#maybe i'll try again to add a graphic later

[i94so]

✶ limbo, a playlist ⸻ on the verge of heaven, while always trapped in hell : a very small collection of feelings through her life.

can be played in order, but is meant to be played on shuffle.

#⟣ 𝐌𝐘 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐌𝐄 𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐋𝐎𝐃𝐄𝐒 𝐒𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐋𝐘 ╲ musings #i lost my battle with photoshop </3 #maybe i'll try again to add a graphic later

[draftingnovels-imagines]

First Meeting \\ Werewolf x Reader + Vampire x Reader

Summary: The first meeting you have with your monster boyfriend

Tags: GN!Reader, Werewolf [full moon, trapped animal, bear traps (no wound descriptions), petting a werewolf, barista] / Vampire [high society events, waitressing, clumsiness, pet names, feasting, death (not graphic)]

Word Count: ~1200

Notes: I wanted to add a third "monster" in here but I couldn't figure out how to fit it in here. Maybe I'll introduce what I was thinking sometime later

Werewolf

The first time you lock your eyes is during a full moon.

You're making your way home. It's not that late, but it is rather cold outside. You're bundled up as best you can be in this weather. As you walk down the street, you hear an animal crying out in the brushes next to you. It's a loud, shrill sound. It sounds like it's in pain.

On any other day, you would have ignored the sound. However, something about it draws you close. It's probably a deer or something, right...? You go through the bushes to find a giant wolf. It towered over you, reaching up and away with fervor. Its leg was caught in a bear trap, and it looked rather bad. Nails dug into the dirt as it braced itself on a tree. Long fur swished as it tried its best to pull away and run, but it was to no avail. It howled again, loud and forlorn, before curling up. It looked resigned to its fate.

Then... it sees you.

It begins to snarl, bearing teeth and body shifting into a guarded stance. Was it truly angry or was it scared? You put your hands up. You don't mean any harm, but it doesn't know that. As you make your way over to the trap, it stays guarded but doesn't snap at you. It takes a minute, and a lot of strength, but you eventually open the trap and release the wolf. It limps out, standing at it's full, bipedal height. It suddenly dawns on you.

This is not a wolf. This is something else entirely.

For some reason, though. You're not scared. It's staring at you, lowering itself to be at eye-level. You reach out to pet it. It flinched at the thought of your touch, but eventually, it pressed its face into your hand. It's... warm, and fluffy. Like a large dog. You can't help but laugh. "Stay safe, alright?" You ask. It nods. Finally, it runs off into the night.

Probably one of the weirdest experiences you've had, but at least you saved it from whatever hunters put those traps up in the first place. You go to sleep to the sounds of howling. Before it was just annoying, but now you had a slight appreciation.

You wake up and go to a new coffee shop with a friend. They offered and there's no shame in trying something new!

It's packed. Clearly this is more of a hot spot than you two thought. The people behind the counter are working the hardest, but once catches your eye. He's at the counter is working on drinks for a moment before he comes up to the register. He looks tired, as if he didn't get much sleep the night before. His hair is messy and the bags underneath his eyes were deep.

"Hello. What can I get--" Once he focused on you, he cut himself off. His gaze felt familiar in a way you can't describe. You tilted your head in confusion.

"Why are you looking at me like that?"

"It's you. From last night. It's really you! I thought I'd never see you again." His grin is bright. You blink in confusion before you recognized him.

He's the wolf.

"Hey! You're holding up the line!" Someone shouts behind you. You look behind and see that the line is going out the door.

Maybe you two should have your reunion later.

Vampire

The first time you lock eyes, you see something you're not supposed to.

High-society events aren't your thing. The people they bring are somewhat selfish. Even so, tending tables was a good gig, especially at the most expensive venue in town. It paid enough and it allowed you to get a glimpse into a life you'd never have.

You make your way through the crowd, passing out hors d'oeuvres to anyone who wants. Some thank you, others turn their nose up to you and walk away. You've been working her for a while. At one point, the comments used to hurt you, but now they roll off your shoulders. This particular party is strange, though, but it's something you can't put your finger on. The guests are all affluent but mysterious. Some of these names you've never even heard of. Yet the clothes they wear and the people they're with clearly have more money that you've ever seen. As you deliberate on it and make your rounds, someone bumps into you. Luckily, you don't spill anything.

"I am so sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going." He says, his tone seeming genuine. You chuckle. At least someone here was nice.

"It's fine. How are you finding our service here?" You ask, in your most customer-service tone.

"You don't need to talk to me like that, darling. I'm not above you."

Charming. Maybe asking him would get some answers. "Well, I am serving you and the rest of this party. Is it always this--"

"Dull? Oh, you have no idea. They try to have these galas once every few years, and yet they never really do anything with it!"

"I was going to say 'affluent.'"

"Oh." He clears his throat. "Er... yes. Sort of."

You briefly touch his hand and it's cold to the touch. He pulled away quickly, clearing his throat. "Already trying to get hands on me? You haven't even asked me my name yet." He chuckled. While he tried his best to be smooth, you could hear the nervousness in his voice. You went to ask, but were interrupted by your boss yelling at you for not being back.

Once meals are served, things settle down for you, save for refilling people's glasses. You're so close to getting a break! Unfortunately, you trip over one of the tablecloths and fall this time. The tray of wine glasses you're holding comes crashing down and makes a mess on the tile floor. You're not even sure what to do for a moment, frozen in shock. Other workers came and rushed you off, telling you to get a mop or something else to clean this all up. Luckily, your clothes weren't stained so you wouldn't have to get changed. Silver linings, right? Still, you go to the closet and pull on the knob. Locked.

...Locked? That doesn't make any sense. Why keep things locked up in case of a spill. Not thinking anything of that, you open the door.

You take in a breath and all you can smell is blood. It's pungent, and makes you cover your mouth. One of your coworkers, a girl you hadn't known well, lay still in the arms of a guy feasting on her neck. It's messy. It's repulsive. You can't even scream, it's so much. You just stand there in silence, eyes glued to the sight as he finishes the job. Once he's done, only then do you see his face.

It's one you were hoping not to see.

"It's you, darling."

#letters #vampire #werewolf #werewolves #vampire x reader #werewolf x reader #monster imagine #monster boyfriend #monster lover #monster

[fulcrumstoried]

Ex Diris and the Card Spread

Just read the Ex Diris lore entry exotic grande launcher from the season pass and haven't seen anyone try to do a breakdown of the cards and how they align with cartomancy yet, cause I am gnawing at this.

So, the Deck of Whispers is an oracle deck (think tarot, but the cards and meanings are different).

One of the ways that people engage with cartomancy is by developing spreads, aka the order you draw the cards, and the places that you put them, add to the meaning of the cards.

Eg, a three card spread of past, present, future. The first card you draw represents the past, the second is the present, the third is the future.

I don't believe Eris' spread has an exact match (please let me know if it does), but it is very very close to the Celtic Cross Spread, particularly the expanded version.

I'll break down the spread, the meanings, and the cards below. There's very little theory crafting, but a lot more meaning finding, so I hope you enjoy!

The Labyrinthos link above is a very good full breakdown, but tl;dr, each card in this Celtic Cross Spread has a different meaning, which I'll get into (at a basic level), and it looks something like this:

Card 1 - Your current situation [Blades]

Eris interpretes this to mean Sword Logic. Yes, but I think it's also about the First Knife, and the Final Shape, aka this whole fight / saga is centered around whether or not the Witness is right.

Card 2 - The Challenge / Obstacle [Adherent]

Eris clearly sees this as Xivu Arath. I agree, an Adherent could also be known as a Disciple. The meaning also supports it: she's the threat of the season, the thing we have to overcome first.

Card 3 - Foundation / Cause of the situation [Sisters]

Eris clearly sees this as the Hive God's first selves. I agree, as the meaning supports this: who the Hive Gods once were is the foundation of who they have become.

Whilst this feels like a limited meaning (there are more causes than just them), I think it's a deliberate choice to set up the next card:

Card 4 - The / Your Past [The Harbinger]

Eris can only see this as herself. The spread meaning becomes tenuous here, perhaps because she is the Oracle and from the past she foretells the future? Perhaps it is her card because it is her past that is in play? Or perhaps it's because the writers wanted to have that very interesting line

Perhaps now she counted among those sisters. Savathûn, Xivu Arath, and Eris Morn. A game between siblings. A love that sharpens.

I've got a bit of a crack theory developing about this (particularly with what implies about her role as a Navigator), but that's for later.

---

This is also when the normal spread and Eris' differ. Traditionally, you then place Card 5, which represents the present. Eris skips this (perhaps because she doesn't need to know what's happening now), and goes straight to

Card 6 - Near Future [The Lie]

Eris wonders if this is the Guardians, or maybe the lie of the Deep. From a simple standpoint, perhaps it could just mean that the future is a lie, or that to know the Future is to know a lie? Or, following the way each card is an entity, perhaps this is the Witness? After all, they're going to be in our near future.

---

This is when the normal and Eris' spreads diverge again. Sometimes, at the end of a reading, people add three or four more cards across the bottom, which shows the more subtle influences around the person doing the reading. Eris does this halway through, creating:

Because she does it halfway through, I think Cards 6, 7, and 8 are clarifiers of the three columns beneath them, rather than the reading as a whole. (I'm also toying with the idea that they could also represent the Surface, the Sky, and the Deep, but eh)

(Lmao I've just realised that because I made the second graphic, now the numbers don't align, and I'm going to repeat Card 6 and now use the numbers from Eris' spread, sorry!)

Card 6 - aligned with Harbinger/Eris [Liminal]

Imo these match, Eris is currently occupying the liminal space between Hive and not-Hive, Light and Dark.

Card 7 - aligned with Sisters [Ascension]

Again, a match, their rise from being sisters to godhood.

Card 8 - aligned with The Lie [Lacuna]

Now, a lacuna is a gap, particularly where there should be, or once was, something. Eris saw it as part of a Guardian's Light, but I think it's specifically her Light - and the fact that she no longer has it.

She had not held it for centuries. The Hive sisters below beckoned more loudly than the Light did.

Aligned with The Lie, either she is tempted to fill it with the Lie (aka the Darkness), or the fact that she doesn't have it is the Lie (?).

---

Then we get to the final four cards, also known as the Staff.

Card 9 - Current approach / Your influence [The Witch]

Eris is torn between Savathun and herself, and I think that's reflected in what the meaning of the card could be. I'm leaning towards Savathun, because it's highly unusual to have two cards representing one person in a spread, and because she is, you know, the Witch Queen.

Also, that which is influencing us and dictating our approach right now is Savathun. So if we continue with our current approach, we will continue up the staff/column of cards to:

Card 10 - What you need to know / External influence [The Truth]

This is a fun card because it states The Truth, then Eris goes and says

There were too many truths for any one to triumph.

This is a very interesting line to me, and immediately brought to mind the final Veil Log, the Von Neumann-Wigner hypothesis mentioned, and this breakdown from Reddit. Tl;dr the Light is about creating possibilities, and the Darkness is about collapsing all possible states into one reality.

I also find Eris' use of the word triumph interesting - what will the final truth (final shape) of the universe be?

Card 11 - Hope / Fear [Lament]

Eris sees this as Oryx's death. I immediately thought of The Lament sword from Beyond Light. The sword was a gift from Clovis Bray to Banshee, due to his regret at not caring about the living whilst he was alive. In it, he states

Stay alive. For legacy.

However, when we activate the Clovis Bray AI, he threatens to kill Banshee. His initial lament is forgotten. Similarly, Savathun and Xivu Arath both once died, and Oryx brought them back.

So, these combine in two interesting ways; that of fear of total loss then rejection upon regaining it, and perhaps a fear/hope of sword logic being true.

Card 12 - Outcome [The Wish]

The particle The Wish feels important, and my immediate reaction was The Last Wish or Eris' Wish? Now Eris' was in the past, and I think both the meaning (Outcome) and Eris' interpretation suggest that this is something that will occur.

Eris had wished before. It had led her here. Would she be asked to wish again? What else would her desire wrought?

This post breaks down those lines really well. Or perhaps it is about the Last Wish, fulfilling it, that of the fireteam wishing to keep the Dreaming City / Awoken/Humanity safe?

A wish is desire, the greatest power in this universe.

Which is pretty much a direct quote from the Last Wish cinematic. This also reminds me of the reddit post, as being able to choose your reality feels like a pretty darn great power.

---

Eris' interpretations of these cards are built on each other, like a tower working up. A Witch, from whom Truth flows, which causes Lament, to the final outcome of The Wish.

This could be the story of Eris, actually. She asked for the way out of the tunnels under the moon (knowledge, and truth), losing and gaining something in the process, to obtain the wish of being free.

But also, according to Labyrinthos, with the staff (this column of four cards),

We learn how the context of this situation can affect the reader's life outside the situation, and also - how to change it, if desired.

I think these cards are not just for Eris, but for the story/season - the wider picture, and also how it may change later.

---

I also think that these cards do a really good job of bringing together a lot of different areas of Destiny story together - from Forsaken and the Last Wish, to Lament and Beyond Light, with the Hive and Witch Queen.

This was an absolute blast to try and read into, so hope you all enjoyed my red string nonsense!

#destiny 2 #destiny 2 spoilers #season of the witch #season of the witch spoilers #yes i made graphics lmao #destiny 2 lore

[zoeykallus]

Hey hey! 👋

First. I just love how creative your stories and headcanon are. Keep going, you're doing good! I m sending good vibes into your way ✨

So! I was wondering if you would write some HC on the theme "Can you check on me?" Please? ~

With the CF 99' (and maybe Omega too), Howzer, Rex, and anyone who think of. In an established relationship or not, as you wish! 🎶

Aloha! Thank you very much! :)) Sorry you had to wait so long for this, let me see what I can do....

The Bad Batch x Afab!Reader HC's - Can You Check On Me?

Warnings: Mention Of Menstrual Bleeding (No graphic description)/Fluffy/Suggestive/Crosshair

__________

Hunter

He knows what's going on when you ask him to check on your behind. Poor Hunter's senses are full of you around a week before and while you are menstruating. To him, your hormones are all over the place. He's a bit stressed about it, but all you see is your sweet man, being calm and collected as he's doing you the favor to check.

"Nothing to see, except a really sweet butt, Mesh'la"

You feel heat creep into your cheeks and ears.

"Aren't you a charmer"

You have no idea how much he's trying not to be all over you, by now he's a master at hiding things like that. Hunter doesn't want to come across like a creep or one of those guys simply controlled by their private parts. It's not his fault his senses give him a hard time.

Echo

"Check on what?"

"My behind"

He blinks, blushes a bit and says, "Oookay, and what am I to check your sweet butt for?"

"Anything out of the ordinary"

Echo scratches the back of his head and says, "There is nothing out of the ordinary. Should there be?"

You chuckle and shake your head, giving him a little kiss.

"No, Echo. I have my monthly thing... you know. I was just afraid it might show"

He needs two heartbeats, but then he nods.

"Oh now I get it. No, there is nothing, you're all good"

With a smirk, he adds, "But I keep checking regularly, just in case"

Wrecker

"Can you check on me?"

"For what, hun?"

"My behind"

Wrecker blinks.

"You want me to check out your butt?"

As you nod, he shrugs and does as he is told.

"Hmm"

"What?", you ask, alarmed.

"Well, very nice view, sweet cheeks, could do this a while longer"

"So there is nothing out of the ordinary?", you ask with a little sigh.

"No nothin'", he says chuckling, "What did you expect? A third buttock?"

You sigh but have to grin.

"Don't be silly, Wrecker. No, I got monthly thing and..."

"Oh, say no more, I get it. You're good, nothin' to see"

You kiss his chin.

"Thanks big guy"

Tech

"Can you please check on my behind?"

Tech pauses and looks up.

"What?"

"My behind, would you check it please"

He blinks and says a little confused, "I very regularly check on your behind. I didn't know you were actually into me doing that"

You blink and turn around to look at him again, a little surprised.

"You what?"

Tech blinks, tightening his grip around his holopad a little more.

"Oh, judging by your surprise, I guess your request was of a different nature than I thought."

"You have a thing for my ass?", you ask with a smirk.

Blushing, Tech answers, "I thought it was obvious. But it seems I was hiding my admiring glances quite well"

You kiss his rosy cheek and say, "We should really look into that habit of yours later, but for now, I just wanted to know if I'm good to go. No stains or anything?"

Clever Tech finally knows what's going on.

"You mean because of your menstrual bleeding? There is nothing to see, you're clean"

"Good, thanks"

After clearing his throat, he says, "I'll keep checking sporadically"

Crosshair

He's reacting not the way you expected him to, when you ask the question.

"Sure. Turn around"

He grabs your ass with both hands, kneading it properly, making you squeal in surprise.

"Feels okay"

"I didn't mean..." you interrupt yourself and say angrily, "Okay?! Just okay?!"

You can hear him chuckle behind you as he drags you into a nearby, lonely corner.

"Okay enough for me to want you right here and now. Come on, down with your pants", he hums into your ear.

His voice, the closeness of his body, the way he presses against you, you almost do as he says.

"Stop!"

Crosshair freezes.

"What is it?"

"I asked you to check on me because... you know, I got my monthly thing and I wanted to know if there are stains or anything"

Crosshair takes a deep breath and sighs, surrendering. He looks at you and says, "No stains, you're good"

"Thanks"

"Freakin' tease"

"Look who's talking", you chuckle.

He smirks and grabs your hand.

"Come on, let's go get condoms"

"But-"

"Hey, as long as you are not in pain, I don't mind. You've got me all riled up"

You chuckle, "I didn't do anything"

"Shut up, Kitten", he says softly, pulling you along.

Rex

"What?"

He's flustered and can't really tell if you joke around, messing with him.

"Would you check my behind, the bottom of my pants"

Rex shrugs and looks at your butt. But he says nothing.

"And?"

"And what?", he asks, puzzled.

"Is there anything out of the ordinary? Stains, maybe?"

Frowning, he says, "No. Why would there be?"

But then he remembers.

"Oh, okay, sorry. I'm slow to catch on today. Your monthly thing, right?"

You nod with a little smile.

"Nothing to see, everything clean. But I don't mind checking occasionally", he says with a little chuckle, and kisses your temple, giving your ass a soft little pat.

Ko-Fi (If you feel like giving me some coffee)

@rintheemolion

@andyoufollowyourheart @clone-whore-99

@brynhildrmimi @kaliel2310

@misogirl828 @tech-deck

@meshla-madalene

@chxpsi

@thebahdbitch

@nahoney22 @ladykatakuri

@darkangel4121

@ttzamara

@arctrooper69

@padawancat97

@agenteliix

@puppetswithteeth

@palliateclaws

@either-madness-or-brilliance

@ortizshinkaroff

@andy-solo1

@hunterssecretrecipe

@heyitsaloy

@greaser-wolf

#star wars headcanons #tbb headcanons #headcanon #hunter #tech #wrecker #echo #crosshair #tbb #bad batch #rex #captain rex #x reader #tbb x reader #bad batch x reader #the bad batch x reader #captain rex x reader #afab reader #menstruation #check on me trope #star wars #the bad batch #clonelove #clone force 99 #sw tbb #tbb tech #bad batch tech #clone trooper tech #hunter x reader #bad batch hunter

[nekoannie-chan]

Cost

Title: Cost.

Fandom: Marvel, Captain America, The Gifted.

Ship: Steve Rogers & Clarice Fong (Friends).

Word count: 556 words.

Square: B1 “Short term gains at a long term cost.”

Rating: Teen.

Summary: Steve asked Clarice for help.

Major Tags: Mention of betrayal.

Additional tags: This is my entry to @marvelrarepairbingo, @marvelrarepairs Marvel Rare Pair Round 3 2024. MRP-066.

Links: Wattpad, Ao3, Spanish version.

@saiyanprincessswanie

My native language is Spanish so I wanna improve my writing skills in English if you notice any mistakes, please let me know and I will correct them.

I don’t give any kind of permission for my fics to be posted on other platforms or languages (I translate myself my work) or the use of my graphics (my dividers are included in this), I did them exclusively for my fics, please respect my work and don't steal it. There are some people here who make dividers that anyone can use, mine is not this type, please look for the other people. The only exception is the ones I gifted 'cuz now belong to someone else. If you find any of my works on a different platform and are not one of my accounts, please let me know. Reblogs and comments are always welcome.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Marvel's characters (unfortunately), except for the original characters and the story.

Add yourself to my taglist here.

My other media where I publish:  Ao3, Wattpad, ffnet, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter. 

If you like it, please vote, comment, and give me feedback to improve my skills and reblog.

Tags: @sinceimetyou @unnuevosoltransformalarealidad @navybrat817 @angrythingstarlight @shield-agent78 @charmed-asylum @pandaxnienke @real-fbi @smokeandnailz @white-wolf1940 @tenaciousperfectionunknown @xoxonotme @bluemusickid @leyannrae @harrysthiccthighss @marvelatthisone @caplanbuckybarnes @sapphire-rogers @lizzieolseniskinda @notyourtypicalrose @hallecarey1 @nana1000night @talia-rumlow @writingshae @alexxavicry @azulatodoryuga @daemonslittlebitch @chaoticcollectivenightmare @endlesstwanted @chemtrails-club  @marigoldreamer @whiskeytangofoxtrot555 @here4thefanfics @theestorm @patzammit @kmc1989 @somegirlfromasgard @rogersbarber

2016

Clarice looked strangely at the message that had just arrived on her mobile phone; it could only mean one thing, and perhaps all the peace of mind they had had so far could be interrupted.

Clarice arrived at the place at the appointed time. She had not stopped having that strange feeling; she simply wanted to know what was going on. A few minutes later, out of the shadows, Steve came out.

“What's going on, Cap? “she asked, and she could immediately see the concern on his face.

“Clarice, I need your help, rather than that of the mutants in the underground," Steve said in a serious tone, sighing before continuing to speak. “The Sokovia Accords are affecting all superheroes, but especially the mutants; several are being locked up, and you know exactly what will follow."

Clarice frowned. This time the situation looked bleaker; they didn't want to be on the run again, being chased by the Sentinels again.

“I'm with you, Cap, but I'll need more detailed explanations. How can we help?"

“I need to get Bucky to safety, and then we can plan a good strategy to make it clear to Congress that Ross is completely wrong," Steve replied.

“Marcos and John can handle that; maybe they'll need Lorna's help. We could use Esme to convince them.

“No, no powers; it has to be with arguments," Steve asked, still hoping that he could convince them that Bucky wasn't the culprit.

“Cap, sometimes humans can be complicated. No offense."

“What I need is for Bucky to be safe; he's not."

“I know, Esme told us, but you should be careful with Stark; he won't hesitate for a second to betray them," Clarice warned.

“Could you also help me get the evidence?"

“We could try; I can't say for sure."

Clarice made some calls; they had to come up with a plan fast. For all they knew, everything was moving too fast in too short a time, and they were sure that in less than a week, they wouldn't be safe anymore.

“Cap, no matter what happens, just remember that the cost they will have to pay if they make the mistake of approving them will be very large in the future because they will never be able to call or assemble a team in time," Clarice said.

2018

Steve looked around, trying to understand what had just happened. He didn't understand how it was possible that they hadn't been able to stop Thanos; they just hadn't had enough time to put together an effective plan, but it really wasn't their fault.

He turned to look at the group of mutants. He could almost hear them repeating to him what Clarice had told him a few years earlier. He had no reason to feel guilty now.

“How is it possible that they didn't stop him? How are we supposed to deal with this whole mess?“ Ross snapped.

“That's none of our business. A few years ago, someone told me that the cost you would have to pay in the future for approving the Accords would be very high, and so it is. Hold yourself and all those who approved them responsible; since you failed to detect a threat in time, find a solution," Steve said, then stood up and left the room.

#mrp2024 #marvelrarepairbingo #steve rogers & clarice fong

[raayllum]

I have a question, in good faith. I just answered a question about my opinion of Season 4, and a big reason I give it a 7.5 out of 10 is that they broke the main couple up off screening a graphic novel.

Now I didn’t go into detail, but this probably takes off a whole point for me, because I don’t feel like we should have to read extra material to understand what’s happening in the main plot line. Is this the first time we’ve ever had to read extra material not for bonus information but an understanding of the main story?

Hello, yes, I love answering questions in good faith. Can't promise that I'll have a satisfactory answer, but hopefully I can provide a not overly long one, for once!

Through the Moon (the graphic novel of which you speak) is the only supplementary material (thus far) that's been released that isn't a prequel, so in that vein, I'd say yes. The graphic novel does explain that Rayla left (and shows her leaving) before the 'reveal' drop at the end of 4x01. She left approximately a month and a half after S3, so right around / on Callum's birthday (which, we didn't know it was his birthday in the graphic novel itself, so that's almost undoubtedly something that got added to S4 for Callum&Viren foils and general heartbreak reasons).

However, to me, and this also due to having friends who watch the show casually, or have not read the graphic novel Through The Moon (TTM)... I genuinely do not think you need to read it unless you don't want Rayla leaving to have been a 'surprise' (which some people like to know spoilers ahead of time, which is fair). Given that there's a timeskip and an arc wrap up (and that we actually got to see them be a cute couple in S3, not just at the last minute) some sort of shift was probably to be expected. All the plot context TTM is given pretty early on in S4, but there are also fun little connections to make as you go on rewatches, for example:

4x01 reveals that Rayla is not only not at the castle, but MIA, and that the boys don't know if she's alive/okay. The context from TTM is that her risk taking decisions were already a concern for him, which can probably be deduced from the show's canon anyway, given that he jumped off a mountain for her.

4x01 and 4x02 also show that rather than being mostly curious about unknown things like before, they actively make him agitated/anxious (Soren's secret keeping, the blank book, trying to decipher the mirror). TTM adds context to this in that Rayla told him she would let him come with her, and then went back on that promise, but canon already makes this clear in 4x01 with "I don't even know if she's alive"; he has no answers about Rayla. That is also undoubtedly one of the reasons he's agitated. However, while her lie is insult to injury, the show never brings it up as a reason he's mad at her; it was always her extended absence: "So you disappeared for two years for no reason at all?" / "Well, maybe you might know that if you'd been here the last two years." Again: the lie isn't an actual thorn in his side (seemingly) so it's a thing from TTM that is omitted, because it isn't emotionally relevant.

Then she shows up and we learn, specifically, that she went to hunt down Viren. Rayla has always been a paranoid ("Sooner or later, we're going to run into someone from 1x06, "There's danger coming, I know it" from 2x01) person with an independent streak. Rayla leaving to kill Viren because she doubts her own abilities, when she spends most of the first few seasons doubting them (particularly in S1 and S3) and fearing failure ("You let him live but killed us all") is also very in character. One of my favourite little details is that Callum struggles to say Viren's name at all ("It's something Lord -- the previous high mage left behind") until Rayla shows up ("So you must have found Viren, huh? Was he dead after all?") because that trauma - Rayla was so sure that she failed that she couldn't trust they were safe - is so intertwined.

A lot of S2, as well, spent hammering in the fact she didn't want to lose Callum (to Soren and Claudia, to his pursuit of magic, to dark magic, to death). Her leaving him behind to protect him is not something that's a big logic leap to make, I think. After all: "It's okay, Callum. I'm not asking you to come with me. Protecting that dragon doesn't just feel like the right thing to do, it feels like the right thing for me to do" (2x07) and "But... I'm not going with you. You and Ezran should take Zym. But I can't leave" (3x08) and her almost confession last but not least: "Callum please, come back! You've got to stay with me [...] I can't lose you like this, you mean too much to me" (2x09).

TTM adds context - the nightmares about Viren ruining the life she still had, and her and Callum's increasing mutual fear of losing each other. They quite honestly don't even break up. Now, I don't think things would've gone well if Callum had gone with her (relationship wise) given their differing priorities in TTM and also how they show love (for Rayla it's protection, for Callum it's togetherness), but the last conversation they actually have in TTM is

Now, I'm not exactly expecting a casual reviewer to remember and notice all the tiny things, but I am expecting them to remember major plot points, specifically that Rayla really struggles with letting people help her (1x06 and 3x04 both leading to disasters with Zym being in danger because of it) because she doesn't feel like she deserves it, and that she has a tendency to be overly self sacrificial (too many episodes to count).

Her trying to save the dragon in S2 was heroic, yes, but also stood out to me specifically as "This tendency of risking herself is going to be something that she and Callum have to confront and work through, because it is diametrically opposed to them functioning as a long term couple/team". When she wants to stay behind and die for her parents mistakes in S3, the only reason she doesn't stick with that is because she learns that they didn't run, not that she didn't have to die even if they had. So something like this, even if not in so dramatic a way was something that I'd been expecting for a few years now. S4 and Callum's anger at her abandonment is the first time we've seen this tendency be solely in a negative light, in a lot of ways, which is really exciting, and I don't know how much they'll get back together until Rayla has had the epiphanies she needs to.

The biggest thing to me that TTM adds to S4 is that Callum isn't just upset at Rayla for leaving him, but that he's mad at her for leaving without him, specifically. He wanted to go with her, he didn't totally believe in the mission but he wanted to keep her safe, citing "I let you go into the Moon Nexus alone" (earlier in the graphic novel, and not without protest) "and I knew right away I made the biggest mistake of my life. I could have lost you." But again, I expect this sentiment to be something that is far more readily explored in S5, and is also something you can kinda piece together given how often he runs after her in the first three seasons, and him reading what's implied in show and confirmed through TTM to be her goodbye letter because she didn't think she was coming back (4x01 credits):

TDP official also in the lead up to S4 released the goodbye letter, which we'd never read before, and it broke all of our hearts.

TLDR; to me, TTM isn't necessary unless you want a deeper read on the characters. I expect S5 to give them more of a chance to talk and perhaps explain their own actions in S4 more (again, reaffirming that fear of losing each other, which was the root of his anger and of her leaving) but I don't think TTM is necessary unless you want the specifics. All you need to know is that Rayla left to hunt down Viren and Callum has been very sad about it since. You get all of that within the first couple of episodes. The biggest question that TTM raises that S4 doesn't answer is, if she was so dead set on her mission, how and why did she convince herself it was okay to come back at all, but again: I think S5/S6 will have the answers on that.

#baatarthefirst #i wanted this to be three paragraphs. why do i ever think it'll just be three paragraphs #through the moon #thanks for asking #requests #arc 2

[dumbbvnnyboy]

So this is my first yandere fic so allot of is inspired by the amazing @belovedyandere

Warnings:

Manipulation, dr*gging, smut, also kind of a self insert

Today I was finally gonna execute my plan to get y/n, or at least grow a little closer to him.

I'd been Watching him for a while now, taking notes on his new favorite bands and biases, the games he was talking about and playing, i even hacked into his internet history to see what he was doing lately.

Which gave me some great information.

I knew gaming club was today and I'd seen him go to meet up with a couple friends there while I was having practice back in the fall.

I walked in and saw y/n talking to his friend while they played some Xbox game from their phones.

Deciding to sit somewhat close to them and do the same, making sure to specifically pick his new favorite game.

I'd already beaten it, along with all of his other favorite games, and a few I'd thought he'd like so he wouldn't catch on to my copycat behavior.

That's why it took so long for me to talk to him, I had to plan and research throughly.

As soon as I got to a cut scene I'd noticed y/n lifted his head to look at me and my phone screen.

"You like (f/g)!?"

"Ya, it's really immersing."

"How do you feel about (other fave game)"

"It was great, pretty hard but I really loved the graphics"

"Wow, I didn't know a jock could have such good taste."

"Ya, I don't fall in with stereotypes."

"I was wondering why you haven't called anyone here a slur yet."

I laughed and smiled at him again.

"You know if you like (f/g) and (o/f/g) I'd be happy to show you my collection later today, if you wouldn't mind coming over."

He looked towards his friend as they gave him a glare.

"Oh don't be such a pessimist, of course, I can come over today."

I couldn't help the smirk that formed on my face, I knew he was pretty naive which was what grew my fondness of him, but I didn't actually think just asking him would work.

He was almost in the palm of my hand, and if I played my cards right he'd be mine.

"Well whenever you want to go we can."

"Oh ok, just let me get my stuff together here, I'll text you when I get there ok."

He said the last thing to his friend as he swung his bag over his back.

I smiled as we walked out of the school, feeling the cold stare of y/n's friend.

I'm sure they were just protective of him, but that won't be needed anymore, not when he has me.

"Do you want the aux?"

"Well, I don't know if you'll like my music taste."

"Ah I don't judge, all music is pretty good."

"A-alright, this is probably my fave song atm."

He started to play Polaroid love by enhypen as I pulled out of the school lot and drove to my house.

I could tell he had started to become a bit nervous.

"Is everything alright?"

"Ya I just.."

"Your worried I bite aren't you, well I promise I don't, not to hard at least."

I smirked and the rest of the ride was quiet.

We pulled into my driveway as sugar rush by txt played on the radio.

A fitting song for what would entail.

We headed up the stairs to my room as he followed me shyly.

Once he saw the shelf with all the games on it his eyes lit up.

"Woah! Do you mind if I look through these?"

"Not at all."

He started to flip through the cases, pulling some out to look at them as I sat on my bed watching him.

It was adorable how excited he was, making my mind linger on how amazing it would be for me to finally corrupt him the way I'd been planning too.

"Would you like anything to drink?"

"Um alright, what do you have?"

"I think we have coke and Sprite."

"Cokes fine."

I left the room to grab them, making sure to turn up the heat and add something extra to his drink.

I walked in and handed him the glass which he accepted and started to drink.

"Your room is really nice."

"Oh, thank you, I try to keep it as clean as I can."

"Ya.. me t-to."

"Is something wrong y/n?"

"Ya ya, it's just, is it h-hot in here or."

"I feel fine, maybe try taking off your hoodie."

"Maybe I should just go home."

"Oh no darling, I wouldn't want you to get any worse, I'll get you some medicine and you can stay here til it passes."

I grabbed the hem of his hoodie and helped him take it off.

He was like putty in my hands, the aphrodisiac was making him more and more trusting by the second.

I wrapped an arm around his waist and led him to the bed laying him down.

I leaned down to his ear

"Doesn't that feel much better?"

I could practically see the shiver it sent down his spine as he nodded.

"Just let me take care of you, alright?"

"A-alright."

I smirked into his neck starting to kiss and suck at the skin.

He placed his hands on my shoulders, squeezing them every now and then as he whimpered and mewled.

My hands slipped up his shirt, starting to feel around his chest, playing with his nipples.

I started to trail kisses and hickeys further down his body body before I got to the hem of his pants.

I looked up at him waiting for a nod to continue which he did before hiding his face behind his arm embarrassed.

I continued to unbutton his pants and pull them off of him.

I knew he was beautiful, but I never thought he'd look this amazing.

I pulled down his boxers and took him into my mouth making him grab the sheets and moan out.

His body shook, i could tell he'd never experienced this kind of pleasure before.

Sliding my hand back up his body I placed two fingers on his lip.

He opened his mouth quickly starting to suck on them.

After a few seconds I took them out and used my other hand to spread his legs.

I started to stretch him with one finger before adding the second.

He continued to shake and moan as I continued the sensations.

I took my fingers out of him and pulled my mouth off starting to position myself.

"This might hurt a bit, but I promise I'll be gentle."

He looked up at me with glazed eyes and drool spilling from his lips.

I grabbed his chin and rubbed my thumb over his lip.

"My my how pretty."

I leaned down to kiss him as I pushed in.

He moaned into my mouth and I grabbed his hip with my other hand starting with a slow pace.

Y/n grabbed my shoulders again, this time squeezing harder and digging his nails into me.

We disconnected as a Trail of saliva kept us together.

His entire body was flushed, and his face had contorted into one of absolute pleasure and bliss.

He could barely talk or think, all he could do at this point was moan and whimper.

I wrapped my hand around him starting to stroke him with a fast pace and a hard grip making him practically scream and cum all over himself.

"Oh darling, you've made a mess."

I laughed as he whined out, still not letting go or slowing my pace.

"Ah t-too much too-

I grabbed his chin and kissed him again.

He whined into the kiss and his body shook again as I overstimulated it.

Kissing down his chin and sucking more hickeys into his neck I couldn't help the grin on my face.

"You're being such a good boy darling."

I finally had y/n all to myself, and no one would ever get between me and him.

#mlm and nblm only #x male reader #writing #yandere #male reader #x male smut

[onceuponastory]

normal - steve kemp x reader: chapter ten (FINALE): begin again

“Yeah I know I went and left you all alone Please don't think that I let you go I'll never let go.” “Cause I could touch a hundred thousand souls But none of them would ever feel like home And no matter how far and wide I roam You're the only one I'll ever know.” - anyone else by pvris

Series Masterlist

Pairing: Steve Kemp x Female!Reader Chapter Warnings: As always, 18+ ONLY PLEASE. This chapter has mentions of death, murder, stabbing, cannibalism, serial killers, kidnapping, a lot of blood, and graphic descriptions of violence and injuries. Also mentions of reader’s trauma and PTSD after everything she’s been through, and her survivors guilt. And of course, Steve Kemp and Nick Fowler, because those two are warnings all on their own, let alone together. As always, if I miss any triggers, please let me know. Notes: Well, here it is. The final chapter of Normal. I’m going to make a big post about it ending later, but from the bottom of my heart, thank you SO MUCH for reading and loving this story as much as you all have. I appreciate every note and comment so much. This chapter is not beta’d, so any mistakes are my own.

Lying on the floor, Y/N listens as the sirens sound and as the blood continues to flow from her side. She presses her hand to the wound, trying to stop the flow, but it only adds to the pain. Biting her lip, Y/N hisses as she tries to hold back her cries of pain. Lying back, she wonders where Steve is now. Hopefully, he’s safe. Even though now she wishes she went with him. The sound of the sirens gradually grows louder and louder until she realises they’re outside. Sighing, Y/N braces herself. Because once those doors open, everything changes. And this time, she doesn't know how she'll survive it on her own. 

The door soon bursts open, and she hears voices shouting. “FBI, hands in the air!” Y/N lifts her hands, even though doing so sends more pain throughout her body. Rapidly, footsteps approach her.

“I’m FBI Agent Y/N Y/L/N. Please don’t shoot.” She mumbles.

“Y/N! Oh god. What happened to you?” A familiar voice, that of her boss, sounds. “Hey, we need an ambulance over here!” He bends down, studying her bloody and bruised body. “Shit.” He murmurs, taking off his jacket and holding it against her side to stop the bleeding. “Y/N, where’s Kemp? Is he still here?” He asks. Y/N’s eyes fill with tears before she can even stop them. 

“I don’t know.” She sniffles, and her boss sighs.

“It’s okay. You’re safe now. Don’t worry about him. He can’t hurt you anymore.” If only she could tell them the truth about how truly kind Steve was to her, and how he defended her against Nick. Maybe then, things would be different. But nobody would believe her anyway. Once again, her thoughts drift to Steve and the times they spent together. They were so happy, so free. And now, she doesn’t know if she’ll ever see him again.

“Sir, there’s one body over here. It’s Fowler.” A voice sounds, cutting through her thoughts. Immediately, Y/N gasps. 

“Sir, it was Nick. The killings, everything, it was all-” she exclaims, hoping they believe her and that she’s not sent to prison on a murder charge. To her surprise, though, a look of shame crosses her boss’ expression, and he nods.

“Don’t waste your strength. It’s alright. We know.” Y/N breathes a sigh of relief. “Well done, kid. You solved the case after all.” Even though Y/N can feel herself starting to lose consciousness, a small smile crosses her lips.

“I did, didn’t I?” she murmurs.

“We better get you out of here. It looks like you’re about to end up the same way as Nick.” The sound of sirens fills the air again, and her boss breathes a sigh of relief. But Y/N can feel herself starting to slip away.

“I don’t want to die.” She whispers.

“And you won’t. I won’t let you.” Her boss promises. He looks over her body once again, swearing as he sees his jacket becoming increasingly more soaked with blood. “Where the fuck is that ambulance?!” He yells. “Come on Y/N, just stay awake for me, okay? Just hold on, please.” As Y/N’s eyes begin to drift shut, strangely, she feels oddly at peace. The nightmare is finally over. And at least she got to say goodbye to Steve. 

“You saved us both, and all those women. You did it. My beautiful Y/N.” His words echo in her mind as the doors open again, and as paramedics run up to her. And then, Y/N passes out.

Sometime later, Y/N wakes up. As her eyes take time to adjust to the bright lights of her new surroundings, she hears a voice.

“Thank fuck, she’s awake.” For a fleeting moment, in her daze, she hopes it’s Steve, risking his life and freedom to see her and make sure she’s safe. But as she realises that she’s in a hospital, she also realises that it’s not Steve beside her, just her boss. Her heart sinks, and she sighs sadly. She’s still alone. “Welcome back. You gave us all quite a scare.”

“What happened?” She frowns.

“Well, Fowler got you pretty badly in the side, but the doctors and nurses managed to patch you up. They said you’re a trooper. You’re on bedrest for the next few weeks.”

“No, I mean, how did you find me?”

“Well, you were right. Fowler was behind everything. He tried to hide the evidence, but one of his associates squealed and told us Nick went out to find you. He probably wanted to make sure Kemp killed you, and when he didn’t, he wanted to finish the job.” Y/N nods, trying to block out all the memories she has of Nick standing over her with a knife, that crazed look on his face. “There’s going to be an officer outside your door from now on, just in case Kemp comes back.” That means there’s no way for her to warn Steve, so if he comes back, he’ll be putting herself in danger. 

“Hopefully he doesn’t then.” She says, and her boss laughs.

“Well, you got lucky the first time with him, so hopefully your good luck continues.” Y/N suppresses a scoff. Luck? That’s not what she’d call it. “By the way, there are some journalists outside who want to speak to you.” Y/N frowns.

“Journalists? Plural? I thought there’d just be one reporter, if anything.” Her boss chuckles.

“Y/N, you got kidnapped by a serial killer, and stopped another's reign of terror all on your own. You’re in pretty high demand, kid.” Y/N feels her cheeks heating up.

“Oh, right.” How could she be so naive? Of course, after going through what she did, newspapers would be interested in her. She fidgets nervously in her bed, and she bites the skin around her thumb. She’s not used to having so much attention on her. She’s given a few interviews before, but definitely not on this big a scale, or with her as the subject of the story. And she’s definitely not faced it all on her own. 

“If you want, I can send them away.” Her boss offers, obviously noticing her discomfort. Sighing, she shakes her head.

“No, I’m going to have to deal with them eventually, aren’t I? Send them in.”

From that moment on, before she even leaves the hospital, Y/N’s life completely changes almost overnight. There are constant news and magazine interviews, all talking about how brave she was for going up against two cannibalistic serial killers, and not only that, but killing one of them before he could hurt anyone else. They ask her how she feels, knowing that it’s all over, and that she’s a hero. Even though she doesn’t feel much like a hero.

Her co-workers at the FBI even come to visit her too, gushing over and over about how she did such a great job and how they always trusted and believed in her. Honestly, Y/N’s glad she’s still on bedrest and attached to a drip when they come, because when they say those words to her after the hell and constant bullying they put her through, she almost punches them all. The higher ups at the FBI and CIA come to see her too, talking about how what she did will reflect on the agencies as a whole, and how much praise they’ll get for solving the case, completely ignoring how she did it on her own, with her own hard work, and almost died because of it.

Even her parents come to visit her, tears filling their eyes as they tell her how proud they are, and how much they love her. The same parents who, only a few months ago, barely acknowledged her or her job because it didn’t fit into their perfect lifestyle. Of course, deep down she’s glad to have some love from her parents again…it’s just tainted because it took her almost dying and being interviewed by almost every news and tv network around the world for her to be worthy of their pride and love. Then again, they always loved a headline.

And of course, even though everyone tells her it’s over and that they know Nick was responsible, there’s still plenty of police, FBI and CIA interviews. Those are her least favourite kinds of interviews. She didn't know how frightening it was to be on the other side of them. They all ask for her side of the story, the warning signs she saw with Nick, and the million dollar question: if she’s sure that she doesn’t know where Steve went. And in all honesty, she doesn’t. Even though she wants to know more than anything.

When she leaves the hospital, things only continue. For a while, she almost becomes America’s Sweetheart: the superhero who saved the country and its daughters from the darkness that was Nick Fowler. Yet, despite how glad she is that it’s all over, and with receiving so much praise, Y/N just wants it all to stop. She’s tired of having cameras shoved in her face wherever she goes, meaning she can’t live a normal life ever again. She’s not used to this newfound fame, and doesn’t think she ever will be. Not to mention how she’ll be tied to Nick Fowler and this awful thing that he did to her forever. And everyone just seems so…fake. They pretend to care about her physical and mental turmoil, but she knows they’re mostly just there to get clicks and engagement, and they couldn’t care less about what happens to her after this. They’re just chasing the next big story. And for a while, that’s what she’s going to be. This whole situation makes her miss Steve even more. He was the only one who was proud of her. Not because of how well she and her actions would reflect on him. He was actually proud of her. He actually loved her.

And now she’s all on her own, with no idea where he is or if he’s even alive. Her physical scars heal with time, but her emotional scars still stay. And so, the agency also provides her with a therapist to help her readjust to society. Her therapist is nice and all, but she just stares at her most of the time, expecting her to open up about all her trauma right away, when that’s the last thing she wants to do. Not that she can tell her therapist that, though. How else could she phrase that after being given the gift of survival and being hailed as a hero, she doesn’t want it? It makes her sound so ungrateful. 

All Y/N has to keep going is remembering the sweet nothings Steve whispered to her at every waking moment, hoping it’s enough to see her through the night without any nightmares of Nick standing over her with a knife. It never works. The nights are always the worst. When she wakes up, feeling or hearing the whisper of Steve’s voice, or his touch, and knowing it’s not real this time. That she can’t go back to see him and talk to him, and to stop this aching feeling in her chest. That’s what hurts the most. Having him ripped away so quickly from her.

Of course, she tries to find him herself. At least, she searches for him as much as she can before people get suspicious that either she’s not healing as well as she might be, or that her and Steve’s relationship goes far deeper than it seems. After convincing herself that Steve has kept a low enough profile for a while, Y/N even starts checking the news, waiting in case there’s any new bodies that turn up matching Steve’s MO. Because even though the thought still churns her stomach, she knows a cannibal like Steve has to survive somehow. By this point, Y/N’s sure that she knows Steve inside and out (including physically), so she’d be able to spot his work right away. 

When that doesn’t work, Y/N goes back to the cabin a few times, hoping that Steve is hiding out there, waiting for her to find him, or that he’s left her a clue. Naturally, her therapist thinks it’s a great idea, and sees it as a great way to confront what happened. Of course, Y/N didn’t tell her the real reason for her visit. When there’s still no sign of him, and the townspeople don’t know where he is either, it crushes her even more. 

The more time goes on without any word from Steve, not even a discreet note, Y/N starts to wonder if Steve has forgotten her after all. And even after being kidnapped, beaten and almost dying...the possibility that Steve doesn’t love her anymore hurts more than anything Y/N has been through.

“Mom, stop fussing over me, please!” Y/N moans, swatting away her mother’s hands as they try to fix her outfit and hair. 

“I’m sorry, darling. Your father and I just want to make sure you look good for your special night when you accept your award!” She insists. Tonight, Y/N gets an award for stopping Nick and closing the case for good. Y/N sighs. She’s still honoured to be appreciated, especially after all the pain and torment she went through. But she knows this ceremony will be full of press again, ready to plaster her face all over the newspapers and television screens once more. 

Y/N looks at herself in the mirror, staring at the fancy clothes adorning her body. She looks so…different. And she feels so uncomfortable and out of place. Thank fuck they’re not expecting a speech. She’s still too overwhelmed with everything going on with her life, and with trying to find Steve to even think straight. 

“Y/N, they’re ready for you.” Her father announces, and she nods. After her parents leave, Y/N takes a deep breath and walks out towards the stage. She peeks out at the crowd of people and journalists, all there to see her. Yet, even with such an enormous crowd of people there just to see her...Y/N’s never felt so lonely. If Steve was here, he’d be telling her how gorgeous she looks, and be unable to keep his hands off of her the entire time. If he was here, everything would be so much better. She wouldn’t have to go through this all on her own, without the one person who knows what she’s going through. The only person who matters to her. Maybe if she tried harder to find Steve, or went with him, then things would be different. Another shiver goes up her body then at the thought of Steve touching her, and Y/N tries desperately to not start crying.

But if he’s chosen a life without her, then she has to respect that. Even though that thought tears her up inside. Pushing away her thoughts of Steve, Y/N watches as the director of the FBI approaches the microphone.

“Hello ladies and gentlemen. Members of the press. Thank you all for being here as we honour Agent Y/N Y/L/N, who stopped Nick Fowler, the recent serial killer terrorising Portland, all on her own. And after being kidnapped by Steve Kemp too, another monster.” Y/N winces at his words. If only he knew that to her, Steve Kemp is the furthest thing from a monster. “Through her actions and dedicated hard work, Y/N exemplifies our values of strength and bravery. Which is why I’m honoured to call her an agent, and to give her this award. So please help me welcome her onto the stage.” And yet, Y/N stays rooted in her spot, too hesitant to go out in front of such a big crowd on her own.

So much for being a hero.

“Clearly, she’s not used to the spotlight.” The director chuckles, and further laughter ripples through the crowd. Y/N gulps, her uncomfortableness back in full force. Maybe it would be better if she ran.

“You’re a smart woman, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t let you share your thoughts.” Suddenly, Steve’s words echo in her mind again, cutting through her fears. “I’m proud of you.” 

At first, the sound of Steve’s voice makes her feel even more upset, especially since she still hasn’t heard anything from him. But then, Y/N realises that Steve, the one person who actually loves her, would want her to accept this award. So, taking a deep breath, Y/N walks out on stage.

As she does, the room erupts with the sound of cheering and the flashing of cameras. The sudden sound and brightness makes her wince as she approaches the director. He grasps her hand, shaking it tightly. “Well done.” He grins, passing over a small plaque to her. The cameras go off a few more times, and the applause starts again.

And then, thankfully, it’s over.

Later that night, as she makes the rounds greeting people and giving interviews, Y/N keeps glancing down at the award in her arms. It’s so small. She’s been through so much pain and trauma, including almost dying…and all she gets is a fucking tiny wooden plaque. Meanwhile, there’s no doubt her bosses are using this opportunity to improve their own careers, and she’ll soon be forgotten about again. She scans the room, noticing her co-workers looking at her. And she’ll soon be back to being a target for jokes and bullies by the same people praising her. Just another cog in the machine. 

“You know, you need a new job if this is how they treat you.” Steve’s words, some of the first he ever said to her, echo in her mind. Back then, she thought he was just saying them to get under her skin and play on her fear. Deep down, though, she knew he was right. And now, she’s finally going to take his advice. Because she loved her job at first, and will always be grateful to them for indirectly introducing her to Steve. Without him, her whole life wouldn’t have been turned upside down, and she probably would have died back in that church. Now though, she’s had enough, and she can’t do it anymore.

So a few days later, Y/N enters her office once more, and she packs everything up. Once she’s finished, Y/N goes to see her boss. “Why do I have a bad feeling about whatever you’re about to tell me?” He chuckles when he sees her. Y/N takes a deep breath.

“Sir, I’d like to hand in my resignation.” She passes over an envelope, which her boss studies. “I appreciate everything you’ve done, and all the opportunities I had. I just-”

“After what happened, you can’t do it anymore?” He finishes for her, and she nods. “Well Y/N, you’ve done a lot of good in your time here, arguably more so than anyone in this entire agency. But you’ve been through a lot. Including seeing enough blood and gore to last a lifetime.” He sighs, getting up to shake her hand. “I can’t say I won’t miss you���but I understand.” He grasps her hand, shaking it firmly. “And besides, you’re leaving here a hero. Few people can say that.” Y/N nods. 

“Thank you for everything you’ve done, sir.”

“No. Thank you.” He insists. “After all, you did it all on your own, remember?” Y/N feels herself blushing. If only they knew the truth, and how Steve helped her. And how she let him go. She wouldn’t have such a hero's reputation then.  Sometimes she wonders if it would change anything if she admitted how much Steve helped her. She knows it’s foolish to hope that doing so would bring Steve back and drop everything against him, but after dreaming of him for so long and finally getting him…it doesn’t hurt to try again, right? 

But unfortunately, life doesn’t work like that. And if she and Steve are over, then so be it.

“What are you going to do with yourself, then?” He asks.

“I don’t know. I just need some time to myself. Maybe I’ll do some travelling.” 

“Well, I hope life is good for you. Especially after all of this. You deserve it.”

“Thank you.” Y/N replies, blinking back her tears.

“If you want to come back, or you need anything at all, please don’t hesitate.” Y/N nods, and after saying her last goodbyes, she leaves the office. She can see all her co-workers staring at her, whispering amongst themselves once more. She was right after all: it’s not even been a week since her ceremony, and she’s already back to being the joke of the office. But not anymore. Turning away with a scoff, Y/N leaves the office for the last time.

A few days later, Y/N sighs as she looks through her mail. Bills, bills, more requests for interviews….the same as usual. But then, one letter pops out in an unfamiliar handwriting. Frowning, she tears it open and begins to read.

“Dear Y/N. My beautiful, beautiful Y/N. I’m sorry it’s been so long since I got in contact with you. I had to make sure it was safe, but I have missed you so much.” Immediately, Y/N’s eyes widen, her heart rate increases, and her body heats up with excitement. Steve. He’s alive. He’s okay. He’s alive. Trying to calm herself down, Y/N keeps reading, a huge smile on her face. “I’ve just seen you receiving your award on television, and although I’m a little hurt to not be included, I’m so proud that you’re finally receiving the recognition you deserve. I’ve never stopped thinking about you or stopped loving you, and I hope you still feel the same about me.”

“Of course I do.” She whispers without a second thought. 

“I’ve got a house now, and a new life. If you still want to be with me, come and find me.” There’s an address at the bottom of the letter. Involuntarily, Y/N lets out a squeal of excitement. 

He wants to see her again. 

He still loves her. 

She has to go see him. 

Glancing out of the window, Steve sighs. Since he’s still technically a fugitive, he’s had to move away from Portland, away from his real home and from the love of his life, and assume a new identity. He wanted to contact Y/N as soon as he left, but it was too risky, and could put either of them in danger. So, Steve waited. Even though the constant worry over how Y/N is doing is all-consuming. He knows she was at least okay a week ago, because he saw her accepting her award on TV. But after that, anything could’ve happened. The sight of her lying on the ground, blood pouring out of her, still haunts his every waking moment. He could’ve done so much more to help her. And yet…he ran, like a coward. If she’s hurt again, he’d never be able to live with himself.

Suddenly, a knock sounds at the door, and Steve goes to answer it. When he sees who’s standing there, he gasps. “Hi Steve.” Y/N smiles, her eyes filled with tears. 

“Y/N?” He whispers. “You’re here?”

Chuckling, Y/N nods. “I got your letter.” Immediately, she drops her bags and runs forward into his arms, and he squeezes her tightly. He buries his nose in her hair and her clothing, inhaling her scent once more. 

“I’m so glad you’re here…that you’re okay.” He murmurs, pressing a kiss to her lips, one full of passion and longing. Y/N moans happily. Once they’ve pulled apart, Steve still keeps her in his arms for a bit longer. If he could, he’d keep her there, safe in his embrace forever. “I love you so much. Welcome home.” He grins, kissing her forehead tenderly.

Y/N and Steve know that their relationship and lives have been a whirlwind of chaos and unpredictability, but they’re ready for their new life together.

Always and forever.

The End.

TAGLIST: @buckysboobs, @sebastianstansqueen, @lavendercitizen, @amanda-says, @enchantedbarnes, @eclecticpatrolroadlawyer, @kristophalis, babebr, @nerdypinupcrystal, @marve2014, @sgt-seabass, @themightyloki, @hallecarey1, @phoebethenarwhal, @lxdyred, @potato-with-hair, @chernayawidow, @gabewerk, @snugglingbucky, @late-to-the-party-81,  @abbieff, @shadow-dragonz, @fandomblogs-stuff, @hallecarey1, @rach2602, @littlemissthistle, @booksandbenbarnes​, @engie115

#steve kemp x reader #steve kemp x you #steve kemp #steve kemp x y/n #steve kemp fanfiction #brendan steven kemp #brendan steven kemp x reader #brendan steven kemp fanfiction #fresh the movie #fresh 2022 #fresh 2022 fanfiction #fresh sebastian stan #fresh fanfiction #normal fic #normal onceuponastory

[aeterna-auroral-avenger]

I'm grateful you introduced me to this series and I plan to keep updating you when I'm done every book. It's fun. I should be all caught up by the time the next one is released too, so that'll be fun.

I actually had a dream the other night where I bought the 4th book, which is funny because I obviously haven't read the 3rd yet lol. Maybe it's a sign that that one will be my favourite of the series. 😂

Thanks for the Court Stevens rec. too! I think I'm gonna go with We Were Kings. Mostly because of the cover ngl, it drew me in so I'll try looking for it on my next road trip. (And the 4th Lady Sherlock if it's there lol).

If you could share some more information on Vicious, I'd appreciate that. I really was thinking of biting the bullet because everyone says it's one of their favourite series, but it's nerve-wracking. I don't want to start reading something, get triggered and get too paranoid to pick it up again. That's happened before and it's definitely not a fun experience.

-Book Anon

(I'm SO sorry it took so long to answer!)

The cover for We Were Kings really is pretty cool isn't it? I love it. It's my favorite cover out of all her books for sure. Good choice, Book Anon.

I'm gonna add more information about Vicious under the keep reading line.

So it's been a long time since I've read the book, but from what I can remember, these two college roommates are brilliant and complicated. In their senior year of school, they research adrenaline and near death experiences (NDEs), believing that under the right conditions, NDEs can lead to someone developing supernatural powers. They're called ExtraOrdinary people or EOs.

These two boys decide that research without testing isn't real research, so they experiment...on themselves. Which leads to the attempted suicides by the boys.

And since the boys are researching and deal with EOs, their NDE backstories are explored and discussed too. Some are from accidents and some are from attempted suicides as well. And there is definitely more death later on because in the story, one of the boys decides to eliminate EOs, and the other tries to stop him from doing so. Some of the depictions of the backstories and the current deaths are detailed and a little gory.

This is supposed to be like a dark and gritty superhero/antihero and villain graphic novel kind of story.

#tb responds #book anon #vicious #tw suicide #tw suicide mention #tw death #tw death mention

[frogsandfries]

Getting out of the house today was kinda nice. It was nice to work in my sketchbook somewhere other than the living room or office. We picked up some stuff for the house--we had to leave a couple things at the store because I didn't know if they'd fit in my bag. They wouldn't have. I got some regular shading brushes and decided to try some brushes that are meant for gluing. I looked for the mermaid paper, like what I used for my enamel pin board.

They didn't have any. I saw a book recently on reddit that used a paper like that and I was inspired.

I got a bunch of lineworks inked today, so that was pretty cool.

I wish this city catered more to the arts. It's so hard to find like, cool papers for book making or--like, I asked the cashier at Michael's if they had Derwent colored pencils. He didn't think so. I mean, even if the next city over had a Blick or like, even a Utrecht, anything!

Anyway, I guess I should get some sleep. Looks like I'm sleeping alone again, for the second time this week.....I can't stay up all night playing video games--I can't even stay up all night working on my graphic novel. I have to try to stay mostly diurnal.

Speaking of which, between the medication, the apple cider vinegar, and the kombucha (and maybe finally upping my SSRI), I've felt a lot better--my digestion is closer to normal than it's been since I moved to New Mexico, I haven't had the same need to nap. I do feel a little guilty though: I feel like I've been given permission by several doctors to indulge my ARFID, and whenever I try to mention disordered eating, I feel like it gets completely blown off..... So I'm just over here patting myself guiltily on the back for feeling hungry most of the day...... which is probably fine? Eat less, poop less?

Like....... when does disordered eating become a problem? When I'm so used to living that way, that I'm down to 125 pounds somehow? When I'm clearly wasting away?? When I'm too fat to take the bus?? Honestly it's fucked up: I tell doctor after doctor that I would just rather choose not to eat and because I'm obese....... that's like, not concerning?? I'm not over here bingeing, I'm really not. I think being given basically permission to indulge my disordered eating will make it easy to lose the weight but...... it's not okay to willingly, easily choose hunger..... and I know this? But I'm being told..... it is? I mean, I guess luckily, I have been forced to face that it is disordered eating and as such, I've been working on overriding it. Perhaps to my detriment, as it would turn out..... Anyway.

It'd be nice to take my headphones and my sketchbook and just go hang out tomorrow, maybe at the library or a favored café. That'd be cool. I'd also love to get ahold of just a ton of cool end papers and fabrics for book binding.

I'm also starting to collect decent paper, mostly from our junk mail, so I can add it to my paper making hoard. At some point, I'll probably start by shredding it, and eventually I can pulp-ify it, dehydrate that for later, and so on. I want to make at least a sketchbook worth of paper and there are a bunch of paper making tools that I don't have: a frame and deckle, screen of any sort, a tub for the water, cloths for drying the paper, blender for blending the pulp........ probably other stuff. And I mean, I'm always complaining about how plain my paper is. As much as I scoffed about adding shaved crayon to my paper, I could grind up some water color and maybe dust that over my paper for example.

Thinking about making paper reminds me of experimenting with papier mache clay, when I would do an initial blend of my paper shreds, wring that out and crumble it, leave it to dry and then soak it back down and blend it again. I think that's really how I'm going to get a finer paper like I want.

I'm clearly obsessed with almost every aspect of bookbinding.

[wannabegwenstacy]

Eden's Favorite Fic's (BTS Fic Recs)

Updated Version: Here!

Note: In the past I haven't indulged in tumblr fics often but I recently (past 3 months) have been reading quite regularly & am planning on branching out a bit. To keep track of the ones that I have enjoyed & the ones that I have even came back to I'm making this list. Again, I haven't been digging into the tumblr fics world for long so for right now its a very short list. I'm hoping with time I can get more fics of different types on here (btsxbts, some gender neutral xreader ones, & more ones that I genuinely like)

About me to understand what's going to be on here:

Age: 21 (99' liner)

Sexuality: Bisexual

Pronouns: She/Her

Ult Bias: Yoongi

Trio: Rap Line

I am OT7. I do enjoy smut but don't think it is necessary to FF. Overall I just want a well-crafted plot that makes sense. I read for entertainment & to escape. But I still need some form of realism (just me personally) to follow the trail of events. PSA: I'm trying to find a broader scope of writers I like but for right now I don't have many. There are gonna be some repetitive writers for now.

______________________________________________________________

Kim Namjoon:

- Librarian Namjoon Universe by @jungshookz

Beauty & the Bookworm (I love this concept SO MUCH)

Pairing: Cute, Good Boy, Nerdy, University Librarian Namjoon x Bratty, Semi-Popular, Procrastinator, University Student Reader

Word count: 20.8k

Summary: You're a procrastinator big time and you may or may not be failing. To get some extra credit you begrudgingly take the library assistant opening where you work under strict dorky Namjoon. Passive aggressiveness, cuteness, fluff, & some smuttiness arises.

Jealous-Boyfriend-Librarian Namjoon (Drabble)

Pairing: Jealous Boyfriend Librarian Namjoon x Oblivious Cute Girlfriend Uni Student Reader

Word count: 3.4k

Summary: You take an Art History Course and end up needing a tutor. Joon offers to tutor you but he doesn't know shit about Art History so you end up getting tutored by an ArtHoe Taehyung that may or may not like you but you are oblivious to this and Joon gets super jealous.

Kim Seokjin:

- Hockey Player Jin by @ve1vetyoongi

HEART OF GOLD (BLADES OF ICE)

Pairing: Sweet Hot New Hockey Player in Town Jin x Ex-Figure Skater (who has a history with jin) Reader

Word count: 20k

Summary: After a fall during figure skating practice dashes your dreams of competing at nationals, you vow to hang up your skates for good. That is until you cross paths with Kim Seokjin, captain of the ice hockey team, who is determined to get you back out on the rink and melt the ice in your heart. (Jimin is a bully in this and their other k-pop idols as characters. Very Very Fluffy and Hallmark Christmas Movie-ish so be aware of that. Overall, it's just cute :) )

Min Yoongi:

Note: these are all but one by the same writer @jungshookz & are written from the pov of a female reader. I'm gonna try to find some gender-neutral fics but for now, if you are female-identifying I really enjoyed these! :)

- Mechanic Yoongi Universe by @jungshookz

Baby, You Can Drive My Car (My favorite AU Fics I've read so far on Tumblr!!)

Pairing: Tatted, Mic Drop Era, Mechanic Min Yoongi x Spoiled Rich, Inexperienced, University Student Reader

Word count: 24.6k

Summary: Welcome to Min Mechanics - What can I do for you today, doll?

Maybe She Can Drive His Car

Pairing: Oblivious, Hot, Boyfriend, Mechanic Min Yoongi x Adorable, Spoiled, University Student, Jealous Girlfriend Reader

Word count: 11.6k

Summary: Yoongi's ex is back in town for a visit and you would be lying if you said you weren't slightly envious of a) how knowledgeable she is about stupid cars and b) how well she gets along with literally everyone.

- Uni Yoongi x Nerdy Reader (mini series) by @jungshookz

Note: these are all drabbles I'm gonna link my favorites in the series. I'll probably add more later.

Cocky Uni Student Yoongi x Nerdy Reader:

^^This is the start of the mini-series, recommend you read it first!^^

The One with the Scrunchie:

Contains: smut, a super cute scrunchie turning into a kink of sorts, slightly insecure Yoongi, experienced Yoongi, slightly inexperienced reader, shy about their own body reader.

Yoongi always had an Overactive Imagination:

Contains: talking about sex, implied smut, reader trying to be productive while also being horny, Yoongi being super distracted and horny.

"I'm gonna need you to shut up now please"

- CEO Yoongi Universe by @jungshookz

Suit&Tie (First Fic in the series)

Pairing: CEO Min Yoongi x Secretary Reader

Wordcount: 21k+

Summary: Young Intimidating Hot CEO Yoongi, Clumsy Secretary Y/N who loves Sugar, Best Friend Jimin. Funny Awkward Meeting that sets up the whole plot, was like reading a Kdrama in book form.

The One Where Augst D makes a Comeback (Favorite Fic in the series)

SPOILERS READ PRIOR DRABBLES TO CATCH UP!! (I recommend The First Date, The One Where Yoongi is Just a Little Jealous, The Proposal, The Wedding, Baby Makes Three, Baby Min's Timeline, The Birth of Baby Min, Daddy's Little Girl, Who the Hell is Augst D.

Pairing: CEO Min Yoongi x Secretary Reader

Word count: 6.5k

Summary: Yoongi finds out you faked an orgasm and he's going to gi-give it to you more ways than one.

- Demon Yoongi by @jungshookz

Hellish (I got some feelings for incubus Yoongi not gonna lie)

Pairing: Bratty, Super Sexy, Sex Demon, Mint Min Yoongi x University Student, Non-Supernatural Believer Reader

Word count: 22.1k

Summary: Jungkook is your clueless, energetic best friend. Wonho is a character in this fic, You are dragged into summoning a demon one night by your overly excited to be summoning a demon? best friend Jungkook. Spooky but Kind of Sexy Shit Happens! (This is probably my second favorite Yoongi Fic I've read!)

- Basketball Captain Yoongi by @jungshookz

Basketball Captain Yoongi

Pairing: Cocky, Popular, Charming Captain of the Basketball Team Min Yoongi x Water girl University Student Reader (who has been crushing on Yoongi hard for some time)

Word count: 18.4k

Summary: Jungkook is your athletic bro of a best friend that signs you up to be his replacement as the water boy (girl in this case) after he makes the team. You have had a pathetic schoolgirl crush on Yoongi for a while and is basically the only reason you agreed to be the water girl aside from spending time with Jungkook. It's fluffy & smutty!

- Android Yoongi @jungshookz

Technologically in love (..I cried! but I also smiled a lot so you know this is well written)

Pairing: Personal Assistant Prototype but SUPER Lifelike Android Min Yoongi x Messy, Junkfood, & Cartoons Loving Reader (basically your early 20s living alone kind of vibe)

Word count: 24k+

Summary: You live in a Detroit Becoming Human type universe but prior to a lot of the advancements. Androids are already a thing but not to the level the M1N Y00NG1 is yet. You are best friends with all the boys and they happen to be engineers which is how you ended up with Yoongi in the first place. Namjoon created Yoongi as a personal assistant prototype android & you are told to live with him. Things get fluffy, SUPER ANGSTY, and super smutty!

- Listen Closely by @avveh

Listen Closely ( sexiest Yoongi fic I have read so far, I kept wanting to go back and read again)

Pairing: Tsundere Office Worker Min Yoongi x Hardworking Office Worker Reader

Word count: 12.2k

Summary: Unintentionally, you stumble upon something that makes you view your coworker Min Yoongi in a whole new light. (SMUT 18+: Masturbation, voyeurism, exhibitionism, breathplay, spanking, degrading names.)

Jung Hoseok:

- Secret Boyfriend Hoseok by @kpopfanfictrash

Keeping a Secret (this took me places...Idk about you but I have trouble finding really good Hoseok fics and this one was perfect. One of my favorite fics on this website)

Pairing: New Relationship Dom Hoseok x New Relationship Tease Reader

Word count: 3.7k

Summary: You and Hoseok have been hooking up for a few weeks now. No one in your friend group knows. What happens then, when he shows up at movie night looking better than anticipated? SMUT!

- Studio Sex Hoseok by @joonbird

Studio:

Pairing: Boyfriend BTS Hoseok x Girlfriend Reader

Word Count: 5k

Summary: Hoseok is stressed about his upcoming mixtape, so you decide to swing by his studio and help him relax. (Hobi being the beautiful glorious sexy man he is and putting those ungodly hips to use!)

Park Jimin:

- Jimin and His Pregnancy Kink by @boymeetsweevil

ME, YOU, AND THIS THING WE HAVE BETWEEN US (NSFW)

Pairing: Sweet Caring Domestic but Horny Jimin x Pregnant Hormonal Reader

Word count:~3.7k

Warnings (aka what to prepare for): everything is graphic and gross lmao, blowjobs (face f*cking), boob job (not the one w/ silicon inserts), cunnilingus, dom!jimin if u squint, cumplay if u squint again, dirty talk/degrading language, penetrative sex (doggy style), unprotected sex, PREGNANCY KINK that’s a big one

Summary: You’re pregnant and Jimin is…happy about it (If I remember correctly this one is 25% cute domestic Jimin trying to calm his hormonal pregnant partner and 75% pure filth aka Jimin having a pregnancy kink and trying to hide it but not well at all. This is however my ultimate fav Jimin smut I have ever read!)

- Crush/Neighbor Jimin by @sketchguk

Lover to Lean On: (I absolutely adore this fic. Overall it's just really well written and I felt like I was watching a show in my head rather than reading a short Tumblr fic. Highly recommend it!)

Pairing: Cute Customer & Neighbor Jimin x Florist Reader

Word Count: 19.9k

Summary: For months, you can hear your no-face neighbor and his ‘girlfriend’ singing and dancing and laughing and falling in love. Above all, you can hear their bed banging against your shared wall, and they won’t ever let you sleep. You’d much rather stay up at night worrying about your own problems, like the weight of an unrequited crush, so of course, you’re bitterly single. But one day, the apartment is radio silent. And one day slowly turns into one week and then into an immeasurable amount of time since you’ve heard his laugh. So on Valentine’s Day, when you’re missing it the most, you beg your neighbor to open up to you with cookies in one hand and two broken hearts in the other.

Kim Taehyung:

-Roommate Taehyung Universe by @jungshookz

Stuck with You

Pairing: Frat Bro bit of an asshole Roommate Kim Taehyung x Clean Organized bit of a Pushover Reader

Word count: 37k

Summary: Kim Taehyung becoming your new roommate is definitely up there on the list of the worst things to ever happen to you. Librarian Namjoon is your Best friend and ex-roommate. Frat bro Jeon Jungkook makes an appearance. There is so smut and implied smut.

The One with the One Year Anniversary (Drabble)

Pairing: The cutest domestic boyfriend Kim Taehyung x girlfriend reader

Word count: 4.6k

Summary: NO SPOILERS! so I'm going to give you a quote: "well, um, look! I made breakfast for you. f-for us!" Also, SFW

Jeon Jungkook:

- Gamer Jungkook by @softyoongiionly

PRESS START (this is the cutest fucking smut type fic I have ever read! it is so pure and is the exact type of relationship I want! IT MADE ME SIMP SO HARD!) gender-neutral I believe!

Pairing: Night owl Gamer Domestic Boyfriend Jeon Jungkook x Witty Domestic Cutesy Relationship Reader

Word count: 5.5k

Summary: A night in with your boyfriend Jungkook includes all kinds of things: anime, witty banter, snacks from 7-Eleven and, you know, sex. (GREAT READ!! I AM A SIMP FOR THIS FIC!!)

#bts smut #bts fic #bts jungkook #bts jhope #bts yoongi #bts jimin #bts taehyung #bangtan #bangtan sonyeondan #namjoon #jimin #seokjin #jungkook #jin #bts army #jjk smut #smut #kth smut #ksj smut #pjm fanfic #pjm smut #pjm oneshot #pjm fluff #pjm angst #pjm ff #pjm x reader #kth oneshot #kth x reader #kth angst #kth bts

[dearchilde]

MY SHIKANOIN HEIZOU HEADCANONS

if you aren't aware of who he is, heizou is a genshin impact character, currently unreleased. @chimkennuggieee has drawn him (speculation) and inspired me to think of these hc's

TW; NON-GRAPHIC MENTIONS OF TORTURE

- He's a huge asshole. I'm talking like “lmao your dumbass doesn't even know basic traffic laws?? might as well just run into the busy road while we're at it.”

- I see him breaking into someone's house, gets the police called on him, only to reveal he had a search warrant on him the entire time. cheeky bastard.

—

"Detective...you could have presented the warrant to avoid all of this trouble..."

"This asshole wouldn't open the door AND he didn't even bother asking if I had one to begin with."

"BECAUSE IT'S YOUR DUTY TO INFORM THEM YOU HAVE A WARRANT ON YOU—” (I dont know laws don't come at me.)

—

- Absolutely torments the hell out of Kujou Sara via Itto. Whenever Sara dumps a shit ton of work on his desk, Heizou makes sure to get back at her by using the Oni to do the dirty work for him.

—

“I heard that woman owes you something, right? I have her entire schedule for this month, but keep it between the two of us, hm? We wouldn't want to draw attention to us, Mister Oni.” (gets a sick thrill of joy when he heard Sara has been neglecting her duties because Itto has been standing outside her office door, demanding for several rematches.)

—

- you know that saying "keep your friends close and your enemies closer"? well scratch that, you don't want heizou as one of your enemies. trust me.

- despite his role as a detective, he gets a sick thrill of interrogating perpretrators he's had a pleasure meeting outside of cases. justice be damned.

- would not let anyone else inside the interrogating room, only morbidly assuring the officers that he will get the information he wants. not what they're looking for.

- goes freaking tsukasa yugi on them.

- abuses his vision to extract information. oh, they won't talk? good luck trying to beg him to stop, he won't hear their pleads and cries over the sound of his own laughter as they're being electrocuted.

- only when the perpretrator (or victim in this case now...) is on the brink of passing out does he stop and begins asking his questions again. he's THAT big of a douche.

I'll maybe add more to this later, but for now this is all I thought of. This went from 0 to 100 real quick lol I DONT KNOW WHAT HAPPENED AFTER THE SARA ONE

I believe Heizou's design (reiterating that it's FANMADE) was inspired by Edogawa Ranpo from Bungou Stray Dogs, probably in personality, too. This was my interpretation for his personality, lmk what you guys think!

#genshin impact #genshin impact headcanons #shikanoin heizou hc #shikanoin heizou

[almanacrat]

Hi! I know you did an Ed one for josh but may you please do one for Sam aswell and maybe add (if you are comfortable) sh? I’ve been struggling lately with both and the way you wrote joshes made me feel seen in a way ya know.

HUGE HUGE TRIGGER WARNING

please do NOT read if you are triggered by self harm, mentions of blades, or are currently not in a good enough mental state to read this

Also if you are young, please do not read this. There are no graphic depictions of any gore, but it is best to not engage with topics this heavy.

that being said, if you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide or self harm, please seek help immediately. There is always someone there for you. I have struggled with sh myself, and it is not easy or glamorous. I am in no way trying to glorify self harm.

National suicide hotline: [phone]

-

You were in the bathroom, staring at yourself in the mirror. A void filled your chest and salty tears bathed your eyes, streaming hopelessly down your face.

It had been harder to get up lately, and everything seemed hazy again. Days passed by like minutes and nothing was clear anymore. You couldn't tell the days apart and everything turned mundane as you became more apathetic.

The shiny silver blade seemed to loom over you even though it was merely sitting on the counter. It was so tempting when the rubber band on your arm didn't work anymore and the pen marks faded. You didn't want to let yourself down by relapsing, but it seemed like the best source of healing. It would sound like a paradox to anyone else, but to you it made perfect sense. The pain provided distraction from reality, and it assured you that you could still feel.

You picked it up and examined it, the light bouncing from it's metallic surface and splitting through the room. It felt cool between your fingers as they began to tremble. The blade had you so transfixed that you didn't even notice the chime of the alarm, signaling Sammy coming back from the recording studio. You didn't hear his calls for you as he searched throughout the tiny house.

"No. Absolutey not." Sam declared as he removed the blade from your hand and shut it in the drawer, knowing he would hide it later.

Sam enveloped you in a tight hug, the smell of his cologne comforting you as he held you in his tight arms.

"Why didn't you tell me it had gotten this bad again?" Sammy asked after a few minutes of simply holding you.

"I didn't want to trouble you. I'm not your responsibility." You responded.

"You could never trouble me. If you ever feel like hurting yourself, telling me is the first thing you should do. God, I just- I love you so much and I don't ever want to see you hurt yourself. I'll get you whatever you need. Just tell me what it is. You're my baby, and I'll be damned if I sit around and let you do this to yourself."

#greta van fleet #greta van fic #greta van fleet fan fiction #greta van fleet imagine #greta van fleet fic #gvf fic #gvf imagine #gvf #gvf fanfiction #gvf blurb #jake kiszka #jake kiszka imagine #jake kiszka fanfic #jake kiszka fic #jake gvf #josh kizka #josh kiszka imagine #josh kiszka x reader #josh kiszka smut #josh kizska fic #sam kizska x reader #sammy kizska #sam kizska x reader #sam kizska #sam kiszka imagine #danny wagner #daniel wagner #danny wagner imagine #danny wagner x reader

[imagines-by-a-typical-fangirl]

Stay With Me (Pt. 07 of 09)

Pairing: Daryl Dixon X Reader

Word count: 3 K

Summary: Daryl found you surrounded by the dead, stuck in the backseat of a car. You were wishing for death to take you away for quite a while now, but, as you slid back and forth into consciousness, there was only one thing keeping you alive. Him, the man with blue, worried eyes and kind voice. Your beaten up body was ready to give up, too wounded and broken to keep going. But this man, who went out of his way to save your life is the only thing in the world holding you up. And, because of him, you feel something you haven't felt in a very long time: hope. Wherever he's taking you, you want to get there, and not only to be buried. For what it feels like the very first time, you want to live. He takes you back to Alexandria, but even there, the nightmares and the terror from all the torture and pain you've been through keeps creeping closer, and Daryl, your hero, is the only one who can keep that all away.

Warnings: Mentions and description (not graphic) of past abuse; post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); some violence at the end of the story (a little bit graphic, but not so much); blood.

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{The Walking Dead Masterlist}

I want to thank my awesome friend @jodiereedus22, who helped me (and still does) a lot to get this story done. She's also a writer and she's amazing so please go check her work!!

×

If You Love Me...

You've seen death. Often, cruel, cold. From afar and from up close. You felt it, in many different ways. At first when your family passed away, then your friends... And you felt it in your body too, in the months you spent held captive, wishing for it. And in the car, as you waited for it.

But it's different now. You were holding onto Melanie when she stopped moving, stopped breathing, the second after the baby cried for the very first time. Her whole body went numb, turned off. She knew her pregnancy was dangerous. Melanie is old, and she had a heart condition. That was the reason why she never tried for a baby before. But now, with the world on its end, she decided to try. Death is certain, she told you once, and if she died in the process of delivering her child, she'd die happy. With a purpose.

But of course, you never thought it would actually happen.

The commotion that followed happened in a blur. Carol passed you the child in a hurry, pushing you out of the room.

You know what happens now. Daryl told you a while ago. Everyone who dies comes back. Everyone is infected. You try not to think about it, to focus on life instead of death.

And that's what you're holding in your arms now. Life. Tiny and fresh, his little cries making your body move out of instinct, slowly swinging from side to side until he's quiet again.

When it's done, and Melanie's dead body won't raise up again, Carol comes and you help her clean the baby. Luke, after her late husband. Denise is quick to gather all the baby supplies needed, and she starts telling you and Carol what to do. Carol already knows, of course, because of her daughter Sofia.

It's quite obvious Carol will take care of the child. It's implied by how Denise is so focused on her, talking fast, gesturing a lot. She's a little funny actually, and easy to talk to. Once little Luke is clean and dressed in his first clothes, in a pale shade of blue, Carol picks him up and he starts crying, with powerful lungs. She starts mumbling, talking to the baby, but he doesn't stop.

“Alright, alright.” She whispers. “Shh.”

“Does he need anything?” You ask, watching as Carol bounces him slowly.

“We did everything. Maybe he's in pain.” Denise removes some of the hair that has fallen on her face. “Let's take him to the infirmary so I can take a look.”

“Ok.” Carol agrees, raising her voice above the baby's cries. “(Y/N), can you carry him? These bags are too heavy for you and–” You quickly step forward, once again welcoming the baby into your arms “–you still need to be careful with your...” Her voice fades as Luke stops crying, his tears shining on his cheeks.

He's so light you feel like you're barely holding anything. “He stopped,” Denise mutters. “I don't think he was in pain.”

Looking down at the baby, you stand there, motionless. “What do you think it was?” You ask in a low voice.

“Uhm, I don't know. Maybe he likes you.” She mumbles, hands on her hips. “Carol, do you think you can take care of him? If not we'll have to find a family willing to adopt.”

“We can.” You burst out, because suddenly the idea of giving Like into another family sounds absurd. “Can we? I'm sure you can teach me and I'll help.”

“We sure can.” She affirms, and you smile. “Let's get going now. They will soon come to bury Melanie.” Her voice gets darker in the end, heavier.

The whole city attempted to Melanie's funeral. You stood there, beside Carol, little Luke in your arms. You felt anxious when some people came to meet the baby, offering you their condolences and any help you might need now. But eventually, she's buried, and you can't help but let a few tears roll down. Melanie was always kind and wise, and it breaks your heart that Luke won't get to know his mother.

In the next days, Carol has been teaching you everything about babies. Teaching you how to look after him. The baths, how to prepare the baby bottle, how to deal with fevers, and stuff like that. You make a hell lot of questions, eager to know every single thing you can.

Your days revolve around Luke, what is good because you don't have time to think about Daryl and the possibility of him not wanting anything with you. The possibility that those warm nights in his arms are over.

Carol helps you get into a good schedule with the baby. You take turns waking up when he starts crying at night, but despite him growing used to Carol, she takes longer to rock him to sleep again. Luke feels better around you, she says. And honestly, you don't mind one bit. Carol assures you the cryings will get worse. Newborn babies sleep a lot, and with time, he'll need less sleep and that's when things will get hectic. But you're ok with it. You're mesmerized by him, so tiny, so innocent. A beacon of light in such a dark world. It's like a miracle to have a baby here, in an Earth where now the dead can walk again.

As the days pass by, you notice that you easily learn your way with Luke. Carol calls it mother instinct, but you never thought you had it in you... You never really thought about kids, but now... Maybe you could have one...

This thought reminds you of Daryl. Having a baby means you'll have to be very intimate with someone. And you can't imagine being intimate with anyone who isn't Daryl. Sighing, you look through the window of Luke's bedroom. It used to be Daryl's, but since he's sleeping in yours, Carol thought it would be ok to change things. So all of his stuff were reallocated to give Luke his space. Even though he doesn't need much now, being so little.

You haven't told Daryl about it yet. Your talks are always brief, just enough for you to know he's alright and for him to know you're alright as well.

Today, another sweet and slow morning, you're at the couch, a sleepy Luke in your arms. Carol is doing the dishes and getting some stuff ready for lunch. The kids will be coming, so she has something special planned. You'll help her in a few moments when Luke is asleep enough so you can leave him in his crib upstairs.

“I'm going to make cookies for the afternoon. What do you think?” She asks from the kitchen in a low voice.

“The kids will love it.” You say, turning your head to look at her. “When are you going to tell me your secret ingredient?”

“Never, obviously.” She answers and you giggle. “You would have to–” Her voice fades suddenly, and you listen as she puts something down. “Honey, I think they're back.”

“What?” Your heart skips a beat. “Are you sure?”

“Let me check.” She says and walks out, leaving you alone with your thoughts.

Well, not alone. Looking down at Luke, you smile when he moves his hand, grabbing something in his sleep. He's so oblivious to the war happening in your heart now. In your brain. This is it. He's back one day earlier than planned, but even though you knew the time was coming, you couldn't prepare yourself for it. Breathing deeply, you caress Luke's forehead, very lightly as if he's a fragile little thing. His mouth moves a little as if he's trying to speak and you giggle.

“What are you dreaming about, little one?” You ask him, wondering if babies can even dream. Maybe Denise knows, you'll ask her later.

“(Y/N).” His voice startles you, and you immediately look up from Luke, meeting Daryl's blue eyes as he stands by the door.

“D.” Smiling you quickly scan through his body, relieved not to find any sign of injury. “You're back.”

“Aye.” He mumbles. “Ya always have a kid with ya when I come back” He adds, stepping closer to the cough and giving the baby a look. “Who's this?”

“This is Luke. Melanie's baby, she... She couldn't make it.” The happiness fades a little, and Daryl seems a little sad as well.

“Was it her heart?”

“Yeah. It just stopped.” Sighing, you keep your eyes on Daryl. His face softens a little. “She told me once you know... That she'd rather die bringing her child to the world than in any other way but I never thought it would actually happen.”

“Who's gonna take care of him now?”

“I'm the designated mother.” You mumble, smiling.

Daryl looks up from the kid, eyes meeting yours. “By who?” You see a hint of anger in his eyes and you know why. He thinks someone pushed into it, and Daryl hates when people push you into things. Since the very beginning. He did have a fight with Rick when he first showed up here, wanting you to speak about your past. Now it's just a little bit worse. Daryl is very protective, and you can't help but smile to know this hasn't changed. Not yet.

“By him.” Tilting your head to the kid, you giggle when Daryl's face changes, softening again. “Kid likes me, what can I do?”

“Huh.”

“Wanna hold him?”

“Lemme shower. ‘M covered in mud and I don't wanna to give ya or the baby an infection or anythin’.” He says, already moving upstairs.

“Alright.” Settling down again, you bounce Luke a little, but by the looks of it, he's in deep sleep already. “What happens now, little one? Can you please tell me?” In a low voice, you ask him. If only anyone could answer that...

“Where's Daryl?” Carol asks as she comes inside, closing the door.

“Showering.”

“Let me put him in his crib.” She comes to the couch, and you carefully lies Luke in her arms. “You two need to talk.”

“Yeah.” You mutter, watching as she moves upstairs.

You don't want to talk to Daryl. Maybe you shouldn't have spoken to him about your feelings. What if it's too early? Things were perfect before and you don't think you can take it if he wants to... End things? Change things? “Shit.” Quickly, you get up, leaving the house. Running away is not your thing. Not when it comes to Daryl. The only running there is, is when you run into his arms. But now, you just can't. And you don't know where to go. So you just start walking downstreet, trying not to think too much. There isn't anywhere to hide here. If Daryl wants to find you, he will.

“(Y/N)!” Someone calls, and after the usual terror, you recognize Maggie's voice, turning on your heels to look at her. “Daryl's back. Go see him.”

“I-I know.” Stuttering, you look at the street, making sure Daryl isn't anywhere he can see you before you make your way over her. “I just...”

“I thought you two were ok. Before he left I swear to God I thought you'd kiss him.” She climbs down the few steps of the porch, but you gesture for her to go back inside.

“We are.” Maggie has become a close friend. And if you don't talk about this things with someone, nobody will be able to help. “Uhm... I...”

“C'mon in.” She opens the door and steps aside. “Glenn isn't here so don't worry.”

“Ok.” Sighing, you step in, moving to the couch and taking a seat.

“Now...” Maggie comes and sits beside you, a leg folded under herself. “...why aren't you in Daryl's arms right now?”

It's not a secret anymore, Daryl and you. It eventually got out of the house, you don't really know how. “Because I... Goddamn it! I told him I wanted us to be a couple. Right before he left so he could think about it and now I'm terrified of what he'll say and I'm running from him.” You speak fast, hands covering your face. “I freaking love him.”

That's it. The words just came out. You freeze, breathing fast, the weight of the acknowledgment making a few tears roll down. You lie back on the couch, eyes on the ceiling.

“So... Do you want me to act surprised?”

“I want him to love me too.” It comes out as a whisper because this can't be heard by anyone. Not even by Maggie. But that already happened.

“Daryl allowed you to touch him. In public. And he touched you. Again, in public.” Maggie touches your leg, shaking it a little to get your attention, only stopping when you sit up again. “If he didn't love you back, that wouldn't happen.”

“Daryl... May like me. He's very protective and I love that since... Well, since all that shit happened but... Maybe this is it.”

“I don't think so. Daryl always makes sure everyone is safe, but with you it's different.”

Sighing, you wonder if you should believe that. Maybe, if you keep your hopes low, you won't get hurt.

No. You'll get hurt anyways. “I think I should go...”

“Yeah, he'll come here looking for you.”

“Maybe...” Pushing yourself back at your feet, you take a deep breath. “I'll... Take a walk.”

“You know he'll find you, right?” She says, following you to the front door.

“I know... Thanks, Maggie.” Smiling at her, you walk away, always careful in the steps before heading to the garden on the West side of the city.

There are some people here, not much though, but you still keep a distance. By the wall, there's a small square, if you can call it that, with some benches and threes. The kids come to play here some days, but it's not their favorite place. Taking a sit, strategically by a three so it'll hide you, you cross your legs. The wind makes you shiver since the thought of bringing a coat didn't even cross your mind. But it's beautiful here, and lonely. Few people come here, and you rather be alone. At least now, to think.

“Never thought ya would run from me.” His voice makes your heart skip a bit, and you do feel a little guilty. You're not sure why though. Silently, you watch as he comes to stand before you.

“I'm not...” You're were running away. No reason to try to dissimulate. “I just needed some time. Thought you would need some too, so...”

“Had plenty of time out there.” Raising your head to look at him, you can't shake the feeling he always brings you. Safety, warmth, home...

“Yeah... But you don't have to... I mean, what I said before, you don't have to...”

“We need ta’ talk. But not here, c'mon.” He reaches out his hand and you take it, pulling yourself up. “Ya need me ta’ carry ya?”

“No, I can walk.” If he's about to end things, the best you can do it put some distance already.

You walk at the fastest pace you can, eager to just end this. To know what happens now and work from there.

The moment you get to the house, Carol leaves, telling you Luke is asleep and he won't be up for a few hours.

So you go back to the couch, sitting down and bracing yourself, preparing for the worst. Daryl sits beside you but doesn't say anything. Bouncing your leg, you curse yourself for what you did. You know Daryl isn't the one to talk about his feelings, and you don't want to push him to.

“I'm sorry for what I said. I shouldn't have–”

“Ya wanna be with me. Why?” He bursts out, and you look at him. Daryl has his elbows on his knees, eyes on the floor.

“Because I–” Are you really gonna say it? Can you tell him that? Isn't it too soon? Or too late? “I really, really like you... More than a friend or a protector.”

“Ya shouldn't. ‘M way older than ya and yer–”

“Daryl, it's not up to you to decide what I should or shouldn't do. Or feel.” Cutting him short, you turn your body towards him, touching his arm, relieved when he finally looks up into your eyes. “I know you think very low of yourself. I'm well aware of the age thing, but I don't care. What I need to know is how you feel about me.” Making a pause, you take a deep breath. This isn't easy, but you have to talk. To somehow make it easier for him, if that's even possible. “It's alright if you don't. I-I know you don't like talking about this, but I just need to know if... If there's anything else... If you feel this way about me too...”

“I like ya, (Y/N).” He says in a very low voice, you can barely hear it. “And ya shouldn't have feelings for me.”

“Daryl...”

“Nah, lemme talk.” He cuts you off, faking an angry tone. Raising an eyebrow, you nod. “Ya shouldn't. Yer... Young an’ pretty an’ I can't ruin ya. Ya deserve someone better than me.”

“I don't want anyone else, Dixon.” It breaks your heart when he talks like that. You wish he could see himself through your eyes. Who he really is, not this messed up an image he has of himself. “And you won't ruin me. I don't even know what you meant by that, but that's not true, Daryl, I... If you want this... If you want me, you won't ruin me. You'll make me very, very happy.”

You're happy you managed to say all that, despite the many pauses and all the stuttering. There is much more to say, but the time will come. For now, everything you need is to know how he feels.

“I think yer making a mistake, but... I've been thinkin’ and... I don't like bein’ away from ya.”

A smile starts making its way to your lips. “Does it mean that...”

“Yeah, I guess it means that.” He affirms, still not wanting to say the words.

“...Are we going to be a couple?” You have to be sure before celebrating it.

“Yeah.”

“Like... boyfriend and girlfriend?”

“Ya need me ta’ drawn it to ya?” He bursts out, an annoyed expression on his face.

Giggling, you raise an eyebrow. You love this side of Daryl and you hope to see more of it. “Sassy Daryl is one of my favorite Daryls.” You say, moving to his lap, straddling his hip. A second later you realize what you did, your cheeks burning. Daryl is red too, and he's not sure what to do with his hands, but you soon feel them on your waist. “So... Oh, I don't know if you noticed but your room was claimed by a newborn child.”

“Yeah, I noticed the crib.”

“So you're now permanently stuck in my bedroom. Hope it's not a problem.” Smiling, you wrap your arms around his neck. You then realize you haven't kissed him yet. And, hell, you want to.

“Not at all.”

“Can I kiss you?” It comes out suddenly, too fast, and you look down, wondering if he can listen to your heart since it's beating insanely fast.

“Ya want to?” He almost stutters, his voice barely a whisper.

“Yeah...” Nodding, you move closer, eyes closing, and your skin burning in anticipation.

You jump to hear the front door opening, head immediately turning to find Carol. Her eyes go wide at the sight of you and Daryl like this...

“I–”

“Carol, I need you to go away. Like right now.” You tell her, urgency in your voice. You don't want the moment to pass, and you just need to kiss him. Right now. It's like a matter of life and death. “Please.” You decide to add.

“Alright, alright.” Raising her hands, she quickly goes upstairs, and you settle down again, hoping Daryl hasn't changed his mind.

“Ok... Can I–”

You feel his lips on yours before you can finish, and you don't mind at all. Pushing yourself closer to him, you deepen the kiss, completely inebriated by him. The pace is slow at first, as if you're getting to know each other, feeling each other, but then it changes, faster, full of need. You get the sensation he doesn't believe this is happening, by the way his arms hold you as if you would disappear. You won't. This is where you want to be, right here, with him.

×

@funeral-7 @heyyy-hey-babyyy @twdeadfanfic @soraitmnt @winchester-angel @bvbwestfall @shawtygonemad @cameronsails @pulplorrd @browneyes528 @btsiguess-kpop @a-dlv @bibibeauelle

#daryl dixon x reader #daryl dixon fanfiction #daryl dixon imagine #imagin daryl dixon #daryl dixon x y/n #daryl dixon x you #the walking dead x reader #imagine the walking dead #the walking dead imagine

[manikas-whims]

A Place Good Enough

[Read on AO3]

Ship: Kaz Brekker X Inej Ghafa

Summary:

Kaz pays Inej's indenture at the Menagerie and she joins the dregs.

_

A short fic that adds a little more of what happens that night after Kaz takes her with him.

Note:

I'm a new fan and read the SoC Duology this Feb.

This is my first time writing these characters so please excuse anything weird, I tried my best.

Inej may seem a bit scared in this because she isn't the Inej we know in SoC. This will be the first fic of many where I'll try to show our Crows before the events of SoC. A look at their daily lives in the Dregs. And the slow development of feelings between Kanej.

Hope you enjoy this short piece ♥

Kaz

“Let’s start by getting out of here and finding you some proper clothes. Oh, and Inej,” he says, “don't ever sneak up on me again.”

And yet as he ushers the Suli girl out of the salon, the bustling streets remind him how foolish it will be to roam around the barrel at night. Ofcourse a mere glance at his cane and gloved hands is enough to ward people off. No one in Ketterdam dares crossing the young man that goes by the title of Dirtyhands. Even so, it won’t be good for his carefully crafted reputation to be seen limping around at indecent hours with an exotic girl in tow. Dirtyhands doesn’t waste time on frivolous things. He has vengeance to condemn and for that he requires proper focus and meticulous steps. Brick by brick. He reminds himself.

With a quick scan of his surroundings to make sure no one is looking, he removes the deep grey coat he’s adorning and hands it to the girl. He doesn’t miss the way she flinches at the action, probably just as scared of him as the rest of this city.

“Cover yourself.” He commands and continues walking. Thankfully, the girl doesn’t waste time being confused or shocked and quietly does as told. He also notes how she maintains a distance whilst following him but makes sure to stick close enough, her feet soundless despite the bells tied around her dainty ankles.

Inej

Kaz Brekker finally slows his walk as they approach a shabby building in the remote parts of the Barrel. Its lit and noisy but Inej can tell its definitely not a clothing store. And it is only moments later that cold realization dawns on her. There was no release from enslavement to begin with, just a deal struck between a bawd from the west stave and the lieutenant of a notorious gang in the east stave. It was a sham all along. Why wouldn’t it be? Why would one of the most sinister criminals in Kerch buy her out of slavery only to be shifted to an indenture? She should’ve been skeptical. Instead, she had been hopeful because the boy named Dirtyhands is after all, a young one like herself. She thought he may have empathized with her. He had even offered his coat to her. But oh what an utter fool she had been! Everything in Ketterdam comes with a price. Even something as natural as freedom.

Should she sprint away? She can take-off right now. He hasn’t looked back even once to check if she’s there. And he’s a cripple! She can easily outrun him. Yet all these plans formulating in her head are laced around a grim sense of fear. Kaz Brekker doesn’t need a reason. Or so she has heard. He has already earned an ill reputation for being whimsical. She mustn’t start giving him reasons to chase and drag her back down these dark alleys. So she quietly trails behind him as the door opens with a creak.

Men of varying ages who had been busy chatting and drinking, stare at them. His entry seems to raise everyone’s attention as they watch him walk by and approach the staircase. Although that’s all she sees as she continues after the uncaring boy, she does hear numerous brazen remarks.

“Am I too drunk or has Brekker actually brought in a girl?”

“Ghezen! We all must be sloshed.”

“I almost believed something was going on between him and that Zemeni boy.”

“So…Suli huh?”

Some snickers follow this particular remark but the boy doesn’t seem to mind. Does this mean their assumptions aren’t wrong? A wave of panic courses through her but Inej tries to calm herself with deep breaths, tries to focus her mind on the stairs instead. She has faced all sorts of repulsive men in the sheets. Dirtyhands can’t be much different. And even if the rumors aren’t false and he’s part-demon beneath the façade of his sharp suits,  she can still push herself to handle anything. If serving as his mistress will warrant her safety from the likes of Tante Heleen, she can do this. 

A soft clicking sound pulls her out of her trail of anxious thoughts. She notices they’ve walked past several floors and are currently going up into an attic. The inside isn’t much special but appropriately furnished— an old door placed atop several crates acting as a desk, a big window overseeing the surroundings and a door separating what she assumes must be a storage of sorts or a bedroom.

When Brekker finally turns around, his expression as unreadable as ever, Inej shivers. She takes one last gulp of air in hopes of easing herself. She can do this. She just needs to leave her body like she always does. Let the little lynx take care of such matters.

She begins by discarding his coat. Her eyes are lowered to the floor but she can sense his unwavering gaze. Maybe he’s one of those who take pleasure in watching a woman undo herself for him. Or maybe its something else entirely. His stoic demeanor doesn’t provide much to guess. Her shaky hands reach for the hooks in the back of her purple blouse. I can endure this! She mentally assures herself.

“What exactly are you doing?” comes his low voice, like a rasp of stone on stone.

Her hands fumble and come to a halt. She raises her eyelids to find a barely visible, amused smirk marring his pale countenance. “I..thought..I just–”

“Inej, was it?” he interrupts, leaning his weight on his frightening cane shaped like the head of a crow. Did she do something wrong? Will he use it on her? Her shoulders hunch slightly in preparation of whatever is to come. She hears an audible sigh instead. “I don’t remember us agreeing to such terms back at the Menagerie.”

Now she does look up, eyes wide in disbelief. “Oh..”

He passes a hand through his hair. “But since you seem eager to–”

“I’m not!” she yells, her cheeks tinted a lovely shade of pink. Frankly she doesn’t know how to react. It’s her first time speaking to a man who isn’t demanding any sexual favors from her but isn’t being very nice either.

He hobbles over to the makeshift desk and settles on a chair behind it. “Let me guess,” he starts, resting his bad leg on the tabletop and the cane in his lap. “You didn’t trust me.”

“I did!” she protests like a child  falsely accused of stealing candies. However, the embarrassment of her response follows immediately and she tilts her head down again. “Not truly but–”

“Wrong answer.” His tone is even more gritty now. “Its good that you expected the worst. Never trust anyone in the barrel.”

Inej looks at him again. It’s far too late for that lesson now. She’s learnt it the harshest of ways.

“I may be many things but I keep my word, Inej.” He adds solemnly, then fishes out a lone key from his pants' pocket. “Here” he gestures for her to come forward and receive it.

She scurries to the desk and takes it, her fingers lightly grazing along his gloved ones. Is he sending her on an errand already? Is procuring something important going to be her first task for the Dregs?

“Head downstairs and unlock the room directly below this attic with the key.” He tells simply and starts working on the tall stacks of papers lying on the desk.

She waits for further details but when he says nothing more she inquires herself, “For what?”

He glances at her, a brow quirked as if mocking her obliviousness. “Its your room from now on. Go get some sleep.”

“What about my..services?” she asks.

“We’ll discuss all that tomorrow morning.” He answers and waves her off, willing her to leave already.

Downstairs, upon unlocking an old cream-colored door and switching on the light, Inej is greeted by a tiny room. There’s a window overlooking the barrel, a cot arranged directly below it and an empty trunk lying open. Fortunately, everything is clean and dry and without any trace of smells.

As she steps inside, memories of her old life flash before her bleary eyes. This place is not even close to the large tents she used to perform in with her parents yet for some reason, she feels warm. Its not home but it’s good enough.

Shutting the door, she turns off the light and drops unceremoniously onto the cot. Moonlight illuminates the room- her room- in a dim glow. And slowly it happens. Her tense body relaxes into the mattress and her unshed emotions are set free in the form of tears slipping down her cheeks. Loud sobs rack her small frame as her hands hug the grey coat close to her chest. Amidst her shock and disbelief at actually being saved from sexual exploitation, she must have forgotten to return it. Kaz Brekker’s statement was like a dream she’s had every night since being stolen and shackled. A dream of being saved from the hell that is prostitution. I keep my word, Inej. She giggles at the sound of her real name being called by this stranger, tears staining her lips. She hasn’t heard it in so long that she almost forgot who she was. In letting her body go so as to persevere everyday at the Menagerie, she hadn’t noticed that the lively girl called Inej Ghafa was also withering away. She clutches the coat tighter as if fiercely trying to hold onto her remaining self. And for the first time since an year, she sleeps without the fear of being hurt.

Hope it was enjoyable!

I'm thinking of writing a short sequel drabble where Inej just goes to return Kaz's coat in front of everyone at the Dregs xD

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SoC Masterlist

( divider by @firefly-graphics )

#kanej #kanej fanfic #kaz brekker #inej ghafa #six of crows #kaz x inej #crooked kingdom #shadow and bone #grishaverse #dirtyhands #the wraith #kanej fanfiction

[splendidlyimperfect]

chapter 8 - you are enough

Geralt's filled with guilt and Jaskier is trying not to be angry, but when they leave Sayla's farm, all the feelings they've been trying to ignore come to a head.

Chapters: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 Fandom: The Witcher Rating: Mature Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence Relationships: Geralt/Jaskier Other Tags: angst, hurt/comfort, major injury, guilt, caretaking, geralt’s an idiot, i hurt jaskier a lot

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They stay with Sayla for a week before Jaskier feels well enough to travel.

Stop looking at me like that, Jaskier signs one-handed as Geralt helps him tug a clean shirt over his head and around his injured wrist.

Geralt grunts in response, slipping the sling around Jaskier’s shoulder and helping him shift his arm into it. The healer stopped by yesterday to change the bandages again and show Geralt how to do it on his own. Both wounds are still ugly and red, but the ragged edges are sutured now, and Jaskier is able to move his fingers a little.

Only a little, though. Geralt’s stomach twists with guilt as he stares at Jaskier’s wrist and thinks of him never being able to play again.

Jaskier huffs and kicks Geralt in the shin. Stop it, he signs again. He adds a sign that Geralt doesn’t recognize but refuses to explain it when Geralt raises an eyebrow.

Continue reading on AO3

“I need to get Roach saddled up,” Geralt says roughly. “Can you—”

I’m fine. Jaskier pushes himself to his feet and spreads his good arm out in a ta-da gesture. I promise.

Geralt doesn’t believe it. There’s a half-smile on Jaskier’s face, but it doesn’t quite reach his eyes, which are dark and tired. He’d woken up in the middle of the night again, shoving at Geralt’s chest and trying to scream, and Geralt had nearly cried as he’d held Jaskier close and shushed him back to sleep.

Jaskier hadn’t said anything in the morning when he’d woken up in Geralt’s arms. Geralt’s not sure if he’s pretending or if he truly doesn’t remember the dream, but Geralt’s not going to bring it up.

“Sayla made breakfast,” he says quietly, gesturing down the hallway. “Something soft, for…” He tries not to look at Jaskier’s throat.

Jaskier sighs, reaching out and squeezing Geralt’s hand before limping past him into toward the kitchen.

~

Fine, Jaskier thinks as he heads down the hallway. I’m fine. It’s fine. Fine, fine, fine. Maybe if he thinks it often enough, it’ll become true, because right now he’s the farthest fucking thing from fine and he doesn’t know how long he can hold it together.

“Good morning, love,” Sayla says when she sees him, gesturing for him to join her at the table. He settles down awkwardly, nodding in thanks when she hands him a cup of tea. “Sleep all right?”

Jaskier doesn’t reply, just grips the cup tightly and stares at the way his knuckles go white. He remembers dreaming – blood and teeth and things that hurt. In the dream he had screamed; had called out Geralt’s name over and over, begging for help that never came.

He’d woken to Geralt, sitting in the chair next to the bed, holding his shoulder and saying over and over, “It’s all right, you’re okay, you’re safe.” Anger had burned through the fear and everything had been white-hot, Jaskier’s fists pounding against Geralt’s chest, gasping around a sound he couldn’t make, terrified and trembling.

Waking up later in Geralt’s arms had been both suffocating and a relief.

“Hungry?” Sayla asks. She holds out a bowl of watery porridge and Jaskier does his best to not make a face. “I know it isn’t much,” she says, setting the bowl on the table next to him. “The healer said you can’t eat hard foods, though.”

I know, Jaskier thinks bitterly. He takes a sip of the tea and winces when he has to swallow. It doesn’t burn like the first time, but it still hurts.

Everything hurts.

He absently flexes his fingers of his injured hand and tries not to think about how it had looked yesterday when the healer had peeled back the bandages and re-tightened the splint.

“You’ll play again,” she’d reassured him when she’d seen him looking at his lute case in the corner of the room. “Just give it time.”  

The front door scrapes open and the memory fades as Geralt steps into the house. Jaskier can’t look up at him because he knows that all he’ll see is the lines of guilt and regret that have taken up permanent residence on Geralt’s face, and Jaskier doesn’t know how to deal with that right now. He knows, logically, that none of this is Geralt’s fault, but he’s still bitter.  

This wouldn’t have happened if you’d been there, the angry part of him thinks. I would have been safe with you, but you pushed me away.

“Ready?” Geralt asks. Jaskier hates the uncertainty in his voice. He’s guilty and Jaskier’s terrified, and nothing can make either of them feel better.

 ~

 Geralt isn’t surprised when Jaskier refuses to ride on Roach. He’s stubborn – although not usually this stubborn – so Geralt doesn’t argue for the first hour or so. Instead he walks at Jaskier’s pace, meandering along the road underneath the soft blue sky. Roach doesn’t seem to mind, stopping every once in a while to nibble on flowers or patches of grass.

When they finally reach the crossroads at the edge of the city, Jaskier stops.

“What’s wrong?” Geralt asks, reaching out to touch Jaskier’s shoulder. Jaskier flinches and takes a small step away from him, and a piece of Geralt’s heart splinters.

What are we doing? Jaskier asks. He doesn’t look at Geralt, just keeps his gaze on the rows of houses that mark the edge of the city. There’s a slump to his shoulders that seems almost resigned. He signs something else that Geralt doesn’t catch, huffing at him when he doesn’t get a response.

“I don’t understand,” Geralt says.

Jaskier reaches out and grabs Geralt’s arm, then turns his hand up and writes can’t help across his palm.

“I can’t help?” Geralt says, frowning. Jaskier shakes his head, sighing in exasperation. “You can’t help?” Jaskier nods and Geralt studies him for a minute. “You mean you can’t help me?” Another nod. “I don’t—”

Useless, Jaskier writes, and the letters are almost too quick for Geralt to keep up. Should go. Before he can keep going, Geralt grabs his hand and holds it tightly.

“Stop,” he says, shaking his head. Jaskier looks away from him, staring down at the dirt, and Geralt can see tears in the corners of his eyes. “You’re not useless.” Jaskier huffs and nods at his broken wrist. “I don’t want you to go.”

Jaskier’s jaw tightens.

If life could give me one blessing…

“I didn’t mean it,” Geralt says, but he knows the words aren’t enough. He’s worried that nothing will ever be enough to fix the damage he’s done. “Come here,” he says, pulling Jaskier a little closer and gesturing to Roach. “You’re tired. Let her carry you.”

Jaskier looks like he’s going to argue, but Roach intervenes, swinging her head over and butting Jaskier’s chest. He exhales quietly – a hollow imitation of a laugh – then tugs his wrist carefully out of Geralt’s grasp and brings his hand up to stroke Roach’s forehead.

“I’m sorry,” Geralt says because he doesn’t know what else to do.

Jaskier sighs, pressing his forehead to Roach’s and then looking over at Geralt. Where are we going?

Geralt hesitates. “I want… to help.” He gestures vaguely to the bandage across Jaskier’s neck. “To fix things.” The words stick in his throat and he wishes it wasn’t so fucking hard to say what he means. “I don’t mean—not fix. You’re not broken, or useless. I don’t want you to stay because you’re useful.”

Jaskier frowns at him and Geralt sighs, tipping his head to the sky and running both hands over his face.

“You don’t have to be useful,” he says after a moment. “You’re enough. Just you.”

Something hopeful flickers across Jaskier’s face, and it lights a spark in Geralt. He reaches out again, carefully this time, and when Jaskier takes his hand, he exhales in relief.

~

Jaskier spends most of the day riding Roach. Despite his insistence on walking for the first while, he’s grateful to be off his feet. Even after a week of lying about he’s still exhausted, and when Geralt settles behind him in the saddle and murmurs, “Go to sleep,” in Jaskier’s ear, he leans back against Geralt’s chest and does just that.

Thankfully he doesn’t dream.

When he wakes again, the sun is beginning to set, spilling golden light across the fields as it sinks slowly toward the horizon. The air is cool, and crickets are starting to chirp, and it takes Jaskier a second to realize that Geralt is humming.

Jaskier quickly closes his eyes again and focuses on keeping his breathing even as he listens to Geralt. It’s not a tune he recognizes; nothing he’s ever sung, just a simple melody that repeats over and over. Geralt’s arm is wrapped around Jaskier to keep him upright, and his thumb brushes absently across Jaskier’s forearm to the rhythm of the song.

Something aches, deep in Jaskier’s bones, at the simple tune. It tugs at half-memories; little moments of his childhood that dissolve like spun sugar as soon as he tries to touch them. A warm sense of belonging floods through him, and he exhales, leaning back further into Geralt’s embrace.

He feels safe.

“Jaskier.” Geralt’s voice is rough in his ear and it takes Jaskier a second to realize he’s crying. “What’s wrong? Are you in pain?”

Jaskier shakes his head as best he can, nudging Geralt’s hand palm up and carefully writing, What song?

He expects Geralt to brush off the question, but instead Geralt says, “I don’t know.” Jaskier draws a question mark on his palm. “I think my mother used to sing it to me.”

The ache intensifies in ways that Jaskier doesn’t understand, and he’s grateful for Geralt’s arm around him as he continues to cry. He’s not sure exactly why he’s crying, but Geralt doesn’t ask, just touches his arm comfortingly and keeps humming.

Eventually Jaskier taps Geralt’s palm again. His hand trembles as he writes, I’m angry, but not at you. It’s like exhaling, and he suddenly feels lighter.

Geralt sighs. “I know,” he says. It seems for a second like he’s going to keep talking, but instead he pulls Jaskier closer to him. Then he leans forward and carefully presses a kiss to Jaskier’s temple.

Jaskier stills in surprise, suddenly very aware of Geralt’s slow heartbeat against his back. His hand hovers over Geralt’s palm, but before he can ask anything else, Gerald slides their fingers together.

“I care for you,” Geralt says softly, lips nearly touching Jaskier’s ear. Then he starts to hum again, rough and quiet, and Jaskier lets the sound comfort him as they continue to ride toward the sunset.

#the witcher #the witcher fanfic #geraskier #geralt/jaskier #geralt of rivia #jaskier #angst #hurt/comfort #fanfic #update #new chapter #my fic