

Perhaps it was meant to be like that. 

If he wasn't so vulnerable due to his hybrid DNA, and if he hadn't run away from the city that day, he wouldn't have met you.

Oh, you—sweet, little you. 

“Kookie?” the usage of his nickname whisked him away from his trip down to memory lane. He blinks, seeing that he had stared at you for way too long.

“Is there something wrong?” you whispered, the same wave of concern and worry he had seen all over the years wafting its way back to your eyes.

Yes, everything's wrong.

Was what he wanted to say, but he didn't. 

Instead, he opted to shake his head and return your smile.

“No, I'm just thinking of stuff... there's nothing to worry about,” his sentence was incomplete, his courage unable to rekindle amid the night. Thankfully, as keen as you were, you understood what he was trying to say.

You sat upright and laced your hand with his, his breath hitching in his throat at the small but meaningful action. 

Your form looked very ethereal that very moment, given that he's seeing a glow all around you. 

“You'll do perfectly fine, Jungkook. Just remember, as cheesy as it sounds,” you leaned forward and tapped the part of his chest where his heart is located, “I'm always right there.” his ears twitched.

At those words, a laugh bubbled from his throat and a sincere smile finally made its way to his face, his hold on your hand tightening.

You never failed to cease his worries.

It was a trait of yours that Jungkook cherished so much.

It was astonishing that you were able to retain such a kind and humble personality even when life threw all sorts of difficulty in your life, even going as far to take you away so quickly. 

You reached out a helping hand to everyone who needs it, and you were barely angry, but it doesn't mean that you don't know when to be serious when needed, because you do. 

You were mature—and quite innocent at the same time, and Jungkook wanted it to stay that way. And stayed it did.

The innocent shine in your eyes never faded, but it did turn dull over time. Your power to cease a person's anxiety only grew, to the point that no one cried so much when they saw you laying on your death bed.

You never went to the hospital, you stayed at home as promised, wishing every single maid and servant the best of luck as you bestowed to them everything you could equally. 

You were always so kind.

And the first and last being to be on the receiving end of that compassion is none other than Jungkook.

“I'll miss you,” he whispers against your neck, having nuzzled in it minutes ago. 

His tail that usually wagged up and about remained limp behind him, an indicator of the sadness brewing in the depths of his already hollow chest. 

You caress his hair, your cold fingers ghosting over folded, quivering ears. A whimper gently escapes him as he trembled ever so slightly under your cold hand.

“I'll miss you too, Jungkook.” your voice was so hoarse from all the coughing you've gone through earlier, dried blood was still present on the corners of your lips as well, a factor that proved your suffering.

The farewell is bittersweet.

The chapter that follows after the farewell, however, will be blissful—you have planned it yourself.

“Don't forget me when you've transferred over to Seokjin's care, alright?” it was a playful demand, one that he understood very well.

Seokjin was one of your older friends [one that Jungkook tolerates] but boy did he care for you as much as he'd care for a sister. He's well versed in the medical field for both humans and animals, so he's the one you often visit when Jungkook's caught the nasty flu or is under the heat cycle again. 

It also wasn't a secret that he takes care of hybrids in his large place somewhere far from authorities. It's similar to a shelter, only that he treats the hybrids as if they're family.

Similar to how you treat him.

“How could I ever forget you?” Jungkook asks, tears lightly brimming his eyes as he felt your chest rise up and down in a peculiar pattern. 

You were having trouble breathing now and that only meant one thing.

“Heh..” 

A sharp intake of air is heard.

“I know you won't,” you say breathlessly, the world around you fading in and out accompanied with your hearing beginning to silence itself.

Jungkook takes notice of this, and he finally lets a singular tear fall from his eye. His lips tremble as he rises, his eyes embedding the last image of you looking at him directly before your [c] orbs will never be seen again. 

You smile, and he returns it just as well.

“I love you,” he whispers.

I love you, too.

You weren't able to say it, but he was able to decipher it through your stare and your bright smile. 

He was keeping you up for too long, he knows it by how your eyelids start to lower itself but you struggled to keep them up.

So he chuckles. 

It might seem like a placid one, but if you ever heard him clearly, you'll console him as to how broken it sounds like.

“Sleep tight, [Y/n].” 

A tear innocently trails down your cheek, and it was his breaking point, but still, he smiled. 

His floppy ears, although quite complicated, perked up and his tail starts wagging to show you that he's okay.

Because he really is.

He's accepted this, and he's fine.

It'll be painful, but he'll be alright.

Jungkook leans down and kisses the lone tear away, his last words amazingly being heard by you, 

“When you wake up, I'll be there,” he says, and with that, your eyes finally slid to shut and your grip on his hand loosened.

Jungkook rests his head on your chest, weeping quietly at how it didn't respond through the beating of your heart.

“I promise.”

Masterlist

I apologize for my crappy update.

#bts #bts angst #angst #bts jungkook #bts jungkook angst #jeon jungkook angst #jungkook angst #jungkook #jungkook angst imagine #jungkook hybrid au #jungkook hybrid angst #bts hybrid au #x reader #bts x reader

[80s-roger]

affair pt2 - Dad!Roger x Fem!Reader

sorry for being absent but university started and I already am under pressure. however i wanted to make a part two of the “affair” one shot so take it. 

note: I will make pt3 for the “a night to remember series”, it’s been requested.

here’s the link of part one, just click here

masterlist

word count: 1,574

warning: arguement but not spoiling anything (nvm i just spoiled)

summary: in this part, roger and you officially devorced. court decided about your child’s custody, obviously you would keep your little audrey but after roger’s immaturity towards you, you decided to ruin him by not letting him see your daughter often. you brought false charges against him so him seeing audrey was almost impossible. you came up with charges such as domestic violence, beating either you or the kid. he would never raise hand on both of you. you only wanted him to never see the kid. you put your ego against his loving relationship with your daughter just because you were extremely heart broken. it took you a lot of time to stand on your feet again, but still, your heart is made by glass. you cried every night missing him while he was out there touring and sleeping with god knows how many women. nonetheless, court gave him justice, letting him see the child twice a month. you weren’t satisfied and neither was he. today he would come at your home picking up audrey.

“Mama!” Audrey appeared at your room as you were getting ready to look beautiful and fresh to your ex husband, whom you still love like crazy.

“Yeah? What is it, love?” you smiled at her, ignoring all the heating moments you shared with Roger in the past, inside your head.

“Papa’s here!” she keenly shouted. Her excitement seeing her father twice a month made her love him more than you. She’s five now and she’s missing him so much. But you know why you divorced and she doesn’t

“Oh, how do you know that?” you asked trying to hide the interest in seeing him again and a small part of you breaking for one more time.

“He just parked his car and he’s about to knock the d-” You heard the bell ringing and she opened her mouth excited. “He’s here!” she yelled and ran downstairs to open the door.

“Papa!” you heard Audrey’s voice getting pitched after opening the door.

“My little baby, I missed you!” His voice was highly pitched than normal. You knew they hugged each other tightly. You wanted to interrupt their sweet moment just because he’s toxic to your mental health. “Where’s your mommy?” His voice was lower, you had to eavesdrop so you could hear him.

“She’s upstairs, getting ready.” She replied with no love at her voice. You just realised the damage you did to her, depriving her of seeing her father. And she’s been a daddy’s girl since day one of her life. “Can we go now, papa?” She asked, rushing to leave the house.

“Let me check on her baby. Sit here and I am coming in a few seconds.” You heard him and rushed to your bedroom again, fixing yourself, putting some lipstick on your lips. You had to play it cool but you’d break after reacing eye contact with him.

You felt his steps getting closer to the room you both used to share. His stuff are truly missing, everything feels empty without him. Even your soul. You were emotionally depended on him and didn’t want to admit it.

“Hey… Can I come in?” He slowly opened the door, checking on you from head to toe. You knew. You saw it from the mirror. You didn’t answer.

“I’ll come in. Your silence was always a yes.” he came inside and closed the door behind him. He sat on the bed, waiting for you to face him. You had to gather the strength you saved for yourself before turning your body to him. You could feel his eyes testing every part of you. Everything but your eyes, which they didn’t face him. “Are you happy?” There was a silence before asking you that. It was so sudden of him asking about your non existing happiness.

“Would you care, anyway?” You asked without moving a single muscle.

“Your happiness, affects Audrey so I do care.” He obviously cared more for Audrey. He is not wrong.

“Yes, I am extremely happy, I mean, I want to go out and scream it.” You mocked him and finally turned around. That would be a mental harassment.

“You’re lying. Audrey is not happy.” He stood up approaching you. Automatically, you stepped back. If he touched you, you’d melt. You’re already melting.

“Yeah because you’re a cheater. You didn’t respect your family. You were not loyal neither a loving husband. Tell me how can she be happy after all? She’s only five.” You immediately attacked him with words, trying to defend your emotions.

“Woah, easy there. You decided to disrespect my relationship with Audrey. You’re so afraid she’d choose me over you that you literally brought false charges to make me unable to see her every weekend!” He had to remain calm so Audrey, would hear none of your tones.

“You don’t deserve her after cheating on me for so long.” you crossed your arms and bit the bullet.

“Cheating on you, has nothing to do with Audrey. I don’t think you have the nerve telling her I fucked other girls while I was married to you.” He came closer to you, knowing already the effect he has on you.

“You said before, my happiness affects Audrey. So you mean, my mood reflects on hers. Fine, she’s as happy as I am, because of you, she’s not happy.” You were both ready to manipulate each other emotionally.

“So you’re so desperate that you use her as a shield?” He raised his eyebrow, coming really close. You were stepping back until you knocked yourself at the closet. He placed his arms next to your shoulders, unable to get out of the trap

“How can I be desperate? I want my kid to be hapy, not when you’re around us ruining our lives.” You protested.

“Audrey can’t be happy when I am not here. You are nothing but a selfish bitch, trying to keep me away from my child. You can’t do this.” His eyes were locked at yours. You could feel the heat among you. You could feel the anger and the passion beside you. You wanted to beg him to come back and be a happy family but not after being a national stock because of him.

“I am afraid I can. And I will do whatever it takes so you’ll never see her again. Have me capable of brainwashing her with false stories about you. You take me for a fool? I have done nothing yet.” You angrily threatened him but he didn’t buy it.

“Y/N, you are starting to piss me off right now. You know I’ve always had anger issues and I know you’ve always been emotionally depended on me so how about stopping it right here or things will get much worse?” he came closer to you. If you were married until now, you would both have some passionate sex.

“Are you threatening me?” You asked with your remaining strength before your sight would turn blur from tears.

“I am not threatening you. I am warning you. This is the first time I get to talk with you with no lawyers and your justice among us. You kept me far from you for two years do you really think I have the strength to control myself?” His warm breath reached your face and you really knew if you just looked at his lips he would lean in to kiss you. But stay high.

“You couldn’t control yourself for two months while on tour, are you joking?“You mocked him again and he literally lost it. He leaned in kissing you passionately, like he was thirsty for it. He seemed like desperate, as much as you were. He wouldn’t let go off you as his hands wrapped you in front his chest and then his hands were placed on your cheeks, deleting any space between us. "Rog-” You moaned between the kiss, trying to get away from his touch.

“Please, no…” He looked at you with begging eyes. “Let me say how much I need you back. I swear to you I never desired any woman as much as you…” He looked inside your soul, searching for that piece of love you still have for him.

“Roger, Audrey’s waiting downstairs, she may come up here and see us under this condition.” You ignored his words, those precious words you wanted to believe but you were scared. Scared he’d cheat on you again.

“Please let me back inside. Let us be together again.” He whimpered as he kissed you again.

“I-I can’t…” You looked down “I’m afraid.” Your past issues from the family you were raised hit you like a tsunami. Your naive mother let your father again in your house, after promising he had changed and missed us. But you were beaten up again and your mother was harassed again; mentally and sexually. Roger would never do that. You know it. But he would cheat again and you were scared of it.

“Afraid of what?” He looked at you concerned. He has never been so much loving to you before.

“Cheating on me again, I can’t handle it.” That’s it, tears fell down. You couldn’t keep them for too long. He saw you breaking in front of him and felt weaker than ever.

“I promise to everything and to everyone, I won’t cheat to you. After these two years I figured out how important you are to me. I won’t even refer Audrey. She’s the reason I breath.” He cleared your tears, trying to catch the eye contact you lost seconds ago.

“I know you love her. I don’t know if you love me. How the hell can I let you in if you don’t love me?” you cried, begging for his love.

“I am still trying to find out if I do love you. But I am sure that I need you. Really sure. But please, let us be together again. I was so desperate for a woman’s touch while I was on tour. I don’t know what was going on with me. I am sorry.” His apologise was nothing but a miracle. He can be really arrogant and selfish, that an apology from him is something rare. You had to believe him. You needed him and he needed you.

“You can move in again.” You simply said. “We have to reschedule the court then. Audrey will be very happy. But take her out now, it would be nicer if you told her you are back with us again.” You tried to smile as a sign of relief. But you couldn’t. You were neutral and waited for time to show its results.

#queen band #queen #borhap #bohemian rhapsody #roger taylor #Roger Meddows Taylor #roger taylor smut #roger taylor x reader #roger taylor x female reader #roger taylor imagine #roger taylor x Y/N #freddie mercury #rami malek #joe mazzello #brian may #john deacon #gwilym lee #ben hardy x you #ben hardy smut #ben hardy #ben hardy x female reader

[allisondraste]

Temperance 35/42

Pairing: Nathaniel Howe/ Female, Non-HoF Cousland

Story Summary: Nathaniel and Elissa were childhood friends, but time and distance tore them apart. In the aftermath of the Fifth Blight, and Ferelden’s Civil War, both Elissa and Nathaniel must attempt reconstruct their tattered lives. As a series of events lead them to be reunited, both are reminded of so many years ago when things were much simpler.

Chapter Summary:    Liss prepares for the Joining, and Nathaniel finally has a chance to talk to her. 

Author Note:  I KNOW, I know. It’s only been three days, but nobody has waited longer for this particular chapter than I have.  It’s basically been written for a few months shy of a year now, so... it just poured out.  Sorry. ‘‘‘:)

First Chapter

Previous Chapter

[AO3 LINK]

Vigils Keep, 9:31 Dragon

“Lady Cousland?”

It was a man’s voice, and an unfamiliar one at that, which drew Liss from the ruminative daze into which she had fallen when Lucia led her out of the main hall and into a study. The room must have once belonged to the late Arl, considering  its size and the number of portraits of the man that still leaned against the walls. One painting in particular had caught her attention, a large oil piece of two young men, set aside from the others. One of the men looked remarkably like Nathaniel, but more gaunt, with thin lips, and an icy expression Nate couldn’t manage if he tried.  The other man, rosy cheeked and grinning from ear to ear, was her father.

Swallowing the lump in her throat, but unwilling to look away from the portrait, she answered absentmindedly. “Hmm?”

“Is everything all righ—“ the man she knew to be Seneschal Garavel stopped as he moved closer and realized what had captured her attention— “Oh.”

“I very distinctly remember asking that those paintings be destroyed.” Lucia, who had been rummaging through a large, griffon-adorned chest in the back, remarked from behind them. “Then again, nobody listens to me around here.”

Garavel chuckled.  “That is uncharacteristically dramatic.”

“I am in a mood,” she answered, allowing the chest to fall closed as she found what she was searching for.  Setting a small leather satchel down on the desk, she walked around to stand between Liss and Garavel, studying the painting beneath dark brows. “Garavel, why are they still here?”

“Perhaps that is a question for Nathaniel.” He raised his eyebrows and shrugged. “Apparently, not too long before you two left for Denerim he saw one of the guards carrying some paintings out, and stopped him.”

“Odd, considering that he’s the one who keeps complaining about them,” Lucia said with a frown.  “Did he give a reason?”

“Hardly. Just said ‘Not that one,’” he explained, pointing toward the painting of the two men. “After that, I figured we should make certain he did not wish to keep any of the others.”

Liss struggled against the urge to weep.  When Howe’s forces ambushed her home, they’d set fire to it, ravaged it entirely. She didn’t know if any paintings of her father still existed. She didn’t mind overlooking the other man in the picture, just to see papa’s smile again. Nate.  She wished she weren’t so angry with him.

Shaking her head and takingas deep breath to steady herself, she turned to face Lucia. “I apologize for my distraction.  You wanted to speak to me about something?”

“Yes.” The other woman smiled slightly, an acknowledgment of Liss’ choice to change the subject, and moved back toward the desk, opening the satchel and removing three vials, setting each down with a quiet clank.

“What are those,” Liss asked, stepping forward to examine the containers more closely.  Two of the glass vials each contained a deep red substance, one substantially smaller than the other.  The third vial held a sparkling blue powder.  

“The First Warden would not like me telling you this prior to the Joining, but you were not conscripted. You volunteered, and you deserve to know how this works before you go through with it.” Lucia moved to lean against the desk.  “To become a Grey Warden, you have to drink a mixture of darkspawn blood, blood from the last slain archdemon, and lyrium powder.”  

She held up the vials in order as she spoke and Liss’ stomach turned.  Of course it wouldn’t be as simple as saying some sort of magical words that granted one Warden abilities.  No, she would have to ingest something so vile that the potions Nan used to give her for a cold actually sounded appetizing.  Still, she wouldn’t be turned away by a bad taste in her mouth.

“Right.” She nodded. “Drink the magic blood. No problem.”

“That is the easy part,” Lucia stated matter-of-factly.  “The ritual is a form of blood magic, one the Chantry and everyone else are happy to overlook because Wardens are useful.  Drinking alters your blood, taints it. Those who do not have the willpower to control the corruption die instantly. Those who do have about thirty years before they lose their grip.”

“That’s what Nathaniel said,” Liss added absently.

“He told you?”

“Not about the blood magic or anything,” Liss corrected, “Just about the thirty years.”

Lucia didn’t seem appeased by the clarification. “He’s desperate to talk you out of this.” She shook her head.

Liss laughed bitterly.  “I do not need his approval.”

Frowning, Lucia straightened up from her leaning against the desk and brought her eyes to meet Liss’. “No, you don’t, but he is not without his reasons.”

“You mean his need to ‘protect’ me? I do not fear my own death as much as he does.”  Liss hated the belligerence in her own voice. She sounded like an impudent child. Why was she so angry that Nathaniel cared about her? It’s what she wanted all along.  It made no sense that she should resent him for it now.

“I don’t think it’s the death that he really wants to protect you from,” Lucia explained, “It’s the life.  Once you are Joined, you will change.

“How?” She crossed her arms, but made an attempt to soften her tone, remembering that Garavel was still in the room, and she was supposed to be a dignified lady.

“Immediately, most Wardens experience an increase in stamina and appetite, restlessness, insomnia.  Nothing you eat will taste good either.”

“That doesn’t sound—“

“If you do not have nightmares, you will.” Lucia interrupted her, face as calm as ever, though Liss could sense her irritation.  A sensitive subject, no doubt. “If you already have nightmares, then they will become worse, at least initially.”

Liss thought of every nightmare she’d survived since the attack. It was difficult to fathom how they could possibly be worse.  She pressed her lips together and nodded, intent on just listening to the woman.

“Wardens are typically unable to have children as well,” Lucia sighed, “Especially not with another Warden.”

“I wasn’t aware.”

“Of course not.” The words were pointed, but not at Liss.   “The Wardens aren’t keen on those things being common knowledge, lest people be dissuaded from joining.”

Lucia paused and began to return the vials to the pouch, the room falling silent with the exception of glass hitting glass.  She then continued. “I do not care what you decide, but whatever your choice, I want you to be certain it is what you want, that you are comfortable with the sacrifices you are making.”

“Do you give this lesson to all of your recruits, Commander,” Liss joked, regretting it instantly when Lucia snapped her eyes up in a scowl.

“No. I don’t.”

“Why me, then?”

“Because I think Nathaniel is right,” Lucia remarked, voice clipped.  “I envy your ability to choose this. I certainly didn’t get to.”

“I—“

“If you still wish to become a Grey Warden, I welcome you.  You will make an excellent member of the order.” Lucia’s expression softened.  “I just thought you deserved the truth.”

“I haven’t changed my mind,” Liss stated adamantly, though her voice trembled.  She wasn’t accustomed to reproach. It was so easy to forget that she had more freedom than most, freedom that terrified her in its vastness and uncertainty.  As much as she railed against rules and order, she thrived in their existence, and in the comfort of knowing where her boundaries lay, where her support was. She had none of that for a year, under the open skies of the Fereldan countryside, alone and lost, praying for someone to tell her what to do.

“Very well,” Lucia said with a nod, grasping the pouch of Joining ingredients more tightly in her hands before handing it to Garavel. “See to it that everything is prepared.  I am told that there are two other recruits?”

“Yes Commander.”

“Have someone send for them when it is time,” Garavel nodded and bowed slightly before exiting the room.  Lucia turned back to Liss and continued, “I will show you to your room.”

Liss followed her out of the room, down the corridor and up a flight of stairs.  There was a long hallway that seemed to have once been the guest wing of Vigil’s Keep, now serving as Warden quarters.  As they walked, Lucia explained that the non-warden soldiers, those from Amaranthine who were out of employment when the lands were taken from the Howe family, stayed in barracks on a different wing.  Wardens, both recruits, and fully-joined members stayed in private rooms. The luxury of living with tainted blood, Liss presumed.  

Lucia slowed as they approached one of the last few doors in the hall,  pushing it open and gesturing inside. “This one’s you.”

"Thank you.”

“You are welcome.  You should try to rest. Eat something if you are able.”  Lucia’s tone was direct, but not harsh. “I will send Alistair to retrieve you when the preparations are complete.”

Liss nodded in response, and the other woman left the room, closing the door gently behind her.   The room was similar in size to that which she stayed in at Denerim, though far less elaborately decorated. Muted, earthy tones covered the bed and chairs.  A silver griffon perched upon a sea blue banner that hung from the far wall. The Wardens were no decorators, but it was charming nonetheless.  

Vibrating with a feeling she couldn’t quite place—nervousness, excitement, some indescribable mix of the two— Liss tried making herself comfortable in each of the chairs in the room, only to stand up shortly after, body pressuring her to move.  She opened and closed every drawer on the desk, examined the spines of the books on the shelf, tested out the mattress, and still she could not seem to ease her nerves. Just as she was about to follow Lucia’s recommendation, to set out in search of something to eat despite her stomach’s anxious protests, there was a knock at the door.

“Alistair,” she asked, swinging open the door, eyes widening and heat rushing to her face when she saw dark hair and blue eyes. “Nate.”

“Sorry to disappoint,” he said so dryly she could not tell if he was serious

“Not disappointing,” she blurted, unable to keep the words from tumbling out of her mouth. She was supposed to be cross with him, damn it.  “Just unexpected. Lucia told me Alistair would come to get me for the... you know.”

“Right.” He frowned, and tensed as if it were painful to speak to her.  That was new. “I believe that is still the plan. I just came to talk. That is, if you aren’t opposed.”

“Depends.” She smirked and crossed her arms.  “Are you going to yell at me again? I was not fond of the yelling.”

“My voice will remain at an appropriate volume, my lady,” he assured her, a grin twitching at the corners of his mouth.  She glared at him briefly, hoping to impress upon him that she was, in fact, still angry, and that her choice to allow him into her room did not mean that she had forgiven him.

“I am going to hold you to that, you know,” she answered, moving out of the way.  It wasn’t until he entered that she noticed he held a small, parchment parcel tied together with string, an empty cup, and a carafe of a white liquid that appeared to be milk.  Curiosity getting the better of her, she asked, “What’s that?”

“You need to eat something before the ritual,” Nate answered with a smile, but didn’t answer her question, continuing instead to the desk where he sat the items down, and busied himself with untying the string.  Liss scowled and closed the door, rushing over to stand beside him.

“That’s what Lucia said. Why?”

“You’ll be starving when you wake up,” he explained, “But you won’t want to eat.  Having something right before helps, and you should eat something that you like. It will never taste the same again.”

“And so you’ve brought me something I like?”  She eyed him curiously, uncertain what exactly he hoped to accomplish.

“I think so,” Nate said with a shrug, opening up the parchment to reveal several, small yellow cookies with red centers.  “I remember we used to sneak these from the kitchen when Nan wasn’t looking.”

Liss’ eyes welled up with unwelcome, ridiculous tears. “Shortbread cookies with raspberry jam?” They were her favorites, and she hadn’t had them in years.

“Yes, though I don’t know that they’ll compare to Nan’s.” He laughed again. “There also may be a cook downstairs who is very angry that her cookies are missing.”

“Just like old times, then.” Liss laughed and cried at the same time, sitting down in the desk chair, and pouring some milk into the glass.  She took a cookie and then offered one up to Nate, who stood leaned against the wall, staring off at nothing.

“You should eat them all,” he answered, shaking his head, “I am serious when I say that you will be starving.”

“If I must.” She feigned annoyance, and began nibbling at the cookie in her hand, very aware that Nate still looked uncomfortable. After several minutes had passed, she could take it no longer. “I accept your peace offering. Now, would you please sit down?”

Liss pointed to a stool that sat just a few feet away and Nate obliged, inhaling deeply, and finally speaking as he sat.  “I know I was an arse before.”

“Really,” Liss teased, mouth full of the second cookie, “Hadn’t noticed.”

He leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees and wringing his hands. “I may have made some unfair assumptions about why you wished to become a Warden.  It made me angry to think that you might throw your life away for the sake of some romanticized adventure. I should have known better, and I apologize.”

“I wish that’s why I was doing this,” she admitted, dusting crumbs from her hands, and turning to face him. “I’ve lost everything, Nate, including my sense of security in the world.  I didn’t realize how lonely freedom was. I will gladly corrupt myself to never feel that way again.”

“You don’t have to feel that way,” he remarked abruptly, and flinched, no doubt regretting the words.

“Oh? I don’t.” She laughed sarcastically. “Well, that’s a relief!  I’ll just stop feeling that way, then. I’ll just ignore the fact that my family is dead and the other people in my life are all moving on and have no use for me anymore.”

“That’s not true.” Nate clenched his fists but his voice remained calm, true to his word.  “I’ll always be there for you.”

“You mean, like you’ve been there for me for the past nine years?” With that, Liss shoved the remaining cookies away, appetite lost entirely as anger burned in her blood.  The only reason she had ever truly been angry with him, presenting itself at her feet, too large and potent to be buried under affection. She pushed out her chair and stood abruptly causing Nate to flinch.

He stood as well, pained expression consuming his face.  “Liss, I-”

“No,” she shouted, “ You don’t just get to swoop in and tell me you’ll be there for me when you have done nothing but show me otherwise.  You couldn’t even write me a bloody letter.”

She threw her arms up in exasperation, but Nathaniel remained still, jaw set.  “I know I haven’t been there for you, but I am trying to be there for you now.  I want to fix this.”

“All you had to do was write to me, Nate, just once.”

“It hurt too much, Liss.”

“You should have told me, then.” She pinched the bridge of her nose. “I would have understood.  I’d have hated it, but I would have understood because Maker knows I was hurting, too.”

Shaking his head, he moved to stand more closely in front of her.  “I was a foolish, stubborn boy who believed that if I ignored you long enough, you’d finally see me for the pathetic piece of shit I thought I was, and realize you were happier without me in your life.”

“Nate, you were my favorite person in the world,” she said, voice cracking, “The only thing you did was make me think that I was the worthless piece of shit.  I truly believed that you were happy in Starkhaven, living it up without me and not even caring.”

“I tried,” Nate admitted, laughing humorlessly, “I tried so damn hard to convince myself that my feelings would go away if I told myself I didn’t feel them enough times.  We see where that got me. It’s nine years later, I’m still hopelessly in love with you, and miserable because I keep messing up.”

Liss froze, blinking a few times to make sure she heard him properly, replaying his words over and over in her head until she was certain.  He said it. The one thing she’d wanted to hear since she was eleven years old and writing about him in her journal. The thing she’d prayed for since she’d desperately confessed her feelings to him in a letter the year after he left.  He loved her, and she should have been elated because it was about bloody time, was it not? She should have wanted to say that she loved him too because she certainly did, but anger was all she could manage in the moment.

“And you thought now would be the appropriate time to have this conversation? Right before a dangerous, life-altering ceremony?”  She shook her head. “I can’t believe you.”

“”I thought that it might be the last chance to have it,” he said dejectedly.

“The last —” she eyed him with complete disbelief — “Will you stop acting as if it is my funeral for Andraste’s sake?  I’d ask you to have some faith in me, but I know that is a lost cause.”

He lifted his hand as if to reach for her but dropped it and sighed.  “I have more faith in you than I’ve ever had in anyone.”

Blinking away the tears in her eyes, she turned away from him. “I can’t do this right now, Nate.  I just can’t. I have to —”

There was a knock at the door. “Liss? It’s Alistair.  It’s time.”

“ —go.”  She held Nate’s gaze as she finished the thought, but then broke eye contact as she walked past him, opened the door, and walked out, closing it behind her without another word. She knew it was unfair, and immediately wanted to rush back inside and smooth things over, but it was too late.  The damage had been done.

“Sooo,” Alistair said as they walked down the hall, “I noticed that you’re crying.  Everything alright?”

“No,” she whimpered unattractively.

Alistair moved in front of her and stopped, blocking her path.  He spread out his arms and tilted his head, an offer for a hug, which she happily accepted.

“Are you sure you want to go through with this?” He released her from the embrace and looked down at her.  

“Mhmm.”

“Fine, but you have to promise me two things.” He held out two fingers for emphasis.

“What,” she asked, laughing.

“One. Don’t even think about dying.  It isn’t allowed.”

“Understood.” “Two.  When you get done not dying, you have to get whatever that was —” he pointed back toward her room — “sorted out.”

Liss sighed. “I suppose I probably should.”

“Swear?”  Alistair held out his pinky finger and she couldn’t help but be amused at this very large man intending to make her pinky promise.

Locking her pinky with his she smiled. “I swear.”

“Great,” he said turning and beginning to walk again, “Now that we’ve got one sacred oath out of the way… ready for another?”

“Ready as I’ll ever be,” she answered, shaky voice betraying the apprehension in her gut.

When they arrived in the main hall, the room was filled with the other Wardens in Amaranthine as well as common soldiers who attended to bear witness.  Lucia and the seneschal stood at the center near the fire pit, the seneschal holding a chalice in his hand. Before them stood two other recruits, both soldiers, and both trembling beneath their suits of armor.  Alistair motioned for Liss to stand by the two men, and she did so.  

Once she was in her place, those in the room began reciting some sort of oath, a  chilling invocation performed in unison that Liss could have done without. As the room chanted, Liss searched it apprehensively for familiar faces.  Lucia. Garavel. Alistair. The other Wardens whose names she couldn’t recall in all of the chaos. As the first recruit was called forward to drink from the chalice, Liss’ pulse jumped.  She watched as he took a slight sip, closed her eyes as he began to choke, and pretended not to hear as he breathed his last breath.  

When the second man was called forth, she began to search the crowd again, desperately looking for Nathaniel.  She shouldn’t have expected him to be there, considering the way she had walked out on him just moments before.  She hadn’t even told him she loved him too, and as the second recruit strangled and died right next to her, all that she could think about is how she might never get to.  

Lucia called her name and told her to step forward, brows furrowed in a silent apology.  Liss took the chalice in her hands, examining the dark liquid that she could already feel sliding it’s way down her throat before she even drank.  Taking a steadying breath, she brought the rim to her lips, and as she looked up Nate was there, several feet behind Lucia. Worry knitted his brows, but he offered her a reassuring smile nonetheless.  She nodded at him and drank.

For a brief instant, it burned like fire, trailing its way down her throat, then she became suddenly cold, as if her blood had frozen entirely.  An overwhelming, sickening sense of dread washed over her, but she fought it, refusing to let it take her. She wasn’t choking. As her vision faded to black and she began to fall to the ground,  the last thing she remembered she heard was Nathaniel’s voice calling her name and the warmth of his arms as he caught her. She was safe.

#dragon age #dragon age origins #dragon age awakening #nathaniel howe #nathaniel howe x cousland #cousland #temperance #update #my writing #I'm going to apologize in advance to everyone who is angry with me for this chapter. #though I do live off tears #for sustenance

[signspin]

[ embrace ] also from oph uwu

SOFT INTERACTIONS.  :   SELECTIVELY ACCEPTING !   :   @mysteryprone​

    him and ophelia are                 are  very  similar  in  many  ways.   most  people  associate  them  upon  first  glance  with  the  same,  lazy  terms.   they’re  stoners,  slackers   -   no  real  drive,  no  real  future.  they’re  the  type  of  kids  than  show  up  to  their  exams  high  and  pass  out  as  soon  as  they’re  finished.   still,  as  far  as  stereotypical  first  glances  go,  they’re  nice.   decent,  even,  despite  the  unassumingness  of  them.   they’re  forgettable  in  the  daylight,  so  they  take  advantage  of  the  shadows  and  whatever  do - gooding  they’re  offered  under  their  cover.

                     he’s  relieved  that  they’ve  cleared  up  the  superhero   /   vigilante  secret  identity  debacle.   fred  loves  his  team  more  than  words  can  say,  but  it’s  just  as  nice  having  a  friend  outside  of  the  big  heroes  that  he  can  chill  out  with.   someone  who   UNDERSTANDS   what  he’s  doing  with  his  time  who  isn’t  also  doing  so  themselves,  and  therefor  inclined  to  agree  automatically.   it’s  no  surprise  to  him  that  ophelia  has  her  own  midnight  obligations.   behind  their  love  for  a  good  nap  session  is  their  mutual  desire  to  protect.   her  and  jules’  date  rape  drop  team  isn’t  exactly  his  speed,  but  he  respects  it  nonetheless.     she’s  just  as,  if  not  more  heroic  than  any  comic  book  hero.

     which makes it ironic                 that  they’re  currently  studying  comic  book  heroes.   now  that  ophs  knows  that  he’s  a  member  of  big  hero  6,   fred  has  no  need  to  filter  himself.   this  is  something  that  only   ADDS  to  the  pre - existing  thrill  he  gets  from  introducing  her  to  different  comics.   each  story  contained  within  the  paper  he  holds  is  compared  to  a  different  adventure  he  himself  has  been  on.   one  hand  stays  perpetually  curled  around  her  wrist  as  he  yanks  her  around  his  bedroom,  weaving  her  in  between  the  shelves  on  which  his  massive  collection  resides. 

                     this  method  proves  to  be  dangerous  when  he  accidentally  smacks  them  into  one  of  the  shelves,  immediately  pulling  her  forth  after  as  a  collection  of  comics  rain  down  onto  the  floor.   fred  gasps,  giving  her  shoulder  a  quick  rub  as  he  plunges  down  to  try  and  sort  his  belongings  back  into  chronological  order.   his  erratic  movements  come  to  a  stop  when  he  comes  across  a  particularly  special  edition.   on  the  cover  of  this  comic  is  a  man  in  a  black  suit  with  blue,  red,  and  yellow  accessories.   he  stands  tall,  proud,  important    -    with  a  proud  smile  and  a  stylish  mustache.   above  his  likeness  are  bold  bubble  letters  that  read      BOSS  AWESOME:    THE  HERO  THE  WORLD  NEEDS  !

  ‘  this guy right here ?  my  dad.          this  isn’t  a  series  or  anything   -   just  a  little  special  edition  thing  made  for  him  after  he  won  some  kinda  superhero  choice  awards.     can  you  imagine  being  like    -   this  cool  ?   ”       there’s  excitement  in  his  voice  as  ophelia  lowers  herself  down  next  to  him,   but  it’s  almost  dulled.    their  common  traits  no  doubt  allow  one  of  them  to  realize  when  the  other  feels  inadequate   -   especially  when  faced  with  an  impressive  legacy  no  one  seems  to  think  they’re  good  enough  to  carry  on.    her  arms  wrap  around  him  at  exactly  the  right  moment.    like  clockwork,  he  melts  into  her,  the  comic  drifting  from  his  fingers  and  back  into  the  pile  as  he  leans  into  her  chest.    just  like  that,  he  feels  slightly  more  important.            “  -  it  doesn’t  surprise  me  that  you’re  a  hero,  y’know.  ”

#mysteryprone #( do i love how this turned out? #no. #do i love fred and ophs? #yes. #do i love YOU? #yes x100 ) #˗ ˏˋ ͦ but we don’t have to be. / ANSWER ! ⋆ ˊˎ ˗ #ask to tag /

[truthbeetoldmedia]

American Gods 2x01 “House on the Rock”

Season 2 of American Gods is here, everybody! Finally! Two years after the first season premiered, we’ve been graced with the second season. After a couple different showrunners, Neil Gaiman himself took the helm. I’ve got to say, if the rest of the season is anything like this episode, it’s going to be pretty amazing!

The season opener picks up right where we left off. Mr. World (Crispin Glover) and Technical Boy (Bruce Langley) are recuperating after the showdown between the old gods and new gods at Ostara’s house in the finale. While Mr. World gets himself together and tries to track down where Mr. Wednesday (Ian McShane) is, he sends Technical Boy out to find Media, who had disappeared after the confrontation.  

Meanwhile, Shadow Moon (Ricky Whittle) and Mr. Wednesday are back on the road, and this time Mad Sweeney (Pablo Schreiber) and Dead Wife Laura Moon (Emily Browning) are along for the ride. The trip is several states in and the awkwardness in the car is stifling. Here’s a recap: Shadow Moon works for Wednesday, who is the All-Father, Odin. Mad Sweeney, a leprechaun, is one of Wednesday’s men, meaning he works for him occasionally. Laura is Shadow’s dead wife, who cheated on Shadow when HE went to jail for HER plan to rob a casino. Laura is only “alive” because Sweeney accidentally gave Shadow his lucky coin and, in turn, Shadow left the coin at Laura’s grave. The only reason Laura was actually in the grave to begin with was because Mr. Wednesday had her killed in order to get Shadow to eventually work for him. Sweeney, Wednesday, and Laura know this, but Shadow does not. So an “awkward car ride” is putting it lightly.  

Where are they heading? To the House on the Rock in Wisconsin. Mr. Wednesday has called a meeting of the old gods to prepare for the upcoming war. The Jinn (Mousa Kraish) and Bilquis (Yetide Badaki) have already made themselves comfortable while waiting for the rest to arrive. Mr. Nancy (Orlando Jones) arrives just as our protagonist(s) show up. Mr. Nancy stole the show this episode! He was absolutely hilarious! Sarcastic and flamboyant. The back-and-forth he had with Shadow made my night.  

The House on the Rock might as well be its own character. It presents some stunning visuals and made for a fantastic season opener! Nothing I love more than seeing a bunch of grown adults having the time of their lives on a carousel! It certainly led to one of my favorite scenes to envision from the book! Riding the carousel was the key to entering the meeting of the old gods in Mr. Wednesday’s mind. Czernobog (Peter Stormare) and Zorya Vechernyaya (Cloris Leachman) have returned and we’re introduced to Mama-ji (Sakina Jaffrey), who is an old Hindu goddess of war. Along with several other old gods, the conclusion of not wanting to fight the upcoming war is reached. Mr. Wednesday is trying to get them to rise up, but these old gods are cocky that these new gods will just disappear like a fading trend. Bilquis steps forward and informs them of how one of the new gods showed her their ways and her power is stronger than ever. You’ll remember Technical Boy threatening her into his service. He gave Bilquis her power back through technology. This has us wondering if Bilquis is actually recruiting for the new gods or if she’s just trying to convince the old gods to give in to them and accept change. In her own words, “Evolve or die.” Judging by the way Bilquis left the episode, I’m thinking that’s the case. I’m really excited to see Bilquis’ arc this season for that very reason.    

The episode ended with the old gods hanging out and drinking in a diner at Motel America. Laura reminded Shadow that Mr. Wednesday is dangerous. He doesn’t really seem to care because, for once, he’s actually believing in something for HIMSELF. He feels a part of something bigger than him. However, things don’t stay jovial for long. Mr. World has located this gathering (probably because of Bilquis, as she seemed to be doing something on her phone) and one of his lackeys starts shooting up the place. Shadow runs out to take the gunman out and gets abducted in the process. While there are a couple of casualties, the one that hits the hardest for our dear gods is that of Zorya Vechernyaya. She turns to Mr. Wednesday before she dies and says that he’s a bad good man and that she doesn’t want to say goodbye. I got emotional. Mr. Wednesday got emotional.  Czernobog got emotional...and vengeful. It would seem that now we have some old gods looking to go to that war now.

One thing I’m really sick of is Laura Moon and honestly? Kudos to Emily Browning. I hated Laura in the book and I just can’t stand her even more in the show. There’s a certain cockiness to her that I can’t stomach and it definitely helps that this beautiful young woman is decaying right before our eyes. Laura Moon didn’t have much of a presence in the book. That is certainly different in the series and the only good thing about her in the show is her antagonistic co-existence with Mad Sweeney. I know some people ship them and I know some people ship her with Shadow. I say just let her rot already. They both deserve better. Also? Stop calling Shadow your “puppy”. He’s not a dog. He’s a person. He’s a person who went to jail for YOU. He’s a person who you CHEATED ON with his BEST FRIEND while he went to jail for YOU. He’s also made it clear that he is no longer your puppy. I appreciate Laura saving his life, but she also wrecked it to begin with. I’m not bitter or anything. (I totally am.)  

Also, really not a fan of Laura being the first Moon to be kissed by Bilquis. I unabashedly ship Bilquis and Shadow because they’re beautiful and I adore Ricky and Yetide and their chemistry. Not really sure how that relationship would work, seeing as how Bilquis has a people-eating vagina, but I love it nonetheless and I’m feeling really disrespected that she kissed the rotting corpse of a dead wife before Shadow.  

While I’m still on the Laura train here, I am begging this show to give us more Sweeney without Laura. While I love their antagonistic relationship, because it’s honestly really fucking hilarious to see them go back and forth, he can have that kind of relationship with anybody. Pablo has chemistry with everyone in this cast. We got a glimpse of that in this episode with Mr. Nancy and we saw that last season with Mr. Wednesday, Shadow, and Salim. Laura ain’t special, yet the writers of this show seem to think she’s worth something. Can’t say I agree.  

All that saltiness aside, I’m actually really looking forward to this season! I can’t wait to meet Sam Black Crow (Devery Jacobs) and New Media (Kahyun Kim). Last season’s Media was played by Gillian Anderson and she was only signed on for one season. I think it makes complete sense to have the goddess of media be an ever-changing face. I am excited to see what Kim brings to the role and don’t even get me started on my little queer baby, Sam Black Crow! I have been waiting and waiting and waiting for her and we’re finally getting her! They couldn’t have picked a better actress! I’m eagerly anticipating both of their introductions to Shadow!    

American Gods airs Sundays at 8/7c on Starz.

Sarah’s episode rating: 🐝🐝🐝🐝

#American Gods #House on the Rock #Season Premiere

[the-desolated-quill]

Demons Of The Punjab - Doctor Who blog

(SPOILER WARNING: The following is an in-depth critical analysis. If you haven’t seen this episode yet, you may want to before reading this review)

Let us now look at our first non-Chibnall episode this series. Demons Of The Punjab, written by Vinay Patel. 

Curious about her grandmother’s past, Yasmin persuades the Doctor to take them to India in 1947 only to discover that the man her grandmother is marrying isn’t her grandfather, but a Hindu man named Prem. What follows is quite possibly the most well written and emotionally charged Who historical story I think I’ve ever seen.

Honestly this comes as something of a relief. I confess when the giant alien bats showed up, screeching and teleporting all over the place like something out of a tacky horror film, I was worried. Chris Chibnall and Malorie Blackman showed remarkable restraint with their episode Rosa, focusing solely on Rosa Parks and the oppressive society she was forced to endure without letting the sci-fi elements intrude or distract from the narrative. With this in mind, an amateur production of ‘Attack of the Killer Bat People’ trouncing all over partitioned India doesn’t exactly seem like a good follow up to me. Thankfully they don’t go that route. Turns out that the Thijarians (not the Vaginas, as I first misheard them) are just a massive red herring. They’re not alien invaders. They’re just travelling psychopomps comforting the dead. Presumably they’re the basis for the numerous death deities that have appeared throughout many cultures and civilisations. It’s a nice idea. Granted the episode would have worked just as well without them, but it’s still a good twist on the monster of the week format nonetheless.

Patel quite rightly focuses on the characters and historical setting. Demons Of The Punjab is refreshing in more ways than one. It’s a historical, but it’s not set in Britain or America. Some people (let’s call them idiots) may complain that the show is getting ‘too PC’, but I for one am quite interested in the history of India. It’s about time we delved into the past of another country and another culture. New Who has spent so much time in Victorian London in recent years, I’m surprised the Doctor doesn’t just rent a holiday home there. It’s also nice to have an episode that isn’t afraid to point out that the British Empire was... well... a bit of a bastard, to put it mildly. The Moffat era in particular was very much guilty of romanticising British history (the most notable example being Winston Churchill, presented as a cuddly leader and the Doctor’s bezzie mate when in reality he was a colossal racist and arguably the very epitome of British imperialism in the early twentieth century). Patriots and anglophiles can’t help but think of Britain in positive terms, seeing the British Empire as some kind of noble ideal. The truth of the matter is the British Empire wasn’t some Utopian peace keeping force uniting the world. It was a bunch of white colonialists taking other people’s land and resources and not giving a tally-ho fuck what the ‘alien races’ thought.

The partition of India is quite possibly one of the most petty and irresponsible things we as a country have ever done. Crudely dividing the country into regions before picking up their ball and going home, leaving the native Indians to sort it out for themselves. What angers me is that I was never actually taught this in school. I learned about the partition of India years later through fucking Wikipedia. And you’d think this is something we ought to know. Like the Atlantic slave trade, this isn’t ancient history. This happened relatively recently and the after effects are still being felt today.

So not only am I’m glad we’ve got an episode like this, I’m also glad that Patel chooses to explore the partition of India in a very intelligent and respectful way. Like with previous episodes, Demons Of The Punjab is very intimate and small scale. It’s not about the Doctor combating a massive threat. It’s about how a massive threat affects the lives of this one family.

Demons Of The Punjab has a stellar cast to play Yasmin’s extended family. Amita Suman does an excellent job as the younger version of Yasmin’s grandmother Umbreen. Something this series has been really good at for the most part is finding that humanity at the core of the stories. It’s not about the aliens. It’s about the people. Demons is not about the space bats. It’s about this young woman struggling to compromise between committing to her Hindu fiance and staying faithful to her Muslim faith in the wake of rising political and societal tension, and Suman portrays this perfectly. It’s an incredibly powerful and moving performance and it’s her character you feel for the most.

Then there’s Shane Zaza as Prem, quite possibly the nicest guy in the fucking world and definitely didn’t deserve his final fate. He’s appalled by the rioting and infighting, saying how this wasn’t what he fought for in the war. Despite being confused and scared by the ‘demons’, he still accompanies the Doctor and Ryan and protects them from harm. But most importantly, he clearly loves Umbreen dearly, preparing to share and adapt his beliefs to hers and vice versa. Throughout the episode, Prem and Umbreen’s relationship is presented as the ideal. A love for the ages. How the world should be, transcending belief systems and cultural barriers. This could have become quite sickly in the wrong hands, bu thankfully the episode never over-eggs the pudding. We like this couple and we like Prem, which is what makes his death at the end one of the most heartbreaking in all of New Who and the fact that this comes at the hands of his own brother makes it all the more tragic.

Hamza Jeetoa’s performance as Manish was exceptional. From the start you know there’s something not quite right with him as he seems to buy into the India/Pakistan border quite enthusiastically, but I assumed (perhaps in my naivety) that the Doctor would persuade him to accept his new sister in law Umbreen over the course of the story. Of course that’s not the case. Like I said, the aliens are the red herring. The real villain is Manish. Except... it’s not. While Prem was out fighting for the Brits, a disillusioned and confused Manish was left alone, leaving him a prime target for radicalisation. So as disgusting and horrifying as his actions are, it’s hard to truly hate him because he’s not a bad person. You do see occasional glimpses of brotherly affection between him and Prem, a brief window into their relationship before the partition, and it’s this that humanises him and makes him an effective antagonist. Yes he’s killed people, yes he killed his own brother, yes his views are downright poisonous, but he is in many ways just another victim of this turbulent time. He’s a cautionary tale about the dangers of rigid belief systems and how easy it is to indoctrinate and radicalise the young and disenfranchised. Jeetoa does a great job selling this character without tipping over into panto. He’s not some rabid bigot foaming at the mouth. He’s a confused young man who has willingly bought into this anti-Islamic dogma because of his own frustrations toward the British, He feels like an actual person. It’s this that makes the ending truly shocking.

I don’t think there’s any need to talk about the main cast. They are predictably good. Jodie Whittaker continues to blow me away as the Doctor. Her eulogy at the wedding, her excitement and enthusiasm when celebrating the night before with Yaz and Umbreen, and her sorrow and disgust when Manish shoots Prem are all memorable moments showing Whittaker’s range as an actor. Graham and Ryan don’t have as much to do this episode, although they do still have their moments (the scene where Graham hugged Prem and told him what a good man he was made me cry. God, Bradley Walsh can act!). This really is Yasmin’s episode and it’s about time too. My one complaint I’ve had throughout this series so far has been that Yaz has felt largely superfluous. She’s not a bad character by any means. It’s a problem common with many of the ensemble casts Doctor Who has had over the years. There’s always at least one cast member reduced to being the spare part. So it was great to see Yaz finally get a chance in the spotlight and Mandip Gill rises to the occasion as she portrays her character’s internal conflict. Obviously she doesn’t want Prem to die. He’s a nice guy and her grandmother clearly loves him, but he’s not her grandfather. In order for Yaz to exist in the future, Prem has to die. I love episodes where the Doctor and his companions can’t interfere as they often serve as great moral dilemmas as well as the means of exploring internal strife. Watching Prem die, knowing she can’t change it for risk of damaging her own timeline, is painful and gut-wrenching, and Gill gives her best performance to date.

Demons Of The Punjab I think is my favourite episode so far this series because it shows just how flexible the Doctor Who format is and what kind of stories you can tell. This is a very human story that packs a massive dramatic punch and has great relevance to today. As I said, the effects of the partition of India are still being felt today and the radicalisation of young people is something we’ve sadly become all too familiar with (see ISIS and the alt-right). It’s what makes this episode’s central theme, to love and respect everyone regardless of cultural differences, all the more poignant. If Demons Of The Punjab teaches us anything, it’s that we could use a lot more Prems in the world right now.

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