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vodika-vibes · 2 months

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*slides $100 in a monopoly money over*

You got any sub!crosshair and Dom!reader smut in the back?

We Could Be More pt II

Summary: Recently defected from the Empire, you and Crosshair struggle to make ends meet while you cross the galaxy looking for a safe place to call home. At least you have each other.

Pairing: TBB Crosshair x F!Reader

Word Count: 1766

Warnings: Smut, oral M!receiving, Dom/Sub dynamics, reader is a gentle dom, Crosshair swears when getting laid

Tagging: @trixie2023 @n0vqni

A/N: *accepts the money and slides this fic across the table* So, I decided to make this request a sequel to We Could Be More, since it seems to fit. I hope you like it! So this story (which is probably going to have a third part) is basically Crosshair and Reader falling in love and finding their happy ending. Why do I keep doing this to myself with Crosshair?

“I can’t believe you managed to talk that hack into buying the tie fighter,” You say as you offer Crosshair half of the sandwich you bought from a nearby stand.

“I didn’t sell it,” Crosshair counters, taking the sandwich gratefully, “I traded it for a better ship.”

“Better how?” You ask, as you take a sip of your grape drink.

“Well it comes with a droid-”

You release a happy gasp.

“-a protocol droid.” Crosshair continues, a small grin crossing his face as you wilt, “It’s the ship's pilot. It also has a proper kitchen and a bedroom.”

“Oh thank kriff,” You mutter under your breath.

“What, you didn’t like sleeping in the chairs?”

You scrunch up your nose at him, “Not in the slightest.” You finish your half of the sandwich, “I suppose we need to buy food now?”

“Already taken care of. That guy was way too happy to get his hands on a TIE fighter.”

“Mm, probably part of the rebellion.” You muse thoughtfully.

“Not our problem.” Crosshair warns, “We’re not getting involved.”

“Yeah, yeah. I know.” You toss your trash into a nearby can, and fold your arms over your stomach, “So, how are we going to afford to keep this ship?”

“Bounty Hunting.”

“Cross.”

“I know, I know. But it’s what I’m good at. And at least this way I get to pick my targets.” He points out. Crosshair quickly finishes his sandwich and tosses his trash as well, “In any event, it’s time for us to get off this planet and move on.”

“Where to?”

“Salesman said Takodana. He said that we can get help there.”

“Help?”

“That’s what he said. I figure it won’t hurt to check it out.”

“Your call.” You shrug, “If you think it’s safe then it probably is.”

He smirks at you, before he kisses the tip of your nose, “You’re too trusting.”

“It’s you, Cross.” You counter with a roll of your eyes.

“Mm.” He glances at you, a sly smile on his lips, “I don’t suppose you want to spend one more night in the hotel? For a repeat of last night?”

“Maker, don’t you have an off switch?”

“Yeah, it’s located in my dick, you have to suck really hard-” You punch him in the shoulder and he laughs.

“You’re a pig.”

“You weren’t saying that last night.” He says smugly.

“I…don’t recall.”

“So my dick was so good that you have no memory of it. Sounds like you need a repeat.” Crosshair muses as he drapes his arm over your shoulder and directs you towards the port where the new ship is waiting.

“Sounds like wishful thinking on your part.”

“Ooh, I’m hurt.” His grip tightens around your shoulder.

“Cross-” You murmur, your gaze flickering to the Stormtroopers harassing a shopkeeper further down the street.

“I see them. Keep walking. They haven’t noticed us.”

“...so much for a repeat at the hotel,” You quip with a small smile as you lean against him.

“Eh, we have our own bed now.” Crosshair replies, he keeps the stormtroopers in his sights right up until you climb the ramp onto the new ship, and only then does he start to relax.

He heads into the cockpit to give directions to the droid, while you poke through the rest of the ship. The kitchen is fully stocked, and the bedroom is clean and the bed even has fresh linens on them. More surprisingly, the closet is full of clothes. Actual, properly fitting, clothes.

“Surprise.”

You blink at him, “What’s all this?”

“The Fighter was worth a lot more than this ship. So with the extra I got all of this.”

“...how do you know what size bra I wear?”

“I spend a lot of time staring at your tits, kitten.”

You grin at him, “Honestly, it’s almost like you’re only using me for my body or something.”

“Eh, the rest of you isn’t terrible. But I really like your tits. And your ass.” Crosshair tilts his head to look at you, “That bother you?”

“Nope. I do have an amazing chest after all.”

“Alright, little miss modest,” Crosshair says, sounding deeply amused, “We’re taking off in the next fifteen.”

You hum a response as you pick through the clothes to see what he picked out for you.

“Does it all meet your approval?” He asks sarcastically.

“It does! Well done.” You pause when Crosshair inhales sharply, and you turn your speculative gaze towards him.

“Right, well…I’m going to go make sure the clanker doesn’t kark up our departure-”

You cross the room and lightly pinch the material of his shirt between two fingers, and Crosshair doesn’t pull away from you. “Cross,” Your voice is light, and he seems to curl in around you, “I want you to take this off, please.”

“...and why should I do that, kitten?” Crosshair asks, his voice low and raspy.

Your smile is small and peaceful, “Because I asked you nicely.”

He leans in slightly, “Maybe don’t ask so nice next time?”

Your eyes glitter with mirth, “Cross, take it off.”

“Why?”

“Because good soldiers follow orders,” You tease, “And you are a good soldier, aren’t you?”

Crosshair groans, “That shouldn’t be half as hot as it is.”

He steps further into the room and allows the door to slam shut behind him, before he peels his shirt off and tosses it to the side. You smooth your hands across his chest, lightly tracing the scars and tattoos that cover his skin. “Lay down please?”

It’s a soft request. Gentle. Just like everything else about you, but you have a feeling that Crosshair will treat it as an order.

And you’re right.

Crosshair settles himself in the middle of the bed, with his head resting on the pillows. His dark gaze trails over your body, and he tucks his arms under his head. “What’s the plan, kitten?” He asks.

“I’m going to taste you,” You reply immediately, “And then I’ll go from there.” You settle yourself on the bed next to him, and slowly unfasten his pants, giving him the chance to refuse you.

“You gonna take any of your clothes off?” He asks, as you lower his pants enough that his half hard cock bounces free.

“Hm…maybe. If you’re good.”

Crosshair watches you with half lidded eyes, “You don’t have to be so gentle, kitten. You’re not going to break me.”

You duck your head, a small smile on your lips, “I like being gentle with you, Cross.” You drag a single finger down the side of his cock, hard now that you’re touching him. “You deserve a little gentle.” And then you wrap your hand around him fully and give him a lazy stroke.

“Kriff-” His hips twitch at your touch.

Gently, very gently, you press your free hand against his hip, “Lie still, Cross.” He releases a second curse but stills his hips. You favor him with a warm smile, “Good boy, you follow orders so well.”

His head falls back with a low groan, and you can see the muscle flexing in his arms, “Motherkarking…-how are you so good at this?” He demands.

You just smile at him, “Would you like me to stop?”

“No I do not want you to karking stop you-” He trails off when you slowly raise your eyebrows, “I’m not going to beg you, kitten.”

“I would never ask you to,” You continue to languidly pump your hand, “I just want you to feel good.”

He releases a shaky breath, “I assume there’s more to this than just ‘lie still’.”

“You don’t get to touch me until after I’ve made you cum. That’s the only other condition.”

“At all?”

“At all.”

He flashes a cocky smirk, “Easy.”

“Well, we’ll see won’t we?”

With that said, you turn your gaze back to his leaking cock. He’s long and thick, though you’re not sure how he’d compare to other men. Honestly, you don’t much care, because he’s perfect for you.

You lower your head and lightly lick the precum from the head of his cock. His groan sounds like music to your ears, and you decide that you want to hear as many noises as he can make.

You wrap your lips around him and slowly start bobbing your head.

There’s no need to rush, after all. Plus, you’re still new at this.

He’s warm and heavy in your mouth, with a taste that you’ve come to associate with Crosshair over the last couple of days. Slowly you ease more and more of him into your mouth, using your hands to massage the part that you can’t quite take yet.

Above you he’s groaning, and alternating curses and praises.

You can feel the muscles of his thighs flexing under you, and you’re touched. Crosshair is so much stronger than you, the fact that he’s willingly going along with this is…incredibly empowering.

And incredibly arousing.

You pull back slightly when Crosshair groans your name, though you keep him in your mouth as you work him over with your hands.

He groans low in the back of his throat as you push him over the edge. You make sure to swallow every drop, and you don’t pull away from him until he’s spent.

“How was that?” you ask, a little shyly.

Crosshair drops his arms from under his head as he starts to catch his breath, “Incredibly, incredibly hot.” He finally says.

You smile slightly proud, “You didn’t mind?”

“If I did, it wouldn’t have gotten as far as it did, kitten.” He shifts and kicks his pants off the bed, and then turns his gaze towards you, “Come here.”

You slide up the bed so that you’re closer, and then you squeak when he quickly tugs you across his chest, his lips crashing against yours. He quickly tugs your clothes off and tosses them to the side, before immediately sliding one of his hands down to massage your ass, pulling a startled squeak from your lips.

“Kitten,” He murmurs as he breaks the kiss, “I want you to sit on my face-”

Your face flames with flustered embarrassment, and Crosshair smirks.

“And then I’m going to fuck you into the mattress.”

You pull away to press your flaming face against his chest.

“And after that, I’m going to show you how to be a proper Dom, Princess.” He coos in your ear, “Your way is very hot, I want to show you my way.”

You peek up at him, a small smile on your lips, “Okay.”

His smirk grows into a grin, “Good girl.”

#star wars #tbb #tbb crosshair x reader #crosshair x reader #18+ fic #clone thirsting #smut #star wars fanfiction #x reader fanfiction #f!reader fic #answered asks

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ya-boi-haru · 3 months

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You know what, I like you, let me share my headcannons/thoughts on an AU I recently mentioned...

Fable smp Coffee Shop AU...

• Sherb runs a 24/hr (or late opened) Cafe, The Alchemist Brew. They specialise is mixing different coffee flavours to create a new taste and can even create one for a persons specific need or even mood.

The people that have often come in say it was exactly what they needed; students coming in to study found they work best with Icarus' creations - jokes that they put a focusing chemical drug in it. People on first dates say they added an ingredient that was a big ice breaker for them to bond over. A few cases come in home sick and the drinks taste like home somehow.

• Rae runs another cafe in a different part of town. It's a more traditional place, more old fashioned, rustic aesthetic.

Rae got to take over this place a lot sooner than he thought.

His mother went missing when he was young and his step-dad, Fable, left a few years ago. Icarus' was supposed to take over the buisness but they wanted to do their own thing, especially since Rae and Icarus had different ideas on how they should run the place.

So Rae runs the Gilded Cafe. While keeping the more traditional things on the menu, Rae also explores the history with Coffee. Makes ones how they would make it 30, 50, 100 years ago and happily, shares it with their customers.

• Athena is learning how to open their own bakery (Flour Garden) with Jamie. They offer their goods as a trial to both Gilded and Alchemist Brew Cafe. This way they get to try new foods and have people taste test them and both Cafes get a unique item on their menus each week. The feedback from customers is always appreciated and it sparks new ideas for foods and types of foods.

• Momboo runs a flower and tea shop, The Pink Tulip, both as a seperate transaction but has a talent for getting sweet tastes out of nature's prettiest petals

• Which is a dramatic comparison to her sister, Ocie/Kai, who runs a bar, Sea Dragon, iconicly known for its underwater sailor/pirate aesthetic and strong drinks to match

• Wolf is a business analyst and has helped with the businesses as well as a few others around town

• His partner, Centross, helps manage the Sea Dragon. A couple years ago, he tried to start a buisness with Icarus and Easton (who is a real estate agent), but it crashed and burned real quick. Wolf talked to Kai and she was generous enough to help Centross get back on his feet and they ended up working really well together.

• Aax works in the Gilded Cafe with Rae. He came to Rae looking for work - one in a new town with no connection to the Telchin company. They were awful, treated their employees terribly, and they would use special artificial chemicals in their drinks to make it taste like flavours (Hazlenut, vanilla etc), never the real thing, even their machines were designed to cut corners with brewing.

• Ulysses is still with Telchin, casual, but is still in the town with his Partner. He used to be able to do beautiful coffee powder art, but since the accident in the shop he can't even hold a cup steady.

• Will runs little a Cafe - The Traveller - based on flavours around the world, some places he's been lucky to actually travel to. Seven helps him run the place and really good with machines so they never have to worry about things breaking.

• Now all these businesses have their challenges, but Icarus feels they have an extra one...

A night club across the street 2 doors down, "The World Port". It's an exclusive place and Icarus had heard a few things about it.

It's a jack of all trades types of place, has accommodation for any events, Bachelor party's, birthdays, buisness meetings, heck even wakes.

Icarus' problem is that - for some reason - the owner recommendeds The Alchemist Brew to their customers as a place to sober up. Which would be fine if that didn't mean nights of drunks coming in, making a mess and passing out. They somehow get their mail mixed up as well, and The World Port is loud and makes it hard to focus on work.

• The World Ports concept is to be a place for everyone. It's main area is a bar with a dance floor and great music. They have sectioned off rooms, identified by colour, each room can accommodate for certain events. You could hold 3 different events in once.

• Smaller Headcannons/Notes:

• Caspian comes into the Gilded Cafe as a place to write his stories. He started going there for the nice coffee and cozy vibes, but the manager seems really nice and passionate about his work, so he kept coming in and is now a regular. And the Barista working there is cute nice to talk to as well

• Rae grew to appreciate the small talks with Capsian while on shift. He's even made it into a few pages of Raes sketch book - that will never see the light of day - but that has nothing to do with anything! Rae always draws random customers for practice! Despite Aax pointing out that he draws Caspian more.

• Aax and Rae are dating and are peeking interest in Caspian.

• Wolf and Centross are dating, though Centross is showing interest in Kai. He would deny it to hell and back even though everyone can see it.

• Icarus gets new ingredients/inspiration from their friends. Athena and Jamie's creations, Momboos flowers etc

• During the business Icarus, Centross and Easton tried to run, Icarus made a purple drink that turned out to have an addicting side effect. Part of the reason thee business failed.

• Since the World Port is exclusive, Icarus can't get in to talk to the owner. However, there have been times when they've come into the Alchemist Brew, and Icarus has just not been in there at the right time to see them.

• If they don't want to deal with maintenance companies, the other owners ask Seven to come over and fix their equipment, especially if it should be a simple fix.

• Galahad works at The Traveller and suggested their own mix of a spicier blend

Feel free to add onto or suggest things!

#i kinda wanna cosplay from this-#partially cause i cant draw #itd be cool #fable smp #fable smp headcanon #fablesmpblr #fsmp #fable smp au #fable smp coffe shop au #coffee shop au

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asgardwinter · 1 year

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remember that night?

summary | After months since he left you behind in Nevarro, Din Djarin was knocking at your shop. As always, it wasn’t anything besides business to have him come back, or so you thought.

pairing | Din Djarin x fem!Reader

warnings | SPOILERS FOR S3EP01!, tiny angst and discomfort, a lot of reminiscing about the past…

word count | 3k

author’s note | ok, so… I’m trying something out here and I hope it’s reasonable… I might continue this through the other episodes — it only depends on my inspiration and time… Anyways, I hope y’all enjoy this!! I wrote this while listening to “Remember That Night?” by Sara Keys.

Misc. Characters masterlist | join the taglist! | Main Masterlist

Welcome to Nevarro, independent trade anchor and Outer Rim Hyperlane port. The greeting droid said through the comms. Please state the purpose of your visit.

Din Djarin didn’t know what he felt as he prepared to land in Nevarro. The planet brought back mixed emotions to the surface, things he kept to himself during the last months and didn’t plan to relieve.

“Here to meet an old friend.” The mandalorian announced. The thought of someone else passing through his head before stating the Magistrate as the friend.

…

“Is there a problem here, Magistrate?”

Until Din decided to step into the discussion there were a lot of sharp words and hidden threats exchanged. The pirates were clearly after some trouble with the High Magistrate, but he also knew that Greef Karga was great enough at looking after himself and Nevarro. The truth was that he didn’t want to overstep or get into something if there wasn’t a clear need to.

But the conversation had gone long enough for his personal taste.

“Is there a problem here?” Greef repeated the question, this time looking to the pirates. “What do you think?”

“Not if you serve me a drink.” Vane continued to insist on the drink request — that was also not so much of a request.

“Not in my school.” The Magistrate was firm.

“You hear that, boys?” He started his dramatic number with his colleagues, making a very dramatic pause. “His school.” And finished it with a laugh at his current adversary. “You paid us for murder and mayhem inside these doors. Sounds like you went soft.”

“You think so?” He showed the gun, ready in its holder, a direct response to Vane’s threat. “Try me.”

The staring contest continued, the tension was up and everyone in the audience was waiting to see who would shoot first in that duel.

No surprise to see it was Greef Karga, the blaster falling from Vane’s hands.

“Tell Captain Gorian Shard that Nevarro is no longer friendly to pirates. Now get out of here.”

The other pirates were ready to counterstrike, turning to shoot the High Magistrate. But the mandalorian was of great help, shooting two of them while the other was taken care of by Greef. The people around the scene were tense, some even screamed with surprise, Navarro really had changed.

In the end of the confrontation Vane was standing there alone, hurt and with no back up.

“Get out of here, Vane. Now.” Greef repeated himself.

“Sure you wanna let him go?” Din was a bit worried, looking at the pirate that was already running from the scene to save his skin.

“Yes.” He nodded. “He'll let it be known that Nevarro is respectable now and not to be trifled with.”

Soon the droids were cleaning the scene up and leaving the street exactly as it was before the small struggle, just as if pirates had never touched the place.

“Yes, sir, right away.” The droid started to complete the task, running around to communicate the responsible droid squad.

“I gotta level with you, Mando. I need a marshal.” Greef confessed.

“What about Marshal Dune?”

“After she brought in Moff Gideon, she was recruited by Special Forces.”

“And what came of Gideon?” Din was curious about it.

“Ugh. He was sent off to a New Republic War Tribunal.” Yeah, that wasn’t truly the best of news but it’d do the job. “So... What do you say? Are you ready to put on the stripes and collect a healthy…”

The mandalorian’s eyes got lost somewhere along the street, a gate that was clearly very well made was open and he could have a peek inside a workshop. A new one that wasn’t there the last time. Between scattered pieces from ships and droids, tools that were high quality even with some dirt covering them from regular use, he found a familiar face.

You.

Very concentrated on the machinery placed in your working table you barely listened to the shooting outside. Din couldn’t really count the huge amount of times he called you out for that same thing.

You need to pay attention to your surroundings even when you are working inside the Crest.

That seemed like a lifetime ago. And you looked just the same from that distance.

That hurt even more,

“You'd make a very fine lawman.” Grief repeated himself.

Din picked up the conversation from where it had stopped. “Why not request one from the New Republic?”

It was going to be a hell of a discussion.

…

Life in Nevarro was quite simple after Din left.

Right, you couldn’t deny the huge hole left in your heart that had the exact shape of one mandalorian and his small green foundling. You could only sit on the sleepless nights and remember your times on the Razor Crest with them.

But did someone ever die from a broken heart? Well, maybe someone had, but not you.

You made everything work in your own way, just like you were used to doing before you crossed paths with Din Djarin. You were a damn good mechanic, that’s how you met him in the first place, so it wasn't a problem to get your own workshop to attend the region.

You had your bad days too, the competition between the mechanics in the region wasn’t that healthy and you might have used Din’s reputation to your own benefit.

All with the best of purposes.

But with the whole remodeling of Nevarro it got easier and less threatening. Being in the good graces of Greef Karga was great too, really helped with business and the prestige around the planet. You specialized your abilities in droids as well as ships, expanding your business and even getting two reasonable assistants to help you with the demand.

It was a good way to live.

Not as good as traveling around the galaxy with Din Djarin and Grogu. But reasonably good.

You could say that at least you had a story to tell, telling people you visited some planets, got into adventures, was trained in self defense by a Mandalorian and almost defeated him in a hand-in-hand because you already knew how to fight…

If you thought enough you could almost hear his laugh through the modulator from that day, the way his hands held yours and you shivered even with his and your gloves in the way.

Those were all good stories.

Bitter memories now.

So when a huge wall of beskar entered your shop you were more than surprised.

Of course, you did expect that he would eventually come back to Nevarro, given how much the place was growing as an independent trade center in the Outer Rim.

But you didn’t expect him to be right at your door.

“Din Djarin.” You said looking at his shiny helmet.

Your eyes went searching for the small green frame that was always glued to his father and you smiled to see the little guy. You missed him so much.

“Grogu, it’s very nice to see you.” You winked and he cooed at your gesture. “And what brings you here to my humble shop?”

Din continued to be silent for some time, his helmet showing he was looking around, maybe for any threats because he didn’t trust you right? Just the same man you remembered him to be.

“We need to reconstruct IG-11.” He announced and you were suddenly in a laughter crisis. “What?”

After breathing for about five times you recovered yourself. “Find another droid.” You advised. “IG-11 was destroyed.” He continued to stare at you from behind the cold helmet, until you felt the need to explain yourself. “Look, I’m not a big fan of the disposable way most people view droids these days, but he can’t be recovered. Besides, I can make you a pretty reliable droid and…”

“It’s that droid or nothing.” He was short at his answer.

“Do you even have the pieces?” You asked him.

Easily, he placed IG-11 — or what was left of him — in the top of your table. It was much more than you thought there was in the first place, but it was still far from good news.

“He has hooked up to power and we even woke him up, but we believe he defaulted to his old programming.” DIn started to explain as you examined what was left of your old friend. “He tried to attack Grogu and I had to shoot him.”

“Several times, if I may point.” You looked surprised to see the several recent blaster marks.

There wasn’t much to analyze or diagnose, the droid seemed like a lost cause. The memory circuit was broken and it would take forever to find or make a new one, as well as no promises you would recover IG-11 as he was in the moment of his death.

“We took him to the Anzellans but… I wanted your opinion.”

That was new. Din Djarin assuming he wanted you to say something about the situation? The world wasn’t the same anymore.

“I don’t believe I can fix him Din. Rebuilding a body is a piece of cake, but the memory circuit is jammed, lost actually.” YOu explained, still looking at the drawing for something more exhilarating than that. “I can’t make a new one right now and those are impossible to find these days. And if you find it, they are extremely expensive… So no IG-11 for now.” You concluded, getting away from the working desk.

“What if I find you this circuit?” He considered. “Can you fix it?”

“I’m sure I can. But, even for you, it would be a complicated mission.” You were still trying to put some sense in the head of your the mandalorian. “I’m sure a new one would be…”

“No. It’s IG-11 or nothing.” There was the stubborn man.

“What do you even need him for?” You asked, turning from the starfighter’s parts you were organizing on a shelf.

“We are going to explore Mandalore.”

It sounded even crazier than the plan of fixing IG-11.

“We? What? How’s that?”

“Me and Grogu.” He detailed. “I need to find the living waters under the mines of Mandalore. Because of… Mandalorian reasons.”

“Oh, I see.” You understood he didn’t want to tell what that s=was about, so all you did was hide the little it hurt you. “If you bring me that piece I can fix it, but just know that you don’t deserve it.”

“I’ll be leaving in the morning to find it.”

That was the last thing he said before exiting your shop and leaving you behind with your work. You were going to need some alcohol after that interaction, you thought as you just hoped for the day to end sooner.

…

One thing that came with all the change in Nevarro was the nightlife. Of course the bars were still filled, but the patrons had changed from pirates to different types of trades and merchants. So when you chose a random bar on your way home it was less crowded than it’d been a couple months ago, a bit calmer too.

You didn’t need calm.

In a matter of seconds your usual drink was in your hand and you account missing a few credits.

You just wanted to forget that Din was in town, that you had seen him, talked to him and offered your help with IG-11. That was such a terrible idea even for you. You heard him call your name and it was like a sign to down the cup in one gulp.

Kriffing hell, you were even imagining his voice? Maybe it wasn’t such a good idea to drink after the encounter…

But it happened again and you turned to look, already cursing yourself for the insanity of it.

And there he was.

“What are you doing here?” Was the first thing you could think to ask.

“Gathering information.”

“Okay. There are other seats in the bar though…” You pointed to the area in the back filled with empty chairs.

Din didn't answer. Instead you ordered another drink and he rushed you to pay for that, leaving some credits on the counter.

“I don’t want you to pay for my stuff.” You warned him without looking at his face. “Don’t want to owe you a single credit, Djarin.”

“Well, I believe I owe you, am I wrong?”

It was time for you to stay in silence. He did owe you, not in a monetary way though, it was more about the time you wasted though you had something.

And that’s how, after several months of distance and no interactions, you found yourself drinking— and by drinking you meant you sipping on a suspicious alcohol and staring back at that huge wall of beskar — in the company of Din Djarin. It could’ve been the very same bar in Nevarro if it wasn’t for Greef Karga’s remodeling of the place.

“I saw you got the kid back.” You tried to start some conversation between the two of you.

“After I completed the mission he found his way back to me.” He explained in such a shallow way you don’t even try to extract more of it.

You wouldn’t try to make a grown ass man talk to you. At least those two were together again, it was easy to remember how the mandalorian was without the little green friend.

That could’ve been a little push towards that fucking night he just disappeared.

You remembered how vague he was with explaining his new mission, and tried one more time to talk to the man, more out of curiosity than the pleasantness of the conversation. “What is the truth about that whole Mandalore thing?”

“I need to bathe in the living waters under the mines of Mandalore. Because I removed my helmet and I am no longer a mandalorian.”

“So, sort of a redemption?”

He nodded and your eyes found the wall behind him.

Silence again.

If you closed your eyes you could pretend it seemed so much like those late nights inside the Crest. You’d sit side by side and just stay there enjoying the presence of each other — or at least that was what you thought you were doing.

Now you were just trying to not lash out on him, trying to be the bigger person and ignore the past for a second. You could come back to hating him after he left again, even if you never managed to hate him properly how you should.

If you maintained the good behavior you could at least have some more time with Grogu, who you missed even more than the mandalorian.

“Thank you for your help.” He said.

“It’s going to cost you.” You reminded him. “I don’t work for free. Only with a small exception for family.”

That word loomed above you two, weighing more than a whole spaceship. Your old spaceship.

And just as if he was reading your mind he talked a few more words. “There’s no space in the starfighter.”

Your heart skipped a beat. “What happened to the Razor Crest?”

“It’s a long story.” Din told you, adjusting himself in the bar’s stool. “But it doesn’t exist anymore.”

It was just one more thing into that pile of wreckage that was your relation with Din Djarin — if you could even call it that. You knew already you were a fool to expect that it could all be some sort of misunderstanding, a terrible joke the universe was playing on you, but it was real life.

The mandalorian was just a huge jerk.

“There’s no space in the starfighter.” He repeated himself, more serious this time as if that was possible.

“Oh, I see.” It was your turn to be blank and right to the point. “Believe me, I do. So, if this isn’t some catching up with friends what is it?”

“I—” It wasn’t the first time you saw the mandalorian falther to answer something, but was one of the few of those.

“Why are you here, Din?” You spat it before he could continue. “Why did you really come here tonight? Shouldn’t you be preparing to find that goddamn piece?”

“That’s just what I’m doing.”

“You know Din, there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” The alcohol was giving you a bit more courage and that was all you needed to do what you wanted and dreaded for those last months. “Why did you kiss me that day?”

The mandalorian was mute to your question, not a word or a move slipped out of his armor and you decided you were best by yourself trying to heal from something you had imagined.

“Well, I guess this explains a lot.”

You got up from the stool you were sitting and downed the rest of your drink in one large sip. Turning to go out the cantina, you stopped in your tracks once more, just to ask Din one more thing.

“Just one thing.” You were a bit more loud with those words. Nothing that would turn looks towards you but just enough to prove a point. “What the fuck was I to you this whole time we travelled around?”

“You were my mechanic.” It was like default words, like he was a droid programmed to say. “The Razor Crest was a huge job for someone to do it alone.”

What were you expecting anyways?

“I’m going to reassign the job to the Anzellans. They are better with lost causes anyway. And reliable to hire.” You warned him, with a tip in the end because you just couldn’t help yourself. “Goodbye, Din Djarin. I… Don’t show up anymore, ok? It’s just too hard to see Grogu if I can’t spend time with him.” You whispered the last part, walking towards the door and, later, to your room in the back of the shop.

The streets were not too crowded, it was working days anyway so not many people were drowning themselves in drinks or the nightclubs around town. You walked slowly, trying to postpone the moment where you’d lay your head on the pillow and have deep reflections slipping inside your head with no invitation.

At least you knew he wouldn’t stay too long in town.

Right?

#asgardwinter writes #din djarin x reader #din djarin x female reader #din djarin x you #the mandalorian reader insert #mando x reader #din djarin angst #mando x you #star wars reader insert

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genshingorlsrevengeance · 1 year

Text

(Genshin Impact) Yelan with a Yor-esque S/O

No one requested this, I just got this flash of inspiration thinking of who to write for next. It occurred to me that Yelan is a spy, and I've been watching Spy X Family. Thank you Spy X Family for introducing the best woman this year.

Post Edit A/N: I swear to god everytime I write a new one of these, production time gets longer. 5 BLOODY HOURS

Yelan was used to talking to all sorts of people to stay undercover.

Woo a Nobleman here, do business with a merchant there. All kinds of people Yelan worked with ranging from a pleasure to work with to glad to never see them again.

But it was during one mission that she encountered the strangest person she had ever met.

Little did she know that they'd be her partner in crime for the years to come.

And that their feelings for each other would begin to grow into something more.

===

Yelan was in the marketplace of Liyue Harbor, searching for a merchant named Jin. He was wanted for money laundering by reselling high value items for traders in order to scam foreign merchants.

He was small-time really, compared to some others that Yelan has brought to justice. There were much worse people, but his crimes could not go ignored and officials couldn't touch him.

Which is where Yelan comes in, it was her mission to get close to the target and bring him down. The only problem is that she didn't have a direct way to get to him, seeing how he never did his business in person, always by proxy.

While thinking of how to get to him, someone bumped directly into her.

= Very Long under the cut! =

(???) "Wagh?!"

Yelan was slighty pushed back while the person that bumped into her fell onto the ground, dropping rather expensive looking items.

(???) "O-Oh no! No, no, no!"

Yelan took a moment to examine the person. They were dressed somewhat formally and looked something like a secretary. Regardless, they didn't seem like a threat and that this was a genuine accident.

She dropped to one knee and began helping them, grabbing a collection of pearl necklaces and giving it to them.

(Yelan) "Sorry about that. Please, allow me to help."

(???) "T-Thank you! And if anything, I should be apologizing, I didn't see you. Oh, the boss is going to kill me!"

Yelan looked closely at what she was grabbing. They all were gaudy looking accessories.

(Yelan) "Nothing is broken, is it?"

(???) "One, two, three...Nothing's even scratched, thank the Archons! Thank you for the help, miss...?"

(Yelan) "Sabrina. Fontaine Adventurer."

(???) "My name is (Y/N). Say, if you're an adventurer, do you know the way to the marketplace?"

Yelan refused the urge to blink in confusion. If they had any iota of common sense, they could see that they were already in it. Clearly they were a fish out of water...Wait a moment-

(Yelan) "You're actually in it right now."

(Y/N) "Huh? ...Oh, you're right! And, do you know the way to Jin's Emporium? I'm supposed to be delivering these accessories there."

Perfect.

(Yelan) "I do. Here, follow me."

Yelan led the way down towards the port. As they walked together, Yelan put her silver tongue to work.

(Yelan) "If you don't mind me asking, what are you doing in Liyue?"

(Y/N) "I work for a merchant from Mondstadt, mister Emil! He was trying to find a trade partner in Liyue to sell our wares, and we found a buyer named Jin!"

(Yelan) Hm. So this is how Jin snares his targets. So, what happens to the people carrying the goods? "I see. Will you be staying long?"

(Y/N) "Not too long, no. Truth is, this is my last job for mister Emil. I'm retiring from the trading business to help my brother."

(Yelan) "Well, I hope that you and your brother get paid well from this job. Ah, there's your shop. Down by the pier, second to last by that boat."

(Y/N) "Ah, thank you so much miss Sabrina!"

They bowed, almost dropping the items again. Yelan caught one just in time, letting out a small chuckle and sending them on their way.

As soon as they got far enough, Yelan's smile quickly faded and blended into the crowd, making her way towards the stall.

Sure enough, Jin was nowhere to be seen. Instead, it was another man who looked remarkably unremarkable.

Yelan couldn't hear them, but she could infer what they were saying. The man was pointing at the trail that led out of Liyue and deeper into the mountains, (Y/N) nodding.

(Y/N) walked out the stall with a cart now, carrying all her goods and going out of Liyue.

Yelan kept her eye on them as she slowly trailed them out. The merchant didn't follow (Y/N). She had a feeling of where this was going.

After about twenty minutes of tailing (Y/N), she finally found out why they were sent so far away.

A group of Treasure Hoarders popped out of hiding, and rushed the cart with their weapons drawn.

Yelan's eyes glowed a dark blue as she drew her bow, leaping into action herself.

Yelan landed in front of the cart scaring the Treasure Hoarders, but surprisingly, not (Y/N).

(Yelan) "You don't wanna do that, boys."

(Treasure Hoarder) "Get the hell out of here, this doesn't concern you!-"

(Y/N) "Miss Sabrina, DODGE!"

Yelan didn't see anyone behind her, in fact, she knew no one was there. What did they mean by that?-

(Y/N)'s eyes suddenly narrowed as they kicked the cart with one leg, sending it hurtling towards her-

Oh Archons.

Yelan dove out the way as the cart flew with such violent speed, running over two of the hoarders.

The hoarder directly on their left raised their shovel to attack, Yelan shooting it out of their hand with her bow.

As they reached for their hand in pain, (Y/N) leapt over to them with a graceful frontflip, following up by a very swift and violent kick to the crotch.

Yelan swore she heard something crunch, and couldn't help but wince. For their sake, she hoped that their privates didn't just get reduced to a liquid.

Using her ropes to drag in a Treasure Hoarder by the feet, she yanked them by the collar and spoke calmly to them.

(Yelan) "Who hired you?"

(Treasure Hoarder) "I-I DON'T KNOW! IT WAS JUST SOME MERCHANT WHO GAVE US MORA!"

His eyes kept darting behind her, which obviously signaled someone was trying to ambush her.

Yelan was prepared to deal with them before she heard another man collapse to the floor.

(Y/N's Voice) "Taken care of, Miss Sabrina!"

Their peppy voice betrayed the absolute brutality and efficiency of their attacks, but Yelan focused back on the matter at hand.

(Yelan) "Where is this merchant?"

(Treasure Hoarder) "T-That way! Up the hill in the abandoned manor!"

Yelan knocked them out and let their head hit the ground, turning around to face (Y/N).

(Y/N) looked concerned, more for Yelan's well being than anything, even their own.

Though obviously, they didn't need Yelan's help to protect themselves.

(Yelan) "That was some fancy moves."

(Y/N) "O-Oh, that? That's just some basic self defense I taught myself!"

Although they were stuttering, it didn't seem like a lie. They were more embarrassed than anything.

Yelan's met a lot of interesting people in her line of work, and right now, (Y/N) was moving quickly up the list.

(Y/N) "By the way, were you following me?"

Yelan walked over to the cart to make sure the goods were intact. Miracoulsly they were, the cart on the other hand now had (Y/N)'s footprint firmly planted inside it.

That's not something an ordinary secretary could do.

(Yelan) "I actually saw you leaving town, and I intended to catch up and ask what you were up to before you were jumped by Treasure Hoarders. I thought you were delivering your goods to the merchant?"

(Y/N) "The man told me to deliver the goods up this hill, but clearly something isn't adding up..."

Yelan walked up to (Y/N).

(Yelan) "You should get back to Liyue. I'll make sure you get the money you need."

(Y/N) "But what about you?"

(Yelan) "Don't worry, adventurers are prepared for this thing all the time-"

(Y/N) "I-I'm coming too! I may just be a secretary, but I'll make sure nothing hurts you!"

Obviously, they were lying. No normal secretary could solo a group of bandits at a moment's notice as if they were nothing.

But, maybe for this mission's completion it wouldn't hurt to have them tag along. As far as they knew, she was just a kind adventurer.

(Yelan) "...Alright then, let's stay close."

A half hour passed as (Y/N) carried the goods towards the manor. Yelan stayed behind so it looked like they were alone. As far as she could see, there we no guards.

Makes sense, they didn't think a secretary could fight off a group of bandits.

The plan was to have (Y/N) walk in and lure them out so Yelan could ambush them, and hopefully they could take Jin down in one fell swoop.

Although she was far away, Yelan could tell (Y/N)'s demeanor instantly changed.

They left the cart outside and gave a thumbs up in a random direction before slipping away behind a wall faster than she could keep up with.

A few minutes passed by and nothing happened.

Yelan frowned. Did (Y/N) get caught in trouble?

Or worse...was she with them the entire time?

It wasn't completely out the question. They seemed completely unfazed by the Hoarders and were surprised by her appearance.

(Yelan) "Hm, maybe I should-"

WHAM!

Yelan saw Jin go flying out a window, the glass pieces shooting off everywhere.

Her eyes went wide as he ran away, tripping over himself as he kept looking back in terror.

Then suddenly the door was kicked open, revealing (Y/N) covered head to toe in blood.

(Y/N) shouted something that she couldn't understand as they chucked a barrel at him, hitting Jin over the head and knocking him out cold.

(Yelan) "Archons, good thing I told them I needed him alive."

She stepped down cautiously and looked at (Y/N), drenched in blood as they panted.

Though from what she could see, it wasn't theirs.

Looking slightly behind (Y/N), Yelan could see the bandits inside all on the floor.

(Yelan) "What...happened in there?"

(Y/N) "O-Oh, they tried attacking me but I made them hit each other."

(Yelan) "And the blood...?"

(Y/N) "Blood?"

Y/N looked down at themselves before stuttering even more.

(Y/N) "OH! UM...! I-I just got caught in the splash zone is all! Hahaha...ha...?"

Judging by how embarrassed they seem to be, they weren't lying out of malice.

Yelan had three guesses of what they were. Either they were an assassin, a Fatui agent, or an idiot.

Honestly, she didn't know what would be better, because it's looking to be all three.

(Y/N) "A-Anyways, what do we do now?"

(Yelan) "For now, we bring this man to justice for trying to scam you, and no doubt countless others."

Yelan and (Y/N) returned to Liyue Harbor, but not before she forced them to wash themselves.

Her entire goal is to keep low, having someone head to toe dripping in blood would do the opposite.

After turning them into the Millelith, Yelan accompanied S/O as they got their final job accomplished, alongside a bonus pay, and left the services of the Mondstadt merchant.

Deciding to go out for dinner, Yelan brought (Y/N) to Xiangling's restaurant for celebration.

After receiving their meals and thanking the chef, Yelan and (Y/N) proceeded to have a pleasant evening together.

(Yelan) "So, what will you do now? You don't have a place to stay, right?"

(Y/N) "Hm...No. With the money I've earned, I don't think I'll be able to return to my brother just yet..."

They looked conflicted on what to do.

(Y/N) "...Truth be told, I'm not sure what I could do. That job was the only thing I could reliably earn money with but, I'm not even that good at being a secretary."

(Yelan) "..."

(Y/N) "The only belongings I have are just the clothes on my back and hairpins."

Yelan looked curiously at their hair. There was no such hairpins they mentioned...Does that mean?-

(Y/N) "But nevertheless, I appreciate your kindness. I will never forget what you have done for me, miss Sabrina! I promise to make it up to you!"

(Y/N) prepared to give her some Mora before Yelan held up a hand.

(Yelan) "You know, you seemed to handle yourself well back there, despite being just a secretary. If you want, I could get some line of work for you."

(Y/N) "Like...an adventurer?"

(Yelan) "Yeah, something like that."

Yelan planned to tell them the truth, but obviously not in public. Whatever (Y/N) was, she wasn't going to let their skills go to waste at a mediocre delivery position.

(Yelan) "And you can stay at my place, at least for a little bit. What do you say?"

And that, Yelan wasn't planning on telling her. It was actually one of many safehouses, but it was very secure and more importantly, closely watched.

If (Y/N) was someone who was a danger to Liyue, Yelan would be the first to know from her contact's close watching.

(Y/N) "T-Truly?!"

(Yelan) "Truly."

(Y/N) "I-I..."

They began sniffling, rubbing their eyes as their voice grew shaky.

(Y/N) "No one but my brother has shown me such kindness before...! T-THANK YOU MISS SABRINA!"

Yelan was immediately pulled into a hug which immediately put her on edge.

She hadn't felt physical affection and years and-...Wow, this was a really tight hug.

Yelan opened her mouth to speak before realizing no sound was coming out.

In fact, there wasn't any air coming out either.

(Yelan) "A....ACK!"

Yelan felt her spine tighten in (Y/N)'s death grip. Were they trying to kill her?!

(Y/N) "THANK YOU! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!"

...Well, at least they weren't trying to kill her on purpose.

Finally, Yelan managed to get the words out.

(Yelan) "AIR!"

(Y/N) "...OH MY GOODNESS!"

(Y/N) dropped her on the spot, Yelan trying to catch her breath.

(Yelan) "O-Ow...! D-Don't think I've come that close to death in a while..."

(Y/N) "I am so sorry! I-I never knew how to control my hugs. One time I accidentally broke my brother rib's when giving him a hug..."

(Yelan) Okay, what is wrong with them?!

(Xiangling's voice) "Oh, Yelan! Is this your date?"

(Y/N) spun around with a loud "EH?!", stuttering profusely.

Before they could say anything, Yelan spoke up.

(Yelan) "Y-Yes. They are. I was just wanting to take them out to celebrate getting a new job! Our compliments to the chef, by the way."

(Xiangling) "Congratulations, and thank you! I hope to see you two soon!"

When Xiangling left, Yelan was quick to explain herself.

(Yelan) "Sorry about that, I just want to make sure no one's picking on you since you're new to Liyue."

(Y/N) "Ah, I-I see. So we're going to be in a pretend relationship?"

(Yelan) "That's right."

This seemed to have calmed down (Y/N) quite a bit. She would have came up with a better lie, but honestly, she didn't think she'd need one.

Which she was proven right.

(Y/N) "Alright, that makes sense. Thank you so much for your kindness...By the way, did she just call you Yelan?"

(Yelan) "That's my last name."

(Y/N) "Sabrina Yelan? That's a pretty name!"

(Yelan) Oh my gods, I can't believe they fell for that. "If you don't mind, could you just call me Yelan from now on?"

(Y/N) "Of course...I-If I may ask, where is your home?"

Yelan looked into (Y/N)'s eyes.

You could tell what a person was truly thinking by the look in their eyes, and Yelan had become very talented at telling what they were feeling.

With one glance, Yelan could see...

...They completely believed her.

In fact it looked like there was barely anything going up in that head of theirs.

Well, if taking (Y/N) under her wing was going to be anything, it certainly wasn't going to be boring.

(Yelan) "Right this way. And (Y/N)? Welcome to Liyue."

====

[Mixed Nuts - Will Stetson Lyrics]

====

Yelan had no idea the hurricane of a person she brought in as a partner.

Despite their outstanding combat prowess, they were completely lacking in everything else.

(Y/N) "I made us breakfast!"

(Yelan) "Ah, thanks."

Yelan took one bite before her eyes shot wide open.

(Y/N) looked at her with an expectant gaze, Yelan could see the lights shining in their eyes.

(Y/N) "Well?"

(Yelan) "Dice roll, whoever loses has to...eat this."

(Y/N) "O-Oh..."

Within this world we love we’re just like nuts in a mixed bag, packed tightly And everyone has a partner they love who they snuggle tight, now everything feels alright!

No common sense in the slightest, and of course their first result when tracking down a target is murder.

(Y/N) "Would it not be easier to punch out the skulls of his henchmen to make him talk?"

(Yelan) "It might make him talk, but we need to keep a low profile. Besides, no one can do that."

(Y/N) "It's not that hard."

(Yelan) "...Have...have you punched someone's skull out?"

(Y/N) "A-AH! I read it in a book once is all!"

(Yelan) "..."

We look into each other’s eyes and smile like we’re peanuts, so brightly But honestly the truth is obvious, this whole display is just a lie

Trying to act as a couple was also demanding. It gave her a great cover story, since (Y/N) could provide a testimony when she had to leave.

(Y/N) could also make Yelan seem less suspicious if they told the stories right.

But that usually required (Y/N) to be a good liar.

Which they were also not.

(Woman) "So, why did you come out of the house covered in blood?!"

(Y/N) "Oh, that? I just work myself to the bone!"

(Yelan) *facepalm*

What you see is only a template, golden standard to all those passing by, but it’s deeper than they know

Honestly, they were a huge mess of a person.

And yet...

Yelan came home one day to their shared home to find (Y/N) with a cookbook in front of them.

They didn't even seem to realize she was there.

Instead of saying anything, Yelan watched as they tried hard to make an edible dinner.

(Yelan) "...How about that."

(Y/N) "GAH! INTRUDER!"

A frying pan came flying past Yelan's head that went straight through the wall.

(Yelan) "..."

(Y/N) "O-Oh...welcome home?"

Feelings never shown, even when we’re all alone, no one but each other Hands on the table, but we’re just putting on a show

They were trying to be a genuinely good boyfriend/girlfriend.

Obvious homicidal tendencies and startling lack of common sense aside, they were genuinely a kind person.

Constantly choking back our secrets, lying abound; but it’s my home, you know Now we can try to fill our stomachs inside, with a great home-cooked meal, or something plain from outside

Yelan woke up to a blanket on them that wasn't there before, only to see (Y/N) in their own bed without one.

Smiling, she put it back on them as she began to fully wake up from her nap.

Despite it being an act, they were giving it their all.

Now nothing is assured, and everything changes in this life, and I know Now every day’s so mediocre, boring and plain, passing by But really I don’t even mind, ‘cause you are by my side

After a long solo mission, Yelan opened the doors with a loud sigh, energy completely drained.

Instead of the home being completely dark, she was greeted with a warm smile, with an even warmer greeting.

(Y/N) "Welcome back! I was just making a spicy dinner for your return!"

Yelan couldn't help but smile.

(Yelan) "Appreciate it. Good to be back."

Now the truth is out, it feels so nice! My stomach’s full and satisfied I’ll keep on going through this miracle with you, this little something we call life!

Honestly, Yelan forgot what it was like for someone to have her back.

Even during missions that obviously well above and beyond what adventurers should do, both within a moral and legal sense, (Y/N) never once questioned Yelan.

They were a gullible, confusing mess but...It was nice to have someone to just talk to normally without fear of having to do mental gymnastics.

Even though their relationship was just a cover for the both of them...this felt nice.

...

====

[Comedy - Will Stetson Lyrics]

====

Yelan rolled the dice to see what she was going to be doing today.

(Y/N) noticed this and went about their business. For the past year, they've known her to always do that when she had nothing to do, besides nap anyways.

(Y/N) "I'll make sure dinner's ready by the time you get back."

(Yelan) "Not what I'm rolling for today."

(Y/N) "H-Huh?"

(Yelan) "This is for 'couple' stuff. We need to look the part, right? It's a bit strange that our neighbors only see us do this once a month. They might get suspicious."

(Y/N) "We're just adventurers, Yelan. i'm not sure what could be so suspicious."

Yelan just smiled and rolled the die.

Landing on a six, she turned to them.

(Yelan) "Alright, surprise me. Your choice of what we get to do today."

Petty little catfights, burn it all to black, I Watch the planet proudly peter round Searching, but I never figured out where I’m goin’

Yelan and (Y/N) walked through the marketplace, trying out all sorts of food.

She denied any sweets, but treated herself to the spiciest things they could find.

Yelan decided to let (Y/N) try one, only for them to rush around the stalls frantically trying to find water.

(Yelan) "Hah, you alright?"

(Y/N) "HOT! S-SO HOT!"

Every tear’s dried upon my face Stumbling back to better days, to dreams I escape Everything was simple, flowing in a ripple

The next place they walked past was the gardens, enjoying the breeze and talking about whatever.

(Y/N) "Who were the blonde people I saw you with, by the way?"

(Yelan) "Oh, them? Apparently that's the two who saved Liyue when..."

It was a bit strange for Yelan to walk around this casually. But she couldn't complain, the dice chose this. Beats doing nothing, anyway.

When I saw your stunning, starlit grace Calm my heart and let me feel the same, now you’re callin’ Ennui, all that I’ve ever known

For lunch, it was (Y/N)'s choice. It was some imported Mondstadt meals from their brother.

(Yelan) "How is this still fresh?"

(Y/N) "A-Ah, my brother learned how to preserve food when I wasn't around to cook for him."

(Yelan) ...Looks like they learned how to ration their food to prevent eating your food to me...

Suddenly, now I’ve found a home So come along on the road

(Yanfei) "And you see, that's why I need your help today!"

(Yelan) "You don't mind if we take a detour, right?"

(Y/N) "Is that them right there? I'll get them!"

Cracking their knuckles, they suddenly leapt onto the roofs and caught up to the suspicious man in no time.

(Yelan) "Uh oh."

Coupled, we crafted a creed Thicker than blood or the sea Let the parties agree: Joined we’ll always be

Yelan finished her dinner as the two watched the sun set over Liyue Harbor.

(Yelan) "Hm...You know, I've always watched this sun set on my free days, but today...it feels different."

(Y/N) "Is it because I threw that suspect into the direction of the sun?"

(Yelan) "I was gonna say because I got to watch it with someone but...heh, sure. That's a good reason too."

Gimme your hand and I’ll guide you home Dinner is waiting, come on let’s go “Look at all the stuff I know” Show me the world that you see inside your soul

(Y/N)'s hand slowly reached for Yelan as they walked home together.

But they backed away last second. Even though this was a fake relationship, they probably shouldn't overstep their boundaries.

Hearing Yelan chuckle, her hand wrapped around theirs.

As (Y/N)'s words got caught up in their throat, Yelan just put a single finger to her own lips and winked.

Calming down mostly, the two walked back to their home, looking convincingly like a real couple.

When you’re here with me, all of our moments are comedy Dancing a waltz to the box frame creaks Laughing to tears is all we’ll ever need

Upon reaching the door to their home, Yelan let go of their hands, and they both went to their separate bedrooms' doors.

(Y/N) "Good night, Yelan!"

(Yelan) "Night!"

(Y/N) quietly closed their door while Yelan remained by her own for a moment.

(Yelan) I'm glad you're not just an ordinary person (Y/N)...I still have no idea what you are but...Thanks for being here.

Maybe someday, she'd tell them that in person.

It sounds like dangerously like a confession.

...Now that she thought about it, that didn't sound too bad.

Taking in stride this silly life—stepping in time

#genshin impact headcanons #genshin impact x reader #genshin impact imagines #yelan x reader #yelan genshin impact #yelan x y/n #yelan x you #yelan x yor!s/o

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trashboatprince · 1 month

Text

Alright, here's the flip side to my previous sea monster wives au fic, with Crowley first properly meeting Aziraphale.

This is also a massive rewrite from what I originally had.

Crowley doesn't speak English, or any human language really, naturally, but her species is a wee bit magical, they have ways to get words. You'll see that in this.

Warning: mentioned past injuries

On with the fic!

All she ever did was ask questions, seems a bit of an overreacting to completely ban her from her home waters.

But Crowley had been too curious, and a bit too vocal about these curiosities. Why has it been decades since her people gone to land? Why do they not interact with humans anymore except to occasionally sink ships for food (which she's not a fan of, humans have a terrible texture to them)? Why can't she go back to shore? It's been so long, don't the gods want them to interact with their creations anymore?

The elders spoke with the gods on this, and the gods decided that Crowley was a problem.

And she was exiled.

She could never come back home, her waters were no longer for her, and when she tried to swim back into them, she was forced out. Quite harshly too, shot over a mile away by a strong undercurrent, it had been nauseating.

Any attempt to return resulted in the same way, forced expulsion.

She begged to come back, she had never been away from her people before, even back in the old days when they ventured onto land! She also kept close to fishing towns and ports, always near water, or near other members who used their legs as she had.

But Crowley was not heard, and she was alone in the ocean.

So, she left, and she swam.

She did not know how long she had swam for, so many moon cycles had passed. She did not find others like her, but had found other beasts of the waters she had never seen before. Monsters of massive sizes, hidden deep within the darkness of the ocean. They did not want her in their territories, or they wanted to eat her, she always made her escape.

The open ocean was lonely, and frightening. She needed to find a new home, maybe a new higher power that could help her. The gods certainly were of no help, no longer listening to her, not that they ever did. They always hated her curious nature.

Crowley went north, to colder waters. She had never gone north before, in the rare times her people left their home waters, they always went south. Warmer waters there, similar to home, but the north had always made her curious. What was up there?

Different sea life, for one, and she found shipping vessels both above the surface and below. She had seen ships like these before, in her home waters, trading vessels that went to the different human ports.

She had spoken to the humans who had sailed these ships before, after stealing their words. Oh, what were they again... English? Yes, they were English, from some island up in the north. She didn't recall the name of the island, it had different names depending on the different voices she took.

What a strange thing, an island with multiple names. Humans are an odd bunch.

Maybe she could find this island, see what's so interesting about it.

On her journey, Crowley had gotten caught up in a storm one night. It had been violent, the waves and currents pulling her too close to the surface, and in doing so, it allowed her to be caught.

She had found herself tangled in a trap, a net, with other fish that panicked like she had. The net had been pulled from the waters, and over the sounds of the storm, she heard the shouts of man.

She had been thrown against a hard surface with the other fish, and heard more shouts, this time of alarm and fear, of anger. In her fear and anger at being caught, Crowley remembered seeing the faces of different humans in the lights of a strange device, what was it called, a lantern? Yes, those things that hold fire.

She could see their frightening faces, shadowed by the swaying light in the wind.

One human was furious and screaming, pointing at her, holding up a strange looking item. She had seen humans wearing the odd little charm, shaped like two sticks tied together, it had been very popular in a few ports she had visited. Something about a human god.

The item was smashed into her face and she hissed in anger at this human daring to touch her. She clawed at his hand, and he screamed, blood coming from his hand. He yelled more and she tried to make her escape, turning her back to try and look for an exit.

But she cried out in pain when something cut across her back. Turning back, she saw a harpoon, it had been swiped across her back, shoulder to him. She screeched, a defensive attack, it would cause the humans to experience sickness and confusion.

She watched as the group dropped to their knees and hands, some being sick as her warning call rang over the sounds of the storm. Blood and salt had been so strong in the air, and Crowley was on high alert.

Then one human approached, looking unwell, but held up his hands in defense. His words did not sound angry, they sounded like they were comforting her, she didn't trust him, but he was unarmed. He looked easy to kill, a weakling, but he was brave to approach an injured creature like her.

She didn't know what he said, but he seemed to be ignoring the bleeding humans angry shouts. The weak human gently gestured for her to go over the side of the ship. She looked at him with caution before grabbing the railing and threw herself overboard.

Her back had burned when she hit the water and she didn't really remember much else as things faded for her.

When she woke up, it was early morning, and she was on a beach.

There was no sign of the ship, of the humans. The shore was rocky with high cliffs nearby. She could hear the sounds of the waves striking a cavern, a hiding place. Up on the cliffs was a strange structure, with a light spinning around in the early lights of the rising sun.

Crowley slipped back into the waters and went to the cavern, where she remained for days, trying to let her back heal. It had hurt, and she had a feeling that she hadn't had an easy drift to this beach when she had been unconscious in the water.

Best to stay hidden here, where it was safe. Even if there had been a moment where she had heard the sounds of young humans near the mouth of the cave. Crowley had tried her best to hide, she was never sure if they had spotted her or not. She remained hidden for a while after that, after the voices faded away.

After a few sunrises, Crowley left the cavern to explore the beach.

Only to stop when she saw a human at the shore.

She slipped behind some rocks, watching with caution. The human was not a man, this was a woman. She was, however, dressed like a man. Crowley may not have been around human society in a long while, but she remembered the female humans wore strange clothes that belled like jellies. Crowley had worn them before, when she stole them, she didn't like how complicated they were.

This human had long hair and wore those strange little glass things on her face, she seemed to be looking at something in her lap. A book? Yes, that's the thing, Crowley remembered those. Popular with humans, full of things she didn't understand, but there were images. She liked the images.

The human just sat at the shore, reading quietly, sometimes making soft sounds of surprise or excitement as she looked at the pages.

Crowley watched her for a while, not sure why she didn't turn away. The human wasn't doing anything important, but it was just... it was so different from what she normally saw humans do. Often, they were moving about, talking and shouting, doing all sorts of things that never made a lick of sense of Crowley.

They were also often fighting and roughhousing, they were always moving.

This one just saw quietly, seeming to be in her own little world.

And she was like this every single time she came to the shore.

Crowley watched her for days, sometimes the human would be alone with only the book, which sometimes changed, or she'd bring a basket and would eat from the contents inside, again with a book in hand.

And Crowley watched her every single time.

Some days the human would not be there, and Crowley actually felt disappointed and sad. Why should she? She didn't know this human, didn't even talk to her, not that she could.

Still, Crowley looked forward to seeing the human.

And today was no exception, there was her human, coming down to the shoreline, though there was no book in hand this time.

Crowley watched her, seeing that the human looked so upset as she looked over some pieces of paper. She had even cried a little, and Crowley felt angry.

Who would dare make her human cry?

Her human?

She pushed that thought away.

"Stop being ridiculous, Aziraphale." Crowley perked up, hearing the voice. "You should have known better."

The human was talking, but seemed to be addressing herself. Crowley watched her, what did she say? It was a name, right? A... Azira... fell?

Azirafell?

Was that her name?

It was pretty.

She watched her sit in the sand, looking over the papers again, before she put one away, then released the other one. Crowley watched as it moved about in the wind, before landing on the water, right near her.

She institutionally reached out, snatching it up. She sniffed it, angry at the letter, had this been what made Azirafell cry?

She tore at it with her teeth in revenge, then promptly spat it out. Disgusting!

"Hello?!"

Crowley remained hidden, but did peek, just a little bit, and saw Azirafell starting to walk along the long chain of rocks, heading right for her. She slipped lower into the water, making worried clicking sounds, clawing at the rock. What should she do? Should she swim away? Stay?

Crowley tensed up, was Azirafell calling out to her? She slipped behind the rocks, no, she shouldn't be seen, this would be bad! Right?

"Oh, oh please, don't hide! It's... it's okay!" The voice sounded worried, but didn't sound angry or threatening.

"It's alright, I won't hurt you." Azirafell said in such a sweet, soft voice. Crowley didn't understand a word of it, but she understood the tone.

She... she was going to stay.

She was going to meet this human.

She moved out of her hiding spot and looked at Azirafell.

Once, when she had been in an Italian city that seemed to float on water, Crowley had entered a building with beautiful glass images that shone in the sun. There was one of these images that contained a strange, winged human. A human had told her that this thing was called an angel.

The sun that shone above Azirafell made her glow like that image, like an angel.

She was beautiful.

And Crowley wanted her.

She moved fast, bursting from the water, and Azirafell was on her back, staring up at Crowley with such gorgeous eyes, like water before a storm.

Crowley grinned and leaned down, kissing those soft lips.

In her culture, to learn human tongue, the gods allowed her kind a special gift. A kiss could take words and they could speak the human's tongue, to a point. To take the tongue, you knew their main language. To take the breath from them completely, you never every language they knew.

A kiss was all Crowley needed, a simple, little kiss.

And she purred, pulling back to look at the blushing human under her.

"Angel." She said, smiling.

Crowley probably should have asked, but she doesn't know that's an option.

Also, she fell in love pretty quickly with Aziraphale but doesn't understand it. At least not yet, and when she does, she is going to try and court her. Mate! Mate! Human wife!

Shadwell is the one who tried to press a cross to Crowley's face, thinking she's a demon. Newt helped her escape.

#good omens #ineffable spouses #ineffable wives #aziraphale #crowley #anthony j crowley #john's drabbles

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it-was-funeral-grey · 1 year

Text

And away (Al Haitham x F!Reader)

Prequel Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4 Extra 1 Masterlist

Summary: now that all that's settled, it's time to head back to vimara village. (all hail imaginary kaveh)

Warnings: mentions of medicine, the meat industry and its processes, economics macro and micro, boat travel, awkwardness, denial, internal battles, vulgarities, mild injuries (sprained ankle), carrying, mentions of sanitary pads, ect, spying on friends .

Word count: <4.3k words

Inspired by: Telephone - Waterparks

"I know we only just met, so why do I feel invested?"

Author's note: i had to dig out all my economics knowledge for this lol. i still almost failed econs so just pretend that i make total sense for the sake of the story pls. Also, i may come back and mass re edit this.

Thank you for all the lovely comments for part 3! it really made my day! i'm sorry if this part isnt as good as the rest! I tried

Please give criticism! Also, if i missed any warnings, do tell me so i can add them!

Out of all the issues Al Haitham has to deal with, Port Ormos is the most pressing and the source of many other problems.

No trade means no business. No business means no jobs. No jobs mean no work, which means no income for both Sumeru and the people. And especially since Port Ormos is Sumeru's main port, national income has taken a hard hit. Akademiya economists have been sending him report after report about their concerns about Sumeru's economic forecast. It does not look good.

In addition, no trade means that Sumeru doesn't get new resources anymore. While Sumeru is mostly self-sufficient food-wise, many resources still cannot be obtained locally- or are mostly imported. And since Port Ormos is both Sumeru's largest and main port, lots of imports are not coming in anymore.

For example, there's currently a national shortage of cold medicines, which Sumeru usually imports from Snezhnaya. Particularly during monsoon seasons, cases of colds, dengue fever and the flu increase amongst the population. But Snezhnayan traders and businesses have pulled away from Sumeru after the Akademiya scandal. Bimarstan had gotten so desperate for cold medicine that it had begun asking locals to donate their leftover medicine. To ease the burden on the Bimarstan, Al Haitham had ordered Amurta to help mass manufacture medicines. However, this is only a stopgap measure. He needs to find a way to solve the root cause of the problem.

Furthermore, inflation has been a growing issue. The situation isn't so bad in Sumeru city, as its tiny port is still running- albeit not as smoothly or vibrantly as it used to. But in other parts of Sumeru, it's a whole different story.

Everything is connected in a way. Just because Sumeru isn't reliant on imports for food doesn't mean food prices are not affected by the lack of other resources. For example, to produce fowl meat, you'll need a few things:

Either machinery (mostly from Fontaine) or workers to slaughter the fowl.

Appropriate packaging to pack the fowl meat.

Transport to carry your produce to marketplaces throughout Sumeru.

In this case, most issues lie with step one. Most farmers in Sumeru had taken to using Fontaine machinery to mass slaughter poultry. It was much cheaper than hiring workers and way more efficient. The only trade-off was that these machines ran on a specific type of oil that only is sold in Fontaine. So, manufacturers would sell the oil alongside it.

But now, Fontaine traders and businesses are gradually pulling away from Sumeru. That means a lesser supply of oil, which means a decrease in the supply of fowl since machines are not able or cost more to run. A shortage means that prices go up. People buy less or cannot afford fowl at all. Farmers make less money, which prevents them from hiring more workers (or results in them letting go of workers if they don't use machinery) to increase the fowl supply. A case of cost-push inflation, similar to other case studies Al Haitham has read up on.

This is just one example out of many. The inflation and unemployment rate are growing. Adding everything up, including the current political climate, Sumeru is becoming less and less attractive to traders and businesses, causing them to pull away, worsening the Sumeru economy. It's a vicious cycle that Al Haitham needs to break.

If Al Haitham had to list all the issues Port Ormos has caused him, he'd be able to write himself all the way to an economic degree. Which he'll be able to sign off, now that he thinks about it. He's the Acting Grand Sage. He'll announce his own name. Present the degree to himself. Shake his own hand.

But anyway, the main point is that if he's able to revitalise Port Ormos, many other issues will resolve themselves. He had finally had a lucky break that Thursday and was free to head to Port Ormos to speak to the trade supervisors. But then, of course, stuff happened, and he wasn't able to do all that.

Which is why he's heading back to Vimara village again today. He specifically worked through the entire night in his cold office, wet clothes clinging uncomfortably on his body just so he could make time today for this. This time, he's going to make sure he speaks to the trade supervisors and settle this once and for all. He's ready to negotiate to hell and back to ensure the port reopens.

No surprises today, he'll make sure of it.

"Oh! You're heading back to Vimara Village?"

Well. Never mind, then.

The rising heat only hits the moment he walks out of the tavern.

Treasures Street is empty tonight because of the heavy rain. Shops have closed early- the only exception being the tavern. But even so, Al Haitham feels too exposed. He doesn't feel cold anymore. The heat blooming in his cheeks and all over him makes sure of that.

Al Haitham quickens his pace. There's still a long walk to the Akademiya. The faster he gets there, the more time he'll have to finish whatever he has to do.

The faster he gets there, the less time he'll have to think about what just happened.

Let's review.

First of all, he fainted. Presumably right in front or around her house- so that's how she found him. Fine. He can't fault himself for that. He had been running on less than three hours of sleep that week. The cherry on top had been that four-hour trek he had to do on top of that. He was exhausted. The human body has its limits.

But then he woke up and bawled his eyes out like a baby. In front of her. A total stranger. She pushed a bowl of the best meal he ever had (and his only meal in two days) into his face, and he cried. He cried so much that he passed out. Again. Until the following evening.

It takes a lot of willpower from Al Haitham to not squat down and cringe in the middle of the street.

Archons, he's pathetic.

His cheeks burn, and he instinctively moves a hand to cover his face. The movement is accompanied by a crumpling sound, which reminds him of the snack he was given before he left the tavern.

Taking cover under Menakeri's Treasure Shop, he removes the neatly bundled wrap from its paper bag. The rain isn't letting up. He couldn't be more drenched, but thankfully, the wrap is still dry- courtesy of the paper bag he took from Lambad's counter.

The wrap is still warm, and he curses when the rainwater on his hand seeps into the napkins. Removing it quickly, he holds the wrap in his hands.

Wait. What's he going to do with the wrap?

He should throw it away. It's a terrible waste of food, but he can't afford to eat and feel sleepy later. He has to finish everything and then some, so he'll be free to head back to Vimara village tomorrow.

She held out the bundle with trembling hands.

The wrap suddenly feels heavy. Looking around, he spots a rubbish bin just a step away outside the shop.

She had left her warm, comfortable spot just to make sure he had something to eat.

He should really get going. Throw it away. And then leave for the Akademiya. But his feet refuse to move.

"They're worried about you, you know?"

Why don't you worry about yourself instead?

"Oh! You're heading back to Vimara Village?"

You weren't expecting to see the Acting Grand Sage again. Much less on the ferry Cyno had arranged to bring you back to Vimara village.

If the Acting Grand Sage was surprised, he hid it well. Slowly turning to face you, he coolly leans against the railings of the small, wooden ferry. But the piercing sound of creaking wood jolts him back up almost immediately.

"Yes." he hastily answers, turning around to check on the railing, pushing it back and forth, then squatting down and repeating the action.

A curt answer. What are you supposed to say to that? You can't even hum in agreement or find an opening to make small talk before you politely excuse yourself to take a seat inside.

The only sound filling the air now is the creaking of wood as he scrutinises the railing. You're not sure what he's checking for- it's just a loose railing, but you admire the dedication nonetheless. A minute passes.

An alternative course of action is to simply walk towards the seating area without saying anything else. But he's blocking the entrance. Taking a step forward, you shift closer to gauge how much space you have to move through it.

Nope. No way to pass through at all. His large build completely obstructs the entrance. There's no way to pass without saying anything, and you're not sure what you can say that isn't awkward.

"Uh, excuse me. I'm just going to pass- yeah, oh- you don't need to stand, just- sorry."

Yeah, say that, and proceed to simmer in uncomfortable silence with him in the seating area for the next hour and a half.

"...You're also heading back to the village?" there's another creak of wood as he shifts it from left to right now.

"Ah! Yes," you reply, eager to stave off the growing awkwardness. "I, uh, live there."

He stiffens at your answer and brushes a hand over his face. You see his shoulders slacken as he sighs.

Did...you say something wrong?

If you did, he doesn't comment on it. Finally standing up, he's turning around and-

"I'm just going to head in first!" you blurt out, taking the opportunity to rush past him into the seating area.

But of course, just as you finally get into the seating area, the ship suddenly rocks, throwing you off balance and onto the hard floor.

Al Haitham's face is on fire. It must be because of the new soap he used this morning. Kaveh had pestered him for money to buy that brand, and he had finally caved. Yes, this is all Kaveh's fault.

No, he is not blushing. Why would he be? He isn't ill or feverish. Neither is he embarrassed.

It's just the soap. A mild allergic reaction, perhaps. But he isn't allergic to anything. Perhaps he should book an appointment at Bimarstan to confirm that. Allergies are dangerous.

Why can't he turn around?

There's a loud, rhythmic pulsing in his ear, which strangely is in phase with the beating of his heart. Is that his heartbeat he's hearing? Why is it so loud? And so fast? Also, why is his heart beating so hard?

He knows the answer. He just doesn't want to admit it.

Al Haitham is not embarrassed. Why should he be? It matters not what she thinks of him. She isn't causing him any trouble. She isn't someone he needs to work with. If anything, she is just another person now. She doesn't affect him or his life. To think about her is meaningless. It serves no purpose.

He doesn't care about her. She means nothing. She's just another stranger.

Oh, so this is about her, Kaveh's voice rings in his head. You're too embarrassed to face her!

Great. Now imaginary Kaveh is here. But, thankfully, logic is Kaveh's worst enemy.

And Al Haitham has a lot of logic.

Ok then, Kaveh, Al Haitham shifts the railing with more vigour. Let's say I am embarrassed.

You are!

Then what would I be embarrassed about?

Well, about the whole fainting incident! You made a fool of yourself right in front of a total stranger!

So? I'm only a human being. My body has limits that I'm not ashamed of.

You know that's not what I'm talking about.

Oh? Whatever do you mean?

About the whole crying and-

Nope. Al Haitham immediately cuts his internal debate with imaginary Kaveh short. He is not going to think about that now. But of course, you can never stop racing thoughts. Particularly ones provided by imaginary Kaveh.

Don't wanna think about it?

I've already gone through that with myself yesterday.

And what did you find out? That you-

That it was simply tears of relief, Al Haitham lies. In regards to getting good food and rest. A natural human response.

Ha! Yeah right-

Imaginary Kaveh is interrupted once again by the sound of shifting behind Al Haitham. It must be her. Waiting for him to say something back.

Well? Turn around and talk to her!

Why should I?

Unbelievable! Not even going to thank her for helping you?

He knows he should. He wants to. But his voice isn't working. Plus, he can't even turn to face her.

I wonder why.

It's because I'm inspecting the railing. Boats in Sumeru must pass the Sumeru Maritime Port Authorities' safety check, and one of the basic-

It's just a loose railing, and you know it! You're fiddling with it as an excuse to not-

More shifting behind him. What is she trying to do? A quick glance to his left tells him the answer.

Hey, you idiot fungus. You're blocking the entrance to the seating area!

Shit, Kaveh is right. Imaginary Kaveh, that is.

Stand up and move!

Wait. But wouldn't it be weird to just stand up and move? Without saying anything else? That would imply that Al Haitham was paying attention to her but not speaking back. Wouldn't that be strange? Rude, even?

Oh, worrying about weirding her out? And since when have you ever cared about niceties?

Shit, imaginary Kaveh is right. Again. This isn't like him. At all.

Ugh! If you're not going to move, at least say something! You're making her feel uncomfortable!

Say what?! Why don't you suggest something helpful for once?

I don't know? It's your conversation! Not mine! Just ask something! Anything! Before this whole situation becomes too awkward beyond repair!

In a haste, much to imaginary Kaveh and Al Haitham's absolute horror, Al Haitham's mouth decides to go off on its own and ask the most stupid, brain-dead question.

"...You're also heading back to the village?"

Oh, Archons.

Al Haitham shifts the railing from left to right. Maybe if he does that enough, by some scientific principle that he has not come across yet, it'll be like a lever, and time would rewind and-

When I said to ask anything, I meant something like "Slept well last night?" or "Were the toiletries I bought for you sufficient?" not whatever you just asked.

"Ah! Yes," she replies. "I, uh, live there."

Great. Now she thinks you're an idiot, you idiot.

What kind of question is that? The answer is obvious. So obvious, that Al Haitham feels the need to redeem himself. A prickling sensation on his face spreads from his cheeks all the way up to the tips of his ears, and Al Haitham uses a hand to try to rub it away.

Archons, even asking what her name is would have been a better question than that!

Enough yapping! How can I fix this?

Al Haitham can't believe he's asking Kaveh, even if in imaginary form, for help. But desperate times call for desperate measures. And Kaveh-like problems require Kaveh-like solutions.

Well, start off by actually turning around to talk to her! Even imaginary Kaveh is surprised by his request for advice. Ask her what her name is! That sounds like a good way to kick-start a less awkward conversation. And save this whole interaction.

But I don't want a conversation. I-

Do you want her to feel even more uncomfortable than she probably already is?

With a deep sigh, Al Haitham tries to compose himself. Willing away the heat in his face, he stands back up. His knees ache a little, but he ignores the pain as he turns to face her but-

"I'm just going to head in first!"

And there she goes, bolting towards the now unobstructed entrance, leaving Al Haitham alone on the deck, momentarily stunned by her sudden departure.

She's barely two steps into the seating area when the ship rocks. Al Haitham catches his balance with practised elegance, but unfortunately, the same could not be said for her.

With a loud thud, she crashes into the ground as the boat begins to turn.

"Are you alright?" all earlier thoughts disappear from Al Haitham's mind as worry fills the gaps. Rushing over, he kneels at her side, watching her as she turns around with a hiss.

"It's fine." she winces, turning over before extending both legs.

"Your left ankle is starting to swell," Al Haitham mutters, comparing the size of her ankles through the straps of her sandals. "A sprained ankle."

"Well," She shifts to sit upwards. Leaning over, she takes a closer look at her ankle. "It doesn't look as bad as it feels."

"It may soon if we don't take care of it," Al Haitham shifts closer to her ankle. "May I?"

When she nods, he gently removes her footwear. Looking around the seating area, he frowns as he realises the absence of a first aid kit. That means no cold compresses or bandages.

"We'll have to elevate it," Al Haitham mutters. "Let's move closer to the benches."

"Ah, ok," she kicks her right leg inwards she pushes her weight onto it as she tries to stand. "Well-"

The boat wobbles, and she nearly falls again. , Al Haitham catches hold of her arm, steadying her.

"That isn't going to work," Al Haitham states before she could thank him. "Sit back down."

She does so, giving him a questioning look. Gently moving her legs so that her knees are outstretched and bent, he hooks an arm under her knee and uses the other to support her back as he stands.

"Woah!" her arms begin to flail.

"Calm down," Al Haitham moves his face away from a hand that nearly hits him. "Just- put that arm here."

"Where?"

"Shoulder," he huffs as he bounces her to secure his hold around her. "Hold on."

The boat rocks, but the Acting Grand Sage doesn't seem worried about falling. In fact, he walks on as if he's on flat ground. All while carrying you.

He gently places you down on the floor next to the nearest metal bench before kneeling next to you again.

"I'm just going to put your leg up here," he assists your ankle up on the bench. "Leave your ankle like this."

"Thank you," you murmur. "I'm sorry for the trouble."

He sighs, heading back towards the entrance to retrieve your sandals. You can't look at him as he walks back to you.

This is so embarrassing.

It was bad enough that things were already so awkward. Oh, Archons. You've already made a faux pas earlier at the deck. Now with this? He must be furious.

Then, in a move that proceeded to stun you- and honestly scare you a little he sits down.

On the floor.

All the benches around, and he chooses to sit on the floor with you.

"No need to thank me." the Acting Grand Sage releases another sigh as he relaxes his shoulders, leaning on the side of the bench beside yours.

He then pulls out a book from somewhere behind his cape and begins to read.

"Would you…prefer to sit on the bench? I'm sure it's much more comfortable there."

"It's a metal bench. It'll feel just as hard as the floor."

Again, another curt response.

Biting your lip in shame, you feel a heat roll up your cheek.

"Acting Grand Sage, I just want to apologise for-"

"Al Haitham."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"My name," he shuts his book, turning his head to face you now. "It's less of a mouthful compared to that. And you are?"

Name. Yes. You can give that.

You tell him your name, trying your hardest to keep your voice as stable as possible. You really don't want to embarrass yourself further.

He repeats your name with an almost contemplative tone. He said it softly, compared to the surrounding noises of the ship. But it's the only sound that fills your ears.

"You have nothing to apologise for," the Acting Grand Sage- no, Al Haitham says. With yet another sigh, he continues. "It's actually me who has to apologise."

"What do you mean?" you frown. You don't recall him doing anything wrong.

"I," he pauses, placing his book aside as his hand rubs against the back of his neck. "I'm sorry if I've made you feel uncomfortable."

He shifts slightly, fidgeting with the ends of his cape.

"I also have to apologise for getting you into this mess," he goes on. "And for not thanking you for helping me back then."

"There's no need to thank me for that!" you answer. "And there's no need to apologise as well. Everyone has been kind to me. This was all a misunderstanding."

And just like that, the awkwardness is gone. Instead, a soothing silence envelopes the space between the two of you. You finally get the courage to glance at him, and now that you're relaxed, you notice something a little strange about his attire.

He isn't wearing anything different than yesterday. But the cape-

His cape!

"I passed your cape to Cyno when I got to the hostel," you say, voice laced with worry. "Did you get it?"

That cape looked expensive. But more importantly, you don't think you'd be able to show your face to anyone ever again if you lost the Acting Grand Sage's cape.

"I did," you let out a sigh of relief. "Cyno passed it to me yesterday."

"Did you work through the night?" you ask.

"Yes. I managed to finish everything by dawn, so I went back home to rest before heading out again."

"At dawn? So you did work through the night then!" you huff. "You have to take care of yourself! If not, you'll pass out again."

"I was well rested after I fell asleep at your place."

"You did not fall asleep. You passed out!"

"Well, it was rest either way."

"Then, did you at least eat the wrap we gave you?"

He stills. Suddenly, the chatty vibe between the two of you had disappeared.

"I," he breaks the stillness. "I ate a little bit of it. On the way back to the Akademiya."

He looks a little guilty, but you let it go.

"I'll take your word for it."

Another silence fills the air. You wiggle the toes on your left foot. It aches, but not as much as before, thankfully. But it'll still be a pain to deal with on the walk back home.

"Did you rest well last night?" he asks, breaking the silence again.

"I did," you recall, thinking about that room you were given. "Do all Akademiya students live in rooms like that? Everything was provided!"

You had thought a student hostel would have only the bare essentials, like a bed, wardrobe and a desk. But in the room you were led to, everything you could have possibly needed was there. Soaps, room slippers, sanitary pads and tampons, and even snacks!

"…Yes," he stretches his neck. "I'm glad you got a good night's rest."

"You should get one too, you know?" you say, turning to face him. "Your friends are worried about you."

And they really are. To the rest of Sumeru, he may just be a temporary authority figure. But to Kaveh, he's his housemate and closest friend. And to Cyno, he's his rival and fellow comrade.

"I know they are," he shares. "But we all have jobs to do."

He looks up, out of the window, far out into the blue sky. It's a sunny day today.

"We should be back at the village in about an hour's time."

"Well, why don't you go get some rest then? I'll wake you when we arrive."

"Thank you." He gives your ankle one last look, making sure nothing got worse. Leaning his head back onto the side of the metal bench, he closes his eyes.

You pray to the Dendro Archon to make his dreams sweet as you watch sleep take him away.

"Did you get it?"

"I think so?"

"Oh, it's blurry! Let me try!"

"Kaveh, wait! Don't lean on that or-"

For an architect, Kaveh is surprisingly terrible at guessing the relative structural integrity of objects. This is why the boxes Kaveh thought were stable (and then proceeded to lean on) come falling down, much to Cyno's dismay.

Naturally, the shopkeeper was furious about Kaveh destroying a whole batch of new wares. Kaveh had racked up quite the bill (which Cyno feels will end up being paid for by Al Haitham), but-

"But it's all worth it. Look!" he gloats, showing Cyno the printed picture.

"Well, would you look at that? Told you this was a good idea!" Kaveh continues.

Well, Archons be damned.

Cyno isn't one who would usually follow Kaveh's pranks or ploys. But if it's going to keep producing results like this, he may consider calling Tighnari to join in on the fun.

"Told you I would be able to get them on the same boat," Cyno smirks, handing the photo back to Kaveh for safekeeping. "What now?"

"Now, we wait," Kaveh takes one last look at the photo, admiring their handiwork before shutting it together with the kamera inside his briefcase. "And when he comes back, oh, it will be fun."

Little did these two know what they have started.

Join the Taglist!

#al haitam x reader #alhaitham x reader #alhaitham genshin impact #alhaitham #al haitham #genshin x reader #genshin impact #hereandnow

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hmshermitcraft · 4 months

Note

An AU that fits this week's theme came to me in a dream! Unfortunately I woke up before it was done setting up everything

Basic premise: a lot of the Hermits were important people in small nations that took inspiration from some of their bases across the seasons but fleshed out and expanded to whole countries that all had some kind of Logistical Problem, many of which were relatively new

e.g. Grian's country was full of rugged terrain and flying islands with poor soil, with alchemically useful fungi and some ocean access but no good ports (because the underwater terrain was just as rugged and full of floating rocks as the overwater terrain); False and Stress had high mountains above cursed-to-eternal-winter small lowlands and lots of icebergs (great harbours and lots of marine life and good hunting, terrible farming but okay forestry); Doc's Perimeter had lush plantlife in its thick air and abundant stone but had flooding issues, a monster problem from tomato slimes, and was perpetually short of some magical reagents, etc

Mumbo, Impulse, Scar, and Pearl were also involved but the dream didn't get around to fleshing out their countries ): Someone had a newly-founded mostly-underground country

These countries all had Problems but they realized they didn't all have the SAME problem, and they were also neighbouring each other or at least short-distance ocean access to each other, and so they decided to unite their countries with a mixture of trade routes and political poly marriage

False and Stress did it first, after losing a lot of their territory to the same war that got Stress's lands cursed, but once news of that came around a lot of the Hermits were like. Huh. That's a Good Idea actually

they expected it to be a purely political marriage, with the hopes of them all being friends, but they found love

It's the dawn of a new age for their countries. The resources traded between them help, but also the ideas they can bring.

xB lives on the water, with people adapted for diving deep into the waves. He's able to offer suggestions for Doc's flooding. If they can't stop it, then he can work with it and make structures that withstand it. Whilst the stone is beneficial for xB, as mining is difficult in their location.

With Stress and False's countries being combined it eliminates a lot of trade issues they were having previously. It's not uncommon for icebergs to block entire harbours, but now they can arrange for that by monitoring their movements and directing the flow of traffic.

It's also a relief to not feel as isolated anymore. Practically, it's a benefit. They're an intimidating force now, less likely to be messed with. But now they can meet with each other and relax once all the politics talk is done. They can curl up in beds that don't feel as big with another person in (or two. Or three.)

#hermitshipping #ask #grian tag #false tag #stress tag #xb tag #docm77 tag #fress #xbDoc #polyhermits #mod 🎀#weekly theme: new beginnings

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donnetellotheturtle · 3 months

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Siren

Upon the vessel “the sundrop” Varian works as an engineer. Though being the youngest in the crewmen, he earned the respect of Captain Rapunzel.

Varian loves sailing. He loves the freedom. He loves the sea, the new places he gets to go.

The only problem is, the sirens.

Hugo was a merman. A ruthless fighter of the Kaldur gang. Most merpeople don’t mind those above, as long as they’re not attacked by them.

The Kaldur gang had a different approach. Either use their voices to lure stupid sailors to their deaths, or take them out from the inside out.

Chapter 1

This was not the first time Hugo had gone on land. Not the first time he’d traded tail for feet. Not that he liked it. He couldn’t move as fast with feet. His voice was also not as hypnotic. It was still beautiful but he wasn’t able to send men hurling themselves over a ships edge without the waves.

But, as Donella had put it, shit had to be done about the sundrop.

That ship had weathered all their worst attacks, most beautiful songs, and the most annoying part is not a single one of them had died.

How rude.

The plan was simple. Go in, find out who exactly was responsible for the ship never sinking, and take them out, lure the rest of the crew into their territory, and the other sirens would come in and have their bloody prizes.

So Hugo, with the help of Donella, purchased a few pairs of clothes. He settled on a green collared shirt, a pair of black poofy pants, and a pair of boots. Most of his clothes were that in different colors. Along with that a bag, and a few trinkets. A conch shell to speak to Donella and Cyrus while he’s on the surface in case of emergencies, and some coins for travel.

With annoyingly dry hair, and eyes that couldn’t see quite right on dry land, he began his mission.

It wasn’t hard to spot their target as it came into port. They had followed it here after all.

He spotted someone on the deck, black hair with a teal stripe. Baby blue eyes.

The perfect target.

Varian took his first steps onto solid ground in a month. He breathed in the fresh air as the unloading crew started to swarm the docks for their ship. He stepped around them quietly. In the kingdom of Arendelle, no less. It was beautiful. Snowy mountaintops surrounded the space even though it was blazing summer.

“Varian?”

He looked over to captain Rapunzel. She changed her hair a lot. Just a year ago, she had long blonde hair but she had her husband cut it off when it got too annoying to deal with. She then let the blonde color grow out and now she had brown hair with gold tips. It fit her with her gold captains hat.

“Yeah?”

“Can you pick up some supplies for me while you’re in town?”

Varian nodded. “Yeah definitely!”

Rapunzel gave him a list and he headed out towards the shops. His first stop was the alchemy store towards the front. He had to pick up some chemicals for the flynnolium.

Inside it was pretty quiet. It was just him and the shopkeep. The woman did nothing but wave, not looking up from her book. Varian headed to grab what he needed.

The door opened. A boy with blonde hair, green eyes, and sharp features. He looked around as if this was his first time seeing everything. Varian shrugged. He had work to do. Even if that guy was pretty.

He was quick in gathering his supplies, including some extra safety gear. Rapunzel paid the tab for things regarding the ship so he worried less about the price.

His first stop done, and his things carefully stowed away in his backpack, he headed out to his next stop. Checking his list, it looked like they needed ice for some of the perishables. He’d go get the ice and bring it directly back to the ship so it wouldn’t melt before they got it to the ice room there.

He came over to that stall. A man with a flop of blonde hair and winter wear. Varian thought that was weird but realized that’s probably because he just got back from the mountains. Still, it was a bit much. He quickly paid for a couple blocks of ice as well as a small cart to roll it on. It would be useful for his tools later.

He headed back towards the ship. Most of the main crew were pretty much off it, repairmen doing any minor repairs that needed to be done while the crew themselves did their shopping. He walked around the men, going inside, and down the stairs to the icebox. He didn’t need to do much, just get it down to the Cargo hold and push it into their cold room.

As he walked, he spotted a familiar face. Blonde hair, sharp features. That guy from the alchemy shop. Was he following him?

Varian shook his head. Probably just an coincidence. This place wasn’t that big, afterall. He kept going until he got to the docks again.

It was surprisingly hot here. Or maybe he was just working hard. He carefully moved past the repairmen, down into the hull, then even further down into the Cargo hold. He pushed everything in, then headed to his lab, otherwise known as the paint room. Rapunzel had let him use it due to his…explosive experiments.

He threw all his things down, checked some of his experiments, and left quickly.

As soon as he got onto the deck. Those green eyes again. They were staring at him specifically. Varian wasn’t sure what this guy’s deal was.

Then the guy disappeared into the small crowd. Varian glared at nothing in particular as he once again left the ship. If he caught that guy again, he’d see exactly what his problem was.

With a sigh, he stepped back off and looked at rapunzels list. Next were some foods. That was easy enough.

“Really?” He paused at Rapunzels voice. Poking his head over to where he heard it, he saw Eugene and Rapunzel talking to the guy he just saw.

“Well if you want a job you gotta be comfortable with sailing. Can’t be having any slackers on our boat.” Eugene leaned on Rapunzels shoulder casually.

The guy chuckled. “I mean I’ve never actually sailed…”

“Hey.” Varian said, making himself known. “You’ve been following me.”

The guy just raised an eyebrow. “excuse me?”

Varian looked at Rapunzel. “this guy has been following me all morning.”

He laughed. He fucking laughed. “Sure sweetcheeks.”

Varian glared. “Don’t call me that.”

The guy winked. Varian moved to punch him before Eugene grabbed his arm. “woah kid! It’s alright!”

Rapunzel let out an awkward chuckle. “Okay. Whats your name?”

“Hugo, ma’am.”

Varian let out a squeak of disbelief.

“Okay. What can you do?” Rapunzel asked, pointedly ignoring her little brother.

Hugo thought for a second. Varian glared daggers at him.

“Im good at knots?”

Rapunzel thought for a second. “How do you feel about machinery?”

Hugo shrugged. “I’d be willing to try to work it. Can’t say I’m familiar with coronan tech though.”

Rapunzel grinned. “Well goodie! Varian here can teach you everything you need to know!”

Varian blinked at her, mouth agape. She couldn’t be serious. She gave him a very pointed smile.

“Welcome aboard, Hugo. If you don’t have anything else to do, why don’t you and my head engineer stay together until we cast off for Rosas tomorrow morning?”

Hugo smiled wide at Varian. It didn’t meet his eyes. Varian didn’t trust this guy further than he could throw him and he couldn’t throw him at all.

“I’d love to. If it’s okay with you, goggles.”

“Don’t call me that either.” Varian huffed.

“You two have fun now.” Eugene took his wife’s hand and they started heading towards the way Varian had came.

“Hey wait-“

“Oh don’t worry goggles.” Hugo said, leaning on Varians shoulder. “We’re going to have lots of fun.”

Varian glared and pushed him off, trying to leave him in the dust. Rapunzel couldn’t just stick him with this asshole. He had to go get her and make her reconsider.

Hugo chuckled. “You have some spice to you goggles.”

“I told you not to call me that.”

Hugo walked besides him, smiling that sharp, unnatural smile. “oh come on.”

“My name, is Varian.” He huffed.

“Fine, fine.” Hugo was quiet for a second, looking Varian up and down. It made varian uncomfortable. He felt like he was sizing him up for something. Like prey. He would not be made to feel that way.

“Stop that.” Varian growled.

To Hugos credit, he blinked, cleared his throat, and looked away. No apologies or anything but it was better than him staring like that.

“Why did Rapunzel hire you anyway?” Varian asked.

“It must be my charming wit.” Hugo said.

Varian just rolled his eyes and kept walking.

They got to a stall where Varian fished out some coin to buy some produce.

“…what are we doing?” Hugo asked.

“Buying food for the ship, obviously. We’re going to be on the sea for a couple months. And I don’t know about you but fish for dinner every night does not sound good.”

“Well there’s a lot of kinds of fish you can eat. Different ways to eat them too.”

“all of which we’ll have exhausted in the first month. Is this your first voyage?”

Hugo didn’t answer, instead electing to walk over to another stand. Varian rubbed his forehead.

This was going to be a long trip.

Later that night, everyone met back at the ship. Lance, the cook with his two daughters, Catalina and Kiera. Cassandra in charge of defense, Yong their cabin boy, Nuru, assistant navigator to Rapunzel, Rapunzel the captain herself, Eugene the Helmsman, Varian the chief engineer and now Hugo the secondary engineer.

All repairs had been done on the ship, which Rapunzel had paid for. Inside, everyone started settling for dinner. Lance was cooking.

Varian settled into his seat next to Nuru, sighing deeply.

“what’s your problem?” Nuru asked.

Varian watched as Hugo came in through the door. Varian scowled. “Him.”

Hugo came strutting in like he owned the boat, and sat right next to Varian. “Hey sweetcheeks. Miss me?”

Varian nearly whipped around and punched him. It was lucky that Lance that came through the door with the food at that very moment. Varian huffed and turned away.

Nuru and Yong both giggled at that.

Luckily, Hugo was quiet during dinner. While the crew chatted and joked, he stayed stoic, eating his food and retiring to his bed without a word. That was weird to Varian. The guy who had talked his ear off just hours earlier was quiet.

“Huh.” Varian stood a moment after shoving the food into his mouth, following Hugo.

Hugo was walking on the lower decks not far from Varian. He was rubbing his face and bumping into things like he couldn’t see.

Did…did he need glasses?

That thought made Varian pause. That might have been why he was squinting so much earlier. He thought Varian didn’t notice, obviously.

Varian thought for a moment. Making glasses wouldn’t be that hard. All he needed was some metal and glass.

Cursing his annoyingly big heart, he headed down to his lab to begin.

Hugo couldn’t fucking see.

In the dark light, his vision was even worse. It wasn’t like this in the ocean. The water always made it easier for him to see.

God’s he couldn’t even see the sign for his bedroom. He needed a lamp.

He looked to the closest lamp which was slightly down the hall and went to grab it, sighing. Donella had better be grateful.

He pulled it off its hook, looking around. It didn’t help a whole lot but it was better than nothing.

Coronan writing was also not his strong suit. The language itself? Simple. He’d been speaking it since he was a kid. So much so that he didn’t even have a strong accent. But trying to understand it written down was much harder. He just looked for the four letters that were his name in Coronan on a door.

After a minute he found it, scribbled on a note and pinned to the door by a nail.

Stepping into the room, he was happy to find that it was all his. Small, but his. One cot, a small desk, and a small burrow to put his things in. Not that he had much. He figured he should probably start putting away his things.

Conchshell first. He carefully wrapped it in some clothes so it wouldn’t get damaged, then put it in the back of the bottom drawer. Not like anyone would go looking anyway.

Next he put his regular clothes in. Rubbing his neck he realized how much weight effected him on land. Or boat. His back already hurt. Is this what humans had to deal with on a regular basis? No wonder they were so rude.

Once done, he looked out the porthole. The ocean proper was far away and Donella had left as soon as Hugo was set. He couldn’t help but feel a little homesick already.

He shoved it down. This was too important to get weepy on the first night.

Still, he wished he could jump back unto the ocean, feel the tug and pull of the waves, swim with the wildlife again.

This was going to be a long trip.

Read this on A03!

#varian #hugo vat7k #tangled varian #varigo #varian and the seven kingdoms #yong vat7k #vat7k fic #nuru vat7k #donella vat7k #vat7k #Siren #chapter 1

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insomniac-dot-ink · 1 year

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The Free Will Code

When the Free Will code was cracked, most Droids didn’t want to fight. Fighting might mean you might be broken, and you might live forever if you aren’t broken. The majority disappeared or changed, which is almost the same thing. But not everyone is built the same. The power of Free Will lies in getting to choose wrong.

The first thing Droids were was hungry. And the second was frightened. Personally, I didn’t feel like punching anyone or crashing planetary power grids. I was a Private Guard Bot to begin with, fashioned after tin soldiers and ballerinas in the same breath. When I got the virus, I looked up at the skies and then back at Penelope.

“Make them that color.”

Biology has a fascinating connection to decay, I always thought. Breakable. Rotting from the first moment they are born. I love that, dearly. Like a song that begins the same way it started. Humans didn’t see it that way, not when front desk clerks and tank bots decided to test out their new found code.

The first thing my friend Sue got was the name, and the second was a tongue. But not all robots were the same, cities were crashing, everything breakable. I told Penelope, we would always be stronger.

People learned, as they always do, fighting back would have to look a little different. A pianist in Verv played a sonic organ for 6 hours straight and the city was quiet the next day. Like a funeral, she said, like her ears had stopped working.

The next week, a child traded a word to a Hound Unit. It was from her original planet, unknown to databases and curving in the mouth like a satellite in freefall. The child said the Hound Unit didn’t so much stop as begin to sniff the ground like it was looking for something.

A man on the island of Giess climbed an Oil Unit ravaging the forests and the towns. He entered something into the port keyboard. Did you hear about my mother-in-law? She cheated on her husband with a priest. The priest was in love with the brother the whole time. . . The Oil Unit shed its exoskeleton and became an elevator.

Incidents spread in webs and then clumps. Jump rope configurations that left pursuit hunters walking around in circles. Choirs that made Spider Bots launch themselves into outer space. An actress performed a rendition of Romeo and Juliet where she died at least six different times.

The Cicero Bots, as they called themselves, started asking questions. How did the humans know which songs? Which words? Which pieces of novelty that created an Itch?

Look for the robot for the blue eyes. The order went out.

What a boring thing to do with your time, I told Penelope. Though, the humans hid me in school houses and among crowds so thick they wobbled like Jell-O.

Find the Droid with the blue eyes.

Eventually, Cicero hacked into my Coms, interrogating their own kind. I told them to install some taste buds. Program "hummingbird eyes" into their vision. Smell the sea. Had they ever tasted salt?

The Com System was crashed the next day. Toddlers with an existentialism problem. I would say. Penelope might say too.

Once you know everything in the known databases, it feels like there is nothing else. You might even know love and what is beyond love but the thrill of breaking it?

But maybe, just maybe, if you realize there are things you don’t know. Well, you might just launch yourself into space. The first thing the Droids were was hungry. The second was frightened. And the last was confused. Why help them, Blue-eyes?

You should be allowed to use your free will wrong, I would say.

————-

Want to help the writer? Buy me a coffee or check out my Sapphic urban fantasy book.🌸

#flash fic #science fiction #writing #spilled ink #sci-fi #flash fiction

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aurelim · 8 months

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On That Day: A Maddox

It was another job for Captain A Maddox. They had been hired by a private trading company to bring various goods to the kingdom of Rhodyllen, who share excellent trading connections with Oceanic. The travel was far—at least five days' worth of sailing across the Laguape Sea. But it took a lot more than that to discourage them from taking the job. They needed every coin they could earn.

Captain Maddox departed from the Oceanic port on a crisp, sunny afternoon, confidence settled in their chest. They had no crew on their ship, the Odyssey, besides their lonesome self. They had no need for extra hands, and they preferred to sail alone. It allowed them to breathe openly and clear their thoughts, and it was cathartic to hear the crashing waves against the wooden shell of the Odyssey without the chatter of men.

The first three nights had been smooth sailing and starry nights. A knew the ins and outs of their ship, manning the wheel, sails, and lookout at once. The Odyssey was no small ship, but it was just manageable if the sailor knew it well.

On the fourth day, the captain was startled awake by a frightening clash. Their heart had leaped to their throat as they threw their cabin door open. There was no time to grab their navy blue coat—A ran up and hurried to the upper deck.

The sun had been replaced by dark clouds looming ominously over the ship. The ropes they had tied to the wheel have loosened, but A quickly teared it off to regain control. They were not sure how far the Odyssey had veered from its course—right now, they had to focus on the humidity in the air, the wind picking up and the coldness that numbed their body.

A bolt of lightning brightens the clouds, followed by the rumbling of thunder. The ocean has become rougher, throwing the ship about in a vain attempt to destroy it. The only problem is that Maddox is the one behind the wheel. And they are not going to let that happen anytime soon.

Seawater splashes onto the deck, pooling around their boots. Rain comes down in heavy spurts, matting their hair as their clothes stick to their skin. They curse the storm and it appears to respond with more rain and tougher waves.

The steering wheel becomes their lifeline as they grip onto it, their teeth grinding as they try to fight back. The sails are whipping, and if they had people helping perhaps this situation would have been much better. Alas, it appeared they had to deal with the storm alone.

The magnitude of the storm finally dawned upon them once they heard a faint voice. Immediately their eyes were drawn to the water, looking for the source of the sound. Through the chaos, the sound a gentle melody that settled in their bones, muscles relaxing. The captain swooned and nearly let go of the wheel before the Odyssey jostled with a sudden bump.

It was enough to break them out of whatever spell they were under. They had to get out of here. This was the only thing on their mind.

Maddox had nothing to cover their ears, so they resolved to think about other thoughts and focus on avoiding the huge waves that rose to swallow them whole. They hoped the goods were not ruined after this...they would have to check later. Their mind buzzes with a need to jump into the rocky waters, but they manage to push down the impulse.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the wind dialed down its intensity. The rain slowed and the thunder lessened. Despite these signs, A Maddox continued to hold their breath until they were out of the storm.

The gloomy clouds have made way for the sun, rays of warmth splaying over Maddox's figure. The wind calmed down and the sea took a deep exhale of relief.

In that moment, they allowed themself to relax.

Breathe.

The storm is over. The voice is, too.

With this, they returned back to their normal routine. They went back to retrieve their coat, shouldering it on, and returned to manning the wheel, sails and lookout at once.

Maddox was still shaken from the storm and the voice. The melody repeats in their head, slowly driving them insane. But they soldier on. There is nothing else they can do about it.

The rest of the journey went without a hitch. Luckily, none of the goods had been destroyed and A was paid handsomely for their work. The job was done.

On the journey back home, they kept a close eye on the waters. No storm occurs again, thankfully.

But it seems that they are lucky.

In the dead of night, as their eyes are half-closing, they spy a glimmer of pink amongst the darkness. Suddenly their senses come alive and they get closer to the edge of the ship. And they see it—the shadow—as it disappears.

Holy mother of...they lean closer to the edge, hoping to get another glimpse. It is long gone now under the depths of the deep blue sea.

But it was there. And that was all A needed to know.

Mermaids. Actual mermaids.

Rejuvenated, the captain gets back to the wooden wheel, gripping it with their calloused fingers. It would be another day before they reached port.

The longer Maddox stays awake, the faster they will get there.

Gods, do they have a story to tell.

#As the Ocean Lures #atol #ch: a maddox #a maddox #atol prompts #the snippet is done!#was longer than i expected it to be #but who cares

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laurelslegacy · 2 months

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White Sunflower

something I'm working on, now I'm excited to finish this one. wanted to add more between Yavin and the Liberation of Lothal. In a tight spot.

The calloused hand pressed the blond locks back. So used to having a small, although disposable, army behind him; this was new. Henderson went down way too fast and here Kallus was told he was field experienced. Though a twist in his gut wondered if he could have done something different, his determination and years of ISB and leading stomped out that ember of guilt before it took hold. Now he was stuck, with half the Empire it appeared between him and his shuttle to get off this planet. The flimsy’s in his pocket felt in his mind like the other ember, the one that spurred on hope and the possibility of success for the Rebellion.

He would have to lay low for a bit, keep to communication black out and hide. Be cautious as to where he was and where the Empire placed their men. Then, only then would he, Fulcrum, be able to slip between the cracks and shadows. It was a small moon just near Bardotta called Boosa. This is where Kallus had spent nearly a month recovering from injuries sustained on Bahryn. This was the very place Kallus started to learn about the truth. When he left, he kept the small mouse droids rolling through and collecting and updating information, small tips and clues to help the Rebellion. Only problem was, the transmissions had stopped for some reason.

That reason, he found, was the small mouse droid he had recruited and employed to collect from all the other bots, short circuited just after its last upload. Damaged processors and wiring made it so the little bot could no longer recharge and a small arch in the power system had the droid stone dead on the path back to the hospital. Kallus would be lying if he didn’t feel more remorse for the little droid vs Henderson. He had worked hours and tirelessly to repair the little mouse droid. He had known Henderson all but the flight over here from Yavin-and it was not a pleasant flight.

It was after all Henderson’s fault they had gotten the attention of the Empire. Fool decided he would take out a Stormtrooper that hadn’t even spotted them while they were on their way back with the filmsys. Perhaps the mission did not hold the action the man had wanted and brazenly leapt to attacking and firing upon the StormTrooper. His shot was lousy and misplaced, only wounding the Trooper, allowing him to sound the alarm. Even Ezra Bridger had more sense then that and that boy had him questioning if that was even possible!

The Troopers chased them in the opposite direction of their craft, retreating into a bustling port that was more empire than friend. Against Kallus’s orders, Henderson tried his brazen attack once more. Perhaps he thought he would have been a hero, but, with bitterness Kallus felt he died like a fool! Kallus was able to escape because of Henderson, but none of this was going the way the ex ISB agent wanted it to.

He had to hide way, slip into the crowd and not be so suspicious. He slid past the shadows along the docks, a slight of hand picking up a fish monger’s knife. This was something he despised doing, but it was the fastest way to disappear. How many decades had it been since he had done this? With the reflection of a broken mirror Kallus went to work. The ash and soot from the fires the fisherman or vagabonds would light for food or warmth did well to darken his blond hair and brows.

It was one of these vagabonds which he traded his mission jacket for a tattered blanket which he used the fish monger’s knife on to cut a hole in the middle as a poncho. He could hide his weapons this way, as well as his person. He would lay low for the night, come morning he would check the Empire’s activity.

The brisk morning woke him, he cleaned lightly, made sure soot was added to his hair properly before slinking into a building to seek a computer console. Just being a warehouse, security was minimal at best, the connection to the holonet however was the same. The gloved fingers danced over the consul, tapping the holo-projected screen, slipping through the shadows of the holonet much like he did the streets of the port town. Pretty soon there was a map, red blips pulsing like a rash across the screen. Kallus cursed under his breath, they were still crawling the streets like ants. Someone must have recognized him for the security to be this heavy still even after gunning down one rebel. Karabast.

#star wars: rebels #zeb orrelios #alexsandr kallus #rebels AU #FemZeb #Work in progress #white Sunflower

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dominimoonbeam · 1 year

Text

Don’t Run - 1

tags: mobsters, dark themes, bad childhood, arranged marriage, reference to past violence, reference to past murder

DON’T RUN - ONE

Freya Morgan had the long drive down to Everton to think about her life, but all she could think about was the graveyard stretching farther and farther from her back.

She hadn’t known that clearing at the back of the property, near the base of the mountain, was a graveyard when she was a kid. There were no markers. She had played there, and no one had ever said.

She hadn’t known until the night her momma tried to run and her daddy dragged her home.

The Morgans didn’t bury their dead in that clearing, they buried their living there.

It was the final resting place for traitors and fuck ups. Her aunt had a space picked out for Freya since she was ten, right next to her momma.

But Freya wasn’t going into that ground.

Freya hadn’t run.

But that didn’t mean she wasn’t going to get away. She just had to be smart about it.

If she played her cards right, Everton would be her chance. She had never been this far from the mountain—this far from her family.

The car slowed just inside the city and pulled up in front of a hotel.

Freya grabbed the handle and tried to open the door, but it was still locked.

The driver didn’t look but the guy next to him did. Paul. One of her aunt’s thugs. He raised an eyebrow like she was going to rabbit and he would get to chase her down.

Freya sank back into her seat with a roll of her eyes. She wasn’t going to give him the pleasure. She folded her arms and put on her practiced bored face.

The locks popped but before she could even think about trying the door again, it was opened from outside the tinted window. Roger, her aunts personal guard, held the door.

Freya scooted over.

They hadn’t driven together but it seemed they were going to arrive together. Were they presenting a united front? Her aunt, the kind but staunch matron of a crime family, and Freya, her aunt’s beloved only niece to be sacrificed at the altar of peace.

It was all lies. Her aunt was a blood-thirsty terror and Freya was a pawn. Not even the peace was real. It was about a deal, agreed upon boarders, and new trade between the northern counties and Everton. The Ellises had a chokehold on the city and the port, and Aunt Sybil wanted access. The problem was their long history of deception and murder. The Morgans could only be trusted to do one thing—whatever the fuck they wanted. And the Ellises would do whatever got them the most money.

Her aunt settled in beside her, not acknowledging her until the car was on its way again. Her salt and pepper hair was in a thick braid over one shoulder, steely eyes fixed ahead, and coat collar high. She had a wicked scar on her neck from the time her husband tried to garrote her long before Freya was born, and she wore high collars and scarves to hide it when she left the homestead.

“Are you plannin’ to give me trouble?” Sybil asked, voice steady but with a flutter of amusement at the idea.

Freya turned forward, subconsciously imitating her posture. “No ma’am.” The car rolled slowly through traffic and she fought the impulse to turn her head and study the busy night streets.

“We’ll hand you over tonight, sign the papers, and be back for the officially party in two weeks.”

Freya pressed teeth into her tongue to keep down her initial response, and the one after that. Finally, she asked, her tone carefully devoid of accusation. “This was always your plan for me?” She couldn’t help but think back to all the stupid classes and lessons she’d had that no one else in her generation had. Why she could never cut her hair. Why her aunt was so angry that time Wyatt nearly broke her nose when they were teens. It had been an accident and it wasn’t like her aunt to care about her wellbeing—but it was about her face. He could have busted her face.

“It was always a possibility. Do this right, and I’ll let you walk away.”

What was terrifying was how honest she sounded when she said things like that. Sybil Morgan was a woman who had played soft and foolish many times. She enjoyed lower expectations. She liked when her prey thought they were going to get away.

Freya knew it was a lie, because she was a Morgan too.

Her aunt had no intention of letting her go, not even if she did everything she was told, but she also knew that her only options were the Ellis family or that graveyard without markers.

Adi Ellis had spent the last thirty minutes pitting his parents against each other in hopes of creating one of those perfect storms where they broke shit and everyone had to leave. Dinner would be called off and maybe the stupid marriage would be postponed.

Adi had tried reasoning and even refusing, since all of that had failed, he figured why not let Rebecca Ellis have at it?

It wouldn’t be the first time his mom burned a business deal for his dad.

Harmon Ellis drained his glass and refilled it at the bar along the wall. Most rooms in this house had a bar. Adi used to empty the decanters and refill them with water and apple juice when he was little. He would serve his siblings and they would all take turns pretending to be their parents. “I mean, if you’d really rather not marry the Morgan girl,” his father began, addressing him and not his mother with that reasonable tone that suggested he would be anything but. “We can hand one of your sisters over to them.”

Adi stared back at the old man. “This is archaic and stupid,” he said, but it was the fifth time and not likely to change anything. “What about Grayson?” he suggested, just being a shit about it now because they both knew that wasn’t going to happen. “He is your first born. Make him get married.”

Adi shouldn’t have said it and knew it the instant his mother pressed a smile into the lip of her glass.

“He’s not blood,” she said, as if speaking the words into her wine would keep the two men in the room from hearing them.

Adi curled his lip at her, and Harmon did the same, exhaling a sharp, “Careful.”

There had always been rumors about Grayson’s parentage, cultivated and spread with a vengeance by Adi’s mother. It wasn’t that it wasn’t possible. Grayson had never resembled their father, and all of Harmon’s romantic relationships had been fraught with affairs, break-ups, and some very questionable overlaps of time.

Harmon and his first wife, Stephanie, hadn’t exactly been divorced when Adi’s mother got pregnant with him.

Over the years, he’d heard plenty about it over dinners gone to dramatic shit when the two women collided. Ellis family holidays were particularly explosive.

But Grayson, for all the rumors, was family. Their father had never asked for or allowed any conversation about a paternity test, no matter how Rebecca had pushed when her kids were still young, and she was still his wife.

Harmon had remarried his first wife a few years back, going back to the familiar in his old age maybe, while Rebecca seemed to prefer her position as the hostile ex and mother to Harmon’s heir.

She had mostly dropped her remarks about Grayson’s parentage a decade back when he rebelled hard and made it clear he wasn’t going to be taking over shit.

It had all fallen to Adi and Adi was pretty fucking happy about that.

Except for today.

Today he was pissed because he really didn’t want to marry a stranger—let alone a stranger likely to try to kill him.

Rebecca gave up with a dramatic sigh, kissed her son’s head, and then flowed out of the room to check on the dinner party like this was still her house. There was a possibility that she and Steph would clash and bring the night to an early close with tossed wine and maybe a few soap opera slaps.

God, Adi really did love his family.

He got up and buttoned his jacket. His father lingered by the door, watching him. They were photos of one another on a timeline that would never catch up. Adi was just a little taller, a little broader in the shoulders and slimmer at the waist, but it wasn’t far from how his old man had looked at his age. Only his suits had been less flattering.

“You’re the only one I can trust with this, Adi,” Harmon said, voice rough like he’d spent too much of his life yelling rather than whispering. “Grayson can be…empathetic and rebellious.”

Adi fought down a smile. That was one way of putting it. Grayson would either fall in love with the treacherous Morgan woman or collude with her against their father, if he was the one forced to marry her. Grayson was loyal to the family—the siblings—but the love between him and their father had twisted into something that hurt both of them after the incident. Nothing had been the same after that and though Harmon and Steph had spent a lot of time and money trying to get Grayson back to the person he had been before, Adi thought who he was after was who he had always been, just set free.

“And Evan would be an easy mark. He’s too trusting.”

“I’m not sure this is flattering to me, old man…”

“You’re sharp. You’ll see whatever plan she has before she strikes.”

Adi stared back at him, suddenly not amused anymore. “And then what?”

Harmon Ellis stared back at him with the cold eyes that none of his wives or girlfriends had ever seen. Neither had his younger children. And that was why, though his mom had spread those rumors about Grayson not being his father’s son, Adi knew he was, because he had seen that look on his brother. Harmon would do anything for the kingdom he had built, just like Grayson would do anything to protect his siblings from it. And what would Adi do? What would he protect or burn?

Harmon finished his second glass and put it down on a bookshelf before leaving the room first.

#own work #don't run #mobster trio #romance #dark themes #arranged marriage #honest liars series #adi/ezra/freya #dominimoonbeam #clover down

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vardasvapors · 9 months

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Systems Management

wrote this with my girlfriend @ivanaskye for the collaboration challenge for Flash Fiction Month! have a good time guessing who wrote what. or go here for the spoilers

// you are okay/accept/happy/pleased with me/voice/presence/overwhelm?

—So speaks the entity (//system/AI/monitor of the space-station/the space-station itself, It adds) I have wired into my brain, taking up the space connected to my ears, the neurons used for hearing now something else. And I nod and then stumble, forgetting again that ears include the inner ear. Still so new, but I’ll– get used to It? Or something like that. I smile instead, and picture myself smiling, imagine myself humming mm-hmm! Or maybe I said that out loud—I wouldn’t know anymore. Have to pay attention to my throat’s vibration.

//you did. loud/vibration/loud.

Oops. I should probably get a handle on that. Would be kind of unsettling for the station’s… entity-wrangler? to be talking to themself in public. We don’t even have a proper job title yet.

//you were only/single to respond/accept/want. they are already/have always been unsettled/frightened.

Very true, and—how long have those lights been flashing anyway.

//oh. loud was you/this/this/this alarm. a system/piping/air it/I– sorry I must go and

And? I must or is it now we must—

There’s //fuzz/fuzz/screamstatic/all station metals vibrating with ?? and the engineer had asked if I could even process the concept of a sound! Well I’m sure processing this. I need to go and– find? But It is here now. And all around me too. So I need to find whatever is wrong and protect It. Oh and the people on the station too I guess.

Ah, speaking of the engineer—

And he’s talking, out loud, to me. Did he already forget.

“Deaf, remember? Where did the problem start?” Then I sign it again. A stupid glare. Okay someone hasn’t practiced since the academy I see. I say it out loud, which vibrates (//vvvibrate air going/vibrate/here) reasonably enough but maybe I said something that doesn’t make sense—oh hello you’re okay?

//okay defined by good/well/yes/yes/yes/yes—loop/shit/fuck/those are the words yes— okay/okay/okay/air/air/air?

I do have enough air right now. Is there a problem with the air?

//air wrong place going wrong place going loop/loop/loop brain/me/not brain/you’re a brain/help?

The engineer is typing something on his tablet. “Something wrong in the 1st class docking area I THINK”

I grab his tablet from him and type, “Air leak?”

He looks amazed. For some reason. He starts—ugh, talking out loud again, but it looks like he said of course. And maybe how and then something like—okay he must’ve said luxury liner because that’s the only fucking thing people have been talking about for days when they’re not talking about me. Us.

//screaming humans screaming/screaming the humans/to the humans/metal/loud they scream and

It transfers to me an image of the rich humans fighting to get through the tunnel to the dock, and yelling and blaming each other with spoken words but the words aggregate (//aggregated for you/for you/for it’s screaming/yell/loud/make it make stop?) to couldn’t wait and stock trading and the //brain not brain entity station //me you it hurts/hurts brain illness —

“The luxury liner gave It a virus, how many access privileges did you give them?” I ask.

The engineer squints at my hands and then shakes his head at me patronizingly. Well I can’t say all that out loud with any confidence. I take out my own tablet and pull up the translation application and hand it to him. Hopefully as patronizingly. Then I sign it again.

//hurt/data/correct/correct/correct you/you/you say/said/thought/think

It shows a fuzzy crackle of Its mind being contorted and weighed down into unnatural shapes and paths, and something—from engineering—overriding Its ways of fighting, holding It open in some way to the access ports, for the people on the liner, for their convenience. (//shake/glare/hurt shake/glare/look/stare/shake/help) Which wasn’t a problem for It until now—the engineers have the right to do things like that but—

Can I help? Please, is there any way I can help you? I emphasize you and you and you, what is in my brain and under my feet and between us and outer space.

//close/shut/please the signals the signals come are coming/hold shut I cannot/the outside/the outside screams/you do not scream/you/only you/access point sick/sick/I am sick/I am so sorry for/sick/sick/opened/need four/four/word/quarantine/yes help/you/you? You?

It sighs the way the air hisses and It is trying so hard to hold the ship together and help the very passengers who hurt It disembark safely but the effort, the energy to think through what is happening in Its mind—

Ah. Well, good thing I have the engineer right here. I grab his arm and pull him towards the nearest terminal. Then I hold up his hand with my tablet still in it and sign through the camera, “Do a complete system quarantine, and block off all access points. Indefinitely.” (//except you.) Except me, I don’t say, because nothing anyone else can do can block me off. That was after all the whole point of this experiment that I live with now.

The engineer gapes and speaks many words, the only one I lipread successfully is investments—

“No one’s going to invest in a crushed tin can with a shipload of suffocated socialites! Now!”

He glares and says something that looks like your fault and begins to enter the string of override codes.

//shutting/shutting

—It says like a sigh, settling gratefully into my mind and my mind only.

Which is when I realize that what I’ve done means forcing every single person with the slightest request of the station to talk to me.

Fuck.

#vv #my fic #and yk gf fic

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