Stages of Shadows: Chapter 4 - Unexpected Friendship
The air buzzed with excitement as the audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing off the high ceilings of the grand theater. Aventurine, with his flamboyant style and magnetic presence, commanded the stage, seamlessly weaving together an intricate tapestry of dance and music. His performance was a testament to his talent, captivating those lucky enough to witness it.
In stark contrast to the exhilaration surrounding him, [Name] sat slumped against the wall in the waiting room, staring blankly at the floor. Shadows danced across their features as flickering lights from the stage illuminated their downturned face. The cheers and music felt distant, muffled by the weight of grief and anxiety pressing down on their chest. Robin’s death loomed heavy in their mind, a constant reminder of the fragility of life in this brutal competition.
Across the room, Ratio leaned against the doorframe, his muscular build casting a long shadow. He observed the other contestants milling about, but his focus remained fixed on [Name]. While most were lost in conversations or preparing for their own performances, [Name] was isolated in their sorrow, an island amidst a sea of vibrant life.
Ratio knew that it was time to act. He pushed himself off the frame and walked over to [Name], his presence commanding but measured. “You seem lost in thought,” he remarked, his voice steady and confident. “As though the world is pressing down on your shoulders. Would you care to share what’s on your mind?”
[Name] looked up, surprise flickering across their features. They hadn’t expected anyone to approach them, let alone someone as imposing as Ratio. “I—” they started but faltered, words caught in their throat. Instead, they lowered their gaze again, unable to meet his intense eyes.
“Do you think avoiding conversation will ease your burden?” Ratio pressed gently, crossing his arms. “You’re not the only one who carries a heavy heart in this place.”
At his words, [Name] finally met his gaze, feeling a flicker of curiosity. “What do you know about burdens?” they replied, a hint of defiance in their voice. “You seem too busy with your own ambitions to care about anyone else.”
Ratio’s expression softened slightly. “On the contrary. My ambitions stem from a desire to eradicate ignorance and share knowledge with others. But that doesn’t mean I’m oblivious to the pain around me. I’ve witnessed the struggle in many faces, including yours.”
[Name] inhaled sharply, feeling a twinge of something—recognition, perhaps. “I don’t know how to handle this,” they admitted, their voice barely above a whisper. “Robin—she was my friend. But… now she’s gone. I don’t know how to keep going.”
The vulnerability In [Name]’s voice struck a chord in Ratio. “Grief can be consuming,” he acknowledged, his tone shifting to something more empathetic. “But you must find a way to navigate through it. Knowledge is a powerful tool; it can guide you when all feels lost.”
“Easy for you to say,” [Name] shot back, frustration bubbling beneath their words. “You’re a genius. You have all the answers. What do you know about loss?”
Ratio’s expression hardened for a brief moment before he regained his composure. “I may not know your specific pain, but I’ve faced my own losses. The world is filled with cruelty and hardship, yet I refuse to succumb to despair. I channel my grief into purpose.”
Intrigued by his earnestness, [Name] felt the walls they had built around themselves begin to crack. “And what’s your purpose in this competition? To show off your intellect? To prove something to those who doubt you?”
“Partly,” Ratio admitted, a flicker of vulnerability crossing his face. “But more importantly, I want to inspire others. I believe knowledge should be accessible to all, not just a select few. This competition offers a unique platform to reach people who might otherwise remain in the dark.”
Aventurine’s performance reached its climax, and the audience erupted into rapturous applause, bringing the waiting room back into focus. Ratio’s gaze shifted towards the screen momentarily, then returned to [Name]. “You see, we all have our own battles to fight. Yours may seem insurmountable right now, but perhaps you can find a way to transform that pain into something powerful.”
“Powerful?” [Name] echoed, skepticism lacing their tone. “How? How can I turn this agony into strength?”
Ratio’s expression softened further, revealing a glimpse of the man behind the intellect. “By sharing your story, by connecting with others who understand your struggle. It may not happen overnight, but every step counts. You don’t have to walk this path alone.”
For the first time, [Name] considered his words. They had been so consumed by their grief that they hadn’t thought about how sharing their pain could foster connection. “You really believe that?” they asked, searching Ratio’s eyes for sincerity.
“I do,” Ratio replied firmly. “And I’d be honored to help you find that strength. We can challenge this competition and the expectations that come with it. Knowledge and compassion can pave the way for a brighter future—even in a place like this.”
As Aventurine won his performance, the sound of applause washed over them once more, but this time, [Name] felt a spark of hope flicker within. Perhaps, just perhaps, they could forge a connection amidst the chaos.
This unexpected twist meant they would have to work together, possibly forcing them to confront their own struggles side by side.
“Looks like our paths are intertwined,” Ratio said with a hint of amusement, though the underlying tension was palpable. “Are you ready for what lies ahead?”
Taking a deep breath, [Name] nodded, feeling a mix of apprehension and newfound determination. “Let’s see what we can do together.” they replied, a flicker of resolve igniting in their chest.
However, as they prepared to face the trials ahead, an unsettling thought nagged at the back of [Name]’s mind—a sense of foreboding that something darker was lurking just beyond the horizon of their newfound partnership.
“Just remember,” Ratio said, his gaze steady, “in this competition, we’re not only battling for ourselves but for those we’ve lost. I won’t let anything happen to you.”
[Name] felt a chill run down their spine, a premonition that echoed ominously within. The weight of his words lingered in the air, a fragile promise underscored by the reality of their perilous surroundings. In this arena of ambition and peril, they both knew that not everyone would make it through unscathed, and somewhere in the depths of their hearts, a fear grew that one of them might soon pay the ultimate price.
As the applause thundered through the walls, Sunday found refuge in the solitude of a dimly lit bathroom. The sounds of excitement and celebration in the waiting room felt like distant echoes, mocking the void inside him. He gripped the cold porcelain sink, knuckles whitening as he leaned over, desperately trying to steady himself. His eyes, usually clear and resolute, were clouded with grief and a pain he couldn’t seem to shake.
The loss of Robin hung over him like a storm he couldn’t escape, a ceaseless torrent of guilt and sorrow. Memories of his sister—her laughter, her strength, her unwavering kindness—flooded his mind, each one a dagger that twisted deeper into his heart. He remembered the last conversation they’d had, the words they’d left unsaid. If he had been there for her…
A tremor ran through him, and he swallowed hard, his throat tight with suppressed emotion. Sunday wasn’t one to reveal his vulnerabilities, especially not now, when so many were depending on him to remain strong, rational, and composed. But in this moment, all pretense fell away. He was just a brother grieving his sister, grappling with a loss he couldn’t protect her from.
“Robin…” he murmured, his voice barely audible, thick with pain. The name felt like broken glass on his lips, sharp and cutting. His grip on the sink tightened further, and his reflection in the mirror blurred, obscured by the tears he refused to shed. How had he failed her so utterly? How had he let her slip away in this brutal competition, this world that valued survival over compassion, cruelty over kindness.
He took a shaky breath, forcing himself to keep standing. There were others still here, others he was responsible for, others who could still be saved. But the thought felt hollow. What was the point if he couldn’t save the one person who’d mattered most to him?
Sunday’s shoulders slumped, and he closed his eyes, trying to regain a semblance of composure. But the weight of his loss was overwhelming, pressing down on him with unrelenting force. For the first time in his life, he felt truly powerless.
He heard faint footsteps outside, voice muffled but growing closer. He clenched his jaw, willing himself to bury his grief, to hide it as he always did. The world wouldn’t care about his pain. It had never cared. And he wasn’t sure he had the strength to care anymore, either.
Yrsa assembled a useful helper for Courier. Since the boy's life is immensely busy, the mechanical animal helps to keep order and does the chores around him, but if necessary, it can also prove to be a useful companion on dangerous missions. The little guy also suitable as a pet, it just needs some charge and sometimes a pat on the head.
Our main inspiration behind the droid was the Boston Dynamics' adorable robot dog, Spot. Since they also canonically exist in the Star Wars universe:
Courier: @river-mort 's stunning weequay OC
Yrsa: My engineer girl OC
The Robo Doggo is our OC with River, it was born during our conversations. 💛
An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works
“Alright, both of you,” Hakoda’s voice is sharp, sharper than his daughter’s. “Enough of this. Sokka, don’t call your sister names.” He reaches for Sokka’s shoulder.
Zuko moves.
One moment Zuko’s still on the ground next to Toph. In the next instant he’s catching Hakoda’s arm, twisting it around his back.
“No,” Zuko growls, applying just enough pressure to threaten to pluck the man’s shoulder out of its socket. “You won’t hurt them.”
Chapter 2 up. Written for @atlagenweek2021 @beachytablecloth for the day 3 prompt: Unexpected ally.
Summary: After meeting with (Y/N), Dean cannot help but to think of her. Throwing caution to the wind he crosses a boundary that could affect all their lives.
Characters: Dean Winchester, Sam Winchester, Castiel, Sammi Winchester (OFC), Reader
Pairing: Dean x Reader
Warnings: Fluff/Slight Angst
Word Count: 1297
A/N: As always this is unbeta so all mistakes are mine. Likes, comments and reblogs are splendid and I will love you doubly for them! Enjoy!
Catch Up Here: A Balanced Life Masterlist
Dean pulled up in front of (Y/N)’s address where earlier this morning he had dropped off Sammi. She had spent the entire morning talking at super lightspeed about hanging out with (Y/N) for the day. All day, he had tried to keep his mind focus on other tasks like working on Baby or organizing the garage. Anything to keep him from thinking about (Y/N). She had called him to set up a time for Sammi to come over and hearing her voice again sent his mind reeling.
Taking a few deep breaths before getting out of his car, Dean walked up the path to the front door. (Y/N) opened the door dressed in jeans, a white t-shirt and black leather jacket. She looked amazing and Dean could not help his eyes trailing over her body.
“Hey Dean, Sammi is just grabbing her things.” She said inviting him inside.
He looked around seeing different pictures of her all over the world. He saw Sammi coming down the hall with a few bags in her hands, “Hey dad! I can’t wait to show you what I got today.”
Dean looked to (Y/N), “What do I owe you?” he asked as she shook her head.
“Nothing. It was my pleasure. We just did some girl shopping and lunch.” She said as he smiled down at Sammi who was beaming.
They walked out the door after Sammi hugged (Y/N) and took off towards Baby. “Seriously, I feel like I owe you for something.” He said stepping down off her porch.
“You really don’t. I loved spending time with Sammi. You have an amazing daughter, Dean.” He could not help but match the smile on her lips.
“I’ll make it up to you one way or another. Thank you for taking care of her.” He started to walk away as she waved goodbye to them both.
Sammi spent the whole way home talking about how much fun she had with (Y/N). When they got back to the Bunker she tried on all the clothes she had purchased for her. Conveniently, all the price tags had been removed. Chuckling he was starting to like (Y/N) more and more.
Dean was sitting in the library when Sam came walking in, “Sammi seemed to have a great day.” He mentioned.
“Yeah, she really loves spending time with (Y/N). She’s a really wonderful person.” He looked up to see Sam giving him a curious look.
His brother sat down, “Dean no.” he said simply.
“What?” Dean asked not making eye contact with him.
“You know what. Dean, you cannot hook up with Sammi’s teacher.” Dean shushed him hoping Sammi did not hear him.
He took a deep breath before speaking, “I’m not going to hook up with (Y/N). Yes, she’s gorgeous, smart, well-traveled and amazing with Sammi…”
Sam crossed his arms over his chest giving him a pointed look, “Mmhmm.”
“BUT, I know I can’t cross that line. I’m going to keep it friendly between us for Sammi’s sake.” Sam just stared at him. “I’m serious Sam. Nothing is going to happen between us.”
Sam nodded, “Okay then.” He got up walking off towards the kitchen.
Dean sighed heavily knowing his brother was right. Thinking about (Y/N) made the ache in his chest a little less. He knew Sam was right. His phone buzzed seeing it was (Y/N)’s number on the screen.
“Hello.” He answered a smile spreading across his face.
“Hi Dean, Sammi left her jacket over here. I didn’t know if you wanted to come and get it or if I could just give it to her on Monday.” She said as Dean found himself immediately getting up heading towards the garage.
“If you don’t mind me stopping by to get it now I can be there in a few minutes.” He said stopping just before he reached Sammi’s room.
(Y/N) chuckled, “I don’t mind at all. See you then.”
Dean peeked his head into Sammi’s room, “I’m going to grab some pizza. Chicken and green peppers?” he asked.
“Extra onions as well.” She said smiling up at him.
He smiled proudly, “You got it. I’ll be back in a little bit.”
The whole way to (Y/N)’s house, Dean was trying to convince himself that it was for the best to keep everything between him and (Y/N) friendly. As he stood outside her door he kept repeating the mantra, “Do not ask her out. Do not ask her out.”
When she opened the door and he saw her smile his heart leaped in his chest, “Hey Dean. Here’s Sammi’s jacket.” She handed him the canvas jacket.
“Thanks. Hey, can I ask you something?” she nodded as he ran his hand over the back of his neck, “I was wondering if maybe we could go grab a bite to eat sometime… together?”
Looking up she could see (Y/N) was apprehensive, “I don’t know. I mean you seem like a really great guy and you’re good looking, but you’re also a parent of one of my students. I don’t think…”
Dean interrupted her, “It doesn’t have to be a date or anything. Just let me take you for lunch or dinner as repayment for going above and beyond with Sammi. Please?”
(Y/N) sighed then smiled while nodding, “Okay. Lunch next Sunday. There is a diner near school that we can meet at around two o’clock.”
Dean gave her his best Winchester smile, “Sounds great, I will see you then.”
The smile could not be wiped off his face the rest of the evening as Sammi, Castiel, Sam and him all sat to eat dinner. Castiel and Sammi were amused by Dean’s good mood where his brother was giving him the ultimate bitch face.
When the brothers were alone in the library Sam finally let him have it, “You did it, didn’t you? You asked Sammi’s teacher out?”
“I asked her to lunch to repay her for buying Sammi some new clothes. That is all. It’s only lunch Sam not a freaking marriage proposal.” Dean stood up grabbing the empty boxes of pizza.
Sam followed him into the kitchen, “Dean, this is a slippery slope you’re messing with. What if it turns into more than just lunch? How will that effect Sammi or better yet how will you keep her out of this life?”
Dean tossed the boxes in the trash, “Sammy I hear you. All those thoughts are already running through my head. For right now, it’s just lunch with Sammi’s teacher. If it turns to more then I will cross that bridge when it comes. Is it so bad that for once I actually want a normal life?”
Looking up to his brother he watched him let out a long breath, “No it’s not. Actually, it’s kind of encouraging. Just tread carefully.”
The next week flew by and before he knew it Sunday had arrived. Castiel was taking Sammi to a bee farm where they regularly volunteered to take care of the bees. Dean stood in front of his closet trying to decide what was best to wear for his lunch. All he had was flannels and most of them were worn down or stained with grease and blood.
Looking down at his watch, he quickly grabbed a dark grey Henley and his canvas jacket. Grabbing his keys, he headed off to the familiar diner near Sammi’s school. Walking in he found (Y/N) sitting in a booth sipping on a Coke waiting for him.
“Hey there.” He said sliding in his seat.
Dean could swear her smile could light up the darkest of nights. “Hi.” She said softly.
The waitress came and took their orders then an awkward silence fell between them. (Y/N) let out a nervous chuckle, “So Dean, tell me more about yourself.”
If you enjoyed this story then check out my Masterlist!
Why can I picture Bill being completely cool with and respectful of trans people?
Like imagine you being there with Ford when he was building the portal and meeting Bill, and then transitioning and not seeing Bill again until Weirdmaggedon and him just being like “oh you’re a dude/lady now? Cool, cool. Anyway, I’m gonna destroy your dimension!”
Also I’m pretty sure She-Ra has the hots for him too. Did you see that smile wen he stood up to Hordak? That scene in the throne room is way up there in the top five along with the family good-bye in the pilot and the entire goodness that is The price of freedom. Strong misguided soldier just changing sides and all, but jeez that guy is also HOT.
