#my parents keep all the medical supplies in their room

[daydreamsandcrashingwaves]

Keeping It Close To The Chest Pt 1

Edited 12/25/23 ~~ Here's Part Two ~~

Part Three Part Four

I devoured the Damian Wayne and Danny Fenton are Twins tags and had to make something of my own to add. This is my first fanfic I've decided to post. I'm much more familiar with the DP side of things but I gave it my best shot. Hope this brings joy anyway. If I decide to post this on A03 I will have it beta'd since I made this in like four parts and then wove them together so the flow may not always be there whoopps.. but for now I just wanted to share this with all you!

TW/CW: Medical experimentation and trauma, parental abuse/neglect, wound description, blood-ectoplasm and human, death (it's danny, he's the culprit lol will apply to Jason too if I add to this), body horror (to be safe), PTSD and flashbacks, childhood trauma and abuse, dehumanization

If I missed a tag/warning please let me know! I've never been an extensive tagger so i tried real hard to get everything, but I am human and could've missed something. Much love, stay safe.

~Ren

He had to keep moving. He could still hear their screams of rage ringing in his ears. Faster, he had to be faster. His blind panic had created an opportunity, a sliver of hope Danyal was determined to twist to his advantage. He was limping forward on uncertain legs. His vision swayed with the movement, and he fought to keep upright. His chest was on fire, Danny pressed his hands tightly to the wound there in a desperate attempt to keep his organs from spilling out like confetti. He kept his arms tucked close and rounded his shoulders to try and keep his torso still while he moved quickly through the empty streets of his once home. His chest was by far injured the worst, but he had paid no mind to the others. If he dared to stop, he would fully die.

Even in his human form, Danny just knows he's leaving a glowing blood trail behind him, the ectoplasm burning into the ground behind him. Whatever side of his transformation his body was currently showing it didn't matter, he was simultaneously both, always. The trail was evidence he transformed due to necessity, he became so durable after dying that it took a lot to hurt him. Danny risked a glance down and paled further. The green he spilled as Phantom mixed with red. A fucked up corrosive bread trail right to him. He was sure he truly was in deep shit. He just had to get to his go bag. Over time with his parent's inventions getting more dangerous the more Danny had to think about putting into motion The Great Escape.

Anything important he had always kept hidden, but Danny had taken everything out of his room once he had died the second time, and Danny was grateful for the convenience to be able to phase things into walls, floors, ceilings. It made his things pretty secure; no human could find it and any ghost that came through was too focused on their obsession or fighting him to go on a treasure hunt for his hidden things.

Danny's willful ignorance of his body as he stumbles farther from FentonWorks doesn’t stop the slight burn of his ectoplasm against the edges of his wounds and the tatters of his hazmat suit pulling on the scabbing blood or the smell. Ancients the smell. It’s rancid, he hasn’t been able to cycle it properly without his normal supply of fresh ectoplasm from the Zone. Only provided in small bursts when his parents wanted to see how his body healed with and without ectoplasm. He can feel the whispers of his terror, anger, grief that’s flowing through his blood.

He had been overconfident way back when he had threatened Vlad with exposing his secret. He had thought they'd love him despite having kept his halfa status from them, he hadn't been prepared for the distrust, the hatred, the way they moved farther and farther from thought out experiments to revenge. Danny knows Maddie and Jack still see him as the quiet, shaken child so desperate to be good, craving acceptance by the eccentric family that took him in when they look at him. If Danny had to guess they had been so blinded in their rage to even realized it was their machine, their failure that made him this way. Now they really did want him dead.

He’s whole somehow, despite their best effort, he just needs time. Ancients, He’s not exactly the monster they pictured, but He's not human... He’s whole.

The thought tastes bitter and Danny strangles it before it can expand. He must be focused. Taking a measured breath Danny turns down a familiar alley, he goes intangible with a slight twinge in his core, slipping into the bathroom of Nasty Burger. He’s done this so many times the familiar path brings comfort, reassurance. Like maybe things will start to turn for the better. Making his way over to the stall Danny debated whether it was worth climbing the toilet or floating up there. No, it was better to grit his teeth and bare it. There were only three containers of ectoplasm in his bag, he needed to preserve what strength he had. He would soon have no way to access the Zone for a refill.

Danny took one hand and placed it on the wall before careful stepping up. Lifting his leg had sent waves of pain across his nerves but with a grunt he leveraged himself up. His vision went black at the edges, he was dizzy, and bile clawed at the back of his throat. Danny took a few breaths, while he might not need to breathe, he’s been human longer than not, and well.. he’s only half ghost so the habit carried over to when he's Phantom. Danny was immensely grateful for his time in the League, the training was brutal, he still has nightmares about dying the first time but.. he did learn how to survive in situations that if he was truly a Fenton, would've killed him many times over. As Danny was Danyal Al Ghul Fenton, he always had back up plans. His Mother had been heavy handed with those lessons.

It was painful to think about Talia. She had been Grandfather’s favored child and the weight of his expectations of his grandsons was enforced by her. Lessons or punishment, very rarely praise was given to Danny by his Mother's hand. Each milestone was meticulously observed and reported back, doubly so for their failures. Tiny bodies with too big of weapons, green and blue eyes, a face mirroring his own but twisted in determination, competition. His older brother, his twin. They were inseparable, until they weren't.

Danny's core throbs in his chest, he wanted to shy away from the thought, yet the inconsolable part of him screams at the injustice of being the only one to escape their Grandfather. If only Danny could've proven himself, perhaps his brother would've had a chance to leave in his stead, but Danny knows just how much he was lacking in comparison to his brother, and it was their skill, or lack thereof in Danny's case, that sealed their fates. Danny was able to avoid Ra's overseeing eyes when they moved off the failure of a Spare and homed in on his true Heir. The grandson who took to their lessons like a duck in water. Deathly beautiful, Danny used to think as he watched his brother dance and fly through his training. Talia couldn't defy Ra's orders but if she just.. misplaced.. the Spare that was abandoned, well, no one has come for him yet.

Danny knows she loved him, somewhere hidden, deep inside his Grandfather's perfect pet assassin. She loved him enough to send him away when it became clear Ra’s saw no need in the Spare that was no longer needed, she had loved him when she had beaten him and left mortal wounds-their only chance to fool Grandfather, she loved him when she had given him his packed bag and left him outside that orphanage in Chicago with lazarus water raging in his veins, and she loved him when she told him to forget.

Forget about the League her and his brother, his family.

With brief tight squeeze to his small shoulder her she told him if he was in danger to find Bruce Wayne and then Talia Al Ghul was gone and Danyal-just Danyal now- was left truly on his own for the first time ever.

Danny was definitely in danger now; his situation was grave and despite everything the pun brought a small smile to his face. He couldn’t go back home to the Fenton's. He tries to forget how he froze in his surprise when he realized his parents didn’t take his reveal as Phantom as well as they had let on. They had smiled and stalled until they had found a way to contain him. By then it was too late, he had gotten too complacent in his run on a normal life.

Only after Ancients knows how long he had been resisting, pleading, screaming-I’m still Danny, it hurts mom please, I’m still me, Dad I’m alive- did Maddie find his core. Too tired to move it away from her gaze any longer and when her fingers brushed it the wave of mind-numbing terror exploded out of him. Something must've been on her gloves because his core burned. It ripped a wail from his throat while he writhed on the table. Ice responded like it never was taken from him by the anti-ghost restraints.

Danny could still distantly feel the ghostly ice that had trapped them in place and shattered his restraints under the pressure the frozen water bursting into existence. Even trapped in his ghost ice they were steadily working on getting out and would be on the hunt for him again soon. He wouldn't allow them to catch him again.

The mere idea they’d be on their way already spurred Danny back into action. Slipping his hand into the wall he grabbed the strap and pulled his bag out, careful to keep it weightless, and slid off the toilet and back down to the floor. He hasn't seen his dagger in months, it hurt too much to practice without Dami, his other half. Here it is though, innocently tied to his bag and his gaze traced it lovingly, before searching inside the biggest pocket for his first aid kit. He didn't have time for stiches, so he reaches for the butterfly bandages and starts to pull the skin together before securing it. It's really the first proper look he gets, it's... unsettling at the very least, horrifying, to see a wound reserved for autopsies on his chest.

The Y incision is inflamed and still bleeding so he carefully follows its path until he's done. Grabbing gauze, he starts to reinforce pad, wrapping a roll of bandages around to hold everything in place. Danny bites his lip and thinks for a moment, he will need stitches, he's been wounded enough in this half-life to know that. The likelihood for his work to stay in place while he flies is less than he'd like. Making a decision and with a mental shrug he takes an ectoshot from the smaller pocket and stabbed it into his thigh before pressing the depressor. Pure energy zapped through his system hard, angerly surges to settle in his chest. Feeling a bit better but more.. wired Danny takes a second to calm. Steeling himself he tries to nudge his core, it responds in a weak pulse.

Danny's body protests, he can feel his muscles shred and reform, his bones twist like taffy, his organs melt together before settling to form his ectobody. It's all over in a flash of bright light, yet the pain felt endless. Overwhelming in its intensity but gone just as quickly as it came leaving Danny sweaty and panting. Transforming injured was tricky, he had to carefully picture where the bandages were, so he didn't lose all his hard work.

Confusion settled as a fog, clinging to his thoughts, making them murky. His hands were covered in blood, his body hurt, and he couldn't quite remember why, there was a siren coming closer. Everything in him screamed to run, to escape, but his hunters were too close now, freed from his ice to kill him fully. On instinct Danny's nails grew to claws, ripping into space to create a portal. He was weak, always had been, but he was good at running, hiding away in the shadows. Ghost was once a name of his, a proud title, not just what he is now.

Just as the doors burst open in a teal and orange blur Danny dove into the swirling green and hoped Clockwork was watching so at least someone knew things had exploded here in Amity. He hasn't needed to be on his own like this since after Jazz first saw him and demanded that her parents bring Danny home with them. He misses her now as the path out of Nasty Burger closes behind him. Danny's falling, dropping towards the ground too fast for eyes to track but his impact had definitely shaken the room. With a pained whine and a flash Danny was back to being human again, his landing had pulled at whatever scab was able to form in the twentyish minutes it took him to drag himself away from the basement. Danny was going to be sick, the sticky cool liquid that had his clothes clinging to him, was going to be very alarming when he finally could give himself a proper once over. He could feel the new bruises as he tried to roll off the pallets he had crushed.

"Oh! Someone decided to drop by! " A man called out with glee as he sauntered in his direction. "Shall we see who our special guest is?" Danny could feel the rotten soul as he got closer. Too close. Forgoing moving Danny tensed in anticipation. He was hurt, yes, but he would go down fighting. He could do that much to make his brother proud, even if he never realized Danny lived to 15 not 5. Before he could uncurl to swing at the man there was the soft sound of fabric rustling and a blade being drawn. Curling tighter Danny hoped he had enough juice to go intangible.

"You will not reach your goal Joker; Do you not get sick of trying?" The voice was smooth, deeper than he remembered but it's been 10 years, it's understandable that puberty changed his brother's voice. Danny would recognize it anywhere. Danny jinxed himself, somehow. How he ended up in the same room as the brother he hadn't seen in a decade, Danny wasn't sure. He was terrified though. Where Damian was the League and their Grandfather wasn't far behind. Damian had carefully hidden away his care as a child but would shower Danny in it in the darkness of their room. After years apart and Grandfather's continued influence Danny was uncertain how much of Damian truly remained.

There was a burst of noise, of movement and a struggle then silence covered the room. Danny's hands were shaking. "Nightwing, first aid is required inside, bring the kit." His brother paused, "No, a civilian, a metahuman if his unusually colored blood is to be taken into account."

Danny could feel his brother's scrutiny, his gaze held weight as it scanned over his collapsed form, he tried to curl more but a hand brushing his shoulder had Danny screaming and scrambling away.

Damian's hands twitched at his side, an aborted motion to draw his sword. He seemed to pause then they flew up empty, placating- it didn't bring Danny any comfort.

An assassin's greatest tool was always their hands. Green eyes tracked him, narrowing at the way Danny was shrinking into the shadows. Dread swam down his spine to settle hard in his gut. Of all the ways to meet his brother again, it had to be when he was dying, for a third time. Danny reached blindly for whatever was next to him to pull himself up, his knees wobbled precariously but he would be standing for this. He had to be. Black spots were now in his vision, but he forced a smirk onto his face. Danny was sure he was a sight to see, torn clothes, skin riddled with bruises, green and red blood splattered all over like a kindergartener's messy painting of Christmas, limp dirty hair.

Danny knows Damian is assessing him, taking in what he can see in front of him to efficiently deal with it as they were trained to do. potential strengths and weaknesses. Behind both the domino mask and his calm exterior Damian is taking in a snapshot. Danny wonders what he sees, if his brother recognizes the boy he’s grown into, Danny’s core thrums wildly and he tries not to fidget. The slight frown that pulls at Damian’s mouth means he caught the aborted motion.

"Damn, green, yellow and red... You look like a traffic light!" He gets one giggle in before he chokes on it. Danny can't breathe. His brother had gone deathly still when Danny spoke. He could see the war of emotions fighting through his brother, suspicion was quickly doused with rage. "How dare she." The Arabic was an unexpected comfort, but Danny felt confusion at the words. He's severely out of practice, he thought he understood but doubt settled in. He wasn't sure.

Damian had always stood firm next to him in the League, calm, driven and decisive, the perfect heir for their Grandfather. He was always warm to Danny though, would allow traces of his true feelings to be visible when Damian would inevitably catch Danny sneaking out of his bed to stargaze. Danny would get scolded, every time. Grandfather would punish him harshly for such indulgences, he knew it. Attachments were weaknesses and Grandfather would not grow weakness in the League, in his heirs. Danny may be weak and the Spare but he was smart. He knows what the looks of distaste meant from his Grandfather. He knew how his failures would catch up to him and how Grandfather disapproved of his influence on Damian. Yet Danny kept going back, hiding in the shadows to gaze at the stars and wait for his brother to come find him.

Danny had braced for Damian to be mad when he realizes Danny didn’t truly die that day and has stayed away from his brother, but Danny couldn’t have expected this.

Pure hatred lights up in Damian’s eyes when he finally realizes what is in front of him. It's Danny’s undoing. Everything else that has happened seemed like a cakewalk compared to being rejected by the person who had always understood him most. Ghosts are the manifestation of their emotions. Frostbite had explained once how injuries can manifest in a ghost's form on their own. Emotional pain could make them unravel down to their cores, until even that disappeared.

For Danny, there was uncertainty, halfas were so rare that there wasn’t much off hand knowledge, but Danny has always known from the second he died. There was no separation between his human and ghost halves. He just was. What fancy wrapping he showed off hardly mattered. Things bleed so easily between them, Danny Fenton and Phantom.

"I'll kill her painfully for this, but you abomination it will be swift." Damian has balanced on his toes, ready for a quick burst of speed. His sword now clenched so tightly in his hands it almost shakes.

An abomination the words looped through Danny's mind. The wounded sob that came forth when he opened his mouth to reply was unexpected. Danny took halting steps back from his twin. The hitching breath brought his attention back to his chest. This wasn't how Danny had pictured this moment, all those years of stolen daydreams. His core felt wrong in his chest. He felt cold, cold and brittle but his chest was on fire-and wet. The surgical cut seeping like its minutes fresh, this was by far Danny’s worst idea, to believe to ever hope, his brother would ever keep a monster by his side Danny was a fool to hope even for a moment-hands hands reaching for him to bring him back, grabbing his arm-

“No! I don't know! No please” Danny gasps as he flails weakly “I’m sorry I’m sorry!”

Damian hesitates again, before his resolve firms, "Danyal-" His name cracks over his brother's tongue. Danny isn't aware enough to unpack the way his brother's face twists in heartbreak the longer he watches Danny bleed. A warm body comes up behind him, blocking him in, he’s crying now, a weakness that he never could smother. "No!" Danny avoids his gaze scrambling to grip onto whatever fabric is in his hands. Danny wants the moment to last but he knows what’s coming. Damian won’t protect him now. His older brother had been steadfast by his side in their childhood, but now… now maybe it was better he’s bleeding out.

Danny vaguely registered the man behind him cutting off his shirt, kit at the ready besides him. Pressure on his wound forces a long high whine from his throat. He wants to shove it away, his hand swatting at it but he missed, and it thuds uselessly on the ground. He doesn't have the energy to try again.

The shock of a hot hand against his face brings everything into abrupt focus. Danny flinches but can’t move, the body unyielding behind him. He sees the room is covered in his frost and ice. Batman and Red Robin are farther back, their feet trapped in the ghostly ice, they had things in hand to try and hack away at the ice trapping them in place.

“Danyal” The pain in his twin's voice has him turning in that direction; his brother was there. For how well they could read each other in childhood Danny had no clue what his brother was thinking now. His twice dead brother, back to only die again at his feet. “Are you destabilizing? Why were you sent here? What does Mother want?”

“What?” Danny can’t help the laugh that bursts out of him, even if it hurts, it seems his ice kept his organs in place while he tumbled through his hastily made portal. He must've lost consciousness at some point though; his ice seems to have melted to leaving him fully exposed. “That bitch- She has nothing to do with this- wait. You think-” Danny laughs even harder until he can’t breathe and he’s hacking and spitting up more ectoplasm. He’s pulled more fully against the warm body behind him, his head lulls-oh it’s Nightwing, the blatant concern radiating from the man stings Danny’s eyes and a few tears scatter down his face.

“I’m not a clone Dami, I didn’t even know you weren’t with the League anymore." Danny's speech slurs more the harder he tries to piece sentences together, "I'm sorry I don't know how I ended up here.” Danny is growing quieter the longer he talks- can feel his life draining onto the floor and there’s panic in the air now, Batman had sprung up next to Damian's side. Seemed to say something to Damian before he retreated slightly. Batman was hovering ready to interfere but unsure in what actions needed to take place.

Damian is staring at him intently, looking to match his scars to the one's he remembers. He taps his fingers insistently on Danny's cheek and Danny doesn't fight looking back at him. The fingers linger against the scar hidden behind his hair next to his ear, traces the edges. Damian was the one to give it to him, a training error. He had looked at Danny similarly to how he was now. Fear, regret, panic. Words are being said, they blend together, warp, so Danny just hums in response. Everything is more distant now. Danny's own fear floating out of reach. He knows death intimately, he's not afraid to greet her a third time.

The words became frantic as he struggles to stay awake, and someone was talking again. “-ood to see you though- no tss okay no pain.. mma be cold soon-" Oh. That's Danny. The face he has ached to see for years fills his vision. The shade of green he could never replace. Danny was picked up and hustled out a door into the by Nightwing while a harsh discussion flew over his head. They were in some sort of vehicle now, the door shutting causes silence to blanket the group. His head is in Damian's lap, and it takes a second, but Danny realizes Damian is carting his fingers through his greasy hair. His other hand was holding Danny's, playing with his fingers like he did as children. Danny's vision fills with tears and spills down his face.

"Danyal? Can you hear me?" Damian calls his attention softly, his sweet, sweet brother tries to keep the concern out of his voice, off his face. Once he sees Danny focus on him a trembling smile makes its home on Damian's face. His domino mask is gone, Danny drinks in the unobscured view of his brother. "We'll be back to the Cave shortly, Alfred will attend to you, then you're going to tell me exactly how this happened so I can make sure it never does again." Danny can tell Damian is scared, the minute tremble in his petting only confirmed it. Danny let a smile tug at his lips too, "It's gonna be okay Dami" Danny slurred, he hears Damian insisting they were almost home.

Home with Damian. That was a fool's dream, just out of reach. Danny never indulged in the idea; he wouldn't put Dami in danger by reappearing. But- Danny was with him now, a twitch of his fingers against Damian's proves it. Danny went limp as the Batmobile skidded into the Cave, Damian was a silent statue watching Alfred take his brother away from him. Batman saddled up next to him- Damian should shower and change, whatever it was that changed his brother was making his skin itch- but he couldn't move. His baby brother was in there, dying, again.

"Damian, chum... what was all that?" Damian ignores his eyes itching as tears built, he clears his throat to report- reporting was vital with their nighttime activities, Father needed information to help Danny. He couldn't take his eyes of the little glowing red 'In Use' sign above the surgery door though.

Damian cuts a glance at the man next to him, more Bat than Father at the moment. "Once Danyal is stable, I will give you an explanation Father."

~~~~

I thought of a name, added it to the tags, I'll add a link to the next post if I write one, will tag future posts with 'Keeping It Close To The Chest' as well

much love

~Ren

#dc x dp #dpxdc #dp x dc crossover #danny and damian are twins #danny phantom #danny fenton #damian wayne #dick grayson #bruce wayne #tim drake #human experimentation #Scientific experimentation #vivisection #Danny whump #clones #nightwing #red robin #batman #alfred pennyworth #batfam #batfamily #batpham #on the run #injuries #ras al ghul #the league of assassins #talia al ghul #the joker #he's there briefly lol #like one second

[k1ngdom-of-thieves]

Hello! May I ask for a Vil,Riddle,Trey,Idia and Jack with a frail reader who has a lot of medical issues like having a lot of meds and struggling to live in Ramshackle bc of the dust etc? I have a problem with my strength so it would be cool to see these characters deal with a reader like this.

Vil, Riddle, Trey, Idia and Jack + reader with medical issues

I tried to keep descriptions vague because I’m not the best with writing for illnesses.

Vil Schoenheit

Vil would immediately ask you to stay in Pomfiore as soon as he found out about your current living conditions. The dust and bugs in the dorm are not gonna be helping your medical issues in the slightest.

If you agree to going to Pomfiore, he’ll make sure that your room would be set up with any medical supplies you could need. From various types of allergy medicine, to practically any flavor of cough drop you could possibly want. Is it a little overboard? Yes, but he’s just really worried about you.

If you opt to stay in Ramshackle, Vil would be very against the notion but wouldn’t argue with you about it. Instead, he’ll help you clean every nook and cranny in that dorm.

Although he looks fairly thin, he’s still plenty strong. Don’t even think about over-exerting yourself; not only will you get the longest scolding of your life, he’ll also take whatever you were trying to carry and do it for you.

“Please don’t place too much pressure on yourself. I know you are plenty capable on your own, but you can still rely on me if you feel overwhelmed.”

Riddle Rosehearts

Riddle would be so irritated that Crowley would make you stay in a place like Ramshackle knowing of your medical problems. How could such a great mage be so irresponsible!?

He doesn’t mind if you would rather stay in the dorm than live somewhere else, but that just means he’ll work to make sure Ramshackle is spotless.

Since his parents are doctors, he knows a little bit about how to treat certain conditions or what medications work the best. He’ll practically buy the entire store’s stock of whatever medicine would make you feel better.

If you ever get sick, he’ll be worrying more than you’d be. He’s checking up on you every chance he gets; from in between classes, to after the equestrian club meetings, and before he goes to sleep.

“Do you want anything from the store? I could bring a humidifier just in case you need it.”

Trey Clover

Trey would love to be able to offer you a place in Heartslabyul, but he’s really in no position to do so; with him having three other roommates in his dorm room. But he’ll definitely ask Riddle about it if you’re interested.

He’ll be right by your side if you need anything, no matter how small it is. Even if it’s during club meetings, plus Rook doesn’t seem to be offended by Trey disappearing from time to time. He says stuff about being able to witness the beauty of young love.

Even though he’s a better baker than chef, he’ll still try to make you any dish that you could want. Don’t worry about it being to complex for him to make, if anything he’ll just ask one of the cafeteria ghosts to help him out.

If you ever experience aches and pains, he’ll offer to give you a massage. Sure, it may not help with all of your pain but it’ll definitely be super relaxing.

“How are you feeling? Please let me know if you’re feeling any pain; I may not be able to get rid of all of it, but I’ll try my best if it’s for you.”

Idia Shroud

Idia would have nothing but the highest respect for you. Not only are you living in a dusty, rundown, haunted building with no wifi; you’re doing it all with a bunch of medical conditions! That’s like playing on maddening difficulty!!

He’ll make sure that Ignihyde has the best medical equipment if you ever choose to spend the night there. He might go a little overboard with it, but he’s just worried about not being able to help of you need him.

Don’t be surprised if you see a little robot delivering treats to you if you’re not feeling the best. Sometimes, it’ll be Ortho that comes to sing you a tune from a show he and Idia watched.

If you ever ask him to let you live at his dorm, he’d be over the moon. He’d be so excited to have you around more often.

“How are you feeling? If you’re not feeling the best, let me know and I’ll turn your difficulty settings down as fast as I can!.” He just wants to help.

Jack Howl

Jack is another guy who’ll want to invite you to his dorm; just to get you away from all the dust if nothing else. But seeing that his dorm is Savanaclaw, you probably won’t be getting the best medical attention aside from athletic injuries.

He will drop everything that he’s doing in order to help you if you’re ever in pain or just feeling under the weather. Don’t ever feel guilty about him always being there when you call; he’s doing it because he loves you, and he wouldn’t trade it for the world.

This wolf boy has like a sixth sense for knowing what you need when you need it. Even if it’s not something like medicine; once he bought you bug spray without you even knowing you were out of it.

Constantly spends the night in Ramshackle to be able to check on you easier. He gets anxious sometimes. It’s gotten to the point where the ghosts have started bringing an extra chair to the dinner table for him.

“What? No I wasn’t worried over you, I know you can handle yourself. My ears aren’t drooping either!”

#twisted wonderland imagines #twisted wonderland x reader #twst x reader #twst imagines #vil schoenheit x reader #twst vil #vil schoenheit #riddle rosehearts #riddle rosehearts x reader #twst riddle #twst idia #idia shroud #idia shroud x reader #jack howl #twst jack #jack howl x reader

[edutainer2022]

So I got under the weather - fever, sore throat, snuffles, the works. But I am "busy" (tm) and, therefore, need to be "fine" (tm). So I'm indulgently reposting a little fluffy Tracy-fever piece I wrote out this summer. I may or may not be eyeing another fever-snippet in my notes. Depends on how "fine" (tm) I am. Please, enjoy!

PUPPY BASKET

A puppy basket. Jeff didn't recall who exactly coined the term - his wife or himself. Or maybe his mother. The point was - with three kids so close in age (and then two more down the line) the flues and colds, and stomach bugs tore through the bunch like a wildfire. There was not enough manpower in the household to keep up with sick boys quarantined in different rooms. So it was just easier and more expedient to stash the sniveling and coughing, and sniffling, and generally miserable puppy ball in the master bedroom. Lucy and himself took shifts sitting vigil, giving meds and fluids, kissing burning up brows. If he were planetside, of course. Later, when the boys' mother was gone, it would be, likely, Scott's room and the elder boys taking up watch hours, while he was busy with grief and work. The one time he came home from New York to find all five boys succumbed to a flu, pretty much delirious in his room, little Alan hoarse from crying - even Scott too weak from fever to call Grandma (and too anxious to call 911 lest child services got a wiff) was a memory he didn't dare revisit often.

He could distantly recall that a feverish Scott would be restless, Virgil would be cuddly, John would be clingy. Gordon would peel off any scrap of clothes on him. Someone would invariably end up upside down with feet propped on the pillow.

That morning got him investigating in Scott's room first thing. Gordon and Alan drew a short straw and were off for a supply run early on (a bright and whistling Gordon and a grumpy half-asleep Alan). Virgil was not expected down this side of 10 am, John was just back from orbit the night before. But Scott never made it to see the Tinies (did they even call the boys that anymore? Alan was starting college in a month!) off, have his run and a morning coffee-cum-strategy session with Dad - something that had become a new, cherished routine for them. The parent alarm in him, that never lay quite dormant even through the endless night of the Oort Cloud, was now blaring full force.

Fair enough, Jeff found his eldest room in an uncharacteristic disarray - a blanket kicked off all the way from the foot of the bed down to the floor, last day clothes scattered on the carpeting - something he came to recognize more as the youngest style, not Scott, who had tried to emulate Dad's military crisp order since he was five and learned to make his own bed. Scott was soon found by his father's increasingly concerned gaze in the middle of the bed, tangled sheets and disheveled curls a testament to a night of tossing and turning, breathing shallow and raspy. Jeff's immediate guess was a nightmare - heaven knows he was no stranger to warding off those, plaguing his boy's naturally light sleep. But a fine sheen of sweat, covering Scott's face and neck, belied a different answer altogether. Jeff wasn't surprised, when the brow he reached for to smooth away the soaked fringe, was burning. Scott wasn't asleep per se - eyes squeezed shut against a headache - but he definitely wasn't alert and present either. Jeff wasn't surprised, but he was getting increasingly panicked. His own mother gave him a semi-clean bill of health and was currently in Kansas, helping a friend out. The time difference made the call tricky. Not impossible, of course, there  was no inconvenience Grandma wouldn't go through for him or his boys, for which Jeff was eternally greatful, but all the more weary to disturb his getting increasingly fragile Ma more, than necessary. Kayo was visiting with her own father, so that was not an option as well. The problem was, with Grandma away, there was no medic on the island. Unless, of course... Jeff remembered Virgil determined and precise with a medscanner, and later - all business and in-trade jibberish with the medical staff at the rehab center he had to spend first months back on Earth at. Despite budding worry, as Scott keened quietly and shifted under his father's soothing touch, Jeff smiled fondly. Virgil was, arguably, the closest to his Grandpa in looks and demeanor, but it appeared he followed his Grandma's professional leanings. He should try and wake Virgil up. Scott was definitely under the weather.

As if on cue, the door opened and a gigantic burrito walked in. Jeff started. The burrito was, upon a closer inspection, a human, barefoot, wrapped up in a blanket head to toe. The walking burrito was also eliciting grunts and a lung-splitting cough. Ouch. The intruder ignored Jeff completely, sidestepped the bundle of clothes on the floor, and collapsed on the bed, next to Scott, wrapping the latter immediately in a cocoon of limbs and blanket, like a cuddle pillow. Scott is restless, Virgil is cuddly... Jeff was beginning to get a bad, bad feeling about it. A quick dive into the fluffy depths of fabric and hair confirmed his fear - Virgil had a fever too. That left...

"John!" - he had to spring from the edge of the bed with speed and agility that would make his physiotherapist proud in time to catch a swaying ginger son from planting face first on the floor. John appeared soundlessly, a ghostly vision, almost translucent where he would normally be pale. A sneeze almost send them both toppling again, but Jeff managed to maintain balance and helped John walk the short distance to the other side of the bed. There was no question how the ginger was going to spend his spiking fever - the moment he climbed onto the mattress, John attached himself to Scott side like a limpet, the way Jeff had only seen Alan do so far. When sick, Scott was restless, Virgil was cuddly, and John was clingy. Well, the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Puppy basket is go!

Jeff was halfway through the mental checklist of things he would need to make the logistics of his three eldest sons down for the count work (fluids, medscanner and monitors to keep track of the fevers, ask Brains if the medkits were in the same spots now, call Ma as soon as the time difference would permit, coax, trick and blackmail the boys into cold meds and cough syrup, call Gordon and Alan to stay away for the day and to go fetch Grandma from the farm, make sure Brains was alright and quarantined in his lab and rooms, check himself up, because Jeff needed to be on top of his game for the sick boys - the day and the following night could be tough), when a loud shriek pierced the silence of the room. Scott was frowning and trying the disentangle himself from Virgil's death grip. Jeff reached for his agitated son's shoulder and rubbed a thumb over - in the haze of the fever Scott could get disoriented and start fighting any restraint. Jeff knew the boy would never forgive himself, if he hurt Virgil, even unintentionally. But Scott was not to be easily placated. His face contorted with effort and, likely, a worsened sinus pain, to Jeff's astonishment, the young man grabbed a barely protesting John, lifted him bodily over his own frame, like he was a... well... puppy, and stuffed him into Virgil's arms, that immediately closed the hug around a different brother, as Scott rolled to the side in a sleek stealth maneuver. He would have rolled all the way over the edge of the bed, had Dad's arms not stopped him. That must have computed to the cold addled brain as "safe", since Scott stopped struggling almost immediately and let out a snuffle in a voice Jeff hadn't heard since when the kids' mother was alive. "M'hot", Scott complained without opening his eyes. Jeff reckoned he should probably be more concerned about photosensitivity and the fact any of the boys was yet to notice or acknowledge him. Jeff made an attempt to hoist Scott up against the headrest, but thought better of it as another painful moan escaped. Instead, he sort of rolled the son back to the center of the bed, closer to the pile of other brothers. Scott seemed game for that and shifted to snuggle and spoon against John's back. That elicited a hum and a sneeze from the ginger. Virgil didn't stir. Puppy basket indeed.

Satisfied that Scott was settled for the moment and the other boys seemed to have fallen asleep, Jeff felt confident enough to go looking for the fever vigil supplies and an extra coffee for himself. But he didn't leave before leaning to reach the assorted temples and forheads for the mandatory kiss better and a soft stroke. So sue him, he missed a lot longer than eight years of being their Dad first.

A detour to the infirmary, a chat with Brains, a lot more strained one with Ma and an anxious one with the Tinies later - Jeff was on his way back to Scott's rooms. Gordon and Alan, of course, offered to come back and help with their ailing brothers immediately. But Jeff shuddered at the idea of having all five of the boys sick at once. He was good, but the tenure in space was taking its toll. The youngest boys would be well supervised under Grandma's watchful eye, till it was safe (or absolutely necessary- something Jeff tried not to dwell on) to return to the island.

The sight that greeted him upon return to the bedroom tugged the corners of his lips up despite himself. Seeing his sons sick or hurting in any way brought him no joy, but the picture was just too precious and hilarious at the same time. John had shifted upside down, somehow, so Virgil was now cuddling his brother's feet. John was also curled in an upside down ball, head resting on Scott's stomach. Scott, in an attempt to cool off, cast his long, long limbs every which way, including over Virgil's lap and head, in a comical replication of the Vitruvian Man. As Jeff stepped in, though, the eldest shifted again, to curl himself around John protectively and to draw Virgil into a side hug. Jeff needed to go ahead with the med scanners and to get the boys awake long enough to make sure they got a drink of electrolytes and some saltines, but first he paused to reach for his comm watch and snap a picture of the puppy basket. He would cherish the moment while it lasted. And he could always use it as blackmail backup against these three running themselves to the ground - under the threat of the photo being leaked to the Tinies.

#thunderbirds are go #scott tracy #scott tracy needs a hug #virgil tracy #john tracy #jeff tracy #jeff tracy needs a license update in fathering #thunderbirds 2015 #scott tracy needs his dad #my fic #methinks i have astronomy

[readychilledwine]

Hi girl!! I don't know how to say this, but I love your writing and your sooo creative. I just wanted to say, im giving birth in a couple of weeks and it just hit me that I'm going to have a KID, LIKE WTH??? I did my research so there's nothing to worry about and I'm financially stable, its just, WEIRD??? I'm going to pop a baby out??please give some advice bc my hubby seems really cool about it and I'm just WHAT??😭

Trigger warnings- baby, mom life, and labor talk. Super long post 💕

✨️Congratulations to both of you and welcome to the hot moms club✨️

I went through an induction that turned into an emergency c section, so keep that in mind when reading my advice since I am not sure what form of labor you are opting for.

During Labor/Your hospital stay:

Bring a comfort idea to the hospital for before "active" labor and after. I brought my own pillow, and that made a world of difference. It was nice having something so familiar afterwards.

Don't eat anything you don't want to risk coming back up. Some hospitals will allow you to eat. Try to stick to the ice, juice, jello, or pudding. Italian shaved ice was also an option for me. And do bring snackies for after. You deserve it.

Don't panic if your birth plan does not turn out to be how birthing goes. I had planned on natural labor, no pain medication. I went in to be induced at 9pm December 13, by 2am I was in a lot of pain, by 7am I had an epidural.

Not to scare you, but the epidural can cause a few different reactions. Don't let that stop you from getting it. You HAVE to allow yourself to be as comfortable as possible, and your birth team will handle whatever curves are thrown their way.

If you are physically able to, do golden hour. In case it is called something different for you, golden hour is a full hour where the nursing staff leaves you and baby alone for skin to skin and nursing time. Tell your man I'm sorry, but he can wait. That hour is essential for building breastmilk supply if you're going to be EBF or EP. He can have baby after.

And let him have baby after. Daddy needs his own hour where baby is getting skin to skin with him.

It's going to be hard, but try not be mad if baby daddy sleeps after labor. He's going to have spent the last how ever long you were in labor in a heightened state of fight or flight because the woman he loves is in pain and there is nothing he can do for you. It's painful and all the exhausting for us. It's mentally and emotionally exhausting for them.

Do not (under any circumstances) let them force you into handling feedings one way or the other. Fed is best. Period.

Do not allow them to force you to have a nurse who makes you uncomfortable in any way. I know it's hard, but if a nurse is making you feel like you aren't doing enough, aren't listening to them, are making a wrong choice, ASK FOR A NEW NURSE. They should be supporting you.

If you're at a hospital where mom and baby sleep in one room, don't hesitate to say yes if a nurse asks if you want baby to go to nursery for a little bit. You both will need sleep. You deserve sleep. That nap will be precious. Trust me.

For home:

During bathing, try a swaddle method. It uses two towels, but it helps baby feel safe and secure. Here's a little link to an article about them

Take. Time. With. No. Visitors. You and baby daddy deserve time to adapt to your LO. It's a totally different ball game. We had 2 weeks alone. 2 weeks with just our parents. 2 weeks with our siblings. Then we opened the house to visitors who messaged us first.

Establish boundaries from jump. I made a post about on SM with a picture of our boundaries. Baby daddy enforced it.

Enjoy those 2am cuddles. They go away so fast 🥺

If you do not mentally feel okay, tell people you trust. Immediately. PPD/PPA can quickly become postpartum psychosis when left untreated.

Remember you're gorgeous. Even if you don't feel that way. You literally grew a human. It is the most selfless thing you could do for your family, and in my opinion, the closest thing to magic.

Remember to be kind to yourself and baby daddy. You're both learning. It's hard. So hard.

Never feel guilty for a few minutes of screen time. Sophia gets about 30 minutes a week spread out throughout the week. Ms. Rachel is a great help.

From my baby daddy to yours

Get her the food she's been craving that she "can't have" which also meant you couldn't have it for her first post labor meal. Lizzy wanted sushi. Baby momma got her sushi.

Take pictures of her with your kid. Constantly without her knowing. Those pictures will get you through the work day.

Get up with her at night. We helped make the baby. We help with the baby.

No yelling. No fighting. I said one thing to Lizzy I regret deeply, and I don't know if she's genuinely forgiven me for it. This is hard on your baby momma. If she needs to vent. Let her. Don't fight her. Just get her down for a nap, man. That's all you can do sometimes.

Never tell her to sleep when the munchkin sleeps. That statement is the most unhelpful thing anyone said to Lizzy. Tell her instead to lay down and try to get some sleep, and you will listen for crying. She needs the comfort of knowing someone else is there.

Don't allow anyone to shame her for anything. I learned I will throw hands over someone shaming Lizzy. Luckily, it was with my brother. We're good now.

Make sure she gets to shower every day.

Love her. Love her and look out for any signs of her not being okay. Lizzy's was staring off into nothing and crying way too much.

Make sure you schedule time for both of you to get away and let her enjoy said time.

Skin to skin. Daily.

Lastly, get her a pump if she's breastfeeding. Trust me. It will help build supply, and it allows you to feed the little one.

If you two need ANYTHING, message me. I don't have all the answers, but I might have advice. 💕

Here's a few products we love for Sophia, too. Some of them are pricy. We apologize.

Dreamland weighted Swaddle

Diaper cream spatula

Calmoseptine Ointment

Bums and Roses - softest pj's ever and you can get matching ones.

Momcozy nail file

Lizzy's favorite stationary pump*

Lizzys favorite on the go/work pump*

The bottles baby daddy uses to feed Sophia sometimes

*check to see if insurance will help*

Overall, just enjoy your time together and your sweet little baby.💕💕

Ps- thank you for the compliments! I was so excited to give advice I almost brushed over them 🥺

#ms rachel #elizabeths.updates #send asks #send anons #mom life #elizabeths.babydaddy

[underforeversgrace]

Fic Stats Game

Rules: Give us the links to your fic with the most hits, second most kudos, third most comments, fourth most bookmarks, fifth most words, and fic with the least words.

@jackdaw-sprite thanks for the tag! I enjoy both being tagged in shit and doing the tag games! Let's fuckin gooooo! All data is from AO3 and does not include Tumblr information, nor stories posted only to Tumblr.

Most Hits: broken trust and the wounds hidden behind

This one is actually my highest by a significant amount! At the time of this post, it's at 6,463 hits. My number two story is at 3,814

Jack wasn't meaning to snoop in his son's room when he found a box of medical supplies and a USB with a tag that said IF I DON'T COME HOME. Danny’s secrets revealed, Jack is desperate to earn his son’s trust, to earn the right to this secret he stumbled across. After almost two years of unknowingly hunting his son, is Danny's trust too broken to heal?

Second Most Kudos: by your grave (the monster we made)

This one is second for pretty much all stats!

Maddie knew Danny kept secrets, it was a topic they didn’t discuss. But when she sees scars she knows he couldn’t have, she knows she can’t keep pretending. She just needs to figure out those scars.

Third-Most Comments: the walls you hide behind (I saw the truth inside the real you)

I'm actually suprised by that one! It's only been coming out for the past two-ish weeks!

Jazz is tired of the ghosts, tired of her parents not doing enough, tired of Phantom's recklessness and her brother's persistent exhaustion. When she yells all of her frustration at her parents after nearly getting killed by a ghost, she gets sent to Vlad's mansion in Wisconsin for the weekend - where she's offered a chance. She could have the ability to fight back, protect her brother and her town. Jazz leaps at the prospect. When she returns to Amity Park at the end of the weekend, it's with abilities and strength of her own, and she's fueled by anger and disdain. And she's got her eyes, first, on Danny Phantom.

Fourth-Most Bookmarks: Welcome to Intro to Ghosts

Man I really should update that fic shouldn't I?

Sure, turning sixteen was supposed to be a big year regardless, but this was a little beyond what Danny had expected when he'd both been told he was now king and then asked to be a teacher for the Intro to Ghosts class while also being a junior in high school. Now he has to juggle a secret identity, being a superhero, doing centuries worth of old paperwork Pariah didn't do, his own schoolwork, AND his students/classmates schoolwork! This'll be fun. Or catastrophic. Hopefully fun.

Fifth-Most Words: healing the wounds we hid

This is the sequel to broken trust, mentioned earlier! It's actually going to be my second highest word count (it's full draft is roughly 38k, but for where I am in posting, it's at number 2!) Once it's posted by your grave (the monster we made) (also referenced earlier), will be the actual number five.

Least Words: fang u for ur help

At a paltry 345 words, this is the shortest fic I've posted to AO3. It's a silly like DannyMay thing bc the idea was funny and didn't need to be any more than it is.

Danny has fangs and questions. DannyMay2023 Day 16: Fangs

Tags: GAH I HAVE NO IDEA WHO'S BEEN TAGGED AND WHO TO TAG. Ummmm. @scarletsaphire @lexosaurus @strawberrycamel, and anyone else who wants to!

#grace writes #tag game

[the12thnightproject]

Chapter 43: Past Present - Katsu finally learns more about her parents, while an old video reveals someone has been watching her a long time.

Mitsuhide x OC; Hideyoshi x MC (Mai)

All Chapters Archived on Ao3 

Logline - With Mai, Hideyoshi, and Aki missing, Mitsuhide and Katsuko reluctantly team up. Disguised as a merchant and his concubine, can they outsmart the man known as the God of Deceit?

As if nothing had happened, the device sat on the table, acting innocent.

"I suggest that we move back a bit, in case Katsu's theory about a potential explosion is correct." Shingen already had his hand on my shoulder to pull me out of a potential blast zone.

We all scooted back about a meter, staring at the thing.

Waiting.

Nothing happened.

After about a minute when the only sound was our breathing, Sasuke cautiously approached it again. "I believe it sent a signal."

"E-T. Phone home?" Of course it wasn’t actually alien device (probably not?), but that was the closest analogy I could come up with.

"Indeed. Er... since we don't know who, or what may answer that call, would you be comfortable if I put this in my safe?" Sasuke gingerly picked up the device and nodded to a built in locker that appeared at first to be a simple cabinet.

"Go ahead." I watched him lock it away. "It's not like I'm going to be time travelling until Aki recovers."

"And if you plan to go back to Sengoku, Honno-ji wormhole will open the night of the winter solstice, or you could come with us when Togakushi manifests a few weeks after that. Lord Shingen has another six weeks of pulmonary therapy, so we were aiming for that."

As if to remind himself that his access to coffee had an expiration date, Sasuke went over to his espresso machine and made another cup.

"Thank you for the offer. It all depends on what happens with Aki, but I will keep this all in mind." Either way, it looked like I was going to be here for at least another month, if not longer.  Which meant there were some practicalities that should be taken care of. I glanced at the clock. It was still too early to go to the authorities to replace my identification, but I did need to do something about my clothing to avoid looking like a cosplay reject.

When I verbalized my intentions to the others, Sasuke replied "Katsu, it’s Sunday."

"Oh wow. I completely forgot about the concept of weekends.” Or seven day weeks, for that matter. In the Sengoku, weeks were ten days long. So, no official business or banking yet. “I can still shop right?" Before I left Tsutsujigasaki, Katsuko had given me some modern yen, as she and Shingen had a supply tucked away in case they ever went through the wormhole again. Plus I had some Sengoku era coinage that I likely could sell at an antique dealer for enough cash to tide me over until I could access Aki’s bank account. "Are there open stores within walking distance from here?"

One experience I was not eager to repeat was Sasuke's driving.

Later that afternoon, attired in jeans, a t-shirt (Ironman, of course) and a hoodie, I returned to Aki's room in ICU. His condition was unchanged, and I was half frustrated, half grateful for the fact that I had no idea what all the medical monitoring devices he was hooked up to meant and what information they sent to his treatment team.

Ignoring the beeps and whirs of the machine, I closed my eyes and pretended I was back in Aki's private study, giving him one of the many scouting reports I had delivered over the past seven years, seven years in which I was an apprentice, an employee, not a daughter. As objectively as possible, I told him of what Mitsuhide and I had learned in Sakai, of Motonari’s return from the dead, and of the current plot between Yoshiaki and Iekane. And of course I again reassured him that Hiko was safely sheltered in Kasugayama.

He didn’t respond. I knew that he would stay unconscious until the hospital decided to wake him up. Could he hear my voice? "Aki… why didn’t you ever tell me that you were my father?"

It was a question that I hadn't had the courage to ask at Tsutsujigasaki, a question that the other Katsuko, safely confident in her place in that world, in her place with Shingen, had likely been able to ask during those times she was taking care of him and forcing willow bark tea down his throat.

Was it worth asking when he could not answer, probably could not hear me?

Francisco had said that Aki returned once, and my mother sent him away. Had he given up on us so easily? Or…

"Fourth?" Though I bowed and took my placement with outward humility, inside, I was a bundle of confusion and anger. My balance beam routine had been the most difficult of everyone's in the twelve and under group. Harder than half of the older girls too. Oh not at the level of the girls going to junior or senior Worlds. But I had hit every trick. What had I done wrong?

Still, I knew the rules. Smile. Bow. And if I seethed, I would do it inwardly. Complaining would give me the reputation as a sore loser. I wasn't sore... exactly. Just... confused, in a semi-annoyed way.

I was plotting how to politely ask the gym's coach to tell me how I could improve my placement in the future, when I realized that all the coaches were huddled together, looking out toward the bleachers. They seemed… tense. Worried.

Better wait until another time.

After politely congratulating the winners, all of whom would now advance to regional competitions, I threw on my clothing and met my brother out in front of the sports facility. Toshiie had been there to film the event on his phone for mom, since she was having one of her bad days and hadn’t come with.

"I was robbed," I said, once we were safely on the bus and out of hearing of anyone who had been to the competition.

Aware that his job as twin-who-knows-nothing-about-athletics, was to agree with whatever I said, Toshiie nodded solemnly. Then he spoiled it by saying, "I didn’t watch the whole event. Too busy watching the man get thrown out."

Huh? "What do you mean?" And thanks Tosh. I knew he didn’t care about sports, but I thought he'd be interested in supporting me.

"Some strange man was watching the meet. He said his kid was competing, but no one recognized him." Toshiie shrugged. "It was more interesting than gymnatistics. Sorry."

Huh. Again. Thanks bro.

My awareness returned to the present, with a hopeful thought. Maybe… maybe once my mother had sent him away, Aki had kept watch from a distance. Maybe he even had been the man at the gym?

I pulled out the temporary pre-paid phone I had picked up that afternoon. Fairly no frills, but since it was on Sasuke's account, I didn’t feel comfortable getting a lot of services. Once I got a new ID, I'd maybe invest in an android, but well anyway… this phone did have a browser so I navigated to the Youtube account that Toshiie and I had shared.

Easy enough to recall that my password had been Tony_Stark1610.

I video traveled through time, past all the freerunning videos that Toshiie I had filmed during the our final year in modern Japan. Then to random cat videos of Tony-Stark and hiking videos of Toshiie's, before locating the gymnastics competitions.

I'd rarely looked at them while I was still training, and once I quit, they drifted to the bottom of the date filter. I’d not had any interest in nostalgically revisiting what had never been ‘glory days,’ but everything was still up there. After a couple false starts, I found the competition in question. If Toshiie had thought the mystery man was more interesting, he would have filmed him.

With the sound turned very low, I skimmed through the meet, making sure to pinch zoom every time there was a crowd shot.

I saw no one familiar there.

Finally, I heard a voice in the background stating, "Of course I have every right to be here. My daughter is competing."

That had not been Aki's voice, unless he was disguising it.

Of course he had never watched me as a child. There had never been any distantly interested father figure making sure that we were ok.

Stupid to have thought otherwise.

I don't know why I felt as disappointed as I did. Whether Aki had been silently watching my childhood or not, made no difference. For over eighteen years, he had not been around when I needed him.

Then for seven, he had been everything.

I was just about to stop the recording, when the camera swung around as Toshiie filmed the speaker. A man who was obviously not Aki. A man who was not my father either. I understood why the other parents in the audience had been suspicious, for he was not Japanese. He was also… not a stranger.

Two months ago, or more specifically four hundred and fifty years ago, this man had tried to buy me at a slave auction in Sakai.

Father Slappy Hands.

He’d tried to purchase me.

He’d tried to kill Mitsuhide.

And he was a time traveler.

“Aki… what the hell is going on here?”

Aki had been in a coma for a week when my new identification papers came through, thanks to Sasuke doing a little bit of hacking to move things along. Being able to access my money (a lot of money) made me at least feel more independent. "I should probably find a short term apartment and get out of you guys' hair," I said one morning as I folded up the sheets I had been sleeping on. Well, trying to. I never have been able to fold a duvet cover neatly.

Shingen took the sheet away from me, and re-folded it. Perfectly. "If you want to tangle in my hair, you are more than welcome to, Angel."

"I swear, I'm going to put out a flirting jar, and every time you break out one of your cheesy lines, it's going to cost you." Seriously. I hadn’t had enough tea to deal with him this early in the morning.

"Katsu, you are of course more than welcome to stay here as long as you need. But I suspect you want a bigger place to bring Professor Yamaoka to when he recovers." Sasuke, who was on his third cup of coffee, brought his tablet over to me. "As it happens, my parents need a house sitter while they travel to Portugal."

"Oh. That's actually." I glanced at the tablet, which contained photos of the house in question. "A good idea. I wonder if they have any photos of my mother."

Sasuke paused, with the coffee cup halfway to his mouth. "Is there any reason why they would?"

Whoops. There was something I’d forgotten to tell this Sasuke (in fact, I had forgot to tell the other timeline’s Sasuke as well). "Apparently she was your nanny for a little while. That’s how she met Aki to begin with."

He tilted his head. “The Childhood Friends trope! I always wanted to be part of that one."

"If you stretch the definition of childhood friends to include in vitro, then I suppose so." Sasuke had likely been too young to even remember my mother, but... details.

He got up, rummaged in a cupboard and retrieved his go bag of Sengoku era belongings. From there, he pulled out a piece of paper that had a five by five grid and... "Wait. You're playing Trope Bingo with your Sengoku life?"

"It's more of a general bingo, but yes." I watched him check 'childhood friends! "I didn’t think I'd ever fill out this card. Now all I need is Ieyasu Tokugawa’s autograph for full bingo."

Good to know, Sheldon.

Returning to the original topic, I told Sasuke that I would indeed be interested in house sitting for his parents, and since I had no other plans for the moment, Sasuke and I headed over to their house, while Shingen left for the pulmonary rehab clinic.

Luckily for all involved (meaning myself, and any car or pedestrian who would otherwise encounter Sasuke when he was vehicularly armed), Sasuke's parents lived with walking distance of his apartment. True, to a ninja and a courier who had both roamed the length of Sengoku Japan, everywhere was walking distance, but it really was only about twenty minutes from his high rise.

The Mikumo house was tucked back in a quiet neighborhood, but conveniently still close to a teahouse, a noodle shop, and even a pizza place.

“What was it like, meeting another version of yourself?" Sasuke stopped in front of a historic townhouse, not, actually terribly different in architecture from the Sakai townhouse I'd shared with Mitsuhide, although of course this one had been built within the last century. At least one of their neighbors clearly celebrated Christmas, for they had twinkle lights shining from their window.

"It was weird... surreal, I guess. Possibly not any more surreal than the fact that I had this conversation with your other self too." I watched Sasuke fish a key ring from his pocket. "Yeah, um, anyway, I had to pretend she was an older sister. She said she had already met two other of me, um, us, so I guess she was a little more used to it."

"Fascinating." After jiggling the key in the lock for so long that I was tempted to put my lock picking skills to work, Sasuke finally got the door open, and gestured me inside.

The decor was a hodgepodge of classical Japanese art and artifacts, piles of books and journals, mismatched antiques, all of which barely made sense together, and I finally understood why Sasuke chose to live in a sleek modern apartment. "My apologies. My parents, as meticulous as they are in their studies, tend to be rather random about housework."

"Aki probably felt right at home here. He's the same way in his office." The rest of Aki’s manor, though, Fume's domain, was of course neat and clean at all times. "Um, so about that."

"Right. I imagine you'd like to see if they have any mementos of your mother." He beckoned me past a living area with a flat screened TV that felt a bit anachronistic, then into a large office. The office at least was slightly better organized. Sure, the paper clutter was a bit out of hand, but someone had put neat labels on all the file boxes, which were organized by year and topic. "If they do, it would be in here. Er, theoretically.”

“Would they be ok with me looking through this? Or… well, with me in general?” Daughter of their former nanny or not, it looked like they had a lot of expensive things here. Not a lot of people would be comfortable with someone they hadn’t met staying in their house.

Sasuke looked up from where he was multitasking on his phone. “I sent them an email telling them about you. Statistically speaking, it takes them a mean of three days to remember to open their email; but since the previous house sitter left without notice, I'm sure they won’t be upset if you go ahead and move in."

Oh. Well. Good. Except. It didn’t feel good. It felt… lonely.

Sasuke edged out of the office, and gestured to the stairs. "The bedroom is on the second floor." He looked back at me. I hadn’t moved from the office. “Is something wrong?"

"Nothing wrong. Not really. I guess I just got too used to being surround by people." First Mitsuhide, then Yoshimoto, the gang in 1586, and now Sasuke and Shingen. "Eh. I’m sure I'll be back to my hermit ways in no time."

He paused between the first and second floor. "Do you want to wait for Aki to be released first before you move in? I am more than happy to continue to host my childhood friend."

Perhaps I knew then already that Aki would never be coming home with me. Psychic flashes of the other timelines aside, I've never been particularly perceptive. Maybe I'm just used to Aki's ways. Maybe I'm just used to people leaving without saying goodbye.

A few days after I moved into the Mikumo's house, I finally received an alert from the hospital that they were bringing Aki out of the coma. By this time, I had Sasuke’s parents’ vague assurance that they remembered my mother, and a rather (thankfully) less vague one that they would be fine if I searched through their archives for a memento or two. Archives was a rather odd way to describe their method of organization but... details.

I had at least managed to sift out a photograph of Aki and my mother smiling at each other and holding hands. It didn’t even look like they’d realized the photo had been taken. I put it in an inside pocket of my new messenger bag. Then, prepared with the photo, and a list of questions, not the least in which involved the Nanban priest and Francisco, I headed out to the hospital.

The late December clouds were thick and some hopeful weather forecasters were promising a “White Christmas for those who celebrate it.” I imagined that would make the Mikumos’ neighbors (who, I discovered were visiting American professors) very happy and I supposed their multicolored Christmas lights (which they never turned off) would look lovely against the snow. But given the warmer air that came with a light drizzle of rain, I doubted we would see any snow today at least. Dodging the raindrops, I hurried to the hospital arriving just as visiting hours began.

Even before I got to his room, I could hear Aki’s voice, patiently explaining to the police (yes, oh of course the hospital would have called them too) that he had no memory of being shot. His mind was a blank. "The last thing I recall was trying on an outfit for a costume party I had been invited to."

Eep. I hope he wouldn't be required to produce that invitation. Then again, maybe he had stuff like that set up in advance.

"Excuse me. Hello officers. May I be allowed to visit my father? "I bowed respectfully toward them.  "I've been very worried."

I summoned all the acting skills that Aki and Mitsuhide had taught me and put on an 'I'm innocent and naïve’ expression. After an unspoken conversation between the police, they both retreated to the hallway, where I'm sure they could both overhear us. With that in mind, I pitched my voice louder and said, "Dad! You're awake! I've been so scared!" It wasn't all acting, I realized. I had indeed been scared.

Aki took my hand, patted it gently. He didn’t smile, but that wasn’t a surprise. He wasn’t much of a smiler. I suppose that was something I inherited, or learned, from him. Or my mother. Hard to say which.

He crooked his finger, and I moved closer to him, knowing that he was about to import a great secret. Or as it turned out, ask a question. “Where is it?"

Confused, I looked around the room, then realized he was referring to the time traveling device. "Sasuke has it locked in his safe - where it will stay until further notice." I added the last part in case he was about to try to zap himself into another timeline.

All he did was nod approvingly, so maybe he was just making sure it was secure. "You are with young Mikumo then?" He made a move to sit up, but I pushed him back (on the non-injured shoulder).

“Careful, don’t strain.” He scowled at me, so I fiddled with the mechanics of the bed and raised the frame under his head he was sitting upright. "No. I'm house sitting for his parents. Whom… I believe you know.” I got out the photo of him with my mom. "What happened?" Vague question. It could have meant ‘how did you meet?’ or 'how did it end'?

But Aki would probably answer how he wanted anyway.

He took his time looking at the photo, and then he finally did smile. It was the smile of heartbreak.

"You know of course, that she was young Sasuke's caregiver. To be honest, I did not notice her at first, I was more interested in working with his parents to research the Sengoku." He paused. Coughed. "No, that's not correct. I tried not to notice her. She...she… had a way of moving that was like water. She danced while she walked. Even moving her hands… she flowed. But I would not have acted on that interest. As you may have guessed, or perhaps Francisco told you, I am not native to … “ He gestured to the hallway where the police were waiting, and broke off.

Native to this time. The meaning was clear. I nodded. Questions about his own time would need to wait until we were no longer in danger of being overheard. "One afternoon, I was to meet them for study, but there was a confusion. I thought the meeting was at their house. They thought it was to be at the library. When I arrived at the house, it was to a frantic Mayumi. Sasuke had disappeared."

"Kidnapped?" I threw my hand over my mouth, but thankfully even in my surprise, I hadn’t spoken loudly.

"No. He'd just wanted to touch the sky. Somehow he'd managed to climb onto the roof. Between the two of us, we got him down. The child was very pleased with himself and complete unaware of the scare he’d given us. We agreed not to tell his parents. After that intense bonding experience, she and I just gravitated to each other.” He coughed again, and I poured him a cup of water. “I knew it was inadvisable to get involved. Yet I could not stop."

“Toshiie and I are the result of an inadvisable relationship. Good to know." Although��� hadn’t I already known that? Mom’s sadness and bitterness had imparted that lesson long ago. Was it really a surprise that Aki felt the same?

Aki winced. "That perhaps did not come out of my mouth the way it sounded in my head."

"Right, old man." I let him go with just the sarcasm. "Francisco said that the two of you had to leave very quickly and that you didn’t know about us before you left-"

"This is true." He took hold of my hand. “I would have done things differently otherwise.”

“Instead of ghosting her.” I took my hand back. Some things are impossible to forgive.

"I thought I would be able to control the time I returned. That would appear that I'd only been away a couple of hours. I’d been one month away in the… you know, then I came back here. The two of you were five. After contact for over five years, she honestly wanted nothing to do with me.  I did ask to be part of your lives, but Mayumi wanted a guarantee that I would be able to visit at set times. Which, now you know how impossible that would have been. She said you all would be better off without me, and honestly, I thought she was right. At the very least you would be safer."

I… was getting pretty tired of men thinking I would be safer without them. I got out my phone and found the video of the gymnastics meet. “Interesting you should say that. Because I encountered this man in Sakai. And it was not a pleasant encounter. Is he from… wherever you are from?”

Aki looked at the video, and I watched his face closely. And what I saw there for a moment was fear. “The video is too blurry." He blinked. “Or perhaps my eyes are tired.”

At that moment, I felt complete and total sympathy the Mitsuhide I had met in the forest at the beginning of the summer. “What aren’t you telling me?”

He closed his eyes. “I think the pain-killers just kicked in.”

Before I could call him on that, there was a rustling at the door, and the medical team bustled in to take his vitals and shoo me out.

"One more question, "I whispered it to Aki as I carefully hugged him goodbye. "Did you bring Toshiie I there on purpose, or was it all just a coincidence?”

In typical Aki fashion, he answered a question with question. "What do you think?"

Liquid grey.

Well that weather forecast was wrong. I peered into the grey drizzle of late afternoon Kyoto and cursed the fact that I had yet to purchase an umbrella. December weather in this part of the country was just variable enough that I should have considered that "Sixty percent chance of a white Christmas for those who celebrate it," translated to one hundred percent of something wet falling from the sky.

As I huddled in the covered entry of the hospital, I debated ‘taxi’ versus ‘suck it up and run’.

A large black umbrella suddenly blocked out whatever light was left. "Need an escort, Angel? No, don't say no. At least brighten my day by walking with me."

"I'm not the one recovering from lung surgery." I fell in step next to Shingen anyway, knowing that he would probably argue with me until I agreed, and standing out in this weather wouldn't be good for him.

"My doctors and therapist all say exercise is the best thing for me." He put his arm around my waist. "Stay close, you're getting half wet."

"Haven't you already used up your flirtation stock on the hospital staff?" Knowing that in another timeline this man and an alternative-me were deeply in love had made hanging out with this Shingen awkward at first. But I had come to think of him as an older brother, even though he never could turn off the flirting.

Once he realized I didn’t take him seriously, we'd settled into an easy friendship. "The man who is tired of flirting is tired of life." Then, in a completely different tone of voice, he added, conversationally, "Join us for dinner?"

"Which of you is cooking?" A free meal with Sasuke and Shingen would put off my going home alone to sulk about Aki’s stubborn resistance to telling me what was going on, but it would depend on the meal.  Shingen randomly tossed things in a pan because he liked the ingredients separately, without any consideration to how they would taste together. Sometimes, that worked out. Often, it didn’t. He wasn't as awful a cook as Mitsuhide, but he'd had some pretty spectacular fails. Sasuke, at least, could and would, follow a recipe.

"Sasuke." Shingen answered my question easily. I figured he was aware of his own deficiencies as a chef. "I am to provide the ingredients. He texted me a list."

He paused to indicate the market across the street.

Hm. At the very least I should accompany him to make sure he bought the right ingredients and didn’t get distracted by sweets.

"How is Aki today?" Shingen asked as I subtly tried to detour him past a sweet shop. "At least let me buy dessert, Angel!"

"Get Sasuke's list first. Otherwise your dessert is going to be squished." I hip checked him toward the vegetable stand.

He frowned for a moment. "You have a rather strategic mind. Any consideration to working for me when we return to the Sengoku?" Obediently, he worked his way through the shopping list occasionally stopping to ask me to help translate Sasuke's text speak (for a scientist, he has a very colloquial vocabulary when it comes to texting).

"I haven't decided what I'm going to do yet. It depends on Aki - who, to answer your previous question, is well enough to deflect any questions I throw at him about the whole-" I lowered my voice. "Time travel issue."

He took that opportunity to lean closer (because, Shingen). "When he's well enough to have a long conversation, I would very much like to have a long talk with him."

Wouldn't we all like that. My verbal response would have been just that, but at that moment, both of our cell phones buzzed a text alert from Sasuke: Houston. We have a problem.

"Bad news or good news first," was Sasuke's greeting when Shingen and I hurried into the apartment. Given that the place looked like there'd been a battle - furniture was askew; pillows were on the floor; and … was that a ground spike in the corner?- I suspected I already knew the bad news. "Bad news."

He turned and pointed to the wall safe, where the door was still cracked open. "I walked in just as he opened it. They. There were two."

Shit.

And Aki had just asked if it was secure.

"And your silver lining?" Shingen looked Sasuke over. The moderately awesome ninja didn’t look too banged up, he was limping slightly.

"I believe I've just met one of my alternates." He sounded half thrilled, half chagrined. "Theoretically. They were masked, but I ought to be able to recognize myself in a fight."

Double Shit. The implications of Aki asking about the device’s location hit me. He hadn’t wanted to confirm it was safe. He’d wanted to know where it was.

"There were two of them?" Shingen flipped the table back upright.

“Yes.” Sasuke pushed his glasses in place. "Without visual confirmation I cannot be certain, however I believe the other was a Katsu."

The news that I had an alternate who was a ninja would have to wait to be digested later. I was already halfway to the door. At Shingen's quizzical look, I threw the name Aki, over my shoulder, and after a startled moment, the two of them were close behind.

But even though I risked Sasuke’s speed demon driving to get back to the hospital as fast as possible, it didn’t matter. When we reached Aki’s room, it was empty of everyone aside from two very confused and angry police officers.

@bestbryn @selenacosmic @lorei-writes @lyds323 @tele86 @akitsuneswife

#10 things #10 things I hate about Mitsuhide #mitsuhide monday #ikemen sengoku #fanfic #ikesen fanfic #mitsuhide akechi #ikesen mitsuhide #ikesen sasuke #ikesen shingen #oc katsuko #katsuverse #queued

[nicolewoo]

Super Earth

A one night stand?

Pairing: Roman Reigns x female reader.

Warning: none

I’d snuck out of his bed before he woke; only allowing myself one last glance before leaving his room. He was stunningly gorgeous! Tall Samoan, strong features surrounded by long dark hair, which had been in a bun when I met him. I’d enjoyed undoing his bun and running my fingers through his hair as he bit my neck.

I hesitated. He had been so sweet, so funny, so sexy; this one night stand. Yeah, there was sex, but not until after we’d been talking for hours. And after sex, we’d talked more, laughed more, relaxed more. He was hot for sure, but I’d developed a crush on him because of his brains, his heart.

I should never have spent the night. After the sex, before sleep….. that was my rule. Feelings developed during the intimate time between sex and sleep. I’d told myself not to stay, but I couldn’t. I couldn’t pull myself out of his arms. I didn’t want to.

I didn’t want to leave now, but I had to. My entire life would be a wreck if I didn’t go. People were relying on me. This man….. this stunningly beautiful man…. I could fall for this man. If I was being truthful I already did. I tried to will myself out of the room, but I couldn’t.

For a second, I was positive I’d leave him my number, but what would that do? I shipped out this afternoon. In a couple of days I’d be out of communication range, and I wouldn’t be back for at least a year.

TOI-1452b, or Super Earth as we’d nicknamed it, was a planet covered in water. Despite that, our colonists had managed to make a floating settlement. Fields of rice and seaweed and other water crops surrounding the edges of the settlement. The colonists had harnessed the movement of the ocean and used the tides to create energy. The colony was a success, and now it was my job to fly an international group of scientists to Super Earth, stay for 3 months and bring them home.

3 months on an alien planet far away from my cheating ex and both of our families, who complained incessantly about the money they’d spent on our “failed wedding”? Failed….. as if I’d done something wrong. I wasn’t the one who had a three way with strippers 2 days before our wedding.

The truth is, I was done. Done with men. Done with family….. “A year long adventure to an exciting new planet” my best friend had dubbed it, and it sounded like exactly what I needed. I basically got a three month vacation to explore a new world.

With one final exhale, I forced myself to leave his room. It was the right decision. It wasn’t fair to start a relationship and leave the next day.

If it was the right decision, why did I start crying when I got in my car?

I checked the time. 2 hours until I had to report to the base. 3 hours until the final medical checkup, and 5 hours to liftoff. Then I was free. So why did I keep picturing him? Smiling, laughing, sweet kisses, getting lost in his arms and eyes?

I shook it off, distracting myself with one last call to my parents. I Dialed the number before I started driving. It was awful. A ten minute mash up of complaining about how I was leaving behind an expensive disaster and sobbing uncontrollably about how their baby girl was going to die in space. Ugh!

Truthfully, the second I walked into the building, I felt like a weight had been lifted. “Captain Y/L/N” the young man behind the front desk said as he came around the counter to grab my bags. “Is this all Captain?” When I said yes, he told me that the bags would be waiting in my cabin.

The next hour was a blur of meetings with my crew and coordinating the equipment from the scientists and the supplies to go to the colony.

As expected, I aced my medical, and now it was time to meet with the scientists. Juggling the papers in my hand and trying to gracefully open the door with my keycard failed, and my papers ended up sprawled across the floor. My co-pilot Jamie was helping me pick them up when I saw him!!! Mr. Last night. Mr. Was-supposed-to-be-a -one-night-stand. I sat stunned as I picked up the page with his face on it. Dr. Roman Reigns. I scanned the page further: from the USA…. Studying the feasibility of growing tropical crops on Super Earth. Oh no! No No No No! This couldn’t be!

“Y/N?” Jamie asked as she handed me the rest of the papers. “Something wrong?”

I recovered my composure, hopefully fast enough that it didn’t seem suspicious. “Yeah!” I said standing. “Just thinking about my family.”

“They still riding your ass?” I nodded. “Shit. Sorry, but hey! One year away, and most of that will be out of communications range.” She chirped. “Good afternoon everyone.” Jamie said when we opened the door.

I didn’t even need to look. I could feel him in the room. He dominated the space, as I assumed he did everywhere he went. When my eyes met his, they found him as shocked as me. We stared too long at each other. Everyone else was settling in, but we just stared…. Equally surprised.

“Let’s get to it then.” Jamie said as the door closed behind us.

@mindofasagitarius @lclb13 @serenityfiretrash @lustyromantic @reigns-5sos @bigpsychicbagelauthor @omg-im-such-a-masochist @marlananicole @wickedsunfire @starwithaheart @spookys-girl @pitlissa22 @snowpanda18 @thesamoanqueen

@sassginaswanmills

#roman reigns #roman reigns fanfiction

[corvidae-corvus]

My Spider-Man & Batman Fanfic (WIP) #4:

Omg I just realized that since Aunt May is literally a nurse she could be the first link to the Batfam.

So I've been having trouble deciding on how the Parkers and Batfam would first meet. Like...how they would meet, why, where etc. What reasons would the Batfam would want to know more about them. I finally figured some of it out.

The first reason I feel like it would be mentions of Dick walking around the city. Then they would meet Richard Parker and just assume he's a doppelganger. (When two people who are unrelated look exactly alike.)

Then like 2 weeks later, there'll be evidence of 2 people breaking into Wayne Enterprises or something similar. 2 weeks after that they're seen again and they're inconsistently breaking into rich people's companies etc.

Now 2 months after the Parkers arrive in Gotham, one of the Batfam is incredibly hurt and can't communicate with the rest of the Batfam. They're hurt and are in need of medical assistance. That's where May comes in! And guess what she conveniently has a whole med room ready and prepared to help them. She helps them and while they're passed out or something and when they wake up, they're a little confused but they like May. (I don't know who gets hurt, either Tim, or Jason. I'm leaning towards Jason since May's gonna be in crime alley and all that but I also would not mind Tim.)

Now why does may have a whole med bay set up? And how? Well like a month after they arrived in Gotham, they all managed to find each other. Peter is discovered last and they all obviously know that he's Spider-Man. (they have some memory of Peter's life. Not a lot but they all know that he's Spider-Man. Should I keep it that way or change it?)

Peter wants to go back to being Spider-Man and they need to stock up on Items. Mary and Richard are in charge of gathering supplies (stealing) and Peter isn't allowed to join since it could jeopardize his identity before it's even revealed. They know that the Batfam is onto Richard and May.

Now whether or not Peter joins later on or does his own runs, idk. But that's for future me to decide on.

So because the supply runs May gets her own medical equipment, and decides that she's going to help the people of Crime Alley get the medical attention they deserve. Also she wants to bring back F.E.A.S.T.

So may is gonna be a Charity worker/organizer/founder of F.E.A.S.T. by day and the nurse of the fucking underworld by night! Ok I'm kinda exaggerating but what I mean is that she will be an illegal nurse during the night ( idk who will be on stand-by during the end of Peter's patrol, but I was thinking that the rest of the family would, maybe Ben.) She would help anyone in need, that includes the VILLAINS!! This would be interesting since she died in an explosion that was caused by one of the people she tried to help (green goblin). I feel like she'd have a bit of trouble with the villains. She'd help them but she'd be really scared while doing so and maybe a little angry. She died and I want to explore that part of her character. Peter would definitely object to her becoming like an illegal Nurse but gives in to her because he loves her very much and wants to support her. He's just constantly worried about her.

Anyways I was also wondering if there are any canonical "illegal nurses" that are in Gotham. I've read fics where there is a nurse that Jason, or the rest of the Batfam go to when things get rough on patrol and the nurse/doctor is a civilian. Maybe they can be friends with May!!

Anyways this will obviously get May investigated. And boom! She has documents and stuff! Now I feel like the Batfam won't realize that the info is fake for awhile. Since Peter's parents are literal spies and they're pretty damn good at making a whole new identity without getting caught (my head cannon) and Peter's intelligence is crazy. He's also like 20 here he's definitely smarter now than when he was a teenager. And he had Ned and Tony teaching him how to hack. Now I feel like Barbara is the better hacker but I need the plot to slow down sooo....

I need to think more on this later. Anyways yea! This is like a part of May's Story that I would want to write!

Hope you enjoyed it! If y'all have any questions you can ask me about it! Maybe even give me some ideas if ya want! This is all just a WIP and I honestly I am not gonna start this fic for a while...but Everytime I post the story gets more and more coherent. Lol.

#fanfic #batman #crossover #dc universe #gotham #peter parker #richard parker #spider man #marvel #mcu #may parker

[citrus-simp]

Mission Log 03

A/N: The last chapter wasn't so great so I hope to make it up here; so overdo that I had to read the last two chapters.

Warnings: language

"This is Captain Erwin Smith and we are on the 36th day of our journey. Over the course of our first month my co-captains, medic, and scientist have been up and at work. I will not ignore the fact they are also my friends who have come back to brighten my days in this dark void." he said into the camera "The others in our crew have also woken up, we fully have all hands on deck. Our technician Molbit Berner works alongside Hange Zoe. Our young recruits Eren Yeager, Armin Arlet, Mikasa Akerman, Floch Forester, Jean Kirstein, Sasha Braus, and Connie Springer. They were entered into the program not only to aid in repopulation but as well as become our heirs and learn the skills to continue on. Food supply is stable, oxygen is stable, and the embryos are in stable condition...."

He paused as if he was hesitant to say what was on his mind. "...the only concern I would have would be our engineer. His name is Zeke...I had no information, no papers...nothing on him. He said he was an engineer and that he woke up in the shop. He's shown hard work and stays true to his word however I will be keeping a close eye on Zeke. Y/N Ackerman had a small scare the other day where she had also gotten a small injury while in the cargo. She's recovered well and works as hard as she always does. This is Erwin Smith logging off"

The ship was now lively with so many others. The younger crew learning their new skills and purposes on the ship. More work getting done, but also more people to interact and travel with. Mikasa, Armin, and Eren all happened to be very close friends, knowing one another from childhood. Jean, Sasha, and Connie were another trio who had met the first three in high school. The only outlier seemed to be Floch, although he was very dedicated to his work. He seemed distant at times, and kept to himself more. Luckily the space craft was very large to give everyone their own room.

"it's like having a bunch of brats and we're the parents"

"oh so you consider them your children?" you teased

"No, brat," he said pinching your cheek

"excuse me captain?" you hear a gentle voice

"oh, yes Armin?" the blonde stood next to you seeming a bit hesitant, no doubt because of your husband

"W-well there's a certain bypass in the system I don't have access to, could you help me?" he asked almost childlike. Levi would try and get you to admit it, but you never gave in. However, you may have a soft spot for Armin.

"Of course Armin," following the young blonde, you came to a screen and gave your access key "there we go, should be all set. I'll make sure to program the system for you guys to have access." you made a vocal note

"Thank you captain" the blonde smiles

"excuse me " a new voice sounds making you spin around. A new face. Tall, blond, full beard and glasses "Zeke Yeager, at your service" he extends a hand which you take and give a firm shake "We hadn't been introduced and I just had to know the lovely captain of this ship" he flirted with you

"Well it's nice to meet you Zeke and I'm not sure if you've met-"

"Me" the stoic voice calls behind you "Levi. Her husband." Now Levi had a very specific talent. And that was telling when men wanted you and this big ass blonde tree 1000% wanted you.

"Ah yes the famous Ackerman, I've heard and read much about you" he offered his hand which Levi did not take it and left him there until he brought it back to his side. "Hange is asking for you in the med bay by the way. Don't wanna keep four eyes waiting." he said crossing his arms. Zeke looks at you and leaves with a smile

"Stupid bastard" Levi mumbles

"Anyway come on Levi I want you to come check the embryos with me" you said tugging on his arm.

"Why the hell do I want to look at a bunch growing pains in the ass?" he asked as he was being dragged off by you. Even though he'd prefer not to, he'd rather do things to please you than to not at all. You get to the very secure and quiet room on the ship. You enter your pin and the door slides open with a hiss. It was like a library, each wall securely but delicately carrying new lives. Luckily the technology the ship had can sustain them until they are practically ready to be "born".

"Damn, how many are in here?" Levi said picking up one container and examining the Alien looking creature.

"From what I hear about 200. We have one set of twins, and one set of triplets." you said pointing to the containers that were in different colors from the rest. "The others have no relation tho....it's crazy don't you think?" you ask him

"that we're floating in space with a bunch of developing babies plus teenage brats? And Hange? Yes" he says sarcastically, pulling out a laugh from you

"Well yea but...all of this" you express towards the walls "This is where is all starts bur can also end. You have to admit it's a little scary. Its...up to us. Everything. The past, the present the future, its in our hands." you say with more in mind, and he knew.

"Y/N you kno-"

"Levi to the training bay" he groans hearing the intercom call him to go and train the recruits.

"We can talk later okay captain grumps?" you tease pecking his lips "I have to have some work done in here so if I'm not in our room I'll probably be here"

He pulls you in close to him and gives you a deeper kiss, as if he were going far far away. "Don't work too hard" one more kiss to your forehead was placed before he left to attend to his duties. Turning on the lights you go and sit at the desk near the back of the room and get to work.

You were generally in charge of the embryos and tracking their growth. Any abnormalities or effects were to be documented and monitored.

"Log number 38, this is captain Y/N in the embryo deck. The embryos seem to be developing well with no abnormalities. Each have grown to about 1 month along. They are still very new and delicate. We keep the shelves to a stable temperature to resemble the womb of a mother. We also do not keep this room cool like the rest of the ship" you note "Which means I sometimes sweat a storm in here. Now I know this is not professional but whoever is watching this, you've probably become a whole new society by now. new ways of life, maybe new languages, new everything. Just be sure to care for one another and the planet. Look on our mistakes and improve from that, I am terrified whenever I am in here. I am in charge of your very existence. I can only hope I'm doing it right. This is co-captain Y/N Ackerman signing off and continuing work"

As you worked tirelessly you hadn't noticed that house had gone by. You had eventually fallen asleep on your desk. As your form rose and fell with each breath. You felt a hand caress your upper back and fingers rake through your hair. You stir awake with a slight smile expecting to open your eyes and see Levi.

"mm Levi?" you stretch upward and turn to find yourself in the room alone. You could feel your heart drop into your stomach. You knew you felt someone touch you! You weren't imagining things! Saving the progress made, you quickly leave the room and lock it up.

You walk your way down the hall and to the right making your way to the dinning room. Everyone was there and seemed to have just finished their food.

"Captain Y/N, you must be hungry! You gotta try this chicken! Its AMAZING!" Sasha exclaimed waving a chicken leg around in the air making some of the juices fly around

"Sasha watch it!" Jean said trying to get her to stop flinging the food around. "You don't know if she wants that or not! Not everyone is as food obsessed as you!"

"I'm surprised you're not 200 pound more than what you are now" Connie added

"Cooonniieeee, that's meann" she wined with a frown.

It was never a dull moment with these kids huh?

"Thank you Sasha but I'll eat later. Do you know where Levi is?" you asked they all pointed to the main cockpit

"I think he's in there speaking with Captain Erwin and Hange" you nod and stroll over to the double doors and go inside where said persons were.

"Y/N perfect timing," Hange said clapping her hands together "how was that nap of yours?" she asks

"Well it was honestly strange-wait how do you know I was napping?" you asked

"Well, I was going to go and offer some food but you were drooling away on the desk" the scientist chuckled "but in all seriousness have a seat we've got something to discuss" You pull out the chair and sit

"Well, we are on course heading the right way. Our rough estimate is about a month or so. If things go smoothly, we preserve gas and supplies, we may get there even sooner" Erwin stated

"Wait...really?" you asked looking around at the other captains "so...we'll finally make it?" you ask again with hope in your eyes

"That's right," Hange sang "we'll finally be off of the ship, start our lives over, and our new future will begin"

"But that also means we need to have these recruits, taught, I shape and on track. That brings us to subject two" Levi said "Zeke, is my concern. We don't know what sewer the bastard came out of. You're in charge of getting information out of him but I don't want you alone with him"

"I can handle myself Levi you know that." you say crossed your legs as you explained your best offer "Look we have a room with a two way mirror. You stay on the other side and when you feel you need to come in, you come" ""I can handle myself Levi you know that." you say crossed your legs as you explained your best offer "Look we have a room with a two way mirror. You stay on the other side and when you feel you need to come in, you come"

Levi sighs heavily. He knew you were right, you were smart and quick on your feet. He hated how much he loved that about you. You can handle yourself in any situation, but he wanted to be the one to protect you.

"..fine" he gave in begrudgingly "We'll do it later this week." he declared. After setting a schedule for the meeting, Erwin had informed Zeke on what will be happening later on. But for now it was to your shared room, it was long day. You change into your more comfortable clothes while Levi was taking a shower. You rub your eyes and look at your reflection in the mirror. Maybe you were just imagining things.

"Hey, are you ready for bed?" Levi asked as he walked out drying his hair with a towel.

"Yea I am" you shuffled over to the bed and let your body fall limp on the mattress. "It's been a long day" you sigh opening your arms for Levi to come and lay in. Once he was dressed, he crawled over to your to lay on your chest. This was the best place to be in, on Earth or in space. No where compares to the comfort of your arms. You both lay there in the silence, letting yourselves drift off into slumber.

Little did you know of the lurking eyes that are watching you as you sleep soundly. The same eyes that have locked on to you for sinister plans only its twisted mind could know.

“Soon enough you will be mine.”

<-Prev Next->

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

🏷 Taglist -> @happygalaxymilkshake @midaribaby @levisbrat25 @araveticazx @captainchrisstan @bakaide @ally22042000 @ravensleepyeyes @mysteriousmagicx @citrus-simp-appreciation-blog @leiaausmus @loveislevi

#attack on titan x reader #levi ackerman #levi ackerman x reader #aot x reader #attack on titan #those who survive by sweets #those who survive taglist #those who survive #Aot original work #snk #snk x reader #shingeki no kyojin levi

[m0use123]

Kuvira couldn't believe that it was finally the day.

Korra's first day of uni.

Kuvira:- You ready to hit the road Kiddo?

Korra:- (twisting her fingers together, looking nervous) I. I think so.

Kuvira:- (ruffling her baby sister's hair) Come on Kiddo, Mum and Baba are already driving, we should get going.

The two sisters left the unusually quiet mansion and got into Kuvira's fully packed out land rover.

- - - - - -

New Omashu University.

Korra's first choice.

The Beifong family was moving Korra into her dorm room.

Lin:- Jeez kid. We brought you WAYYYY too many supplies.

Kya:- Come on Lin. You know we both wanted our little girl to be prepared. (As she made Korra's bed).

Lin:- (carrying in yet another box marked 'school supplies' snorted) Yeah. But I wasn't expecting six boxes of notebooks and pens.

Kuvira:- (whining, carrying yet another box in) my back hurts.

Korra:- (snorting) has the United forces made you soft sis?

Kuvira:- (dropped the box of clothes and picked the teen up and threw her over her shoulder) You were saying squirt?

Korra:- AAAAAGGGGHHHHHH! Put me down you overgrown pen pusher.

Kya:- Kuvira. Don't break your sister.

Lin:- Korra. Don't poke the bear.

- - - - - -

5 hours later.

Lin:- Okay Pookie, we've got to go now.

Korra fort to keep the tears away as she hugged her parents and sister goodbye.

Kya:- (whispered to Korra) look in the box on your bed when we're gone.

Korra nodded into her mother's shoulder.

- - - - - - -

Korra:- (Hugging everyone in turn next to Lin's car) Love you Mummy. Love you Baba. Love you Kuvy.

Lin:- We love you too Pookie. Now. Hold out your hand.

Korra raised her eyebrow and held her hand out.

Lin placed a set of keys in Korra's hand.

Korra:- (blankly) car keys?

Kya nodded and pointed to the student car park where a light blue Honda Jazz was parked.

Korra:- Is that for me?

Lin:- Yes.

Kya:-(smiled) Suprise baby.

Kuvira:- Try not to right it off in the first week captain ADHD.

Korra did a happy dance with her new car keys.

Lin:- (snatched the keys back) Car rules. Take your medication before you drive. No drinking and driving. No texting and driving. No friends in the car. No speeding.

Korra:- (Pouting up at Lin). Anything else?

Lin:- Yeah. I'll be checking the traffic reports for this area weekly. If I see your name or number plate on any of those reports, and I'm coming straight down here and taking that car away. Do you understand?

Korra:- (Nervously) Yes Baba.

- - - - - -

Korra was getting ready for bed. Her family had left a few hours ago. She'd worked out, ate in the canteen, made a few hopeful new friends, showered and was now getting into her pajamas.

She paused when she approached her bed. She had forgotten about the box Kya had left her.

She opened the shoe box to see a framed photo of her entire family at her's and Opal's uni leaving party. A letter from her mothers reminding her to call often and eat enough. And .......

Korra:- (whispered as she reached a trembling hand into the box) Naga ?

Korra's childhood toy and best friend was sat at the bottom of the box, there was a note attached around her neck.

Just incase. Love Mummy and Baba.

Korra hugged her toy close as she fell asleep.

Uni was the next big step in her life, but with Naga with her. Korra knew she could do it all.

~Fin~

Would you guys been interested in a full version on AO3 ? Let me know 😊

#legend of korra #lin beifong #kya ii #university #kuvira #korra #stuffed toy Naga #ao3 fanfic #short snippet #Korra has ADHD

[eriquin]

Cat's in the Cradle, Part 3

Eddie gets out of the trailer park and starts walking.

(master post)

Hawkins was in shambles and no one paid attention to Eddie as he wandered down the street. The earthquake had cut sharp gouges through the center of town, and everyone was panicking about it. On every block, he saw people loading up their cars with all their valuables and driving away. But he also saw people packing up tools and medical supplies and heading towards the fires. It was a pretty even split.

He made his way into a playground just so he could sit down on one of the benches. He wasn’t sure when the sun had risen but he felt like he’d been walking all night. The bench was cold, so he tucked his legs up into his jacket and curled up. He had only put his head down on his backpack for a second before someone was shaking him. 

“Hey, kid,” the man said. “Come on, wake up.” 

Eddie sat up quickly and rubbed his eyes. “Sorry, sorry,” he mumbled. The man wasn’t wearing a uniform or anything, but he had an air of authority to him anyway. Eddie pulled his bag in front of him like a shield.

“Where are your parents, kid?” he asked. “What’s your name?” 

Improve instincts kicked in. “Teddy, sir. Theodore Gamgee.” The first name was pulled from an old memory and alias. The last name had him hoping this man didn’t read a lot of fantasy. “Ma and Pa are home in Alabama, sir. Sent me to visit my cousins.” 

“So what are you doing out here? Where are your cousins?” 

Eddie couldn’t help tense up. He was going to have to think of plausible cousins for himself real fast. “Just arrived yesterday, sir. Tried to call ‘em, but no one answered. Then there was the... the...” He looked past the man towards the smoke coming from the center of town. 

“Oh hell, you must’ve gotten here right before the earthquake. You poor kid.” The man crouched down and put his hand on Eddie’s shoulder. “Who are your cousins? Maybe I know them.” 

Eddie bit his lip. “The Mayfields?” He knew Max’s mom still went by Hargrove, so this guy was unlikely to recognize the name. Add in the fact that the trailer park was trashed and vacant. “In, uh, Forest Hills? ‘Cept I don’t know how to get there.” 

The man rubbed his chin and looked in the direction of the trailer park. This was a little bit of a test to see if he was honest. “Sorry to say this, son, but Forest Hills got hit pretty hard in the earthquake. Your cousins will probably be taking shelter down at the high school. That’s where they’ve got everyone set up.” And he passed.

Eddie got up and put his backpack on. He looked in the same direction the man was, then back at the smoke. “Thank you, sir. An’ where’s the high school?” 

He got up and pointed in the right direction. “It’s that way. I’m about to head over there with some donations.” He jerked his hand towards his pickup, the back of which was filled with boxes. “You want a ride?” 

Would the little lost boy persona he’d conjured up trust this guy enough to get in a truck with him? Eddie wasn’t sure, but he figured that if something went fishy it wouldn’t be the first time he’d had to duck and roll out of a moving vehicle. And he’d been walking for a long time already and was tired and hungry. He accepted and climbed into the passenger seat. 

For once, things worked out for him. As soon as the truck stopped in the high school parking lot, he ditched the man and ran for the building. Surely, Wayne would be here somewhere. But the gymnasium was full of people and he was so short now. He wandered between groups looking for his uncle’s silver beard and balding head. No luck. He did a couple more circuits of everyone before deciding that Wayne definitely wasn’t anywhere in the room. There were a couple of plastic chairs with line of sight to the front doors. Eddie sat in one and put his backpack under his feet and watched as people filed in. He wasn’t the only one keeping watch. He wasn’t even the youngest, though most of the kids here were with at least one adult. 

He dozed off again after a while and woke with a start, wondering if he’d missed his uncle. The room was still buzzing with noise, and he picked up his bag and started another round of checking on faces. A lot of people were milling around a bulletin board filled with missing persons posters. They were grumbling about something and someone was scribbling on one of the posters. Eddie snuck around the crowd to see what they were doing and got a clear view once they stepped out of the way. He heard a mutter of the word ‘Freak’ and saw devil horns scribbled over his own little black-and-white picture. It hurt more than it should have, probably because he knew that Wayne must have put the poster up. Eddie covered his mouth and turned away. 

A forty-something woman with a bob haircut patted his shoulder. “Don’t worry, hon,” she said gently. “Even with everything, we’re still keeping an eye out for him. You’re safe here.” 

Eddie flinched and ducked away from her. He pushed past a couple more people and ran through the crowd until he got to the men’s room and shut himself inside a stall. He forgot how thirteen-year-old him would cry at the drop of a hat. He hadn’t missed the wild ride of pubescent hormones fucking with his emotions. 

It wasn’t just that, though. He could admit it to himself. He’d spent the last few days on the most nauseatingly horrific roller coaster ride, but at least he’d quickly gotten some backup in the form of a group of people who seemed to know what they were doing. Now the world was ending, his friends thought he was dead, and he was completely untethered from anything solid. He had no idea what was going to become of him. He had to check in on Wayne, somehow, but after that he also had to get back to Dustin and let him know what had happened. He just didn’t know how to do it.

He left the stall and washed his face and thought. Wayne wasn’t in the shelter, but Wayne had been there to put up a poster. His uncle was a stubborn son of a bitch, in his own words, and he knew he’d come back to check on that poster and put up a fresh one. They weren’t going to kick a kid his age out of the shelter. Hell, no one had even asked him any questions yet. They had a food table set up and just kept handing out soup and sandwiches to whoever wanted them. He could probably even snag a cot and get some sleep that night. 

With a plan in mind, Eddie left the bathroom and focused on getting through the night.

#cat's in the cradle #my writing #stranger things

[channajen]

Chapter 5 is Live!

Chapter 5 of “Batman, Meet Team Phantom” is LIVE on a03!

Chapter one is HERE; Series Link is HERE; Story One is HERE

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Summary: In which Batman and Jasmine have a long talk, and Batman discovers quite a bit of information that he did not previously know about Amity Park, ghosts, and about certain people's feelings...

Teaser: After briefly outlining the situation to Oracle, Batman decided it was time to talk to Jasmine. He needed more personalized information to add to what he was going to present to the League. He quietly entered into the Medbay, walked over to the corner of the room, and simply took time to watch the two siblings as they slept. Jasmine woke within a minute of his arrival, and almost instantly zeroed in on his location. Bruce raised an eyebrow. These kids must have a highly honed sense of danger to be so hyper-aware of their surroundings. He thought.

Jazz stared at the Bat in the corner for a long moment before acknowledging him with a nod. He mirrored her movement, while walking to her bedside. “Do you think you could spare a few minutes of your time? I am putting a presentation together for the League before we send a retrieval team for the Fenton adults. I would really appreciate your input.”

The young woman’s eyes got hard. “Oh, I have the time, Batman. Just give me a minute to grab my bag. I’ve got something in there for you.”

Curious, the Bat watched the girl move silently around the medical area. Her steps were as quiet as any one of his children’s. Whoever trained her should be proud. He couldn’t help but wonder how she had developed such skills—even in a highly infested town like Amity Park, those types of skills weren’t going to come naturally. Someone had trained her, and done it well. He secretly hoped it hadn’t been Madeline Fenton.

It only took Jazz a couple of minutes to gather the things she thought were important. Batman curiously noted that she held a Bat-communicator in her hand like it was a life-line. He realized with a shock that it was a literal life-line for the girl and her brother. Had Jason not given it to her, Danny would have died long before they made it to Gotham. That realization shook the nearly unflappable Bat. No more children were going to die on his watch if he could prevent it. He motioned for Jasmine to follow him to a consultation room just outside of the main medical bay, where there was a window that would allow her to keep an eye on her brother while they talked. He guessed correctly that it would help put the young woman more at ease and enable her to talk more freely without as much worry...

....The Bat looked at the drive in his hand. “I’m going to give this to the people I trust and see what they can do with the production of the deflectors. They have worked with alien technology, so human tech shouldn’t be that difficult to reproduce.”

Jazz’s chuckle echoed in the room, surprising Bruce. “I don’t know how well experience with ‘alien technology’ will transfer to ‘ecto-technology’, but if they fail, or need guidance, Danny can build everything on that drive.

That took Batman by surprise. “Your brother is a hunted ghost, a protector of an entire town, and an also an engineer?” He had seen the boy’s grades. He knew that they were impacted by ghost fighting, but for him to have engineering skills on-par with or better than his parents was incredible. Although, once Bruce thought about it, the only way the boy could have handled everything he did and stay in school with any kind of passing grades at all would require an extremely high intelligence. It did make sense. Although he did wonder what other secrets the teen carried. The Bat gave a mental shrug and moved on.

“I’ll get clearance for the Red Hood to come to the Watchtower. He can bring up whatever devices and supplies you need.” He didn’t quite expect the blinding smile that lit up Jasmine’s face.

“Jason’s coming?” Batman sighed. “Please keep our civilian names to yourself. Very few people here know our real identities.”

Jazz looked horrified. “Oh no! I am so sorry! Nobody’s listening, are they??”

Bruce sent Jasmine a small smile. “No one listens in on Batman.” He held up a small device on his belt. “An audio scrambler. I keep it on me at all times. You’ll need to be careful to refer to Jason as ‘Hood’ or “Red Hood’ when he is here, though.” The young woman’s face fell. Bruce felt a weird sense of guilt in his gut; it caused him to make an offer he wouldn’t usually make. “I’ll let you two catch up in my office, where you can talk privately. I’ll disable internal sensors and cameras in that section so no one can connect you two in anything other than a ‘professional’ manner.” His lips slipped into a small smirk at the blush on her face.

“That would be…really kind of you, Batman.” Jazz looked down and put her face in her hands. She looked back up after a long moment with a smile on her face. “Thank you, sir.” Her blush was less noticeable, but still there.

***Read the whole chapter on A03***

#danny phantom #batman #jason todd #dp x dc #wayne family adventures #ghost king danny #justice league #jazz fenton #anger management - relationship

[caesurah-tblr]

AO3 isn’t allowing me to post so I’ll do it in the morning. For now, enjoy the 2nd chapter of Try Not To Lose Your Head here on Tumblr :)

TWS- SUICIDAL IDEATION, MEDICAL RELATED TRAUMA, PTSD, AND PANIC ATTACKS.

Charlie lays on his side, tucked underneath his old desk. They couldn’t stay there, out in the open, so he had lead them to the one place he felt safe anymore- his office.

He looks at these people he’s supposed to know and just feels sad. They seemed to care so much- they came looking for him, and now that they’re here, they refuse to leave even after the things they’ve seen. The thought brings him a little comfort.

“Are you okay?” One of them asks. Charlie shrugs.

“I don’t know.”

That’s a lie- he feels like shit. He’s almost completely covered in blood, his arm and abdomen ache something fierce, he’s starving, exhausted, and constantly on the verge of getting sick. He’s the only cast member to be alive, but he doesn’t feel like he should be. Instead of fighting, wouldn’t it be easier to just join them?

The one that spoke moves toward him, interrupting his thoughts, and reaches into his backpack that’s at his side. “I found this while we were on our way here. I thought it might be empty, but there’s actually some good shit in here.”

He pulls out a bright red case- a First Aid Kit. “Your arm looks pretty bad. I don’t really know what I’m doing, but you should let me patch it up a bit.”

Charlie curls tighter into himself, clutching his wounded arm to his chest. No way in hell is he letting this guy close to him with medical supplies. Never again.

“Dude, Charlie, just let me help you. That’s why we’re here. Because you’re our best friend.”

“I don’t even know your name.” He looks at the three of them. “I don’t know who any of you are. If we were friends, I’d know you.”

“My friends call me Condi.” The man with the First Aid kit says. “That’s Bizly and Grizzly. We’ve all known each other for a very long time. We have a podcast.”

“A podcast?”

Blink. Blink. Blink.

“A dnd podcast!” Bizly speaks up. “We’ve been doing it for a awhile.”

Charlie sits up, still curled protectively around himself but less stiff. It sounds… familiar. The podcast, the names. It feels like safe.

“I… I love dnd.” He says it shakily, but it pulls smiles from the other three anyways.

They take turns telling him things about himself he can’t remember- where he’s from, his parents, his girlfriend (oh god, he has a fucking girlfriend-?), and despite something in the back of his mind telling him something is wrong, he believes them because it’s all he really has left.

Condi asks for his arm again and this time he allows him to wrap the wound. And he’s perfectly fine until he feels the sting of an alcohol pad, then-

The room smells both sterile and musty. He’s strapped down in a hospital bed. His mouth tastes like blood.

There’s a figure above him, apologizing profusely, and he’s so confused he doesn’t understand why until he feels the sickening feeling of his own skin being ripped apart. He screams, but Ranboo doesn’t seem to hear it. He hears something about a toy car, but the rest of it is drowned out by sinew tearing as shaky hands remove his organs one by one. And all he can do is beg for his life, then for the end of it.

He slams himself back against the desk, away from the horrible feeling. Charlie has to swallow rapidly to keep himself from vomiting in his mask.

His vision refracts, and suddenly he can feel his heartbeat in his ears. He’s gasping for breath, but the mask doesn’t allow clean air so he claws at it to try and pull it away, but it won’t budge. The figures in front of him shift again, and their faces are replaced with white for a moment before-

He wakes up.

Charlie isn’t sure how long it’s been. He sits up, hands feeling his chest for blood or maybe his organs spilling out of him, but he finds nothing. He’s still intact.

His arm is bandaged. It throbs slightly, but otherwise feels fine.

“Charlie?” A voice calls out to him. It’s Grizzly, who is leaning against one of the large slime plushes. The other two are sleeping nearby.

“What happened?”

“You had a panic attack.” Grizzly sits up. “The mask kept you from taking deep breaths so you passed out. We tried to take it off you while you were out, but it wouldn’t budge.”

Charlie reaches up, fingers grazing the metal mask. The bridge of his nose stings terribly, and it’s easy to identify the feel of old blood on his cheeks. He’s pushed the skin too far, and if he keeps pulling on it, it’ll cut him down to the bone.

He pulls his hands away from it and instead reaches down to clutch the bundle of cloth still in his hands. Right. This is about Ranboo. His own shit can wait- find Ranboo, kill Hetch, get the fuck out of here. He takes a deep breath.

“Here. Found a straw in one of the drawers.” Grizzly hands him his water bottle and a straw, which Charlie quickly drops in the drink. He drains the whole thing in a few gulps, desperate to get the taste of bile and blood out of his mouth. He’s also handed a couple of granola bars and he eats those as well.

“Thank you.” Charlie gives a grateful nod. Grizzly smiles.

“Anything for a friend.”

They make small talk, and eventually Grizzly dozes off as well, leaving him to his own devices.

So he thinks.

Obviously Hetch is still in the mall. He has to be in order to play this finale he wants so badly. The question is where?

He needs a map. Not a directory, but a map of the actual building itself. Do malls have basements?

There’s a notebook in one of the drawers of his desk. He doesn’t remember why it’s there, but it’s empty when he opens it so it doesn’t matter anyways.

Charlie writes down everything he knows. It’s not much- just that he maybe grew up in a cabin but mostly likely didn’t, that Hetch was a backstabbing motherfucker, that he’s sorry he couldn’t save Ranboo, and that he never even had the chance to save Sneeg.

Security. Oh fuck.

How had he forgotten the seven foot tall wire monster that was most likely roaming the mall at this very moment, ready to rip anything to shreds that it’s path crossed?

Charlie pulls out the paper he had taken from the Showfall employee and uses it to draw a rough map of the floor they’re on. It won’t do much, but it’ll be useful to have at least something to work with in the future should he need it.

He guilty goes through the pockets of Ranboo’s jacket as well, and is surprised when he finds a few pieces of folded up paper.

One of them is torn from a notebook with the words THE LOSTFIELD INCIDENT? WHAT COULD IT MEAN? TAPES WERE LOCATED IN [REDACTED], BUT CONTAINED LITTLE INFORMATION I COULD DECIPHER. MUST FIND OUT MORE. written in red ink on the page.

“The Lostfield Incident?” Charlie doesn’t think he’s ever heard of a place called Lostfield, but if Ranboo had the paper on him it has to be important, so he tucks it away as well.

The next three are missing posters, and even with the black lines going through their faces, Charlie recognizes himself, Ranboo, and Sneeg.

MISSING! PLEASE CALL [REDACTED] WITH ANY INFORMATION. REWARD: 10,000 It says underneath each of their pictures. In the corner is the Showfall logo.

Had they gone missing at some point? Charlie doesn’t remember ever leaving. What if they had gotten out, but Showfall had found them? He wonders what the outside is like for a moment before flipping his own paper to see if anything is on the back.

The backs of each poster are covered in binary code and impossible for him to decipher without help. He folds the papers and tucks them inside as well.

When the others wake, he’ll be ready. He has to be.

I’m coming, Ranboo.

_________________________________

Charlie’s Poster:

01010100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01110110 01101001 01101100 01101100 01100001 01101001 01101110 00101110 00001010 00001010 00100000 01010100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01001000 01100101 01110010 01101111 00100000 01101111 01100110 00100000 01101000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01101111 01110111 01101110 00100000 01110011 01110100 01101111 01110010 01111001 00101110 00100000 01000100 01101111 01100101 01110011 00100000 01101000 01100101 00100000 01110100 01110010 01110101 01101100 01111001 00100000 01101101 01100101 01100001 01101110 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110010 01101101 00101100 00100000 01101111 01110010 00100000 01100100 01101111 01100101 01110011 00100000 01101000 01100101 00100000 01110111 01101001 01110011 01101000 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01110011 01100101 01110100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01101111 01110100 01101000 01100101 01110010 01110011 00100000 01100110 01110010 01100101 01100101 00111111 00001010 00001010 01000100 01001111 00100000 01001110 01001111 01010100 00100000 01010011 01000101 01000101 01001011 00100000 01010100 01001000 01000101 00100000 01010100 01010010 01010101 01010100 01001000 00101110 00100000 01001001 01010100 00100000 01010111 01001001 01001100 01001100 00100000 01001110 01001111 01010100 00100000 01010011 01000101 01010100 00100000 01011001 01001111 01010101 00100000 01000110 01010010 01000101 01000101 00101110 00001010

Ranboo’s Poster:

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Sneeg’s Poster:

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Happy solving!!!

#generation loss #genloss #here we go again another chapter wooo #Caesurah writes

[underforeversgrace]

Grace Writes Masterpost

Hello! This is to help keep all of my fics in one easy to find spot (other than AO3) especially for the Tumblr links.

I typically keep this pretty up to date, but that does mean it is kinda long!

(As I reminder, I offer commissions. I also have a ko-fi.)

Heartbeat (6,732) (AO3) (Not on Tumblr)

There are a few facts of life. Maddie Fenton knows this. One of which is ghosts don’t have a heartbeat. So why can she see his beating heart?

What It Means To Be (71,323) (AO3) (Not on Tumblr)

Caught by his parents and rescued too late from the lab by Sam and Tucker, Danny has to learn how to live with what has happened to him and what he is.

Danny Gets Caught by the Justice League (Tumblr only)

Just my addition to a viral dcxdp post even though I know nothing about DC

Share the Burden (1,056) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Tucker knows how much Danny has to deal with, and he wants to help Danny carry the responsibility. And the portal is turned off.

Parental Responsibility (5,929) (AO3) (Not on Tumblr)

After a night she’d rather forget, Jack and Maddie are missing, and Jazz has to face her new reality.

Woken and Bound (2,955) (AO3) (Not on Tumblr)

Danny wakes up in chains, Clockwork and the Observants hovering above him. Knowing only one fate could bring them here, he didn’t even fight, just bows his head and waits.

Earned Peace (4,254) (AO3) (Not on Tumblr)

A body is found in the park and Danny’s core is not happy about it.

i love you (don't kill me) (4,581) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Maddie had always thought she was a good mother. A bit of a workaholic, sure, but still a mother who would listen to them and who could be trusted. She learned she was neither of these things, and she learned it the hard way.

Just Another Day (2,711) (AO3) (Tumblr)

It's been eight years since the Fentons died, since Danny had undoubtedly lost his mind. On the anniversary of their deaths, Valerie goes through her day, remembering how they got here. Why he would be there today.

same memory (different perspective) (3,861) (AO3) (Tumblr)

It’s just chores, just him cleaning the lab. It’s just a normal day and he’s definitely fine. His fight or flight instinct definitely isn’t screaming at every single atom in himself to run.

by your grave (the monster we made) (19,762) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Maddie knew Danny kept secrets, it was a topic they didn’t discuss. But when she sees scars she knows he couldn’t have, she knows she can’t keep pretending. She just needs to figure out those scars.

definition of insanity (is doing the same thing) (11,694) (AO3) (Tumblr)

When his 16th birthday ends with Phantom yelling at him, Dash wishes he could just try it again, only to find his wish granted and the day beginning again. Determined to make it better with his hero, Dash does everything he can to make it better (and maybe wail on Danny Fenton a little harder), but Phantom just keeps getting angrier and Dash just wants to know what he's doing wrong.

broken trust and the wounds hidden behind (27,007) (AO3) (Tumblr - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

Jack wasn't meaning to snoop in his son's room when he found a box of medical supplies and a USB with a tag that said IF I DON'T COME HOME. Danny’s secrets revealed, Jack is desperate to earn his son’s trust, to earn the right to this secret he stumbled across. After almost two years of unknowingly hunting his son, is Danny's trust too broken to heal?

where the wounds were hidden (5,629) (AO3) (Tumblr)

When there's no one to talk to, sometimes a diary is all that's left to turn to. (Danny POV of broken trust)

Welcome to Intro to Ghosts (in progress) (AO3) (Tumblr - 1, 2, 3)

Sure, turning sixteen was supposed to be a big year regardless, but this was a little beyond what Danny had expected when he'd both been told he was now king and then asked to be a teacher for the Intro to Ghosts class while also being a junior in high school. Now he has to juggle a secret identity, being a superhero, doing centuries worth of old paperwork Pariah didn't do, his own schoolwork, AND his students/classmates schoolwork! This'll be fun. Or catastrophic. Hopefully fun.

we're ghosts, not the mob (3,052) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Jeff Johnson has been, unfortunately, chosen as a month-long substitute for William Lancer at Casper High - and he very much does not want to deal with Amity Park’s ghost tourism nonsense. But some students keep getting hurt, and maybe there’s something dark lurking here?

never cared for the stars (1,111) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Phantom vs. the Box Ghost - those are barely fights, y'know? Besides, Phantom never let's humans get hurt. But Phantom didn't see Dash there.

searching for the severed tether (let me return) (9,893) (A03) (Tumblr)

Danny’s core won’t stop hurting and he isn’t entirely sure why - is it just exhaustion? Something else? He would quite like for it to stop hurting, instead the pain’s getting worse. Meanwhile, Jazz gets called for an assembly. And then it all goes to hell in a hand basket.

the road to hell is paved with good intentions (6,995) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Jack feels like death as he fights the flu, Danny’s wrist is broken and he refuses to talk about it, and Maddie feels like she can’t do anything right. If he could just see through his son’s eyes, walk in his shoes for a while. He forgot one should never say the word ‘wish’ in Amity Park.

A Make A Wish child wishes to meet Danny Phantom (Not on AO3) (Tumblr)

Prompt from danphanwritingprompts

purple and red (881) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Dannymay 2023, Day 2: Backpack

Summary: Jack recognizes that backpack

an august snowstorm (771) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Dannymay2023, Day 3: Blizzard

Summary: Lancer isn't sure what to do with a snowstorm in August. Especially not IN his classroom.

shatter my soul (I don't want it anymore) (1160) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Dannymay2023, Day 4: Fractal

Summary: An impossible accident and pain Danny had never known.

all masks must come off (2517) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 6: Eclipse

Excerpt: "Eclipses are... hm, kind of like holy days for ghosts." Danny began and Maddie fully relaxed. Ghosts weren't sentient enough to have anything approching religion or faith. "You can't hide under an eclipse. It's night and day both turning their gaze to you and no disguise can bear both the sun and moon's scrutiny."

Instinct (3035) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay 2023 Day 7: Weapon

Excerpt: He really hated it when his parents surprised him with the ghost version of weapons of mass destruction, honestly. It was getting old. When they’d unveiled the weapon and showed it to him and Jazz with more enthusiasm than a toddler sticking something new in its mouth, Danny had wanted to blow the damn thing up the instant they finished explaining what it did.

beneath bone (1125) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 10: Bones

Excerpt: Maddie tucked herself further into the shadow of the building, peeking around the corner. This metal ghost was really starting to grate on her nerves. It had been coming everyday for two weeks, challenging Phantom each time. Phantom, unable to resist a fight, has met it on the battlefield each time.

the monster I hide (1922) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 13: Monster

Summary: It's been two weeks since the Accident and Danny is struggling to come to terms with some of the less desirable side effects of dying - and he feels like a monster for it.

the electricity within me surrounds me (1456) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 8: Electric Core AU

Excerpt: Why was he having so much trouble controlling the static today?

fight the current (Two Parts)

under the river (1181) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 11: Underwater

after the water (1770) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 30: Post Reveal

Excerpt: Is this really a choice she was about to have to make? Dying together with her husband or leaving him to die on his own?

don't sass a sleep deprived ghost (1432) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 17: Temper

Excerpt: He was tired, he was over this, and he was so fucking done.

memories of the grave (2166) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 18: Grave

Songfic. Excerpt: He frequently thought about death. His death, at least.

wrong paper (665) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 19, No Backspace

Summary: Mr. Lancer gets an assignment from Danny that is not right.

fang u for ur help (341) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 16: Fangs

Summary: Danny has fangs and questions

does this suit come off? (1706) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 15: Full Hazmat AU

Summary: A fight goes sideways and Danny gets caught.

green in the air (2042) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 22: Cryptid AU

Summary: Ectoplasm is invasive and all consuming, and it shows in Amity Park's residents. (OC outsider POV)

memory of what may have been and never will be (3962) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 25: Blame

Summary: Valerie Gray from ten years in the future falls through a natural portal, landing in the past. Unable to get home, she decides to do the best thing she can - kill Danny Phantom.

Grace Can't Draw (picture post) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 26: Art/Fic Switch

stars in his eyes (1849) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 24: NASA

Summary: After two weeks in the GIW's labs, Danny is informed another government agency has taken custody of him. Of all the agencies to hurt him, why did NASA have to be one?

shattered saviors (2475) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 21: Shatter

Summary: Danny gets a horrifying glimpse into the intense negative reaction of Amity Park, and especially his parents, when Dani is accidentally revealed to be half ghost and is taken into GIW custody.

would you like fries with that? (1217) (AO3) (Tumblr)

DannyMay2023 Day 20: Nasty Burger

Summary: Danny wants to enjoy a meal with his friends. The ghosts say no.

am i dead or alive? (it's such a fine line) (2755) (AO3) (Tumblr)

Danny wakes up screaming from a nightmare - a memory he thought he'd long gotten over. When his dad comes running him to check on him, old fears and doubts resurface, and Danny decides that, since he's already told his parents about Phantom, maybe it's time to stop hiding other things, too.

chasing nightmares (703) (AO3) (Tumblr)

"Who got you this time?" Jazz asked with a sigh, wrapping the gauze around Danny's bleeding shoulder, grimacing as green immediately saturated the white. "Plasmius," Danny spat.

we live our lives like we're ready to die (in progress) (AO3) (Tumblr - 1)

Crossover fic - Danny Phantom x Angel: the series. Long summary, please view link.

the walls you hide behind (I saw the truth inside the real you) (in process) (Tumblr - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, in process) (AO3)

Jazz is tired of the ghosts, tired of her parents not doing enough, tired of Phantom's recklessness and her brother's persistent exhaustion. When she yells all of her frustration at her parents after nearly getting killed by a ghost, she gets sent to Vlad's mansion in Wisconsin for the weekend - where she's offered a chance. She could have the ability to fight back, protect her brother and her town. Jazz leaps at the prospect. When she returns to Amity Park at the end of the weekend, it's with abilities and strength of her own, and she's fueled by anger and disdain. And she's got her eyes, first, on Danny Phantom.

healing the wounds we hid (sequel to broken trust and the wounds hidden behind) (in process) (Tumblr - 1, 2) (AO3)

(Invisobang 2023!) Now that his father knows, Danny's life is changing for the better. Jack encourages him to let his friends and the rest of the family into his small word. Unbeknownst to Danny, Jack is secretly worried about how Maddie will react to the news upon her return to Amity - and how to confront Vlad once Jack learns his true identity. Amidst it all, an enemy lurks and plots their revenge.

#grace writes #Master post

[radioactivepeasant]

Snippet Friday: Faulty Info au Strikes Back

Jumping back to the first chapter I'd posted, this is the immediate follow-up. Warnings for mentions of medical trauma (via the Dark Warrior Program)

The scanner the young woman waved over Jak's body was old technology by the standards of most. Cast-offs from Haven, welded together with bits and curses. But to Jak, it was as strange and new as the vehicles he'd seen since his rescue. What was the woman looking at on that screen? What could she see? He craned his neck, trying to see.

"Keep still, young'un," the woman scolded.

She waved the boxy device close to Jak’s ribcage and it sounded a long tone. The medic frowned at the readout and tapped it a few times. Periodically, she stopped to write something on a notepad. Jak watched the medic get a little more tense with each note, and her eyes darkened a little bit more. He knew by now that when someone's eyes looked like that, pain was sure to follow. 

They hadn’t strapped him down, though. And the door was unguarded. Weary though he was, Jak was pretty sure that he could escape the woman and the king both if he had to. The question of where to go after that was shoved away, to be dealt with later.

The medic returned and sat down on a stool across from Jak. "How old did you say you were again?" she asked.

"Fifteen." Jak closed one eye to think. "Maybe almost sixteen? I don't know what season it is."

For some reason, that seemed to be the wrong answer.

"You're sure?" The medic pressed, "That's how old your parents say you are?"

The dark eco throbbed, hot and acidic, against Jak’s ribs. His mood darkened with it.

"I never had parents," he signed, and not very politely, "Uncle had to guess."

An expression of understanding crossed the medic's face. "Ah. Were you tall as a little tot?" she asked.

Jak shrugged. "I guess so."

He'd always been taller than Keira and Daxter, anyway. There weren't many other children to compare heights with in Sandover.

"Why the questions, Maud?" Damas asked from the back of the room. He folded his arms and raised a brow. "Do you suspect his age is incorrect?"

The medic, Maud, leaned back to retrieve her notebook and flipped through the pages. 

"My lord," she said, "this young'un's physical development has been altered slightly by the dark eco poisoning, but not enough to change the development of his bones."

"My bones?" Jak was alarmed. "What about my bones?!"

Maud didn't look up from her notes, missing Jak’s question. "Comparing average Spargan and Havenite skeletal development to the eco scan, this boy has barely entered puberty. He can't be older than thirteen, by my calculation."

Thirteen?!

There had to be some mistake. Jak wasn't that young! He was just a late bloomer, that's what Samos always said. 

Samos wouldn't have sent a thirteen year old kid to fight Gol and Maia and all those Lurkers alone, right? 

...right?

Damas reached out and took the notes from the medic, and a chill ran down his spine. Only thirteen. This child was only thirteen and he had already suffered so much.

Please, Precursors, Winds, Volcan- anyone: don't let Mar suffer the same-!

Dark eco had been pumped forcibly into the boy's body for several months at least, according to the scan. Oddly, where most poisoning cases would have already had the unstable eco spreading through their body, Jak's case was isolated to his torso.

"How is-" Damas's voice betrayed him, weakening to a croak. He swallowed, cleared his throat, and asked, "How severe is the concentration of eco? Will he require an antidote?"

Maud sucked on her teeth and grimaced. "Ayup, I think so. Don't rightly know how he's keeping it from getting into his muscle fibers right now, but I doubt he can keep it up forever."

That, at least, Damas knew how to fix. Wordlessly, he moved to the shelves full of jars and boxes and began hunting for the ward's carefully conserved supply of light eco. The search, at least, could hold his attention and keep his mind from wandering too far from the matter at hand.

"What of his immunizations? Has he had any?" He asked over his shoulder.

"He said they didn't have a doctor in his village, just a green eco sage," Maud answered, "Which suggests he hasn't had many of his shots."

Jak immediately recoiled at the mention of shots. They were going to inject him with something! Blind panic seized him, and he bolted.

No more! No more pain! I won't let you!

"Hey, no-!" Maud skidded around the bed and jumped in front of the door. "Dangit, kid! You're still poisoned!"

Wild-eyed, Jak tried to shove her aside. The young woman barely budged. Spargans, it seemed, were very solidly built. Maud raised her hands and spoke quietly, trying to calm him, but the words seemed to float above his head as if he was underwater. Maud stepped closer, hands coming too close to Jak to feel safe. Panicking, he snapped at her fingers; she pulled back quickly. The dark eco boiled in Jak’s blood, and he could feel it spreading, seeping deeper into him. 

No-! 

With all his might he pushed at the chaotic substance, forcing it back into the wounds. 

His emotions were raw, and at any moment he felt he was about to snap. The medic still blocked his escape.

I don't- I don't want to hurt you! But- But you need to move!

With a silent snarl, Jak drew back and tensed to charge the woman, fist raised.

For years after, he would wonder how the king had moved so fast. One second he was peering into a glowing jar behind the counter, then within a heartbeat his arms were around Jak, restraining him as gently as he could manage against his chest. 

Jak thrashed in his grip, desperate to escape, but Damas held firm.

"Stop," he grunted, trapping Jak's arms beneath his own. "Stop, child! She will not harm you! Be still. Be still, Jak."

Jak couldn’t speak like this, hands pinned to his sides. He shook his head violently and tried to force a word -- a sound, anything -- out of his throat. A rusty, scratchy, cry faltered and trailed off between gasps for air.

Damas tightened his arms. "Be still, child. Be still," he whispered, over and over until at last the boy went limp. His heart still hammered against Damas's forearm, and the king frowned. He doubted the boy had calmed. More likely he feared the consequences of further resistance.

"Poor kid." Maud shook her head and slowly relaxed her guarded posture. "I'm betting he doesn't have any kinda good association with doctors. Lemme make a chart up for him, and we can figure out immunizations later. I think for now the light eco is the most we should do."

She crouched in front of Damas, trying to look into Jak's eyes.

"Hey, hey there, soldier. Breathe, breathe in now."

She waited until Jak had sucked in a ragged breath, then gave him a sympathetic half-smile. "Now breathe out, nice and slow. Easy does it, eh, kid? No shots today, it's okay."

Suspicious, Jak narrowed his eyes at her. The medic didn't seem to be offended. She stood and offered the glowing jar to Damas.

"I'd rather counteract the worst of the dark eco exposure and let that settle before introducing anything new to his system. For all we know about dark eco, it could exacerbate any potential diseases instead of inoculating him."

Damas sighed heavily. 

"Boy," he said, "I am going to let go now. Do not try to bite the medic again. She opened the clinic in the middle of the night to help you, is that understood?"

Oh, Jak understood. But that didn't mean he believed it.

He nodded and waited for a chance to run.

Before he could try, the jar caught his attention. This close to it, he could feel the contents being drawn towards him. It was...eco. Not dark eco, but warm, bright, good eco! Even after the experiments, he could still feel it!

It wasn't quite like green, nor blue or red or yellow. It was...it was all of them at once, just like during the battle against the Acherons. Was it really, truly, light eco? All the way out here?

Damas opened the jar and dipped two fingers into it. Light swirled around his hand, not quite liquid, but not quite vapor. 

He was channeling! Was the king a sage as well? Was that possible? Jak couldn’t stop himself from reaching out for the ball of light. 

"Don't-!" Damas tried to pull it out of the boy's reach. 

Only a trained channeler could use eco to heal another. Without training, it could end up doing far worse damage than the wounds it was meant to heal.

To his bewilderment, the light eco all but leaped from his fingers to the boy's outstretched hand. It jumped from finger to finger in sparks before being absorbed into the skin. Jak yelped in surprise and shook out his hand, then blinked down at his torso with wide eyes. One cautious hand pressed against the skin over his ribcage, gently prodding.

When Jak looked up, the shock was evident on his face.

"It...can heal?"

It took a moment for the medic to answer, as Damas was still staring at the boy with a perturbed look.

"Ah...that is, yes, yes it does. But you- kiddo, how'd you-" Maud scratched her freckled nose and squinted at him. "Only sages and the king can float that stuff around like that."

"Yeah, and me." Jak shrugged in a distracted fashion. "I think Samos wanted me to be a sage, but he gave up."

After a moment, he realized the sage's sign nickname wouldn't mean much to people from another city, and amended, "the Green Sage tried to train me to be like him, but I was too wild."

Damas and Maud exchanged a meaningful look. 

If the boy was claiming to be a channeler, that could explain the Baron’s interest in him. Channelers had become rare in the last two generations, and now only Sages remained. If word got out that a young boy had begun channeling light eco-

Like Mar? Like I can?

Stop. Don't do this to yourself. Focus on the task at hand. Focus on preparations for tomorrow's tasks. Focus on the next breath, the next step. 

"This visit will remain confidential," he announced. It was not a question, nor a request.

"Of course, lordship." The medic saluted him gravely. "He's one of my patients now. Would help if I had a responsible party to schedule with, but I s'pose it can't be helped."

Damas glanced down at Jak, who watched him with a mixture of curiosity and caution.

"I..." Damas blew out a breath. 

"I intend to declare the boy a ward of the city until his last known relatives or connections come forward. Winds know we've had our share of them in the years after Atys. Until a guardian can be appointed, I will handle matters for him to preserve confidentiality."

The medic made a little "hmph" noise and bobbed her head. "Makes good sense t'me, sire. The whole city don't need to see his chart, after all."

She pivoted on her heels to face Jak.

"You take care, kid. When you've gained some weight, and the light eco has been fully integrated into your system, then we can talk about vaccines."

"What's V-A-K-S-E-E-N-S?" Jak spelled out the unfamiliar word as best he could. 

Maud cracked a smile that was considerably easier in manner than her earlier ones.

"What's a vaccine? It's...think of it like a medicine where we take a tiny, weak, itty-bitty form of a really nasty disease -- like Dune Pox, or White Flu, or Crane Cough -- and we inject it into your bloodstream. It's not enough to make you sick, it's just enough to teach your body what those germs look like. Then your blood cells learn to hunt down and destroy those diseases."

Jak remembered Samos talking about germs once or twice as a little kid. Nobody else in the village ever seemed to know what he was talking about. Little beasties too small to see that made you sick? Equally tiny bits in your blood that hunted the little beasties? It all seemed like a silly story for children. Something to make sick days easier to bear.

"That sounds fake." He narrowed his eyes skeptically. "Blood doesn't fight, it's just blood."

Maud blinked several times. She glanced up at Damas. "Remedial classes?" she guessed.

"I suspect so," Damas agreed.

Maud picked up the medical scanner again and took it back behind the sandstone counter. "I'll be running some tests on these results in the morning. Should I contact you if I find anything of note?"

With a sharp nod, Damas answered, "You have the palace frequency should the need arise." 

"Understood." Maud dragged her stool back and took a seat. "I'd have liked to keep Jak for observation after that light display, but I doubt that would be good for his emotional state. Will you alert me if there are any changes?"

Ah. Damas hadn't anticipated that. The boy would require supervision for the next few hours to ensure that the light eco was working as intended. Usually, patients remained in the medical ward until the observation period was over. But Maud was right: the longer Jak was around medical equipment, the more agitated he was becoming. High levels of stress wouldn't help his case much.

Well. You did say you would look out for the boy until a place could be found for him. It's not Sig or the boy's fault that you didn't fully think that through. 

Damas gave a short, sharp, nod, then guided Jak out of the clinic. The boy was decidedly more subdued than he had been a moment ago, and thanks to the light eco, his breathing had finally calmed. Between streets, he periodically glanced up at Damas, then away just as quickly. By the time they'd gotten to the palm row, Damas had had enough of it. He stopped and turned to look down at Jak. Jak winced and hung his head, signing a contrite apology.

"I am not the person you should be apologizing to, young one," Damas answered. He clasped his hands behind his back and clicked his tongue. "I understand that you panicked. I understand that you feared for your safety. You do not know us, why would you trust strangers? But fear dulls the senses, Jak. You must learn to breathe first, and act second."

Jak fidgeted with his fingers and stared down at his feet. None of the twisting motions were words. Just the awkward fidgeting of a frightened boy. He nodded miserably. 

Damas stepped closer and crouched slightly to look him in the eye. Don't think of Mar. Don't think of him, he told himself, no matter how much it felt like a betrayal.

"Every person in Spargus has a part to play and a job to do," Damas gently admonished the boy, "Maud's role is to ensure that our citizens are safe and healthy, and to treat them when they are injured, not injure them further. That's her job. If you had managed to harm Maud back there, she might have had difficulty caring for other citizens tomorrow."

Ashamed, Jak hitched his shoulders. He knew the man was right. And it wasn't like he'd even wanted to hurt Medic Maud. But he almost had, anyway, hadn't he?

"I'm sorry I tried to bite her," he signed again. "I'll...Should I go apologize?"

The king shook his head. "Wait for the morning. When the clinic is officially open, then you may apologize. If you are reminded of something that happened in Haven, or something she is doing causes you pain, you can tell her, or me. But I will not have you attacking my people, is that clear?"

"Yes sir." Jak's hands moved so little that he was barely above a whisper.

Damas nodded curtly and straightened. “Good. We wish to see you recover from your trials, Jak, but there will be rules to follow in this city. For the sake of clarity, consider "no biting the medic" your first rule."

Not that having such rules had prevented little ones from occasionally biting Maud and the pediatrician, Petros, before. Jak certainly wouldn't have been the first to try to take a chunk out of the person with the needle. Damas knew it was a little too optimistic to hope he would be the last.

The remainder of the trip to the palace was unnervingly quiet. The boy stole glances periodically over his shoulder, in the direction of the clinic, with a perturbed expression. Perhaps the details of his moment of panic were beginning to set in. Or perhaps he was stinging from the scolding. He walked with the body language of a younger child, fidgeting with guilt. It was a blessing that the dim torchlights did not illuminate them enough for Damas to see the color of Jak’s eyes. The reminders of his son clung to his ribs and ached with every breath.

Please be alive, my son. Be strong, for me. I will find you, I promise. 

#jak and daxter #jak and daxter au #snippet friday #fic prompts #writing prompts #faulty info au #king damas #jnd damas #dadmas #yeah he lasts about a month before declaring himself Jak's legal guardian #tw angst #tw mentions of medical trauma #just to be safe #jnd ocs #spargus #spargan ocs #maud and petros don't get paid enough for the amount of times kids have bitten them #jak is not the first and he won't be the last #poor Jak's medical knowledge is all at least three hundred years out of date #I imagine to a time traveler from the past a modern doctor's office might also be intimidating #like 'hey why do you have a reflex hammer? HEY WHAT DO YOU MEAN SHOTS? YOU'RE GONNA SHOOT ME?' #Jak doesn't even know what an antihistamine is let alone childhood immunizations #long post

[hisunshiine]

—whims & inconsistencies | 4

→ posted: july 29, 2022 

→ pairing: kim seokjin x poc!reader

→ genre/au: victorian era!au, pride&prejudice vibes, fluff, smut, angst

→ chapter rating: +18 / M for Mature

→ wordcount: 7.2k words (was not intended oh well)

→ chapter warnings: picks up with the fear but that ends fast, minor mentions of blood and wound treatment, lying, cursing, mentions of the assault, mentions of binge drinking, parent illness, thoughts of grief, PTSD, more lying, maknae line :(, tae is rarely sober, seokjin is the cutest in love, smut in the form of: making out, straddling, clothed shaft riding (this is a thing now), neck biting, marking, titty fondling, light nipple play  

→ credits: @hobeemin​ for the most amazing banner idea. @peachiilovesot7​ and @moonleeai​​, thank you thank you thank you, the story is flowing so well and i honestly could not do it without you!! 

→ an: im doing my best to have updates weekly! but i am unfortunately an a d u l t, its gross, i know, but life keeps getting in my f*cking way T_T shup shup. If you would like to be on a tag list, please reply to this chapter or send an ask. 

series masterlist   map of Sonyeondan

taglist: @firesighgirl​

Running down the road, your senses are all on overdrive as you attempt to escape from the three men chasing you. Your footsteps and breathing seem to be the only thing you can hear as you near the last block to safety. So when you run dead into a hard chest and feel the fingers dig into your soft skin, you can’t help but squeeze your eyes shut and let out a scream. 

“YN?!”

The instant you hear your name, you take a gasping breath and the scent of cedarwood and vanilla invades your senses. It helps to settle your nerves, but you still can’t shake the fear as you whip your head to see if you can see anyone behind you. You don’t realize that your legs are still pushing your forward towards safety, or that Seokjin is speaking to you until his grip on your upper arms tightens slightly.

“YN?! What’s happened? Why do you look so frightened?”

“I’m being chased by—” you stop before continuing on, your brain finally catching up with your mouth.

Seokjin’s leaning in closer to see your face, but you avoid eye contact, still searching the surrounding area for the three men. 

“Chased by what? Are we in danger here?” He looks around the abandoned street, but sees nothing of concern. “I was looking for my brother—he should be home by now from the tavern, and my mom sent me out to search for him. But…he’ll be fine. Let’s get you inside, you’re shaking.”

Seokjin walks you down the rest of the way and turns to take you towards his house. The Kim residence is located in Highgate, but closer to the Citadel Market. You assume this proximity is due to the Kim family working closely with Lord Bang, and it is more convenient to have their residence closeby. 

You’re quiet, and Seokjin allows you time to be in your thoughts. He can sense how scared you are, goosebumps still littering your arms as he walks with you. His arm is wrapped comfortingly around your shoulders, and in any other situation you would care about being seen as indecent…and yet, in this moment, with your dress ripped, your heart pounding, and your face beginning to throb, you couldn’t possibly care less. 

Leading you around and down the small alley between his house and his neighbors, he pulls you through a side door that leads into the kitchen. It is surprisingly warm, with a low fire burning in the hearth, and the cozy space completely void of another soul. 

“Everyone has turned in by now, so no one should find us here.” He leads you to a wooden chair across from the iron stove and oven. You sit, back to the large wooden table in the middle of the room, and he disappears into a small alcove, returning after a few moments with a metal tin you assume has medical supplies. 

You watch as he busies himself around the kitchen, grabbing a cup and filling it with water for you before getting a bowl of water and a small, clean towel from an overhead cupboard.

The time it took to walk to his home and then watch Seokjin gather supplies is enough time for you to figure out what you’re going to say when he inevitably asks you what happened, and the question arises almost as soon as he kneels before you.

“What were you running from?” he asks, gently grasping your leg. You realize that your dress skirt is torn, with light flecks of your blood around the tear. He gently pushes your skirts up after looking at you for a moment for consent, and you nod before speaking. He picks up the small towel, dipping it in water to slowly clean the wound.

“I—” your voice is scratchy, vocal chords weakened from your scream. You clear your throat and start again. “I was being chased by wolves.”

“Wolves?!” Seokjin is incredulous, not fully believing your story. 

“Yes,” you try to keep your voice from shaking from the lie. “There were three of them. They must’ve come in from the forest through the Highgate entrance.”

“But…I haven’t seen or heard of wolves being this close in a long time.” He doesn’t look at you, focusing on your wound, and you flinch when he adds alcohol to carefully cleanse it before covering it with gauze and a bandage. 

“I have no idea why they wandered in. Maybe they were hungry? I threw my violin case at them, but I stumbled quite a bit as I was running away.”

“I can see that…you must have snagged your dress on fencing or something, and it looks like a bruise is forming on your face.” His fingers toy gently with the ripped sleeve, and you nod. You hate lying to him, but how do you tell him what happened without telling him who was behind it? 

You trust him to an extent, and feel that he likes you a lot, but you aren’t stupid. The Kim family is of high prestige and to accuse his youngest brother of attacking you would surely make it difficult for him to continue to see you. It puts Seokjin in a strange predicament, and you like him so much…you hope that by keeping this secret, Taehyung and his friends will leave you alone and allow you this one thing for not speaking out. 

“Thank you for saving me, I don’t know what would have happened if you hadn’t shown up.”

“I didn’t do anything but get you to safety.”

“I’m sure that your arrival must’ve scared them off.”

Seokjin hums lightly, neither in agreeance or dismissiveness, and you allow him to look over your scrapes, treating them one by one. Your heart rate had decreased once you had made it to his house, but now, as he asks you to sit sideways in the chair so he can treat your shoulder, you feel it pick back up.

Seokjin’s fingers are soft, yet determined in their movements. He gathers the hair that has come loose from its earlier style, brushing it to the side to expose your back to him. He tugs at the fabric, pulling it further down your arm and you shiver despite the heat of the kitchen. 

“This one isn’t too bad.” His voice is low, words trailing across your exposed neck and you’re no longer thinking about the terrifying incident earlier. All thoughts are of Seokjin, how close he is, how his hands feel on your skin, and how you want to feel more. 

You jump slightly when the wet towel touches your shoulder, and he lightens his touch even more. Your fright causes your hair that he set aside to swing freely back over your wound. 

“Did I hurt you?” he asks, leaning in close to your ear. You turn so that you can make eye contact with him over your shoulder

“I don’t think you could ever hurt me, Seokjin.”

He swallows hard, and your eyes linger on his elegant throat. You have the urge to leave it covered with ruby red marks of claiming, but a second later he clears his throat and you face forward once again.

“I hope I never do, YN.”

His thumb smoothes over the pebbled skin, broken from where you had been pushed against the brick wall, and you lean into his touch. 

Seokjin can’t stop himself. When he sweeps your hair to the side again, leaning down, and presses his soft lips to your skin in a lingering kiss that stills you momentarily.

“Seokjin…” your voice is but a whisper, but he hears the longing in it anyways.

Turning to face him, you can’t help but to be the one to lean in, lips on his in a tender meeting as you breathe in the cedarwood and vanilla warmth of his scent. Pulling back, you open your eyes to see his still closed, lips still puckered in the kiss you placed there before his hands pull you back towards him, your own hands resting on his broad shoulders as he deepens the embrace, tongue seeking entrance into your mouth. 

He lets out a groan once you allow him to taste you, and the sound lights the fire in between your thighs. You’re sure that you would continue on, that you wouldn’t be strong enough to stop kissing his plush lips, but the sound of a door shutting somewhere in the house brings both of you back to your senses.

Breathing heavily, the two of you stare at each other until Seokjin has the sense to rise from his knees and begin clearing away the medical supplies. You finish off the water he brought you, placing it gently into the sink once the cup is empty. 

“Let me get the horse to take you home, you shouldn’t be out this late alone, not if there are wolves from the forest wandering around. I need to find my brother anyway.”

You agree, and once you’re back outside the Kim residence, he brings you to the other side of his home, where the stables are, and after a couple of minutes of watching him saddle the dapple-grey mare, he helps you atop the creature before climbing on as well.

Placing you comfortably between his legs, you lean back into his chest, pulling his warmth to you, and you set off down the abandoned road to the Jung residence. Along the path you don’t see your violin case, but make no mention of it to Seokjin, who is focusing more on how you feel wrapped in his arms as he leads the mare down the dark path. 

Once you are close enough to the Jung’s, Seokjin gets down so he can help you, his hands wrapping around your waist to slowly lower you to your feet. He holds you close, the lack of lighting between homes providing some cover in the darkness as he takes liberties with telling you goodnight.

“I’m really glad it was you I stumbled into.”

“I’m really glad it was I that you stumbled into as well.” Smoothing down your hair, he looks over at the house, dark windows that have you both assuming correctly that the head of the house is already asleep. “Please be careful, you are much too pretty and far too precious to me to be hurt like this.”

You feel the pull again, the tightening in your tummy and the warmth building inside of you, and you don’t want to go.

“I promise, I’ll make sure not to go anywhere alone. I don’t want you to worry about me too.”

Seokjin smiles down at you, his hands still on your waist, and he uses this to his advantage to kiss your lips one last time. 

“I’m afraid I will never get enough of you, Ms. YN.”

“Neither I of you, Seokjin.”

With one last kiss placed on your forehead, he releases you. He watches you as you disappear into the home, a quiet wave before you shut the door behind you and make your way to your room. From your window, you can see him riding back the way he came, his strong arms and broad shoulders outlined in the moonlight. 

Kim Taehyung is no stranger to the pounding headaches that accompany the morning after long nights at the tavern. As the youngest brother of three, he has less responsibility and more free time to do what he wants. In this case, it’s sleeping in for a few more moments until one of the other warm bodies in his bed kicks his shin.

“Fuck, Jimin, do you always have to stretch when you know me and Kook are right here?”

“Shit, ‘m sorry,” he grumbles, rolling onto his side. “Fucking sore.”

“Taehyung, why is it so bright?” Jungkook whines, shoving his face into the down pillow to block out the sunlight streaming through the open window.

Taehyung yawns, standing as he walks over to the window and closes half of the curtains to lessen the intensity. His head swims, and his walk matches the feeling as he stumbles around his messy room, clothes and boots scattered around from when they got in. 

Stepping over one of his shirts, Taehyung winces at the sight of blood, knowing the maids are going to complain about how hard it is to get out if it dries and doesn’t soak out first. With a low curse, he squats down, gathering the garment as he thinks back to last night.

He remembers overhearing his parents talking about the future, then heading out to meet with his best mates where he decided it was the best idea to drink until they blacked out—except Taehyung didn’t black out. Flashes appear in his mind: your face, your fear, the words he said to taunt you. Taehyung crossed a line he never thought he would with you.

Clutching at his head, he leans forward to shake the legs of the two still slumbering until they finally sit up to wake. 

“I think—fuck, I think we really fucked up last night.”

“What are you talking about, Tae?” Jungkook’s eyes are barely open, two tiny slits with puffs beneath them. 

“We, well…we ran into YN. You know, the one Jin-hyung’s been courting?”

“Did we? Who cares? My back is killing me.” Jimin falls backwards onto the bed from his sitting position, uncaring.

“I’ve got to tell Jin. I think we hurt her.” Taehyung stands abruptly from his squat, stained fabric forgotten on the floor. 

Jungkook notices the panic on his face and his eyes widen as he realizes he’s missing something.

“Tae, wait. Tell us what happened…I don’t remember.”

Taehyung walks over to the vanity in his room, pouring water into the small basin to splash his face before staring at himself in the mirror. In the reflection he can see the other two watching him intently.

“YN, she was hugging Yoongi, I’m not sure why she was alone with him that late, but—”

“Wait, but your brother is courting her! That slut!”

“Jimin, wait, I think…” Taehyung trails off as his memories slowly remind him. He knows he was mad, not just at you but at everything happening, but seeing you with Yoongi pissed him off. You were walking home slowly, violin case in hand when they caught up to you. He knows he said some disgusting things to you; that’s been his constant interaction with women when he’s been drunk off his ass these past months. 

“She had her violin case, I think she might’ve been with him practicing. He went to school with her and Joon.”

“Oh. So then why do we need to talk to Jin-hyung?”

“Because!” Taehyung turns away from their reflections to face their realities. “Because I put my hands on her! I think I kissed her, fuck, I think I hurt her.” The panic is apparent in his widened eyes, the way his breath increases as he begins to pace his room. Not looking at the floor, Taehyung trips over a large item—a violin case. 

“Shit. It’s her violin. So it wasn’t a dream.”

“I don’t know why you’re getting so worked up, Tae. She’s not going to say anything. If she did, her reputation would be ruined.” Jimin’s words stop Tae’s wild thoughts. “Plus, we don’t have to tell Jin-hyung shit. I didn’t even do anything.”

“Really? Is that why you’re so sore? She threw her case at you when you and Kook over here tried to corner her. You’re the one who brought her violin case here.”

Jimin glares at Taehyung. “So? It’s in your room, not mine. I’m not going to tell on myself for something no one else knows about. She’s not going to say anything. No woman would ruin her own chances at a good marriage over this. Right JK?”

Jungkook is slow to respond, looking between the bickering older two before slowly nodding.

“I think Jimin’s right, Tae. She’s not going to say anything. She wants to marry your brother, right? If she says something to anyone, she would all but shame herself and your brother would either have to take her side or yours. And if he chooses her side…”

“He would be shaming your family name. She has no family. The Jung’s are just her guardians, and they will not be tainted by it. She only risks herself by opening her damn mouth. Seokjin would never dishonor your family name with everything going on,” Jimin finishes, eyes softening at the end as he alludes to the head of the Kim household being on his deathbed.

Taehyung sighs out a deep breath, torn. The other two begin talking to each other, shifting the topic to their plans for the day as they begin to wash up at the basin and get dressed. Taehyung understands their nonchalance—the other two didn’t press you against a wall and force you to kiss him, hell, they don’t even have the same marks that he does that show he was the aggressor here. 

He hopes they’re right, but a part of him knows that you’re different, and not just by being ethnically different. He remembers the first night he met you at Im Nayeon’s debut ball, how you were able to stand your own against his vile words. And the fact that you do not have a family that would be shamed should you speak out could also make you bolder, instead of meek like the others suggest. 

Taehyung can’t shake the feeling that he needs to do something about you.

Seokjin is up early, his thoughts revolving around you. He was barely able to sleep through the night, so he decides to start his day earlier than usual. Standing at the vanity with his shirt unbuttoned, he finishes shaving the last of the lathered cream from his face. 

“Jinnie?” his mom stands at the doorway to his ensuite bathroom, lines criss crossing her face. Seokjin realizes that his mom looks more tired, and a flash of guilt runs through his chest. 

“Yes, mom?”

“Can you come meet with me and your father? We have some things to talk with you about.”

Seokjin nods, wiping his face with a warm, wet cloth before buttoning his shirt as he walks towards his mother. She doesn’t say anything as they head down the dark hallway towards their bed chamber. Once inside, she makes her way to sit on the bed beside his father, holding his hand after motioning to the chair for Seokjin to take. 

“Son,” the croaky voice is weak, and Seokjin can barely stand to make his father speak. He should be using his energy to rest. “We need to talk with you about,” he breaks off into a fit of coughs, and his mother brings a cup of water to his father’s lips. He sips slowly, looking to her over the mug to have her continue on.

“As you know, your father’s health is fading. We know this is the last thing on your mind right now, but it’s even more important that you choose a wife. We’ve heard you’ve been courting the YLN girl, but she has yet to have her debut ball so you cannot move forward with an engagement yet.” She looks down at her hand, twisting the ring his father had given to her many years ago.

“You cannot wait, Seokjin.” His voice is stronger now that he’s had something to drink. Seokjin is relieved, hoping he sounded so weak due to just waking up or some other related reason. “I know you want more time, but if I can be selfish, I would like to see my own son’s wedding.” Seokjin nods, throat tight with the emotions that have taken over and he sees his mother has turned away, a hand to her face as she hides her tears.

“I plan to make the engagement soon, father. She’s perfect for me. I will speak to Hoseok, see if he knows when the debut ball is planned for her.” His father pats the hand Seokjin has resting on the sheets, a soft smile on his face as he takes in Seokjin’s shift in demeanor. His father recognizes the look; it is the same one he had when he fell in love with the woman seated next to him.

“I won’t keep you, I know you have to get to the Citadel.” 

Seokjin is thankful his father gives him an excuse to leave. It’s always so hard to see your parents fading in front of you, despite it being the natural order of life. Choosing not to dwell too much on his fading health, Seokjin returns to his room to gather his belongings before heading off to work. 

His walk is easy; Seokjin doesn’t bother with the carriage when going to work since he need only walk five minutes to get to the citadel, three if it is not busy on the street. Today the walk is fast and pleasant, the autumn air refreshing for him as he makes his way to meet with Lord Bang. 

Seokjin’s thoughts easily fall back to you in his spare time, and he realizes the things he told his father about you weren’t an exaggeration. Seokjin really did feel like you were perfect for him. In many ways, you were similar: both having an education, both enjoying the same things as the other, but also different in the ways that made a life with you exciting—he knows that everyday with you he could learn something new.

Despite this, Seokjin has his fears as well. You are a couple years younger and this new breed of educated women are different. He knows that you have goals you want to achieve, and fears that becoming the wife of Kim Seokjin would make those difficult for you. You would be in the spotlight and people would expect you to present yourself a certain way. He worries that those two things will clash, and if they did, who would you ultimately choose? Seokjin? Or yourself?

With a sigh, Seokjin walks into the Citadel, headed towards the Lord’s castle to check in for the day. His tasks are easy, Lord Bang having him follow up with various businesses in the Bangtan Trade and out in the Citadel Market on their loan payments and needs. As a banker, Seokjin is in charge of the accounts for the gentry and government, as well as wealthy businesses and manufacturers. He kept the books for Lord Bang for these accounts, documenting that due loan payments and taxes were paid in full as promised. Others who worked in lower ranks were in charge of collecting the fees and scouting for new potential accounts, while Seokjin would visit residences and locations to see how successful they were running and offer his services if they needed. 

Typically business owners would share about how well they were doing or areas that they needed help with, and could request another loan to order more materials or for marketing in nearby towns. Individuals would turn in large amounts of money they did not feel comfortable having in their home or could request for a banker to stop by so that they could take out money for spending. 

This type of job is mundane, with the best part being talking to owners and the gentry, but it allows Seokjin plenty of time to explore the city and think about his future, one that will hopefully include you. After a few hours, Seokjin has made all of the stops necessary for the day, and walks back along the storefronts towards the Citadel to complete the paperwork associated with his visits and drop off his books for review. 

A music shop sits at the end of a street, so he takes a quick moment to purchase you some blank music sheets that you can use to create your own songs. Moving to gifts while courting isn’t common, but is not out of the ordinary. Many men court women who have yet to debut, but want to show the seriousness of their intent with their intended. Seokjin’s heart swells when he thinks of you, remembers your taste on his lips just last night and knows he is ready for this first major step.

After departing the music store, he notices a jewelry store a few shops down. The rings in the window glint with the sun's rays, and he can’t help but to walk inside to admire the gems.

“Welcome, is there anything I can help you with?” A man comes up to Seokjin where he has yet to move on from the glass case showcasing the most beautiful ring he has seen. The purple gemstone would compliment your complexion, much like the lavender dress he first saw you in. 

“Oh, no sir. Thank you, I’m just looking.”

After spending most of the day tied up in work, Seokjin feels as if the music sheet gift he has bought for you is burning a hole in his briefcase. He eats dinner with his mother and middle brother, assuming correctly that Taehyung is out with his best mates. That has been his usual for months now, ever since their father fell ill. 

Seokjin wants to take the time to talk to his younger brothers about the inevitable, but with taking over as a banker in order to continue to support their family and pay for the treatments and doctor’s services for their father, he hasn’t had the time. Add in the debut season and courting you, and the last thing on his mind is discussing the grief of losing their father at some point in the future.

Once back in his room, he freshens up after the meal and then grabs his case to go to your residence. He wants to check in on you after the fright you had last night, but also wants to follow up with his promise to his father to find out when your debut will be and then see if he can deliver his gift to you.

Saddling up the dapple-grey mare, named Apple, he takes the short trip to the Jung household, happy to feel the good weather has kept up. Seokjin smiles softly to himself, hope blooming in his chest at the action he is taking. As a true romantic, he is excited to see that he can possibly have everything that he’s secretly wanted. 

It’s true—he was against marriage when he was younger, not liking the idea of having to choose some random woman at a ball who may or may not be all beauty and no brains, feeling like he was competing with all of the other eligible bachelors who seemed to be a better choice than he. But now that he has stepped into his new role, he started this season with more confidence in being a good choice, and as luck would have it, you fell into his sights early on and he was able to save you from the slimy Mr. Park.  

The connection he feels the two of you have formed makes him excited for his future in a way he did not expect to experience. It reminds him of the stories his parent’s told of their relationship, and gives him hope that this will be a love match just as much as the two of you can provide each other with company, wealth, comfort, and duty. Tethering Apple to the post outside of the fence, Seokjin grabs his briefcase from the saddle bag and heads to the door.

Hoseok is a little shocked to be the one receiving Seokjin, but you’ve been under the weather all day, not leaving your room for any reason. Sitting in the parlor across from each other, Hoseok can sense the joy and nerves that accompany his friend. 

“Hi Hobi, thank you for seeing me so late.”

“We’ve just finished dinner, but my parents are early risers so they have already turned in for bed. Not to worry. It is always a pleasure to see you, my friend.”

Seokjin fidgets with his fingers before looking up at his friend and cutting right to the reason for his visit.

“I wanted to know when your family plans to hold the debut for YN.”

Hoseok’s eyes widen marginally, clearly not expecting this question. He chides himself silently, knowing he should have—he has seen the way you and Seokjin look at each other full of adoration, the way you gush about him with his sister when you think he isn’t listening. It excites him to think of what comes next; he loves a good party, and there is nothing more that elicits many parties other than a wedding.

“I believe it is to happen in a few weeks' time. My father has been busy with school starting up again, you know he is the headmaster at the secondary school, but I can see if it can be moved up. I will talk with Mother tomorrow about it. The women know when the parties are and we mustn’t step on another debutante’s toes by stealing her date.”

Seokjin smiles widely, knowing that the women will be able to solve any issues in the way that they do: behind closed doors with giggles and sewing needles set aside as they secretly gamble with cards. He has caught his mother several times hosting these gatherings over the years, and knows very well how they haggle and make deals over womanly things.

“I have faith your mother will be able to swing a sooner date, and if she should need any assistance, my mother loves a good gathering.”

The two friends laugh at the knowledge they have of Mrs. Kim and her ability to sway others, before settling into a content silence. Hoseok breaks it by gesturing to the briefcase.

“Are there documents in there for my father or something?” he inquires, and Seokjin shakes his head, feeling nervous.

“Actually, it’s a gift. For YN. I know that she has yet to debut, but with it being so late in the season, I want to show that I am serious…that I am looking forward towards engagement.”

Hoseok chuckles, a little shocked to see his friend so ready to be taken permanently off the market. “I am sure that YN will be thrilled once I deliver it to her.”

“Actually, Hobi,” a sheepish grin crosses Seokjin’s face, “do you think you can offer me this one favor, and allow me a few minutes with YN? I want to give her this gift myself and see her eyes light up at it.”

Hoseok works his mouth into a side pucker, alternating left and right as he thinks about the request. He is apprehensive to give you and Seokjin privacy that his parents are not aware of, especially in the darkness of the evening, as he is responsible for you should anything untoward happen. It is not a secret that many families allow courting couples' privacy in the home to get to know each other, often after dinners held, but in those instances, the parents are aware of it.

Yet Hoseok knows Seokjin, and has seen how committed he has been to courting you, and trusts him dearly.

“I’ll give you five minutes, Jinnie-hyung,” he smiles as he uncrosses his legs to stand, “I wouldn’t want to rob you of the joy of gift-giving.” 

Leading the elder to your room, he knocks and announces that Seokjin is here before he walks away down the hallway. 

“I will be back to check in 5 minutes!” he teases, voice full of mirth.

Seokjin hears your footfalls as you come to the door, and he has to hold back a gasp at the bruise on your face. Of course, he knows it has to get worse before it gets better, but it still stuns him for a moment. You grimace at his concern, about to wave it away, when you pause.

The sound of a door down the hallway creaking open causes you to squint, and when a long-haired woman peers around her doorway at the two of you, you grasp Seokjin’s wrist and pull him into your room to avoid the prying eyes of Jiwoo. The two of you can hear her laughter before the faint sound of her door shutting.

Seokjin takes you in, noting the thin nightgown that falls along your frame. The light in the room shows your outline, and it doesn’t appear that you’re wearing anything underneath. He tries to pull his eyes away from the pert nipples that press against the thin fabric, instead focusing on the cute way your hair curls along your face, but memories of the kiss the two of you shared last night cloud his brain. 

You have yet to let go of his wrist, tilting your head until you are able to gain his attention and ask him about his unexpected presence at your door.

“I wanted to check on you, and…I wanted to give you this.” He moves towards your bed, placing his briefcase timidly on the sheets. His fingers are nimble as they unlatch the metal locks and he grasps a stack of papers, a blush blooming across his cheeks. 

“These are for you. A formal gift to show my intent.” 

His eyes bore into yours and you can see your future reflected in his eyes. Taking the papers, you set them on your desk, smiling at the music sheets he has purchased. It means so much to you that he would buy you music sheets—it means he takes your goals seriously and doesn’t expect you to give them up to be with him. 

You turn around after hearing him latch the briefcase back shut, and you notice he looks a bit tired despite his happiness. You watch as he lowers himself onto your bed as if in need of a moment of respite, and you walk over to him.

“May I?” Seokjin’s hand reaches for your cheek and you nod as his fingers delicately trace the bruise. You close your eyes as you feel his warm touch, leaning into it.

“Even with this bruise, you are still the most beautiful woman I have ever set my eyes on.”

This time, you know it is you who throws caution to the wind when you press your lips to his. Seated on your bed, he is at an easily accessible height, and your arms wind around his neck. His hands find purchase on your hips and he brings you further into his space, pulling you between his parted legs. 

He kisses you breathless, and when you pull your mouth away from him for air, he continues his movements, lips seeking the soft skin of your neck where his teeth nip and his lips kiss and his tongue swirls to pull the softest sounds from your parted lips. 

Neither of you are aware of your actions when you climb upon the bed, straddling his lap with just the thin nightgown protecting your now leaking cunt from feeling the grind of his hips as he pushes his erection against your core. Once you feel him, it’s too late to climb down—you don’t ever want to stop. 

You whimper, and the sound drives him mad, it’s even better than he imagined when he touched himself to thoughts of you, and he tells you so.

“I imagined you like this. You sound so good, even better than I imagined.”

“I imagined you taking me like this, too,” you admit, unashamed that he is the main star in your fantasies. You reach down between your bodies, hands tugging at his trousers and you have no regrets when your small palms free his cock to the air. He lets out a hungry groan; a hiss as your warm hands fondle his hardened length, and you can’t help yourself. 

Laying his cock flat against his trousers, you lift your hips and pull your gown up until your barely clothed pussy is free to sit mostly unhindered against the length. He shudders at the feeling of your damp, thin, underwear on his skin, and when you slide along his shaft his hands tighten at your waist to slide you faster. 

He wants to be inside you; he feels the heat of your core and when you clench around nothing, he feels how needy you are to be filled with him, his cock buried so deep inside of you all you can think about is more of him.

“I love the way you sound, angel,” he says desperately, his hips rolling under you to elicit your moans again, “all for me.”

“Just you, only for you,” you pant, frantically riding his shaft, chasing the feeling you previously have only been able to provide yourself. His hand tangles into your curls, and with a quick tug he exposes more of your neck to him as he continues to lick and suckle your skin. His free hand slides the top of your nightgown to the side so that he can reach hidden flesh, teeth latching on to the sensitive skin so that he can place marks, claiming you as his.

You groan, enjoying the way his mouth feels; his lips are one of your favorite physical features by far, though his massive cock you ride is quickly becoming number one. His hand moves from your shoulder to your breast, where he cups your ample bosom, his thumb skating across your nipple that he so desperately wants to taste. His hand continues roaming lower, and you are about to beg him not to stop when his hand trails up your thigh. 

You can’t stop the way your brain remembers the attack: the way his brother pinned you to the brick wall and forced his mouth on yours, or the way his hand made the same motion along your thigh. 

You don’t mean to, but your whole body tenses up and you stop responding—it’s enough for Seokjin to notice. 

Pulling back, Seokjin is panting but his eyes are confused at your reaction to him touching your thigh, but a quick series of knocks at the door steals away the questions building on his tongue. Climbing off of him quickly, you situate your nightgown as he fixes his trousers, grabbing his briefcase as you step across the room just as Hoseok opens the door and peers inside.

“I gave you a few more minutes, but I can’t in good conscience allow you to stay all night!” 

Jin laughs, embarrassment turning his ears red at the teasing tone Hoseok gives, knowing that those few extra minutes are what led to the two of you losing yourselves in each other. Holding his briefcase strategically, he bids you goodnight and walks to meet Hoseok at your door so he can escort him out of the home. 

His ride home is euphoric, as Seokjin can’t hide the goofy grin on his face or the many times he’s run his fingers along his lips reminiscing on the way you felt beneath them. His ears replay the soft moans and whines you made, forever looping in his head. He remembers how you felt as you rolled your hips and he felt the damp pressure of your heat against his needy cock, but his smile slips a little when he remembers the way your body froze when his hands made contact with your bare thigh. 

Thoughts invade his happiness for a moment, and there is a part of him that is afraid that he has taken things too far in his rapture, afraid that you are uncomfortable with how far the two of you have gone tonight. He hopes that it isn’t something that will stop you from wanting him, and prays that it was, perhaps, the thought that the two of you are not yet married that made you still in his arms. 

With that thought to calm his nerves and hide his embarrassment, the ride home provides Seokjin with enough time for his arousal to dissipate before he’s handing off Apple to the carriage man to take her to the stables. Apparently his brother has just arrived home after having taken the carriage, so Seokjin merrily makes his way into the foyer to greet his youngest sibling.

“Good evening, Tae.”

“Good eve, Jinnie-hyung. You look quite happy.”

Seokjin can’t hide the grin that grows as you cross his mind.

“I am happy. I’ve finally found my wife.” He looks over Taehyung, noting some recent wounds on him. “If you could stop being so rough in the brothels, I am sure you could find a wife too.”

Seokjin puts his arm around Taehyung’s shoulder, walking him towards the kitchen so he can treat his injuries. A small nip to his face near his lip, and what looks like a woman getting a little carried away with her nails to his face. It’s not the first time Seokjin has seen Taehyung covered in marks from a woman or two and smelling of liquor.

Taehyung knows Seokjin is talking about YN. His mind is racing after Seokjin sets him down in the kitchen, grabbing the metal medical tin from the shelf. He sees the way Seokjin takes in the defensive marks you left on him, and how happy Seokjin is talking about you. In his slightly drunken stupor, his fear takes over his mouth. 

“Oh, really? Hope it’s not YN. I saw her with another man the other night, hugging him quite closely— more than is appropriate, you know? And then she flirted with me and the boys before continuing on her way home, ” he says, almost rambling.

He watches as Seokjin’s face falls, the creases that appear between his furrowed brow as he tries to make sense of the story he is hearing. Taehyung saw you with another man? Another man that you held closely, much like you’ve been doing with Seokjin? And then his brother says you flirted with him and his mates right after? It doesn’t really sound like something you would do, but then again, does he really know what you would or wouldn’t do? 

He didn’t think you would be the one to climb on his lap and grind on him, but that happened just a half hour ago. Could you really be someone who would play with his emotions? Seokjin doesn’t speak as he treats the wounds Taeyhung has except to ask if there is more. Taehyung reveals scratches on his forearms and Seokjin cleanses those as well; the whole time his thoughts swirl. 

Once he’s upstairs in the confines of his room, his thoughts take off, wondering if the man you were with last night is the one who attacked you. Could this be the truth? Could this be why you froze when Seokjin’s hands breached your thigh? The darkness of the night allows doubts to creep their way in, planting themselves deep within his mind and watering themselves with his darkest fears, nurturing the worst overnight. 

In the light of morning, Seokjin wakes unsure if you are who you appear to be, and the plans for an engagement are pushed far from his mind by doubt.

series masterlist —thank you for reading! feedback is greatly appreciated!! please let me know what you think of this story! 

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