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#my mind is still blank on the verse idea as a whole
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It’s the Eyes, Chico  ||Across The Spider-Verse ||
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The eyes don’t lie, they never do.
Pairing: Miguel O’Hara x Reader
Warnings: angsty, desc. of fighting, near death, implied fem reader but could be read as GN too
Words: 2.8k
A/N: Tiktok always gives me such great ideas for Miguel O’Hara 💃 Anyway, I hope you all liked this and let me know what you thought.
“So? Your due date is almost here, you excited?” you asked, making conversation with your friend who sat across from you.
Jess looked at you and smiled, nodding her head. She laid her hands on her stomach out of instinct, gently rubbing her belly. “Very, and extremely nervous. I don’t want to do anything to mess this up.”
“You shouldn’t be. You’re going to be an amazing mother, Jess. My godbaby is in great hands,” you reassured her, giving her a small smile.
“I hope you’re right,” she sighed out, smiling to herself. “You ever thought about it?”
“What? Having kids?” you asked, watching her nod. You shrunk back in your seat, averting your eyes from Jess and looking anywhere else. You looked down at your half-eaten sandwich, appetite now gone. “I haven’t really thought about it.”
You lied and Jess knew it, she also knew why and pressed the subject. “Really? Not once?”
“I don’t know, I don’t really think it's for me. Besides, I don’t even have anyone, when would I get the time to even think of children?” you answer, acting nonchalant about the whole conversation.
You were still avoiding eye contact with Jess, making her brows furrow and lips press together in a tight line. You were lying again, you did have someone. “You have Miguel and I know you’d make a great mother one day.”
You scoffed lightly and shook your head, finally looking at her again. It was true, you had Miguel, for whatever that was worth. Your relationship with him was complicated to say the least. You liked him–love him–and you knew he felt the same. Yet the two of you tiptoed around each other the minute any conversation of feelings came up. That didn’t stop him from taking you to his bed any chance he had.
“Right, if he ever stops avoiding our relationship,” you let out softly.
Jess grimaced, she knew all about your situation but she had hoped it would have gotten better by now. She wanted to say something, anything to reassure you but the look on your face told her otherwise.
“I should get going, I have some stuff to finish,” you said.
Before she got the chance to say anything, you got up, taking your food tray with you. You threw your half-eaten lunch away and left the tray. You left the cafeteria, walking with no destination in mind. You had lied to Jess yet again, which you were sure she knew, there was nothing you had to do. Truth be told, you had thought of having children, even before Miguel. Miguel is who you wanted to have that with.
You were heading towards the elevator, going up to the rooftop to clear your head. When you got there, you sat on the edge, letting your feet dangle. You looked out into the city, a few cars whizzing past the building here and there. Miguel’s city was so beautiful. It always made you wonder if this was the future for your earth. Your earth hadn’t advanced that far yet.
Just as your mind was starting to clear, the door behind you opened. Your sense sets off, the aura of the person behind you being familiar. And when you turned around, Miguel was standing at the entrance.
Your eyes met, time stood still as did the both of you. He didn’t move from his spot, tension immediately filling the air. He had a blank look on his face, lips a straight line but his eyes swirled with emotions. You couldn’t tell what they were though, he could still somehow mask them. He was good at that.
“Miguel… What are you doing up here?” you asked.
“I needed some fresh air,” he answered.
You couldn’t help but smile to yourself, finding it funny that you both had the same idea. He’s the one that put you in this habit, coming to the rooftop whenever you needed fresh air.
“You’re welcome to join me then,” you told him, breaking eye contact and looking back straight ahead.
A moment later he was sitting beside you, leaving a foot or two of space between you. He didn’t say anything and soon, the two of you sat in silence for a while. Your mind jumped back to the conversation you had with Jess. It made you want to ask what it was that you and Miguel were exactly.
“I’m glad you’re here actually. There’s something I have to say,” he spoke, breaking the silence.
“Me too. There’s something I have to ask,” you told him.
You turned your head to look at him, eyes meeting once again. That same swirl of emotion was still in them, still masked. You wanted to know what he was thinking.
“I think I should go first,” he said. “It’s important.”
You said nothing, instead you gave him a short nod and allowed him to proceed. His tone told you it wasn’t good news. He spoke softly and sharp, the way he did whenever he needed to get something off his chest.
“We need to stop with what we do,” he continued.
You stayed stoic and calm at his words, but your chest was starting to ache. “And what exactly is that?”
“Sleeping together, seeing each other in secret. It all ends now.”
You looked away from him, turning your head to the view of his city. You blinked, rapidly to keep any tears from welling in your eyes. He was breaking up with you.
“I think we’ve been doing more than just sleeping together, and you know that.”
He did. “No. This was nothing more than just sex, don’t get it confused. It was stress relief for both of us, but it's not needed anymore.”
You let out a laugh, bitter and strained because of how he was defining your relationship. It was true, originally it was just two adults blowing off steam. But it grew into more than just that. Nights of him slipping away right after you finished turned into staying until the morning. They turned into confiding in each other with things no other person would know. And then you fell in love with him.
“You did not just call this—us—stress relief.”
“It’s what it is. We both agreed to it.”
“That was before! Before all the late night talks, before you started coming over for dinner. Before I- You know what, it doesn’t matter. You want to end this, let’s end this.”
You got up from your spot, turning your back to him and ready to walk away. You hesitated for a moment, half expecting him to stop you. When he didn’t, you took your leave and left him sitting on the edge. You waited until you were behind the door before you started crying. Tears falling freely and arms wrapping around yourself to keep you from fully breaking down.
-
It's been a few weeks since your last talk with Miguel, since he ended things with you. Since then you’ve been avoiding him and he’s been avoiding you. The first week or so you stayed away from HQ, staying on your earth to nurse your broken heart. Or at least as much as you could, being a hero didn’t really give you much time to yourself. You still had your city to keep protected.
You went back after Jess came for you, practically dragging you back. Something about missing you and how you needed to talk to Miguel. Apparently he was being insufferable lately, more than usual. You came back, but made no effort to see Miguel. Which was easier to do when he stayed cooped up in his office. You were mostly focused on taking any assignment you could, anything to physically stay out of HQ.
It wasn’t until you called for backup did you see him again. You, Jess, and Hobie were all on some earth, fighting two anomalies that had teamed up. It was safe to say you guys didn’t have the upper hand. As Jess and Hobie held off the villains, you asked Lyla to send someone, anyone. Lyla being Lyla, notified Miguel of the emergency and failed to mention it was coming from you.
He opened a wormhole and went through immediately, right where the three of you were. You were dealing with a Mysterio variant while Jess and Hobie fought his partner, Scorpion. He had the upper hand, holding you in a chokehold that you tried fighting out of. You hadn’t expected this variant to be so strong. You could feel your air circulation quickly starting to cut off, his hand squeezing tighter around your throat. You tried calling out for help, but your teammates were too busy with their own villain.
You were getting dizzy now, couldn’t even lift your arms to shoot your webbing at Beck. They fell limply at your sides, your only focus was on breathing. Your vision grew blurry and you were losing your fight. Then there was a rush of air in your lungs, the pressure around your throat no longer there. You fell to the ground, barely catching yourself and gasping for air. You coughed as you did, holding yourself against the floor.
When you regained your breath, you looked up to see your savior. Staying still when you saw who stood in front of you. It was like time stopped as you saw Miguel not even five feet away from you. His back was half turned to you, fully facing the Mysterio who had previously been choking you. He was knocked down now, landed in some rubble of the building you were in. His head turned, looking at you and stopping in his spot. You didn’t need to be maskless to know your eyes had met.
You stood up from your spot, standing tall and still, feeling breathless once again. This had been the first time you’d seen each other in a long while. You felt your heart ache in your chest, the pain was the same as the first day. You don’t know how long you stood in the same spot, neither of you making the first move. Maybe if you had, you would have seen it coming but your senses were in a haywire.
“Aranea, watch out!” you heard behind you.
You snapped out of your trance, turning around to see Beck not even a feet away. You hadn’t noticed the fact that the one who’d been choking you earlier had just been an effect. The real one was behind you. 
It was too late to move, Beck slammed full force into you and sent you flying. Your back hit against a wall, head banging sharply against concrete. You dropped to the ground, a searing pain spreading from head to toe. You didn’t have to see to know that the hit had been enough to draw blood. It hurt to move, it hurt to breathe and to even keep your eyes open.
You were turned on your back, groaning softly as a familiar blue suit came into view. The nanotechnology of your suit removed your mask, Miguel coming into a better view. Your vision was still fuzzy, black spots in the corners of your eyes.
“Maldita sea,” you heard him curse softly. “Are you okay? Can you move?”
You wanted to speak but your voice was stuck in your throat, so you shook your head instead. He was careful to touch you, his touch felt like a hot searing fire. You were hurt badly, you knew that.
“Just hold on. We’re gonna get you out of here.”
You nodded again, as best as you could without it hurting so much. But as the seconds passed, you felt yourself starting to slip. Your eyes were starting to close, the dark spots getting bigger until they took over completely. And then you passed out, Miguel’s panicked voice being the last thing you heard.
-
It's been a week since your mission with the two anomalies. Since then, you’ve been laying in a hospital bed at the HQ’s medbay. You were hooked up to a few machines, ones that were monitoring your vitals and such. You were in a coma, physically your body had recovered, mentally you didn’t seem fully healed. And each day since you’ve been here, Miguel hadn’t left your side. From the moment he carried you to now.
You came to the seventh day of your coma, stirring in your spot. You could feel yourself regaining consciousness, a dull ache spreading through your body. You opened your eyes, blinking a few times and letting them adjust. You were met with a white ceiling, completely different from you expected to be. A slight panic filled your body and you moved, hands resting at your sides to help push you up.
“Hey, hey, take it easy,” you heard beside you.
You looked over to your right, Miguel was sitting by your bedside. “Miguel?” you croaked out. His eyes met yours, instantly swirling with a cloud of emotions. You couldn’t tell what they were, he was masking them once again. But the way his eyes were softened, sullen and dark, you had some idea. He was scared.
“I’ve got you, it's okay. Lay back, you’ve been out for a week,” he said.
Your eyes widened at his words, struggling more to sit up now. Just moments ago you were knocked down by Mysterio, how could a week have passed since then?
“What do you mean a week? Where am I?” you asked, voice still cracking.
“You’re in the medbay. You were hurt badly during the fight with Mysterio and Scorpion. God, what were you thinking?”
You scoffed, well more like huffed with the way you were still getting used to being awake. This was so like him, immediately jumping into blaming you.
“I was doing my job, Miguel. What else was I supposed to do?”
“Not get yourself almost killed? You were distracted out there.”
“Gee, I wonder why,” you mumbled. “What are you even doing here? Have you been waiting for me to wake up just to say that?”
“No, I… no. You wouldn’t wake up,” he let out softly, head falling. “You hurt your head pretty badly. Your nano-suit couldn’t take the full impact of the hit. When you wouldn’t wake up, I thought… I thought.”
He paused, head still lowered like he was ashamed of looking at you. You moved your hand and placed it on top of his, fingers wrapping around his palm.
“Miguel, look at me,” you called out softly. His head rose and his eyes met yours, guard down this time. You could finally tell what he was thinking, what his eyes were saying. He had been terrified to lose you. “I’m right here, I’m okay.”
He held onto your hand, squeezing it tightly as if he was scared to let go. “I thought I lost you. I distracted you by showing up and I got you hurt.”
“We were on a mission, I shouldn’t have let my guard down. It’s not your fault.”
He was quiet as you tried to reassure him, eyes never leaving yours. You knew your words didn’t quite reach him, but you still tried. His thumb stroked the back of your hand, his touch comforting. You missed him. You wondered what this meant now, since he was here by your bedside instead of avoiding you. You wanted to ask but he seemed to beat you to it.
“I’m sorry for what I said. You were right, we were more than just sex. I love you,” he said. “We’re just… we’re from different earths, I didn’t want to hurt you. We shouldn’t be together by all accounts, but I can’t stay away from you. I don’t want this to end like it did with Gabriella.”
“It won’t. We can find a way to make it work. Nothing bad will happen, I mean it hasn’t yet right?”
“We don’t know that. You know the multiverse is fragile, even the smallest thing can fracture it.”
“We can try,” you let out, voice soft and small. “I don’t want to lose you, Miguel. Please.”
“I wanted to keep you safe and I thought that was away from me. It’s not. I can’t lose you either.”
“So what does this mean for us?
“No se… but you’re right, we can try. If anything happens-”
He didn’t get to finish his sentence, you pulled your hand from his grip and brought it to his face. You used it to grab it gently, leaning over the bed and kissing him gently. He kissed you back immediately, leaning over so you wouldn’t strain yourself so much. You kept your hold on him, having missed the feeling of his lips on yours.
“It won’t,” you said softly after the two of you pulled away from each other. You were looking into his eyes again, smiling at the way he looked at you. His gaze no longer cold and shielded.
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threenounname · 2 years
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waitimcomingtoo · 3 years
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Champagne Problems
Pairing: Tom Holland x Reader
Synopsis: you play Tom a new song you wrote, and he overthinks the lyrics
Masterlist
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On a morning where he was supposed to be memorizing his latest script, Tom got distracted by the sound of you playing your piano somewhere in the house. He followed the soft melody into your studio, where he found you singly softly as you sat with your keyboard.
“You won’t remember all my champagne problems.” You hummed along to the notes you were playing.
“That sounds beautiful, darling.” Tom smiled as he came behind you to rub your shoulders. “Is that new?”
“Yeah.” You nodded as you put your hand over his. “I’m not sure about it though. The lyrics are still a little iffy.”
“Play it for me.” Tom kissed your neck before taking a seat. “I’ll tell you my thoughts.”
“You won’t be any help.” You chuckled. “You’ll just tell me it’s the greatest song ever written like you always do.”
“I can’t help it.” He pouted. “You’re just so talented.”
“It helps to have the loveliest muse in the world.” You cooed, bringing a smile out of Tom.
“Play me the song.” Tom asked. “I’ll be totally honest. I promise.”
“Okay.” You agreed and pulled the keyboard onto your lap. As soon as you started to play the intro, Tom was enchanted.
“You booked the night train for a reason, so you could sit there in this hurt. Bustling crowds or silent sleepers, you’re not sure which is worse.” You began. You looked up at Tom for approval and he gave you a cheerful thumbs up.
“Because I dropped your hand while dancing. Left you out there standing crestfallen on the landing. Champagne problems.” You sang softly. “Your mom's ring in your pocket. My picture in your wallet. Your heart was glass, I dropped it. Champagne problems.”
You stopped playing and looked at Tom to see what he thought. He happily applauded you, making you roll your eyes playfully.
“It’s amazing.” Tom grinned. “It’s the best song ever written.”
You gave him a skeptically look over your piano and he laughed.
“I’m serious.” He insisted. “Is there more?”
“Yeah. I have more.” You nodded and positioned your fingers on the keys. “Here’s the second verse.”
“You told your family for a reason, you couldn't keep it in. Your sister splashed out on the bottle, now no one's celebrating.” You continued. “Dom Pérignon, you brought it. No crowd of friends applauded. Your hometown skeptics called it champagne problems. You had a speech, you're speechless. Love slipped beyond your reaches. And I couldn't give a reason. Champagne problems.”
Tom furrowed his eyebrows as he slowly connected the lyrics together. Between the mention of the ring and the lack of celebration, Tom realized the song was about turning down a proposal. He knew you had never been proposed to before, so he wasn’t sure where the inspiration for the song came from. In the back of his mind, he began to panic. Especially since up in his room, carefully hidden in his sock drawer, was a ring. A diamond ring that he had bought specifically for the reason of asking you to marry him.
“What do you think?” You asked, pulling him out of his thoughts.
“Um, it’s really good.” He said slowly. “Interesting topic.”
“Yeah. I wanted to do something I’d never done before.” You smiled proudly and your fingered the keys.
“Interesting, interesting.” Tom nodded in fear. “Is there more?”
“Yeah. I’m really proud of this next part.” You grinned. “Listen closely.”
Tom gulped as you began to sing the bridge, something he knew you were skilled at writing.
“Your Midas touch on the Chevy door. November flush and your flannel cure. "This dorm was once a madhouse". I made a joke, "Well, it's made for me". How evergreen, our group of friends. Don't think we'll say that word again.” You shook your head as you sang. “And soon they'll have the nerve to deck the halls that we once walked through.”
Tom really began to panic at this point. He knew it couldn’t be a coincidence that you decided to write a song about turning down a proposal a few weeks after he bought a ring. He had one more week to go until he was going to propose, and he assumed you figured that out. Since you were as kindhearted and non confrontational as you were, there was no way you’d turn down Tom if he got down on one knee. You must have written the song as a way to tell him you didn’t want to marry him before he embarrassed himself by proposing.
“One for the money, two for the show. I never was ready, so I watch you go.” You looked into his eyes as you sang. “Sometimes you just don't know the answer ‘til someone's on their knees and asks you.”
“Oh God.” Tom gulped.
"She would've made such a lovely bride, what a shame she's fucked in her head, " they said. But you'll find the real thing instead.” You sang to him as he stared at you with wide eyes. “She'll patch up your tapestry that I shred. And hold your hand while dancing. Never leave you standing crestfallen on the landing with champagne problems.”
“Hm.” He squeaked.
“Your mom's ring in your pocket. Her picture in your wallet. You won't remember all my Champagne problems. You won't remember all my Champagne problems.” You played the last few notes before looking at him.
“So.” You smiled. “What do you think?”
Tom opened his mouth to say something, but found his mind blank. You were testing him, and he wasn’t sure how to respond.
“Um, it’s interesting.” He said softly.
“Interesting? Do you not like it?” Your face fell.
“Um, it’s not that.” His expression was just as sad. He appreciated that you wanted to let him down easy, but that didn’t make it hurt any less.
“Tom.” You noticed his solemn expression. “What’s the matter? Is it bad?”
“Do you...did you...”
“Did I what?” You asked when he trailed off.
“Did you find the ring?” He asked suddenly, making your head jut back.
“The...the what?” You laughed in confusion.
“You found the ring and wrote that song, didn’t you?” He asked sadly. “You wrote it and sang it to me because you didn’t know how to tell me you didn’t want to marry me.”
“Tom, what are you talking about?” You wondered as you stood up and walked over to him. “What ring?”
“The ring you found in my sock drawer.” He said like it was obvious. You stared at him for a long time, trying to understand what he was talking about.
“I didn’t find a ring in your sock drawer.” You told him. Tom’s face pulled back in shock as he realized he had jumped to an incorrect conclusion.
“Hm.” He nodded. “It appears I made an inaccurate assumption based on the information that I was given.”
“You weren’t given any information.” You said as you looked at him skeptically. “What’s going on?”
“I...I thought the song was your way of telling me no.” He sheepishly admitted.
“What?” You laughed, still thinking he was joking. “Why?”
“I don’t know. I thought you were sending me a subliminal message!” He exclaimed.
“I wasn’t! It’s just a song!” You shouted back. “And wait a minute, you have a ring in your sock drawer?”
“Yes, and?” He stood his ground.
“Yes, and?” You repeated in shock. “Did you seriously just say yes, and? Like we’re in the middle of an improv game?”
“It’s just a ring.” Tom shrugged it off to save himself from embarrassment. “What about it?”
“What about it?” You laughed in shock. “What kind of ring is it?”
Tom quieted down suddenly, at a loss for words in the middle of your screaming match. He realized he didn’t know how to answer your question, but he couldn’t leave you hanging, so he told you the best thing he could come up with.
“The finger kind.” He said quietly, making you let out a loud groan.
“I know it’s the finger kind.” You shouted. “But what’s it for?”
“Your finger?” Tom shrugged, making you hunch over to keep your composure. He knew he was dropping the ball so he quickly tried to redeem himself.
“I don’t understand the quest-“
“Were you going to propose to me?” You cut him off as you popped back up. All the other thoughts in Toms head went out the window as he remembered the original point of the conversation.
“Yes.” He said after a minute. “I was.”
“Tom.” You whispered through a smile. He smiled back, relishing in the happiness him proposing brought you.
“Hang on a minute.” He said before running out of the room. He returned soon with a velvet black box in his hand. You covered your mouth with your hands at the sight of the box, knowing exactly what it contained.
“I was gonna wait until our anniversary next week, but I guess the secrets kinda out.” He chuckled shyly as he walked up to you. You wiped a few tears away as you put your hands over his, rubbing his hand softly with your thumb.
“This wasn’t how I planned to ask you. I had a whole speech planned.” He said apologetically. “But I was never very good at keeping secrets. Seriously, there are like hours of content online just of me spoiling-“
“Yes.” You cut him off between sniffles.
“Yes?” He asked.
“Yes.” You repeated through a smile. “I will marry you.”
“You will?” His face lit up as his shaking hands struggled to open the box.
“I will.” You nodded repeatedly. Tom let out a shocked laugh as tears of joy streamed down his face. He finally got the box open and put the ring on your finger with trembling hands. You looked at it in admiration before pulling him into a long kiss. He instantly kissed you back, wrapping his arms tightly around your waist to keep you as close as possible. When you finally pulled away, you were both a mess of snot and tears.
“I got boogers on your face.” He grimaced as he wiped your face with the bottom of his shirt.
“It’s okay.” You chuckled. “I’ll be mad about it tomorrow, but I’m too happy right now. I’m so, so happy.”
“I am too.” He sniffled. “How should we celebrate?”
“I have an idea.” You smirked. “Champagne?”
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beyondspaceandstars · 3 years
Note
Hi!
I've been reading some of your posts and I am a big fan🥰
I was wondering if its okay, maybe you could do a Loki x reader where they were best friends and denied each others feelings all the time and when Loki was brought to the TVA, he found reader there and lots of angst and fluff🥰💞😁
Have a great day😁😁💞💞🥰🥰
Nothing Gold
Relationship: Loki x Reader
Warnings: N/A
Word Count: 1.9k
A/N: thank you so much for enjoying me work I am so glad that makes me so happy! thank you so much for the request. I really liked this idea and I think it came out okay - sorry the ending it a bit abrupt! thank you again :)
Masterlist
.・。.・゜✭・.・✫・゜・。.
Loki had to do a full-on, dramatic as hell, double-take while walking through the TVA library. He had come down to look for a variant file but had apparently ended up finding something else. More specifically — someone else.
You. You. You.
You, his best friend. You, the sweet girl he had a never-ending crush on. You, the one who had just gone missing one day.
Loki could never forget. It was like something wouldn’t let him.
He had invited you around the palace for breakfast before you left his chambers for the night. You two had been up late reading together. You frequently popped over, usually claiming to stay for a few hours, just enough for Loki to read to you some verses of a poetry book, but those hours got longer and longer each time.
Next thing you two knew, it was nearly morning and you needed at least a few hours of sleep in your own bed. He had walked you out, asking you to come back for breakfast in a few hours. You happily agreed, giving him a quick hug before parting. Loki didn’t want to let go. He remembered that detail very well. He wanted to pull you back in his chambers, just hold you for hours. Days. Months. Forever. But he didn’t. He let you go, watching as you made your way back to your modest home. He never realized that would be the last time he saw you.
Well, actually, it technically wasn’t. Because he was staring at you right now. You were at a table near the back of the library, head buried in some files but he could still recognize you. Could always point out that lovely, long hair and those soft, gentle hands. You were always a stark contrast against him.
Loki just watched you for a few moments, completely and utterly confused by the situation. The shock was wearing off and now question after question filled his brain. How did you end up here? What had you done? Were you okay? A million thoughts came over him but his legs had their own agenda. The next thing he knew, he was approaching your table. He almost didn’t know how he got there.
He stood opposite of your sitting form. You weren’t noticing him, apparently very invested in the file you were studying. Loki had to admit, that was quite like you. You were always one to get lost in the words, way deeper than he did.
Eventually, Loki cleared his throat, hoping that’d do something. Slowly, you lifted your head, brows furrowed in confusion as you looked at him from head to toe. You didn’t recognize him, Loki could see it in your eyes. He was just a variant turned agent to you. Something in him felt like it was stabbing his heart over and over again.
"Can I help you with something?" You hesitantly asked but your voice was still so sweet and kind, just as Loki remembered. You were far more patient and soft-spoken than he was.
He said your name like it was the greatest plead but you didn’t react. Loki didn’t know what to do then, realizing you were you but you also…weren’t. His face fell.
You were getting uncomfortable. "I-I’m sorry, I’m not sure I know who that is—,"
"You don’t?" Loki couldn’t help the hurtful gasp he let out.
"Sir, I’m sorry…" Your eyes began searching around frantically. Something was going on. You were getting scared, way past uncomfortable. You wouldn’t look at him anymore.
Loki said your name again, much forceful than the last. You jumped. You weren’t directly responding but Loki could see something in your eyes. He said your name again. Then again. Like it was the only thing he knew. Your eyes met one another intensely, hypnotically.
After maybe the sixth time, you snapped. You jumped out of your seat, breathing heavily, scared, surprised. It had all happened too fast Loki was also taken back. You two were more than just staring at each other. Your wide eyes were taking him in.
"Loki?"
He felt so relieved to hear his name just float off your lips. It was as sweet as he remembered. Like a little lullaby. The stabbing in him stopped.
Loki nodded. "It’s me."
"What…" You looked around as if you had no idea where you were. And maybe you didn’t but Loki hadn’t expected your name to just snap you out of it. This opened a lot of questions for him but he didn’t have time. He raised his hand, cutting off your words.
Loki nodded towards one of the bookshelf aisles further away from everyone. You nodded in understanding, following him down the rows.
Once you were a safe distance away, Loki wasted no time collecting you in his arms, his head buried in your shoulder. You were surprised for a moment at the gesture but then you fell into it naturally, like you had just hugged him yesterday. And really that was how it had felt. But Loki knew better. You had been gone for so long…
"Loki," you mumbled his name, your head pressed into his chest. "What is going on?"
Loki stilled. "Why don’t you tell me what you know."
You scoffed, breaking off the hug. You were a sweet one but Loki was no stranger to your tiny temper. You put distance between you two and Loki allowed it despite how much it hurt.
"What I know?" You repeated, folding your arms. "What I know is that I’m standing in a library with you." You looked around at the space, noting an actual lack of real books. "What kind of library is this anyway? How did I—,"
"Do you remember anything before you got here?"
Your gaze dropped as you studied your shoes. They were some nice black flats but Loki knew that wasn’t your style. You were not the business causal type, usually pleased with the feeling of Asgardian silk gowns.
Something was coming to you as you let out a soft gasp. "I was walking home. We-We had just finished a poem written by that Midgardian… Gosh, what was his name? Winter or something—,"
"Frost," Loki mumbled. "His last name was Frost and you enjoyed his poem about how nothing gold can stay. You found it relatable. I’ll admit, you may have been onto something."
A light had gone on within you. "You thought it was pretentious." Your gaze met Loki’s once more. "I called you a fool and laughed. Then we saw daylight breaking and… and I had to go home. I missed my bed. You wanted breakfast in a few hours. I agreed to come back."
Loki nodded, encouragingly, but your words had fallen off. "What happened next?"
You shook your head, that blank expression washed over you again. "I don’t know."
Loki let out a sigh and leaned back on the shelf. "Do you remember anything after that?"
You looked back down at your outfit. At least the pencil skirt was nice. "Yes," you admitted. "I was hired here. I report on variants to protect the sacred timeline." It sounded to Loki like you were reading a script. What the hell was going on here?
"But you don’t know how you got from Asgard to…here?"
You sighed, a bit annoyed. "How did you get here?"
The snippy temper was back. You were still you. Loki could’ve kissed you, a feeling that had come over him before but was suddenly more intense than ever. He would, he promised himself. He couldn’t leave you again without doing so.
"I had a bit of an…incident."
"Really? You? I never would’ve guessed," you said, the sarcasm on your words dripped heavily. Loki gave quite the dramatic eye roll. You let out a little giggle.
"Yes, well, never mind what got me here, I am here," he said, motioning towards nothing. "And I am assisting with the hunt of a variant."
"You’re helping them?"
Loki scoffed. "Don’t act so surprised." A beat. "I didn’t have much of a choice."
You bit your lip, trying to hold back a smile but failed miserably. Loki had missed this. If he focused really hard, it almost felt like you two were back in Asgard, lounging around, talking about nothing. Teasing one another. His heart was aching.
"What do you know about the variant?" You eventually asked.
Loki glanced away. "It’s me."
"You?"
He shrugged. "Well, a version of me. Another variant."
You slowly crossed the aisle, coming to stand right next to Loki, your shoulders pressed against one another. Loki’s breath hitched just a bit. He would never get used to this.
You asked, "Well, what have ‘you’ done?"
Loki resorted back to his witty humor. "Nothing good as you could assume."
"This mischief of two Lokis is unthinkable."
Loki let out a laugh which you followed suit with. You two were laughing over nothing in this random library in wherever this place was. He could barely understand it and you were absolutely clueless. But the moment of laughter was good, was familiar. Too bad it couldn’t last.
"I’ve missed you," Loki admitted after the laughter had faded out unceremoniously. You looked a bit surprised at the confession.
"Truly?"
He nodded.
You blushed and looked down. "I’d say I missed you too but I don’t feel like we’ve been apart. How long has it been?"
When Loki wasn’t giving an answer, you forced yourself to turn back to him. He was staring at you quite intensely. You shivered under the gaze. It was an expression you hadn’t seen before, he hadn’t allowed you to see. It was one full of love and interest and adornment.
"Too long," was all he said before his lips were on yours. Loki finally took what he had been craving and it was happening in the TVA library. The fucking TVA. Loki’s head was still spinning with worries about this whole thing but, slowly, he got lost in you. In your lips and softness. Your hands grasped his shirt as you deepened the kiss — you. You wanted more from him. And he was happy to give.
His hands caressed your sides lovingly, feeling and holding you in the way he had always dreamed. It was better than anything he could’ve conjured. It felt right and real. Good and… Too good. Too powerful.
An alarm was going off somewhere now. You hadn’t seemed to notice it, still captivated in the kiss, but Loki was aware. He forced you two apart, reluctantly. You looked at him, ready to protest, but before you could ask anything, Loki was placing a hand over your mouth.
Footsteps were approaching. They were coming towards your aisle. Whatever had happened here wasn’t good, something had gone haywire. Had he broken the timeline? Was that even possible here? Loki didn’t know but what he did know was there was an army on the hunt for them. Without thinking twice, he grabbed your hand, looking for an escape route.
"Loki," you finally were able to speak, keeping your voice hushed as you two maneuvered the maze of shelves, "what did we do?"
"We love each other."
"Love?"
Loki stopped despite there being no time to stop. "Am I wrong?"
You didn’t answer. That was all he needed. Now to only get the hell out of here. Loki couldn’t tell if his encounter with the TVA had been a blessing or a cure as he held you close to him, refusing to lose you again to whatever trap this place planned to lay.
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msmarvelwrites · 3 years
Text
Season Of The Witch
Summary: Your witchy abilities get you in quite a bit of trouble from time to time… But this time you don’t mind so much. 
Pairing: Bucky x reader 
Warnings: Swearing, fluff, honestly i think that’s it. Just soft boy Bucky.
Word Count: 2k
Author's Note: I had a lot of fun writing this one. Little bit of a witchy- halloween vibe for ya guys… Honestly I’m really in love with this idea, so who knows- if you like it I might write a part 2! 
Huge Thank you to @cutie1365 for editing this mess! Couldnt have done it without her!
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“Okay, okay. What colour am I thinking of now.” Peter squealed, plopping himself down on your bed, staring at you like a kid on christmas. 
Being the Avengers personal psychic has its benefits, but this was certainly not one of them. You thought your party-trick of a superpower would have grown old on your friends, and yet it always seemed to draw a crowd of non-believers. You weren't the toughest or the strongest by any means, but you sure knew your way around a person's thoughts, which proved to be an advantage to the team. Mostly you were in charge of recon, but that didn't stop Natasha from dragging you to the gym every weekend and torturing you with super hero level workouts. 
“How many more times are we going to do this, Peter?” You sighed, but soon realised he wasnt caving. “Blue. Just like last time it was orange and the time before that thirteen. Can we please stop.” 
Peter scanned you over for a moment, before relaxing back on your headboard. 
Fine, but only because Mr. Stark said he was ordering Chinese and it's probably here by now. His voice echoed through your mind. 
“Actually, I heard Wanda say he’s getting pizza.” You corrected.
“How did you-?” He paused, eyes agape as your words registered. “That is seriously cool, you know that? I mean, I hang from the walls but that- that is cool! I can see why they coined you The Witch now,” Peter playfully shouted. “Can you do that with anyone, at any time?” 
You smiled sheepishly, remembering the times your wandering mind had gotten you in some pretty uncomfortable situations. You tried your very best to stay out of your friends heads, but sometimes that was easier said than done. Especially when it came to the former Hydra assassin. His thoughts seemed to creep into your mind, seeping through the cracks unbidden. Sometimes his mind would wander aimlessly, but that wasn't always the case. You knew about Bucky’s dark past, however hearing it in his own cruel words was something else entirely. Though he would never utter the words allowed they were seared into your mind. You had every sense to avoid the man and yet his voice, like gravel and smoke, drew you in, intoxicated on his every word as it clouded around your subconscious.
“Unfortunately” You sighed, easing back into the mattress and unconsciously biting at the corner of your mouth. Your gift didnt make you very popular when you were younger. You were honestly surprised it was so welcomed here. Most people consider you an invasion of privacy...  But Peter was different from the highschool kids you grew up with. Maybe it was due to the fact he was different too, but something about the way his mind wandered made you believe that radio-active spider or not, Peter would always be Peter. 
“What does Bucky think about?” 
That knocked you out of your thoughts. You snapped your head up and looked at Peter, who only seemed to have a curious look in his eyes. 
He’s so broody and mysterious. Guy gives me the creeps. 
“Bucky is a sweetheart deep down.” You faked a smile, concerned as to why you felt the need to defend him. From an outside perspective, it was possible to fear the former Winter Soldier. However, knowing what you did haunted your nerves. 
“I’m sure very, very deep down.” Peter chuckled. “I’m going to go grab some pizza before Sam eats it all. Are you coming?” 
You smiled softly, preparing yourself for the dinner with your friends. Though you enjoyed having a sort of family, dinners together would often grow overwhelming in your mind, voices colliding though your head, brewing into a storm in your thoughts. 
“I’ll be down in a few.” With that, Peter stumbled out of your room and down the hallway leaving you with your thoughts. You closed your eyes, concentrating on the many different voices faintly echoing around you. You could only make out bits and pieces as they vibrated through the walls and all around you. At first, it was hard to identify whose voice belonged to who, but soon after you moved into the compound it became easy. 
Natasha thought in poems. Her brain was always working on the next solution- the next verse. Her mind wandered in and out of trains of thought like a dancer, drifting back and forth with ease. It was always relaxing listening in. 
Tony was constantly listening to his music wherever he went. You had an inkling it was because he knew how powerful you were. ‘Like built-in surveillance,’ he’d often say. Though, you’d never deflate his ego in letting him know you could still hear his thoughts clear as day. 
But then there was Bucky. It took you a while to understand his thoughts. They always seemed erratic and chased- never one thought all at once, but it soon became clear why. Bucky was constantly correcting himself. When his mind began to tiptoe into the darkest corners, he’d change the conversation, ushering it back to what he thought was right. Listening to his internal debates became a favourite pastime of yours. He often reminisced about his time in the forties. You liked how easy it was, listening to him think. Though you had never said more than five words to him allowed, you were content with this little part of him. Pieces only you both knew. Like the beautiful woman he would lose himself daydreaming about. The way he described her made you feel flush all over. He never thought her name, and yet it stung all the more knowing his heart was stolen. His beautiful ‘ведьма’. Not that you stood a fighting chance. Not to mention the impending age gape you both shared. Often he would find you staring and a string of curses would follow as he realised he’d be caught. You never meant to intrude, but then again, that wasn't entirely true. 
With a huff, you swung your legs off the bed letting your feet hit the cold wooden floors, but before you could even open the door, you heard him. His voice was so loud you almost didn't know if he was speaking aloud or not. 
Just do it, you punk. Walk up there and ask her. What’s the worst that could happen?.... She could plunge a knife into your back- no…. She wouldn't do that and you know it. If you ask her, she might say yes… Honestly that might he worse than- 
You swing the door open, startling Bucky back a few paces as your eyes might his. Instantly his face blooms with pink as his mind races- his thoughts an incoherent mess. 
“Hi Bucky.” You spoke only above a whisper. 
“Oh jesus! I didn't know you were right there.” He mumbled, rubbing the back of his neck trying to steady his breathing. 
“Sorry…” You mumbled, breaking eye contact and suddenly finding the floor very interesting. “I didn mean to scare you-”
“You don’t- I mean, you didn't scare me.” He chuckled, his mind suddenly blank. “It doesn't matter right now because I, uh… I was wondering if you're coming for dinner.” 
You nodded your head, “Yeah, on my way now.” You smiled softly. 
“Great,” Bucky grinned, running his hand through his cropped hair and stepping aside. “I can walk with you.” 
You nodded, swallowing hard as you swung the door shut and began walking side by side with Bucky in heavy silence. 
“Know what’s for dinner?” Bucky finally spoke. 
“Pizza. Your favourite.” You affirmed, meeting his curious eyes. His strides slowed until he was at a full stop. 
“I never told you that.” He pried, looking at your in question. 
You froze, suddenly aware of what you had just said. There was nothing more you wanted than to sink into the floor and let the earth swallow you whole. 
“Uh,” You nervously laughed, “You must have at some point. Yeah, I remember now, it was-”
“How often do you listen?” he interrupted, making your mouth clamp shut. 
You thought about lying, though it didn't seem right. You knew all his secrets and all he asked was this one. Surely you could grant him that even if it cost a punch to the ego.
“All the time,” You started, your eyes never leaving the floor. “I don’t mean to. At least that’s the way it started. I really try to put you guys all on ‘mute’ when we're together, but your voice always comes through. I don't know what it is, but I like the way you think.” You admitted, feeling heat rising from your chest.
“You like the way I think?” He pried, taking a few steps closer to you. You could feel the tension buzzing around the hallway, ricocheting off the walls and exploding all around you. 
“I’m sorry, I’m so embarrassed. It's such an invasion of privacy. You must hate me. I promise I won't tell anyone about the things I hear. Especially her.” 
“Her?” He chuckled, taking another step toward you leaving only a few tiles between the two of you. 
“Ведьма.” You choked out. “You think about her all the time. She sounds beautiful, by the way. I’m sorry, that's overstepping… I just, I’m sorry. Really I’ll just go-”
Before you could turn on your heel and run for the hills, Bucky's hands were around your wrists, holding you still. His eyes were pleading as he opened he opened and shut his mouth trying to find the right words to say. 
“For a witch, you sure aren’t very intuitive.” Bucky signed, your eyes finally landing on his.  “My beautiful witch, don’t know by now?” 
You blinked at him, your mouth suddenly dry and words caught in your throat. Before you could speak, his thoughts broke through the air, tumbling around you. 
Are you listening, doll? His voice echoed around you sending a shiver down your spine. You nodded your head, watching as his eyes crinkled up as he a lopsided grin formed on his pink lips. 
It’s you. It’s always you. I've tried to stop, trust me. I just can’t seem to shake it.
You almost didn't notice the smile that began to pull at the corners of your mouth as you took in his words. They drifted in the air around you, echoing through your mind as Bucky’s thumbs rubbed circles into your skin. 
“Ask me.” You spoke up, a sudden confidence serging through your core. Bucky raised a brow, scanning you over until your words resonated with him. 
“Right, of course.” He cleared his throat, letting go of your hands and intertwining his own nervously. “Would you ever consider letting me take you out. To dinner, maybe?”
You bit down on your bottom lip to stop yourself from giggling as you listened to his internal monologue of nerves that followed his question. 
“Took you long enough.” You chuckled, watching as his smile lit up the room around you. Before you could stop yourself you closed the distance between you, draping your arms around his shoulders and crashing your lips onto his. Bucky froze, but almost as instantly melted into you, his hands finding their home on your hips as he pulled you in. You wanted nothing more than to melt into him but his racing thoughts swirled around you, causing a giggle to fall from your lips. 
Holy Shit. Kiss her back, you moron. Oh god she smells so good. What is that? Cinnamon? Citrus? Shit, she's so close to me. Don't panic. Don't panic. Fuck she feels good. Just relax, and- Oh shit. Can you hear me? 
You couldn't help but throw your head back, laughter bubbling out of your chest as his thoughts raced through his head. 
“I can tell you're going to be a lot of fun, Barnes” You mumbled against his lips.
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A/n: Nervous Bucky is my favourite can you tell? I loved this one, show some love if you felt the same! 
@cutie1365    @whateveriwant
@projectcampbell    @kalesrebellion
@calwitch     @hpandmcu177a
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synnthamonsugar · 3 years
Text
Savathun's Trip to the Last City
Now that we have a clearer picture of what’s going on with Savathun I decided to compile the last year’s worth of her POV lore pieces together.
This is super long, and has spoilers for Path of the Splicer VI / Beneath the Endless Night VII, so I’m putting it under a cut.
Credit to @xivuuarath for reading through this and adding some of their ideas! We talked about more beyond what’s posted here, but this is getting long, so maybe that would be better saved for a part two.
1. Traveler's Chosen (Season of Arrivals)
This piece is told from the POV of a narrator viewing the events through an "ossific den". Based on later lore pieces, I'm certain the narrator is Savathun. Given that ahamkara bones have been compromised by her, and that Shaxx has an ahamkara skull slung up in his station, it’s safe to assume this is Sav’s vantage point.
That said, I don't believe Savathun is observing Shaxx, but rather Zavala, struggling in the wake of the Darkness' encroachment on the system and his colleagues' refusals to evacuate to safety. She seems pleased to find Zavala in a desperate state, and watches as he has a silent conversation with the Traveler. Of note is that she's waiting for it to respond.
He waits for a response and I do as well, tense, curious. [ . . . ] It is no time at all for me, but for him, the hours creep by in silence.
I am ready to choke the voice of his Traveler if it answers him, but there is nothing.
2. Harbinger Mission (Season of the Hunt)
Thank you to @xivuuarath​ for pointing this out since I didn’t include it the first time around. During the Harbinger mission Savathun’s forces are attempting to secure a Shard of the Traveler in the EDZ. Of note is that they aren’t trying to destroy it, but rather siphon the Light from it.
Given that the Shard of the Traveler is what allowed our Guardian to jumpstart their Light when they lost it during the Red War, and is what allowed Uldren Sov to break into the Dreaming City during the events of Forsaken, we can assume it’s useful to lightbearers and mortals alike. Make note of this, because it becomes potentially relevant later on.
2.5. Hawkmoon (Season of the Hunt)
From an unknown vantage point, Savathun watches The Guardian and Crow celebrate their defeat of her Taken at the Shard of the Traveler. Unlike Zavala, she can find no weak points in Crow or the Guardian, only happiness. This awakens something in her.
What is this feeling? I did not ask for it. I do not understand it. I do not want it.
Which gets repeated throughout the lore piece. This is our first glimpse of Savathun having feelings that don't fall into the range of "malevolence" or "plotting". She yearns for her youth with her siblings and the warmth of her old life, and feels burgeoning regret for the people she betrayed.
There is a growing kinship here. Against better judgment.
This is ambiguous enough to be a comment on Crow’s and The Guardian’s relationship, or herself and The Guardian and/or Crow. She's called us her friend before but this might be the first time she's actually had friendly feelings for us.
3. Books of Sorrow: New Verse (Season of the Hunt)
This hasn't actually been posted on Ishtar Collective and I'm too lazy to track down a transcript online, so pardon the source. There's a lot to unpack here.
I walk in a city made of delicate hopes.
Savathun has moved beyond occupying ahamkara bones and is actually physically present.
I hear my name everywhere. [. . .] The sound is nourishment.
Imbaru machine on-line?
I am more than I ever was, and less than I will ever be.
Make note of this line.
I am many and none. I'm a man who sits alone in a cavernous office counting my failures. I'm a woman looking at a silent god. I'm a lost soul on a cold moon. I'm a broken mirror of a man who tries to steer the ship.
Comparing (?) herself to Zavala, Ikora, Eris, and back to Zavala again?
I'm a familiar stranger, flitting between them all, hiding my face.
Again, I think she's speaking literally here.
The people here are small krill dwarfed by the enormity of oblivion.
A neat little comparison of humanity with the krill, who we established in her last appearance she's beginning to feel regret for.
4. Retrofuturist (Season of the Chosen)
Savathun watches a Crucible match, and judges Guardians for being reckless with the gift of immortality. The tone of this piece reinforces the idea she is actually out and about in a corporeal form.
I'm mostly interested in her perspective on Ghosts here. She calls them "A perfect being", and describes their ability to revive the dead as miraculous. She isn't happy that the spectators don't appreciate the gravity of this. Weird sentiment for a hive but ok.
I look up into the blank white face. I feel its Light on my cheeks. It no longer burns me.
The Hive are repelled by the Light. Savathun has grown to tolerate it. Something has changed in her metaphysical composition.
@xivuuarath​ made the excellent observation that she might have been at least partially successful in the Harbinger mission - that she may have secured enough Light to build up an immunity, allowing her to be physically present in the City without being hurt by the Traveler.
Each revival is a choice. I know what to do.
Tuck this away for a moment.
5. Beneath the Endless Night: VII - Ripe (Season of the Splicer)
Okay this whole page is insane so excuse the massive infodump here.
I walk through the City on broken legs. I am conspicuous, but the people here grant me many affordances. I chose this form well.
Confirmation that our girl is actually bumping about in a human-form.
I open my eyes and search the faces of the people around me for familiarity. I did not mean to. I twist inwardly with disgust.
She's sympathizing with the humans of the City. She does not like this, but she is!
When they first reached for me, I reached back in acid mockery, and they opened themselves to me in stupid, naked innocence. I was giddy. My fingers raked their minds. I forced my will through them using only words and met no resistance.
Now I reach as often as they do, and when they reach back, I am thankful. I speak with them. I seek their company. Their companionship.
In case it wasn’t obvious already, Savathun has been running a psy-op on the residents of the Last City, which may explain some of the particularly erratic and troubling behavior from individuals / groups this season.
However the interesting thing is, while Sav used her powers of suggestion to manipulate, the humans unknowingly manipulated her in return. Not through any magic - simply through their kindness.
Savathun is doing more than observing the people of the Last City, she is living with them, getting to know them. Savathun is making friends and it’s literally changing her.
This is not pity, for I know pity. What is this—
A call back to the Hawkmoon lore with her trying to make sense of budding positive feelings.
I clench the gangling black mass that threatens to unspool recklessly from within this shell of flesh. My new arms are too thin, too weak. My new shell still bound with thick mucus. Not yet, I say.
I suspect that the “new shell” she talks about here is not her human-form, but rather something else growing inside it.
A man places his hands on me, on my shoulders, on my back. He asks if I am ill, and he sees my flat eyes, my teeth black with ripeness, and he prepares to scream. I let him keep his mind. I push breath up and through my ruined mouth and speak a simple lie. He stops, smiles, laughs. Shakes his head. He points a finger at me in mocking admonishment before walking away.
A few things to unpack here.
Savathun is physically deteriorating... badly. @xivuuarath pointed out that the body horror of this particular scene mirrors the Emissary’s description of a world with no darkness and creatures that are incapable of death even as they physically fall apart, and if you follow that line of thinking you may infer that she’s forcing herself to live through light alone.
She's approachable enough that some rando would see her in trouble and want to help her, reinforcing the point that she's been wandering about the City and vibing with its residents.
She could have done worse to the good samaritan but chooses not to. She does her mind trick and lets him go about his business. She’s showing mercy... which is something we know the hive absolutely must not do at the risk of being consumed by their worm.
Even here, basted in deception both ample and rich, the Worm cries ravenously. It has grown grotesque, skin taut, overfed, and still it howls for more. It commands me to keep it alive.
I look up, beyond the flickering net of darkness, and see what rests just beyond. Waiting for me. The Worm roars.
NOT DISCONCERTINGLY AMBIGUOUS AT ALL that we don't know if the worm is roaring in terror, pleading or triumph.
TL;DR of what I think is going on.
Savathun came to the City to destabilize it through manipulation, but could not be physically present until she hardened herself to the Light. Camouflaging herself in a human form, she spent time with the residents of the City, and found herself manipulated in return by their kindness. She's resisting the positive emotions, but they're there, which is something we've never seen between hive and humans before. You can't have a crisis of conscience if you don't have a conscience, and Savathun does.
I think Savathun is trying to shed her current form and be reborn in some capacity. I think she's going to try to use the Light to rid herself of the Worm and bootstrap herself into something new. If you'd asked me before reading this lore, I would have insisted that she wanted to become a thought-entity, but the cocoon-like imagery makes me second-guess this assumption.
There are outstanding questions at this point.
Why did she want to prevent Eris and/or The Guardian from communicating with the Darkness in Season of Arrivals? Is there a purpose to the Endless Night beyond eroding willpower and sowing division? Is she trying to save only herself, or attempt to undo the millennia-old injustice she inflicted on her people?
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¤°~Ghost Marriage: Lovely Bride To Be?! Part 3°~¤
Previously... 
"STOP YOUR STEP!!"
At the end of the hall, Senior Vanrouge and Sebek were conversing with the ghosts knights. "They became angery just because of a mere joke I made about them. Such a bunch of narrow minded ghosts." Lilia jests with ignorance in his tone.
"Ugh, the guys from Diasomnia! Why did you bring these ghosts here?!" Ace yells out in fear. "You naive ghosts who dare to snarl at Lilia. I'll get rid of you guys!" Sebek said with very little amusement.
Present Time..
After the fight with the ghosts. The student's and Headmaster go to the field so ghosts won't bother them. Students who were also kicked out the school stayed at the field. "Ha...haaa. Ugh the sides of my stomach hurt so much." Ace tries to say as he and Deuce groan and grumble in pain.
"Ace, Deuce." A familiar voice spoke. "Ah, Prefect Roseheart!" The two huff out as they nod. Azul and Kalim stood next to Riddle, but Azul looks at the two with confusion. "Where is Prefect (Y/N)? Shouldn't you two be with her?" The prefect of Octavinelle points out.
The A-Deuce combo only shrug. "I think she got mixed up the crowed." Deuce says as he looks at the growing crowd of students. "How did you guys get put here?" Ace asks the three dorm leaders.
"We had gotten chased out by some ghosts that suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Even though it was valuable time for the three of us to study together." Kalim responded, while Azul shot him tired glance. "Kalim. Shouldn't it be "valuable time where we teach you about studying."?" Riddle could only sigh and cross his arms. "We almost got Kalim to understand the question..!"
"When we stayed in class, a bunch of ghosts appeared. They chased us out while saying, "this will be the brides fitting room!"" Grim watched as more students came up to them. Telling the same tale. "Everyone who was kicked out from campus has already gathered around..!"
"It seems like the whole campus has been taken away by those ghosts." Deuce said rather calmly. Ace on the other hand was more shocked than calm. "Oi! Principal, what's going on!?"
Before Mr. Crowley could respond, Ortho decided to explain. "I'll be the one to explain. You see, yesterday..." Once the young Shroud told everyone of the events that occurred. Everyone went silent. The only person who spoke after Ortho, was Riddle.
"The ghost groom has been searching for his ideal princess. Then had chosen (Y/N) as his ideal bride... That's the idea, correct?" Riddle revised as his expression was oddly calm. "WHAT!!!!" The group of NRC boys all screamed in anger and fear, a lot of other expression as well.
"We need to save her!!" Ace says immediately after the video was shown. "What will happen to (Y/N) if she does marry the Ghost Groom?!" Deuce asks the principal with fret. Mr. Crowley casted his eyes downward, with a somber voice he said.
"If (Y/N) marries the ghost prince, that is the same meaning of signing a contract. Which will mean, once the wedding is over.. SHE WILL FOLLOW HER SOON-TO-BE-HUSBAND TO THE UNDERWORLD!!!" "EEEEHHH!!!" Everyone yelled out in shock.
Mr. Crowley continues: "I put my guard down because I never would of expected someone who meets the conditions of the prince and his ideal Princess would exist in this world." Headmaster Crowley said with dread in every word he spoke.
"(Y/N)... Is going to be a ghost..!?" Epel gasps out with fear. "We can't let that happen!" Jack gruffs out as he bared his fangs. Many others agreed at helping the female student from her impending doom.
"We need to come up with a plan then!" Ortho tells the group of fired-up teens. "How about we start talking with them? We can throw a party! I bet that the ghosts will definitely let (Y/N) go if we just explain the situation."
The young Al-Asim heir suggested to his fellow peers. Rook nods, agreeing with his classmates. "A truly splendid idea, Roi d'or." A slim smile crepts on Rooks lips, "though..." The huntsman drawls out, his eyes turn a bit narrow.
"Do you think you'll be able to persuade a groom who has been searching for his bride for so long?" Rook crossed his arms over his chest as he continues on. His voice hinting with amusement. "If I was in his place, I'd never let my beloved go."
Leona growls, "so our only option is to just beat those ghost into submission." Vil scoffed at Leona and his idea. "Have you forgotten that we all ran all the way out here because we couldn't do just that." The male model said sassily with a frown gracing his painted lips. "No matter what we did, we couldn't defeat all those ghosts."
The headmaster starts to speak, "they are truly a infuriating opponent to take on. We should avoid confrontation as much as possible." Lilia starts to ponder as Crowley squawked about. "Lord Sam is well versed in the ways of ghosts and things of a spiritual nature. Shall we go see what he has to say on the matter?"
"Lord Sam... Do you mean Sam from the student store?" Deuce questioned the old fae. Lilia hums, "I was acquainted with his great grandfather." Cater starts to laugh dryly. "I still can't tell when you're joking or when your being serious... Lilia."
"Then we must make haste to the student store!" The headmaster yells as he and the others rush to Sam's shop. As soon as the shop door closed, Sam greets them. "Yo, headmaster and little demons. Whay could you be looking for that brought you all here?"
Sam chuckles and shakes his head. "Kidding! I know you're looking for something to deal with that ghost groom, right?" Sam told the group of teens and headmaster. Riddle is perplexed by Sam and his words. "This speeds things up but it sounds like you knew we would end up here."
Sam starts to laugh once more. "My friends on the other side bring me all kinds of info." Soon Sam's voice quickly turns less cheerful. "But things are getting really dicey. Ghost are tied to this world by a really powerful "lingering attachment".
Sam explained more in depth on what he meant. How they still come back because of the "attachment". "And as long is it remains, they'll keep comin' back." Grim felt realization struck him like lightning. "That's why the ghost of Ramshackle keep coming back!"
"Bingo! Precisely. That's why ghosts are so hard to handle." Ortho asked how they can save (Y/N), saying there was no such item like that to get rid of the ghost permanently. Sam grins and says, "IN STOCK NOW!" Azul looks at Sam selection while Leona tsks.
"Groom and brides are especially quick to meet tragedy. So they turn into ghosts all the time." Sam then holds up a item, "to get rid of a ghost groom. You need the "ring of severance." Slide this ring onto the host's left finger while saying "I shall love you till death do us part." And it will forcibly send him to the other side."
"How could (Y/N) give this to him? She's not even here!" Vil said as he picks up the small ring. Crowley gasped as he remembers something about the ghost groom. "Hold on a moment, the ghost groom was a boy who loved a challenge."
"So if one of you asked for (Y/N)'s hand. He'll see it as a duel for her hand in marriage, you don't have to win. But you must be able to give her the ring and tell her what to say." Lilia giggles at the crows plan. "It'll be fun to watch the drama unfold by stealing someone's bride."
"We shall call this plan... "Operation, Lovely Bride To Never Be!"" The headmaster said confidently, "it's a bit long for a name." Ace mutters under his breath. "Now I must decide on who the grooms will be for his plan." Crowley exclaimed as the male students to crowd and shout. "I'll do it!" "Let me do it!" "As if!"
The headmaster started to sweat with nervousness stirring in him. The gleaming eyes of the students were scaring him! It was almost as if each student was ready to take a role as a groom by ANY means necessary. Which it seemed like the students were readying themselves for.
"Alright alright! Will do a vote! I will write down all of your names and put them in my hat. I'll choose four grooms for this operation. So that means four names will be drawn." Mr. Crowley says with a exasperated look on his face.
_________________________________________________________
(Y/N) sat in the far corner of the "fitting room." She held a blank expression as she looks at herself. She wore a beautiful wedding (gown/suit/ect) as her hair was spruced up and was placed into a (loose/ponytail/ect). A (white/gold/silver) tiara with a veil attached to it was on her head. (Y/N) wanted to rip the thing off her, but then the ghost would force the item back onto her head again.
Sighing and cursing under her breath. (Y/N) felt queasy, or maybe it was because she hadn't ate anything yet. This was all happening so fast! (Y/N) did not want to be married to this ghost groom. She hoped that her friends would find a way to get too her before the wedding started.
"Bleh..." The female utters as she looks at her bare feet. A knock was heard on the door as a soft "coming in" was heard. A slim ghost that wore a white suite appears in front of her. He was the nanny of the ghost groom.
"Come, my dear lady. Your fiance is waiting, he needs your help with decorations and would like your words on it." (Y/N) felt herself become stiff, but agrees. Playing along was her better chance of escaping her "wedding". "Of course," (Y/N) said politely as she walks with nanny ghost.
The two reach the cafeteria, now transformed with pretty decorations and tombstones. Along with dark blue flowers and white sheets cover each table. The nanny smiles at his prince with nostalgia. "It seems like only yesterday you were a small child. Trying to find follow your dream and find your dear princess. A dream you lost long ago with your life as well. What a cruel twist of fate." The nanny said as his voice started to crack.
"If only I had arrived at your room faster, I could of helped you escape..." The sweet prince smiles at his caretaker. "It is alright now, know need to bring up the past. Don't let all that stuff bring you down."
The young princes smile never faltered. "Besides, going through all that pain and sadness is what allowed me to meet (Y/N)!" His caretaker could feel his spirits lift at the princes words. "Oh prince Elias, you are always so courageous and strong."
(Y/N) could feel her heart cry at what she heard. She didn't know that... Breathing in a gulp of air, she slowly walks closer to the two. 'It's gonna be okay..' "You did a great job Elias." (Y/N) said as she gives him a small smile.
The ghost groom returns her smile tenfold as he looks at his bride. "My goodness, (Y/N)! You look just as beautiful as a.. Well beautiful than an' undead flower!" Elias said happily, (Y/N) giggles at his childish wording.
"Thanks." The caretaker gives the two a tender look. "You both are just perfect for one another. Prince Elias, we must get you ready before nightfall. You have to look your best for your princess."
The caretaker jests as he pushes the prince out of the cafeteria. "Wha- but I wanted to-!" "No sir, you must get ready. *Sigh* your still a stubborn little boy too." Elias waves at (Y/N), "I shall see you soon, my love!"
Once the two were gone, the ghost soldiers take (Y/N) back to the dressing room. Before the door closed, (Y/N) asks them something. "Can I please have something to eat? I haven't ate in a few hours."
To be continued...
(Okay, part three was supposed to be the end of the series. But that didn't happen, so I'll do my best to make sure part four is the last installment. I really wanna get to work for the Halloween event for Twst and a bunch of other stories I wanna put on this account! But I have to wait until I finish part four. Thanks for reading!)
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sapphire374 · 3 years
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Soy Sol: Chapter 11 (The Cut that Burrows Deep)
Wattpad Link
Ch.1 / Ch.2 / Ch.3 / Ch.4 / Ch.5 / Ch.6 / Ch.7 / Ch.8 / Ch.9 / Ch. 10 / Ch.12 / Ch.13 / Ch.14 / Ch.15 / Ch.16 / Ch.17
Ámbar feels like every step she takes, the more she can feel her heartbeat. It’s like she’s carrying it in her arms with nothing to guard it, out in the open alone. She opens the cold rusted handle of the entrance to the restaurant. There she is, her biological mom trembling while drinking a glass of water. Ámbar sums up all the courage inside her and takes the chance to approach her. When she grabs the seat in front of her, Sylvania can’t help but stare in shock. “Wow Ámbar, you truly have grown.” Ámbar may have brought all her walls down for the people she loves, but she puts them back up with this stranger.
“You can’t say that since you were never there for me. That’s no fair,” Ámbar chided. Sylvania chokes up and avoids eye contact. “Look Ámbar, I now know after everything that has happened the big mistake I made, but at the time it felt like the best option for you. I was young and didn’t have the means nor felt ready to take care of a child. I thought Sharon would’ve been a better parental figure instead of a young girl like myself. I later on regretted it and that’s something I shall have to carry with me for the rest of my life.”
Ámbar grips onto her purse trying very hard to hold back all her tears. She wonders why did this lady chose Sharon specifically and why did Sharon try to keep it a secret for so long? “I understand you were young, but I know that’s not the whole story because I have memories being in a different house that was NOT Benson Mansion. You saw me, you knew me, and didn’t like me enough to keep me,” Ámbar rebuked. Sylvania is showing tears now, she’s choking up with every word as her hand trembles just to take a sip of water. “It wasn’t like that at all Ámbar. I tried, I really did try to see if I was capable of taking care of a child. I noticed my arms weren’t so comforting for you. Sometimes when you love someone, so much, you have to let them go because you care,” Sylvania responded. Ámbar doesn’t know whether to believe what she’s saying or not. She wishes she can get out of these tornadoes of lies that always come chasing her. She’s sick of it all. She wants the truth. Is that too much to ask for?
Silence crowds the room, they’re breathing the same air but can’t even look at each other. Sylvania speaks up again. “I know this feels hard to believe but why do you think I came back? It was for that reason, I thought Sharon would be a better parent than me and would take great care of you. I realized I was sadly wrong.”
“Sharon? Of all people? What made you think that a woman who put a place on fire because she was jealous of her own sister would be a perfect parent for a child? Do you know she never showed me affection or love? I had to learn it all on my own. She only showed any signs of care when she needed me part of her plan that only benefitted her. You left me to a person who only cares about themselves,” Ámbar fumed.
“It wasn’t like that at all. I had no idea about her being the cause of the Benson fire and she had already adopted you before that even happened. When I met her, she was a kind woman, I was friends with Lili from work, so I had already knew the family. I assumed that Sharon had a good heart just like Lili, even though she was seemingly different. The whole time I would interact with her, she was always nice and seemed to really want a child because she always felt alone. It all just felt fitting.” Ámbar is trying to put together all the puzzle pieces in her head with Sylvania’s story. Part of her doesn’t believe it but…. It does kind of make sense. For her it justifies nothing even though she has hope.
Before she gets up from her seat, she leaves a wad of cash. “Ámbar where are you going? We haven’t even ordered yet?” Sylvania asks. “I’m not feeling hungry anymore, here’s some money for dinner.” Ámbar heads out the door with no remnants behind other than the tears that fall to the floor.
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Jam and Roller
“Eyyy amigo I’m so happy for the release of your new music video!” Gastón exclaims to Matteo. They’re both drinking smoothies while watching the Youtube countdown from Matteo’s phone. These are the special moments Matteo loves to share with Gastón since he’s always been his pal for the longest. He also loves sharing it with Luna too, but they sadly haven’t hit it off as well for a while. Matteo is hoping Gastón’s plan will work for the upcoming days.
Simón heads to their tables with a fresh batch of popcorn. “Wow, how exciting! It’s even more special since you get to enjoy it here at the Jam and Roller with us!” Simón states. Matteo grins but it slowly fades when he sees Luna walk into the cafeteria and completely ignoring him. “What happened?” Simón asks when he sees Matteo’s vivid expression abruptly change. “No nothing, I just wish I got to share this moment with another person too.” When Simón turns his head and sees who Matteo is staring at, he realizes what Matteo meant.
Nina pulls out her purse and hands her phone to Luna. “I know you’re trying to pretend you don’t care but you do. Watch the video, it’ll get rid of all your curiosities.” Luna shakes her head in disapproval. “Nina, the least I want to do is watch a music video of the one I love flirting with a girl who has a huge crush on him as well. They’re practically soulmates, meant for each other,” Luna exaggerates. “Oh c’mon, I know it’s complicated, but you know that’s not true. If you’re not going to do it for him, then do it for yourself. You deserve to see why he arrived late to your date.” Luna glares at Nina and decides to take the phone.
Once the music video is out, everyone begins to cheer for Matteo. Luna sits even more depressed seeing at the ‘amazing’ chemistry Matteo and Viviana had in the music video. She can’t help but doubt herself even more when all the comments from his fans say they ship him with Viviana. “Nina, I’m not feeling so good. I think I’ll just head home.” Nina nods and Luna begins to get up from her chair and head out. Matteo notices and follows her out.
“Luna! Luna, wait up! I need to tell you something,” Matteo yells out. “Matteo not now, I’m not in the mood. Congratulations of your video, it was very nice. I just don’t feel so good okay.” Matteo catches up to her and stands in front. “Look Luna, I don’t know if you’ll listen to me now but please go to tomorrow’s concert I’m having. My manager is having me make a concert to promote the single, but it wouldn’t be the same without you. Please Luna. You never miss any of my concerts,” Matteo begs. Luna gradually smiles. “Really? You still want me there?”
“Of course, I do Luna.” Luna now can’t help but blush. “Matteo, of course I’ll go. Even though I’m still a little upset at you calling me jealous, standing me up on our date, and not believing or listening to me, I still care. Since you want me there, I’ll be there.” Matteo is surprised by Luna’s comment and begins to graciously smile too. It was a moment for them, they hadn’t had one like this in a long time. It felt needed.
Nico is in the rink sitting on one of the chairs, he seems to be working on something since he has his notebook open with his pen. Jim enters and sees him alone. “Hey there, what are you working on?” Jim asks. “Oh just a few verses, I’m trying to get ahead on the Roller Band song for the competition, but nothing seems to come into mind,” Nico says. Jim heads to the seat beside him. She sits down and carefully glances over his blank page. “Oh yeah you do seem to be having some trouble,” Jim chuckles. “If you’d like I can help, I’m use to writing songs with Yam.” Nico turns and faces Jim, “Yes of course. I need all the help I can get; it’s been a while for me since I got to write a song with the Roller Band.” They both laugh together and get working on the song.
Jazmín dashes to Delfi holding a small slip of paper. “You won’t believe what just happened?” Delfi carefully places her books into her locker after seeing Jazmín rush to her. “Is it something new for the Fundom or for your blog, Ja Jazmin?” Delfi predicts. “Nope, you’re very far off. Look at this,” Jazmín hands Delfi the note. The more she reads it, the more her eyes grow like a flower blooming in the season, keeps opening. She’s in plain shock as Jazmín nods from her amusement. “Right! I have a secret admirer!! I have to post about this on my blog!” Jazmín frantically grabs her phone from her pocket but right when she’s about to film, Delfi stops her. “No Jazmín, this is something special. Honestly, I think this is something you should keep for yourself, every celebrity likes to keep their personal life separate from their work life,” Delfi advises. Jazmín thinks for a second and says, “Nahhh I’ll still post it, plus this can even help us discover who the anonymous writer is!”
The Restaurant
Yam is wearing her golden shimmery dress that Jim helped her pick out. She’s very anxious about her date with Ramiro, she wants it to go out perfect since this was something she had been dreaming of for a while. He puts down the menu and slips his hand under hers to her surprise. He gives her a shy smile. “I had been dreaming of this for a while. Before, I would always try to move on, but I just couldn’t. My mind just couldn’t forget about you,” Ramiro admits. Yam begins to tear up. “I felt the same way for so long but never said anything worried you didn’t feel the same way. I’m so happy about this moment. I don’t care how long I had to wait, it was totally worth it.”
Throughout the whole night, Yam and Ramiro shared college stories and even old memories of each other. How Yam never stopped writing songs about him and how Ramiro would skate imagining about her. Everything went smooth till dessert came. A random man with a suit and tie approached their table and faces Yam. “You look familiar, are you Yamila Sanchez from that Ja Jazmin blog?” Yam stays startled and stutters, “uhhh yes why?” The man quickly pulls a card out of his pocket. “Hillside Records, I’m the owner. I would like to set up a meeting with you for a chance at a record deal.” Yam immediately glares at Ramiro for a response. He shows his approval and gestures for Yam to respond. “Yes I would love to!” Yam exclaims. “Great! I’m available tomorrow at 5 pm. There is one important detail I have to tell you,” the man says. “Yes, what is it,” Yam asks. “The record company is not in Buenos Aires. It’s in California.” He proceeds to hand her the card. “Think about it, I’ll see you tomorrow.” He leaves and Yam shows her disappointment to Ramiro, she couldn’t believe how such an exciting offer can turn to something so depressing. If she took this offer, that means she would have to leave her family, her friends, and her chance at being with Ramiro.
“Look I know this is hard to think about but just follow your heart. If this is something you truly want go for it, I can wait longer,” Ramiro grabs her hand and holds it. “I don’t know what to say. I never knew me pursuing a music career would mean I have to leave everything and everyone I love,” Yam gradually lets her tears fall onto her glittery dress.
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emerald-amidst-gold · 3 years
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OC Interview: Fane Lavellan
Thank you for the tag @dungeons-and-dragon-age! I’ve been eyeing up this meme for a while actually, so this was perfect timing! X3
This takes place Post-Trespasser, about a month or two after, in fact. Solas brought the idea forward, and of course, Fane refused. But after some coaxing, some explanation as to why, and the promise of a whole cake, Fane agreed to humor the request. 
*THERE BE BIG THINGS REGARDING FANE HERE* 
I got carried awaaaaaay! XD
Introduction
Can you introduce yourself?
“I can, but it’s a lengthy list,” He sighs, “...Those who are close to me, who see as but an elf, call me Fane. Those who wish to meet cobble, call me Lavellan or Herald. Those who are blinded by reverence call me ‘He Who Flew Above’. Denizens of the Fade refer to me as, ‘Devotion’ or ‘Tenacity’. However, my true name is..” He sighs again, “...Aterian. I rarely go by it, but the truth won’t be ignored. It never can be.”
What is your gender identity, orientation and relationship status?
“Male. Elvhen. Dragon.” He huffs through his nose, shifting his gaze off to the side, “That’s all I’ll say on that. As for orientation, I’m...emotionally driven. If you asked me to look at another and tell you what’s attractive about them I would say, ‘Nothing.’ I don’t know them, so I feel nothing for them.“ He shrugs, turning his gaze back, but brandishes a glare, “There’s only one person who defies that response, and that’s because he knows me, without and within. More than that, is none of your business.”
Where and when were you born?
He lifts a hand, massaging a temple, “The ‘where’ is simple; Elvhenan. Specifics are lost to me, however, so you’ll have to be content with that response.” He shifts his gaze downwards, slowly crossing his arms, “As to when?” He sighs heavily, “...I have no answer for that other than: I’m roughly the same age, if not older, as Solas. Does it matter, honestly? Numbers fall through the cracks after a specific threshold is crossed.” What is your weapon of choice and fighting style?
He unravels a crossed arm and guides his hand downwards, tapping the pommel of a sword he has fastened to his waist, “Sword. I use either long swords, short swords, or great swords.” He raises an eyebrow as a question is forwarded, “Shields?” He sneers a bit. “I don’t use shields. They get in the way, and anyways,” He raises his hand once more, the expanse steadily beginning to glow blue and silver before a spectral coating of scales cover the entirety, “this is better than any shield. I prefer the front lines, the place I can make sure no one breaches, and the lingering memory of what I once was makes sure I can do just that.” He dispels the scales and shakes out his hand before returning it to his crossed counterpart, “It takes energy to maintain, but I’m getting better at holding it for longer.”  Lastly, are you happy?
He blinks before his entire expression softens, two toned eyes shining with primary gold as they shift downwards, “...If you had asked that of me over twelve years ago I would have spat in your face and said, ‘Happiness doesn’t exist in this world’. But now..” He trails off, casting a sidelong glance towards one of the fortress’s entryways; a familiar voice sounding, firm, but soft, as if reprimanding a child, “...I understand what happiness is, and it’s in every corner if you allow yourself to see it.” His eyes shift back, holding a far away look and voice coming forward in a murmur, “I only wish we all could be happy; together.”
Family and Friends
What’s your family like? What is your relationship with them?
His face holds a conflicted look, as if the memory is painful before speaking, “Complicated,” he says before beginning to tap a finger against his bicep, “I had a mother. She died when I was fifteen from a wasting disease, but she was the picture of serenity. Calm, guiding, measured. Hair like moonlight. Eyes like a clear autumn day. She was--” Unbranded features twist with a look of grief, eyes going dark as his voice drops, “...I’d rather not speak of her. It still hurts to. It hurts to speak of any of them,” His eyes narrow, grief stricken expression turning somewhat bitter, “...Especially those who throw all you did for them back into your face because they refused to listen when you needed them to most. Even so, I still wish for her happiness. Cullen better be treating her right,” That bitter turns outright malicious, dark eyes going darker as another question is meekly asked, “Father? I have no father. I only had a monster that haunted my childhood, tore my token of devotion apart, and then stalked me in my dreams. So, no. I have nothing to say about that concept.”
Have you ever ran away from home?
He chuckles, “Many, many times,” He throws most of his weight into one side, tilting his head back as if thinking, counting, “I can’t even remember the amount of times I fled into the forests, to be honest. All I know is that it happened weekly, maybe even daily,” He brings his head back, snowy hair moving with the action to brush the tops of his cheekbones, “Why do you look so surprised?” he asks, snorting a bit at the meek response of, ‘Why so often?’, “Because I refused to endure being treated like a beast every hour of the day merely because I believed differently, or rather, not at all.” He sighs within the next moment, “...I wasn’t any better than the Dalish, though. I lashed out, I spat in their face, dragged their heritage through the dirt, inflicted harm from the smallest of things...” He squeezes his arms, eyes narrowing into a glare, but seeming to see through everything, “...The past repeats. An infernal spiral that will never slow.” Would you consider marriage or having children?
“Marriage? Children?” He blinks, pale visage suddenly going flush before he snarls, “Why do I need to answer those questions?!” The blush deepens and he responds despite his displeased expression, muttering and biting the inside of his cheek, “...Damned keen eyed elves. They know, don’t they? I swear if Abelas fucking ran that mouth of his, I’ll--” He sighs heavily, letting his head fall limp a bit in defeat, “...Yes. To both. The latter is already taken care of, as everyone situated in the Crossroads knows, but...” Pointed ears are now a deep shade of red, “...marriage is...on hold. War time isn’t an ideal summer wedding.” His voice drops, eyes shimmering as if he was before the person his heart yearned for, “...The sky deserves a venue better than a garden of death and deceit.” Do you secretly hate one of your friends?
“There were those in the Inquisition who I didn’t exactly see eye to eye with,” he started before shaking his head, “but I didn’t hate anyone. Everyone is entitled to their own views and what they find important.” He scowls a bit, tapping his bicep once again with a finger, “...Even if they didn’t extend the same kindness to me in the beginning. ‘Do you believe in the Maker?’ ‘Do you believe you’re chosen?’ ‘You need to use the people’s faith. It gives them hope.’” He mocks before snorting harshly, “No. No, I don’t. Oh, that suddenly makes me trash? Ohhh. How terrible.” He scoffs. “Disgusting.” Which friend knows everything about you?
“Solas,” He says within a heart beat before clearing his throat, shifting his gaze away sheepishly, “He knows me without and within.” Emerald and gold blaze as the orbs go wide, the blush of roses coming back in full force, “Wait, wait, wait! I didn’t mean--! Fuck! You better wipe that shit eating grin off your face, elf, or I swear I’ll do it for you!” He growls in frustation, throwing his hands in the air, “Why did I agree to this? What fucking dragon entertains an interview!? This is worst than the courts in Arlathan used to be! And that’s saying something!”
Asked by Fans
Are you literate? Have you been to school?
”I am literate. Sometimes to a fault, in fact,” He smiles a bit, “Poetry is my niche; a lingering memory of my mother. So, I speak cryptically at times,” He snorts, amused, “Although, I guess that isn’t much of a surprise since the Elvhen language is riddled in verse rather than practical application. Still, even some of the ancients left have a hard time deciphering my words,” He shrugs, smile turning into a smirk, “They never expected a dragon to be able to talk, I guess. Well, ta-dah.”  The eeriest prediction you made that later came true?
A somber expression flits across his visage and eyes, “...That, eventually, I would hurt the one person I never wanted to.” The corner of his mouth twitches, holding both bitterness and grief; a painful duo, “...And retribution came just as swiftly, but it--” He sighs, shaking his head in defeat before muttering under his breath, “Observe and accept. Observe that what came to pass was uncontrollable, and accept that it had to happen for your path to continue, for your soul to be complete.” What is something you were embarrassingly late to realize?
His face blanks, mouth going into a hard line before a sigh exits through his nose slowly, “...That I don’t have tail.” He snarls, blank expression twisting in warning, “Laugh, elf. Do it.” He nods in the next second when no sounds of amusement come forth, expression going stoic once more, “That’s what I thought. You try living centuries in one form and then transitioning. See what happens.” Do you have mental health or physical issues?
He nods, sighing tiredly. “Like my names, I have a lot.” A hand motions to his body lazily, “My entire body is littered in scars, inflicted through crude experiments by an abomination that sought power like so many others,” He expression sours, jaw working back a forth, “They’ve calmed over the years, but the memories are not so kind.” He sighs, trying to calm himself and lifts his left hand; the Anchor glowing faintly and his eyes watch it, “I have an illness, or rather, sensitivity to any Fade born essence. That, too, has calmed and I’m grateful for that. As for my mind..” He trails off, grimacing a bit as if suddenly in pain, “...Visualize the Void, and there’s your answer. Black walls with crimson torches, seats empty, but somehow wanting for memories to take their seats. However, those occupants never come, burnt to ash by fury’s flame. That’s my mind in a nutshell.” What is your current main goal?
He raises his eyebrows, pursing his lips, “Mm, as of right now, I’m busy helping Solas unlock the eluvians that he couldn’t while I was away,” He flexes his marked hand, watching it with a look of determination in his eyes, “That’ll take time, but after, my people, my kin will have their skies back. I won’t let this power be squandered, and I won’t let the key that I’ve been entrusted with fall into the wrong hands.” His face hardens further, “For if that key rusts, the locks break and the sky will blacken as surely as the earth will redden.”
Choices
Drink or food?
“Drinks.” He says with ease, shrugging, “Food is comforting, especially sweets, but a glass of rum or ale, or a cup of chamomile tea really pounds the word ‘relaxation’ into my head.” Cats or dogs?
He smiles, warmth caressing its edges, “You’ve seen Nislean wandering about the halls, laying on the window sills and curling up in front of the fire,” He hums suddenly, crossing his arms again, “Which reminds me, I need to go out of the Crossroads for milk. I’ll be getting more than five bottles this time.” Optimist or pessimist?
“Depends on who you ask,” He shrugs, seeming unbothered, “I’m neither from a personal standpoint. I try to see the bright spots, but shadows can be very persistent.”   Sassy or sarcastic?
He snorts, “Ask Fen’harel,” his voice is light upon the title, playfully mocking in its deepness, “He knows all about that side. Although, he would label it, ‘insufferable’. I would call myself dryly sarcastic, though.”
Have You Ever
Been caught sneaking out?
He purses his lips, “Hmm. Not that I can recall,” he says slowly before his brows jumped and his eyes lit up with memory, “Oh! Wait. There was that one time where I was with Solas and Mythal in a...courtyard, I think?” He shrugs before shrugging, “Doesn’t matter. But, I tried to slip away, tail and all, and I...may have shattered one or two or three eluvians trying to get to the balcony.” He somewhat wistfully, smirking, “Elgar’nan got fucking stuck in a far off settlement for a week, though. Completely worth getting my horn chewed off by a wolf.” Broken a bone?
“Surprisingly, no.” He huffs in amusement, “Wonder of wonders, truthfully.” Received flowers?
“I have,” He scowls, rolling his eyes and shaking his head in disgust, “but I always throw them into the fire. Most are from suitors, those who don’t know what the fuck ‘taken’ means.” Ghosted someone?
His face tightens, completely deadpan, “...No?”, he says, voice raising in question a bit, “At least I don’t believe so. But, then again...oh.” He blanks further, “...Oh. I understand the term now. You mortals are forever twisting the languages, aren’t you? I can’t keep up, but the answer is still no.” Pretended to laugh at a joke you didn’t get?
“Maybe once or twice, but I don’t ‘laugh’ per say.” He huffs through his nose deliberately, “I do that; a puff of air. Some habits are never truly able to be broken. No matter the form.”
Tagging: @oxygenforthewicked @blueheaded @little-lightning-lavellan @noire-pandora @the-dreadful-canine and anyone else that’d like to play! (no pressure, of course!)
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mammons-tax-returns · 4 years
Note
How would the brothers react to a very punk goth Mc like platforms and all black and just the whole shebang he’s very nice but also will throw hands (there’s not enough male Mc your doing the good work my dude)
BROTHERS REACTING TO A GOTH/PUNK MC
Perfect way to start off the new blog !! Thank you for requesting, hope this is what you had in mind <3 (and that it’s not too apparent that i’m not super well versed in punk or goth culture ACK)
I hope that you guys don’t mind some being shorter than others, I’m still getting a hang of personalities!
⊱ ────── {.⋅ ♫ ⋅.} ───── ⊰
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Lucifer is probably one of the ones that’s into the style from the very beginning.
As soon as he sees MC, his interest is clearly shown on his face.
Sometimes, he’ll drop compliments on his fashion. Depending on his reponses, he’ll start getting more apparent with just how much he enjoys seeing his outfit everyday.
GIFTS!! He’s not mammon level of stacks upon stacks of gift wrapped boxes, but he’ll certainly stop by your room every once in a while with a new accessory he saw while shopping.
MC will probably notice that he is especially keen on chokers :).
Stares discreetly, but consistently. When Lucifer invites him to listen to music in his room, he waits until MC is occupied with something like a book or the music. Then sneaks glances at him to see how his clothing moves every time he reaches over for something, or how the necklace he bought the other day glints in the light radiating off of the fireplace.
He knows that MC is nice, and grows increasingly more and more worried for his sake because of that. The exchange program is important, but his treasure perpetually adorned in black garbs is significantly more prominent in his concerns.
So when he sees MC readily defending himself against some low level demon with no hesitation? Holy fuck. He starts to panic, but there’s nothing surpressing his respect for him, as it only grows stronger.
Although, it becomes very apparent that he’d have to do something about all of his brothers’ staring at MC.
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Mammon is so into it. Like... So into it.
We all know and love that our tsundere boy has a problem with getting embarrassed, but how could he NOT get flustered everytime he’s face to face with an alternative KING
At first, he actually tries to tell MC how much he appreciates his aesthetic, but fails every time. Stuttering is a difficult thing to overcome when you can barely breathe out of embarrassment.
When he finally brings himself to actually get a compliment out, it’s accompanied with his signature bashful look. Downcast gaze and shifting posture and everything.
Upon recieving a positive response to his words, he takes it as a sign that he should start doing it more often. And so... That’s exactly what he does!
Compliments upon compliments, expensive outfits and accessories finding their way into his room, MC gets it all.
He ADORES the nice personality. So really. This MC is one of the people that Mammon can’t help but get along with. Nice, can throw hands, AND IS FASHIONABLE? Now you’re speaking his language.
They definitely get called a model power couple, even if MC isn’t a model.
Will definitely mention the idea of MC doing a photoshoot with him for work, but won’t press further if he says he’s not comfortable with it.
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Levi geeks out so badly
So yeah, his initial interest in MC is kickstarted by his fashion reminding him of a badass video game character, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t appreciate him for who he is!!
He actually doesn’t know whether to be sad that he doesn’t have the same amount of fashion sense or to be happy that he has MC as his best friend that does.
But after a bit of positive affirmation from MC, he’ll surely settle with the latter. (and also hope for them to become more than best friends :). )
He finds himself subconsciously posting about MC in his socials. Normally it’s filled with “Lucifer just did (blank)” but now, it’s ALL about MC. Nothing else. MC fan account.
We know that Levi draws, and so I have no doubts that he would be drawing every outfit he sees MC in.
At first, he’s only drawing faceless figures in the clothes, probably adding his own personal flair. But as time progresses and Levi gets closer to him, he starts subconsciously conpleting the figure’s appearance (hair, face, stature, etc). And before he knows it, half of his pages are filled with doodles of MC.
But if he were to ever find out that MC saw his art, RIP Leviathan 2020
And who’s to say he’s not drawing him in... Risqué outfits.
But if MC says that he doesn’t mind getting drawn, then Levi will activate cute fanboy mode again.
He’ll ask him to model outfits for him as he draws, sometimes in cosplay.
MC would just be chillin’ with him in his room, and when Levi finally looks up from his tv after finishing an anime, he’ll sometimes gasp and immediately say, “Stay right there, I HAVE to draw this!”
Although drawing wasn’t and will likely never be his favorite thing to do in comparison to video games/anime, it gives him an excuse to stare at his best friend with minimal blushing.
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Satan is good at hiding his appreciation for MC’s outfits. At least, he’s good at it to everyone BUT MC.
If anyone asks, he’s indifferent about MC and his dashing looks and fashion.
But as soon as MC confronts him... Oh boy.
Red-faced, he’ll compliment his clothing on occasion, then wave it off as “something everyone does”. Which is true, but we know that it’s more than just that.
Similarly to Lucifer, he finds himself staring at him secretly. Except, I like to think that he’s less careful about it. Often MC will look up to meet his eyes, before he ducks his head back into his book, acting nonchalant.
Not a single person can convince me that he hasn’t found a stray black cat and discreetly named it after MC.
He wouldn’t hide the fact, but instead would actually bring it up at the right time. Ex: Right before some dramantic moment like before proclaiming how much MC means to him. Both as the cat and human.
The cat’s collars are decorated similarly to the clothing that MC wears! Satan is a diligent worker (especially when putting lucifer through immense stress) and a lover of arts, so he’s pays attention to little details like that.
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This is Asmo we’re talking about.
He ADORES the aesthetic.
It’s not something that he himself would wear, but damn is it appealing to the eye.
Once you get him started on all the things he’d do if given the chance to dress MC up in whatever he wanted, you’ll never hear the end of it.
(^ especially when he starts talking about the undressing)
He loves a monochromatic color pallet, but every once in a while he’ll push for a pop of color in MC’s outfit for the day.
If MC wears minimal/no makeup, Asmo will constantly ask if he can use his face as a canvas for makeup experimentation while he rants about his nail tech.
Asmo’s favorite activity is going through MC’s closet. He gets to not only try things on, but he also gets to know what he has to work with when choosing MC’s outfits for their days out together.
Knows the perfect boutiques to bring him to
“You know, the color black really accentuates your figure... And if you look this good with it on, I wonder how great you look with it off~”
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Beel isn’t interested in fashion or anything related to it. He isn’t picky about the presentation of things (namely; food.)
So he wouldn’t be immediately enticed upon first meeting MC.
But that is not to say that he doesn’t find him VERY pleasing to the eye.
Our sweet boy is not afraid to express his love for those boots!! For the destressed fabrics!! He hangs around him often just so he can sit and ogle at how cool MC looks!! All the damn time!!
Asks MC to come with him to work out just so he could have some motivation by seeing him. And his GAMES. He’s gonna love to see him cheering him on in the stands.
Beel would admit that he himself couldn’t bring himself to care so much about his clothes or ‘aesthetic’ , and couldn’t imagine having such a consistent style.
^ And because of that! He’s dying to see what he looks like in other styles. Of course, if he doesn’t want to change out of the usual attire, just seeing him wearing beel’s huge ass jacket is enough.
Wouldn’t care to buy clothing items for him, but will most certainly stop by devildom’s no. 1 bakery, grab some sweets with that signature gothic devildom appearance and bring it back to the House of Lamentation for him. (Given that he didn’t already eat them.)
In comparison to his personality, MC’s closet isn’t very important.
Beel loves his kind nature! But he will always be there to defend him in any sort of risky situation, especially when any low level demons would like to try and take advantage of MC’s niceness.
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Belphie is taken aback the first time he sees him. In the best way possible.
It’s like he just knows that he’s going to be interesting to be with just by seeing his clothing style
He actually probably assumed that MC would be very different from what he’s really like. (Like how people will assume that everyone who wears dark colors often are always sad)
But both to his surprise and not, MC is nothing but kind to him! And he’s kinda like 😳. Damn. Alright. I can get down to this.
Fashion isn’t his expertise, so he isn’t as forward with compliments. It’s mostly, “As long as I’m comfortable when I lay on you, the clothes are fine. Right?”
“I had a dream about you last night... It was like you were some prince clad in black chain mail armor... I suppose we couldn’t make that a reality though, huh? You can be my prince in band tees and ripped jeans.”
The only reason he starts dressing similarly to MC is because of how many times he’ll fall asleep beside him. He knows MC will probably offer one of his jackets or extra shirts, and that he’ll likely get to keep it. (He gives it back eventually, it’s just nice sentiment.)
It’s also kind of entertaining to see some of his brothers go ballistic in response to seeing him adorned in MC’s signature clothes.
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mochi-marie · 3 years
Note
hello and congratulations ! 💕 for the event could you do the song heat waves by glass animals with bokuto? focusing on the chorus „sometimes all i think about is you, late nights in the middle of june,,,,". for the reader! male reader if you're okay with that, if not then gender neutral is totally okay! shorter than him (not by a lot, probably like half a foot or less), and has a build more on the larger side, and has freckles, curly hair, and glasses. the reader is also introverted and gets flustered very easily. thank u ! <3
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genre : ( insecurity-based ) angst to fluff ( ? )
pairing : bokuto kotaro x introverted! male reader ( bigger, curly, freckles, glasses )
author's note : okay, for some reason, i started to listen to this song on repeat for a long while just basking in the lyrics and music to get acquainted and to familiarize myself with the general vibe i got from it -- i got really inspired by reading the lyrics while listening, so thank you so much for helping me find my new favorite song!!! i hope you enjoy! this is also my first time officially writing a male-insert, so please, any constructive criticism is greatly appreciated! also, i might have strayed from the main focus of the specific lyric, so i deeply apologize!! 😖💛
also, if i forgot any warnings that anyone thinks i should add, please tell me as soon as possible!!
warning : insecurity, feeling as though you are not enough, angst ( kinda? ), ooc bokuto ( in my opinion ), written at 2 A.M. + Unedited
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Hands shoved into small pockets under the summer night sky, you avoided his curious gaze, opting to let your hand come up to ruffle your curly hair rather hastily. thinking -- thinking about ways to stall for just a few minutes longer, hoping to whatever power above that he would just wait and listen patiently until you finally explained why you had asked him to meet you out in the parking lot after his practice. The daylight had disappeared during the few minutes you both silently basked in each other's company, the stars just barely starting to flash and twinkle above both of your heads. Summertime was in full swing, though a soft breeze managed to drift by, tousling and playing with your bouncy locks and waving through his salt-and-pepper hair. If the bitter thoughts had not been weighing heavily on your mind, perhaps you would've giggled. Any other time you might have nudged him, gesturing for him to lean down just a smidge so you yourself could do as the wind and card through his hair with your fingers, gently separating the spikes of hair stuck together from sweat due to the hard volleyball practice. Oh, what you would give for your mind to be empty enough to carelessly be enough for and with him.
The thoughts weighed on you heavily -- the ideas implanted by society's view of perfection. The world around you would question why Bokuto would be with someone such as yourself; someone so imperfect, drowning in their insecurities. What gave you the right to bog him down with your personal issues? Did you not notice the glances peers would give, watching Bokuto buzz around you happily as you both walked along? Do you not see the way he works hard to keep himself so... perfect? That was the only word worthy of describing your Kotaro. Perfection was his middle name, it seemed; a perfectly beautiful smile that lit up a room, a bubbly personality that could only ever seem to do good for the people that relaxed in his presence. Yes, your boyfriend was effortlessly perfect. So why couldn't you be the same? Why were you who you are, why must you feel so unworthy?
Your arms had migrated to wrapping around your mid-section, eyes planted to the ground as your mind raced. You didn't see the way Bokuto's eyes glanced down to you, worry laced in his honey eyes. While Bokuto wasn't the brightest academically, that did not mean he was completely simple-minded; he was well versed in emotions, specifically your emotions. He often prided himself on saying that he knew you like he knows the very back of his hand, and it seemed that this claim was no lie. His hand gravitated toward your own, eyebrows furrowed in confusion and worry -- "(name)? is... is everything okay?" His voice was spoken low and soft, hoping to not startle you. "What's wrong?" His voice reached your ears, and with a quick glance from the corner of your eye, you were met with the honey-hued sight that always managed to calm your nerves better than what any remedy could.
Clearing your throat softly, your mouth opened, and yet no words would form. The words that swam dangerously in your head died the second they landed on your tongue, and you were left open-mouthed, trying to form a coherent sentence. Why was it so hard to simply talk about your insecurities? You mentally scowled, a bretah catching in your chest before you let your eyes flutter closed, trying to gather yourself quickly.
Bokuto's hand grasped onto the tips of your fingers, eyes surveying your face for any reaction. With the familiar cute pink hue slowly growing onto the apples of your cheeks, he pulled your hand closer to himself, his own fingers nervously fiddling with your own fingers. Your nervousness was starting to catch, making him anxious. What was so wrong that you could barely even form the words you wanted to say? His mind blanked, biting the inside of his cheek as he scanned your face numerous times, waiting for a sign that you were ready. He would be patient, for you.
His hand never left yours.
"Why are you still with me?"
Shaky breathing. The stilling of fiddling fingers. The confused exhale of air, paired with furrowed eyebrows that you could not see with your eyes tightly snapped shut, cheeks burning with embarrassment and eyes met with the faint, familiar hot sting. Your breath was held tightly in your throat, glasses slipping down the bridge of your nose with the way your head was tilted at a downward angle.
"What do you mean?" Was his only response, calm, though by the small waver of his voice, you knew his eyes were most likely wide. Wide and churning with golden panic that would not suit his boyish attitude. Eyes creeping open, you were met with exactly what you had predicted. Your hand slipped from his, arms resting against your stomach, trying to provide yourself the comfort a part of you was craving -- a crave for his comforting touch. His hugs of which never failed to spark butterflies to explode in your stomach, the hugs that wrapped around you fully, trapping you within his warm, strong embrace that made you feel at home; the hugs that made you feel like everything was okay again. "You'd be better off with someone more like you. You just need a better life than this..." Your voice met his ears, and with every unspoken word that finally spilled from your lips, he finally realized how much this bothered you, and now how it affected him.
His hands found your shoulders and he pulled you to his chest, one palm resting snug against your back, the other arm resting around your shoulder, cradling your face to his chest and into the strong, warm embrace that always managed to wash all your worries away.
"You're all I need." Bokuto mumbled firmly, adam's apple bobbing as he held back the severe urge to let his tears escape from the corner of his eyes where they had started to pool as the situation continued to dawn. You didn't feel enough, and that was more than enough information for him to finally understand what was going on through your handsome little head. "You're all I need, all I'll ever want, 'kay?" Voice murmured against the crown of your head as he pressed his lips to your curly hair -- so soft, locks of your beautiful curls that always tickled his face when you'd embrace in a joyful hug at every greeting, his lips, like default, softly curling upwards at the familiar feeling that calmed his nerves. "You're more than enough, just remember that. Sometimes all i think about is you... don't forget that 'm never far away," Bokuto paused, pulling away to look down at you softly, readjusting the glasses that had slipped down your nose and at an awkward angle to avoid being crushed by the force of you against his chest.
"Say it with me."
"What?" "Say you're enough, please, (name),"
"Wh-"
"So you know that you're perfect the way you are, I need to know that we leave happy. Happy and together, (name)," Bokuto smiled a wobbly smile, eyes begging you to do this one thing for him -- for the both of you.
"I am enough" is a phrase that will resonate with your soul one day. A fact that is disguised by the hardened layers of stony-resilience that makes the battle of self-love seem impossible. Yet you are one of the strongest people Bokuto knows, and he believes in your abilities, passion, and you as a whole in all of his entirety, just like you do with him. A relationship with a deep emotional connection, and with him, this deep connection felt like a home away from home. Yes, Bokuto is indeed perfection, you decide.
His hand never left yours for the rest of the night, uncharacteristically yet sweetly lifting the back of your hand up ever few minutes to press three quick kisses to the back of your hand in a show of physical love -- a reminder that your Bokuto Kotaro will always be there, no matter what.
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charlieswanwhore · 3 years
Text
She (Ginny Weasley x Sapphic! Reader)
notes: can you tell im in love with Ginny Weasley? also my first post in MONTHS im so sorry
masterlist
warning: none :) the end if kind of rushed sry
I'd never tell No, I'd never say a word And oh, it aches But it feels oddly good to hurt
Your soft voice bounced around the stone walls of your dorm. Your hands were raw at this point from playing the guitar and writing for hours. You finally finished the song you had written that expressed your feelings. Humming along while tuning your guitar, you were startled by your best friend and dormmate, Ginny Weasley.
“You’re really good, you know,” her low voice comes from behind you. Looking back at the dorm entrance you saw her coolly leaned against the arch, books in hand, school robes keeping her warm.
Shit. She heard you? You literally wanted anything but anyone to hear it.
Trying to not show too much shock, you muttered a nervous thank you. “Oh, yea, thanks, Gin,” Ginny smiled then ran to the four poster next to yours, sitting directly across from you. “How much of it did you hear?”
“Most of the song, I reckon,” Shitshitshitshit. “Well, I mean, not really. I heard your voice but I couldn’t really hear any of the words since I was just down the hall.” Ginny smiled. She had no clue you were singing a song about her. Thank Godric. Relief washed over you until she spoke up again, “Will you play it for me?”
“Play what?” You were dumbstruck with stress still that your mind went blank.
“The song you were just playing,” Ginny giggled and gave eyes of encouragement. That giggle triggered the butterflies to be let out into your stomach, fluttering around as if it is the first time they have seen day. Her laugh was always one of your favorite things. 
“Oh! Yeah, duh. Um, I-I don’t know. I mean, it isn’t gr-” you scrambled to make excuses but Ginny interrupted.
“Oh come on, Y/N. I know it’s amazing. Besides, I am your best friend, I won’t judge even if it was bloody awful,” she grabbed your hand while talking you up. You stared at your hand holding her paled, freckled one. Now you were more nervous than ever. 
You shut your eyes before sighing, “Fine! Fine! But you owe me a butterbeer from the Three Broomsticks today,” you pointed at her with stern eyes. Taking in a deep breath before going to strum you saw her get comfortable and wear the biggest smile ever. You soon blushed but the nerves flooded you again. “Ginny, are you sure? My throat is a litt-”.
“Y/N!” she giggled before you responded defensively with an ‘OK’.
Ginny was patient as you got into your zone of focus. After what felt like forever for you, your fingers began to strum. You were doing it, you were playing her the song. Out of nerves to start the lyrics, you played the beginning intro a few too many times before the lyrics spewed from your mouth. You saw from the corner of your eye that Ginny grinned bigger as she saw your mouth open.
Am I allowed, to look at her like that?
And just like that, Ginny’s expression changed at the word “her.” It wasn’t a negative expression, just a curious one. A curious look that was almost permanently on their mutual friend Luna Lovegood’s face. Ginny mouthed the word “her” before tuning into you singing the rest of the song.
Could it be wrong, when she’s just so nice to look at?
This was the point in Ginny’s head that solidified the idea that you were singing about a girl and that she didn’t hear you wrong the first time. There was initial shock at first but overall acceptance to her best friend.
And she smells like lemongrass and sleep She tastes like pumpkin juice and peach Oh, you would find her in a Polaroid picture And she means everything to me, oh
That was the verse that you were scared to sing to Ginny the most. 
Your head flashed to the day you and Ginny learned about amortentia with their Potions class. Everyone in the class announced what they smelled, but when it got to you, you had to think fast to cover up your answer which would make it almost obviously that you smelled Ginny. “I smell cologne and... today’s breakfast,” your whole class giggled. 
Ginny poked you in the ribs, “Almost no one ate whatever it was that they gave us for breakfast,” she pondered, “except Ron.” Her eyes went wide when she thought she put together puzzle pieces. “You like Ron!” she whispered, not quiet enough for us to not earn a glare from the Professor, though. You shrugged, you wanted her off the topic. You began to listen to the rest of your class announce what they smell, pretending that what you said didn’t matter. 
And I'll be okay admiring from afar 'Cause even when she's next to me We could not be more far apart
It was true. Although you and Ginny were attached at the hip and knew almost everything about each other, you could not feel more distanced. It wasn’t anything that was Ginny’s fault. It was your own. You were keeping a secret from her. And it wasn’t a secret such as ‘Once I wore your favorite jumper without asking,’ it was that you were in love with her. Hell, Ginny didn’t even know that you liked girls. You created such a large wall to protect yourself and your friendship with Ginny. 
And she tastes like birthday cake and storytime and fall But to her, I taste of nothing at all
Your voice got especially raw at that last lyric. You knew she fancied Harry. You knew she only saw you as a friend. You were never more than a friend. Honestly, you had no clue whether or not Ginny would ever swing your way, but you always assumed that she wouldn’t, you did so to protect your feelings.
Ginny was still grinning. Though she had a curious look on her face, she also looked proud. Which, honestly, you are proud of yourself. You are proud of singing in front of her, for coming out to her, and maybe, if it works out, you’ll be proud of being hers.  
And she means everything to me Yes, she means everything to me She means everything to me
You closed out the song slowly. You emotions were on edge. You were proud, sad, curious, nervous, and happy all at the same time. Once the guitar stopped vibrating with noise, Ginny began to vocalize her thoughts.
“Y/N! That was so beautiful! The lyrics, your voice... and ‘she’? Y/N! Why didn’t I know?!” she jumped to her feet and softly clapped. You sure hope she meant you liking girls, not being madly in love with her. 
Blushing, you messily thank her, “Oh- I- I- Thanks, Gin, I really appreciate it,” you awkwardly said, putting your guitar away as Ginny sat next to you on the bed.
“Don’t avoid the question, Y/N/N” she said staring at you sternly.
“What question?” Now you were playing dumb. You wanted to end this moment as soon as possible, you prayed that your friends would come to the door any second saying that they were ready to go to Hogsmeade. 
Without forcing the harsh question, Ginny tried to guide you into answering patiently. “You know... ‘She...’ Merlin, Y/N, that you like girls!” she rolled her eyes playfully before poking you in the ribs.
“Oh...right. I don’t know, it just never came up?” you tried to dumb the situation down but you knew you weren’t going to get away with it.
“‘It never came up,’ Yeah right, Y/N! We have definitely talked about who we like before. I just thought it was Ron all this time, haha! Ron... Thank Godric you don’t fancy my brother,” she was more happy than you thought she would be. It comforted you, but you knew what her next question was going to be. 
There was a moment of comfortable silence and calming from the laughing. Ginny then broke that silence, quiet at first. “Um, who is it about? Who is ‘She’?”
There it was. The question you absolutely dreaded.
Looking at her was the scariest moment you have ever experienced. She had to be pulling your leg. You name dropped her literal scent and favorite foods. Meeting her eyes made your stomach drop. You noticed Ginny’s eyes holding a bit of sympathy welded into the curiosity. Did she know it was about her and felt bad? Was she going to be able to tell from your nervous facial expression?
Her beautiful eyes were a trance that almost took her out of her nervous and repeating thoughts. The one thing that did was a group of Gryffindors stopping at your door way.
“Ginny, Y/N, everyone is starting to leave for the Hogsmeade, you ready?” a Gryffindor boy you both were friendly with asked, a few other Gryffindors behind him. 
Both of you jumped up and scrambled to get ready, “Yea, we will be there soon, thank you for letting us know!” you said, dressing warm in a quick manner. You were thankful that your classmates interrupted the moment. You wouldn’t mind staring into Ginny’s eyes anytime except for now.
You both quickly headed down to the entrance of the school, meeting with friends. There was tension between you too, nothing negative, just awkward. You tried to wipe the last five minutes from your brain to enjoy Hogsmeade with Ginny and your friends, but negativities swirling in your head made it hard, especially when Ginny kept stealing (what looked like sympathetic) looks at you the entire trip.
***
Walking back from Hogsmeade in the winter was awful. For one, it was too cold for what warm robes everyone had on. On the other hand, Ginny was staring bullet holes into your head the entire time. You couldn’t tell if they were pity or curiosity, but to be honest, you wanted to avoid the situation of finding out as much as possible. 
Dinner in the Great Hall was going to be served in about an hour so everyone freezing down to their bones has dedicated the hour to running to their dorms and warming up as soon as possible. Ginny wasn’t an exception to that, she bolted up the stairs leaving you alone to your slow walking. You planned to walk as slow as you could and take as many detours on the moving stairs as you could. When you did walk into your dorm much later, Ginny, now dressed in warmer clothes and slippers, greeted you.
“Y/N! What took you so long? I thought you would’ve run up here to get warm!”
Your eyes shot down to the floor as you paced your way to your four poster, “Oh, just took the long route,” you shrugged, hoping she’d leave it be. 
“Y/N,” you turn around towards the voice, which has now moved right behind you. 
“Close your eyes,” Ginny said. Nervously, you close your eyes.
It is nothing but darkness for a bit. That is until you feel a tug on your neck from your scarf. That loses your focus before it is on the pair of soft lips on yours.
She was kissing you. Ginny Weasley was kissing you.
The kiss was short and sweet but enough to make you shocked and have butterflies brewing between the two of you. 
After pulling apart, Ginny speaks up, “you taste of... butterbeer and... sugar quills,” she grins softly.
You stared wide eyed at the doe eyed girl. She reads the shock on your face and is immediately filled with regret.
“Oh Godric, the song wasn’t about me, was it? I just thought so since some of the clues connected with me and I have been in love with you for two years so I guess I just assumed. Godric, this is so embarass-” Ginny’s nervous ran was cut off by a kiss between you. This kiss was longer. Your arms were around eachother, breath was running out fast. 
“It’s you, you dork. The song is about you,” you confess before kissing her once again. 
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nostalgiaruinedme · 3 years
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Prompt: Secret Revealed TMNT verse: 2012 Characters: Karai, Splinter, Leonardo, Raphael (brief appearance), Michelangelo (brief appearance), Donatello (brief appearance), Shredder (mentioned) Relationships: No romantic relationships. Family feels - Karai & Splinter & Leo & Donnie & Raph & Mikey AO3 Link: Here
Very light angst, mostly in talk about a sad past but the story is focused on a more hopeful future. Mostly comfort. Vent fic.
Summary: After her first few days of living in the lair, Karai thinks about what it means to finally be home. Set during S2E21, "Vengeance is Mine"
Other Notes:  I'm not going to lie, this fic isn't that great and the writing is pretty weak compared to my other work. The ideas are all over the place and yeah... but I wrote it after something shitty happened in my own life and it was me attempting to get my own thoughts into focus. But vent fics can be awful I decided because this is really personal to me. This also only vaguely pertains to the prompt but it inspired it, even if I strayed a lot from my initial idea. The secret revealed was Karai's real identity of being Splinter's daughter. Honestly tho this is not very “bad things happen” but oh well. I already wrote it 
____________________________
When Karai was young, she always wished for a beautiful future.
She never would have admitted it; no, dreams of hope and light were scoffed upon in the Foot, dismissed as childish fantasies by all (and Karai had never been a child). So when asked what she wanted in the future, Karai always stated the same thing: she wanted her father to rule. A perfect future would be ruling as his second in command, watching the Foot dominate the planet after they had finally gotten their revenge on the man who ruined their lives... Hamato Yoshi. That was her vision for the future.
But privately, she dreamed.
She dreamed of a day her father would stop pushing and forcing her ahead, when he would be proud of the woman she had become. He would settle down, take a break from his plans for revenge (if he couldn't retire completely) and he would breathe too. They would start to live, and her father would listen to her for once. Of course, they would never leave the Foot Clan—she loved it too much for that—but maybe, just maybe, they could stop searching for revenge and could experience life too. Maybe her father would listen to her when she swore this obsession would get them all killed... and maybe he would trust her word as much as she trusted him.
She dreamed of a chance for peace. She dreamed of hope, of family, and of trust.
But never in a million years had she dreamed of finally finding it in the sewers of New York City.
"Haha! Got you, Donnie, I got you good." Mikey taunted a now soaking Donnie, the shredded remains of a pink water balloon still covering his skin. Karai grinned as she watched Michelangelo dance around him, reaching out to poke his nose. "You can't beat Doctor Prankenstein, son!"
Donnie slapped his hand away, glaring. "That's the third time today, Mikey! Where are you even getting these? You- Hmmph!"
Cutting off his words, Mikey slapped a hand over Donnie's mouth, shushing him insistently. A glance behind her told Karai what had caught the young turtle's eye—Raphael had just returned home and was heading into the dojo. Mikey grinned towards Donnie, letting go of him to pull out another water balloon from behind his back.
"Don't say a word!"
Donnie sighed and rolled his eyes, already turning around to head back to his lab. "It's your funeral," He called over his shoulder as the mischievous grin grew across Mikey's face. 
And Karai leaned back on her hands, watching as the turtle ran from the room to find Raphael. Watching the turtles had become a favorite, and most amusing, pastime of Karai's since she'd moved into the lair a few days before, after Leo and his team had saved her from her so-called "father". Without the rigorous training and missions of the Foot, she had found that she had a lot more free time on her hands. Since she hadn't had the chance to develop much as far as "hobbies" go, she'd taken to simply observing the lair and the people in it. And in that time spent observing, she had discovered a few very interesting things.
The turtles were a true family. They acted like it in private too, and it had never been an act to try to draw her in like she had supposed at one point. They truly acted like the brothers they were to each other.
"Your brothers," A quiet voice in her mind reminded her, "They're your family too."
And it was true. Since first stepping foot into their lair, Karai had felt more at home than ever before, and the family had welcomed her into their fold without question. All of them had. Even Raphael, who Karai had been sure still hated her, was making an effort to treat her as his sister. He struggled, sure, and all of them were still a little unsure of where she fit into their little puzzle, but they were trying as hard as they could. And even better? They were happy about it. The change to their family was a positive one.
And Karai felt safe for the first time in her life.
"You watching the show?"
Karai looked up to see Leo approaching her, a friendly smile on his face. She frowned ever so slightly in confusion. "Show?" She asked, looking towards the blank TV screen.
"The Raph and Mikey show," Leo clarified. "I saw Mikey head in there with that water balloon. Any second now, he'll be running out here screaming with Raph right behind him."
Karai laughed, "I wasn't planning on it, but that does sound fun. Sure, I'm here for the show-"
"MIKEY!!"
No sooner had the words left her mouth did the event happen. Mikey ran out of the dojo yelling with a soaked and angry Raphael following right behind, the two running circles around the main room without a care to mask the sound of their steps. They ran and ran, getting closer to being caught and shoving the other off before running even faster. Eventually, they retreated into the kitchen, still yelling and screaming the whole way.
Karai and Leo shared a look before they dissolved into laughter.
"This what you expected?" Leo asked her. Karai paused.
"Not really," She admitted, "It's definitely... different from the families I'm used to. But it's a nice surprise."
"Different?"
"Not many people were really a family in the Foot," Karai said, "Sure, every once in a while there were a pair of new recruits who were siblings, or a mother who brought her son into the clan. And, of course, me and..." She let those words trail off, not entirely sure how to refer to the man she had thought was her father for so many long years. He was the Shredder, of course, but referring to him in the context of 'families in the Foot' didn't feel right anymore. She shook her head. "But no one actually acted like it. No one cared for the others as much as everyone does here."
A gentle silence drifted over the lair, and Leo looked down with a slight frown. The hesitance on his face was obvious as he considered his next words, unsure how to ask whatever it was he wanted to say. Karai raised one brow.
"What?" She prompted. Leo avoided her eyes.
"Was it off-putting?" He asked slowly, "Just... it sounds like a big change, I guess, and a lot to take in after a life with Shredder. Was it hard to deal with all at once?"
Was it a big change? Yes, of course, but not in the way Karai had expected. When she escaped that prison the Shredder had locked her in, she expected it to be like a bandage being ripped off. Harsh, painful, and burning before the pain subsided to reveal healed skin. While it would hurt, it'd be worth it in the end, and the relief of living in a place she was finally loved in would hit her like a tsunami and wash her away into a brand new life.
But it wasn't like that at all.
The change was big, but it was so gentle and soft, she almost hadn't noticed it. One day, she was in a cold cell being lied to that she was loved by the parent who locked her out in the cold. The next, she was in warmth and care and comfort. She was surrounded by those who were willing to put in the effort to love her and she was happy. The change wasn't a tsunami washing away the pain at all... No, it was a warm blanket being pulled up to her chest that wrapped her in love so slowly that she wasn't sure how she ever could have ever survived without it.
"It wasn't off-putting at all," She said, turning towards her younger brother and smiling. "I promise. You guys have made the change easy."
Leo grinned, relieved. "Good." He said, before both of the two jumped at the crash heard from the kitchen.
"Raph! It was funny!"
"What have I told you?!"
Leo grimaced, glancing towards the kitchen and sighing. "I better go deal with that," He said, standing up. "But after patrol tonight, we're bunking out here to watch a couple of movies. If it goes well, I mean. You should come too."
"This is where I've been sleeping anyways, do I really have a choice?" Karai teased. Leo blanked, looking five seconds away from blabbing an apology, so Karai rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I was just messing with you. I'll be there, Don't worry."
"Oh, good, that's great!" Leo grinned, "Then-"
"DOCTOR PRANKENSTEIN STRIKES AGAIN!"
"YOU HAD ANOTHER ONE?! I'M GONNA-"
Leo groaned and sped off towards the kitchen, already shouting the two's names. Karai rose to her feet, but otherwise stayed where she was, just watching and running over the plans for later that night in her head. Patrol would be nice, but she'd be lying if she said she wasn't excited to come back afterward to watch a movie. She never did that in the Foot, but here in the lair, she could. Right after she came home-
Karai froze.
Home. She had called the lair home.
Because this place really did feel like home, safer than anywhere she had lived before in her life. Even as a child with who she had thought was her family, something was always out of place, something was always wrong.
But here... it all just clicked into place. She fit in instantly in ways the Shredder had told her she never would.
Almost everything was perfect. Everything was fitting into place.
"Miwa?"
And all that was left was just one simple problem she had.
"Father," Karai turned around to face Splinter, looking up to see his smiling face, full of acceptance and pride, filling her heart with warmth in a way she never had known was possible. To think, she had hated him for all of these years because of the lies someone else had told her.
She almost hated herself for it. Sometimes she really did.
"You look troubled, my child," Her father frowned. "What is the matter?"
"I"m not troubled, I'm just..." Karai sighed, looking down. "I'm mad, I guess, at what we lost."
"We may have lost many battles, yes, but we have not lost the war. In fact-"
"No, no, not that," Karai shook her head, gesturing blindly with her hands. Was the war with the Foot and Kraang important? Of course, and she'd spent many long hours thinking about it. But that wasn't what was bothering her this time. "Not lost battles, but..." She hesitated. She'd lost so much... Lost family, lost truths, lost homes... How could she sum those billions of feelings up in only a few words? Words could only get you so far, and the tornado of thoughts in her mind could never be tamed long enough to escape her head—not properly, anyway. 
"What do you mean, then?" Splinter gently pressed, "What have we lost?"
A moment of hesitance, and then a soft sigh. "Lost time," Karai finally said, "With us, I mean."
Splinter didn't reply at first, the seconds easing into minutes and hastening into what felt like decades. Karai understood why; how were you supposed to reply to something like that? How were you supposed to take that, when your own daughter was taken by someone else, fed lies about you her entire life, and taught to hate you? 
"I mourn our lost time together as well," Splinter finally replied, "I wish I could have seen you grow up. But what's past is past. What matters is here and now, and that we are together again today. We must not neglect the present in grief over the past."
"I just feel so stupid," Karai said, shaking her head. "There were so many obvious signs he was lying and that he was the bad guy. But I missed all of them and I- I hated you, Father. I didn't believe you when you tried to tell me the truth either. I ignored you and fought you, but you were right all along."
The self-hatred hit her all at once, and she sunk back down to the ground in defeat. When she spoke again, her words came out in a broken whisper.
"How could you ever forgive me?"
"You were a child, Miwa," Splinter leaned forward, eyes darkening in anger. Not at her, that much was clear, but a distantly directed anger towards Oroku Saki. "What happened was not your fault, and you must never blame yourself. You were lied to and manipulated. But you, my daughter, never had a choice, even when you were told you were the one in control. This is not your doing."
"But-"
"It is not your fault," Splinter stared at her sadly, "You couldn't have known."
"But what if I had?" Karai pressed, "The hints were there. If I had figured it out, maybe all these years wouldn't have been wasted. We could have been together for more. Then maybe I wouldn't have been-"
A leader in the Foot Clan. A talented manipulator. A vengeful warrior. A twisted mind. An ugly heart.
"...Wouldn't have turned out the way I did," She finished lamely, eyes cast downwards. "I"m not Miwa, Father. I'm not who you wanted to raise me to be."
With that shameful admittance, Karai let the room drift into silence, frozen in fear. If she had said something that disrespectful to the Shredder, told her old father she wasn't who he wanted her to be, she would have been punished. Beaten, bruised, forced to train until her fingers bled... but through all of that, there was comfort in knowing what to expect. There were very few surprises the Shredder could inflict on her that she didn't already know the pain of.
But what would her true father do?
"Karai,"
Her eyes shot up to him in shock. 
"When you were first born, I will admit I did have a very different picture of your future in mind," Her father chuckled, "But I never wanted to decide who you were. That is something no one but you can decide, and it is your choice and your choice alone what kind of person you will be. You were taught many cruel things, but that is part of growing up. You must take what you learned and decide for yourself what you will keep and what you will get rid of. But, my daughter, you must understand this."
He set both hands on her shoulders, meeting her eyes directly. There was nothing but pure sincerity in his words.
"You, as you are now, are wonderful. I would not trade you for anyone else. You are my daughter, Karai, and I am very proud."
The tears started to well up in her eyes and Karai sucked in a deep breath, desperately trying to hold them at bay. To break was dishonorable, but to cry in front of another individual was beyond even that. It was a horribly punishable offense that she, in her 16 years of living, had never once broken. She couldn't now. She had been taught better than that.
But then Splinter opened his arms and her breath hitched.
The Shredder had taught her many things, but acceptance and love were not one of them. Maybe her real father was right. Maybe she could throw away some of the things he had taught her without getting rid of herself, because she could decide for herself what was right and what was wrong.
That teaching, she decided, she would throw out for good. A tear ran down her cheek.
"It is okay," Splinter whispered as she fell into his arms, hugging him tightly for dear life. He held her right back. "It is okay, my daughter, you are safe here."
And she was.
She was home.
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violetarks · 3 years
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Just A Game: Shouldn't Couldn't Wouldn't
Anime: My Hero Academia
LEVEL DOWN | MENU | LEVEL UP
"Shinso, you don't want to watch with us?" Uraraka questioned, settling down in between Todoroki and Midoriya.
The man shook his head. "No. You guys are probably gonna' watch some boring rom-com." He joked, brushing a hand through his hair.
It's been two days since he last spoke to Y/N.
They were completely cut off from each other. No, they didn't delete their numbers off of their phones, but they weren't talking at all. It gave Y/N time to cool off and work on her song as well as stream sometimes. Shinso worked on streaming by himself and helping others with their videos.
"Y/N came out with a new song!" Uraraka giggled out in excitement, turning on YouTube on the TV, "Only the music video is out for now, but I heard all her friends helped to film it!"
Shinso visibly tensed up at her words. They hadn't mentioned anything about Y/N to him, just guessing that they were having some trouble. But it completely went out of Uraraka's head as soon as she read Y/N's Twitter post that said ''Shouldn't Couldn't Wouldn't' is out now on my YouTube channel!! Go check it out or else I'll send Bakugou after you 😡😡😡'.
Shinso sighed out, "I'm good. I need to make some lunch for us anyway."
They said their 'thank you's to Shinso as Iida told him to be careful in the kitchen. He stood in the kitchen for a while, mind going to Y/N. She looked so hurt when he admitted he lied. And maybe she would've felt better if he just poured out why he felt this way, to lie and such.
The chatter of Todoroki, Midoriya, Iida and Uraraka died down at the girl pressed 'play' on the TV.
Shinso stood behind them in the living room doorway. He didn't want to sit with his friends right now. He just wanted to be alone and watch the music video.
The music came out gently at first. The plucking of the strings on the electric guitar was simple. It sounded like the feeling of falling. The video started out on a blank screen, the words 'Shouldn't Couldn't Wouldn't' on the black background. Underneath showed the people's names.
Vocals: L/N Y/N, Kirishima Eijiro
Guitars: Kirishima Eijiro (lead), Kaminari Denki (back-up electric), Jirou Kyoka (bass)
Drums: Bakugou Katsuki
Cameras: Ashido Mina, Sero Hanta
And then the drum beat came in behind, slowly at first as the first verse came up.
"'By now I got your bad habits all memorized, like, when I know you need me most'," Y/N sung, hand on the microphone as she tugged the wire behind her, "'You go and shut me out, figures, you Gemini."
They decided not to film a big music video, just one in the studio. They got Mina and Sero to dl the camera work, and God, did they do a great job
"Wow, she can really sing!" Midoriya commented before Uraraka quieted him down. She was a huge fan of Y/N's.
"'And I'm not sayin' that I've got, all of the answers, but,'" She kept going, Mina's camera panning to Kaminari who was focusing on the guitar at the moment, "'Boy, I've been in love before'."
Jirou had sung in the harmonies, adding in the ones they agreed on. It sounded like honey.
He wondered who she was in love with before him, and if they did a better job. Y/N admitted that she wanted to be more than friends with Shinso, and he blew it. Maybe the other person who loved her treated her better.
"'It's not always peachy, look, life ain't that easy,'" Y/N kept going, tapping her foot in beat with Bakugou's soft drumbs, "'But one thing I know for sure is it—'"
"'Shouldn't,'" She sung lightly with Jirou behind her, looking up to the camera with a completely 'done' expression, "'Be this hard, you couldn't, DTR. Oh wouldn't, it be nice, if we could stay friends? But we shouldn't.'"
The camera caught how Kirishima and Bakugou glanced at each other before at Y/N. It wasn't very discrete in the shot of the whole band.
Shinso clenched the fabric of his sweater as he watched her. She was gorgeous, on and off camera.
"Y'know what? I couldn't." Y/N went on, one hand brushing the back of her neck whilst the other held onto the microphone, "'Nough's enough. If I had your heart, it wouldn't be this... hard."
She looked deep in thought and would've stayed that way if it wasn't for Kirishima's little riff on his guitar.
Shinso noticed how she looked to the ground, swallowing before looking back up to the camera with a small grin.
She began to walk around the studio, tugging the wire behind her. "You wonder why suddenly, I'm coming off indifferent." She chimes, shrugging her shoulders innocently, "'What you don't seem to understand is..."
She stood next to Jirou, who was smiling at her friend. She hadn't seen Y/N this passionate about a song in ages. Jirou didn't like the intention behind it, but she always loved seeing Y/N give her all.
"It's not anything you said, it's everything you didn't. Ooh," Y/N spoke, glaring at the camera as Jirou harmonised with her. It was obvious who she had in mind. She hoped he saw this.
Shinso definitely did, he was feeling his heart rate increase slowly as she spoke. She meant every word she said and Shinso had the front seat to who she meant it to.
"Yeah, you." She sung, waving a finger in the air, "You always answered with, more questions to questions that scare you."
Y/N stood in the middle of Kirishima and Kaminari, tilting her head down to the camera. She wore a face that said she was truly angered, but was hiding it behind her smile. But it fell for the next line.
"We're not always peachy, look, love ain't that easy." Y/N stated, Bakugou in the background of the shot twirling his drumsticks in between his fingers.
"But one thing I know—" Y/N struck her fist up into the air, as did Kaminari and Kirishima, "I know it for sure that it!"
"Shouldn't," Jirou came in as Y/N finished the climax of that line.
"Be this hard, you couldn't," Y/N went on after taking a deep breath, pulling the mic back to her lips, "DTR. Oh wouldn't, it be nice if we could stay friends? But we shouldn't!"
Kaminari had whistled in the background at her voice. Y/N sung this chorus with so much more heat and push, making it sound less soft and passive-agressive than the last. Making it now — just agressive.
But Kirishima and Bakugou focused on their instruments. They knew how much Shinso hurt her. Which is why they encouraged her to sing this song for the album, it would help her get all this hatred out of her system.
"Y'know what? I couldn't!" She called, hand in her hair as she went over to Kirishima. As Sero's camera followed her, she leaned her arm against Kirishima's shoulder. "'Nough's enough! If I had your heart, it wouldn't be this hard."
Bakugou's drumming was the main attraction in the music background for the third verse.
"I drank too much tonight to not try to call you up." Kirishima finally joined in, singing into the microphone that stood in front of him. He worked with Jirou to help get his voice to suit this song better. "I mean, that's what our phones are for."
"Even Kirishima? Damn, they're all talented." Todoroki commented, sipping from his glass as Uraraka shifted in her spot.
She squealed, "Oh my God! People are gonna' go crazy over this! A duet between Kirishima and Y/N!"
Shinso didn't like that. The idea of Kirishima and Y/N together right after they broke it off, as friends. He wanted a second chance to make things better.
Mina's camera showed Kaminari throwing up a fist to cheer on his best friend, Jirou smiling at Kirishima.
It made the red-haired boy grin through his singing. "Not one for titles, girl, in other words — terrified." He said, seeing Y/N lift herself off of him to whisper to Bakugou about something.
Shinso was terrified. He hated to admit it. Perhaps that was why he could lie. Because he was scared.
The next line made him blush red. "That pussy kicked my rules out the door."
Y/N only grinned at him.
Shinso felt his heart ache.
Kaminari wrote that sentence. He wrote all of Kirishima's lines. Which made Jirou and Y/N laugh in rehearsals.
Kirishima shook his head, Sero's camera now focusing on him. "I could take more shots or I could take you, off your blouse." Kirishima sung as Y/N came back to her spot, still watching him, "My favourite parts of fucking is either when I'm done or when you're walking out my house."
Again, Shinso grit his teeth as he listened to those lines.
But why? Y/N wasn't his.
Jirou had hit Kaminari for writing that line as he claimed it was too late to change it now.
As Y/N twirled the microphone wire in between her fingers, Kirishima closed his eyes and went on, "You don't pick up when I call unless I call you 'mine'. But one thing I know is it—"
"Shouldn't!" Y/N came in again, taking the last chorus again with Jirou. Kirishima went back to focusing on his guitar.
He tried calling her. She didn't pick up. Ever. Maybe because she was filming and editing, or because she didn't want to waste the time on him.
"Be this hard. You couldn't, DTR. Oh wouldn't, it be nice if we could stay friends? But we shouldn't..." She sung, tilting her head to the side with closed eyes.
Y/N held onto the microphone tightly as Jirou watched her intensely. "Y'know what? I couldn't! 'Nough's enough!" She sung loudly, mic pulled away a bit to prevent peaking, "If I had your heart, it wouldn't be this..."
She took a deep breath in before letting it out in the song. "Hard — ah, ah, ah—ah, ah, ah..." She sung in melody with Jirou, closing her eyes with knitted brows. She was about to burst. "Oh, woah, woah—Hard, ah, ah! Mm!"
When Y/N opened her eyes, she stared at the ground. The drumming was dropped and the only one playing was Kirishima, the lead guitarist for the song.
She sighed, "It's not always peachy, look, love ain't that easy. But one thing I know, for sure is we... shouldn't."
The music stopped and was replaced by Kaminari's cheers. They finished the take in one go. He set his guitar down and ran up to the girls, engulfing them in giant hugs as he complimented their voices.
Y/N giggled, hugging back with Jirou, who looked madly annoyed. Bakugou only came towards them at Y/N's whining, telling him to be a team player. He allowed her to wrap an arm around his neck, saying how good his drumming was.
The last to join the hug was Kirishima. He stood in front of Y/N, placing a hand on top of her head and ruffling her hair. She complained about it until he rested a kiss on her forehead.
That's where the video cut off.
Shinso squinted at the TV before overhearing Uraraka compliment how well they sang and how great they performed all together. She always loved their friendship group.
Iida said something about the camera work and how the transitions were smooth.
Midoriya liked how they seemed relaxed all the time during the recording.
Todoroki mentioned how it kind of hinted to Kirishima and Y/N being a couple.
Shinso walked back into the kitchen.
Fun Fact: Y/N and her best friends really only met through Kaminari spilling his tea over Y/N's shirt at the cafe they all coincidentally studied at. She had her music playing through her headphones, which is why Jirou had introduced herself since she liked the artist too. Kaminari and Mina cried over ruining a pretty outfit. Kirishima apologised for their behaviour. Bakugou hit the two for their actions. Mina invited Y/N to come to their table and pay for her food in return.
TAGS: @just-some-stars @freyafolkvangr @headfirst-halo @wotsitgirl @falling4fandoms @katsuki-bakuhoee @adorable-punk-superheroes @firecet @ouijaeater15 @swoonhui @thegalxe @caitff @camry-orphanaccount @angelofdarkness1020 @someweirdshitman @jazzylove
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mewtonian-physics · 3 years
Text
my ranking of the alex rider original series (stormbreaker through scorpia rising) from ‘book i least enjoy rereading’ to ‘book i most enjoy rereading’ let’s goooo
spoilers for all 9 books under the cut
9. Ark Angel
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...He went to space. He went to space. Also the entire plot could have been avoided if Drevin had actually bothered to provide a photograph of his son. I’m sure he had one. I still like this book but it’s literally so insane that I just don’t know what to do with it. 
It is however really funny that Webber just goes and gives a speech insulting this super high-profile ecoterrorist group and acts like it’s no big deal and then they kill him. Shock of shocks.
8. Skeleton Key
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Okay, points to this book for terrifying the shit out of me. God damn it does that shark scene scare me. Also, points for making me feel a little bit bad for a man who wants to nuke his own country because he thinks it will fix the place up. I’m still not entirely sure how that’s supposed to work, but that’s probably a good thing. I feel like understanding his thought process would say bad things about me. Still, I actually did feel sorry for him, if only a little. Dude was clearly mentally unstable and I doubt his son’s death helped at all. I also got sad about what happened to Carver and Troy. (Yeah, yeah, I’m a cringe fail American who has the American release. So sue me.) What a nightmare that must’ve been to endure... Otherwise, though, I’m not super into this book. The opening is just kind of meh and the way it leads into the rest of the plot seems a little bit unbelievable. Also, this might be an unpopular opinion, but Sabina annoys me. I would not get along with her at all and I can’t imagine her as a girlfriend. Skeleton Key does, however, absolutely excel at the emotional scenes. 
Also, why are all the spy agencies so comfortable with sending in a 14-year-old? Especially when they outright admit that the other attempts have all died horribly? Bureaucracy’s a bitch.
7. Point Blank
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Boo, Dr. Grief! Boo! We hate your white supremacy! I’m so glad you got a snowmobile to the face, you deserved it. (Perks of books written by Jewish people--we aren’t afraid to give the neo-Nazis an unpleasant death.) Anyway, this book definitely isn’t bad, but I wouldn’t really say it stands out in the series. It definitely does hammer home the point of just how trapped Alex is, since MI6 isn’t going to just let him go after one mission, and let’s face it, the plot with the clones is creepy as hell, if highly improbable. But I’m largely just here to see the neo-Nazi get snowmobiled. That’s right, I just completely changed the definition of a pre-established word. I’m a rebel.
Also, I hate Fiona Friend so much and overall think she just didn’t need to be in the book, but the line about ‘I’d rather kiss the horse’ made me laugh so hard. Alex, you sass.
6. Snakehead
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Okay, let’s talk about how genius the plan in this book is. I love it! I love how Yu wants to kill the people involved in the peace conference without making them into martyrs, so he comes up with this whole elaborate plan to stage a natural disaster. It’s incredible. This dude was thinking so far ahead. And he would’ve gotten away with it, too, if it weren’t for that meddling kid... But anyway, I don’t see a lot of books where the villain really acknowledges that killing their enemies could just cause more problems for them via turning them into martyrs for a cause. Also, the way he’s so polite and soft-spoken while also being a complete monster... This book genuinely gives me chills. Extra bonus points for the part in the hospital, the absolute nightmare of having all your organs slowly removed and sold off and everyone around you is being so nice about it? ‘Oh, don’t worry, Alex, it won’t be so bad. Here, take your medicine. Do you need anything?’ Literally just. What the fuck. 
Also Ash can fucking fight me. You put your own godson in horrible danger on purpose! You killed your best friend! Bastard. 
...And just in case the book wasn’t disturbing enough, Yu’s fate at the end lives in my mind rent-free and I think about it on a concerningly regular basis considering that the chances of that happening to me are so low they’re practically in the negatives. Damn you, Horowitz.
I would also be remiss if I did not mention just how much I love the tagline ‘once bitten, twice spy’.
5. Crocodile Tears
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Ah yes, the book that kickstarted my drift away from the church... I kid, of course. I drifted away from the church for completely separate reasons. But Desmond McCain is always going to scare the shit out of me. The ability to kill countless innocent people while blissfully quoting Bible verses (that he takes wildly out of context and uses for his own self-serving means) is... well, I could actually say a lot about what that reminds me of, but I’m here to rate books, not religion. Moving on. This book has some really stellar antagonists, and the plot is chilling in a way that feels a lot more realistic than most of the other books. Even if some of it is a bit farfetched (sabotaging a nuclear power plant? Really?), the idea of using disasters for your own profit... well. I’m sure I don’t need to elaborate on why that is so believable. The Poison Dome is also a really cool and chilling scene--even Alex, who has the luck of the devil, can’t get out of that one unscathed. Further scares come in with the fate of Harold Bulman--imagine having your entire existence wiped and your identity changed while you were asleep! The breakdown he has over it is almost enough to make me feel sorry for him, even though he was ready to exploit a teenager and make his life a living hell just to turn a profit. Note the word almost.
Also. The opening makes me cry. Specifically the line talking about how Ravi’s kids would ‘never meet Mickey Mouse’. I lose my goddamn mind every single time I read it. That little personal touch turns the scene from a statistic to a tragedy. Once again: Damn you, Horowitz.
4. Stormbreaker
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Yeah, this one gets the special cover shot. And why not? What we are looking at here is the birth of a legend. Move the fuck over, James Bond, Alex Rider is on the scene now. Anyway, yeah, this book is pretty damn spectacular. It has its stumbles, but as the first book in a series, that’s to be expected. Still, it pulls you in from quite literally the first line and keeps you going right up until the end. (If you came here from my post of memes, you know how much the line ‘Killing is for grownups, and you’re still a child’ destroys me.) It has the debut of much-beloved characters such as, of course, Alex--but also Jack Starbright, and of course, the best MI6 agent of them all, which is to say Smithers. Hell, even Yassen Gregorovich, especially once you get through Russian Roulette... Man, that was a rough one. 
Seriously, though. This is a really good book. The scene with the Portuguese man-o’-war still gives me the chills to think about. (Have you ever looked up pictures of those things? They’re beautiful, but holy shit will they make you regret being born. Nature is funny like that.) 
We also get the introduction of, of course, Alex’s patented sass (his response to Sayle saying he relates to the man-o’-war is HILARIOUS) and we get the inherent humor of Alex screwing up an alias one time and then just going by Alex for the rest of the series so he doesn’t do that again. Really, kid, I know you’re not a trained spy or anything but did you never play pretend growing up? Ever? You can’t pretend your name is Felix for a little while? That sounds like a you problem.
3. Scorpia Rising
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I distinctly remember when this book came out, actually. I was on vacation at the time, and I remember my brother annoying the hell out of the poor workers at a bookstore we frequented there to see if/when they were going to get it in. They did, finally, and we bought it immediately, and I was of course absolutely desperate to read it. He got to read it first, though. -_-
This is a great book, an absolute emotional rollercoaster all the way through. The way Blunt tricks Alex back into service by staging a shooting was exactly the kind of cold, brutal behavior I’d expect from him. Seeing Julius come back was shocking, but very exciting, too. And Razim makes an incredibly chilling villain, with his absolute disregard for human life and his desire to measure pain. Also, seeing Smithers’s house was so much fun. Smithers in this book was just really fun in general, but he’s really fun in every book, so... nothing unusual there. But also, I want an unwelcome mat. Please?
2. Eagle Strike
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‘But Penny,’ you might ask, ‘why is this book so high on your list? It has so much of Sabina in it, and you said she annoys you.’ That is true. What does not annoy me, however, is basically the entire rest of the book. I love the tense opening, and then reading through Alex’s real-life ‘playthrough’ of Feathered Serpent is still one of my favorite scenes. Cray is absolutely incredible as a villain, with the way that he truly believes in his cause--which is undoubtedly a good one! Yet the extremes to which he will go for that cause, and the fact that he very nearly succeeds, are what elevate him to one of the most dangerous villains in the series. That scene with Charlie Roper and the nickels is something I can never seem to stop thinking about. Actually, I think about it basically whenever I think about large amounts of money paid in small increments... 
Also, I really enjoy how he gets into the whole plot in the first place, and I really enjoy Smithers saying ‘ah, fuck it’ and helping him out anyway. Go, Smithers. You once again prove me right in saying that you’re the coolest adult in MI6.
The revelation that Yassen knew Alex’s father is one that absolutely blew my mind first time around. The way his life was threaded into the lives of the Rider family--he worked with John Rider, was saved by him, killed Ian Rider, and then died for refusing to kill Alex Rider--wow. Wow. It gets to me. It really gets to me. This book is a masterpiece. I heard that it’s going to be what the second season of the TV series is based off of, and I’m so hyped for that. We love to see it, we really do.
1. Scorpia
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I don’t believe anyone who says this book didn’t get to them at all. I just think they are lying. I don’t think it’s humanly possible to not be affected by this book. God. Just thinking about it reminds me of why I don’t think it’s possible. I mean, come on. We get all this backstory about Alex’s parents, we get tricked along with him into thinking MI6 killed his father, then bam, that was a lie, and Alex may have just fucked himself over big time. Also, that plot is terrifying! (And I bet anti-vaxxers had a field day with it, huh.) Julia Rothman is a really great antagonist, one of the only ones who didn’t go and explain her plan in great detail to Alex--the fact that she didn’t actually being a plot point was something I personally found pretty clever. In general, this book is... I tend to hate when people say they ‘can’t put it down’ because it’s usually an obvious exaggeration, but that really is how I feel reading it.
And again. If that ending didn’t get to you... Well, I just think you are lying.
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love-and-monsters · 3 years
Text
Mermaid Girlfriend
F monster X GN human, 2,796 words.
No story next week because it’s Christmas and I have shit to do. 
It’s winter, and that means your girlfriend is moving in with you for the first time.
A ripple passed through the surface of the murky pond. You readjusted your position on the slick, slime-covered rocks that jutted out from the water. “If you splash me, I swear…”
An enormous tail emerged from the water and slapped down threateningly close to you. You flinched back as a few drops of freezing water landed on your face. Raspy laughter echoed in your head. “I didn’t. Water barely touched you.”
“Look, I’m trying to help you, all right? No need to be a pain about it.” You unhooked the small bottle from your waist and crouched, careful not to let your feet slip off the rocks. They were so wet and covered in lichen and pond scum that it was like trying to stay balanced on a piece of ice. “Where’d you go?”
There was a ripple to your left and you turned to look at it. The motion threw off your balance. One of your feet slipped. You windmilled your arms frantically, but it was no use. One of your heels slipped down off the rock and you could feel yourself overbalancing.
A cold, soaking wet hand pressed to the small of your back. You wobbled, carefully readjusting your position as the hand steadied you until you felt safe again. “Thanks,” you said, taking deep breaths to slow your hammering heart.
Your girlfriend lifted her head from the water and gave you a sharp-toothed smile. “No problem, babe. You brought the stuff?”
“Yep.” You passed over the little bottle. It was amazing how much it resembled pond scum while still being safe to consume. It was a deep green color, with chunks of plant matter floating among the liquid. You were pretty sure you wouldn’t be able to get it down without gagging, but Nessa took it with no sign of revulsion. She swirled it around at eye level, then popped the top and sniffed it.
“You gave them an exact ingredient list, right?” she said. You nodded.
“Of course. Made sure there were no substitutions or anything.” She took a little sip from the bottle, swishing it in her mouth and then swallowed. “Good?”
“Good,” she said. “I think. We’ll know for sure if I down the whole thing and I keel over.”
You wrinkled your nose. “Don’t even joke about that.” Wobbling, you got back to your feet and headed toward the shore. Nessa swam next to you, gliding far more easily through the water than you were managing on land.
You gave a sigh of relief when you landed back on shore. Nessa carefully pulled herself out of the water. You took a moment to watch as she heaved herself up onto the bank, appreciating the strong, rippling motion of her arm muscles. She caught your eye and grinned.
It took significant effort to pull the entire length of her body out of the water. From the waist up, she was roughly human, though her skin was greenish-blue and there were fins on her arms. From the waist down, she had an enormous tail, layered with beautiful fins. Altogether, she was a massive ten feet from head to tail tip.
“Oof,” she groaned as she managed to pull the majority of her body out of water. Her tail still trailed in the water, but it had been hard enough to pull herself up as far as she had, and anyway, she only needed to be mostly on land.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” you asked. “I mean, we can keep doing what we’ve been doing. It doesn’t bother me.”
“Yeah, well, it bothers me,” Nessa said. She stared into the murky liquid in the little jar. “I’m the one who came up with the idea in the first place. It’s not like you’ve been pushing me to do this or anything.”
“Yeah, I know.” You plucked at the sparse grass that grew on the lakeside. “But I still feel a little weird about the whole thing? It’s a big part of you, and you’re just… giving it up?”
“Oh, my depths.” Nessa rolled her eyes. “I’m not giving anything up. It’s a temporary measure. I’ll be able to come back whenever I want. Anyway, I think doing this for the winter is a good idea. You have no idea how shitty this stupid lake is in the winter. Everything freezes, the water gets cold as shit, there’s barely any food- I spend most of the time in a weird daze.”
You fiddled with one of your shirtsleeves. “Are you sure about this?”
“I am! I’ve told you a whole bunch of times. Look.” She pressed the bottle to her mouth and, before you could do anything, she downed the whole thing.
There was a long, silent moment, then she retched. You stared at her in horror. “Is it bad? Should I call a doctor?”
“No, it’s fine. It just takes like garbage,” Nessa said. She stuck her long tongue out. “Disgusting. Like eating pond weed.”
“But you don’t feel bad?” you asked anxiously. “You said this thing can go wrong.”
“If it’s made wrong. But you said you got all the correct ingredients and everything, so it’s probably all right.” Nessa closed her eyes and her brows furrowed. “Ugh.”
“What? What?” you said. Nessa waved a hand at you.
“Hang on. It’s just-” Her muscles all seized and she flopped to the ground. You gave a distressed wail and grabbed at her shoulder. Nessa managed, with a flailing movement, to push you off her and curled in on herself.
The seizing became worse, Nessa shivering all over with the force of it. Then, suddenly, she went entirely limp. Her skin seemed to sag and turn grayish. You stared at her in horror for a moment, then reached out and gently poked her.
The skin shifted under your touch like wet paper. You stared in horror, uncomprehending. No. No, no, no, this couldn’t be happening.
And then, just as you were about to start panicking, Nessa shifted. The skin, which had gone limp and unmoving, rolled like there was something pushing at it from underneath. With a wet noise, the skin sloughed apart.
“Eww!” You leapt back from the body, shaking your hands off in disgust. The skin shifted of its own accord, then fell off to the side.
“It worked!” Nessa cried, pushing herself free from the remains of her old skin. She squirmed fully free and kicked the skin away, toward the water. Now that there was nothing inside it, it seemed to have lost all integrity. It crumpled under her touch, tearing apart before it even made it to the water.
“You look different than I thought you would,” you said. Nessa had told you the potion would make her human, but that didn’t seem to be entirely true. There was some truth to it. She was standing on two legs now, looking perfectly balanced despite her inexperience. She was also smaller than she was before, though still tall. Her legs were long, but they only put her at about six feet in height, rather than ten feet. But the roughly humanoid shape was the only part of her that seemed correct.
Her skin was the same greenish color it had been, with her hair being a much paler shade of green. She still had fins on her arms, and new fins had appeared on her calves. They twitched slightly in the chilly air, folding close to her body. Her teeth were still as sharp as knives and there was an oddly smooth, languid feel to the way she moved. It was like she was swimming through the air, instead of moving like a normal human.
“It worked perfectly!” she said, executing a twirl on one of her new feet.
“Really?” you said, looking at her. “It doesn’t look like it worked perfectly.”
“I’m human,” she said, giving you a questioning look.
“Humans don’t have fins,” you said, giving her a playful poke. Her skin still felt slightly rubbery, much smoother than human skin.
“It’s transformational inertia,” she said. You gave her a blank look. “How well-versed in magic are you?”
“I know that you can use magic to do cool things,” you said. Nessa rolled her eyes and started to shrug on the clothes you’d brought with you. They were a little tight, but she didn’t seem to mind. You didn’t mind all that much either.
“Okay, so not a lot,” she said. “So, when you use a transformation spell, there’s something called transformational inertia. Essentially, it means that when you give a transformation spell to someone, it’s really hard to get them to transform fully, especially if they’re changing into another species. The more different two things are, the harder it is to change one into the other, and you can never have a complete transformation unless it’s permanent. It’s hard to go from mermaid to human, so I just used the potion that would get me closest- I can live on land now, I have legs, all that good stuff.”
“Oh,” you said, nodding. “Okay, I kind of get that.” You gave her a small smile. “Actually, I think I like it better this way.”
Nessa lifted her brows and waggled them. “Yeah? You do?”
“I do,” you said. “I don’t know. When I though you were going to be completely human, I thought it was going to be a little bit… I don’t know, weird? First of all, I was kind of worried that you were going to look like a total stranger, you know? Like, you’d have some similar features, but you were going to look so different I’d have trouble recognizing you. But now you look like yourself, just with legs.”
Nessa nodded. “Makes sense. What’s the other thing?”
You felt your face warm and you rubbed a hand over the back of your neck. “Um. Well. I kind of think the fangs and stuff are cool. It’s kind of, you know. Hot?”
Nessa threw her head back and laughed, clutching her stomach. Your face burned even hotter and you smacked one of her arms. “Hey! Don’t laugh at me.”
“I’m not laughing at you,” Nessa said, hurriedly smothering her giggles. “I swear, I’m not. I was laughing because…” She trailed off and gave a half-shrug. “I think humans are really cute too.”
“What?” you said. “Like… what’s cute about us? Our weird flat teeth?”
“No, the teeth are a little weird,” Nessa said with a giggle. “I kind of like the ears, actually.”
You reached one of your hands up, tracing a finger over the curve of your ear. “Our… our ears?”
“They’re all so rounded and cute! Most nonhuman species have pointy ears. Yours are so little and sweet. Just adorable!”
“I guess I never really thought about it,” you said. Nessa made an attempt to skip toward you, misjudged where her feet were supposed to go, and stumbled straight into your arms. You barely had time to brace yourself before she slammed into you, sending the two of you almost falling to the ground.
“Sorry!” she said, although she was laughing too hard to really sound apologetic. “I guess I still have to get used to my legs.” Despite saying that, she didn’t seem eager to stand up again. She swayed into your chest, giggling and poking at your ears.
“Okay, it’s starting to get really cold out here,” you said. “Can we go to the car now? You’re ready to go?”
“Give me a minute,” Nessa said. She turned toward the lake and waved her arm toward it enthusiastically. “Bye, lake! I’ll see you again in the spring.” She turned toward you, hands at her sides. “Okay. Now I’m ready to go with you.”
You offered her a hand and she took it, fingers squeezing tightly around yours. “you’ve never been a car before, have you?” Nessa shook her head.            
“I have no idea what it’s going to be like. Is it kind of like riding the currents?” she asked.
“I haven’t done that, so I can’t say,” you said. Nesssa frowned.
“Guess I’ll find out,” she said.
Nessa pulled at the seatbelt as you fastened it around her. “This is annoying,” she said, giving it a few tugs. The locking mechanism activated and she yelped as the belt went taught. “Hey!”
“You’re not supposed to pull on it,” you said. “It’s supposed to stop you from flying out the windshield if we get into a crash.”
Nessa’s irritated expression melted into one of horror. “Does that happen often?”
“Not often,” you said. “I’m a very safe driver.” Nessa looked at you skeptically. “It’ll be fine. No crashes.”
“Then why do I even have to wear this?” Nessa asked, starting to pull at her seatbelt again.
“Because I can get in trouble if you don’t,” you said, thankful there was some sort of explanation you could give that wouldn’t freak her out. She shrugged, accepting that answer and slouching back in her seat. You started the car and she sat back up. “It’s just the engine starting,” you reassured her. She settled back with a skeptical expression.
The car started down the road. It was mostly dirt, so the car rocked and rattled as you moved. Ness stared out the window as you left the lake behind.
“Doing okay?” you asked after a few minutes of silence.
“Yeah,” Nessa said, still gazing out the window. “It’s interesting. It is a little bit like riding the currents.” She craned her neck as the last bit of the lake vanished into the distance. “Won’t see that again until it gets warm again.”
“You can always go in the bath if you’re really missing it,” you said. “The water’s even heated.”
“It’s not exactly the same,” Nessa said, finally looking away from the window. “But I do appreciate the gesture.”
You took one of your hands off the wheel and reached over to grab her hand. Her palm was incredibly smooth and you could feel her claws gently tapping on the back of your palm. “I’m glad you’re here. I was going to miss you over the winter.”
“I’m glad I’m here too. And it’s really interesting being a human.” Nessa kicked her legs. “It’s actually helping me understand you a lot better. Like. Knees are really annoying.”
“Are you having problems with your knees already?” you asked. “Are you going to have to borrow my knee brace?”
“God, I hope not,” she said. “You complain about your knees so much. I would hate to have the same garbage knees you do.”
You pulled up to your house and hurried around the car to open the door for Nessa. She stepped outside, staring at the building. “Huh. Human houses look different in real life. Really impressive. Merfolk don’t have houses like this.”
“You’ve mentioned,” you said. “Come on. Let’s go inside and I’ll show you around.”
There wasn’t a lot to show- the house was itty bitty, having only about four rooms. There was your bedroom, the bathroom, a little kitchen, and something that you had made into an office and a sitting room. “It’s not that great,” you said. “I know it’s a little cramped, so I hope you don’t mind too much. I know you’re used to having a whole lake.”
Nessa turned toward you and, before you would even process what was happening, she had placed her hands on your face and kissed you. You sighed into her mouth. Even as a human, she tasted a little bit like she had as a merfolk, a sort of pleasant freshness. It was a reassuring, sweet kiss that made your stomach lighten.
“It’s perfect,” she said. “Trust me. It’s nice here. And more than that, you’re here. I love you. I want to spend time with you. So, living in a little house with you is actually really great. We’re going to be together all the time.”
You giggled, resting your forehead against hers. Now that she was human, you were almost the same height- getting up on your tippy-toes put your faces almost level. “I’m going to remind you of that in about two weeks when your tune changes.” You lowered yourself off of your tiptoes and took hold of her hands. “Come on. Let’s get settled, then head to the bedroom. I think you might need a lesson in, uh. Your new anatomy?”
A sly smile crossed Nessa’s face. “Oh, I completely agree. In fact, what do you say we start there?”
You grinned back at her. “I think that’s an excellent idea. Shall we?”
Still laughing together in delight, you headed into the bedroom, the door swinging shut behind you.
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